• To ensure safe and proper use of the balance, please read this
so you can review it as needed.
Tuning Fork Analytical Balances
Operation Manual
manual carefully.
• After reading this manual, store it in a safe place near the balance,
107398
PREFACE
Thank you for purchasing an RL-TA Series electronic balance.
The RL-TA Series is a new balance equipped with a high-precision tuning fork sensor mechanism. It
windshield is made of antistatic plastic, helping to reduce its weight, and the balance is equipped with a variety
of functions such as parts counting, percentage weighing, gravimeter and limit functions that are helpful in
weighing fixed amounts. This multifunctional balance employs a user-friendly program, and the keys are
arranged in a way that makes the balance easy to operate. In addition, the fluorescent display is eye-friendly,
and the balance’s high-speed and stable performan ce improves your work efficiency.
Check for the following accessories before use.
If any items are found to be missing or damaged, immediately contact the retailer or our Sales Division.
Readability by Unit ................................. 81
24 Unit Conversion Table ................................. 82
TA Series Limited Warranty ................................ 83
Specifications subject to change without notice.
ii RL-TA Series Operation Manual
Printed in the United States of America.
July 2011
1 Precautions Relating to Use
This is a category to indicate improper handling that may
cause physical injury or severe damage to property. Be
sure to follow the directions for safe use to avoid serious
consequences.
Recommended
This term indicates steps that the user should take to ensure
the quality and reliability of the balance.
Meanings of Symbols
Each symbol is accompanied by an instruction.
Example
Prohibitive Symbol
Example
Do Not Use
Do Not Deviate
Do Not
This Section “Precautions Relating to Use” sets forth precautionary notes that the user should observe in
order to prevent physical injury to the user and/or damage to property.
The nature of problems that may result in the event of improper operation, and consequential effects on the
quality and performance of the balance, are indicated under the two categories of “Caution” and
“Recommended,” and explained using symbols.
Mandatory Symbol
Disassemble
Indicates a “mandatory” action that should
be executed without fail.
Indicates a “prohibited” action that must not
be executed.
Do not disassemble or modify the unit.
• Could cause malfunction.
• In case of malfunction do not disassemble the unit.
Contact our Technical Service Division.
Check Level
from Ratings
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 1
Only AC power should be used.
Only use the dedicated AC adapter.
• Use of other types of power or adapters may result
in heat generation or malfunction of the balance.
Do Not Move
落下禁止
Do Not Drop
Do Not Leave
Do Not Touch
Do Not Expose
Do Not Expose
Do Not Use
Do not move the balance when a sample
is loaded.
• The loaded sample may fall off the pan and cause
an injury.
Afloat
with Wet Hand
Do not pla ce the balance on an unstable base
or use the balance in a location where it may be
subjected to shock.
• The loaded sample may fall off the pan.
• Accurate measurement may be rendered
impossible.
Do not lay the AC adapter cable in the path
of traffic.
• Somebody may trip on the cable, causing the
balance to fall off, thereby causing injury and/or
damage to the balance.
Do not use the balance with its adjusters
(feet) lifted.
• The balance will become unstable, preventing
accurate measurement.
Do not touch the AC adapter or the balance
with wet hands.
• Could result in an electrical shock.
to Water
to Dust
Do not ex p o se the balance to rain or water.
• Could cause an electrical shock or short circuit.
• The balance will corrode and malfunction.
Do not use the balance in a dusty environment.
• Could cause an explosion or fire.
• Could cause a short circuit or interfere with the
balance’s electrical conductivity, causing it to
malfunction.
2 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
o
Err
Recommended
Calibrate
Do Not Apply
Do Not Overload
Do Not Use
Do Not Use
Unplug Adapter
Balance
Calibrate the balance after installation
or relocation.
• Measurement values may contain errors,
preventing accurate measurement from being
conducted.
Force
Avoid applying excess force or impact to
the balance.
• Place the sample to be measured on the balance
carefully to prevent breakage or malfunction.
Do not use the balance in a location were it
may be subjected to abrupt changes in ambient
temperature or humidity.
• Accurate measurement may be rendered
impossible.
• Use the balance in an ambient temperature range
of 5°C to 35°C and with 80% or lower relative
humidity.
