| Q: | What are the inside dimensions of the draft shield used on the Explorer and Voyager balances? |
|---|
| A: | For the original Explorers and Voyagers the inside of the
chamber is 7 1/2" wide x 7" deep x 9 3/4" above pan.
The side doors are 5 3/4" wide x 9 1/2" high.
The top door is 6 3/4" wide x 5 3/4" deep
For the current version Explorer Pro and Voyager Pro the inside of
the chamber is 7 1/16" wide x 5" at door to 7" at center deep
(Arched rear) x 9 1/4" above the pan.
The side doors are 5" wide x 9 1/4" high.
The top door is 5 1/2" wide x 5 1/2" deep. |
|---|
| Q: | I am using the Explorer scale. We have a large box on the scale (with some of the box extending off of the scale tray in all directions) a mass is attached, and then removed. When we add the mass, approximately 4000g, the scale does not find a stable value. Also, the scale does not return to zero once the mass is removed. Furthermore, the time required for the scale to settle at its final value (which isn’t zero) is quite large and negatively affecting our data acquisition. |
|---|
| A: | The varying readings could be caused by air currents acting on
the mass. The first thing to do is to eliminate any modifications
you have made as the problem. I am referring to the large
"box".
Try removing it and performing the same tests?
This will tell you if the scale or the modifications are at fault.
If the scale is at fault it will need to be serviced. |
|---|
| Q: | I want to control my explorer balances from a single computer through serial ports. Some of my serial ports are the 25 pin type. I´ve used a standard adapter to convert the ports to 9 pin but this doesn`t seem to work. Can I control my balance from my computer? |
|---|
| A: | First check the cable itself. The output connector on the
balance is unique and needs a cable either from Ohaus or wired as
shown in the manual.
Your balance will communicate directly with a terminal program
similar to Hyper Terminal in Windows. You can also communicate
directly with a windows application by using "Software Wedge For
Windows", sold by Ohaus, the part number is SW12W |
|---|
| Q: | We have an explorer balance and some samples have been yielding slightly above the capacity of the scale, at which point the scale stops sending data to the PC, and does not resume until the weight drops below the capacity again. Is there any way to have the balance keep printing to the pc in the overweight state? Also, is there any way to upgrade our scale? |
|---|
| A: | There is no way to get the balance to output in the overweight
state. The only way to solve your problem is to increase the
capacity of the balance. This will require a new balance. |
|---|
| Q: | I have tried unsuccessfully to use an existing serial printer with our Ohaus Explorer balance. The printer works fine on a variety of other balances. |
|---|
| A: | The printer should work if it will receive ASCII text in an
RS232 format.
The problem may be the cable. The balance end is unique to Ohaus
balances. The cable must be wired as shown in the manual.
Another problem may be caused by the printer sending a signal
to request the balance to output.
Ohaus balances need a "P" + CR + LF to send the displayed
information. The other manufacturer's balance may need something
else. This is programmable in many printers. |
|---|
| Q: | I have Navigator and Explorer balances and would like to interface them with my lab computer. I notice you put up some wiring diagrams from other balances. If I make one cable, will it work with both balances and what should the pin assignments be on the balance and the computer end? Should I cross the 2 and 3 pins, and the 5 and 6 pins? |
|---|
| A: | Below are the two cable configurations that will work with 9 pin
and 25 pin serial ports. You will notice that pins 2 and 3 are not
crossed in the 9 pin but are in the 25 pin. In any case pins 5 and
6 have to be shorted at the balance end of the cable. One cable
type will work with both balances.
Ohaus Part number - AS017-09 Used with AP, AS, C, CT, E, G, GT,
I5, TP, TS, MB200, Adventurer, Explorer, Voyager, Navigator and
Scout.
Cable - balance to PC
9 pin(F) to 9 pin(F)
Balance pin -----to----- PC pin
PIN 2 (TXD) -----to----- PIN 2 (RXD
) PIN 3 (RXD) -----to----- PIN 3 (TXD)
PIN 7 (GND) -----to----- PIN 5 (GND)
For balances other than Adventurer pins 5 & 6 must be shorted
together at the balance and NOT connected to the computer. This is
not required in the Adventurer balances.
