The Avery Weigh-Tronix BSQ is a highly accurate digital bench base with over 1 billion internal counts and a readability of over 3.5 million divisions (unapproved).
In practice, this means that the Avery Weigh-Tronix BSQ scale platform can detect even the tiniest of weight changes with astounding precision.
Featuring the very latest state of the art suspended Quartzell technology, the BSQ guarantees repeatable balance accuracy at all times. Small and large items can be weighed on a single base, allowing one scale to do a job that might previously have required several. With a fast return to zero between readings, the Avery Weigh-Tronix BSQ scale base provides the speed and repetitive accuracy that can be vital in situations where highly accurate weight readings are required.
When used with the ZM400 series indicators, the BSQ bench base can accurately display down to 0.01g, giving balance accuracy but with the strength required for use in an industrial environment.
We put together a list of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.
What is Quartzell™?
Quartzell stands for Quartz Digital Transducer (QDT). It uses true digital signals from quartz crystals that are precisely mounted on an intricately machined aluminum frame. The device converts the oscillating frequencies from two crystals into a digital signal which is representative of the load applied. When profiled, the output signal provides an extremely accurate measurement with a higher resolution than normal strain
gauge technology.
What are the advantages of using Quartzell over Analog strain gauge load cells?
Unlike a strain gauge load cell, which produces an analog signal that has to be converted to digital, the Quartzell transducer utilizes the change in frequencies from two double-ended tuning-fork quartz crystal sensors to produce a true digital signal measured in frequency. This eliminates the need to convert an analog signal to digital and this significantly reduces errors, while increasing speed and accuracy of the measured
signal.
The digital signal allows a scale to weigh faster and with greater resolution. The Quartzell uses two quartz crystals, one in compression and the other in tension. This helps reduce
the impact of environmental influences, such as changes in temperature and pressure.
What is meant by Internal Resolution?
Internal resolution equates to the smallest internal count data bit that can be measured by the Quartzell. The BSQ base can produce over 1 billion internal counts. When compared to other Avery Weigh-Tronix products, this is a massive jump in performance and
accuracy. For example, see the chart below.
Current product Internal counts
NCI 7800 1:120,000
GSE 675 1:1,000,000
PC820 1:2,000,000
PC902/5 1:25,000,000
BSQ base 1:1,000,000,000
What is Internal Resolution used for?
Internal resolution is used to calculate an accurate repeatable displayable reading, which is very important when manufacturing and weighing very small components. Having
lots of internal counts can help in accurately calculating piece weights, parts or small items that are being weighed.
What is meant by Displayed Resolution?
The new BSQ base can display up to 10 million divisions. Displayable division is not always the same as usable divisions. Usable divisions or readability is the recommended division size that the scale can be used at when filters are set correctly to
give a usable stable weight reading.
Displayed resolution is the maximum allowed displayable divisions used from a product. This is normally limited by the allowable display digits shown on the indicator, in most cases this is around 10,000,000 divisions or (9,999,999).
To correctly display any weight division, each displayed division has to be able to be divided by 10 to allow it to be correctly displayed. Most scales do not have enough internal resolution to allow this to happen
Displayable divisions = 10,000,000
Divided by 10 = 100,000,000 minimum internal counts needed
What is meant by Readability?
Readability is the maximum recommended stable weight reading the scale can be expected to work at. Depending upon the environment that it is being used in, the new BSQ digital Quartzell base offers a readability resolution of around 3.5 million divisions. More resolution can be achieved if used in laboratory type environments.
What is Creep and what do we expect to see with this new BSQ digital Quartzell base?
The new BSQ base offers excellent creep resistance with less than 1:100,000 divisions creep during a 30 minute time span and 1:200,000 during a 5 minute time span.
What is meant by Linearity Average Error -/+ (at room temperature / centre of pan)
The -/+ average linearity error is the average recorded error based off the capacity the scale has been calibrated at. This gives an average linearity error when calibrated to 5 kg (11 lb) on a 35 kg (70 lb) BSQ base of around 1:600,000 divisions, or an overall average linearity error when recalibrated to 35 kg (70 lb) of around 1:170,000 divisions.