Do not leave the balance overloaded. (When it
-
is overloaded, (
• Take down the loaded sample immediately to
prevent breakage or malfunction.
) is displayed.)
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 3
Do not use the balance in a location where it is
subject to direct sunlight.
• The indications would be illegible.
• An internal temperature increase in the balance
may lead to inaccurate measurement.
If the balance is to be unused for an extended
period of time, unplug the adapter.
• This conserves power and prevents deterioration.
Do Not Use
Do Not Use
Check Level
Do Not Use
Do not use volatile solvents for cleaning.
• The body may be distorted.
• To clean the unit of stains, use a piece of dry cloth
or cloth soaked in a small quantity of neutral
detergent.
Do not use the balance in a location where it
may be subject to air from an air-conditioning
unit.
• Extreme changes in the ambient temperature may
result in inaccurate measurements.
Do not use the balance on a soft floor.
• When loaded with a sample, the balance may tip or
move, preventing accurate measurements from
being conducted.
Do not use the balance when it is out of level.
• When the balance is out of level, an error may be
caused, preventing accurate measurement from
being conducted.
Place the balance on a level surface.
4 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
2 Names of Component Parts
RS-232C connector
(D
Connector for peripheral
devices
(DIN8P)
*
AC adapter connector
Adjuster
Fixed leg
Cover of hanging
hook
Battery case
powered drive system
2.1 Main Unit
(Adjustable leg)
-SUB9P)
Replace the connector cap
when not using AC power.
(Batteryis an optional extra.)
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 5
2.2 Operation Keys
Operation key Function
On/Off key
Print key
Target key
Cal key
Function key
Zero/Tare key
Turns the balance on or off.
Starts output.
Pauses the setting and input operation.
[Short press] Toggles the response mode.
[Short press] Stores the settings.
[Continuous press] Inputs the settings.
[Short press] Switches to the span adjustment and span
[Short press] Toggles the weighing modes.
[Short press] Used to enter numerical values.
[Short press] Used to select a function to set.
[Continuous press] Calls functions.
[Short press] Used for zero-setting or sets the display to
zero by tare range.
[Short press] Used to enter numerical values.
[Short press] Used to select a function.
6 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
2.3 Displayed Signs
○
▲, ►
2.3.1 Displayed signs
Display Description
*
+
-
M
→0←
Battery indicator. This is displayed when the balance is powered by
CAL
B/G
Net
Displays the judgment results when the (five-point) limit function is enabled.
Displayed when the balance is in standby mode.
Indicates that the addition function is enabled for accepting an additional load.
Indication of stable balance (If this light is off, the balance is unstable.)
Sign for sample addition when parts counting is performed
Minus
Display of set values from memory (If it is flashing, the value is being saved.)
Zero-point
Bar graph (Refer to Hints on page 44).
batteries. As the gets weaker, the sign is changed into [
(Refer to “Section 21: Operate on Batteries” on page 81).
Displayed when calibration and Ad vice CA L are enable d.
Lights up when date/time is being set or displayed.
Blinks during interval output.
Displayed when data is output in compliance with ISO/GLP/GMP.
Gross weight
Tare sign
] or [ ].
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 7
#
Σ
Pcs
mom
%
mg
Unit converting
Displays a sum total.
Parts counting
Momme
Percentage weighing
Displays the selected unit.
Milligram, gram
Displayed according to the function.
3 Installation of the Balance
After the balance has been moved, open the windshield door to allow it to
warm up.
AC adapter connector
1. Attach the pan base and pan.
Attach the pan base and pan to the main unit as shown in the figure.
2. Level the Balance.
Turn the adjustable feet so that the air bubble in the level gauge is within the circle.
3. Connect the AC adapter.
Connect the AC adapter to the balance.
(Refer to “Section 21, Operate on Batteries” on page 81 if the Batteries option is employed.)
adapt to the ambient temperature for stable m easurement.
In addition, allow five minutes after turning on the power for the balance to
8 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
4 Basic Operation
4.1 Power On/Off
Press the On/Off key to turn the power on and off.
The * sign is displayed when the balance is powered by the AC adapter
and is in standby mode.
