With several methods of radio frequency (RF) technology, Rice Lake Weighing Systems’ premium brand of Measurement Systems International (MSI) products makes wireless communication an easy integration for most industries and environments.

802.15.4 Systems

802.15.4 systems are the primary choice in all ScaleCore™ products that employ peer-to-peer communications, which include the following:

MSI-3460 Challenger 3 crane scale
MSI-7000/7001 TranSend™ wireless load cell interface
MSI-7300 Dyna-Link 2 digital tension dynamometer
MSI-8000HD/8004HD weight indicator/RF remote display
MSI-4260 Port-A-Weigh crane scale

With a .4 GHz Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping system, connect multiple scales and displays within a single RF Network using MSI’s CellScale™ technology-equipped products. For example, the MSI-9300 crane scale and the MSI-9850 remote display.

802.15.4 has a functional range of 300 feet, making 802.15.4 modems the primary choice for wireless scoreboards, including Rice Lake’s LaserLight2 remote display. Also, the MSI Rugged Remote Control is equipped with an 802.15.4 modem for use with all compatible ScaleCore™ scales.

Bluetooth®

All ScaleCore products with the exception of scoreboards and remote display-only devices (such the MSI-8000 and MSI-8000HD), can be equipped with Bluetooth. The range of devices equipped with Bluetooth is similar to 802.15.4 systems. Standby power is lower than other communication modules for an increased battery life. Bluetooth communications provide an easy way to connect with peripherals and apps such as MSI’s ScaleConnect.

FHSS

The primary reason to use system is for long-range wireless communication, typically 500 - 1,000 ft. line of sight. FHSS systems are more immune to jamming and can be configured to coexist with a Wi-Fi network without interference.

Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g

The default operation of this communication module is as a client transmitting to a Wi-Fi access point in which one device “talks” through an access point to and from the scale. MSI’s ScaleConnect app works in this mode as an access point, connecting directly to the scale as an independent network. Also, you can use this module as an API in client mode and communicate directly to the scale through an access point.

Other Configurations

The MSI-7000HD wireless load cell interface and MSI-8004HD remote display/weight indicator have two-modem capability, allowing for simultaneous connection to multiple networks. For example, an application could employ Bluetooth functionality to communicate to the ScaleConnect app and 802.15.4 to communicate to remote displays. These configurations also have an optional cellular modem, which will allow for carrier-connected control and cloud-based monitoring and functionality on a global level.

Contact a Rice Lake sales engineer at 800-472-6703 for assistance configuring an RF system ideal for your application.