Ohaus part number - AS017-02
Used with AP, AS, C, CT, E, G, GT, I5, TP, TS, MB200, Adventurer,
Explorer, Voyager, Navigator and Scout. |
|---|
| Q: | When I send the command IC (Internal Calibration) to my Ohaus Explorer Balance with HyperTerminal, it displays the message INCAL but it doesn’t complete the calibration. I want to read the weight on the balance from my computer. The internal calibration works fine when I do it manually. How can I calibrate my balance from my computer? |
|---|
| A: | The "IC" command was put in the instruction manual by mistake.
The command does not exist in the unit. In order to calibrate the
unit you need to use either the "C" for a span calibration or the
"L" for a linearity calibration. And supply external weights. |
|---|
| Q: | Are the cable or RS232 interface for these balances non-standard? Can anyone supply information on purchasing the proper cable or a compatible printer and cable? |
|---|
| A: | Yes the wiring on the Ohaus balance is non-standard. The
connections are in the instruction manual. We offer a cable (PN
AS071-09 for 9 pin serial ports) and (AS017-02 for 25 pin serial
ports). Check the configuration of the connector on your printer.
If you need more information contact us at ssc@ohaus.com. |
|---|
| Q: | I have an Explorer which I am trying to get to work with the Balance Talk software. The software works fine with my Adventurer AR1140 but not w/ my Explorer. |
|---|
| A: | It sounds like you are the wrong cable which may work with the
other manufacturers balance but will not work with the Explorer.
The wiring of the Explorer at the balance is not standard. The
wiring you need is below.
Balance pin -----to----- PC pin
PIN 2 (TXD) -----to----- PIN 2 (RXD)
PIN 3 (RXD) -----to----- PIN 3 (TXD)
PIN 7 (GND) -----to----- PIN 5 (GND)
Pins 5 & 6 must be shorted together at the balance and NOT
connected to the computer. |
|---|
| Q: | My Explorer E1D120 balance is sending information to the computer as it should, however the keypad on the balance is nonfunctional when it is connected to the computer. This includes the PRINT button. Only commands sent from the computer work (until I unplug the cable from the balance or the computer). |
|---|
| A: | Try reversing the cable. You probably have the balance end
plugged into the computer. It should be marked either balance or
scale. |
|---|
| Q: | I am trying to set up a scale with an RS232 cable to my pc. It will not show the weight, it just shows zeros. Are there special settings for the com port? |
|---|
| A: | Here are some general instructions.
You may also have a problem with software compatibility. The
balance will only recognize the commands listed in the instruction
manual. If you do not have your manual you can get one by emailing
techsupport@ohaus.com
The cable must either be purchased from Ohaus or wired by the user.
Standard cables from computer stores will not work with Ohaus
Galaxy, GT, E, TS, TP, CT, Scout II, Navigator, Explorer, Voyager
or Adventurer balances.
Once the cable is acquired the software must be selected. The
balance will work with any standard terminal software. Hyper
Terminal in Windows is a good example. You probably already have
it. By using an additional program called a software wedge the data
can be placed in any windows application. Ohaus sells a program
called "Software Wedge for Windows" that works well for this
purpose.
The next step is to setup the communications parameters. The
settings are optional but must be the same on the balance as on the
computer/printer.
They are:
Baud - Ohaus default = 2400
Data Bits - Ohaus default = 7
Stop bits - Ohaus default = 2
Parity - Ohaus default = none
Handshaking is not used so none should be selected. Other settings
are usually optional.
When the print button is pressed on the balance the data from the
screen should be printed on the computer screen or printer, along
with any other print option that is turned on. See the balance
instruction manual for these options. |
|---|
| Q: | What does Error code 8.0 on an Explorer balance mean? |
|---|
| A: | The error 8.0 means that there is a problem with the hardware.
Either a bad PC board or something wrong with the transducer. The
balance will have to be serviced. Please look at the Regional
Service Centers. |
|---|