1 Safety Information
Please read this user manual carefully and completely before putting the device into operation for the first time. The device may only be operated by carefully trained personnel. Damages resulting from non-compliance with the instructions in the user manual are not covered by liability.
This measuring device may only be used in the manner described in this user manual. If the measuring device is used otherwise, dangerous situations may arise.
Only use the measuring device when the ambient conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) are within the limits specified in the specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity, or moisture.
Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
The device housing may only be opened by qualified personnel of PCE Deutschland GmbH.
Never use the measuring device with wet hands.
No technical modifications may be made to the device.
The device should only be cleaned with a cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvent-based cleaning agents.
The device may only be used with accessories offered by PCE Deutschland GmbH or equivalent replacements.
Before each use, check the housing of the measuring device for visible damage. If visible damage occurs, the device must not be used.
The measuring device must not be used in an explosive atmosphere.
The measuring range specified in the specifications must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
Failure to observe the safety instructions may result in damage to the device and injury to the operator.
We accept no liability for printing errors and factual errors in this manual. We expressly refer to our general warranty conditions, which can be found in our general terms and conditions. For questions, please contact PCE Deutschland GmbH. Contact details can be found at the end of this manual.
2 System Description
2.1 Scale Types
The MS evaluation unit is used in various scale designs. It can be found in table scales, crane scales, or floor scales. The operation of the scales is identical, therefore this manual covers all scale types equipped with an MS evaluation unit.
2.2 Connections
For external displays, RS232 / USB-B / LAN or Bluetooth interfaces are possible. Retrofitting or modification of the interfaces is not possible later. Depending on the model, the power supply connections differ.
Table scale with integrated display
Diagram showing connection ports on a table scale with labels for interface and power supply.
- 1 Interface, e.g., USB / RS-232 / LAN
- 2 Power supply connection: 7.8 V DC / 1.2 A power supply with a 5.5 mm*2.5 mm plug (Outer - / Inner +)
External Display of the MS Series
Diagram showing connection ports on an external display unit with labels for interface, power supply, and weighing plate.
- 1 Interface, e.g., USB / RS-232 / LAN
- 2 Power supply connection (3-pin)
- 3 Weighing plate connection (6-pin)
2.3 Key and Display Description
Diagram illustrating the scale's display elements (Tara, Stability, Zero, Battery, Net, Range, Unit) and control buttons (ON/OFF, Backlight, Zero, FN, Tare).
| Display Label | Function |
|---|---|
| 1 Tara Anzeige | Displays when a weight value is tared. Blinking: Temporary tare active (until the scale is unloaded). Continuous: Permanent tare active (until TARE key is pressed again or the scale is switched off). |
| 2 Stabilitätsanzeige | The display appears when the weight value has stabilized. In the legally regulated weighing range, only values that appear during the stability display may be used. |
| 3 Zero Anzeige | The display appears when a weight value has been zeroed. |
| 4 Akkustatus | The display shows the battery charge level in bar format. If the battery is charged via the power adapter, the border is omitted. |
| 5 Netto Anzeige | Active when the displayed value is the net weight. (Gross weight – Tare weight = Net weight) |
| 6 W1 / W2 Anzeige | (Only active on dual-range scales) W1 = first weighing range, W2 = second weighing range. Switching to W2 occurs automatically when W1 weighing range is exceeded. |
| 7 Gewichtseinheit | g / kg depending on maximum load. |
| Key | Description | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 8 ON/OFF Taste | Switches the scale ON or OFF. | |
| 9 Hintergrundbeleuchtung | Key has no function during weighing. | |
| 10 Zero Taste / Nullung | Up to 2% of the maximum load can be zeroed with this key. The zeroed value does not appear in the gross/net weight calculation. | |
| 11 FN / Funktionstaste | Short press = Data transfer / Print. Long press = Access to menu. | |
| 12 Tara Taste | Tares the weight value, Brutto / Netto weighing. Temporary - Tare is valid for one weighing. Permanent - Tare is valid for multiple weighings. |
The PCE-MS Series features two TARA functions:
Temporary Tare
Illustration showing the 'Temporary Tare' display with 'tare'.
The first TARA function is activated by pressing the [-T-] key once. The display shows [tare] and the load on the scale is tared. As soon as the scale is unloaded, the tare weight is automatically deactivated.
