Adam Equipment: PGW Precision Balances
Adam Equipment: PGW Precision Balances
Adam Equipment: PGW Precision Balances
The PGW series of precision balances are very precise measuring devices used in the
laboratory conditions.
To achieve precise measurements you should make sure the balances are used in
suitable environments and the conditions are as described in the Operators Manuals.
There are no user serviceable parts in the balance. All service and internal calibrations
should be done only by Service Personnel trained and approved by Adam Equipment.
FEATURES:
• Large easy to read LCD display with
backlight
• Standard applications include Weighing,
Check weighing, Percentage Weighing,
Parts Counting, Animal/ Dynamic Weighing,
Net/Total and Density Determination
• Internal Calibration using motorised internal
calibration weight
• External calibration models available
• Bi-directional RS-232 interface
• Can be configured to print a GLP Compliant
PGW series report after each calibration to include the
time, date, balance number and a
verification of the calibration
• Automatic temperature compensation
• Display in 4 languages- English, French, German and Spanish
• 18 weighing units
• Capacity tracker
• Date and time
• Easy to use, sealed keypad
• Below balance weighing facility
• Password protection
• Security locking point
• Robust metal casing
The PGW balances use an electro-magnetic force restoration (or force motor) type
mechanics that converts a force generated due to an unknown mass placed on the
weighing pan into a voltage which can be measured by a high-precision voltmeter.
The force restoration system uses a magnet section along with a coil to convert a current
through the coil into a force. This force will balance the force caused due to the unknown
mass on the balance pan. This is accomplished in a system using a method of applying
the force from the unknown mass on one end of a beam and balancing it with the force
generated due to the current in the coil on the opposite end. The balance position is
detected by an optical detector connected to the beam.
When the mass is placed on the balance pan, the beam will be moved out of its original
null position. This movement is detected by the optical sensor. An amplifier connected to
the sensor will change the current through the coil, to force the beam to go back to its null
position. The amount of change in the current through the coil is proportional to the
unknown mass on the pan. The current passes through a precision resistor, creating a
voltage that is measured by the A/D converter.
Mechanical parts surrounding the balance beam make the force generated due to the
unknown mass go in a straight line through the balance beam, thus eliminating any
differences, depending upon the location of the mass on the balance weighing pan.
The electronics measure the voltage using precision amplifiers, A/D converter with high
resolution and a microprocessor working with memory, displays and power supply.
The microprocessor uses information from the A/D converter, a separate temperature
sensor & A/D converter for measuring the magnet temperature and the internal program to
determine the weight of the unknown mass and all other information to be displayed.
The system uses special programs to correct any temperature variations in the
mechanism. The balance is tested and calibrated at extreme temperatures and the details
are stored in the memory. These details are used to compensate for temperature changes
inside the balance due to self heating and ambient conditions.
The internal calibration models include an internal calibration weight controlled by the
microprocessor. This weight is not accessible by the user. Calibration can be performed
when the temperature sensor detects a change in the pre-set temperature (or the pre-set
time) either automatically or by manually entering in to the Calibration Menu.
Details of the operation of the balance are found in the PGW User Manual.
The PGW Series of balances have capacities that vary from 150g to 4500g. The basic
electronics and software are identical, the only differences between the models are:
• Value of current sense resistors are selected to optimise the voltage to the A/D
converter.
• The external and internal calibration models- the internal calibration models are
available with motorised internal calibration as series denoted with ‘i’. The same
models are available with external calibration facility as series denoted with ‘e’.
• All other changes are set by parameters stored in memory and set at the factory by
the manufacturer and can not be modified outside the factory.
Flexures Flexures
(for 0.01g models) (for 0.001g models)
Horizontal x 8
Puller x 1
Pivots x 2
The mechanism for controlling the internal calibration mass consists of:
1 7
6
9
8 4
5
3
Exploded view of Internal Calibration Mechanism for PGW with 0.001 readability
NOTE: For PGW with 0.01 readability, components number 1 & 2 vary from the above,
the rest of the components are same.
Internal Calibration process can be started by user (using calibration menu and selecting
the internal calibration option) or automatically when the time or temperature of the system
changes by a pre-set value with respect to the time or temperature of last calibration.
Automatic Calibration function can be disabled by the user in the calibration sub-menu.
The following tools and equipment may be helpful when working on the balance.
Faults associated with these balances leading to inaccurate weighing are generally of the
following types.
In order to know if a balance is working properly, it will be necessary to carry out some
performance tests on the balance. See section 5.0 for the details.
In most cases, the first thing to be considered as a part of trouble-shooting is the software
parameters as this is the main method used to set calibration and linearity, set parameters,
view temperatures sensor values and perform the most basic of calibration functions. See
section 7.0 to enter the Dealer Parameter Settings.
Faults associated with these balances leading to inaccurate weighing are generally of the
following types.
NOTE: The Electronics modules within the balance are not serviceable. In case of
any electronics component failure, contact your supplier.
User Problems:
The user is asking the balance for something it cannot do or is confused by the modes and
functions of a balance. It is also possible the user has set a parameter that has affected
the balance operation. Resetting the parameter to a normal value will restore operation.
Mechanical Problems
The balances consist of complicated and fragile mechanical devices. They can be
damaged by placing a weight on it which is too high for the balance or by dropping the
balance or occasionally shipping it without taking care. The most fragile parts are the
flexures. Dust, dirt, spills and other foreign objects in the balance can also cause
problems.
Electronic Problems:
These are the rarest of the problems affecting balances. If an electronic problem is
suspected make sure the mechanical problems that can cause similar symptoms have
been eliminated before attempting electronic repairs. With the exception of cables most
electronic repairs are solved by PCB replacement. The Electronics modules within the
balance are not serviceable. In case of any electronics component failure, contact your
supplier.
The following table provides a guideline on the common problems. Note that many
problems may have multiple solutions and there may be problems found that are not listed
in the table. For more Information, contact your supplier.
TABLE 2: TROUBLE-SHOOTING
5.0
In order to know if a balance is working properly, it will be necessary to carry out the
following tests on the balance. These tests should be performed initially, when it is not
clear whether there is any problem with the balance. These tests should also be performed
anytime a balance has been serviced or any changes are made.
Before performing the tests the balance should be allowed to warm-up in a stable
environment for a minimum of 4 hours. During this time the following should be checked:
• Install the pan supports, the pan and the breeze-shield, if applicable and make
sure they do not interfere with correct weighing.
• Level the balance.
• Verify all the keys work properly and the functions set are suitable for the
balance to be tested. For example, set to grams weighing, all digits operating
normally, the filters set to a normal setting, etc.
• Verify the RS-232 is operating correctly using a communications program.
• Verify the display is correct, the minus sign is shown, decimal points are in the
correct position, the weighing unit is correct and the stability symbol is correct.
• Verify the calibration is functioning correctly.
For better accuracy, we suggest to use only the Class F1 weights during the linearity
adjustment. The maximum permissible errors of F1 weights are given in the Table below.
REPEATABILITY ADJUSTMENT:
If the errors are still not acceptable, refer to section 7.0 for adjustment.
If the differences in the weighing values at the 5 locations are bigger than ±5 divisions, you
need to adjust the balance for Eccentric loading.
The adjustment is done using the hex head bolts on the mechanics: The amount of
adjustment and the direction by which the screws are turned will depend on the amount of
error observed as the mass is moved around the platform.
A. When the difference is greater in case of back to front of the pan than that of side
to side, do the front to back adjustment first -
B. When the difference is greater in case of the mass placed from side to side than
that of the mass placed from back to front, do the side to side adjustment first -
If the reading is more at the right side If the reading is more on the left side of
of the pan, turn the left screw anti- the pan, turn the left screw clock-wise
clockwise and the right screw and the right screw anti-clockwise by the
clockwise by the same angle. same angle.
After setting the adjustment, you should place the balance to one side for some time and
weigh on it occasionally. This helps to reduce the internal tensions. Re-test again and
continue adjusting, if necessary.
It is necessary to know the values of the masses used to an accuracy that is better
than the balance weighing results. NOTE: The accumulation of errors when using
multiple masses can contribute to a larger apparent error. Refer to Table 3. If you are
using 200g & 50g masses to make 250g, there may be an accumulated error of
(0.0010g + 0.0003g) 0.0013g.
LINEARITY ADJUSTMENT:
If the values are still not acceptable, refer to section 7.0 for Linearity adjustment.
The part numbers for ordering the components needed during the repair are listed in the
Annexure at the end (see Table 13).
Rubber pan
support
Mechanics
If you need to replace any flexure, the following guidelines may help.
• Replace only with the correct flexure procured from Adam Equipment. See table
1 for details
• Keep all flexures aligned vertically, horizontally and from front to back.
• The active area of a flexure must align with the active area of all other flexures in
the same axis.
• Do not over-tighten the flexure screws. Residual stress is often a cause of drift
with temperature or unstable readings. When tightening the screws work slowly
from one screw to the others to tighten all screws a little at a time.
• Be certain you are using the correct flexures for the balance. Many flexures look
very similar but have different applications. The major difference between
similar flexures is the thickness of the active area.
• Be very careful not to bend flexures during installation. Remember flexures are
designed to be very weak in the direction they bend. They are not strong
enough to support a large weight in the bending direction.
@Adam Equipment Company 2007 22
Step 14: To have the access to the
Puller and vertical flexures, the Power
Board and the back panel needs to be
removed. Remove board by using
Power 3mm Allen Hex Key as shown here.
Board
Back
Panel
Puller
Flexure
The parameters available to the users are described in the User Manual in details. This
section describes the parameters available to the dealers for setting up the balance.
Access to these parameters is controlled by password.
• Enter the dealer passcode, which is 41218 (DLR as D=4th L=12th R=18th
letter of the alphabet). Press [Setup/Enter].
• Press the [Mode] key three times, or press the [Esc] key to return to
weighing and then the [Setup/Enter] key to return to the outer level menu,
which now displays “SUPERVISOR”.
1. ADC COUNTS
The balance displays the averaged, temperature compensated and linearity corrected
weight ADC counts in the small digits and the spread of the last 50 readings in the large
digits.
• Pressing the [Unit] key switches the display between the weight and
temperature ADC counts.
• Pressing the [Setup/Enter] or [Mode] key escapes to the next item on the
dealer menu.
ADC Range
Zero Setting > 500,000 0.5 to 1.5 million
Maximum Linearity Load < 16,000,000 14 -16 million
(See Table 8)
2. DATA COMMS
• Pressing the [Setup/Enter] or [Mode] key escapes to the next item on the
dealer menu.
3. CALIBRATE
A. TEMP CAL
• If the entered temperature is within range, the display will show the
message “LOAD 0”.
• After measuring the no-load weight, the display will prompt to load the
external calibration mass. Load the required mass and press
[Setup/Enter].
• Pressing the [Mode] key at any time escapes back to the TEMP CAL
menu option.
• If any errors are encountered or the [Mode] or [Esc] keys are pressed
during temperature calibration, the procedure will be aborted with no new
data stored, and any previous temperature correction data will be retained.
B. LINEAR CAL
• Display will ask to load the required weights in turn. Place the weights onto
the weighing pan in turn and press the [Setup/Enter] key. Please note
that the weights are not selectable
• Pressing the [Mode] key at any time escapes back to the LINEAR CAL
menu option.
• If any error is encountered or the [Mode] or [Esc] keys are pressed during
linearity calibration, the procedure will be aborted with no new data stored
and any previous linearity calibration data will be retained.
Internal Calibration
Balance model
mass (approx.)
PGW 153i 100g
PGW 253i 240g
PGW 453i 240g
PGW 753i 520g
PGW 1502i 1400g
PGW 2502i 1400g
PGW 3502i 1400g
PGW 4502i 1400g
NOTE: The value of the internal mass is not an exact number, such as 100g. It must be
set by comparing with an external mass. The exact value can be set using the Supervisor
Parameter section as described in the User Manual (section 13.5), provided this feature is
enabled at the factory.
