Adam AE 403 Series User manual

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
AE 403 Series Indicator
Service Manual
Software revisions V1.00 and up

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
Easy Reference:
Model name of the scale:
Serial number of the unit:
Software revision number
(Displayed when power is first turned on):
Date of Purchase:
Name of the supplier and place:

© Adam Equipment Company 2019

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
CONTENTS
P.N. 31066 14213, Revision C1, December 2019
1.0INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 2
2.0SAFETY ..................................................................................................................... 2
3.0PANEL INTERFACES................................................................................................ 3
3.1POWER ................................................................................................................. 3
3.2DATA INTERFACES ............................................................................................. 3
3.3LOAD CELL INTERFACES ................................................................................... 3
3.4RELAY INTERFACES ........................................................................................... 3
4.0INDICATOR MENUS ................................................................................................. 4
4.1SUPERVISOR MENUS ......................................................................................... 4
4.1.1“” Display the A/D counts ........................................................................ 5
4.1.2“” Set as single or dual interval ................................................................. 5
4.1.3“” Approval type ...................................................................................... 5
4.1.4“” Capacity ................................................................................................ 6
4.1.5“” Zero tracking range ........................................................................... 6
4.1.6“” Power on zero range ......................................................................... 6
4.1.7“k” Key zero range .................................................................................. 6
4.1.8“” Filter mode and range ....................................................................... 6
4.1.9“G” Gravitational acceleration at place of manufacture .................................. 7
4.1.10“G” Gravitational acceleration at place of use ............................................. 7
4.1.11“” Linearity calibration ........................................................................ 7
4.1.12“” Tare display mode .......................................................................... 8
4.1.13“” Set dot or comma as decimal .............................................................. 8
4.1.14“” Calibration control ............................................................................ 8
4.1.15“” Reset all parameters to factory settings ........................................... 8
4.2DEALER MENUS .................................................................................................. 9
4.2.1“” Linearity calibration ........................................................................... 10
4.2.2“” Display the A/D counts .......................................................................... 10
4.2.3 “G” Gravitational acceleration at place of use .......................................... 11
4.3USER MENUS ..................................................................................................... 11
5.0INDICATOR PARAMETERS .................................................................................... 12
6.0RS-232 PARAMETERS RS232 ............................................................................... 13
6.1PRINT SETTINGS ............................................................................................... 13
6.2PC SETTINGS ..................................................................................................... 14
6.3RS-232 INTERFACE ........................................................................................... 14
7.0 CONNECTION OF LOAD CELL .............................................................................. 15
7.1CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY ................................................................................. 15
7.2LOAD CELL WIRE AND PCB SOLDERING ....................................................... 16
8.0 U-BRACKET ASSEMBLY ........................................................................................ 20
9.0REPLACING LOAD CELL AND RS232 CABLES .................................................... 20
10.0REPLACING BATTERY or BATTERY CABLE .................................................... 23
11.0 REPLACING TRANSFORMER ................................................................................. 24
12.0REPLACING OVERLAY ...................................................................................... 26
13.0ACCESSORIES & SPARE PARTS ..................................................................... 26

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This Service Manual will guide you through the normal service and calibration procedures
necessary to maintain the indicator. Please read this Manual thoroughly before performing
any service. This manual should be used in conjunction with the User operation manual.
2.0 SAFETY
HIGH VOLTAGE
The indicator has high voltage inside. This high voltage can be lethal.
Only use the indicator, in mains sockets with safe and reliable earthing.
When service the indicator, power must be disconnected, it is essential to separate display
plug from external power.

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
3.0 PANEL INTERFACES
The indicator has connectors for the power, data interface, load cell and relay (option).
3.1 POWER
Ensure your indicator is compatible with the mains power supply in your area. Look for the
model label on your indicator and check the voltage and frequency your indicator is
designed to operate, if these values aren’t the same, as the power supply in your area, it
can be dangerous to connect the indicator to the mains and it will probably damage the
indicator.
3.2 DATA INTERFACES
The indicator has data interfaces for a variety of applications.
The RS232 interface used in this indicator, is a general-purpose serial interface for two-
way communications with the indicator.
See the User manual sections 7.2 and 9.0 for more details.
3.3 LOAD CELL INTERFACES
The indicator has several load cell interface options, to allow for the user to connect it to a
wide variety of weighing platforms.
Due to approval or some special application, the user may need to connect the load cell
cable directly to the PCB board.
See the User manual sections 3.4.1 and 11 for more details.
3.4 RELAY INTERFACES
The indicator has an optional relay interface. If you need this option, please contact Adam
Equipment or your dealer.
See the User manual section 10.0 for more details.

