CONTENTS

1. SYSTEM CARE.......................................................................................3
Battery Care.......................................................................................3
Site Preparation.................................................................................3
2. GETTING STARTED...............................................................................4
Display Examples..............................................................................5
Duplicate Tag Protection...................................................................5
ID Entry - Alternative Mode...............................................................5
3. WEIGH MODES.......................................................................................6
4. GROUP FILES.........................................................................................7
Selecting Group Files........................................................................7
Deleting Records...............................................................................8
5. STATISTICS............................................................................................9
Iconix FX Printer Option..................................................................10
6. MEMORY...............................................................................................11
Accessing Records in Memory........................................................11
Deleting or Editing a Record...........................................................12
Uploading Records to a Computer..................................................12
7. DRAFTING (Sorting By Weight)............................................................13
Setting Draft Limits, Minimum & Maximum Weight.........................13
Drafting By Weight Gain..................................................................14
8. SET-UP..................................................................................................15
Prefixing: On / Off............................................................................15
Weight Gain: Off / Auto / Manual....................................................15
Killout Percent.................................................................................15
Communication With External Devices...........................................16
Duplicate ID Check: On / Off...........................................................16
Multiple Weigh: On / Off..................................................................16
Display Release: On / Off................................................................16
Zero-Track: On / Off........................................................................16
Units: kg / LB...................................................................................16
Time and Date Setting.....................................................................16
9. SPECIAL MODES..................................................................................17
Multiple Weigh.................................................................................17
Weight Gains...................................................................................18
10. AUTO-DRAFTING.................................................................................19
Using the Iconix Auto-Draft Controller.............................................19
11. ELECTRONIC ID (EID)..........................................................................21
EID Set-Up Options.........................................................................21
Drafting By EID................................................................................22
EID / VID Cross Reference Table...................................................23
Planning an EID based System......................................................24
12. SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................25
1. SYSTEM CARE
The FX41 weighing system has been designed to work reliably for long periods of time
under adverse conditions. However like any equipment, common sense and care will
assist in keeping it in good operating condition.
 Fit caps to cable ends and indicator sockets when not in use to protect from dirt and
moisture. Hang the cable ends up, out of mud and dust.
 Damage may occur if the capacity of the scale is exceeded.
 Loadbar cables must be kept in good condition.

BATTERY CARE
 NOTE: BATTERY LIFE WILL BE SHORTENED CONSIDERABLY IF IT
IS NOT PROPERLY CARED FOR.
 Always recharge for 8-12 hours AFTER USE with the FX41 switched ON and the
loadbars disconnected.
 For long term storage, recharge ONCE PER MONTH with the FX41 switched ON
and the loadbars disconnected.
 When the battery is low on charge (the LOW BAT pointer s is on), weighing may
continue by connecting the AC Adaptor/Charger if mains power is available or using
the battery clip lead to connect an external 12V battery.
 It is not recommended that the battery charger be left plugged into the indicator for
long periods of time.
 To display the battery voltage, press the ENTER key while the FX41 is in the normal
operating mode. The voltage should be in the range 12.6 to 13.2V for a fully charged
battery. Note that while recharging with the Iconix AC adaptor provided, the output
voltage of the charger is displayed (18-19V DC).

SITE PREPARATION
The choice of weighing site is important for accurate weighing and ease of use.
 A well chosen level site will ensure the best conditions for accurate weighing.
 The loadbars must be bolted to the platform or crate and be firmly attached to the
ground or concrete pad. Any rocking or twisting of the platform could result in
weighing errors.
 Adequate clearance around the platform is essential. Any binding or rubbing with
posts or gates will produce weighing errors.
 The race bracket is best mounted on a fence or post and not the crate.
 Mount the indicator in a well lit position for best readability.
 A well chosen site will help animals flow smoothly through the system with the
minimum of fuss.
 Mounting the indicator away from the crate will help to keep hands free of the crate
when the weigh cycle is started.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 3

2. GETTING STARTED
 Ensure that the battery is fully charged (see BATTERY CARE section).

 Connect the two loadbar cables to the loadbar sockets marked on the rear of the
indicator.

 Press the ON button. The scale will automatically return to zero. Once this is
completed the ZERO pointer  will show that the scale is at zero.
NOTE: If a large load (such as a partly filled wool bale in a wool press) remains
on the scale from previous use, the last weight will be displayed. The operator
can continue the weighing session from where last finished. Alternatively press
ZERO to return the scale to zero.

 During initialisation at switch-on, the currently selected group (mob file) is displayed,
which is the same as the group last used in the previous weighing session. If this is a
new weighing session, the operator will probably want to select a new group from the
range 1 to 99. See the section SELECTING GROUP FILES.

 For all normal livestock weighing applications check that the HOLD mode pointer  is
showing. If not, use the WEIGH MODE key to select, as shown on the display by
WEIGH MODE: HOLD.

 Check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed. Load the animal onto the platform.
If required, enter the ID (tag number) of up to 8 digits using the numeric keypad.
If required, press CODE/MULTIPLE once the correct ID is on the display, then enter
a condition code (0.0 to 9.9). This may also be entered without an ID.
Press the WEIGH key.
The animal is accurately weighed and the result is locked on the display (in HOLD
mode). A new record is added to the currently selected group in memory.
The record consists of:
Weight, Group, Date, ID (if used), Condition Code (if used)

If an Iconix FX Printer is attached, the record will be printed.

 In the event of a problem with the weighing, press DELETE to delete the new record
from memory. The message “RE-(WEIGH) or (DEL)” is displayed. Press WEIGH to
re-weigh the animal using the ID already entered or DELETE to clear the ID as well.

 Remove the animal from the weighing platform. The last animal’s weight remains
locked on the display. For about every 20 animals weighed, hold back the next animal
for a few seconds and check that the ZERO pointer  is displayed. If the ZERO
pointer does not appear, keep hands etc. clear of the crate and press the ZERO key.
The scale will return to zero and the weighing session can proceed.

