C-39 Indicator

For
Helicopter Load Weigh Systems

Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual Number 120-039-00

Revision 6
July 9, 2015

13915 NW 3rd Court Vancouver Washington 98685 USA

Phone: 360-546-3072 Fax: 360-546-3073 Toll Free: 800-275-0883
www.OnboardSystems.com
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 RECORD OF REVISIONS

Revision Date Page(s) Reason for Revision

2 9/17/02 Title, 4-2 Factory address change.

3 10/24/07 TOC, Added explanation of warnings, cautions and notes to
Section 1, Section 1. Updated warnings, cautions and notes
3-7 to 3-9 throughout.
& 3-12
4 11/04/10 All Updated format of safety labels (was “warnings,
cautions and notes”). Updated applicable part
numbers, updated appearance of indicator to reflect
current configuration.
5 05/05/12 1-1 Updated table 1-1.
6 07/09/15 All Removed installation instructions section and
inspection, maintenance, and troubleshooting section.
This information is contained within Owner’s Manual
and/or ICA supplied with kits.
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Contents
Section 1 General Information
Introduction, 1-1
Safety Labels, 1-2
Features, 1-3
Specifications, 1-3
Indicator Pin Out, 1-3

Section 2 Operation Instructions

About the Front Panel, 2-1
The Run Mode, 2-2
To Zero or Tare the Display, 2-3
To Un-Zero the Display, 2-3
Error Codes, 2-4
The Setup Mode, 2-5
Indicator Dampening, 2-7
To look at, or change the dampening level, 2-7
Indicator Calibration, 2-8
To look at or change the calibration code, 2-8
Installation Zero, 2-9
To run the installation zero routine, 2-9
Calibration by Lifting a Known Weight, 2-9
To run calibration by known weight routine, 2-10
Setting the Scale on a Remote Analog Meter, 2-11
To look at or change the scale, 2-11
Select KG or LB Units, 2-12
To look at or change the units, 2-12
Indicator Version, 2-13

i
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Section 1
General Information
Introduction
The C-39 Indicator is a cockpit mounted Indicator whose purpose is to
display the weight of the load carried on the cargo hook. The Indicator is
part of a three component load weigh system, the Load Cell and the
Internal Harness are the other components. The Indicator is usually
supplied as part of a complete load weigh kit.
This manual is applicable to C-39 indicator P/N 210-095-00 which is the
base version (features 28V incandescent lights and 5V analog output)
and to the following part numbers which have the variations from the
base version as noted.
Table 1-1 C-39 Indicator Versions
Part No. Variation Equivalent Part No.
210-095-00 Standard Configuration, 28 VDC lights None
210-095-02 5V incandescent lights 210-177-00
210-095-03 7V analog output 210-175-00
210-095-04 28V NVG lights, 7V analog output 210-186-00
210-095-05 5V NVG lights None
210-099-00 DB9 Connector None
210-102-00 Kaman Helicopter Version Kaman K983185-003

General Information 1-1

Safety Labels
The following definitions apply to safety labels used in this manual.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not

avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

Draws the reader’s attention to important or

unusual information not directly related to safety.

Used to address practices not related to personal

injury.

1-2 General Information

Specifications
Table 1-2 C-39 Indicator Specifications
Size Fits standard 2¼" clock hole
Weight .47 lbs (.21 kgs)
Operating Voltage 21 to 31 VDC
Current Consumption < 25 mA
Accuracy Over Operating 0.1%  1 digit
Temperature Range
Operating Temperature Range +70C to -45C
Storage Temperature Range +80C to -50C
Scaleable Analog Output 0 to 7VDC  0.5% (depending on
version)

Indicator Pin Out

The connector located on the back of the Indicator has the following pin
out.
Table 1-3 C-39 Indicator Pin Out*
Pin Letter Function
A + 28 VDC In
B - Load Cell Signal
C + Load Cell Signal
D + Load Cell Excitation
E Load Cell Common
F Analog Out Common
G + Analog Out
H Hook Open
J Data Recorder Clock
K Data Recorder Data
L Shield
M Back Light Common
N Back Light Source 28 VDC
P Aircraft Ground
R Not Used
*Contact the factory for pin out of Indicator P/N 210-099-00 with DB-9
connector.

General Information 1-3

Section 2
Operation Instructions
About the Front Panel
The C-39 Indicator front panel includes the following features.

 The four 7 segment LCD digits show the weight on the cargo hook
and displays various Setup information.

 The Legends clarify the digital display. i.e. when the LB Legend is
turned on the display will be pounds, ect.

 The Right Button is used to Zero the display in the Run Mode and
select the digit to be changed in the Setup mode.

