RICE LAKE 41293 DeckHand Portable Floor Scale Owner’s Manual

RICE LAKE 41293 DeckHand Portable Floor Scale

An ISO 9001 registered company
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved. Rice Lake Weighing Systems® is a registered trademark of Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All other brand or product names within this publication are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. All information contained within this publication is, to the best of our knowledge, complete and accurate at the time of publication. Rice Lake Weighing Systems reserves the right to make changes to the technology, features, specifications and design of the equipment without notice. The most current version of this publication, software, firmware and all other product updates can be found on our website: www.ricelake.com

Introduction

DeckHand™ Portable Floor Scales are fully electronic, NTEP-certified scales. Available in painted steel or stainless steel construction, these rugged scales come in 500 lb, 1000 lb, and 2000 lb capacities and allow for one- person portability on large rubber wheels. The heavy diamond-tread platform is 30-1/2 in x 24-1/4 in (77 cm x 62 cm) with an overall base height of only 4 1/2 in (11 cm). The addition of an optional low-angle ramp allows one person to easily roll on a barrel or wheel on a hand truck. The free-floating ramp pivots back over the deck and rests on the mast for compact storage or balanced portability.

An efficient off-center arrangement of two high-capacity, single-point load cells yields Legal for Trade accuracy. Electronic components are double- protected from rough use. A RoughDeck™ stainless steel NEMA 4X junction box is further protected by mounting within the mast. The optional indicator mounts on a swivel bracket high enough on the 59 in (1.50 m) mast to clear the tallest loads. In addition to ramps, available options include indicator brackets for the 480/480 Plus, 482/482 Plus, 880/880Plus, and 680 Synergy series indicators. Other indicators can be readily mast-mounted with slight modifications. Manuals and additional resources are available from the Rice Lake Weighing Systems website at www.ricelake.com Warranty information can be found on the website at www.ricelake.com/warranties

Safety

Safety Signal Definitions:

• Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.

General Safety
Do not operate or work on this equipment unless this manual has been read and all instructions are understood. Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for replacement manuals.

WARNING:

Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death. Before attempting to operate this unit, make sure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands the following safety information. Failure to heed may result in serious injury of death.

• DO NOT allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this unit.
• DO NOT operate without all shields and guards in place.
• DO NOT jump on the scale.
• DO NOT use for purposes other then weight taking.
• DO NOT place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
• DO NOT use any load bearing component that is worn beyond 5% of the original dimension.
• DO NOT use this product if any of the components are cracked.
• DO NOT exceed the rated load limit of the unit.
• DO NOT make alterations or modifications to the unit.
• DO NOT remove or obscure warning labels.
• DO NOT use near water.
• Before opening the unit, ensure the power cord is disconnected from the outlet. Keep hands, feet and loose clothing away from moving parts.

Operating Requirements

Electrical Grounding

Rolling or wheeling loads onto the scale can build up large static charges that may damage the attached indicator unless it is properly grounded to prevent ESD. This is especially true in dry environments where charges drain off slowly, or if wheeling on materials which already contain a static charge, like rolls of paper or plastic film material that have been recently spooled. To prevent ESD damage, the indicator requires a three-prong 120 VAC outlet plug with continuous earth ground. Do not attempt to use the scale with two- prong 120 VAC power without a ground.

Load Cell Excitation
Rated Excitation: 10 VDC
Maximum Excitation: 15 VDC
mV/V Signal Output: 2 mV/V

Grade Level Requirements
The bubble level built into the platform should indicate a level condition in use. On uneven floors, place temporary shims under feet not contacting the floor.

Safe Static Overloading Capacity
Maximum: 150% of scale capacity.

Installation

Overview
Assembly of the scale consists of the following steps:

1. Unpacking (Section 2.2)
2. Installing optional pivoting ramp (Section 2.3)
3. Mounting and wiring the mast and indicator (Section 2.4 on page 5)
4. Configuring the indicator (Section 2.5 on page 6)
5. Calibrating the unit with test weights. (Section 2.6 on page 6)

Unpacking
The standard scale, with no added options, is shipped with load cells and indicator cable pre-wired into the junction box on the mast. The indicator can be mounted and wired after the mast is in place. Remove all packing material and inspect base and mast components for visible damage caused during shipment.

Installing Optional Pivoting Ramp
If the optional ramp is to be installed, set it flat on the floor in position in front of the scale so the holes in the base align with the holes in the ramp pivot arms.

