Frequently Asked Questions
1. How accurate is the LoadSMART weighing system?
2. What is required to achieve accurate weights?
3. What is the LoadSMART Stability Indicator?
4. What sensors are used to determine the axle group weights?
5. How easy is it to install the LoadSMART system?
6. Is it easy to change (swap) trailers?
7. How does the LoadSMART electronic weigh docket work?
8.What are the main features of the LoadSMART on-line server provide?
1. How accurate is the LoadSMART weighing system?
The accuracy of an on-board weighing system depends on 2 main elements. The first element is the accuracy of the weighing system and a good weighing system will have an accuracy of within 1% of maximum load. The LoadSMART weighing system has an accuracy of within 0.5% of maximum load. The second element is the accuracy / repeatability of the weighing component (e.g. airbag suspension), this is the ability of the weighing component to go back to a given point for a given weight. Typically this is within 1% for an airbag suspension. The overall accuracy is the combination of both elements. Generally the overall accuracy of the LoadSMART system on airbag suspension ranges between 0.5 to 1.0% of maximum load.
2. What is required to achieve accurate weights?
The most common method to determine axle group weight is by measuring the airbag suspension pressure. To achieve high accuracy the following criteria is required: 1 – Airbag suspension system must be in good working order, 2 – The vehicle is positioned on level ground, 3 – All vehicle brakes are released and 4 – Air tanks are at normal pressures. These rules ensure the airbag suspension system will achieve correct ride height pressure.
3. What is the LoadSMART Stability Indicator?
The LoadSMART stability indicator is used as a reference to help validate the axle group weights being measured. It is represented with an asterisk sign next to the weight and will only be displayed when the weighing component (and weight) has reached a stable condition. If the vehicle is moving or load is changing then the stability indicator will not display. When weights are saved or transmitted then the stability indicator is a good reference to validate weight condition at time of reading.
4. What sensors are used to determine the axle group weights?
The common sensors used to measure axle group weights are Air Pressure Transducers for airbag suspensions and Steer Beam Deflection Transducers for steer axles on rigid trucks. Other less common sensors used are rotation sensors for spring suspension, hydraulic pressure transducers for hoists and load cells.
5. How easy is it to install the LoadSMART system?
The LoadSMART system has been specifically designed to be easily fitted to any vehicle. All components require a power source which is generally available close to the mounting points. The standard system using RF (radio frequency) technology to transmit all data so there is no extra wiring required between vehicles.
6. Is it easy to change (swap) trailers?
Yes – each device can have unlimited number of trailers added with the exception of the P-Series which can only have up to 10 trailers. When trailers are changed the driver just has to select the correct trailer(s) from the list.
7. How does the LoadSMART electronic weigh docket work?
The LoadSMART Weigh Docket (LSWD) is an electronic file that contains Vehicle ID’s, date and time stamp, axle group weights (with weight stability status), total weight and payload. These weigh dockets can be saved at anytime with the press of a button and the number of LSWD per device is unlimited. At any stage the driver is able to easily view each of the Weigh Dockets on the device. The LSWD is available on all devices except for the P-Series.
8. What are the main features of the LoadSMART on-line server provide?
The LoadSMART on-line server has many features including:
a – Vehicle Master List
b – Remote Weight Calibration
c – Vehicle Weight Check
d – Easy access to LoadSMART weigh docket
e – e-mail notification
f – monitoring of changes made to calibration of vehicles
These features are described in more detail on the ‘Products’ page (click here)
Please contact us if you have any further questions relating to on-board weighing systems.