The Thames Side XT1000 is a DIN rail mounted weighing indicator and high-speed transmitter designed for static and dynamic weighing systems using load cells. It combines a bright 6-digit LED display, high-speed measurement, PLC-friendly communications, configurable I/O, and multiple industrial communication options, making it suitable for process weighing, dosing, tank weighing, checkweighing, animal weighing, sorting scales, and multihead weighers.

What Is It

The XT1000 is an electronic weighing indicator and transmitter used between load cells and the wider machine or control system. Its role is to receive the millivolt-per-volt signal coming from connected load cells, process that signal with high resolution, display the weight value, and transmit the data to PLCs, PCs, HMIs, or remote systems. It is built in a DIN/Omega rail mount form factor, which makes it suitable for installation inside industrial control panels and weighing cabinets.

Unlike a simple display unit, the XT1000 is intended for industrial automation environments where weighing is part of a process. It supports both static weighing and dynamic weighing. Thames Side specifically positions it for process weighing systems and for machinery where weighing forms part of the machine function. Typical uses include tank and silo weighing, filling and dosing, checkweighing, animal weighing, high-speed sorting scales, and multihead weighing systems.

The product is also approved as a Non-Automatic Weighing Instrument according to OIML R76 and EN 45501, which is important for buyers looking for recognized weighing compliance.

Working Principle

A load cell generates a very small electrical signal proportional to applied force or weight. This signal is commonly expressed in mV/V. The XT1000 excites the load cell with 5.0 V DC excitation voltage, receives the resulting signal, converts it through a 24-bit ADC, and processes the result into a stable weight value for display and communication.

The internal electronics provide 16,000,000 internal divisions, which gives the XT1000 high internal resolution for precise signal interpretation. The display range is -99,999 to 999,999, allowing it to handle a wide operating range depending on system setup and calibration.

For fast industrial applications, the XT1000 captures data at 2400 readings per second internally and can transmit at 600 readings per second. This is especially important in applications where the measured load is changing quickly, such as checkweighers, dynamic sorting scales, and filling machines. Thames Side also highlights the integrated checkweigher mode, which reinforces its use in dynamic weighing applications.

Calibration can be performed in two ways:

1. By using real test weights
2. By entering the load cell sensitivity in mV/V

This second method can reduce commissioning time when real calibration weights are not practical during installation or startup.

Types / Variants

The XT1000 is available in five versions. This is important for search traffic because many users search by communication type rather than only by model family.

1) XT1000-SO

Basic version with:

• Serial outputs only
• Digital I/O
• RS232
• RS485

2) XT1000-SO-AN

Version with:

• Serial outputs
• Analogue output
• Galvanic isolation
• DAC of 16 bits
• Output voltage: 0-10V
• Output current: 0/4-20mA with load less than 500Ω

3) XT1000-SO-PB

Version with:

• Serial outputs
• PROFIBUS DP-V0 (Slave) communication

4) XT1000-SO-PN

Version with:

• Serial outputs
• PROFINET I/O Real-time (Class A) communication

5) XT1000-SO-ETHERNET-IP

Version with:

• Serial outputs
• Ethernet/IP communication

This wide variant structure makes the XT1000 suitable for both conventional serial-based installations and modern PLC/industrial Ethernet architectures.

Key Specifications

General Performance

• Product type: DIN rail mounted weighing indicator and high-speed transmitter
• Suitable for: static and dynamic weighing
• ADC: 24-bit
• Internal resolution: 16,000,000 divisions
• Display range: -99,999 to 999,999
• Internal measuring rate: 2400 readings/second
• Transmission rate: 600 readings/second
• Linearity error: < 0.01% of measuring range

Load Cell Interface

• Load cell sensitivity range: +/- 3.9 mV/V
• Load cell excitation voltage: 5.0 V DC
• Minimum load cell resistance: 58Ω
• Thames Side states it can power:
  • Up to 8 x 350Ω load cells or
  • Up to 16 x 700Ω load cells on the overview page, while the technical page specifies minimum load cell resistance 58Ω and notes equivalent examples. Since the datasheet contains both marketing and technical references, buyers should confirm final load cell count for the exact system architecture and variant during selection.