Insert a shoulder bolt with a single washer through an arm pivot hole. Slide three plastic pivot washers onto the bolt for clearance between the arm and the base (See Figure 3-5 on page 11). After the bolt engages the threads in the base, tighten the shoulder bolt snugly. Repeat for the other side.

Mounting and Wiring the Mast and Indicator
Reference Figure 4-1 on page 12 for graphic of DeckHand parts.

Assembling Mast to Base
Remove back plate from mast. Carefully insert mast into window in base. Align holes and secure with fasteners. Wrap excess
cable around hooks in mast. Re-assemble back plate to mast.

Attaching Indicator Bracket to Mast
The DeckHand is supplied with a swivel bracket for a variety of RLWS indicators. If using a different bracket, bolt it onto the mounting plate on the mast with the bolts, washers, and nuts provided. Set the two large plastic pivot washers provided near the thumbscrew bolts used to hold the indicator in the bracket. Put the bolts and washers within close reach of the bracket—they are needed for the next step.

Mounting the Indicator
Spread the bracket arms enough to slide the indicator between the bracket arms. Line up the bracket holes with the threaded enclosure holes as in Figure 2-2. Slide a plastic pivot washer between each arm and the indicator enclosure at the holes.

Insert the thumbscrew bolts through the bracket arms, through the washers, and into the threaded holes of the indicator enclosure. Tighten bolts snugly so the indicator remains at the desired viewing angle.

Wiring Load Cell Cable to Indicator
The load cell cable from the J-box is pre-wired to the indicator terminal inside the j-box. Attach the loose end of this cable to the indicator’s load cell input terminal according to the corresponding pin functions on the j-box indicator terminal. When completed, tighten the cord grip around the cable where it passes through the indicator case.

Configuring the Indicator

Refer to the indicator manual for information on configuring the indicator for your application. If using the DeckHand for a Legal for Trade application, do not configure the indicator for more divisions than the NTEP Class III maximums below:

The following sample configuration parameters will yield those maximum divisions:

Calibrating with Test Weights

Refer to the indicator operating manual to determine correct calibration procedure. Before beginning calibration, put the scale in the same temperature environment where it will be used. Power up the indicator so it can warm up for at least 20 minutes before starting calibration. The scale should be “exercised” before calibration to be certain that everything is seated. Load the scale to near capacity two or three times. The following test weights are recommended for the most accurate calibration of the various models:

Calibration Procedure

1. Place scale on level surface and remove all load from scale.
2. Place the indicator in calibration mode and do a zero calibration according to the indicator manual.
3. Place test weights on the platform equal to the value shown in Table 2-3 (75% of the scale’s capacity).
4. Do a span calibration according to the indicator manual.
5. Remove the test weights and check the zero reading.
6. Repeat the calibration process if necessary.
   The calibrated DeckHand scale is now ready for operation.

Service Information

Troubleshooting Guide

indicator installation manual
Display stays at zero| Indicator faulty| Service indicator
Load cell connections faulty| Check cable connections in junction box and at indicator
Load cell overload screws turned fully in| Loosen overload screws to 0.020” gap
Erratic weights| Vibration near scale| Remove source of vibration or increase digital filtering
Platform not level| Level scale by shimming if necessary
Load cell or cable water damage| Replace
Debris under load cells or platform| Clean
Indicator faulty| Use simulator to test indicator for stability; Service indicator
Consistently high or low weights| Indicator not properly adjusted to zero| Zero the indicator according to operating manual
Platform binding| Obtain adequate clearance for free platform movement
Indicator not calibrated| Calibrate according to indicator manual and Section 2.6 on page 6
Load cells cables pinched between platform and base| Reroute cables to provide clearance
Load cells faulty| Test and replace load cells if necessary

Periodic Maintenance

Two important spaces – between the platform side and frame, and beneath the platform – should be periodically cleaned to prevent debris build up. The platform can be removed for periodic cleaning by unscrewing the lock nuts from the four welded studs on the underside of the platform. The platform can then be lifted off the load cell channels for cleaning. When cleaning beneath the platform, be careful not to move the load cell cables to a new position where they can be pinched by the platform in operation.

IMPORTANT : Do not attempt to spray wash scales with non-hermetically sealed load cells. Water damage is a common cause of failure in non- hermetically sealed load cells. Use care with hot water wash downs for hermetically-sealed load cells. The hot water may not damage the load cells, but the elevated temperatures can cause incorrect readings until the unit cools to room temperature. When replacing the platform, tighten the four locknuts on the welded studs only until the flat washers beneath them contact the channel surface. Do not tighten the nuts further and compress the cushion pads between platform and channels. The platform must be free-floating on resilient pads for continued accuracy.