 At the end of the weighing session, switch the indicator OFF. Unplug the loadbar
cables. Recharge the battery.

ENSURE THAT THE CAPS ARE FIRMLY REPLACED

ON THE LOADBAR CONNECTORS

Page 4 FX41 User Manual 08May08

 DISPLAY EXAMPLES
If the DRAFT LIMITS are active, the large LCD will show H (high), C (centre) or L (low)
alongside the weight. See the section DRAFTING (Sorting By Weight).
The lower display will show the ID (if used), Group and Condition Code (if used).

For example: H 568

ID=3456
GRP = 5 CODE = 5.8

A press of the  key shows the kill-out weight, according to the Kill-out Percent setting:
For example: % OF WEIGHT = 312
GRP = 5 CODE = 5.8

DUPLICATE TAG PROTECTION

Protection is provided against accidental duplication of an ID number within a group file.
This feature may be selected ON or OFF in SET-UP.
The user is offered, by way of display prompts, the choice of either over-riding the
duplicate number protection or deleting the number before it is stored in memory along
with its associated weight.

For example, animal number 223 has previously been weighed and stored in the current
group file. Then 223 is re-entered and the WEIGH key is pressed.
The display will show:
ID=223 RE-USED
(DELETE), OK=(ENTER)

 If the ID for the animal on the scale has been incorrectly entered, press DELETE one
or more times to backspace through the digits of the ID. Then re-enter the ID and
press WEIGH again.
 If the ID is correct, press ENTER to accept it. Note that there will now be two records
with identical IDs in the current group file. The previous ID is probably incorrect and
should be carefully noted.

ID ENTRY - ALTERNATIVE MODE

In most situations, typing an ID and pressing WEIGH is the quickest and most suitable
method of operation. There may however be times when it is useful to type an ID, then
press ENTER to have the display respond to the weight of the animal, instead of
continuing to display the ID. The WEIGH key is pressed when the operator is ready to
record the ID and weight.
For example, when weighing cattle on a platform in a race, the weight can be viewed to
ensure that the animal is properly on the scale and it's true weight is being measured.
WEIGH is pressed when the operator is ready to record the ID and the accurate weight of
the animal.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 5

3. WEIGH MODES
The WEIGH MODE key allows the operator to choose HOLD or FREE mode. When the
auto-draft option is enabled, 3 additional versions of HOLD mode are available. A pointer
 on the display shows whether HOLD or FREE is selected. At switch-on, the weighing
mode last used in the previous weighing session is automatically selected.
Hold Mode
HOLD mode should be used for weighing live animals. A press of the WEIGH key starts
an averaging process which then displays the accurate weight of the moving animal. A
new record is added to memory and sent to the printer, if connected. The weight is
locked on the display until the next key press.
Free Mode
FREE mode is suitable for static load weighing and is not intended for the weighing of
live animals. The display is continuously updated with the weight currently on the scale. If
the WEIGH key is used, the averaged weight is briefly displayed, a new record added to
memory and sent to the printer, if connected.

AUTO-DRAFT OPTION
When DRAFT/EID ON-LINE and AUTO-DRAFT = ON are selected in SET-UP, there are
three additional settings available when the WEIGH MODE key is pressed:
Speed Mode
A fast version of the standard HOLD mode with a 1.3 second weigh time. Only for use
with special crates that restrict animal movement, allowing faster weighing. For example,
the Racewell Industries sheep crate and Rite-Weigh portable sheep crate.
High Speed Mode
The fastest version of the standard HOLD mode with a 0.7 second weigh time. Only
suitable for use with special crates that restrict animal movement, allowing faster
weighing. For example, the Racewell Industries sheep crate.
Count Mode
This is a non-weighing mode for use with the Racewell Industries sheep crate. The
animal is held for a fixed amount of time, as set by the operator, then released
automatically from the crate. When changing to this mode, the currently set Count Delay
Time is displayed and may be changed by pressing the  key. Next select from
DEFAULT DRAFT = LEFT, CENTRE, RIGHT the fixed gate direction that applies when
operating in Count Mode.
It is recommended that a new Group is selected before using the Count Mode. The
“weight” statistics for this group will then display the number of animals that have been
held and released. When already in the Count Mode, a press of the  key allows an
adjustment to the Count Delay Time and a press of the  key allows an adjustment of
the Default Draft Direction.
While the Count Delay is in progress, "HOLDING..." is displayed. To extend the hold time
for as long as the operator wishes, press the 0 key (remember 0 for 0verride). When
ready to release the animal, press the ENTER key (or any other key).

Page 6 FX41 User Manual 08May08

4. GROUP FILES
A new record is stored (in permanent memory) in the selected group (mob file) whenever
WEIGH is pressed. A record consists of :
Weight, Group, Date, ID (if used), Condition Code (if used)
The FX41 has an in-built clock-calendar and the date is automatically recorded every
time WEIGH is pressed.
In normal operation, before starting a new weighing session, the operator would select a
previously unused group from the range 1 – 99. At the end of the session, or at any time
during, the statistics for the group may be displayed or printed. Individual records for the
selected group may also be printed.
Memory Capacity: 6000 weighing records plus
3000 EID/VID Cross-Reference Table records
The weighing records capacity may be shared between the groups in any manner. i.e.
any number of groups may be used with any number of records in each, providing the
total number of records does not exceed 6000. To check the total number of records that
have been used, press the  key, then *RECS USED.
When the record limit is reached, the message "MEMORY FULL !" will be displayed
when the WEIGH key is pressed again. No more records are able to be stored until some
or all of the existing records are cleared. Usually records from a previous weighing
session (stored in another group) can be cleared so that more records can be added to
the currently selected group.
A press of the GROUP key shows the currently selected group (mob file) and the date of
the most recent weighing for the group.

