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Troubleshooting - Common problems with a Prattley autodrafter and 5000 indicator

Common problems encountered using a Prattley autodrafter and a Tru-Test 5000 indicator.

Updated yesterday

This article applies to Prattley series 600 autodrafters:

  • 3-Way Swing Gate AutoDrafter

  • 5-Way Swing Gate AutoDrafter

  • 2-Way Electric AutoDrafter

  • 3-Way Slide Gate AutoDrafter

  • 3-Way Electric AutoDrafter

These autodrafters include a PAD6 control box and a 5000 indicator (JR5000, ID5000 or XR5000).

💡 Live Chat, email and phone support is available, see Having trouble?.

Are your sheep not drafting?

First thing to check are that the POWER, SCALES and AUTO SETUP lights are lit on the PAD6 control box.

Is Status light POWER lit?


If not, check if the POWER light is flickering or off, it means there is an insufficient power supply. You will need to check battery and cable connection as it will cause issues with gate functioning.

  • Check Battery Clips, wires and solenoid loom.

  • Check mains supply to regulated DC.

  • Check battery voltage.

  • Check Inline fuse.

Is Status light SCALES lit?

If completely off then there is a connection issue between the autodrafter and the 5000 indicator. If flickering then it maybe okay as it is waiting for draft data from the 5000 indicator.

  1. Double tap AUTO SETUP to take KEYLOCK off.

  2. Tap and hold until lights start cycling.

Is the Bluetooth symbol showing on 5000 indicator (indicating Bluetooth connection established)?

If not then look to establish a Bluetooth connection.

Re-pair Bluetooth connection

📝 For details of connection procedures refer to Step 1 - Connecting the Tru-Test 5000 indicator to the PAD6 control box via Bluetooth.

Is the AUTO SETUP light off (but MANUAL is on)?

If there are no lights next to AUTO SETUP check the MANUAL button. If there is a light on next to MANUAL the user will only be able to manually open and shut gates.

  1. Double tap AUTO SETUP to take KEYLOCK off.

  2. Then click AUTO SETUP to change the mode to automatic.

  3. Then tap the AUTO / 4 button on the remote.

Are the gates not operating correctly?

  1. Check the air supply into the Air box.

  2. Ensure its set to 4.5 to 5.0 bar (65 - 72 psi).

  3. Make sure the air hose is not kinked.

Are your sheep drafting the wrong way?

Check drafting rules

Check that the draft arrow directions are showing correctly on the indicator.

📝 For details of drafting rules and arrow directions refer to Step 3 - Setting up for drafting by weight.

Check data accuracy

On the Weigh screen does the data match the drafting rules?

If not, you either need to change the draft rules or re-upload the draft data.

  • Click Options > Drafting settings...

If yes, you need to review the drafting rules. Refer to Step 3 - Setting up for drafting by weight.

  • Weighing non-tagged sheep

    • Ensure drafting is set to Automatic > ID optional, do not wait for an ID

  • Rules based drafting - Priority is incorrect

    • Click Options > Drafting settings...

  • With rules based drafting make sure the first rule is the highest priority. If an animal meets the criteria it will draft. The second rule is then looking at the balance of the animals.

Is drafting turned on?

  • Click Options > Settings... > Drafting

  • Step through wizard.

Having trouble?

If you need help, click on the Live Chat bubble in the bottom right-hand corner of this screen or email sf-support@datamars.com or ring our Support Team.

Support team

Phone support is available by ringing our Support Team in your region:

  • 0800 243 282 (New Zealand)

  • 1800 248 774 (Australia)

  • +353 212 428 844 (Ireland & Europe)

  • +1-888-431-0957 (North America)

  • +44 2045717717 (United Kingdom)

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