What capacity range can I legally set on the 2 lb and 10 lb (1kg and 5kg) BSQ base?
Both the 2 lb and 10 lb (1 kg and 5 kg) BSQ base versions are NTEP and Canadian approved to weigh 10,000d per range with up to three multi ranges, as long as the v min is no lower than 0.0002lb or 0.1 g. This means the 10 lb (5 kg) base can still be legally set to 2 lb x 0.0005g single range.
Where is the BSQ calibration data saved?
All the metrology data is stored within the indicator head work and not in the base. This data is transferred from the base to the indicator over RS232.
Why is the calibration stored in the indicator and not the base?
To allow us to get the maximum resolution from the BSQ base the calibration data is stored within the indicator. This allows the factory to better utilize the filters and other functions found within the indicators.
Where is the filter data stored?
All filter settings are stored and controlled within the ZM400 series indicator. To get the best performance from your ZM400 series indicator, we recommend you install the latest version of the ZM400 series software that is available.
What indicator can be linked up to this base?
Currently the only indicator that can be linked to this base is the ZM400 series.
Can I use multi point calibration on this base?
Yes. The base can utilize the same multi point linearization / calibration points as found in the current ZM400 series indicator range.
Can this base be trade verified?
Yes. This base is NTEP, Measurement Canada and OIML approved to 10,000 divisions’ accuracy with up to 3 multi-range steps each allowing 10,000 divisions per range. The 2 lb (1kg) base will carry a NTEP and Measurement Canada approval, with a minimum interval size of 0.0002 lb (0.1 g) but is not OIML approved.
How is the base powered?
The BSQ digital base is powered directly from the indicator through the RS232 cable.
What is the maximum cable length I can use with the BSQ base linked to a ZM400 series indicator?
The maximum cable length the BSQ can operate on without changing the base settings is 50 ft (15 m). Longer distances are possible by lowering the Baud rates within the base.
What is the communication setting from the base to the indicator?
The base communicates through RS232 using SMA protocols. Communications settings are as follows: Bard rate: 115200, D-bits: 8, Party: None, S- Bits:1.
Can the base be linked directly to a PC?
Yes. For some custom applications, the BSQ base can be linked directly into a PC. However, at present Avery Weigh-Tronix does not offer a standard PC program to allow this to be viewed or set up from a PC.
What is meant by 1100% overload protection?
Ideal for use in industrial applications where other balances will quickly get damaged, this clamshell case design and spring breakaway system help to keep the highly accurate Quartzell fully protected at all times even after being overloaded by 1100% – e.g. 2200 lb (1000 kg) on the 70 lb 175 lb (35kg to 80kg) scales.
How does the clamshell design improve performance and reliability of the base?
This fully enclosed base design helps to greatly reduce outside environmental influences like drafts and sudden changes in temperature, which can affect the weighing performance within the scale. In addition, the clamshell case design locks together and
gets stronger as more weight is applied. Both the 70 lb (35kg) and 175 lb (80kg) bases can easily withstand over 2200 lb (1000 kg) of weight without reducing accuracy of the
scale base.
What overload protection is there in the 2 lb and 10 lb (1kg and 5kg) BSQ base?
Although different to the 70 lb and 175 lb (35kg and 80kg) base design, the mechanism in the 2 lb and 10 lb (1kg and 5kg) bases still offers 1100% overload protection from its flex suspension system and built in overload stops.
What is meant by base Thermal Protection?
Our 70 lb and 175 lb (35 kg and 80 kg) bases have been designed to remain very accurate even when weighing very hot items. This unique base design removes any build-up of heat that is within the top plate and stops it conducting down through the base to the more critical areas of the loadcell. Built-in thermal barriers and heat sink areas keep the cell at a stable temperature.
What IP rating is the base?
The base has an IP rating of IP42. However, the clamshell case and unique, suspended cell design with special drip channels ensure that all critical components are well protected from any oils and fluids which might otherwise get inside the scale base.