Load Cell Replacement

Disassembly

1. Remove the four locknuts and washers that secure the platform to load cell channels. Lift off the platform. Remove the column back plate to gain access to the j-box.
2. Determine which load cell is defective. Use a hardened hex-drive bit and large ratchet wrench to remove the four hexdrive countersunk machine screws holding the channel to the defective load cell underneath. Lift off the channel and the spacer on top of the load cell. Note how the load cell cable is routed on its cable hold downs.
3. Cut the plastic tie at each hold-down to free the cable. Remove the load cell wires from the load cell terminal in the Jbox. Loosen the cord grip and pull the cable out of the J-box. Unwind the excess cable from the cable-storage studs and pull it out of the mast cavity.
4. Turn the scale on its side to remove the lower load cell screws. With the hex-drive bit and ratchet wrench, remove the four cap screws and lock washers that hold the cell to the mounting plate. Lift off the cell and spacer plate beneath.

Reassembly

Tilt and block the scale base enough to have comfortable access to the load cell screws from underneath the base. Position the new load cell with the cable to the inside and the label readable from the outside. Be sure the load cell body is not contacting the overload stop screw. Back the screw off if necessary (it was secured with Loctite at the factory and will turn hard).

1. Set the spacer block and load cell into position. Insert the four load cell screws from the bottom finger-tight only; final adjustments in load cell position are necessary before the screws are torqued down.
2. Run the new load cell cable to the J-box using exactly the path dictated by the cable existing ties. The existing cable hold downs keep the cables under the middle of each load cell channel, where they are protected from accidental crimping between the flexing channels and the frame. When new cable ties are attached, feed the cable through the cutout in the frame and into the mast cavity. Do not shorten the load cell cable; it is temperature-compensated for the supplied cable length. Wind the excess cable around the cable-storage studs, leaving enough free to wire into the junction box.
3. With the load cell still loose enough for final adjustment, set the top spacer block and load cell channel on the cell and insert the self-centering countersunk load cell screws. Tighten these screws alternately with a hex-drive bit and ratchet wrench to a final torque of 20 ft-lb for mild steel models and 12 ft-lb for stainless steel models.
4. Adjust the load cell/channel assembly so it is parallel with the other channel. Measure across the holes in the front and rear of the channels. Adjust the new cell so that distance is equal, then tighten the load cell cap screws from underneath to a final torque of 20 ft-lb for mild steel models and 12 ft-lb for stainless steel models. Check again to be certain the cable will not be pinched by the flexing channel in operation.
5. Finally, put a drop of Loctite on the overload stop screw and set it for a 0.020″ gap with the load cell.

Wiring Load Cells into J-Box

Feed the load cell cable into the j-box cord grip closest to its terminal. When facing the scale, the left load cell is wired to terminal 4 of the j-box, and the right load cell is wired to terminal 1. The wire traces for cells 2 and 3 (JU-2, JU-3 ) have been cut, making those unused channels inactive. Connect wires according to Table 3-2. Pull excess cable out of the J-box and tighten the cable cord grip snugly. The rubber seal will protrude slightly from the cord grip when tightened enough to be waterproof.

Load Cell Cable Color Code|

J-Box Terminal

| Load Cell Cable Color (load cells to j-box)
---|---|---
Green| + Excitation| Green/Blue
Black| – Excitation| Black/Brown
Red| + Signal| Red
White| – Signal| White
Bare| Shield| Yellow

Replacing Deck Platform
Put the scale flat on the floor and set the platform on the channels so the welded studs drop into the channel holes. Tilt and block the scale up again and install a flat washer and locknut on each stud. Turn the lock nut onto each stud until the washer just contacts the channel underside. Do not tighten the lock nuts so the cushioning pads are compressed. The platform must be free floating for accuracy; the lock nuts merely serve as lift off protection.

Corner Trimming
All DeckHand scales are delivered with the junction box trimmed, but re- trimming to equalize loading is necessary after replacing a load cell. To trim the scale, the output from each load cell must be matched by adjusting the signals with potentiometers at the junction box—a process known as trimming. The indicator must be connected and approximately calibrated, but it need not indicate the exact weight value. An exact calibration will be done after trimming. A test weight is required for corner trimming. The recommended minimum test weight for all DeckHand models is 25% of scale capacity.

1. Remove the junction box cover and identify the correct load cell terminal corresponding to each side of the scale (labeled CELL 1, and CELL 4).
2. With scale level and no weight on the scale, zero the indicator. Then turn potentiometers for cells 1 and 4 fully clockwise to get the maximum signal from each load cell. A clicking sound can be heard when full signal is reached.
3. With both potentiometers at full signal, place the test weight over left or right side of platform and record the indicated weight reading. Repeat the process for the other side. The load cell with the lowest reading will be used as the reference cell and will not be trimmed.
4. Place the test weight over the side reading high and turn that cell’s potentiometer to adjust the cell output down to the reference cell output.
5. Rezero the indicator and repeat the test until both sides are within ±0.1% of the test weight being used. Adjustments are somewhat interactive, so adjusting the higher output may affect the reference cell output.
6. Secure extra cable length by wrapping it around the cable storage pegs inside the mast.
7. When corner trimming is complete, pull any excess cable out of the junction box enclosure and tighten the strain relief hubs snugly with a wrench. To be watertight, the hubs must be tightened to the point where the rubber sleeving begins to protrude out of the hub (SST models).
8. Replace the J-box cover and column back plate.
9. Recalibrate per Section 2.6 on page 6.

Mounting Indicator Brackets
A universal mount plate is welded to the DeckHand mast. The plate is predrilled to match the bracket of most indicators and are supplied with the appropriate painted or stainless steel mounting hardware.

Ramps and Replacement Load Cells

When attaching a ramp to a DeckHand scale, place one plastic pivot washer under the head of the shoulder bolt and three washers on the bolt in the space between the ramp arm and the scale deck.

DeckHand Model| __

Scale PN

| __

Overall Size

| Platform Deck Size| Load Cell PN| Load Cell Capacity| Scale Weight| Ramp PN| Ramp Deck Size| Ramp Weight
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
DH-500| 41293| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188687| 250 kg (550 lb)| 336 lb| 43376| 25″W x 27″L| 44 lb
DH-1000| 41294| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188689| 500 kg (1100 lb)| 356 lb| 43376| 25″W x 27″L| 44 lb
DH-2000| 41295| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188690| 635 kg (1397 lb)| 373 lb| 43378| 25″W x 27″L| 57 lb
DH-500SS| 41296| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188687| 250 kg (550 lb)| 336 lb| 43377| 25″W x 27″L| 44 lb
DH-1000SS| 41297| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188689| 500 kg (1100 lb)| 356 lb| 43377| 25″W x 27″L| 44 lb
DH-2000SS| 41298| 31″W x 41″L| 24.25″W x 30.375″L| 188690| 635 kg (1397 lb)| 373 lb| 43379| 25″W x 27″L| 57 lb

Replacement Parts

__

Ref.

| __

Description

| Part No. Mild Steel| Part No. Stainless
---|---|---|---
1| Cable, 6-Conductor, 3 1/2 ft| 15494| 44187
2| Mount, Indicator, 310A| 41011| 41206
3| Grommet, Rubber 1/2 x 1/4| 15398| 15377
4| Flat Washer, 1/4| 15145| 15149
5| Cap Screw, 1/4-20NC x 3/4| 14965| 41251
6| Upper Platter (DH-500, DH-1000)| 40986| 41181
Upper Platter (DH-2000)| 42654| 42655
7| Cap Screw, 5/16-18 NC x 1| 14996| 41250
8| Load Cell Channels (DH-500)| 41002| 41197
Load Cell Channels (DH-1000)| 41002| 42665
Load Cell Channels (DH-2000)| 42664| 42653
9| Flat Washer, 5/16| 21939| 44237
10| Lock Nut, 5/16-18 NC, Hex| 14646| 35170
11| Shim, Load Cell| 41003| 41198
12| Load Cell| See Table 3-3 on page 11
13| Base Platform (DH-500, DH-1000)| 40983| 41178
Base Platform (DH-2000)| 42616| 42617
14| Cap Screws, 5/16-18NC x 1| 26667| 26670
15| Overload Stop Set Screw, 5/16 x 18NC x 1/2| 14989| 21933
16| Base Shim, Ramp End| 41004| 41199
17| Scale Base Bumper, 3/4| 41267| 41267
18| Cap Screw, 1/4-20NC x 3/4| 14964| 41251
19| Lock Washer, 5/16| 15153| 15154
22| Cable Tie Mount| 15658| 15658
23| Cable Tie, 3″| 15631| 15631
25| Lock Nut, 5/8-11NC| 40181| 41249
26| Wheel, 10 Dia. x 5/8 Bore| 41268| 41268
27| Axle, 5/8-11 x 6| 41005| 41200
28| Jam Nut, 5/8-11NC| 14676| 14680
29| Handle Grip, 3/4 I.D.| 41266| 41266
30| Mast, 57-13/16 x 15| 40987| 41182
31| Lock Washer, 1/4| 15147| 15148
32| Hex Nut, 1/4-20NC| 14641| 14642
35| Junction Box, Four Channel| 43612| 23127
36| Flat Washer, 3/8| 21938| 15161
37| Lock Washer, 3/8| 15159| 15160
38| Hex Nut, 3/8-16NC| 14656| 14655
39| Dampener Strip, Ramp Stop| 41108| 41108
40| Cap Screw, 10-32NF x 3/4| 14908| 41253
41| Cap Screw, 3/8-16NC x 6| 41254| 41257
43| Bubble Level| 15410| 15410
46| Bumper Cushion, Self-Adhesive| 44149| 44149
50| Nylon Washer, 5/8| 15176| 15176
51| Column Back Plate| 46259| 46260
52| Cap Screw, 10-32NF x 3/8| 14932| 46337
53| Base Shim, All Corners| 47726| 47727

