Brecknell SBI-505 Manual, Explained: Setup, Calibration, Menu Settings and Error Codes
Short answer: the Brecknell SBI-505 manual (AWT35-500827) covers six jobs: power the indicator from its 9 VDC adapter, wire up to six 350 ohm load cells, use the Zero, Tare, Print, Count and Total keys, calibrate through menu C01 to C07 with the seal switch ON, set the C08 to C39 parameters, and read the UUUUUU, nnnnnnn and ERR1 to ERR6 codes. Calibrating takes a test weight of at least one tenth of the configured capacity; Brecknell suggests 60 to 80 percent. The SBI-505 is NTEP (CC 11-082). Download the manual from Brecknell (PDF); this guide puts the steps and settings in one place.
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The Brecknell SBI-505 is a digital weight indicator for floor, bench and platform scales, with a red LED display, kg and lb units, counting, accumulation and an RS-232 port. It reads up to 30,000 display divisions from a 2,000,000-count A/D converter. Below are the figures and steps from Brecknell’s user instructions, in the order you need them when you install, calibrate or troubleshoot one. MNM Scales is an authorized Brecknell dealer.
Brecknell SBI-505 manual: specifications
| Item | SBI-505 |
|---|---|
| Display resolution | Up to 30,000 divisions |
| A/D converter | 2,000,000 counts |
| Load cells | Up to six 350 ohm load cells, 4-wire or 6-wire |
| Excitation | 5 VDC |
| Input voltage | 9 to 13.8 VDC, 0.3 A, center terminal positive |
| AC adapter | 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz in; 9 VDC at 1.2 A out, center positive |
| Units | kg and lb |
| Serial port | RS-232, DB9 (pin 2 TXD, pin 3 RXD, pin 5 GND) |
| Functions | Zero, tare, gross and net, counting, accumulation, printing, animal weighing filter |
| Operating temperature | -10 to 40 °C (14 to 104 °F) |
| Storage temperature | -40 to 70 °C |
Installing the SBI-505: power, load cells and RS-232
- Power: the AC adapter plugs into the DC pin on the bottom of the indicator. Use a 9 to 12 VDC, center-positive adapter.
- Load cells: connect up to six 350 ohm cells, 4-wire or 6-wire, through the quick-disconnect or the PC board terminals (+EXC, +SIG, GND, -SIG, -EXC). With Brecknell interface cable AWT05-505848 (not included), the colors are red = +excitation, green = +signal, white = -signal, black = -excitation.
- RS-232: the DB9 uses pin 2 to send, pin 3 to receive and pin 5 for ground. For hooking it to a PC, see how to connect a scale to a computer.
Rebuilding a floor scale around the indicator? Our scale kit guide covers the platform, junction box and cells.
SBI-505 keys and everyday weighing
- On/Off: hold for two seconds. After a self-test it goes to weighing mode, and it zeros on power-up if the load is inside the initial zero range.
- Zero: press when the scale is stable and not negative.
- Tare: press to tare the load; Net and Tare light. Press again to clear the tare and show gross.
- Print: sends a stable weight to a printer or computer.
- Count: with the scale zeroed, load 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 or 500 sample pieces, press Count, pick the sample size with Zero, accept with Print, then load the parts. Press Count to go back to weighing.
- Total: with a load on, press Total to add it (n 001, n 002 and so on, up to 999). Hold Total and On/Off to view the total; hold Total at the end and pick clr y to clear it.
SBI-505 calibration: C01 to C07, step by step
The menu has a calibration part (C01 to C07) and a parameter part (C08 to C39). With the seal switch on the main board OFF, holding Print and Total opens C08 to C39 only. With the seal switch ON, the same keys open the full C01 to C39 menu. In the menu, Print is Enter, Zero is up, Tare is down, kg/lb is left, Gross is right and Total is back; Count saves and exits.
Before you open it: Brecknell warns that breaking the official seal to reach the switch may mean the scale has to be recertified by weights and measures officials. Set the switch back to its original position when you finish.
- Set the seal switch ON, then hold Print and Total. The display shows C01.
- C01 unit: 1 = kg, 2 = lb.
- C02 decimals: 0 to 4 decimal places.
- C03 graduation: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 or 50.
- C04 capacity: enter the maximum capacity (default 10000). For 100 kg with two decimals, enter 0100.00.
- C05 zero: choose 1 with the scale empty. The display counts down to zero and the zero calibration is done.
- C06 span: choose 1, load the test weight, enter its actual value (for example 0800.00) and confirm. CAL End shows when it is finished. Use at least one tenth of capacity; Brecknell suggests close to capacity, or 60 to 80 percent.
- Press Count to save and exit, or Print to go on to C07. C07 = 1 restores the factory defaults, so leave it at 0 after a calibration.
No test weights on hand, or need a certificate? See load cell calibration explained for the methods, then call us for a quote. If the display won’t settle or return to zero, start with why a scale won’t zero or keeps drifting.