Display and Operator Interface

• Display type: Bright 6-digit LED
• Digit height: 10 mm
• Keyboard: 5 membrane keys

Inputs and Outputs

• Logical inputs: 3 opto-isolated inputs with status LED
• Logical outputs: 3 relay outputs
• Relay rating: max. 125V AC / 30V DC, 100mA
• Status LEDs included for outputs

Serial Communication

• RS-232 bi-directional
• RS-485 half-duplex
• Protocols:
  • Own protocol
  • Modbus RTU
  • Modbus ASCII
• Transmission rates selectable:
  • 4800 to 115200 baud

Analogue Output Version

For XT1000-SO-AN:

• Galvanically isolated analogue output
• DAC: 16 bits
• Voltage output: 0-10V
• Current output: 0/4-20mA (<500Ω)

Power and Environmental Data

• Power supply: 10V to 28V DC
• Power consumption:
  • 4W max for standard versions
  • 6W for PROFIBUS, PROFINET, and Ethernet/IP versions
• Operating temperature: -20°C to 50°C
• Storage temperature: -25°C to 60°C
• Mounting: DIN rail
• Protection: IP40

Thermal Stability

• Zero: 150 nV/°C max
• Span: 3.5 ppm/°C max

Optional Power Supply

• DIN rail mount power supply
• Input: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Output: 24V DC
• Maximum power: 15W
• Thames Side part number: XT1000-2000-PS
• Capable of driving:
  • Up to 3 XT1000 units for -SO and -SO-AN versions
  • Up to 2 XT1000 units for -SO-PB, -SO-PN, and -SO-ETHERNET-IP versions

Dimensions and Weight

XT1000-SO / XT1000-SO-AN

• A: 34 mm
• B: 29 mm
• Transport weight: 0.3 kg

XT1000-SO-PB / XT1000-SO-PN / XT1000-SO-ETHERNET-IP

• A: 38 mm
• B: 33 mm
• Transport weight: 0.35 kg

Applications

The XT1000 is suited to a broad range of industrial weighing and automation tasks. Thames Side explicitly lists the following:

• Tank weighing
• Silo level measurement
• Filling machines
• Dosing machines
• Checkweighers
• Animal weighing systems
• High-speed sorting scales
• Multihead weighers

From an industrial automation standpoint, it is particularly useful when a load cell signal must be:

• Displayed locally
• Read by a PLC
• Sent to a SCADA or PC
• Used for batching or cutoff control
• Integrated into process logic
• Converted into standard analogue or fieldbus communication

That makes it relevant for OEMs, panel builders, machine manufacturers, process automation integrators, packaging lines, food processing systems, and bulk material handling systems.

Selection Guide

Choose the XT1000 if you need:

• A DIN rail mounted weighing transmitter for panel installation
• A unit that supports both display and data transmission
• Fast acquisition for dynamic weighing
• Direct integration with PLC systems
• Modbus, analogue, PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or Ethernet/IP
• A transmitter for multi-load-cell weighing systems
• OIML / EN approved weighing electronics for NAWI use cases

How to choose the correct variant

Select XT1000-SO when:

• You only need serial communication
• Your PLC or controller reads via RS232 or RS485
• You do not need analogue or industrial Ethernet / fieldbus expansion

Select XT1000-SO-AN when:

• Your PLC, indicator, or controller requires 0-10V or 0/4-20mA
• You want analogue retransmission of weight signal
• You need galvanically isolated analogue output

Select XT1000-SO-PB when:

• Your machine or factory network uses PROFIBUS DP-V0

Select XT1000-SO-PN when:

• Your architecture is based on PROFINET

Select XT1000-SO-ETHERNET-IP when:

• Your control system uses EtherNet/IP, especially in Ethernet-based PLC environments

Load cell compatibility points to check

Before selecting, verify:

• Load cell output sensitivity is within +/- 3.9 mV/V
• Total bridge resistance is suitable for the XT1000 input stage
• Total number of connected load cells is within supported limits
• Your required communication interface matches the chosen variant
• Your control panel power supply falls within 10-28V DC, or use the optional power supply

Common Mistakes

1) Treating the XT1000 as a load cell

The XT1000 is not a load cell. It is the indicator / transmitter that works with one or more load cells. This distinction matters for category placement, specification checking, and buyer expectations.

