A&D FC-10Ki RS-232, 500 Memories, Remote Scale & Calibration Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Need more details or help choosing the correct item? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
The A&D FC-10Ki RS-232, memory and remote-scale options make the counting scale useful as part of a warehouse or production data system rather than only as a stand-alone counter. One RS-232C channel is standard, item memory stores up to 500 products, optional boards can add serial/relay functions, and FC-05i supports an external second scale. The internal 10 kg platform still weighs at 1 g readability, while the counting system can calculate average piece weights down to 0.01 g in fine mode. FC-10Ki remains a non-NTEP internal-process system regardless of interface configuration.
Standard RS-232C data output
The standard serial port can send weight, count, unit-weight and related data to supported computers, printers or warehouse systems. Match baud rate, parity, data length, stop bits and output mode between the scale and receiving device. Decide whether the station transmits on PRINT, automatically after stability, continuously or by host command. Test with known counts and weights so the receiving software stores the same unit and decimal position shown locally.
FC-03i: additional serial channels
FC-03i expands the system with second and third RS-232C connections. Multiple ports are useful when the scale must communicate with a printer, PC and another peripheral without repeatedly changing cables. Map each device to a specific port and document the communication parameters; identical-looking serial cables can have different pinouts, so verify the wiring rather than assuming any DB-style cable is interchangeable.
FC-04i: serial plus comparator relay
FC-04i adds an RS-232C channel together with comparator relay output, useful for lights, buzzers or simple external accept/reject automation. The relay should be tested under real threshold conditions before production. Do not use it as a substitute for a safety-rated control when machinery hazards are involved; it is a weighing-system process output, not a general industrial safety controller.
FC-03i and FC-04i cannot be installed together
A&D specifies that FC-03i and FC-04i are mutually exclusive. A buyer therefore has to choose between maximum serial expansion and the board that combines serial with relay output. Plan the complete station before ordering: printer, PC, scanner/integration, remote scale, relay and mobility requirements should all be listed so the chosen options do not conflict.
500 item memories for recurring SKUs
Up to 500 item memories can store frequently used counting data such as unit weight, tare and product-related settings. Memory can reduce operator setup and make repeated cycle counts more consistent. Revalidate a stored unit weight when a supplier, material, plating or manufacturing revision changes; the same part number can shift average mass enough to create a large count error on a big lot.
FC-05i external/remote scale connection
FC-05i lets the counting indicator connect to a remote weighing platform. A common workflow is to establish a precise average unit weight on the internal platform, then count a large tote on a higher-capacity remote scale. The external platform needs its own correct load cell, capacity, calibration and installation. Do not assume the internal platform’s 1 g division or 10 kg capacity carries over to the remote scale; the connected platform defines its own weighing performance.
Optional rechargeable battery
FC-02i provides rechargeable battery operation for mobile warehouse counting. Traditional A&D FC-i documentation lists roughly 10 hours of operation under stated conditions. For a cart-based workflow, verify battery state before a count session, re-level the scale after moving it and keep a plan for data capture if the battery or connected computer loses power mid-session.
Calibration and verification in a connected system
The main 10 kg platform uses external calibration. A&D manual data specifies a 10 kg calibration weight for the FC-10Ki system. After calibration, verify with another known weight and run a known-count test because good weighing performance does not guarantee that stored unit weight, tare or software settings are correct. When a remote scale is installed, calibrate/verify that platform separately according to its configuration.
Data-integrity checklist for inventory systems
Verify the memory/SKU selected, tare, unit weight, displayed count, transmitted count, unit and timestamp/operator record. Test a known hand-counted quantity through the complete data path. Simulate a disconnected cable or power loss and define whether the count must be repeated or can be recovered. A scale that counts correctly locally can still create bad inventory if the wrong SKU code or stale unit weight is sent to the software.
NTEP/legal-for-trade status
FC-10Ki is not an NTEP legal-for-trade model in A&D’s current positioning. Adding a printer, remote platform, RS-232C board or relay does not change that status. Use it for internal inventory, kitting and process control. If a transaction is legally based on weight, select the correct certified scale/system for that purpose and keep the FC-10Ki as the internal counting workstation if its functionality is still useful.
Frequently asked questions
Does FC-10Ki include RS-232C? Yes, one channel standard. What does FC-03i add? Additional RS-232C channels. What does FC-04i add? RS-232C plus comparator relay. Can FC-03i and FC-04i be installed together? No. How many product memories? Up to 500. Can it connect to a larger remote scale? Yes, with FC-05i. Is a battery available? Yes, FC-02i. What calibration mass is specified for the main 10 kg platform? 10 kg in A&D’s FC-i manual data. Is FC-10Ki NTEP? No. Does adding interfaces make it legal for trade? No.
Comments