 The Left Button is used to Un-Zero the display in the Run Mode and
scroll the selected digit in the Setup Mode.

Figure 3-1 Front Panel

Calibration & Zero & Un-Zero Legend

Dampening
Legend
Unit Legend

Digits

Left Button Right Button

Operation Instructions 2-1

The Run Mode
The C-39 Indicator has two operating modes, Run and Setup. The Run
mode is used to display the cargo hook weight and the Setup Mode is
used to Setup or configure the Indicator to the helicopter and to the load
cell. When powered up, the Indictor always comes to life in the Run
mode.

After the C-39 has been correctly installed, power it up by activating the
Load Weigh Circuit Breaker. The Indicator will go through a self
diagnostic routine. During this routine the display will display all of the
digits and legends. If a problem is found during the routine an Error
Code will be displayed. For an explanation of Error Codes see the
section Error Codes. After the diagnostic routine the display should look
like this:

Figure 3-2 After Diagnostic Routine

The illustration is of the Indicator in the Run Mode with no load on the
hook. Note the LB legend displayed.

Figure 3-3 LB Legend Displayed

The illustration is a typical hook load reading. The display is 3,500

pounds, note the last digit is not displayed.

2-2 Operation Instructions

To Zero or Tare the Display
The zero feature is used to zero or tare the weight on the cargo hook that
is not wanted, such as the weight of a cargo net or long line. The Right
button is used to zero the Indicator reading. When the Right button is
pressed the display is zeroed. The zero legend is turned on and the
zeroed number is stored in memory. If the Right button is pressed again,
before the Un-Zero button is pressed, the display blinks in response to
the button closure. Zero is only available in the Run Mode.
Figure 3-4 Zeroing the Display

Zero Legend

Un-Zero
Legend

To Un-Zero the Display

The Left button is used to add the zeroed value back into the current
Indicator reading or Un-Zero the display. When the Left button is
pressed, the number previously zeroed is added to the current display
and the Un-Zero legend is turned on. If the new number is less than zero,
zero is displayed. If the Left button is again pressed before the Zero
button is pressed, the display blinks in response to the button closure.
Un-Zero is only available in the Run Mode.

Operation Instructions 2-3

Error Codes
Error Codes are the result of difficulties discovered during the Indicator
diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests occur at power up and during the
execution of certain routines. Listed below is a matrix of the Error Code
displays, their meaning and possible corrective action. Pressing either
button will usually bypass the error code, however, the displayed
information may be suspect.
Table 3-1 C-39 Indicator Error Codes
POSSIBLE
DISPLAY CAUSE CORRECTIVE ACTION
Err 1 A/D or D/A circuit Potential short in the optional
failure analog meter cable. Clear short
and power cycle the Indicator
by turning the power to the
Indicator off for a few
moments. If Error Code
continues, return the Indicator
to the factory.

Err 2 NV Ram failure Power cycle the Indicator; if

Error Code continues, return
the Indicator to the factory.

Err 3 NV Ram write failure Re-enter data, if Error Code

continues, return the Indicator
to the factory.

Err 4 NV Ram busy failure Power cycle the Indicator, if

Error Code continues return
the Indicator to the factory.

2-4 Operation Instructions

The Setup Mode
The C-39 Indicator can be used with a wide range of helicopters and
load cells. The Setup mode on the Indicator matches the Indicator to the
load cell and to the helicopter. This is done by entering data into the
Indicator. Entered data includes the load cell calibration code, the units
that the Indicator should read-out (pounds or kilograms), and several
other items.
The Indicator has a group of Setup routines, arranged in menu form, that
are used to configure the Indicator. Shown on the next page is a matrix
of the Setup routines and a brief discussion of their function and how
they are programmed. A complete discussion of each Setup item is
presented later in this section.
To enter the Setup Mode press both the Right and Left buttons at the
same time while the Indicator is powered up and in the Run Mode. To
exit the Setup Mode and return to the Run Mode, press both the buttons
at the same time. If you are in a Setup routine and have started to change
an entry, but you change your mind before completing the procedure,
power cycle the Indicator to exit the Setup Mode and then go to the Run
Mode without changing the item. The Indicator is power cycled by
turning the Indicator power off for a few moments.