SBI-505 parameter settings (C08 to C39)
| Code | Setting | Options (default) |
|---|---|---|
| C08 | Key tone | 0 off, 1 on (1) |
| C09 | Auto power-off | 0 off, 10, 30 or 60 minutes (0) |
| C10 | Power saving (LED) | 0 stays on, 3 or 5 minutes (0) |
| C12 | Unit key | 0 kg only, 1 kg and lb (1) |
| C13, C14 | Upper and lower limit alarms | Any value up to capacity (000000) |
| C15 | A/D counts | View raw counts |
| C16, C17 | Date and time | YYMMDD; 24-hour time |
| C18 | Serial output | 0 off, 1 remote display, 2 Print key only, 3 host commands, 4 continuous to a computer, 5 RD65-compatible (0) |
| C19 | Baud rate | 0 = 1200, 1 = 2400, 2 = 4800, 3 = 9600; 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (3) |
| C20, C21 | Zero range, initial zero range | Share of capacity the Zero key and power-up zero can take off (10) |
| C22, C23 | Auto zero tracking range and time | 0 off, 0.5 to 5.0 d; 1 to 3 s (0.5 d, 1 s) |
| C24, C25 | Overload and negative display range | 01 to 99 d; -9 d up to full capacity |
| C26, C27 | Stability time and range | Quick, medium, slow; 1, 2, 5 or 10 d (medium, 2 d) |
| C28, C29 | Dynamic and noise filters | 0 to 6 and 0 to 3 (0 and 1) |
| C30 | Date format on printouts | yy.mm.dd, mm.dd.yy or dd.mm.yy (0) |
| C36, C37 | Gravity at calibration site and destination | 9.7000 to 9.9999 (9.7936) |
| C38 | Software version | View only |
For animals or a load that sways, raise the C28 dynamic filter a step at a time; Brecknell suggests staying below 3 so the reading doesn’t lag.
SBI-505 RS-232 output and host commands
Set C18 to choose how the port talks. Option 2 sends net, tare, gross, time and date when you press Print. Option 3 answers host commands: T tares, Z zeros, P prints a stable weight, R reads gross or net, and C switches kg and lb. Option 4 streams weight continuously to a computer, and option 5 drives a Brecknell RD65 remote display (not included). Match the C19 baud rate on both ends.
SBI-505 error codes
| Display | Meaning | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| UUUUUU | Over the top of the range | Remove weight; check the load cell wiring and the cells |
| nnnnnnn | Under range | Check the platform is level and free; check load cell wiring and cells |
| ERR1 | No weight, or overload, during calibration | Load and enter the correct test weight |
| ERR2 | Calibration weight below the minimum | Use at least one tenth of capacity |
| ERR3 | Negative signal during calibration | Check the wiring and load cells |
| ERR4 | Unstable signal during calibration | Wait for the platform to settle, then calibrate |
| ERR5 | Board fault | Board replacement; call us |
| ERR6 | No load cell signal | Check the load cell cable and connection |
Checking a cell with a meter? Brecknell’s table says to measure input and output voltage or resistance. Our scale cable guide covers cut or pinched cables.
Need an SBI-505? See current price and stock on the Brecknell SBI-505 weight indicator. The SBI-505 is NTEP (CC 11-082). Add-ons (not included): interface cable AWT05-505848, a printer or an RD65 remote display, load cells and a platform. Want it calibrated with your scale? Our TDA-registered technicians calibrate indicators and scales in-house or on-site; call for a quote. Questions? Call (832) 290-3120 or send a quote request.
Calibration, repair and rentals from MNM Scales
- Book calibration: we calibrate SBI-505 indicators and the scales they run, with an in-house certificate or a NIST-traceable certificate; call for a quote. See the scale calibration service page and NIST vs in-house certificates.
- Commercial use in Texas: if the seal is broken to reach the calibration switch, the scale may need to be placed back in service. Our TDA-registered technicians handle legal-for-trade calibration in Texas; see our TDA scale certification guide.
- Mail-in calibration: ship the indicator, or a bench scale with its indicator, through the mail-in calibration service.
- Cypress pickup by appointment: drop off or pick up at our Cypress, TX shop (21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433).
- On-site service: on-site calibration is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, once per visit, plus the calibration fee for each scale. We bring test weights for floor and bench scales across the Houston area.
- Repair: load cell, cable and junction box faults go to our scale repair team; for wiring, see how to replace a scale cable.
- Rentals: ask about a scale rental while your scale is in for service.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download the Brecknell SBI-505 manual?
Brecknell posts the SBI-505 Indicator User Instructions, AWT35-500827, as a PDF on its website. This guide summarizes its setup, calibration, menu and error code sections.
How do I get into calibration mode on the SBI-505?
Set the seal switch on the main board to ON, then press and hold Print and Total. The display shows C01. With the switch OFF, the same keys open only the C08 to C39 settings.
How much test weight does SBI-505 calibration need?
At least one tenth of the capacity set in C04. Brecknell suggests using weight close to capacity, or 60 to 80 percent of it. Below the minimum, the indicator shows ERR2.
How many load cells can the SBI-505 run?
Up to six 350 ohm load cells, 4-wire or 6-wire, on 5 VDC excitation.
What does UUUUUU mean on an SBI-505?
The weight is over range, or a load cell or its wiring has a fault. Remove the weight, then check the load cell connection and the cells.
Can the SBI-505 send weight to a computer?
Yes. Set C18 to 3 for host commands or 4 for a continuous stream, set the baud rate in C19, and connect to the DB9 RS-232 port.
Can MNM Scales calibrate my SBI-505 scale?
Yes. Our TDA-registered technicians calibrate in-house, by mail-in or on-site across the Houston area. Call (832) 290-3120 for a quote.
Is the SBI-505 NTEP approved?
Yes. The SBI-505 is NTEP (CC 11-082).