The balance will start in the mode it was in when last turned off. For example, if you turn off the balance in
the parts counting mode, it will start in that mode when it is next turned on.
(Refer to “Section 5.2: Description of Functions 1” on page 16 for details of the weighing modes.)
4.2 Weighing
Place a sample on the balance and close the windshield door.
A circle will be displayed after the measurement has stabilized.
Read the measurement while the circle is displayed.
The circle will not be displayed or will flicker if the balance is
subject to disturbance such as vibration. Take appropriate
measures to stabilize the balance.
The bar graph indicates the current load in relation to the
balance’s weighing capacity. As the load approaches the
weighing capacity, the bar extends towards the right.
When the weight of an object exceeds the balance’s weighing capacity, [o
- Err] is displayed.
If the pan is removed and the zero-point falls below the original zero-point,
[u - Err] is displayed.
4.3 Zero Adjustment
Press the Zero/Tare key.
Wait until the display becomes stable (the M sign flashes), and set
the display to “0”.
While the zero point is accurately maintained, the [→0←] sign is
displayed.
4.4 Tare (pan)
Place the tare (pan) on the balance and press the Zero/Tare key.
When the display becomes stable, “0” is display ed.
(Continued on next page.)
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 9
This operation is called “Tare” and “Net” is displayed while the weight of the pan is being set.
After the weight of the pan has been set, if a sample is placed in the container the balance will display the
weight (net weight).
* When a tare range is set, the weighing capacity is reduced accordingly.
Weighing capacity = original weighing capacity – pan weig ht
Even after the weight of the pan has been set and the display is set to “0,” the value indicated by the bar
graph includes the pan weight.
4.5 Set a Gross Weight
Press the Function key while the weight of the pan is being set.
The gross w ei gh t , which is the sum of the pan weight and the weight
of the sample put in it, is displayed.
The B/G sign is displayed while the gross weight is being displayed.
Pressing the Function key will toggle the display between net
weight and gross weight. (Unit B, net weight, is also displayed if it
has been selected.)
A gross weight can only be displayed when the balance functions as a weighing machine.
1.
2. When a gross weight is displayed, you cannot set a tare range. You can only adjust the
zero-point.
4.6 Single-touch Response Setting
This function allows you to switch the response of the balance with a single touch of the Set button.
The balance will be subject to different levels of vibration depending on where it is placed. Adjusting the
balance’s response according to the magnitude of vibration reduces the variation in its display and the time
required for the display to stabilize.
Pressing the Target key once displays the current settings ([
Pressing the Target key again toggles the display between [→→FASt].
After the balance settings have been completed, the display automatically returns to the weighing mode.
This function corresponds to the settings [S. rE. *] and [6. ENU. *] of Function 1,
and the settings in Function 1 are also changed at the same time.
(Continued on next page.)
] etc.).
10 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
Target key Meanings Description
Corresponding settings in
Function 1
6. EnU. 5. rE.
FAST
NORMAL
SLOW
The balance responds quickly but it
is easily affected by vibration
The balance’s response is
somewhere between fast and slow
The balance responds slowly but is
not easily affected by vibration
0 1
0 3
1 3
(Refer to “Section 5: Function 1” on page 15 for further information on Function 1.)
In , [0] indicates a fast response. Use this setting when the
balance is subject to a low level of vibration.
[1] indicates a slow response. Use this setting when the balance
is subject to a high level of vibration.
In [
, [1] indicates the fastest response. Use this setting when
the balance is subject to a low level of vibration. As the number
approaches [5], the balance’s response becomes slower but it is
also less affected by vibration.
* To adjust the response more finely, use Function 1.
This function is unavailable when the gravimeter or addition function is enabled.
4.7 Data Output
Measured data and GLP data can be output to a personal computer, printer, or similar device via the
built-in RS-232C interface. In the factory default setting, pressing the Print key once will output the
current measured value when the measurement becomes stable.
is displayed while the data is being output.
Refer to “Section 5.5: Interface” on page 20 for further information on the output settings.
4.8 Hanging Measurement
The balance is equipped with a hanging hook to suspend a hanging pan for weighing. Perform hanging
measurements when weighing electromagnetic, electrostatic, or high-temperature samples that cannot be
accurately weighed on the normal pan.
