Connecting Your TruTest S3 Weigh Head to Breedr

What You Will Need:

• TruTest S3 weigh head, fully charged
• Your phone or tablet with Bluetooth enabled
• Breedr app installed and logged in.

Before You Start:

• Charge the S3 fully.
• Update S3 firmware using the TruTest Data Link app (free on App Store and Google Play) or Data Link for PC at livestock.tru-test.com. Firmware updates improve Bluetooth stability and weight accuracy.
• Confirm your load bar is connected to the S3 via cable and the bar is on a stable, level surface before zeroing.

Part 1: Zero the S3 before weighing

Always zero the S3 with an empty load bar or platform before starting a session. This ensures weights are accurate against the tare weight of the equipment.

1. Power on the S3 by pressing the power button.
2. Confirm the load bar is empty and level.
3. On the S3, press the Zero button
4. The display shows 0.0 when zeroing is complete.

Re-zero if the setup moves. If the load bar shifts position or something rests on it briefly between animals, re-zero before the next animal.

Part 2: Connect the S3 in Breedr

The S3 uses BLE and connects directly in the Breedr app, no phone Bluetooth settings step needed.

1. Power on the S3. The indicator light will blink to show it is searching for a connection.
2. Open the Breedr app on your phone or tablet.
3. Tap the Bluetooth icon in the top right corner of the screen.
4. The S3 will appear in the device list. Tap it to connect.
5. The Bluetooth icon turns green when the S3 is successfully connected.

Part 3: Recommended Settings for Breedr

Weight Unit

Confirm the S3 is set to display and output weights in pounds (lbs) for US accounts.

1. On the S3, navigate to Settings > Units.
2. Select lb (pounds).
3. Save the setting.

Auto Power-Down

The S3 has an auto power-down timer active by default. Adjust it before a long session to prevent the S3 from switching off mid-weighing.

1. Use the TruTest Data Link app to adjust the auto power-down timer.
2. Set the timer to at least 60 minutes, or disable it entirely for long processing sessions.
3. Re-enable after the session to preserve battery for future use.

If the S3 powers down mid-session: Weights captured before it powered off are already saved in Breedr (if you had a connection). Power the S3 back on, reconnect in Breedr (tap the Bluetooth icon > select S3), and continue. Re-zero the load bar before the next animal.

Filter/averaging settings

The S3 has a weight averaging or filter setting that controls how it handles movement on the load bar. A higher average takes more readings before locking a weight -- better for accurate readings on restless cattle. A lower average responds faster -- better for high-throughput sessions where cattle settle quickly.

Adjust in TruTest Data Link app > S3 settings > Filter based on your operation.

Part 4: Weigh Animals in a Chute Session

1. Start a Quick Weigh session in Breedr.
2. Scan or search for the first animal.
3. Run the animal onto the load bar and allow it to settle.
4. The weight reading from the S3 appears on screen automatically.
5. Confirm the weight and move to the next animal.

Troubleshooting:

S3 not appearing in the Breedr device list

• Confirm the S3 is powered on before opening the Breedr Bluetooth screen.
• Tap Refresh in the Breedr Bluetooth screen.
• Close and reopen the Breedr app, then try again.
• Confirm Bluetooth is enabled on your phone or tablet.

S3 connected but weight shows 0 or is not updating

• Confirm the load bar cable is securely connected to the S3.
• Confirm the load bar is on a stable surface and not rocking.
• Re-zero the S3 with an empty load bar (Part 1 above).
• Confirm the load bar capacity has not been exceeded. The MP600 is rated to 4,400 lbs in a chute, very large bulls may need the HD5T (11,000 lbs).

Weights are inconsistent or jumping

• The load bar may be on uneven ground. Level it before re-zeroing.
• The animal may be leaning against the chute sides rather than standing freely on the bar. Ensure the animal's full weight is on the platform.
• Adjust the filter/averaging setting to a higher value to dampen movement (see Part 3 above).
• Check for wind loading on the chute -- strong wind against the chute sides can affect load bar readings.

S3 powers off mid-session

• Check the battery level on the S3 before starting. The S3 battery indicator is visible on the display.
• Increase the auto power-down timer using the TruTest Data Link app (Part 3 above).
• Keep the S3 out of direct sun during sessions -- heat affects battery performance.

S3 drops Bluetooth connection mid-session

• Keep your phone within 30 feet of the S3 during weighing.
• The S3 uses BLE which can be affected by interference from other BLE devices (other phones, weight heads). Minimise active BLE devices in the immediate area.
• If the connection drops, tap the Bluetooth icon in Breedr and reconnect. The session will continue with the animals already weighed, re-zero and continue from where you left off.