For example: GRP=28 25AUG01

NEW #, (ENTER),  or 

To exit from group file display, press GROUP again or press ENTER.
At switch-on the last used group file remains selected, as indicated during start-up.

SELECTING GROUP FILES

Press GROUP to display the currently selected file number. For example:

Type new file no.: 2 9 GROUP (0 - 99) = 29

(ENTER) WHEN OK

Press ENTER GRP=29 NO RECORDS

NEW #, (ENTER),  or 

The display advises that there are no records in Group 29. Press ENTER to accept this
group file selection and return to the normal operating mode. Group files may be selected
from the range 1 to 99.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 7

Scrolling Through Group Files
Within the group files display function, use the scroll keys  and  to step through the
active group files checking for the presence of records and the date of last use.
Only group files with records in them are displayed, allowing the operator to quickly scroll
through to find a particular group.

DELETING RECORDS
To delete all records in a particular group file, select that group then press the DELETE
key. The user is prompted to confirm this action by pressing ENTER.

GRP=15 20MAY01
NEW #, (ENTER),  or 

Press DELETE GRP=15 20MAY01

(ENTER) TO DELETE

Press ENTER RECORDS DELETED

within 2 seconds

All records in Group 15 have now been deleted from memory.

Using The Global Group File: Group = 0

Selecting “GRP = 0 ALL RECORDS” allows access to all of the contents of memory
regardless of which group files individual records are stored in. The user may:

 View global statistics. For example the average weight, total weight and the drafting
numbers are the totals for all records in memory.

 Search for an ID number from an unknown group file.

 Delete the total contents of memory.

GROUP = 0 may not be used for storing records in a weighing session. If an attempt is
made to do so, the message “GRP=0, CANNOT STORE, SELECT A VALID GROUP” is
displayed. A group file in the range 1 to 99 must be selected.

Making Good Use Of Group Files

Management of weighing records is improved by placing groups of records in separate
group files. Please note the following suggestions:

 Use a separate group file for each new weighing session on a different day.

 Use a separate group file for different categories of animal.

 Keep careful notes on the use of the group file numbers.

Page 8 FX41 User Manual 08May08

5. STATISTICS
Statistics apply to all records in the currently selected group.
In the case of Group 0, statistics apply to all records in memory, regardless of which
groups they are located in.

Displaying Statistics
Pressing the  key, the display shows "PRESS KEY FOR REQUIRED STATS".
Press the number key 1 to 9 for the required statistics or function. While the statistics are
being calculated, "PLEASE WAIT..." is displayed.

For the number of records used / remaining in the entire memory:

Press *RECS USED # RECS USED = 1500
# RECS LEFT = 4500

For average condition code:

Press *AVG CODE AVG COND. CODE = 5.5

For average weight, total weight and number weighed:

Press *WGT STATS GRP=28 AVG=540 kg
TW=38880 kg #0072

For the total weight of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT TOT HI TOT = 14976 kg
C=19084 L=4820

For the average weight of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT WGTS HI AVG = 576 kg
C=530 L=482

For the number of animals in the High range, Centre range and Low range:
Press *DRAFT NO'S DRAFT TOTALS
H=0026 C=0036 L=0010

NOTE: Draft stats not available for DRAFT BY WEIGHT GAIN or DRAFT BY GAIN/DAY

For the average weight gain (in average number of days) and average daily weight gain
of the mob:
Press *WGT GAIN AVG 23.0kg 62 DAYS
GAIN/DAY = 0.371kg

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 9

Kill-Out Statistics
After pressing *WGT STATS, *DRAFT TOT or *DRAFT WGTS, the corresponding weight
statistics are displayed. A press of the  key will now re-display these weight statistics,
applying the Kill-out Percent setting (accessed in SET-UP) to the weights:
For example: AVG WT % = 297kg
TOT WT % = 21384

Exit From Statistics

Press the  key to exit back to the weighing mode.

“What If” Drafting Statistics

Since statistics are recalculated on entry to the statistics display functions, the operator
may change the draft limits and re-examine the drafting statistics to determine how many
animals would have been drafted into each weight range with different settings.

ICONIX FX PRINTER OPTION

The Iconix FX Printer is a rugged, portable printer that uses standard adding machine
paper rolls. It is powered from the internal battery of the FX41 indicator. Note that use of
the printer reduces the number of hours of operation before recharging is required.
Switch OFF the FX41, then attach the printer cable to the “OPTIONAL I/O” connector
on the back of the FX41.
Switch ON the FX41 and check that PRINTER ON-LINE is selected in SET-UP.
Check and select if necessary the required group file using the GROUP key. If a
printout is required of all records in memory, or the statistics for all records, select
Group 0 before doing the printouts. See the section GROUP FILES - Using the
Global Group File.
Press the ON-LINE key on the printer to light the ON-LINE lamp.
Press , then *PRINT STATS for a full statistics printout for the selected group.
Press , then *PRINT RECS to print all records in memory for the selected group.
To print the records arranged in ID order, select "PRINT BY ID".
To print the records arranged in weight order, select "PRINT BY WEIGHT".

Using The Printer On-Line During A Weighing Session

The FX Printer may be used to print a record as each animal is weighed, rather than at
the end of a weighing session. Each time WEIGH is pressed, a new record will be
printed.

NOTE: Use of the 25 pin “Optional I/O” Connector

This connector is reserved for the use with the Iconix FX Printer, the Iconix AutoDrafter
and Allflex EID readers. DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT, as damage is
likely due to the power supply voltages brought out on to this connector.

Page 10 FX41 User Manual 08May08

6. MEMORY
ACCESSING RECORDS IN MEMORY
First check and select if necessary the required group file using the GROUP key.
Press MEMORY.
Now use the  key to step through the options:
SCROLL BY ID ?
SCROLL BY WEIGHT ?
EXIT ?
Press ENTER to perform the selected function.

Scroll By ID
The user is prompted to “ENTER START ID”, the ID from which to start scrolling through
memory. The first record at or above the start ID is displayed.