Remove the pan and gently tilt the balance backward.
Take care that the door does not fall off.
(Continued on next page.)
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 11
Hook for hanging
measurements
Loosen the sc rew and tur n the
cover 90°.
to secure the cover.
Then tighten the screw
1. Tools (hanging pan etc.) suspended from the hook are regarded as a tare (pan). Weights equal to the
weighing capacity cannot be measured.
Measurable weight = Weighing capacity – Total weight of tools suspended
2. Be sure to close the cover of the hanging hook when not in use to prevent dust from entering the
balance.
12 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
5 Function 1
5.1 Setting and Check
1. Call Function 1.
Press and hold the Function key for a few seconds.
When the display is changed to [Func] , release the key.
The display switches to the Function 1 setting screen and the
first setting item [1. Set. 1] is displayed.
(Refer to “Section 5.2: Description of Function 1” on page 16).
2. Select the next setting it em.
Every time you press the Function key, you are moved one
item forward.
3. Change settings.
Pressing the Zero/Tare key toggles the right-hand value.
Choose the appropriate setting.
4. Complete the setting of fu n ctions.
Press the Target key, or press the Function key several times
until the balance enters measurement mode.
The setting of functions is completed, and the balance goes
back into measurement mode.
The setting values of Function 1 are stored after the power is turned off. Therefore, you do
not need to reenter the settings the next time the balance is used unless you wish to change
them.
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 13
5.2 Description of Function 1
Contents of Function 1 (1/3)
A star () denotes a factory setting.
14 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
A star () denotes a factory setting.
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 15
A star () denotes a factory setting.
16 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
5.3 Specific Gravity Setting
5.4 Limit/Addition Functions
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 17
5.5 Interface
A star () denotes a factory setting.
The data output interval is 0.1 to one second for continuous output. (The interval varies with the measurement
conditions, etc.)
18 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
6 Function 2
6.1 Calling and Setting
1. Call Function 2.
Press the Function key while holding down the Zero/Tare key.
When [Func2] is displayed, release the key.
The display is changed to [1. 1d 0].
2. Change settings.
Select setting items to change with the Function key.
Change the setting in the right end with the Zero/Tare key.
3. Complete the setting of fu n ctions.
Press the Target key, or press the Function key several times until the
balance enters measurement mode.
The setting of Function 2 is completed, and the balance goes back into
the measurement mode.
6.2 Description of Function 2
A star () denotes a factory setting.
The setting values for the items marked by an asterisk (*) are reset to factory defaults every time you call it.
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 19
7 Weighing and Measurement Modes
You can select from one of five weighing modes: weighing machine, parts counting, percentage weighing, unit
converting, and gravimeter. In addition, the balance is equipped with addition and limit functions as additional
functions. All the weighing modes except gravimeter support the additional functions (the addition function and
the limit function) depending on the display unit.
7.1 Weighing and Measurement Modes
When you select a weighing mode and additional functions, you can weigh samples in different ways as
shown below. Every time you press the Function key, the measurement mode is switched.
Weighing Mode
Weighing
machine
Parts counting
Percentage
weighing
Unit converting
Gravimeter
(Solid/Liquid)
Unit A Weight measuring
Unit A B/G Gross weight
Unit B Weight measuring
Unit A Σ
Pcs Counting
Pcs Σ
Unit A Pcs Average unit weight
Unit A Weight measuring
% Percent measuring
% Σ
Unit A Weight measuring
# Coefficient multiplying
# Σ
Unit A Weight measuring
g (Fixed)
Measurement Mode Additional Functions
Unit Function Addition Limit
× ×
× ×
Cumulative weight Display
Cumulative count Display
× ×
× ×
Cumulative percent Display
××
Cumulative sum Display
××
Measurement of
specific gravity
× ×
×
×
×
×
The or × signs indicate whether the additional functions are available or not.
(: Measurement and display are available. ×: Neither support measurement nor display is available.
Display: The addition value is displayed.)
You can select [g], [mom], or another unit for Unit A and Unit B.
