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How do I connect a load cell simulator to the 1771-RT?

Last updated 10/13/2014 10:45 AM

Question

In order to do some testing on my new HI 1771WS I built a circuit to emulate a load cell. I understand that I have to provide +10 VDC and ground to it, and in return it will provide a 0-30 mV level in relation to a pot's position over 2 wires (-sig & + sig). Will this work to emulate the actual load cell? I only found where it is mentioned that the 1771-RT goes to the "load cell" without any further explanation/wiring diagram. Where do I hook it up on the HI 1771WS or the 1771-RT?

Answer

This sounds like it will work as a load cell simulator. Keep in mind that what you are looking for is a differential mV signal between the +/-sig terminals.  With the HI 1771WS, the 1771-RTA will have connections marked for +/- exc, +/- sen and +/- sig. The +/- exc is the 10 supply voltage (actual is +5 and -5v). You would want to sample this excitation voltage on the sense lines. To do this you can place a shorting jumper between +exc & +sen and another between -exc & -sen. Then your mv signal will come in on the +/- sig connections. The RT board should have a pre-made cable that would connect to the module.

If you have the A-B RT44 board instead of the Hardy RTA board, you should still have a pre-made cable to the module. The connections on the RT44 would be:
R3 = +exc
I1 = -exc
I3 = +sen
R1 = -sen
R2 = +sig
I2 = -sig

This wiring is available in the Hardy HI 1771WS manual, which you can get online, or for the A-B RT44, in the 1771-WS, Publication 1771-6.5-117 on Rockwell's web site.