For example: H 68.5

ID=4321
   EXIT = (ENTER)

Press the key for additional details:

Example: GRP=3 25SEP01
CODE=0.0

The user can then scroll up  or scroll down  through the records in ID order.
The “NONE HIGHER” and “NONE LOWER” messages indicate that the records with the
highest and lowest IDs have been reached in the currently selected group.
To exit from the memory search, press ENTER.

Scroll By Weight
The user is prompted to “ENTER START WEIGHT”, the weight from which to start
scrolling through memory. The first record at or above the start weight is displayed.
The record details are displayed in the same way as for scrolling by ID (see above).
The “NONE HIGHER” and “NONE LOWER” messages indicate that the highest and
lowest record weights have been reached in the currently selected group.
To exit from the memory search, press ENTER.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 11

 DELETING OR EDITING A RECORD
While scrolling through records in memory, the displayed record may be deleted or
edited. The various entry points to the Delete/Edit menu can be accessed by pressing the
following keys:
DELETE DELETE THIS RECORD ?
0 to 9 EDIT ID ?
WEIGH EDIT WEIGHT ?
CODE / MULTIPLE EDIT CONDITION CODE / COUNT ?
EXIT ?
Use the  key to step between the different options in the menu.
Press ENTER when the required option is displayed.
Use the EDIT options with care, as the change to the record is permanent. An
appropriate use is to correct a mis-entered ID, for example when a duplicate ID is
detected in a later weighing and the later ID is correct.
If the DELETE THIS RECORD option is selected, press DELETE within 2 seconds to
confirm.
If the EDIT WEIGHT option is selected, it is possible to change the sign of the weight by
pressing the  key. This feature is not applicable to normal livestock weighing.
For a normal record, the option to EDIT CONDITION CODE will appear. For a multiple
animal weighing record, EDIT COUNT allows a change to the number of animals.

UPLOADING RECORDS TO A COMPUTER

Iconix offers the optional WinFX Linker Package that includes a connecting cable and
software. WinFX runs under Windows 95 or later versions of Windows.
The FX41 indicator is connected via the cable to the RS232 serial port of an IBM
compatible computer. All records in memory are uploaded to the PC for viewing, sorting,
printing or passing to another application, such as a spreadsheet, for further analysis.
The FX41 is factory set to a baud rate of 19200 for the speedy transfer of records to the
computer. If there is a particular need to change this setting, go into SET-UP and select
from the range 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200 and 38400. This setting only changes the
RS232 communications port on the 9 pin connector on the back of the FX41. Other
devices attached to the 25 pin “OPTIONAL I/O” connector are unaffected.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
FX41 Program Versions 1.xx
Before connecting the FX41 to a PC, you must disconnect an Iconix FX Printer or an
Allflex EID reader from the 25 pin “Optional I/O” connector. Later model FX41s running
program versions 2.01 or later do not have this restriction.

Use of the 25 pin “Optional I/O” Connector

This connector is reserved for the use with the Iconix FX Printer, the Iconix AutoDrafter
and Allflex EID readers. DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER EQUIPMENT, as damage is
likely due to the power supply voltages brought out on to this connector.

Page 12 FX41 User Manual 08May08

7. DRAFTING (Sorting By Weight)
Draft limits may be set to allow sorting of animals into weight ranges.
No Drafting
Set both draft limits to 0.0
2 Way Drafting
Set one draft limit to the required weight and set the other to 0.0
The display will show H (high) or L (low) alongside the weight.
3 Way Drafting
Set the two draft limits to the required weights.
The display will show H (high), C (centre) or L (low) alongside the weight.

SETTING DRAFT LIMITS, MINIMUM & MAXIMUM

WEIGHT
Press the DRAFT LIMITS key to display the current setting for DRAFT LIMIT 1.
Note that additional settings may appear when the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed,
depending on what other features are enabled. See the DRAFTING BY WEIGHT GAIN
section below. Also see Section 10: AUTO-DRAFTING.

Example: DRAFT LIMIT 1 = 550.0

OK=(ENTER), or NEW #

To change a draft limit, enter the new weight using the numeric keypad.

Step on to DRAFT LIMIT 2 by pressing DRAFT LIMITS or ENTER.

Example: DRAFT LIMIT 2 = 440.0
OK=(ENTER), or NEW #

Step on to MINIMUM WEIGHT by pressing DRAFT LIMITS or ENTER.

Example: MINIMUM WT = 300.0
OK=(ENTER), or NEW #

The minumum weight is the lowest weight that will be accepted in a record. During the
weighing session, if the weight is below the minimum, the following message will appear
after WEIGH is pressed:

BELOW MIN. WEIGHT

CANNOT STORE RECORD

Step on to MAXIMUM WEIGHT by pressing DRAFT LIMITS or ENTER.

Example: MAXIMUM WT = 600.0
OK=(ENTER), or NEW #

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 13

The maximum weight is the highest weight that will be accepted in a record. If the weight
is above the maximum, the following message will appear after WEIGH is pressed:

ABOVE MAX. WEIGHT

CANNOT STORE RECORD

After setting the maximum weight, exit to the normal operating mode by pressing DRAFT
LIMITS or ENTER.

DRAFTING BY WEIGHT GAIN

If Auto or Manual Weight Gain is selected in SET-UP, a choice of drafting modes will
appear when DRAFT LIMITS is pressed:
1. DRAFT BY WEIGHT
For normal drafting according to the weight ranges set by the Draft Limits.
2. DRAFT BY WEIGHT GAIN
To draft an animal according to the weight gained since a previous weighing. The
amount of weight gained is compared with the Gain Limits, to determine whether the
gain is H (high), C (centre) or L (low), as shown on the large display alongside the
animal's weight.
3. DRAFT BY GAIN / DAY
To draft an animal according to the average daily weight gain since a previous
weighing. The average daily weight gain is compared with the Gain/Day Limits, to
determine whether it is H (high), C (centre) or L (low), as shown on the large display
alongside the animal's weight.
Having selected the required drafting mode, press DRAFT LIMITS or ENTER to accept.
Depending on the drafting mode, the value of Draft Limit 1, Gain Limit 1 or Gain / Day 1
will be displayed and a new value may be entered. The Gain or Gain/Day Limits may also
be changed to negative values by pressing the  key, allowing drafting by weight loss.
When drafting by Weight Gain or Gain / Day, when the animal has been weighed the
display will show the amount of gain (or loss) and the number of days since the earlier
weighing. To show the weight gain / day, press the  key.
Note that when drafting by Weight Gain or Gain / Day, no draft statistics are available.