Operation Instructions 2-5

Table 3-2 C-39 Indicator Setup Routines

MENU FUNCTION DISPLAY

Press the Left button Press the Right button to view or change To return to the Run Mode press both
to scroll through the the menu item the Right and Left buttons at the same
menu time
Dampening Level, sets the pilots Blinking display is previously entered
DAMP preference for display dampening. Dampening Level. Select the desired
dampening level by pressing the Left
Button.
Calibration Code, matches the Indicator to Display is previously entered CAL
CODE the load cell. Code. The Code is changed by
selecting the digit to be changed with
the Right Button. The selected digit
will blink. Change the blinking digit
by pressing the Left Button.
Installation ZERO, matches the Indicator to Display is a combination of load on
0 in the installed load cell and to the helicopter. the load cell, and normal load cell zero
After this procedure the display will be offset. Remove all weight from the
zero when no load is on the cargo hook. installed load cell except the cargo
hook, and press any button to
complete the procedure and return to
the Run Mode.
Load, is used to calibrate the system by No previous display is shown. Enter
LOAD lifting a known load. the known load using the Right Button
to select the digit to be changed and
Left Button to enter the number.
Known load is entered "X 10" i.e.;
5000 kilograms is entered as 500.
After the known load is entered, press
both buttons at the same time and lift
the known load. When the load is
stabilized press either button. A new
calibration code will be calculated and
the known load will be displayed. This
completes the procedure.
Scale, matches the analog output of the Display is previously entered number.
Scale Indicator to an optional remote analog To change the number use the Right
meter. Button to select a digit, use the Left
button to scroll the digit to the desired
number. Entry is times 10.
LB KG Units, selects the Indicator units (pounds or Display is previously selected unit. To
kilograms). change the unit, use the Left button.
XX - V Version, is the revision level of the Version is for information only, it
Indicator hardware and software. cannot be changed.

2-6 Operation Instructions

Indicator Dampening
The Damp or dampening routine allows the pilot to adjust the Indicator
dampening level to his preference. The dampening routine is a program
that stabilizes the Indicator reading. It offers a trade-off between
Indicator responsiveness and stability. Ten dampening levels are
available, from 0 through 9. At level 0 the display responds to the
slightest change in weight. However, if the load bounced even slightly,
the display digits would respond instantly, making the display look
unstable. With a dampening level of 9, the display would be stable under
the most turbulent conditions, however, it would take several seconds for
the display to respond to a change in weight. The ideal dampening level
will depend on the flying conditions. A mid range setting of 5 or 6 is
usually adequate.

To Look at or Change the Dampening Level

With the Indicator powered up and in the Run Mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu, using the Left
Button, until the word DAMP is displayed. To look at or change the
Dampening Level then press the Right button. The display should look
like this:
Figure 3-5 Changing Dampening Level

The CAL and the DAMP legend is turned on and the previously set
dampening level is displayed. To return to Run without changing the
current dampening level press both the Right and Left buttons at the
same time. To change the dampening number, use the Left button to
scroll the blinking digit to the desired number. After the selection has
been made press both the Right and Left buttons at the same time to
return to Run.

Indicator Calibration
The Calibration Code, or CAL code, is a mandatory input. The Indicator
will not accurately display the load without the correct calibration code.
The calibration code scales the signal from the load cell.

Operation Instructions 2-7

Indicator Calibration, continued
If the C-39 Indicator was supplied as part of a Load Weigh System, the
calibration code will have been entered into the Indicator by the factory,
however, it should be confirmed. If the Indicator is to be mated to a
different load cell, it must be calibrated before use. Calibration can be
done by entering a known calibration code or by lifting a known load
and having the Indicator calibrate itself. Both options are discussed
below.

To Look at or Change the Calibration Code

With the Indicator powered up and in the Run mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu until the word
CODE is displayed, then press the Right button. The display should look
like this:
Figure 3-6 Changing the CAL Code

The CAL legend is turned on and the previously entered or computed

Calibration Code is displayed. To return to Run without changing the
CAL Code, press both the Right and Left Buttons at the same time. To
change the Calibration Code, use the Right button to select the digit to
be changed, then use the Left button to scroll the blinking digit to the
desired number. When the Calibration Code has been entered, press both
the Right and Left Button at the same time to return to Run.

Depending on the type of load cell, the

Calibration code could be a 3 or 4 digit number.
If the calibration code is a 3 digit number a
leading zero (0) must be used. For example if a
load cell had a CAL Code of 395 it would be
entered as 0395.

2-8 Operation Instructions

To Look at or Change the Calibration Code, continued
If the load cell calibration code is not known or as a cross check, the
Indicator can generate the calibration code. This is done by entering the
weight of a known load into the Indicator LOAD routine and then lifting
the load. See the section Calibration by Lifting a Known Load.
Installation Zero
Installation zero is a routine that matches the Indicator to the
INSTALLED load cell. It adjusts the Indicator reading to compensate
for the weight of the cargo hook on the load cell and whatever zero
offset is built into the load cell. The Installation Zero procedure is not
mandatory. If done the Indicator will read zero when the Un-Zero button
is pressed and there is no weight on the cargo hook. If the Installation
Zero is not done, the Indicator will show the weight of the cargo hook
plus the value of the load cell zero offset.

