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Counting Mode (pcs)

Most of the A&D precision balances we offer features a counting mode function.  We offer A&D Counting Scales specifically for counting parts, but when the parts start to become very small (lighter than 0.1 gram - a dollar bill weighs about 1 gram so it you cut a $1 bill in 10 equal pieces each piece would weigh approximately 0.1g) we recommend a precision balance like the A&D like to achieve a more precise count for small parts.  Often balances with a counting feature are required for inventory control, incoming inspections, counting small parts or pharmaceuticals.

The A&D balances count by calculating the average weight of one piece-weight called a unit weight, then applying it to the total weight of what you are trying to count.  A&D has added exclusive software call ACAI (Automatic Counting Accuracy Improvement) that continuously recalculates and updates the average piece weight to ensure optimum count accuracy even with very small parts.

When the balance calculates the unit weight, the higher the number of items in the sample, the higher the accuracy.

Example: If you use 10 very small parts as your sample, with a unit weight of 0.1000 grams calculated by the balance.  Using the ACAI feature, after 200 parts were counted, the updated unit weight was 0.0995 grams.  This does not seem like a significant difference, but the count could have been off by 1 part at a count of 200, 2 parts at 400, etc.

0.1000 - 0.0995 = 0.0005g

0.0005g x 200 parts = 0.1000g or 1 part

This would not be acceptable if the part is expensive.  This would be totally unacceptable to a purchaser if he stopped to count the parts.

To use ACAI, Follow the steps outlined:

1. select "PCs" using the "MODE" key (If you want to clear the current unit, press the "SAMPLE" key.

Press the "RE_ZERO" key to clear any offset from zero, such as a container to hold the items to be counted.

2. If you want to change number of items used as the sample quantity, press the "PRINT" key to select the number of items to be used for the sample.  This may be set to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100. (The higher the number, the better the accuracy.)

3. Place the sample to be counted on the pan (this will normally be the same quantity as the count displayed.)

4. Wait for the "stabilization mark" to become illuminate on the LCD.  Press the "SAMPLE" key.  The balance will calculate the unit weight and store it (this value is saved, even if the balance is turned off.)  If the sample is very light, the balance may not be able to calculate the unit weight.  We recommend the minimum individual (1 piece) part weight should be greater than or equal to 2X "D" ("D" is the division or graduation of the balance.)

5. Add a small number of additional parts (it is not necessary to count the added number.)

6. Allow the ACAI indicator on the LCD to blink several times then stay on.  Then the ACAI indicator will turn off and the unit weight data is updated.  Wait for the ACAI indicator to turn off, as this indicates that the balance has updated the unit weight.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6, each time approximately doubling the amount added.  Continue this process until you reach the desired count or capacity of the balance.

8. ACAI stores the corrected unit weight in memory until a new sample is established or the process is repeated.

Add these samples according to the table to best use the ACAI function