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Setting up a Parcel Scale

Using a scale, you can automatically determine the parcel's weight and transmit it to pixi.

But before you are able to use the scale, some preparations need to be done. On the one hand, you will have to gather all hard- and software needed to properly use the scale and on the other hand, both pixi and the scale as well as its software, have to be set up in order to transmit and receive the parcel's weight.

This pixipedia article covers setting up a parcel scale of the type MyWeigh. The taken steps might be applicable to other scale types - if the used software is compatible with the scale.


Process

After the hard- and software have been gathered and configured, the scale can be used.
See Needed Hard- and Software for further details.

To automatically transmit the parcel's weight on Ship-Out, follow these steps:

  1. Start pixi Shipping and navigate to the SHIP OUT tab.
    The focus is automatically set to the Weight field.

  2. Put the package on the scale and confirm its weight.
    The value gets automatically transmitted to the Weight field and is confirmed.

  3. Now scan the invoice number or enter the box number to perform the Ship Out.

  4. The entered weight is now used for the package.

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Needed Hard- and Software

Scale


Scale Configuration

To avoid problems with decimal numbers, long press MODE on the scale to set the SCI.2 protocol, see the RS-232 interface documentation:

  • SCI.0: MyWeigh format (described in detail below), transmission at the touch of a key (D).

  • SCI.1: Compatibility mode, scale behaves like Toledo® PS60 150lb "Flat Top".

  • SCI.2: MyWeigh format, stable values >0 are automatically transmitted.

  • SCI.3: MyWeigh format, continuous transmission with approx. 4 data sets.


(Optional) Adapter Cable and Driver

If the computer that should be connected to the scale doesn't have a RS232 (COM port) connection, an adapter is needed in order to connect the scale using USB.

Such an adapter can for example be this one: USB to RS232 Adapter

Drivers can be downloaded here: USB 2.0 to RS232 adapter drivers


Scale Software

Some additional software is needed to be able to process the measured weight.
Smartlux 232key can be used for this.

After you have connected the scale to your computer, configure the software as follows:

Port: Select the connection port the scale is plugged into.
Device: Select your scale.

Start/Stop: To convert the scale's measurements into some text input, make sure the interface is enabled/started by clicking Start.

The software now waits for signals coming from the scale.

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Configuration pixi

To be able to receive the measured parcel's weight, the Weight field in pixi Shipping > SHIP OUT tab needs to be active.
This is how you can enable it:

  • Start pixi Control Center and enable the database setting Weight Input at Ship Out (pixi Control Center > Database Settings > Shipping)

    or

  • Start pixi Shipping > SHIP OUT tab and enable the option Compulsory weight input

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FAQ

Is my scale model supported?

For scales that are not supported by 232key, please contact the scale manufacturer or check to what extent this enables software for your scale model to be connected to a PC, as well as related license or setup fees.

Basically, the connection should meet the following requirements:

  1. the weight can be transferred from the software to the PC using the button on the control unit of the scale in such a way that it is entered to a focused text field

  2. this transfer of the weight must be in the format required for pixi

  3. At the end of the transfer, the software should confirm the entry with ENTER to trigger the Ship-Out in pixi

Alternatively, you can check whether the Plus version of 232key supports your scale model. If this is not the case, it is possible that the "Generic measuring instrument" type of scale can be used. However, we cannot make any statements about which settings in 232key are required for your model in this case.


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