News

  • Home > News

        Windows CE powers agricultural scales

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Aug 11, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Avery Weigh-Tronix used Windows CE to create a touchscreen device designed to provide "legal-for-trade" weight measurements in a variety of agricultural applications. The M3060 includes a seven-inch display, programmable function keys, three serial ports, two CompactFlash slots, and optional Wi-Fi, according to the company.

        The M3060 is the latest in a series of Windows CE-based measuring devices produced by Avery Weigh-Tronix (a previous example we've covered is the FLSC 05, intended for forklift mounting). According to the company, the device's inherent computing capabilities allow it to run third-party software that would otherwise require a ruggedized laptop or PDA.

        Avery's M3060

        For example, says Avery, applications include grain cart, animal weighing (with RFID), seed tender, manure spreading, TMR mixers, feed batching, feed management, and herd management. Custom software can establish user interfaces complete with recognizable icons and intuitive layouts, easing operator training and accommodating even the most unique requirements, the company adds.

        Avery Weigh-Tronix says the M3060 is designed to connect to weigh bars (below) that permit accurate weighing in stationary or mobile applications, such as truck scales, livestock scales, squeeze chutes, feed bins, feed mixes, and more. Front-panel calibration is said to allow connection of up to 16 bars, with load cells up to 200,000 pounds.


        Weigh bars for use with Avery's M3060

        The underlying processor, memory complement, and Windows CE version used on the M3060 were not disclosed. However, the device has three RS232 ports, a USB port, an Ethernet port, two CompactFlash slots, plus one programmable TTL input and one TTL output. Wi-Fi may be added via either USB or an appropriate CompactFlash card, Avery says.

        According to Avery, the M3060 has three hardware function keys, while the device's 800 x 480 pixel touchscreen allows for a multitude of other keys to be defined via software. Operable from 14 to 104 deg. F (-10 to 40 deg. C), the unit weighs 5.2 pounds and measures 11.16 x 6.5 x 5.9 inches, the company adds.

        Further information

        Avery Weigh-Tronix did not release pricing for the M3060, but says the device is available now. More information may be found on the company's website, here.

        Related stories: