Rice Lake QB Series Operation Manual

QB Series

Precision Balance

Operation Manual

42194

Contents

About This Manual................................................................................................................................... 1

1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.2 General Care and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.3 Installation Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.4 Installation Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

1.5 Special Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.6 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

1.7 Powering Up the QB Series Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1.8 Powering Down the QB Series Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

2.0 Weighing Operations ................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.2 Changing Units of Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

2.3 General Weighing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.4 Weighing with a Tare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.5 Batching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

2.6 Removing the Tare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.7 Weighing with the Comparator Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.7.1 Comparator Function Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.7.2 Basic Over/Under Parameter Selection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.8 Setting the Upper and Lower Comparison Limits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.8.1 Reference Sample Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.8.2 Digital Reference Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.8.3 Weighing with the Comparator Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.8.4 Deactivating the Comparator Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.9 Operating the Counting Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.9.1 Counting Function Activation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.9.2 Programming the Average Piece Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.9.3 Using the APWR (Automatic Piece Weight Refinement) Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.9.4 Using the Counting Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.9.5 Deactivating the Counting Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.0 Span Calibration........................................................................................................................ 14

4.0 Function Parameters.................................................................................................................. 15

4.1 Viewing Parameters. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2 Changing Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

5.0 Specifications............................................................................................................................ 19

5.1 RS-232C Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

5.1.1 Pin Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

5.1.2 RS-232C Commands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

5.1.3 Output Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.1.4 Interface Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.2 Connecting to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.2.1 Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

5.3 Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.

Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.rlws.com or obtained by calling

715-234-9171 and asking for the training department.

© 2003 Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.

Specifications subject to change without notice.

January 2003

ii

6.0 Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................... 25

7.0 Dimensions ................................................................................................................................ 27

QB Series Limited Warranty................................................................................................................... 28

QB Series Operation Manual

About This Manual

The QB Series precision balance is an advanced precision weighing instrument incorporating a
highly-sophisticated electronic tuning fork sensor assembly capable of providing quick, reliable, and stable
weight measurement. This manual is intended to give users guidelines and specifications to ensure proper use
and care of the device.

1.0 Introduction

The QB Series balance contains several features to provide optimum performance.

Standard features include:

•Twelve program-selectable units of measure, including: grams (g), kilograms (kg), pounds (lb), carats,
decimal oz, troy ounces, pennyweights, grain, Hong Kong tael, Sin tael, Taiwanese tael, or momme

NOTE: Display shows

• Three independent operating modes (straight weighing, piece counting, and over/under checkweighing)

•Virtual immunity from external vibrations

•No warm-up time

•Ultra-fast response time

•Built-in automatic zero tracking

•Die-cast aluminum housing to resist corrosion and EMI

• Liquid crystal display (LCD) – 0.5" (12.5mm)

• Standard 115 VAC adapter (230 VAC adapter optional)

•Automatic shut-off (used with battery operation only)

• Front panel controls

•Automatic sleep mode (when used with internal rechargeable battery pack only)

• Large weighing platform

"

to indicate unit of measure other than g, kg, or lb.

Options include:

•Glass breeze break (for nominal capacities of 620g and below)

•RS-232C for interfacing with a printer or other peripheral equipment

• Internal rechargeable battery (operates for 32 hours on one charge)

NOTE: There are many AC adapters available in the marketplace. If you should need to replace the AC adapter provided
with this unit, we recommend that you choose the RLWS AC adapter PN 42566 for 115 VAC or PN 42168 for 230 VAC
use. Use of any other AC adapter can void the warranty.

1.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Each QB Series balance comes with the following components (see Figure 1-1 on page 2).

•AC adapter

•Weighing platform (round or rectangle, model dependent)

•Weighing platform support (size is model dependent)

Be sure all components have come with your QB Series balance.

NOTE: Store the packing material and box in a safe, easily accessible place. Should you ever need to transport the
balance across any substantial distance, using the original packing material is the first step to protecting your
investment.

Introduction

1

2

Weighing Platform
(both styles)

Platform Support

Adaptor
Connector

AC Adaptor

Level Indicator

Display

Leveling Leg (4)

QB

RICE LAKE

OVER

ACCEPT

UNDER

ON
OFF

T

F

P

Expansion Bay

Figure 1-1. Main Component Parts of the QB Series

1.2 General Care and Maintenance

To keep your QB Series balance operating properly, the device needs to be maintained and cared for. Keep the
housing and platform clean by wiping them off with a soft damp cloth daily. If necessary, use a slight solution of
water and dish soap to clean away stains and dirt. Check under the platform support area for any build up of dirt
and debris that could interfere with the mechanism. Keep your calibration masses in a safe, dry area. Unplug the
AC adapter when the device is not in use. For long term storage, remove the internal battery (if equipped).

1.3 Installation Guidelines

For optimum performance, we recommend that you use your QB Series device in a clean, stable environment.
Avoid the following:

• Excessive drafts

• Significant temperature and/or humidity changes

• Strong magnetic fields exist or equipment that may generate a magnetic field

• Excessive dust

•Unstable or vibrating work surface

•Corrosive gases or large amounts of dust

• Long-term exposure to direct sunlight

•Disassembling or modifying the unit in any way

•Moving the balance when an item is on the weighing platform

•Handling your balance with wet hands

• Shock loading or intentionally overloading the device

• Leaving the device exposed to direct sunlight

•Using any solvents on the device

QB Series Operation Manual

1.4 Installation Steps

Use the following steps to properly install the QB Series balance:

1. Inspect the leveling legs and ensure that they are all completely retracted.

2. Place the balance down on a firm, level mounting surface.

3. Using the bubble level to the upper left of the display panel as a guide, adjust the leveling legs as
necessary until the bubble is centered inside the bulls-eye of the bubble level (see Figure 1-2).

BALANCE IS LEVEL

BALANCE IS NOT LEVEL

Blue

circle

Leveling leg

Bubble

Figure 1-2. Level Adjustment

4. Plug the AC adapter into the back of the unit (see Figure 1-3).

Figure 1-3. AC Adapter Connection

5. Secure the weighing pan support onto the device. Tighten the adjusting knob until it is finger tight. Do
not use a screwdriver (see Figure 1-4).

6. Place the platform cover down over the weighing pan support (see Figure 1-1 on page 2 for exploded
view).

7. Plug the AC adapter into a suitable wall outlet.

Adjusting
Knob

QB

RICE LAKE

R

E

V

O

T

P

E

C

C

A

R

E

D

N

U

N

O

F

F

O

T

F

P

Figure 1-4. Attach Weighing Pan Support

Introduction

3

4

1.5 Special Information

The QB Series balance is a sensitive, precision weighing instrument and should always be treated with care.
While every attempt is made prior to shipping to ensure that your balance arrives ready-to-use, uncontrollable
events during the shipping process may make it necessary to calibrate the device before being used.

While not absolutely necessary , we recommend that you perform a span calibration prior to using the balance for
the first time. Even though your QB Series balance was carefully calibrated at the factory, shipping and the
effects of specific gravity can ha v e a ne gati v e impact on accurac y. Review Section 3.0 on page 14 for instructions
on this feature.

In the event that the device fails to operate properly, contact your Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for
assistance.

1.6 Front Panel

Figure 1-6 shows the QB Series keypad and key functions. Figure 1-7 on page 5 shows the LCD display
segments display.

Tare key. In weighing mode, used
to tare weight. In calibration mode,

Print key, or data transmission key.

used to increment/decrement
parameter values.

ON

OFF

Turns scale on or off.

OVER

ACCEPT

UNDER

Not used.

P F

Function key. In weighing mode, used
to select display unit of measure. In
calibration mode, used to select operational
parameters.

Figure 1-5. Front Panel Keypad

Memory function activated for values used in
limit or sampling functions.

Indicates the battery charge is low.

LOW

M

Indicates a negative
weighing value.

Limit mode judgement results.

T

Indicates weighing mode in
lb or oz (dependent on model)
See Table 2-1.

lb

P

Indicates default weighing mode in grams.

Indicates supplemental
unit of measure.

Indicates count mode.

QB Series Operation Manual

Figure 1-6. QB Series Display Segments

1.7 Powering Up the QB Series Balance

Press and release the

1. All display segments momentarily illuminate.

ON/OFF

key to turn on the QB Series balance.

M

2. All display segments momentarily flash.

3. The device activ ates the def ault weighing mode and displays the
display to indicate that weighments are displayed in grams.

1.8 Powering Down the QB Series Balance

To turn the balance off, press and release the

ON/OFF

key.

lb
P

k

g

symbol in the lower right corner of the

Introduction

5

6

2.0 Weighing Operations

The following section describes weighing operations of the QB Series balance, including: units of measure,
general weighing, weighing with a tare, batching, comparator, and piece counting.

2.1 Units of Measure

Table 2-1 shows the various units of measure (maximum capacity and minimum increment) available on your
QB Series balance.

NOTE: There is no push-button conversion from one unit to another. The QB Series balance is capable of showing only
one unit of measure during a weighing operation. Switching to another unit of measure requires a change in the set up

procedure (see Section 2.2)

.

Unit of Measurement

(Display Symbol)

gram

(g)

kilogram

(kg)

carat 750 x

ounces 5.2 x

pound

(lb)

troy ounces 4.8 x

pennyweight 96 x

grain 2300 x

HK tael 4 x .0002 8 x

SIN tael 3.9 x

TW tael 4 x

momme 40 x

QB-150E QB-300E QB-600E QB-620E QB-1500E QB-3000E QB-6000E QB-6200E QB-12KE
150 x

0.01

0.15 x

0.00001

0.05

0.0005

0.33 x

0.00002

0.0005

0.005

0.2

0.0002

0.0002

0.002

300 x

0.01

0.3 x

0.00001
1500 x

0.05
10 x

0.0005

0.66 x

0.00002

9.6 x

0.0005
190 x

0.005
4600 x

0.2

0.0002

7.9 x

0.0002
8 x

0.0002
80 x

0.002

600 x

0.02

0.6 x

0.00002
3000 x

0.1
21 x

0.0005

1.3 x

0.00005
19 x

0.0005
380 x

0.01
9200 x

0.5
16 x

0.0005
15 x

0.0005
16 x

0.0005
160 x

0.005

620 x

0.01

0.62 x

0.00001
3100 x

0.05
21 x

0.0005

1.3 x

0.00002
19 x

0.0005
390 x

0.005
9500 x

0.2
16 x

0.0002
16 x

0.0002
16 x

0.0002
160 x

0.002

1500 x

0.1

1.5 x

0.0001
7500 x

0.5
52 x

0.005

3.3 x

0.0002
48 x

0.005
960 x

0.05
2300 x 2 46000 x 292000 x 595000 x 2180000 x 200.0647989

40 x

0.002
39 x

0.002
40 x

0.002
400 x

0.02

3000 x

0.1
3 x

0.0001
15000 x

0.5
100 x

0.005

6.6 x

0.0002
96 x

0.005
1900 x

0.05

80 x

0.002
79 x

0.002
80 x

0.002
800 x

0.02

6000 x

0.2
6 x

0.0002
3000 x 1 31000 x

210 x

0.005
13 x

0.0005
190 x

0.005
3800 x

0.1

160 x

0.005
150 x

0.005
160 x

0.005
1600 x

0.05

6200 x

0.1

6.2 x

0.0001

0.5
210 x

0.005
13 x

0.0002
190 x

0.005
3900 x

0.05

160 x

0.002
160 x

0.002
160 x

0.002
1600 x

0.02

12000 x 11

12 x

0.001
60000 x 50.2

420 x

0.05
26 x

0.002
380 x

0.05
7700 x

0.5

320 x

0.02
310 x

0.02
320 x

0.02
3200 x

0.2

Table 2-1. Unit Capacities

Conversion

Factor/g

0.001

28.349527

453.5924

31.103481

1.5551740

37.428932

37.799466

37.5

3.75

2.2 Changing Units of Measure

After the balance has been powered up (see Section 1.7 on page 5), all display segments momentarily illuminate,
followed by two flashes of all displays. The device then displays default weighing mode. If the balance does not
show a
value. The default unit of measure from the factory is
unit of measure may already be activated. To change the active unit of measure, use the following steps:

0.00

value after the normal start sequence, press and release the

1. Ensure that there is nothing on the platform and that the weight reading is

2. Press and hold the

3. Release the

F

key until the word

key. The display changes to show either

F

4. Repeatedly press and release the
measure is currently

). If the active unit of measure is another v alue,

g

one of the following values:

5. Refer to Table 2-1 above and Table 4-1 on page 15 to determine the setting required for the desired unit
of measure.

6. Repeatedly press and release the

key to confirm the setting.

7. Press and release the

QB Series Operation Manual

P

g

(grams). If the balance has already been used, a different

Func

is displayed.

1.SET.1

F

key to change the display, until it reads

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A, b,

T

key until the appropriate value is displayed.

or

or

.

C

T

key. The balance returns to a

.

0.00

1.SET.2

.

7.un.1

is displayed, followed by any

7.un.

(if the active unit of

0.00