Using the TruTest S3 with Non-TruTest Load Bars

The TruTest S3 weigh head connects to the Breedr app via Bluetooth and is sold by Breedr as part of a weighing setup. If you already have load bars from another brand (Gallagher, Tru-Test older models, Arlyn, Brecknell, or any other manufacturer) you may be able to use them with the S3 without buying new hardware.

How Load Bar Compatibility Works

The S3 uses a standard 4-pin M8 connector (also called a WAGO or Microfit connector) on the load bar input port. Many livestock load bars on the market use this same connector standard, which means they can plug directly into the S3 and work without any modification or adapter.

However, not all brands use the same connector or the same signal output specifications. Before purchasing an S3 to use with your existing bars, check whether your current load bars are compatible.

Quick Compatibility Check

Your load bars may work with the S3 if:

• They use a standard 4-pin M8 connector (check the cable end that plugs into the indicator)
• They are rated for mV/V output (millivolts per volt -- the standard analog load cell signal used by most livestock scales)
• They have a total rated capacity of 4,400 lbs or more per pair

Your load bars are less likely to work directly if:

• They use a proprietary connector from a specific brand (common with Gallagher TW series and some Arlyn platforms)
• They use a digital output protocol rather than analog mV/V
• They are designed for a specific indicator from the same brand that requires brand-specific calibration

Brands known to be compatible with the S3:

The S3 is compatible with TruTest's own MP600, MP800, and HD5T load bars, these are guaranteed to work. For other brands, compatibility varies by model and age.

Contact our Customer Success team and tell us the brand and model of your existing load bars, we can advise whether the S3 will work before you purchase.

Chat: Chat window in the bottom right of the screen Phone: (737) 412-3131 Email: supportUSA@breedr.co

Calibration

Even when the physical connector is compatible, your load bars may need to be re-calibrated with the S3 before readings are accurate. TruTest load bars calibrate automatically with the S3 without any user action, they are designed as a matched system. Third-party load bars may require a manual calibration step using the TruTest Data Link app.

To calibrate with the Data Link app:

1. Download the TruTest Data Link app on your phone and connect to the S3.
2. Navigate to the calibration section in the app.
3. Follow the prompts: you will typically need a known weight (a full bag of mineral, a vehicle axle weight, or a verified animal weight) to set the calibration reference.

If the Data Link app calibration does not produce accurate results with your existing bars, contact TruTest support or our Customer Success team.

What to do if your Load Bars are not Compatible?

If your existing load bars will not work with the S3 and you want to get weighing set up in Breedr, the options are:

Option 1: Purchase TruTest load bars: The MP600, MP800, and HD5T are available through Breedr at discounted prices and are guaranteed to work with the S3. See Compatible Hardware for pricing and sizing.

Option 2: Use a connector adapter: If your load bars use a different connector type but are otherwise electrically compatible, a cable adapter may allow connection to the S3. Contact our Customer Success team or a TruTest dealer for adapter availability.

Option 3 : Weigh without a load bar: You can run Breedr chute sessions and enter weights manually from a standalone scale or headgate indicator that is not Bluetooth-connected. The session workflow is the same, you just enter the weight by keypad rather than having it capture automatically.