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FAQs

If you have a question that is not answered here, please feel free to contact us for more support.

Jump to the following sections:

How to Select the Right Weighing Equipment
Finding More Information About Specific Models
Troubleshooting
Warranty & Repair Information
Calibration
Certifications
Software
Balance FAQs
Checkweigher FAQs
Authorized Dealer FAQs

How to Select the Right Weighing Equipment

How do I pick the right balance or scales? 

Remember your three Rs: Range, Readability, and Requirements.

Range – find out the minimum and maximum capacity required for your protocol, applications or method. If sharing the balance, consider what your colleagues range requirements might also be.

Readability – also known as resolutions or decimal places.  Find out how many decimal places you need to measure or report out to.

Requirements – does your protocol, applications or method require special requirements?  Here are some generic question that will help you determine if you have special requirements:

  • What are you weighing? Is it a sensitive, small or big sample type, is it susceptible to static interference, or a highly viscous product that needs environmental filters?  
  • What environment will you be weighing in, like the lab, factory, or in the field? 
  • Do you have any special needs to transfer data or a need to print or export data?  
  • Do you have specific reporting or labeling that requires GLP/GMP/GCP/ISO compliance?
  • Is there any regulatory requirement you need to comply with, like the USP or FDA?
  • Do you need Legal for Trade marks like NTEP or Measure Canada marking?
  • Do you need to wash it down or need it to be dust proof? IP rating

The answers to the above questions should help guide you to the proper specifications for your new weighing equipment. From our Product page, you can narrow down to the relevant category, or use the Product Selector tool on the left hand side to narrow down by specification. 

Finding More Information About Specific Models

Where can I find the specifications for a model?

Search or navigate to the series you are interested in on our site.  Once you're on the series page, scroll down to the Model Comparison tab to compare specs by model.  If you already know the model you're interested in, click on that link and look in the Specifications tab for the full list of specifications.  

Where can I find pricing and availability?

Simply find the model you're looking for on our website and press the Request a Quote button.  Our team will contact you to discuss pricing, availability, and your application's requirements to make sure you have the right solution in place.

Where can I find more information about accessories that work with my model?

Most models have an Accessories tab which will tell you the part number for accessories designed to work with your model. 

I need a spare part.  What do I do?

Spare parts are available from authorized service providers. Please contact us, and we will put in you touch with the closest regional service provider. 

I lost my manual.  Can you send me a new one?

For your convenience, we have included user manuals for many of our models on our website.  Simply search your model number and then look in the Downloads tab.  

Troubleshooting

I need troubleshooting help.  Who can I contact?

To save time, please consult the Troubleshooting section of the Instruction Manual shipped with your product.  The Instruction Manuals are also available under the Downloads tab for each model/series on our website.  The authorized A&D partner who provided you with the product can usually help as well.  We're also here to help - simply contact us, but don't forget to include the model and serial number!

I'm getting an error code.  What does it mean?

Error messages are listed in the Instruction Manual in the Error Codes section, usually found near the back of the manual.  Instruction Manuals can be found in the Downloads tab on the series/model page on our website.  

My unit won't power on.  What's wrong?

For AC powered balances and scales, please note that A&D models will only work with A&D AC adapters. On occasion, these will fail due to rough handling. Please contact us or an authorized partner to determine the correct replacement.

For battery powered balances and scales, please replace the batteries. 

My unit isn't weighing correctly.  What's wrong?

Troubleshooting procedures, along with error codes, are included in the Instruction Manual for each model, typically towards the back. If you've misplaced your manual, please search your model and look in the Downloads tab. 

Warranty & Repair Information

My unit needs repair.  What do I do?

Please contact your authorized A&D partner.  They can usually provide after-sales calibration and service.  If you don't know who that is, please contact us - don't forget to include your model and serial number.  

What is your warranty?

This will depend on the model number, but generally, our balances have a 5 year US warranty, and scales have a 2 year US warranty.  All other accessories and products have a standard 1 year US warranty.  

How do I register for my warranty?

It's easy!  Click on Warranty under the Support menu and enter your information.

Calibration

What weight do I need to use for calibration?

Calibration weights are listed in the technical specifications section of the data sheet and the Instruction manual. 

As a guideline, two weights are recommended when calibrating your balance or scale: a large weight that tests the eccentricity of the balance and a small weight that will test for repeatability. When selecting these weights, the larger weight should have a mass that is equal to the capacity of the weighing equipment and a smaller weight that is approximately 5% of the nominal capacity of the balance. 

What's the difference between Internal Calibration, External Calibration, and Auto Self Calibration?

Internal Calibration consists of a built-in test weight that is shielded and protected from external environmental influences as well as test weight handling errors. Internal calibration can be engaged at the touch of a button, or, on models that have Auto Self Calibration (ASC), calibration can be completed automatically. With ASC, the user does not even have to touch a button; the balance will automatically calibrate if the temperature changes or a long time interval has passed. 

External Calibration requires an external weight to perform the calibration. 

Because the accuracy of weighing results is affected by many small variables such as drafts, temperature or installation location, we recommend that you verify the accuracy of your balance and internal calibration weight at regularly scheduled intervals.  The interval at which you need to calibrate in your application depends upon the frequency of your measurements and is based on your standard operation procedure. 

Do you have a calibration service?

Authorized A&D partners can usually provide after-sales calibration and service. If you don't know who that is, please contact us. Don't forget to include your model and a serial number for faster service. 

Certifications

What certifications do you have?

A&D is committed to the highest quality standards in its operating practices and its products.  A&D is an ISO 9001-certified company, and many A&D Weighing products are certified by national and international agencies, including trade-legal bodies like NTEP, Measurement Canada and NSF.  Please check the series or model you're interested in for more information, including certificates of conformance.  

Do you sell legal for trade models?

Yes!  To find the model that is right for you, please click here to see available options.

Software

Where can I download the software or plugin for WinCT?

Please check the WinCT page for the latest version.  We also have many other Software Downloads you might find useful for your application.

Balance FAQs

What is the difference between the different types of balances, like Micro, Analytical, and Precision?

The difference is primarily the resolution, or how many decimal places a balance will measure to.  See the table below to see how they compare:

Balance Type # of Places g
Ultra Micro Balances 7 places 0.0000001g
Micro Balances 6 places 0.000001g
Semi-Micro Balances 5 places 0.00001g
Analytical Balances 4 places 0.0001g
Precision (Miligram) Balances 3 places 0.001g
Precision (Top-Loader) Balances 2 & 1 places 0.01 / 0.1g

High Capacity Balances (measures in kg or lb)

 2 & 1 places 1g / 0.1g / 0.01g

 

I need a breeze break (aka draft shield).  Where can I find the right part number to order?

We've listed accessories for most models on our website.  Please search your model and click on the Accessories tab to see more details for your unit.

Checkweigher FAQs

What do the color codes mean on your checkweighers?

Time is money, and we are always looking for ways to increase productivity and prevent errors. A simple way to combat losses, overfilling and errors is with a built-in comparator option or with a traffic light. Once you program in your nominal weight and tolerances, you can easily see when you are overfilling with a red light.  A green light indicates that you are within tolerance, and a yellow light indicates that the weight is below the tolerance:

Red = HI or Overfilling
Yellow = LO or Below Tolerance
Green = OK or within Tolerance

Authorized Dealer FAQs

I am an authorized dealer.  Where can I get critical product and marketing information?

We have a portal just for you called the Dealer Lounge.  Please request a login to receive access.