What You Need Before Calibration
Before starting, gather the following:
✅ Approximately ½ yard of salt
Use the same salt type you will use during operations (salt density varies).
✅ Scale (capable of measuring 50–100 lbs accurately)
✅ Bucket, bin, or tarp to catch salt
✅ Broom or shovel
✅ Platform (optional) for scale stability
✅ Spreader with spinner removed (recommended for easier collection)
Important: Gate Height Consistency
See this step is critical.
Before calibration:
Set the gate height to your normal operating position.
Measure or take a photo of the gate height.
Ensure operators use the same gate height during operations.
⚠️ If the gate height changes after calibration, your application numbers will be inaccurate.
The system supports multiple gate heights, but most customers are advised to:
Use one consistent gate height whenever possible.
Calibration Overview
The calibration process works by teaching the system:
“X number of sensor rotations = Y pounds of salt”
Once the system knows this relationship, it can calculate material usage automatically.
The process consists of:
Priming the system
Running a drop test
Entering the measured weight
Verifying accuracy
Step-by-Step Calibration Process
Step 1 — Prime the Spreader
After loading salt:
Turn the spreader on briefly.
Allow salt to flow for a few seconds.
Ensure material is coming out consistently.
This prevents inaccurate readings caused by uneven initial flow.
Step 2 — Enter Calibration Mode
On the MTS display:
Press the Gear Icon.
Go to Settings.
Select Granular Calibration.
Choose Full Calibration.
Select Gate Height 0 (or your configured gate height).
The system will prompt you to run the spreader briefly again.
Step 3 — Run the Drop Test
Now you will collect and weigh salt.
Place your bucket or collection container under the spreader.
Turn the spreader ON.
Allow approximately:
5–10 conveyor rotations
Typically 30–50 lbs of salt
Turn the spreader OFF.
Important notes:
Speed does not matter.
The system measures rotations, not RPM.
One rotation equals one rotation regardless of speed.
Step 4 — Weigh the Material
Zero your scale.
Weigh the collected salt.
Subtract the bucket/container weight.
Example:
Scale reading: 48 lbs
Bucket weight: 5 lbs
Actual salt: 43 lbs
Step 5 — Enter Weight Into System
The display may show an estimated weight from a previous calibration.
Replace it with your measured value:
Enter the actual weight (e.g., 43 lbs).
Press Save.
The system will calculate a new calibration value (pounds per pulse).
Step 6 — Verify Calibration Accuracy
Verification is essential.
Repeat the drop test again:
Run the spreader for roughly the same number of pulses.
The display will now show the expected weight based on your new calibration.
Collect and weigh the salt again.
Example:
Display predicted: 40 lbs
Actual measured: 41 lbs
This is acceptable.
Acceptable Calibration Tolerance
You are considered calibrated if:
✅ Within ±5% of actual weight
Typical acceptable range: 5–10%
Many installs achieve 2–3% accuracy.
If results are outside tolerance:
Enter the new measured value again.
Repeat calibration.
Usually 2–3 passes will bring it into range.
Common Reasons Calibration May Be Off
1. System Not Properly Primed
Salt chunks or inconsistent flow can distort results.
Solution:
Run the spreader longer before testing.
2. Electrical Noise (Rare)
Interference from nearby electrical components or solenoids can affect readings.
Symptoms:
Inconsistent pulse counts
Unstable readings
Solution:
Contact support for troubleshooting.
3. Incorrect Gate Height
If the gate changes after calibration, numbers will be wrong.
Final Confirmation
Once calibrated:
Sensor pulses should increase smoothly.
Displayed application rate should be stable.
Verification drop test should be within tolerance.
Calibration typically takes:
⏱️ 5–10 minutes once setup is ready.
Quick Calibration Checklist
Before starting:
Correct salt loaded
Gate height set and documented
Spinner removed (recommended)
Scale ready
Bucket/container ready
System primed
After calibration:
Verification drop completed
Within ±5% accuracy
Ready for operation