DeckHand Limited Warranty

Rice Lake Weighing Systems (RLWS) warrants that all RLWS equipment and systems properly installed by a Distributor or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will operate per written specifications as confirmed by the Distributor/OEM and accepted by RLWS. All systems and components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year. RLWS warrants that the equipment sold hereunder will conform to the current written specifications authorized by RLWS. RLWS warrants the equipment against faulty workmanship and defective materials. If any equipment fails to conform to these warranties, RLWS will, at its option, repair or replace such goods returned within the warranty period subject to the following conditions:

• Upon discovery by Buyer of such nonconformity, RLWS will be given prompt written notice with a detailed explanation of the alleged deficiencies.
• Individual electronic components returned to RLWS for warranty purposes must be packaged to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage in shipment. Packaging requirements are listed in a publication, Protecting Your Components From Static Damage in Shipment, available from RLWS Equipment Return Department.
• Examination of such equipment by RLWS confirms that the nonconformity actually exists, and was not caused by accident, misuse, neglect, alteration, improper installation, improper repair or improper testing; RLWS shall be the sole judge of all alleged non-conformities.
• Such equipment has not been modified, altered, or changed by any person other than RLWS or its duly authorized repair agents.
• RLWS will have a reasonable time to repair or replace the defective equipment. Buyer is responsible for shipping charges both ways.
• In no event will RLWS be responsible for travel time or on-location repairs, including assembly or disassembly of equipment, nor will RLWS be liable for the cost of any repairs made by others..

THESE WARRANTIES EXCLUDE ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. NEITHER RLWS NOR DISTRIBUTOR WILL, IN ANY EVENT, BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. RLWS AND BUYER AGREE THAT RLWS’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE LIABILITY HEREUNDER IS LIMITED TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF SUCH GOODS. IN ACCEPTING THIS WARRANTY, THE BUYER WAIVES ANY AND ALL OTHER CLAIMS TO WARRANTY. SHOULD THE SELLER BE OTHER THAN RLWS, THE BUYER AGREES TO LOOK ONLY TO THE SELLER FOR WARRANTY CLAIMS. NO TERMS, CONDITIONS, UNDERSTANDING, OR AGREEMENTS PURPORTING TO MODIFY THE TERMS OF THIS WARRANTY SHALL HAVE ANY LEGAL EFFECT UNLESS MADE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY A CORPORATE OFFICER OF RLWS AND THE BUYER.

© Rice Lake Weighing Systems, Inc. Rice Lake, WI USA. All Rights Reserved.

RICE LAKE WEIGHING SYSTEMS
• 230 WEST COLEMAN STREET
• RICE LAKE, WISCONSIN 54868
• USA

Specifications

• End Load Capacity
  100% end loading

• mV/V Output
  2mV/V

• Cable Length
  9 ft 10 in (3 m)

• Height
  Weighing platter: 4.5 in height when in weigh mode

• Column Height
  59 in

• Warranty
  DeckHand weldment five years. Load cells two years. All other components one year.

Approvals

• Certificate Number: 98-004
• Accuracy Class: III; nmax = 2500

References

• Rice Lake Weighing Systems
• Videos and Webinars | Rice Lake Weighing Systems
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems

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