“What If” Drafting Statistics

Since statistics are recalculated every time they are accessed, the user may change the
draft limits and re-examine the drafting statistics to determine how many animals would
have been drafted into each weight range with different settings.

Automatic Drafting Option

When the Auto-Draft option is enabled in SET-UP, an additional setting for Drafting
Direction appears when the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed. See Section 10: AUTO-
DRAFTING for full details.

Page 14 FX41 User Manual 08May08

8. SET-UP
The operation of the FX41 system can be modified to suit individual needs by pressing
the SET-UP key and configuring various options.

 At each option the user may change the setting or move on to the next.
 For an early exit from set-up, press the SET-UP key rather than stepping through all
options.
 All set-up parameters are stored in permanent memory.

NOTE : Ensure that the correct set of loadbars or platform is connected to the FX41
indicator before attempting to change any set-up parameters. There are three possible
scale types that are automatically recognised when plugged in, as shown by the Scale
1,2,3 annunciators on the right of the display. All of the set-up parameters are
independently set and stored for each scale type.

PREFIXING: ON / OFF
When selected ON, allows an ID prefix of up to 8 digits to be entered. When weighing,
the ID is automatically set to the prefix number, then extra ID digits may be manually
added if required. This feature is useful where the first part of the IDs will be identical for
all or part of a weighing session.

WEIGHT GAIN: OFF / AUTO / MANUAL

If weight gain analysis is not required, for best operating speed set to WEIGHT GAIN =
OFF. When there are large numbers of records in memory, gain comparisons may take
some time to calculate.
In AUTO mode, the weight gain calculations are performed automatically. In MANUAL
mode they are under user control. Refer to Section 9: SPECIAL MODES - WEIGHT
GAIN for full details.
If the MANUAL mode is selected, the user is prompted to enter the group file number to
be used in the weight comparisons.
NOTE 1: If either weight gain mode is enabled, options to Draft by Weight Gain and
Draft by Gain Per Day become available when the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed.
NOTE 2: If either weight gain mode is enabled, ensure that MULTIPLE WEIGH = OFF.

KILL-OUT PERCENT
The percent setting (range 0.0 – 999.9%) is the value used for calculating kill-out weight
or projected growth weights, as displayed by a press of the  key after a new weighing
is done.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 15

 COMMUNICATION WITH EXTERNAL DEVICES
The FX41 may be configured as follows:
OFF-LINE No external devices connected
COMPUTER ON-LINE For a computer connected to the 9 pin RS232 socket
PRINTER ON-LINE For an Iconix Printer on the 25 pin “OPTIONAL I/O” socket
DRAFT / EID ON-LINE Many options. See AUTO-DRAFT / EID section
The baud rate setting applies to the 9 pin RS232 communications port for connection to a
computer. Selecting DRAFT / EID ON-LINE still allows a computer to be connected.
The Iconix FX Printer, Iconix Auto-Draft Controller or an EID Reader are all connected via
the 25 pin “OPTIONAL I/O” socket. This is a dedicated port for these devices. It is
possible to run an Auto-Draft Controller and EID Reader simultaneously - Iconix can
provide a special adaptor cable for this purpose.

DUPLICATE ID CHECK: ON / OFF

When Duplicate Checking is enabled, when WEIGH is pressed after entering a tag
number, all records in the selected Group are checked for previous use of the same
(non-zero) tag number in the current weighing session (records with the present date).

MULTIPLE WEIGH: ON / OFF

When selected ON, allows the weighing of several animals at a time. When weighing, the
number of animals is entered via the CODE/MULTIPLE key, then WEIGH is pressed.
When Multiple Weigh is enabled, statistics are displayed for the average animal weight.
Note that the Condition Code entry is not available when Multiple Weigh is enabled.
NOTE: Ensure that Multiple Weigh is only enabled if needed, as records stored in this
mode may not be used for weight gain comparisons with a later weighing session.

DISPLAY RELEASE: ON / OFF

The standard factory setting is Display Release OFF, which in the HOLD modes keeps
the last weighing locked on the display, until the next weighing. For Display Release ON,
when the animal that has been weighed is moved from the scale, the displayed weight
will not remain locked on the display.

ZERO-TRACK: ON / OFF
Zero-tracking automatically restores the scale to zero, by “tracking out” small amounts of
dung and dirt left on the scale. It should be enabled for most weighing applications.

UNITS: KG / LB
Select between kilograms and pounds. Note that a change to this setting should only
be made when there are no records in memory.

TIME AND DATE SETTING

The settings for the internal clock-calendar are accessed in the following order:
HOURS, MINUTES, YEAR, MONTH, DAY

Page 16 FX41 User Manual 08May08

9. SPECIAL MODES
MULTIPLE WEIGH
When this feature is selected, several animals may be weighed together. Note that the
Condition Code entry is not available when Multiple Weigh is enabled.
Normally a new unused group should be selected before starting a session of
multiple animal weighings.
Load the animals on to the platform.
If required, enter the ID (tag number) of up to 8 digits on the numeric keypad.
Press CODE/MULTIPLE, then set the COUNT equal to the number of animals.
Press the WEIGH key to store a new record and display the details. The top display
shows the average animal weight and H (high), C (centre) or L (low) according to
the weight range of the average weight compared with the draft limits.