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
4.0 INDICATOR MENUS
The AE 403 has several submenus for setting the operation of the indicator and the
communications. In addition to the Supervisor menu, which can be used to configure the
indicator to the user needs, there is a Dealer menu that allows for a limited settings access,
in this menu you can calibrate the indicator, observe the ADC counts from the load cell
and change the gravity correction. There is also a User menu, that allows for a calibration
of the indicator.
Major
function 
Minor
function 
auxiliary
function 
All the operations can be performed by the keypad. See user manual section 4.0 for
specific keypad function.
4.1 SUPERVISOR MENUS
 Press and hold the[ ] key about 2 seconds to turn on the indicator, and wait for
the scale to perform the start-up self-test.
 During the self-test procedure, press the [ ] key to enter the supervisor menu,
when “” is displayed, and enter the supervisor password.
 To enter the password, use the directional buttons [] to scroll through numbers 1-
9. Use the [] directional key to move to the next digit.
 Entering the correct password [1946] will take you to the supervisor menu. The
displays will show the first parameter “”.
 Press the [ ] key to enter a parameter, the display will guide you through the
parameter selected and the options available.
 To exit a parameter, press the [Esc].
 Press [] or [] key to select other parameters.
 Press the [Esc] key again to return to weighing.

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
The display will show the available parameters:
4.1.1 “” Display the A/D counts
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter. This parameter allows you to view the A/D
counts from the internal A/D converter.
This can be an aid to service.
The weight ADC counts are normally stable within a few counts if the load cell is
functioning correctly, the environment is stable, and the temperature is stable. The range
of the ADC counts will depend upon the load cell used and if the bracket is in place or not.
4.1.2 “” Set as single or dual interval
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, display will show  Use [] or [] key to
change parameter, there are     options available to select,
press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.   is dual range  is dual
division.
4.1.3 “” Approval type
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, display will show  Use [] or [] key to
change parameter, there are  ， ， ， ， options available
to select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
 Display the A/D counts
 Set as single or dual interval
 Approval type
 Capacity
 Zero tracking range
 Power on zero range
 Key zero range
 Filter mode and range
Gravitational acceleration at place of manufacture
Gravitational acceleration at place of use
 Linearity calibration
 Tare display mode
 Set dot or comma as decimal
 Calibration control
 Reset all parameters to factory settings

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4.1.4 “” Capacity
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, display will show  Use or key to
change parameter, there are ，， ， ， parameters available to select,
press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
When the display shows “KG”, use or key to change the parameter. There are two
options “KG” and  press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
The display will show  , then jump to number Press [CE] key can clear all the
original readings. Use or key to change the parameter and press  key to move
to the next digit. Press [ ] key to accept the selected parameter.
The display will show  , then jump to reading . Use or key to change
the parameter and select suitable precision. There are 1，2，5, 10 parameters available
to select. After selecting the suitable precision, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter
4.1.5 “” Zero tracking range
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, display will show .Use or key to
change parameter, there are OFF, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 parameters available to
select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
4.1.6 “” Power on zero range
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or key to
change parameter, there are OFF，1，2，5，10，20，50，100 parameters available to
select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
4.1.7 “k” Key zero range
This parameter is for approved units only to set the allowable range for zero when key
pressed.
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show Use or key to
change parameter, there are 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 20 parameters available to select, press [ ] to
accept the selected parameter.
4.1.8 “” Filter mode and range
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will allow for the filter speed
selection. Use [] or [] key to change parameter, there are  ，
 ， parameters available to select, press [ ] to accept the selected
parameter and move to the next menu.

