Common Issues and Troubleshooting
For any issues that require you to send the Platemeter in for repair, please contact us prior to sending it as we may be able to offer troubleshooting assistance over the phone.
There is no visual display
| Check | Resolution |
| The unit is switched on | Switch the toggle on back of unit |
| The battery is not flat | Recharge the battery |
| If battery is not holding it's charge | Replace the battery |
| If you just change the battery, you may have damage the battery snap | Send in for repair and service |
The counter does not 'beep' when taking a reading
If there is no beep this means the counter does not know where the bottom is, therefore does not record the 'plonk'
| Check | Resolution |
| The counter can become un-calibrated if it receives a know and the cog jumps a notch on the metal shaft |
Follow our Calibration guides. If the calibration fails to hold then the potentiometer, which the cog drives through the shaft, is probable faulty and requires replacing. This can occur with excessive wear often compounded by dust and dirt entering the dry bearing. You will need to send the counter to Platemeters for service and repair. |
| Ensure the cog is not slipping on the silver shaft (potentiometer) | Replace the potentiometer and cog. Send to Platemeters for repair. |
| The cog has wound off | Replace cog. Buy Now |
| Potentiometer damaged. The potentioimeter is the silver shaft that drives the cog. Under no circumstances should you apply CRC or light oil to the potentiometer. It is a dry bearing and any lubricant will render it useless. | Send to Platemeters for repair and service. |
| Check the metal shaft is coming right back into the base of the black tube. Ensure there is no grass or soil build-up preventing it from doing so. Also check the large washer at the bottom of the shaft is not catching on the bottom of the plate. | Clean the Platemeter and Calibrate |
| Check the cog is running smoothly on the shaft. If the counter is mounted too close to the metal shaft there will be quite a lot of friction when taking a reading. If the counter is mounted too far away from the metal shaft; the cog is liable to jump a notch easily. | Re-assemble the Platemeter |
Cog becoming warn
| Check | Resolution |
| Not aligned correctly on the shaft. | Re-align the cog or replace the cog. Buy Now |
The counter continuously beeps and eventually turns off
| Check | Resolution |
| This is normally due to a low battery. The counter requires a given level of power to operate correctly. If the battery doesn't have sufficient power it may continuously beep to warn you. Keep in mind if you turn the counter off for a few minutes it may recover slightly, but the problem will not go away. |
Recharge the battery. Battery may be due for replacement. |
Cog not running freely
| Check | Resolution |
| Metal shaft (Grooved Rod) is bent | Straighten or replace. Buy Now |
| Grass or soil build-up inside the black tube. | Clean the Platemeter |
| Flutes on steep shaft (Grooved Rod) have become filled with grass or soil | Clean the Platemeter |
Counter readings do not seem accurate
| Check | Resolution |
| Check the equation being used is correct and the calibration has been correctly set. The counter is like a calculator - it does not give false readings under normal circumstances | Follow our Calibration guides. |
Battery retainer falling out
| Check | Resolution |
| The counter screws have not been tightened sufficiently. | Make sure the center screw is re-tightened after the battery is replaced or ensure the battery retainer is properly clicked into place. |
Front panel or membrane problems
| Check | Resolution |
| Buttons not clicking or activating. |
First, check that the Platemeter is calibrated. Follow our Calibration guides. Membrane may require replacing, send to Platemeters for service and repair. |