2) Choosing the wrong communication version

A buyer may select the base serial version and later realize the PLC network requires PROFINET, PROFIBUS, or Ethernet/IP. Variant selection should be done based on the control system architecture from the beginning.

3) Ignoring dynamic weighing speed requirements

If the machine is doing rapid weighing, sorting, or dosing, high-speed acquisition matters. The XT1000 is designed for this, but the surrounding PLC logic and network design must also be fast enough to use the available performance. This is an engineering inference based on the XT1000’s high internal and transmission rates.

4) Overlooking power supply needs

Some users install panel instruments without confirming DC supply availability. The XT1000 requires 10-28V DC, and communication-heavy variants consume more power than standard models.

5) Not checking total load cell resistance

When multiple load cells are wired to one indicator, total electrical loading must remain within supported range. This should be checked during system design.

6) Ordering analogue output when digital fieldbus is actually needed

Some applications need direct PLC integration over industrial Ethernet rather than analogue scaling. Choosing the wrong output format can complicate commissioning and reduce system flexibility.

Troubleshooting

Display is not showing stable readings

Check:

• Load cell wiring integrity
• Shielding and grounding practices
• Mechanical vibration
• Electrical noise from VFDs, motors, or poor panel routing
• Calibration setup
• Whether the process is static or dynamic by nature

PLC is not receiving weight data

Check:

• Variant type ordered
• Communication protocol match
• Baud rate setting for RS232/RS485
• Modbus addressing / mapping
• Physical network wiring
• Whether your system expects Modbus RTU or ASCII
• Whether the selected model is the correct fieldbus / Ethernet version

Analogue output not matching expected signal

For XT1000-SO-AN:

• Confirm output type configured: 0-10V or 0/4-20mA
• Check load impedance for current output is <500Ω
• Verify scaling in the receiving PLC or controller
• Confirm isolation and common reference design

Unit powers on but weight is incorrect

Check:

• Calibration method used
• Real weight value and units
• Load cell sensitivity setting in mV/V
• Mechanical loading direction
• Junction box trimming if using multiple load cells
• Load cell polarity and signal connections

Relay outputs are not triggering

Check:

• Digital output configuration
• Relay load requirements versus rating
• Logic conditions and setpoints
• External circuit voltage/current not exceeding 125V AC / 30V DC, 100mA

FAQs

1) Is the Thames Side XT1000 a load cell?

No. It is a weighing indicator and high-speed transmitter used with load cells.

2) Can the XT1000 be mounted in a control panel?

Yes. It is designed for DIN/Omega rail mounting, which makes it suitable for industrial control panels.

3) Does it support PLC communication?

Yes. Standard communication includes RS232 and RS485 with support for Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII. Depending on version, it can also support PROFIBUS, PROFINET, or Ethernet/IP.

4) Is it suitable for high-speed checkweighing?

Yes. Thames Side states that the XT1000 is ideal for checkweighing and other dynamic applications due to the integrated checkweigher mode and 2400 measurements per second data capture rate.

5) Can it output analogue signals?

Yes, but only on the XT1000-SO-AN version, which provides isolated analogue outputs of 0-10V and 0/4-20mA.

6) What power supply does it need?

The XT1000 requires 10V to 28V DC. An optional DIN rail mounted power supply is also available for AC mains input.

7) How many load cells can it support?

The product overview states it can power up to 8 x 350Ω or 16 x 700Ω load cells, while the technical page specifies a minimum load cell resistance of 58Ω and gives equivalent examples. Final system design should confirm the exact load cell combination and wiring arrangement.

8) Is the XT1000 approved for weighing applications?

Yes. It is approved according to OIML R76 and EN 45501:2015 (NAWI).

Related Products / Internal Links

You can internally link this article to:

• Load Cells
• Single Point Load Cells
• Shear Beam Load Cells
• Compression Load Cells
• Weighing Indicators
• Load Cell Junction Boxes
• Weight Controllers
• Tank Weighing Systems
• Checkweighing Systems
• PLC and HMI for Weighing Automation

Suggested anchor ideas:

• “How to choose a load cell indicator for PLC-based systems”
• “Load cell vs weighing indicator: what is the difference?”
• “Best communication protocol for industrial weighing systems”
• “How to connect load cells to a DIN rail weighing transmitter”