Setting up Start and End Delimiters for ASCII Weight Data from a Weigh Head: A Guide

Question:

Hello everyone, I am currently working on a project that involves reading weight data from a weigh head in ASCII format. Since I am not very familiar with ASCII, I am facing some difficulties with this task. The weigh head is operating in cyclic mode, and although I am able to read the data being received, I am unsure if it is accurate or makes sense. My main question is how can I properly set up the start and end delimiters as specified in the manual for this device?

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The termination or deliver character should be a carriage return, also known as or ASCII code 13 decimal = 0x0D hexadecimal. Each sample starts with the initial character $(24H), which is the dollar sign '$'. The SINT input data displayed does not contain these characters, indicating a potential issue with the serial communication. This could be due to a mismatch in baud rate, stop bits, or parity bit configuration. If using RS-485, it is possible that the signal wires are reversed.

I have just confirmed that the baud rate is set to 232, but despite this, I am not receiving any data. It seems that I will need to trace the issue from the weigh head, which is connected via fiber to a converter in our panel as shown in the attached image, all of which were provided by Weightron. Can anyone confirm if, with the weigh head set to cyclical mode instead of remote commands, I should be able to simply read data without the need to transmit or configure the ASCII transmit parameters?

When using the weigh head set to cyclical instead of remote commands, will I be able to immediately read data without sending any commands or configuring ASCII transmit parameters? Initially, there may be some issues at startup as the buffer/UART will be full, requiring the code to discard some initial data. However, once the buffer is cleared and data is being read by the PLC efficiently, you should be able to read data smoothly.

I successfully switched the wires and now I am seeing activity and the data is showing accurate readings (weigh head reads 0). Now, I just need to analyze and interpret the data.

Chris90 expressed gratitude for the advice on swapping wires, which resulted in activity and sensible data readings. Now, the focus is on manipulating the data further to achieve desired outcomes.

Hello there! Setting up start and end delimiters might seem tricky if you're unfamiliar with ASCII, but it's certainly doable! Start and end delimiters are essentially special characters that signify the beginning and end of a specific piece of data. In ASCII, each character, including these special types, corresponds to a unique numerical code. You should find these specified in the manual of the weigh head. Once you've set these, make sure that the data between these delimiters corresponds to the expected data type (presumably a weight). Do run several tests to check for consistent and accurate readings. Hope this helps, and don't hesitate to post further queries.

Hey there! It sounds like you're on the right track already by being able to read the data. When it comes to setting up the start and end delimiters in ASCII, it's usually about finding the unique symbols that mark the start and end of a data string. You would normally choose non-alphanumeric characters that won't appear in the actual data to avoid confusion. The specific symbols or characters you need to use might be outlined in the device's manual. In case they're not, you could try reaching out to the device manufacturer or look for forums specific to the device for a better insight. You might also benefit from a crash course on ASCII and common delimiters used in this format. Hope this helps!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. How can I set up the start and end delimiters for ASCII weight data from a weigh head operating in cyclic mode?

Answer: - To set up the start and end delimiters for ASCII weight data, refer to the manual provided for the weigh head device. The manual should specify the exact characters or sequences that serve as the start and end delimiters for the data.

FAQ: 2. Why is it important to properly define start and end delimiters for reading weight data in ASCII format?

Answer: - Defining start and end delimiters is crucial as it helps in accurately identifying the beginning and end of each data packet. This ensures that the received data is parsed correctly and in the intended format.

FAQ: 3. What challenges can arise if the start and end delimiters are not correctly set for ASCII weight data from a weigh head?

Answer: - If the start and end delimiters are not properly defined, it can lead to misinterpretation of the data, resulting in inaccurate readings or parsing errors. This can affect the overall functionality and reliability of the weight measurement system.

FAQ: 4. Are there any troubleshooting steps available if I am unsure whether the data received is accurate or makes sense?

Answer: - If you are unsure about the accuracy or sense of the received data, you can perform troubleshooting steps such as verifying the delimiter settings, checking for any communication errors, and ensuring proper data conversion processes are in place.

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