For example: H 82.5

ID=321
TOT WT = 990 kg

A press of the  key, shows additional details on the lower display.

For example: % OF WEIGHT = 45.4
GRP = 5 COUNT = 12

“% OF WEIGHT = 45.4” is the average kill-out weight of the animals, according to

the Kill-out Percent setting.
The record added to memory in the currently selected group consists of:
Count, Total Weight, Group, Date, ID Number (if used)

When weight statistics are displayed, the average weight of an individual animal is shown
(calculated from the sum of the Total Weights divided by the sum of the Counts).
When drafting statistics are calculated, the average animal weight in each multiple
weighing record is compared with the draft limits and the Count from that record added to
the High, Centre or Low numbers.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 17

 WEIGHT GAINS
If weight gain analysis is not required, in SET-UP select WEIGHT GAIN = OFF for best
operating speed. When there are large numbers of records in memory, gain comparisons
may take some time to calculate.
For weight gain comparisons, ensure in SET-UP that MULTIPLE WEIGH = OFF during
all weighing sessions.
Auto Weight Gain Mode
In AUTO weight gain mode, the FX41 searches through all records in memory for the
most recent previous weighing of the animal just weighed. For a match the record must
have the same non-zero ID number and the most recent date (but not the current date).
The record can be in any group, including the currently selected group.
Manual Weight Gain Mode
To compare weights with other than the most recent weighing, select MANUAL mode
then enter the number of the group file with the previous weighings. Each weighing
session for a particular mob of animals should be recorded in a different group file.
Weight gains can then be compared with the nominated earlier weighing session.
Display Examples
For either gain mode, after the ID is entered and WEIGH pressed, the new record is
stored and the displays updated. The weight gain and number of days since the previous
weighing are shown:

For example: C 546

ID=321
34.5kg 61 DAYS

A press of the  key, shows the weight gain per day.

For example: GAIN/DAY = 0.565kg
GRP = 5 CODE = 0.0

Weight Gain Statistics

For the average weight gain (in average number of days) and average daily weight gain
of the mob:
Press  then *WGT GAIN AVG 25.1kg 61 DAYS
GAIN/DAY = 0.411 kg

Each animal with a non-zero ID weighed in the current weighing session (today’s date) in
the currently selected group file is compared with the most recent previous weighing of
that animal (AUTO mode) or nominated previous weighing (MANUAL mode). All records
with a valid previous weighing are used in the calculation of the average weight gain,
average number of days since the previous weighing and the average daily weight gain.

Page 18 FX41 User Manual 08May08

10. AUTO-DRAFTING
USING THE ICONIX AUTO-DRAFT CONTROLLER
The auto-drafting feature allows the FX41 to be used for automating the drafting of cattle
and sheep when used with suitable crates fitted with the Iconix Auto-Draft Controller. The
FX41 communicates with the Auto-Draft Controller via the 25 pin “OPTIONAL I/O”
connector. To enable this feature:
1. In SET-UP, first select DRAFT / EID ON-LINE.
2. Select AUTO-DRAFT = GENERAL or RACEWELL (see below for a description of the
two operating modes).
3. If GENERAL auto-drafting is selected, settings for WEIGH DELAY and RELEASE
DELAY will follow. These delays only apply when Trigger is set to External.
4. Select TRIGGER = EXTERNAL for automatic starting of the weigh / draft cycle
or TRIGGER = WEIGH KEY for manual starting of the weigh / draft cycle

Drafting Modes
The GENERAL mode assumes that a conventional type of crate is being used, where an
"IN gate" controls the entry of the animal into the crate and an "OUT gate" controls its
release when weighing is complete.
The RACEWELL mode requires that the crate clamps a sheep once it has entered the
crate. The clamping action occurs automatically and controls the release of the sheep
from the crate. IN and OUT gates are not present in this system. Racewell Ltd is a New
Zealand company that offers such a system.
For both types of crate, the drafting gates are installed at the exit point of the crate. The
Iconix Auto-Draft Controller opens the appropriate gate according to the weight range of
the animal or other drafting criteria.

Starting the Weigh / Draft Cycle

Where it is desired to enter tag numbers and/or condition codes or to start the weigh /
draft cycle manually for any other reason, select TRIGGER = WEIGH KEY. Weighing
and drafting are then initiated by a press of the WEIGH key, having first typed the tag
number and/or condition code if required.
To automate weighing and drafting whenever an animal enters the crate, select
TRIGGER = EXTERNAL. In the case of the Racewell crate, a signal is sent from the
crate to the FX41 when the clamping of the sheep occurs. Similarly for a cattle crate
fitted with a microswitch that closes when the "IN gate" has been closed, automatic
starting of the weigh cycle can be achieved. For both types of crate, the external switch
contacts activate the Weigh function, eliminating the need to manually press the WEIGH
key.

Delay Settings in General Mode

In the GENERAL auto-draft mode, instead of the weigh cycle starting as soon as the
External Trigger has occurred, it is delayed by the value set for the WEIGH DELAY.
The automatic opening of the "OUT gate" at the end of the weigh cycle may also be
delayed by the value of RELEASE DELAY. This feature may be used to allow the drafting
gates to fully change to the required direction before releasing the animal from the crate.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 19

A RELEASE DELAY setting of 0.0 seconds allows the operator to control the release
manually by pressing ENTER when ready, as prompted by a message on the display.

Drafting Gate Direction (access using the DRAFT LIMITS key)

When auto-draft is enabled in SET-UP, an additional drafting setting is available when
the DRAFT LIMITS key is pressed.
H C L High weights=left Centre weights=centre Low weights=right
H L C
C H L
C L H
L H C
L C H Low weights=left Centre weights=centre High weights=right
For 3-way drafting, the High, Centre and Low weight animals may be drafted left, right or
straight through.
For 2-way drafting, set one of the draft limits to zero and select the direction for the High
and Low weight animals (ignore the Centre weight direction).