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
Use or key to change the parameter, there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 options to select,
press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
4.1.9 “G” Gravitational acceleration at place of manufacture
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show a value. Use or 
key to enter the gravity acceleration for the calibration location, then press [ ] to accept.
4.1.10 “G” Gravitational acceleration at place of use
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use 
key to change parameter, there are        
    parameters available to select, press [ ] to accept the
selected parameter.
If the location is not included in the area above, please select the display will show
a value, press [CE] key can clear original readings. Use or key to change the
parameter, use [] key to move to the next digit, enter the gravity acceleration for the
indicator’s location and press [ ] to accept.
4.1.11 “” Linearity calibration
Press [ ] key to access linearity calibration parameter, the display will show 
Ensure the weighing platform is empty and the stability symbol “~” is showing, press [ ]
key to accept.
The display shows “KG”, use or key to change the parameter. There are “KG” and
 parameters available to select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
The display shows  then jumps to   with the last digit flashing. Press [CE]
key to clear original value. Use or key to change the calibration weight value, use
[] key to move to the next digit. Usually, load 1 is set to1/2 of the indicator’s maximum
capacity. Select the value of the first calibration weight to be used, and press [ ] to
accept.
When the display shows  put specified weight on the weighing platform. When
stable symbol “~” appears again, press [ ] to accept.
The display shows  then jumps to  with the last digit flashing. Press [CE]
key to clear original value. Use or [] key to change the expected weight value, use
[] key to move to the next digit. Usually, load 2 is set to indicator’s full capacity. Select
the value of the second calibration weight to be used, and press [ ] to accept

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
When the display shows  put specified weight on the weighing platform. When
stable symbol “~” appears again, press [ ] to accept.
If the linearity calibration is successfully completed, the indicator will restart.
4.1.12 “” Tare display mode
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or 
key to change parameter, there are  and  parameters available to select,
press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.  automatically clears the tare when
the reading goes to zero  shows the tare value, and only allows, manual clearing of
the tare.
4.1.13 “” Set dot or comma as decimal
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or 
key to change parameter, there are  and  parameters available to select,
press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.
4.1.14 “” Calibration control
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or 
key to change parameter, there are   and  parameters available to
select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter.  increments each time the
indicator is calibrated, which can then be used for traceability calibration can only
occur when a jumper is fitted.
Note: if you select  and accept it, you can only access the supervisor, dealer and
user menus, once you install the calibration jumper on the PCB.
4.1.15 “” Reset all parameters to factory settings
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or key
to change parameter, there are  and  parameters available to select, press [ ]
to accept the selected parameter.
Note if you select  and accept it, all parameters will be reset to the original factory
settings and the indicator will restart.
Details of these menus are given in the User manual section 12.

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4.2 DEALER MENUS
The dealer menu provides access for the indicator calibration without the normal
limitations of the user calibration. In addition, it is possible to view the values from the
analog to digital converter for both the temperature and the weight readings.
 This section describes the parameters available to the dealers for setting up the
indicator. Access to these parameters is controlled by password.
 Press and hold the[ ] key about 2 seconds to turn on the indicator, and wait for
the scale to perform the start-up self-test.
 •During the self-test procedure, press the [ ] key, when  is displayed, and
enter the dealer password.
 To enter the password, use the directional buttons  to scroll through numbers 1-
9. Use the  directional key to move to the next digit.

 Entering the correct password [1966] will take you to the supervisor menu. The
displays will show the first parameters, called  .
 Press the [ ] key to enter a parameter, the display will guide you through the
parameter selected and the options available.
 To exit a parameter, press the
Use the  directional key to select other parameters.
 Press the key again to return to weighing.
The display will show the parameters available:
 Linearity calibration
 Display the A/D counts
 Gravitational acceleration at place of use

