Transducer / Load Cell and Cable Testing

How to determine if a cable or transducer is faulty.
Model C Family
Model F Tension Transducer / Load Cell

Model C, Model F, Model UPB, Model SUPB, Model RS Transducer (3 Pin)

To verify load cell integrity, unplug the transducer cable at the controller/indicator and use an ohm-meter to measure the resistance at the connector on the cable. Measure between pins A,B, and A,C. In each case, the resistance should be about 100 ohms (100 ohms nominal w/Std excitation, 200 ohms nominal w/XR excitation). Measure the resistance between any pin and the outside of the connector. The meter should read infinite resistance.

Apply a force to the roll by hand or by using a rope and a weight, in the direction of the tension force and maintain it while again measuring between pins A,B and A,C. The resistance should be only a few ohms different from before. If you see any incorrect readings, disconnect the cable from the transducer and repeat the checks at the connector on the transducer.

Pair of PinsStandard Excitation (5 VDC)Extended Range (10 VDC)
Pin A (white to Pin B (black)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin A (white to Pin C (red)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin B (black) to Bin C (red)200 ohms400 ohms
Any Pin to body of connectorInfiniteInfinite
Narrow Web Tension Transducer / Load Cell
Tension Roll Transducer / Load Cell
VNW Very Narrow Web Tension Transducer / Load Cell
Tri-Wheel Tension Load Cell

Model NW, Model RFA, Model TR, Model VNW Transducer and TriWheel™ Load Cell (6 Pin)

To verify load cell integrity, unplug the transducer cable at the controller/indicator and use an ohm-meter to measure the resistance at the connector on the cable. Measure between pins A,B, and A,C. Also measure between pins D,E and D,F. In each case the resistance should be about 100 ohms (100 ohms nominal w/Std excitation, 200 ohms nominal w/XR excitation). Measure the resistance between any pin and the outside of connector. The meter should read infinite resistance. Apply a force to the roll by hand or by using a rope and a weight, in the direction of the tension force and maintain it while again measuring between pins A,B and A,C. Repeat while measuring between pins D,E and D,F. The resistance should be only a few ohms different from before.  If you see any incorrect readings, disconnect the cable from the transducer and repeat the checks at the connector on the transducer.

Pair of PinsStandard Excitation (5 VDC)Extended Range (10 VDC)
Pin A (white) to Pin B (black)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin A (white) to Pin C (red)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin D (green to Pin E (blue)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin D (green) to Pin F (brown)100 ohms200 ohms
Pin B (black) to to Pin C (red)200 ohms400 ohms
Pin E (blue) to Pin F (Brown)200 ohms400 ohms
Any Pin to Body of connectorInfiniteInfinite
LT Low Tension Transducer / Load Cell

Model LT Low Tension Transducer (6 Pin)

To verify load cell integrity, unplug the transducer cable at the controller/indicator and use an ohm-meter to measure the resistance at the connector on the cable. Measure between pins A,B, and A,C. Also measure between pins D,E and D,F. In each case the resistance should be about 800 ohms (800 ohms nominal). Measure the resistance between any pin and the outside of the connector. The meter should read infinite resistance. Apply a force to the roll by hand or by using a rope and a weight, in the direction of the tension force and maintain it while again measuring between pins A,B and A,C. Repeat while measuring between pins D,E and D,F. The resistance should be only a few ohms different from before.  If you see any incorrect readings, disconnect the cable from the transducer and repeat the checks at the connector on the transducer.

Pair of PinsResistance
Pin A (white) to Pin B (black800 ohms
Pin A (white) to Pin C (red)800 ohms
Pin D (green) to Pin E (blue)800 ohms
Pin D (green) to Pin F (brown)800 ohms
Pin B (black) to Pin C (red)1600 ohms
Pin E (blue) to Pin F (brown)1600 ohms
Any Pin to Body of ConnectorInfinite
DFE Load Cell Cables

Cable Testing

To check wire continuity in cables, connector sockets and associated wire colors are listed below.

Connector Socket LetterWire Color
Socket AWhite
Socket BBlack
Socket CRed
Socket DGreen
Socket EBlue
Socket FBrown