Default Draft Direction (access using the DRAFT LIMITS key)

When auto-draft is enabled in SET-UP and a drafting mode other than DRAFT BY
WEIGHT is selected, an additional drafting setting is available when the DRAFT LIMITS
key is pressed.
Select from DEFAULT DRAFT = LEFT, CENTRE, RIGHT
This is the direction in which an animal will be drafted if:
1. DRAFT BY WEIGHT GAIN or DRAFT BY GAIN/DAY is selected and a gain
comparison for the animal is not able to be made.
2. DRAFT BY EID or WEIGH, DRAFT BY EID is selected and there is no EID drafting
record for this animal in memory.

Manual Override of Auto-Drafting

When auto-drafting is in progress, it is possible to override the FX41-selected drafting
direction, using the 0 key on the numeric keypad (remember 0 for 0verride).
Press 0 to select the CENTRE GATE
Press 0 again to select the RIGHT GATE
Press 0 again to select the LEFT GATE
At any time during manual override, press any key other than 0 to exit manual override
and return to the weighing mode. On exit, all gates will be left in the closed state.
Note that if the override feature is used to send animals in a different direction from that
indicated by FX41, then the draft statistics will not be the same as the number of animals
physically drafted through each gate.

Speed Weighing / Hi-Speed Weighing / Count Mode

(see Section 3: WEIGH MODES)

Page 20 FX41 User Manual 08May08

11. ELECTRONIC ID (EID)
EID SET-UP OPTIONS
The FX41 provides the flexibility to handle a range of EID applications. A summary of the
EID set-up menus follows:

1. In SET-UP, first select PREFIXING = OFF. Prefixing is not compatible with EID.
2. Select DRAFT / EID ON-LINE.
3. Step past the AUTO-DRAFT mode selection (and delay settings for General Mode).
4. Select EID = ON.
5. Select READ CONTINUOUS for full time operation of the EID reader - suitable for
an EID reader placed in the race prior to the weighing crate or platform.
or select READ AFTER TRIGGER depending on the application.
6. Enter EID TIMEOUT(sec), the number of seconds after the trigger for which the FX41
continues to wait for a valid EID from the reader. A setting of 0 seconds means that a
valid EID is expected to have already been received prior to the trigger.
7. Select HALT IF NO EID = ON / OFF. If enabled, when there is no EID present (a
timeout occurs without scanning a valid EID), the FX41 will halt until the user decides
whether to continue weighing the animal or not. This allows the operator to fit a new
EID to replace one that is missing.
8. Select HALT IF NO XREF = ON / OFF. If enabled, when an EID is scanned but there
is no corresponding entry in the cross-reference table, the FX41 will halt until the user
decides whether to continue or to add a new cross-reference entry on-the-fly.
9. To view entries in the EID/Visual ID (tag number) cross-reference table, manually
add new entries or delete all entries, choose ENTER X-REF MENU. See the section
EID/VID Cross Reference Table below for further details.
10. Select EID = ALLFLEX, TIRIS or AGRIDENT, according to the type of reader.
If EID = ALLFLEX is selected, an option to INITIALISE READER? is provided. The
Allflex reader will then be set up to work optimally with the FX41.
11. Select from TRIGGER = WEIGH KEY Manual operation
TRIGGER = EXTERNAL Signal from Racewell sheep crate
TRIGGER = EID Valid EID received
TRIGGER = WEIGHT Weight is above the Minimum Weight
The trigger occurs when the animal is in the correct position on the platform/crate for
weighing and recording. For example, with the TRIGGER = EID option, placement of
the EID reader can be used to determine when the animal is in the correct position
for weighing.

NOTE: FX41 Program Versions 1.xx

Before connecting an Allflex EID reader to the 25 pin “Optional I/O” connector on the
FX41, you must disconnect any computer or other device attached to the 9 pin RS232
connector. Later model FX41s running program versions 2.01 or later do not have this
restriction.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 21

 DRAFTING BY EID
Instead of normal drafting operation (drafting according to weight range or weight gain),
animals may be drafted in a pre-determined direction according to their EID. A file
containing EIDs and drafting directions may be loaded from a computer using the Iconix
WinFX linker program. When the animal's EID is received from the reader, the FX41 will
drive automatic drafting gates in the required direction via the Iconix Auto-Draft
Controller. An animal may optionally be weighed first, before it is drafted according to the
direction in the pre-loaded file.
1. Use the WinFX linker program to download the EID drafting file to the FX41. Full
details on this are provided in the on-line help in WinFX.
2. The drafting file will have been stored in a Group in memory according to data in the
file. Select this Group in the FX41.
3. In SET-UP, first select DRAFT / EID ON-LINE.
4. Select AUTO-DRAFT ON and EID = ON.
5. Using the DRAFT LIMITS key, select DRAFT BY EID or alternatively if the animal is
to be weighed first, select WEIGH, DRAFT BY EID.
6. Ensure that the other FX41 settings are correct for normal EID based weighing.
Now when an EID is scanned, the currently selected group is checked for the presence
of an EID drafting record with a matching EID. If a match is found, a drafting gate will be
opened in the direction specified in the record.
Note that the drafting record will be converted to a normal weighing record, except that
the weight stored will be zero (except in the case of WEIGH, DRAFT BY EID). This
means that this drafting record is no longer present and cannot be re-used unless it is
downloaded again by WinFX.

