Serial-To-USB Scale Connection

Serial-To-USB Adapter Scale Connection

Serial-To-USB Adapters

When it comes to using a Serial-To-USB adapter for connecting the scale to the system running Fast-Weigh, there are some specific adaptors that we recommend to ensure the highest compatibility between the system and the scale.

Recommended Adapters:

1. Insignia™ - 1.3' USB-to-RS-232 (DB9) PDA/Serial Adapter Cable, with Prolific Chipset

   1. This is the one Fast-Weigh recommends more than any other. It has the highest compatibility due to it's Prolific Chipset and how that interacts with Windows. It's also carried by BestBuy, so it's available in-store in most areas if you need to grab a replacement in an emergency.

2. SABRENT USB 2.0 to Serial (9 Pin) DB 9 RS 232 Converter Cable, Prolific Chipset, HEXNUTS, 2.5 Feet

   1. We recommended this one if you need an adapter that has Hexnuts on the adapter itself, rather than on the scale indicator port.

Connecting the Scale via Adapter

1. Ensure that the scale indicator serial port is fully connected to the serial side of the adapter. If it has Hexnuts that can be tighten, this can help solidify that connection.

2. Plug the USB side into the PC running Fast-Weigh.

   1. It's recommended to try to use the USB 3.0 ports if possible to help with power and data connection speeds.

   

Once connected, we want confirm that the adapter is being seen in Windows. To do this, we will check for it in Device Manager using the following steps:

1. Open the Start Menu in Windows.

2. Type in "Device Manager" and press Enter or select the application from the list.

3. Once opened, look for the section labelled "Ports (COM & LPT)" and expand it using the arrow.

   1. We are looking for "Prolific PL2303GT USB Serial COM PORT (COM#)"

      1. If it appears as another name, it may not be a Prolific adapter or you may need drivers installed/Windows updates.

   2. Note down the COM number listed for the device. This will be what we use to set it up in the Fast-Weigh application.

      
4. By default, the adapter in Windows should have the correct hardware configuration, but it doesn't hurt to double check using the following steps:

   1. Double-click the device listing in Device Manager.

   2. Select the tab labelled Port Settings.

   3. Confirm the following settings are in place:

      1. Bits Per Second (aka Baud Rate): 9600

      2. Data Bits: 8

      3. Parity: None

      4. Stop Bits: 1

      5. Flow Control: None

   4. If all settings match, click OK to close the window.

5. Close out of the Device Manager window using the X at the top right.

Connecting The Adapter In Fast-Weigh

1. In Fast-Weigh Ticketing, go to Server Settings.

   1. (You must have appropriate User Permissions to access these settings).

2. Under the Manage Devices area, select Add Device.

3. For the Device Type, select Serial Scale.

   
4. Name the device as you wish.

5. Select the COM Port that you noted in the previous steps when looking at the adapter in Device Manager.

6. The following settings usually do not need adjusted except in special cases:

   1. Handshake: Typically left as None.

   2. Format Type: Typically left as CR or Linefeed.

   3. Use Buffer: Typically left disabled.

7. Set the appropriate Weight Type:

   1. Gross, Net, or Hopper.

8. Set the Indicator Units according to how your scale indicator displays:

   1. Pounds, Kilograms, Tons, or Tonnes

9. To finish up, select Add Serial Scale.

   1. The last three options are not always necessary to adjust and we will cover those shortly.

10. Lastly, under Manage Lanes, use the drop-down menu to assign the new scale to the appropriate Lane.

With the scale connected, it should be displaying weights in the application in both the ticketing area and the Server Settings devices.

The Status should show Green to indicate a connection is available. The Test buttons are for the following purposes:

• Pause button: Close the device connection in Fast-Weigh.

• Play button: Open the device connection in Fast-Weigh.

• Hourglass button: Test the device connection and data communication.

Scale Accuracy Adjustment

If the scale weight is coming through incorrectly in Fast-Weigh, then we may need to adjust the "Characters to Read" and/or "Gross In Position" settings for the device.

1. To do so, select the device from the list in Server Settings.

2. You should now see a Blue Magnifying Glass in the device settings.

   
3. Click the Blue Magnifying Glass to have Fast-Weigh try to auto-detect the best settings for the scale.

   1. You should see a notification pop-up that says "Checking for Repeating Pattern".

4. Once complete, you'll have a pop-up displaying the results of the check.

   1. The final two lines are very important, as they will reflect the two numbers that should go in these two fields.

5. Selecting "Set Characters To Read" will automatically apply this information to the device settings in Fast-Weigh.

   
6. This should correct most inaccuracies you will see in the scale weight displaying in Fast-Weigh.

Scale Stability Adjustment

If you notice that the scale weight is "jumping" or not showing a stable weight, then it may be worth using the Scale Stability settings in Fast-Weigh for the device.

1. To do so, select the device from the list in Server Settings.

2. Enable the "Use Scale Stability" setting.

   
3. These two settings can be adjusted to accommodate the scale weight not staying steady at all times.

   1. Stability Count: The number of seconds a weight from the scale must be within the weight tolerance to be considered stable. (Minimum 4 seconds, Maximum 15 seconds)

   2. Weight Tolerance: The amount of weight that can change before the weight is considered unstable. Set as a percentage of the weight in decimal form. (Minimum 0.00, Maximum 0.05)