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4.2.1 “” Linearity calibration
Press [ ] key to access linearity calibration parameter, the display will show 
Ensure the weighing platform is empty and the stability symbol “~” is showing, press [ ]
key to accept.
The display shows “KG”, use or key to change the parameter. There are “KG” and
 parameters available to select, press [ ] to accept the selected parameter
The display shows  then jumps to   with the last digit flashing. Press [CE]
key to clear original value. Use or key to change the calibration weight value, use
key to move to the next digit. Usually, load 1 is set to1/2 of the indicator’s maximum
capacity. Select the value of the first calibration weight to be used, and press [ ] to
accept.
When the display shows  put specified weight on the weighing platform. When
stable symbol “~” appears again, press [ ] to accept.
The display shows  then jumps to   with the last digit is flashing. Press
[CE] key to clear original value. Use or key to change the expected weight value,
use [] key to move to the next digit. Usually, load 2 is set to indicator’s full capacity.
Select the value of the second calibration weight to be used, and press [ ] to accept
When the display shows  put specified weight on the weighing platform. When
stable symbol “~” appears again, press [ ] to accept.
If the linearity calibration is successfully completed, the indicator will restart.
4.2.2 “” Display the A/D counts
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter. This parameter allows you to view the A/D
counts from the internal A/D converter.
This can be an aid to service.
The weight ADC counts are normally stable within a few counts if the load cell is
functioning correctly, the environment is stable, and the temperature is stable. The range
of the ADC counts will depend upon the load cell used and if the bracket is in place or not.

© Adam Equipment Company 2019
4.2.3 “G” Gravitational acceleration at place of use
Press the [ ] key to enter this parameter, the display will show  Use or 
key to change parameter, there are        
    parameters available to select, press [ ] to accept the
selected parameter.
If the location is not included in the area above, please select the display will show
a value, press [CE] key can clear original readings. Use or key to change the
parameter, use [] key to move to the next digit, enter the gravity acceleration for the
indicator’s location and press [ ] to accept.
4.3 USER MENUS
The user menu provides access to a calibration function, if for some reason the readings
are out of specification, the user may use this function, to perform a calibration of the
indicator and platform, this will adjust the weighing function and the readings should be
more accurate.
 Press and hold the [ ] key about 2 seconds to turn on the indicator and wait for
the scale to perform the start-up self-test.
 Before the start-up self-test is completed, press the [ ] key when  is
displayed, and enter the user password.
 To enter the password, use the directional buttons  to scroll through numbers 1-
9. Use the  directional key to move to the next digit.

 Entering the correct password [1000] will take you to directly to the user menu
calibration function. The displays will show 
 Ensure the weighing platform is empty and the stability symbol “~” is showing, press
[ ] key to accept.
 The display shows  then jumps to   with the last digit flashing.
Press [CE] key can clear original readings. Use or key to change the
parameter, use [] key to move to the next digit. Usually, load 1 is set to indicator’s
full capacity. Select the value of the calibration weight to be used, and press [ ] to
accept.
 When the display shows  put specified weight on the weighing platform.
When stable symbol “~” appears again, press [ ] to accept.
 If the calibration is successfully completed, the indicator will restart.

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5.0 INDICATOR PARAMETERS
 Pressing the key and holding for 2 seconds during normal operation
allows the user to access the parameters.
 Scroll through the list of functions using the and directional keys. Press [ ]
to enter a parameter.
 Press [Esc] to exit the scale parameter section and return to normal weighing.
This group of parameters is used to control the operation of the scale.
Parameter Description Options Default
settin
g
time Set Time. Enter the time manually. 00:00:00
date
Set date format and settings.
When the display shows
mmddyy, ddmmyy or yymmdd
press the [Pcs/] key, to
select the desired date format,
then enter the date.
Enter the date format and
then the numeric value
manually.
dd:mm:yy
bL
Backlight set to always on,
always off or automatic.
Then set color and brightness
oFF,on,AUTO
then:GREEN,RED,AMBER,
BLUE,WHITE
then:mid,high,low
AUTO
Power Set auto power off time, in
minutes, after inactivity Off,1,2,5,10,15
5
Keybp Key beeper settings On,Off On
Chkbp Check weighing beeper
settings In,Out,Off In
Unit
Enable or disable weighing
units, will not allow to disable
all units, at least one must be
enabled. Parts counting can be
enabled/disabled
Kg
Grams
lb
oz
lb:oz
N(Newtons)
Kg
Auto-Z Auto zero settings Off,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0 2.0
Filter Filter speed settings.
Slower,Slowest,Faster,
Fastest
Then:1-6
Faster
Rs1 Brings up the 1st RS232 menu.
Includes PC commands and
print settings
PC, Print
Rs2 Brings up RS232 menu 2 PC, Print
S-id Set Scale ID To be entered manually 000000
U-id Set User ID To be entered manually 000000
rechar - -