Page 22 FX41 User Manual 08May08

 EID / VID CROSS REFERENCE TABLE
The FX41 may be set up with a cross reference table supplied by a computer, using the
Iconix WinFX Linker Package, or scanned/entered manually. The cross-reference table
has a maximum of 3000 entries. Each entry in the table has 2 components:
VID (Visual ID or tag number) up to 6 digits
EID (Electronic ID) up to 16 digits
Whenever an EID is received from the reader, the cross reference table is checked and if
that EID is found, the corresponding VID is used on the display instead.
For access to the cross-reference table, go into SET-UP and follow steps 1 to 8 in the
section EID SET-UP OPTIONS above. Press the  key to ENTER X-REF MENU.
Now use the  key to step through the options:
ADD X-REF ENTRIES ? Manually add new entries
X-REF SCROLL ? View entries, optionally edit the VID, or delete an entry
DELETE X-REFS ? Delete all entries in table
EXIT ?
Press ENTER to perform the selected function.
Adding Cross-Reference Entries
Type the tag number for a new entry in response to "VISUAL ID = 0". If a mistake is
made, use the DELETE key to backspace then correct.
After pressing ENTER to accept the new VID, the message "SCAN NEW EID NOW...."
appears. The reader must scan a new EID within about 3 seconds for the the VID / EID
entry to be valid. The EID must be a unique number and duplicates are not permitted in
the cross-reference table, with a warning appearing if an attempt is made to add a
duplicate. No check for duplicate VIDs is made.
Scrolling Through the Cross-Reference Table
For each entry, the VID is displayed and a press of the key will allow viewing of the
associated EID. The user can then scroll up  or scroll down  through the entries.
While scrolling through records in memory, the displayed record may be deleted or
edited. The various entry points to the Delete/Edit menu can be accessed by pressing the
following keys:
DELETE DELETE X-REF ? Delete the currently selected entry
0 to 9 EDIT VISUAL ID ? Edit the VID of the currently selected entry
EXIT ?
Use the  key to step between the different options and press ENTER to select.

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 23

 PLANNING AN EID BASED SYSTEM
EID offers power and flexibility, especially when combined with auto-drafting. However
some planning is required in setting up and using such a system to full advantage. The
following recommendations will assist that process.
The Cross-Reference Table
If animals are already fitted with visual IDs (VID) and it is intended to use the EID/VID
cross reference table, attach the EIDs as a separate operation. Then bring the animals to
the location of the FX41 and EID reader, having selected ADD X-REF ENTRIES in SET-
UP. Type the visual ID and scan in the EID for each animal.
With all animals cross-referenced, it is important to use WinFX to upload the cross-
reference table to a PC and save as a back-up before proceeding any further.
WinFX can be used for downloading a cross-reference table from the PC to the FX41.
Note that if this is done, the FX41 will add the cross-reference entries to those already in
memory. First decide whether to clear the existing cross-reference table in the FX41.
WinFX allows the deletion of cross-reference entries by connecting the EID reader
directly to the PC. For example, culled animals may have had their EIDs removed for
later re-use. Load the required cross-reference file into WinFX, then scan the removed
EIDs one at a time to delete them from the file. WinFX provides more details on this
feature. The edited cross-reference file may then be downloaded to the FX41.

Page 24 FX41 User Manual 08May08

12. SPECIFICATIONS
Supply Voltage: Nominal .... 12V DC
Maximum .... 19V DC
Reverse polarity protection diode fitted.
Low Battery Indication: Below 11.8 Volts the LOW BAT pointer s will be on.
The FX41 switches off at approximately 10.5 Volts.
Supply Current: Approximately 160 mA including loadbar set.
Temperature Range: -5ºC to +50ºC
Zero Tracking: Small residual weights left on the scale between weighings (dirt build
up) are automatically 'zero-tracked' out and the scale restored to zero.
As this occurs the ZERO pointer s will indicate that ZERO has been
reached.
The zero-tracking amount is set to 0.5% of the weight displayed after
the last press of the WEIGH key, with a 2.2 kg maximum.

At switch-on the zero-tracking amount is initialised to 0.015% of

capacity (0.3 kg for 2000 kg loadbar set).
Resolution: Autoranges in graduated steps from the zero point of the scale.

Scale 1:
Standard Loadbars Metric Model Resolution Imperial Model Resolution
0 - 20 kg 0.1 kg 0 - 40 LB 0.2 LB
20 - 50 kg 0.2 kg 0 - 100 LB 0.5 LB
50 - 200 kg 0.5 kg 100 - 400 LB 1 LB
200 - 500 kg 1 kg 400 - 1000 LB 2 LB
500 - 2000 kg 2 kg 1000 - 4000 LB 5 LB

Minimum Capacity: 20 kg (The 0-20kg range is available but is not part of the EMC
specification).

Scale 2:
Vet Scale 0 - 100 kg 0.05 kg 0- 200 LB 0.1 LB
100 - 300 kg 0.1 kg 200 - 600 LB 0.2 LB

Scale 3:
Heavy-Duty Loadbars 0 - 100 kg 0.5 kg 0 - 200 LB 1 LB
100 - 200 kg 1 kg 200 - 400 LB 2 LB
200 - 1000 kg 2 kg 400 - 2000 LB 5 LB
1000 - 3000 kg 5 kg 2000 - 6000 LB 10 LB

Accuracy: ± 0.5% of Displayed Reading ± 1 Division (where 1 division is

0.1kg, 0.5kg etc depending on weight range)
RF Immunity: Maximum additional error in a 3V/m RF field in the range
27 - 500 MHz is : ± 2 divisions for 20 – 50 kg
± 1 division for 50 – 200 kg
± 0 division for 200 –2000 kg
EMC Approvals: Meets or exceeds the following standards:
IEC801-2 Electrostatic discharge
EM50081-1 Free radiation measurements
EM50082-1 RF immunity

FX41 User Manual 08May08 Page 25

STEEL LOADBAR SET 2000KG

A B
TOP BOTTOM

LOADBAR DIMENSION
LOAD LOAD

126

152
AREA AREA A B
600 mm 570 546
15 125 60 1000 mm 970 946

HEAVY DUTY LOADBAR SET 3000KG

Ø 14
TOP
200

160

Length 1000
80 800 80 Width 200
Height 115
Ø 16
BOTTOM
200

160

960

Page 26 FX41 User Manual 08May08