7.2 Weighing Machine
The weighing machine function only supports [g], [kg], and other units of weight. Pressing the Function
key displays the gross weight (refer to page 12).
Other units of weight can also be selected for Unit B.
Pressing the Function key t oggles t he display b etween (N et) Weight of Unit A ⇒ Gr oss weight ⇒ (Net)
Weight of Unit A.
20 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
8 Parts Counting
When a specified number of samples are put on the balance, the balance divides the total weight of the samples
by the number of samples to obtain the average sample weight. The balance stores the average sample weight
based on the number of samples initially set. Additional samples, up to three times the initial number, can be
added and the balance will automatically update the average sample weight. This mechanism allows accurate
counting.
* Select
[1. Set 2] (Parts Counting) in Function 1.
1. Start sampling.
Make sure that the [Pcs] sign is displayed and press and hold
the Function key for a few seconds.
(This operation may be performed with a container placed on
the balance.)
When the display indicates [U. SEt],
release the key.
The display then blinks [on 10].
This indicates to put 10 samples on the balance.
2. Change the number of samples as required.
The number of samples can be changed by pressing the
Zero/Tare key.
If the samples vary considerably in size or are lightweight, or if
more accurate counting is required, press the Zero/Tare key to
sufficiently increase the number of samples.
If you do not need to change the number, skip this step.
3. Put a sample on the balance.
Put as many samples as displayed in [on **] on the balance
and press the Function key.
The display then blinks [10
Pcs
].
4. Put additional samples on the balance.
Add up to three times the displayed number of samples and
wait until the display stabilizes again. The [+] sign is
displayed and the memory is updated.
Every time the [+] sign is displayed, you may add more samples.
(Continued on next page.)
RL-TA Series Operation Manual 21
Repeating this operation will improve the resolution of parts counting for more accurate
measurements.
5. Finish sampling.
Press the Function key to finish updating the memory.
The average sample weight is saved and the balance returns to
measurement mode.
6. Counting the number of samples.
After the average sample weight has been saved, the number of
samples put on the balance will be displayed.
Pressing the Function key toggles the display between number
of samples, average sample weight, and total weight.
☆ Hints ☆
1. The [Sub] di spla y that may be shown during a memory update of average unit weight indicates that you
added more than three times as many samples as the displayed number and thus the counting accuracy is
low. Do not add too many samples at a time. Gradually increase the number of samples to increase
counting accuracy.
2. If a sample is lightweight the balance may display [Add] during a memory update of average sample
weight. This indicates that the number of samples is too small and the counting accuracy is low. [Add]
display is turned off to improve the counting accuracy.
3. When these indications are displayed, you can press the Function key to store the average unit weight. In
this case, however, counting accuracy is low, and a counting error may be caused.
4. When [L -- Err] ma y b e displayed to indicate that the average unit weight is too small for the balance to
count the samples. ([L -- Err] will be displayed until a key is pressed.)
For more information on the minimum unit weight supported by the parts counting function, refer to
“Section 23: Specifications” on page 83.
5. Pressing the Print key during sampling cancels the sampling.
6. The average sample weight will be stored even after the power is turned off. If you want to count
different types of samples, perform sampling again.
22 RL-TA Series Operation Manual
9 Percentage Weighing
The weight of a referenc e sample is saved as 100% . W hen a sample is placed on the b alance, the balance
indicates the percentage of that sample with respect to the reference sample weight.
A reference sample weight can be set by weighing an actual sample or entering a value.
* Select [1. Set. 3] (Percentage Weighing) in Function 1.
9.1 Set a reference weight by weighing an actual sample
You can make the display indicate the weight percentage (%) of a sample with respect to a reference
sample weight.
1. Start sampling.
Make sure that the [%] sign is displayed and press and hold the
Function key for a few seconds.
(This operation may be performed with a container placed on
the balance.)
The display then blinks [P. SEt].
The previously-saved reference sample weight blinks.
2. Put a sample on the balance.
Put the reference sample on the balance.
3. Save the reference weight.
Press the Function key.
4. Put a sample to weigh on the balance.
The display indicates the percentage of the sample weight with
respect to the saved reference sample weight.
The minimum unit is automatically selected, depending on the saved reference weight.