A&D FC-500Si 500 g × 0.02 g SHS Ultra-High-Resolution Counting Scale Guide
- pete8781
- Jul 31
- 2 min read
Need more details or help choosing the correct item? Call MNM Scales at (832) 290-3120 or email mnmscales@yahoo.com.
A&D FC-500Si is the high-resolution Super Hybrid Sensor member of the FC counting family, with 500 g / 1 lb capacity and 0.02 g / 0.00005 lb direct readability. A&D’s current manufacturer table lists 0.001 g normal and 0.00005 g fine-mode minimum unit weights and a maximum count display of 9,999,999 pieces. The tiny unit-weight values are counting-calculation thresholds, not direct scale readability.
Why FC-Si is different from FC-500i
FC-500i also has 500 g capacity but reads directly in 0.05 g increments; FC-500Si reads 0.02 g and uses A&D’s SHS sensor with higher internal resolution for counting. Its fine unit-weight threshold is 0.00005 g compared with 0.0005 g on FC-500i. Choose Si when very light parts justify the extra counting sensitivity; choose i when 0.05 g direct resolution and lower cost are sufficient.
Sampling light components correctly
At very small unit weights, use a large representative sample. For example, 100 pieces at 0.00005 g would total only 0.005 g—below one 0.02 g direct display division—so the published fine threshold should not be interpreted as guaranteed useful counting for every object at that exact mass. Practical count quality improves as total sample mass spans more of the sensor’s measurement range and unit variation decreases.
ACAI, 500 memories and VFD workflow
ACAI refines average unit weight as additional known pieces are added. Store up to 500 item IDs with unit weights, tare, alphanumeric codes, accumulators and comparator limits. The large VFD shows weight, average unit weight, count and related job data simultaneously, and LED prompts guide the operator through registration.
RS-232C, battery and remote scale
Bidirectional RS-232C is standard, with optional extra serial channels, comparator relay and FC-05i remote scale interface. The optional NiMH battery supports about 10 hours on the main scale under A&D/MNM specifications. External Ethernet, Quick USB and Bluetooth converters can adapt the serial workflow. FC-03i and FC-04i cannot be used simultaneously.
Calibration and legal-use boundary
MNM lists 500 g external calibration for FC-500Si. Use an appropriate reference and verify after calibration. A&D’s current U.S. FC-i/FC-Si page markets these as high-resolution counting scales and does not identify FC-500Si as NTEP/legal for trade. Use it for internal counting and inventory; choose a certified transaction device if commercial sale by weight requires one.
Frequently asked questions
Capacity/readability? 500 g × 0.02 g. Normal/fine unit weight? 0.001 g / 0.00005 g. Is 0.00005 g direct readability? No. Max count display? 9,999,999. Sensor? Super Hybrid Sensor. Calibration weight? MNM lists 500 g. Does it have RS-232C? Yes. Can it use a remote scale? Yes. Is it identified by A&D U.S. as NTEP? No.
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