To Run the Installation Zero Routine

With the Indicator powered up and in the Run Mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu until the symbol
"0 in" is displayed, then press the Right button. The CAL legend will be
turned on and the current weight on the cargo hook will be displayed and
blinking. Remove any weight that is not to be zeroed out and press either
button to complete the procedure and return to the Run Mode.

Calibration by Lifting a Known Weight

Calibration by lifting a known weight is a Setup routine that calculates
the Calibration Code for the load cell attached to the Indicator. It is
useful if the load cell calibration code is not known or as a cross check
to the accuracy of a known calibration code. The procedure is done by
entering the known weight into the Indicator and then lifting the weight.
The accuracy of the procedure is directly related to the weight of the
known load. If for example the procedure was done with a 1,000 pound
load that was assumed to weigh only 900 pounds, all subsequent lifts
would be displayed 10% light.

Be sure to include the weight of everything

between the cargo hook and the load, i.e. the
cable, net, dirt, etc.
The closer the known load approaches the lifting capacity of the
helicopter, the more accurate the calculated Calibration Code will be.

Operation Instructions 2-9

To Run the Calibration by Lifting a Known Weight Routine
With the Indicator powered up and in the Run Mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu until the word
LOAD is displayed, then press the Right button. The display should look
like this:
Figure 3-7 Running CAL Routine

The CAL legend is turned on and the first digit is blinking. The previous
load is not displayed. At this point if you wish to return to the Run Mode
without changing the Calibration Code, power cycle the Indicator. At
this point it is not possible to return to the Run Mode without changing
the calibration code by using the buttons on the Indicator front panel.
To proceed with the procedure, use the Right button to select the digit to
be changed, then use the Left button to scroll the blinking digit to the
desired number. Note that the know weight is entered "X 10"; a 1000
pound load is entered as 100. When the know load has been entered,
press both the Right and Left Button at the same time. The display will
look like this:
Figure 3-8 Entering Load in CAL Routine

2-10 Operation Instructions

To Run the Calibration by Lifting a Known Weight Routine, continued
The CAL legend and the digits will be blinking. Again, at this point if
you wish to return to the Run Mode without changing the Calibration
Code, power cycle the Indicator. It is not possible to return to the Run
Mode by using the buttons on the Indicator front panel without changing
the calibration code. If you wish to proceed, lift the known load and
when it is stabilized, press either button to complete the procedure. The
Indicator will display the load. This ends the procedure. The Indicator is
now calibrated to the load cell. It is a good practice to go to the Code
routine and record the new Calibration code for later reference.

Setting the Scale on a Remote Analog Meter

The Scale routine is used when an optional analog meter is connected to
the C-39. It is used to match or calibrate the analog meter to the
Indicator. The Indicator outputs a 0 to 5 VDC analog signal which is
proportional to the load cell load (some Indicator P/Ns output 0 to 7
VDC, refer to Table 1-1). The Scale number tells the Indicator at what
point in pounds or kilograms it should reach the 5 VDC output. If for
example a 5 volt analog meter is used and its full scale reading is 10,000
pounds, the number entered into the Indicator Scale routine would be
1000 (the number is entered X 10). This number tells the Indicator that it
should output the proportional 0 to 5 VDC signal between zero pounds
and 10,000 pounds.

To look at or change the Scale

With the Indicator powered up and in the Run Mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu until the word
SCALE is displayed, then press the Right button. The display should
look like this:
Figure 3-9 Changing the Scale

Operation Instructions 2-11

 The CAL legend is turned on and the previously set Scale number is
displayed. To return to Run without changing the Scale, press both the
Right and Left Button at the same time. To change the Scale number, use
the Right button to select a digit to be changed, then use the Left button
to scroll the blinking digit to the desired number. When the complete
Scale number has been entered, press both the Right and Left Button at
the same time to return to Run.

Select KG or LB Units
The units routine sets the display to read in pounds (LB) or kilograms
(KG).

To look at or change the Units

With the Indicator powered up and in the Run mode, press both buttons
at the same time to go to Setup. Scroll through the menu until the word
LB or KG is displayed, then press the Right button. The display should
look like this:
Figure 3-10 Changing the Units

The CAL legend is turned on and the previously set unit is displayed.
To return to Run without changing the units, press both the Right and
Left Button at the same time. To change the units press the Left button.
When the selection has been made, press both the Right and Left Button
at the same time to return to Run.

The selected units are displayed when in the Run

Mode.

2-12 Operation Instructions

Indicator Version
The Version routine displays the Indicator's hardware and software
revision levels. The version is set at the factory and cannot be changed.
Figure 3-11 Looking at Indicator Version

Operation Instructions 2-13

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