This article explains how to calibrate the Digistar scales on a Davimac chaser bin. You may need to set up these scales if the original setup data is lost, or if a new set of scales have been retrofitted to an old bin.
No tools are required, but if you need to re-calculate the calibration weight you will need a known weight to calibrate the scales.
This guide assumes you are using kilograms and tonnes, as the Digi-Star uses metric units by default. Consult the Digi-Star operators guide to switch between metric and imperial units.
1. Turn on the monitor and enter the setup menu
Turn on the Digi-Star GT400. The first screen will show the current uncalibrated weight. This value needs to be set to zero for the scales to measure accurately.
Press the Zero and On/Off buttons (the leftmost and rightmost buttons) to enter the setup menu. Hit the Zero button first, as hitting the ON/OFF button will turn off the device.
You'll see the word SETUP displayed briefly to confirm you're in the setup menu.
2. Ensure the scales are set for the correct bin capacity.
After the setup menu text disappears you should see six digits: 546030.
The first three digits 546 tells the Digi-Star it's being used on a chaser bin. With the first number 5 telling the Digi-Star that we are working in kilograms.
The last three digits identify the capacity in kilograms x1000.
That is, an 18-tonne bin should read 546018, a 25-tonne bin should have 546025, and a 35-tonne bin should read 546035.
Use the Digi-Star keypad to cycle through the digits and set them for the correct bin capacity.
- Use the START/STOP button to cycle select one of the six digits to modify. The digit currently selected will flash.
- Use the FIELD button to change the value of the selected number from 0 to 9.
- When finished, hit the ON/OFF button.
3. Calculate and enter the calibration number
You will then see the default calibration number, which should be 18905.
If it's not already entered, use the keypad to enter the calibration number 18905. This is the recommended value needed for most bins to get a fairly accurate reading. Use the START/STOP buttons to cycle between the numbers and the FIELD button to change the selected number.
For increased accuracy
If the calibration number is still not accurate enough, you can improve accuracy by calculating a new calibration number.
- Put a known weight on the scales.
- Calculate the calibration number using the calibration number equation (below)
- Enter the new calibration number into the scales and test again using the known weight.
Using a full bin load for the known weight is ideal, as a larger known weight results in a more accurate reading. However, having someone stand on the drawbar is enough to provide a very close approximation.
Calibration number equation
Calibration number = known weight ÷ displayed weight × existing calibration number (18905 is the default)
For example, if your known weight is 30 tonnes and the scales read 29 tonnes:
30,000 ÷ 29,500 × 18905 = 19,225
This means the new calibration number is 19225. This replaces the default number of 18905.
4. Return to the main menu
When the calibration weight has been entered, hit the ON/OFF button to return to the main screen. Ensure there's no weight on the scales and then zero them off by holding the Zero button on the far left until ZERO flashes on the screen. The scales should now show 0k which means your scales are now fully calibrated.
