JA203H Precision Analytical Balance

Overview

The JA203H Precision Analytical Balance is an entry-level analytical balance engineered for laboratories requiring reliable mass measurement in the 200 g capacity range with 1 mg readability. It operates on a high-stability strain-gauge load cell system—sourced from HBM (Hottinger Brüel & Kjær), a globally recognized German manufacturer of precision force and torque sensors. Unlike electromagnetic force compensation (EMFC) systems used in higher-tier analytical balances, this design delivers robust performance under moderate environmental fluctuations while maintaining consistent repeatability and linearity across its operating temperature range (17.0–25.5 °C). The balance features a die-cast aluminum chassis for mechanical rigidity and thermal stability, complemented by a full-height sliding tempered glass draft shield (240 × 185 × 265 mm) that ensures visual clarity and ergonomic access during sample handling. Its compact footprint and intuitive five-key interface—including dedicated tare and counting functions—support routine QC tasks, formulation checks, and educational lab workflows where regulatory traceability is secondary to operational efficiency.

Key Features

• High-integrity HBM strain-gauge sensor architecture for long-term calibration stability and resistance to mechanical shock
• Backlit LED display with large-digit readability (12 mm height), optimized for low-glare viewing under standard laboratory lighting
• Integrated counting mode with automatic average-piece-weight calculation—validated for discrete-part inventory and pharmaceutical tablet batch verification
• RS-232 serial interface compliant with standard ASCII protocol, enabling direct connection to LIMS, Excel, or legacy lab software without proprietary drivers
• Draft shield with smooth linear slide mechanism and integrated anti-static coating to minimize electrostatic interference during low-mass weighing
• Auto-zero tracking and drift compensation algorithms calibrated per ISO 9001-compliant manufacturing protocols

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JA203H accommodates samples up to 200 g placed on its Φ90 mm stainless-steel weighing pan. Its minimum weight threshold—calculated per USP guidelines—is 6 mg, making it suitable for volumetric dilution preparation, reagent dispensing, and intermediate-stage quality control where sub-milligram resolution is not required. While not certified for GLP/GMP environments requiring full audit trails or 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, the balance meets general laboratory requirements under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4 (Equipment) when operated within specified environmental limits and maintained with documented external calibration using NIST-traceable 200 g weights. It conforms to EN 45501:2015 (previously OIML R76) for non-automatic weighing instruments used in commercial and industrial applications.

Software & Data Management

Data output follows standard RS-232 framing: 9600 baud, 8N1, no flow control. Each stable reading is transmitted as a fixed-length ASCII string (e.g., “+000.123 g”) terminated by carriage return + line feed. No onboard memory or timestamping is implemented; all data logging must occur externally. The balance supports seamless integration with third-party spreadsheet tools, statistical process control (SPC) platforms, and basic laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via generic serial-to-USB adapters. Firmware does not support password protection, electronic signatures, or user-level access control—consistent with its designation as a general-purpose instrument rather than a regulated-process device.

Applications

• Routine raw material receipt inspection in chemical and food manufacturing facilities
• Teaching laboratories conducting stoichiometry experiments, solution preparation, and gravimetric analysis
• Pharmaceutical packaging lines performing checkweighing of blister packs and vial batches
• Environmental testing labs measuring soil or sediment subsamples prior to digestion
• Research support roles involving powder blending, catalyst loading, and polymer additive dosing

FAQ

What external calibration weight is required for the JA203H?
A single 200 g Class M2 or better weight, certified to ISO/IEC 17025 and traceable to NIST or equivalent national metrology institute, is required for full-span calibration.
Does the JA203H support internal calibration or motorized adjustment?
No. This model relies exclusively on manual external calibration; it does not contain a built-in calibration mass or actuator.
Can the balance be used in a fume hood or near HVAC vents?
No. Operation requires a vibration-isolated benchtop location free from air currents, temperature gradients exceeding 0.5 °C/h, and electromagnetic interference from motors or RF sources.
Is the RS-232 interface compatible with modern Windows/macOS systems?
Yes—when paired with a certified USB-to-serial adapter (FTDI chipset recommended) and configured with standard terminal emulation software (e.g., PuTTY, Tera Term) or custom Python/Node.js scripts.
What is the warranty coverage and service support structure?
The JA203H carries a 24-month limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship; technical support is provided via email and remote diagnostics, with authorized service centers located in North America, EU, and APAC regions.