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6.0 RS-232 PARAMETERS RS232
This menu allows the user to set the parameters of the RS-232 serial communication
interface, to enable the indicator to connect to a printer or to a computer.
 Pressing the [Func/Set] key and holding for 2 seconds during normal operation
allows the user to access the parameters.
 Scroll through the list of functions using the [] and [] directional keys. Press [ ]
to enter the ‘rs 1’ or ‘rs 2’ parameters when appearing on the display.
 ‘Rs 1’ is the primary port and it will provide access to ‘Print’ and ‘PC’ settings. ‘Rs
2’ includes ‘PC’ and ‘Print’. Press [ ] to confirm.
 When entering a mode, the user will be required to go through each step of the
process by entering the desired values or selecting from the options listed in the
table below and pressing the [ ] key to confirm.
 Press [Esc] to exit the scale parameter section and return to normal weighing
6.1 PRINT SETTINGS
Parameter Description Options Default Values or
setting
[baudrate]
Baud Rate
1200,2400,4800,9600,
19200,38400,57600,
115200
9600
[Language] Select Language EnGLis
FrEnCH
SPAn
GErmAn
Itail
Portug
EnGLis
[Accumulation] Enable or disable the
Accumulation on
oFF off
[Printingmode] Printing Mode, Manual or
Automatic mAn,
AUto P mAn
[Printer/device] Select the printer type ATP
LP50 ATP
[Numberof
copies] Select the number of
copies Copy1toCopy8
Copy1
[Printlayout] Select complete or simple
print layout Comp
Simp Comp
[Linebreak] Select the number of line
breaks between each
print, or copies if multiple
copies selected.
1Lfcrto9Lfcr,none none
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Indicator will perform the following, depending on the Accumulation and Print Settings:
ACon ACOff
AUto Accumulate and print automatically
Print automatically,
Do not accumulate
mAn Accumulate and Print only when
[CHK/PRINT/] key pressed. If
[CHK/PRINT/] is pressed a
second time only print the weight.
Print when [CHK/PRINT/] key
is pressed,
Do not accumulate.
6.2 PC SETTINGS
Parameter Description Options Default Values
or settin
g
[baudrate]
Baud Rate 1200,2400,4800,9600, 19200,38400,57600,
115200
9600
[Model] Select the protocol to
use. Adam
CBK
NBL
Adam
[Interval] Select the interval, in
seconds, for sending
data to a PC.
0(continuous)-6.0 Int6.0
6.3 RS-232 INTERFACE
The AE 403 indicator is supplied with bi-directional RS-232 interface as standard. The
scale when connected to a printer or computer outputs the weight with the selected
weighing unit through the RS-232 interface.
Specifications:
RS-232 output of weighing data
ASCII code
9600 Baud (user selectable)
8 data bits
No Parity

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The RS-232 serial interface connector pinout is as figure 2 shows:
7.0 CONNECTION OF LOAD CELL
7.1 CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY
If there is a metal dust cap at the indicator load cell interface, you need to remove it to
expose the connector, and the connections follow the pinout shown in the picture below.
Use the connector provided with the indicator and solder it to the platform load cell wire
with the above pinout, then attach the connector to the indicator.
1: Pin GND, Signal Ground
2: Pin RXD, Received Data
3: Pin TXD, Transmitted Data

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Note:
For 4 wire load cell, connect the load cell +Excitation and +Sense together at the
connector and -Excitation and -Sense together at the connector.
7.2 LOAD CELL WIRE AND PCB SOLDERING
If there isn’t a metal cover at load cell interface, but a rubber cap, then connect the load
cell wire to the indicator correctly as the following steps. Before connecting the wire,
please make sure external power has been cut off.
7.2.1 Remove the 12 screws at the back of the indicator with the appropriate tool.

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Open the back cover of the indicator. For your own safety, unplug the battery wires.
7.2.3 Unscrew the nut from the load cell waterproof cap with the correct tools and remove
the rubber cap. Be careful not to Pay attention that the nut underneath is not allowed to
loose. Then go through load cell wire to the inside of the indicator.