PROCEDURE
• Make sure the balance is level and has been ON for 4 hours or more at a stable
temperature.
• Calibrate the balance twice. This helps to reduce any stresses in the mechanics.
• Pressing the [Setup/Enter] key while in normal weighing gives access to the
Supervisor Menus.
• When [Setup/Enter] is pressed and passcodes are not enabled the display will
show the Supervisor menus. If passcodes are enabled, the balance will ask for it by
displaying “PASSCODE 0”
• If a wrong code is entered an “ERROR CODE” message will flash and the balance will
return to weighing mode
• If the passcode has been enabled and entered, the balance will allow the user to
access the Supervisor’s menus by which the user can enable/disable weighing units
or modes, set balance parameters for the conditions, set time and date, set
parameters for the RS-232 interface, calibration parameters and security
parameters
• The display will show the first menu “UNITS”. The [Up] and [Down] keys will cycle
through the main menus, pressing the [Setup/Enter] key will enter the menu and
sub-menu or options can be set. Press [Mode] to come out of a sub-menu or [Esc]
to return to normal weighing
• Press [Enter] when “CAL SETUP” is displayed to select the calibration parameters
• The options for each parameter can be scrolled through by using the [Up] or
[Down] key
• When “INT CAL” is displayed select “YES” by pressing the [Enter] key. . The value of
the internal mass set in the factory will be displayed
• A new internal value can then be reset to make the external mass value display
correctly. If the reading for the external mass is greater than the actual value of the
mass then reduce the internal mass value by the difference. Enter this reduced
value when prompted by the display
For example, if the internal mass previously set is 520.054g and the display reads
500.050g when using an external mass of 500g, then reduce the internal mass
value by 0.050g. Enter the new revised value of 520.004 (in place of 520.054g)
when prompted. The adjustment can be done for up to ±100mg.
• Repeat the calibration and check the value of the external mass again
• Repeat this procedure until the value displayed is correct for the mass used
Stainless
Steel pan
Pan Support
Assembly
Pan Support
Spacers x 4
Power Supply
PCB
Mechanics
Main PCB
Magnet
Assembly
Balance
Casing
Foot
Magnet Cover
Upper Horizontal
Beam
Main
Chasis
Optical switch
Off-Centre
Loading
Coil Beam Assembly
Assembly
Magnet Assembly
Pivot
Puller
Lower
Horizontal Beam
Horizontal Flexure
NOTE:
Refer to the drawings for the item number corresponding to this list. If
spare parts are required identify the model number and serial number
of the balance. Contact your supplier for further details on price and
availability of all spare parts.
This product has been manufactured in accordance with the harmonised European standards,
following the provisions of the below stated directives:
FCC COMPLIANCE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. The
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case
the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Shielded interconnect cables must be employed with this equipment to insure compliance with the
pertinent RF emission limits governing this device.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Adam Equipment could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
WEEE COMPLIANCE
ADAM’s products are predominantly designed for the Laboratory, Educational, Medical and
Industrial Segments. The product range is as follows:
Adam Equipment Co. Ltd. Adam Equipment Inc. Adam Equipment S.A. (Pty) Ltd. Adam Equipment (S.E. ASIA)
Bond Avenue 26, Commerce Drive 7 Megawatt Road, Pty Ltd.
Milton Keynes Danbury, CT Spartan EXT 22, Kempton Park, 2/71 Tacoma Circuit
MK1 1SW 06810 Johannesburg Canning Vale, Perth
UK USA Republic of South Africa Western Australia
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© Copyright by Adam Equipment Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication
may be reprinted or translated in any form or by any means without the prior permission of
Adam Equipment.
Adam Equipment reserves the right to make changes to the technology, features,
specifications and design of the equipment without notice.
All information contained within this publication is to the best of our knowledge timely,
complete and accurate when issued. However, we are not responsible for
misinterpretations which may result from the reading of this material.
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