A&D CL102 Circular Pan Precision Balance
| Brand | A&D |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model | CL102 |
| Max Capacity | 100 g |
| Readability | 0.01 g |
| Repeatability | ±0.01 g |
| Linearity Error | ±0.02 g |
| Stabilization Time | ≤2.5 s |
| Pan Diameter | φ115 mm |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 186 × 275 × 87 mm |
| Operating Temperature | 10–30 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10–70 %RH |
| Warm-up Time | 30–60 min |
| Power Input | 220 V AC / 50 Hz |
| Output | 12 V DC / 1 A |
| RS232 Baud Rates | 300–9600 |
| Accuracy Class | Class II |
Overview
The A&D CL102 Circular Pan Precision Balance is a compact, entry-level analytical-grade balance engineered for consistent accuracy and operational efficiency in routine laboratory, educational, and light industrial environments. Utilizing a high-impedance, gold-plated ceramic variable-capacitance sensor, the CL102 delivers exceptional long-term stability and resistance to environmental drift—critical for applications requiring reliable repeatability under non-controlled ambient conditions. Its measurement principle relies on electrostatic capacitance variation induced by load-induced diaphragm displacement, enabling high signal-to-noise ratio and low thermal sensitivity. With a maximum capacity of 100 g and readability of 0.01 g (10 mg), the CL102 meets ISO 9001 and OIML R76 Class II accuracy requirements, making it suitable for tasks such as sample preparation, reagent dispensing, and basic quality control where moderate precision suffices without the cost or complexity of higher-tier analytical balances.
Key Features
- Gold-plated ceramic capacitive sensor architecture—enhances corrosion resistance, mechanical robustness, and temperature stability across extended operating cycles.
- Multi-unit weighing capability: seamless switching between grams (g), carats (ct), ounces (oz), and other common mass units via front-panel controls.
- Three operational modes: standard weighing, piece counting (with automatic average piece weight calculation), and percentage weighing relative to a reference mass.
- Backlit LCD display with optimized character spacing and contrast—ensures legibility under varied lighting conditions and minimizes parallax error during reading.
- Integrated bidirectional RS232 interface supporting standard baud rates (300–9600 bps)—enables direct data logging to PCs, label printers, or LIMS-compatible software without external converters.
- Compact footprint (186 × 275 × 87 mm) and lightweight design (<1.5 kg)—facilitates placement on crowded lab benches or portable deployment in field classrooms and calibration workshops.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The CL102 accommodates samples up to 100 g on its 115 mm diameter circular stainless-steel pan, which provides uniform load distribution and minimal edge-effect error. Its Class II accuracy classification complies with international metrological standards defined in OIML R76-1 and EN 45501, ensuring traceable performance for non-regulated but quality-sensitive workflows. While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments requiring full audit trails, the balance supports basic documentation needs through RS232 output—including timestamped weight values, unit identifiers, and mode flags—compatible with Excel-based or custom-built data capture systems. It operates within standard laboratory environmental envelopes (10–30 °C, 10–70 %RH), and its warm-up time specification (30–60 min) aligns with ISO/IEC 17025 recommendations for pre-use stabilization prior to critical measurements.
Software & Data Management
The CL102 does not include proprietary software but functions as a plug-and-play serial device. When connected to a host PC, it transmits ASCII-formatted weight data in real time using configurable delimiters and carriage-return line-feed termination. This native compatibility allows integration with open-source tools (e.g., Python’s PySerial), commercial data acquisition platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, MATLAB), or enterprise systems via middleware. Users may configure transmission triggers (auto-send on stabilization, manual send, or continuous streaming) and select from six preset baud rates to match legacy infrastructure. No driver installation is required on Windows, macOS, or Linux systems equipped with standard USB-to-RS232 adapters.
Applications
- Academic laboratories: student experiments in chemistry, biology, and materials science involving solid reagent weighing and formulation.
- Pharmaceutical QA/QC labs: auxiliary weighing of excipients, packaging components, or non-active ingredients where Class II tolerance is acceptable.
- Jewelry and gemstone workshops: carat-based valuation and sorting using Ct mode with calibrated reference stones.
- Food processing facilities: batch ingredient verification, portion control, and yield tracking in R&D kitchens or pilot lines.
- Maintenance and calibration support: verification of weights, force gauges, and torque tools against certified reference masses in metrology service vans.
FAQ
What is the recommended warm-up time before first use?
A minimum of 30 minutes is advised; 60 minutes ensures optimal thermal equilibrium for highest repeatability.
Can the CL102 be used in a fume hood or near vibration sources?
No—it lacks active damping or draft shields and should be installed on a stable, isolated surface away from airflow, foot traffic, and mechanical vibrations.
Does the balance support internal calibration or external adjustment?
The CL102 is factory-calibrated and does not feature internal calibration mechanisms or user-accessible calibration routines.
Is the RS232 interface compatible with modern USB-only computers?
Yes—when paired with a certified USB-to-RS232 adapter that supports hardware handshaking and correct COM port enumeration.
What maintenance is required to sustain accuracy over time?
Regular cleaning of the pan and housing with isopropyl alcohol, periodic verification using certified test weights, and avoidance of overload or shock loading are essential practices.