What is meant by Multi-Range?
A Multi-Range scale is defined as a weighing instrument having two or more weighing ranges, with each range having a different weight interval (or division) size. The interval size automatically adjusts when the weight enters a new weighing range, allowing lighter parcels to be weighed using smaller intervals and the heavier parcels using higher intervals.
The BSQ base offers up to three ranges of operation within a single scale. Example: 0- 6 kg is 1 g interval, 6 -15 is 2 g interval and 15 -35 kg is 5 g interval. As the weight is applied the first interval (1 g) would be operable but as the weight exceeds 6 kg, the display will switch to 2 g intervals.
Above 15 kg it will switch to 5 g intervals. As the weight is removed, the scale will retain the interval from the highest weight range attained until the weight returns to zero and becomes stable.
What is a Ball Top Shroud and where is it used?
The Ball Top Shroud is a specially designed weigh platter that has 10 roller ball bearings mounted within the weigh platter. This allows heavy boxes to be easily rolled on and off the scale, allowing the scale to be used between conveyors or roller tables. The ball top offers a more streamlined design that can accept product from any direction and allows easy repositioning to locate shipping labels or other content information that may be on the
sides of the packaging. This ball top option is only available on the larger 12” x 14” (305
mm x 355 mm) BSQ base sizes.
What is the underhook used for?
It is mainly used when calculating the density of an object. The underhook allows items to be weighed underneath the scale by suspending them from a hook that is mounted directly to the bottom of the load bridge. Once installed, both the underhook and weighing platter can be used to weigh items without needing to change any settings on the scale.
What capacities can be used with the underhook option?
At present the underhook can only be installed to the lower capacity 2 lb and the 10 lb (1 kg and 5 kg) BSQ bases.
Do I have to order the underhook with the BSQ base or can it be installed at a later date?
The underhook is an aftermarket accessory that can be installed out in the field. It quickly installs to the base without the need for disassembling. The underhook mechanism can easily be attached by removing the two plastic plugs found in the underside of the
scale base and accessing the load bridge.
What does the draft shield do?
When weighing very small parts or working at a very high resolution any small air movement across the weigh platter can have a big effect on weight reading stability. This can be caused by air conditioning or any kind of movement close to the scale. To help eliminate this, a draft shield option is available on the 2 lb and 10 lb (1 kg and 5 kg) BSQ models. This cuts out unwanted air movement to give a more stable repeatable weight reading, especially when working at very high resolutions.
Will I get better accuracy resolution when using a draft shield?
A draft shield can help to achieve greater accuracy resolution. Weighing in a more controlled environment helps eliminate unwanted air movement and to achieve a more accurate zero, resulting in a more accurate weight reading.
Can the draft shield be used on all BSQ bases?
No. The BSQ draft shield has been specially designed to be used only on the 2 lb and 10 lb (1 kg and 5 kg) versions. Avery WeighTronix does not currently offer a draft shield for the larger BSQ base capacities. However, there are a number of off the shelf clear acrylic equipment draft shields available on the market if one is required.
Is the draft shield made of acrylic or glass?
Acrylic was chosen over the more fragile glass option due to its rugged strength and robustness, an important requirement within the industrial environment. To avoid the possibility of static build up on the acrylic, we recommend that an anti-static spray is used
on the draft shield to help remove any static charge which could affect the accuracy of the scales. If a spray is not available, a final wipe down with a damp cloth can also reduce this static build up.
Now available in a range of high capacity 175 lb and 70 lb (80kg and 35kg) and low capacity 2 lb and 10 lb (1kg and 5kg) models, the BSQ bench scale base range offers an unrivalled combination of accuracy and strength. The high quality Avery Weigh-Tronix Quartzell™ weight transducer allows users to weigh any item, from a miniature component to a 175 lb/80 kg box, while the design offers exceptional protection against tough environments.
If this sounds like a scale that would work well for your application, contact the sales department at Central Carolina Scale for additional information and equipment prices at (919) 776-7737 or completing the Request for Quote button on the website.