Permanent Tare
Illustration showing the 'Permanent Tare' display with '-tare-'.
The second TARA function is activated by pressing the [-T-] key twice. The display then shows [-tare-] and the load on the scale is tared. In this function, the tare weight is not automatically deactivated after the scale is unloaded.
3 Specifications
3.1 Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Scale Type | PCE-MS xxx-1-xxx-x / Single-range scale PCE-MS xxx-2-xxx-x / Dual-range scale |
| Weighing Unit | kg |
| Accuracy Class [e] | M III |
| Non-calibrated | PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-NA / Not calibrated |
| Location-specific calibration | PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-M / Location-specific calibration |
| Germany-specific calibration | PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-M-DE / Germany-specific calibration |
| Minimum Load [Min] | 20x [e] |
| Tare Range | Multi-tare over the entire weighing range; automatic and manual tare deletion possible. |
PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-M / PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-M-DE
| Weighing Range [Max] | Weighing Unit | Division [e] | Minimum Load [Min] |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | kg | 0.001 kg / 1 g | 20 g |
| 6 kg | kg | 0.002 kg / 2 g | 40 g |
| 15 kg | kg | 0.005 kg / 5 g | 100 g |
| 30 kg | kg | 0.01 kg / 10 g | 200 g |
| 60 kg | kg | 0.02 kg / 20 g | 400 g |
| 150 kg | kg | 0.05 kg / 50 g | 1 kg |
| 300 kg | kg | 0.1 kg / 100 g | 2 kg |
| 1500 kg | kg | 0.5 kg / 500 g | 10 kg |
| 3000 kg | kg | 1 kg | 20 kg |
| 6000 kg | kg | 2 kg | 40 kg |
PCE-MS xxx-x-xxx-NA / Not calibrated
| Weighing Range [Max] | Weighing Unit | Resolution [d] |
|---|---|---|
| 3 kg | g | 0.1 g |
| 6 kg | g | 0.2 g |
| 15 kg | g | 0.5 g |
| 30 kg | kg | 0.001 kg / 1 g |
| 60 kg | kg | 0.002 kg / 2 g |
| 150 kg | kg | 0.005 kg / 5 g |
| 300 kg | kg | 0.01 kg / 10 g |
| 1500 kg | kg | 0.05 kg / 50 g |
| 3000 kg | kg | 0.1 kg / 100 g |
| 6000 kg | kg | 0.2 kg / 200 g |
4 Preparation
4.1 Power Supply
The scale operates via an internal 6 V / 4.5 Ah lead-acid battery, providing up to 22 hours of continuous operation. When operated with the power adapter, the battery is charged automatically. In battery mode (without power adapter), the scale enters standby after 30 seconds of inactivity. Reactivation occurs by pressing a key or placing a load on the scale. Without a battery, the scale starts automatically when the power adapter is connected.
4.2 Commissioning
Remove the scale from the packaging and place it on a horizontal, dry surface. Depending on the scale model, it is equipped with transport safety features designed to protect the load cell from overload. This is achieved through screws, wedges, or missing leveling feet. Check your scale for any transport safety mechanisms and ensure correct force introduction into the cells.
Diagram illustrating correct scale placement on a transport platform, showing a 3-5mm clearance and emphasizing proper load cell connection.
Now, align the scale using the leveling feet so that the bubble in the spirit level is within the permissible range. Ensure the scale is stable and secure.
Illustrations of a spirit level showing correct (green check) and incorrect (red cross) bubble placement for scale leveling.
Press the “ON /OFF” key to start the scale. The following information appears in the display during the startup phase:
| Sequence | Message | Meaning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | C 0088 | Event counter | |
| 2. | SoFt | 814710 | Main software used |
| 3. | 32006 | Sub-software used | |
| 4. | g cal | 9.8022 | Gravitation value at calibration location |
| 5. | g use | 9.8006 | Gravitation value at installation location |
| 6. | 12.1 | On = Calibratable mode OFF = Non-calibratable mode | |
| 7. | 3 | Maximum load in kg | |
| 8. | 0.5 | Resolution in g or kg |
The scale is ready for use when the display shows 0.00 kg.
TIP: If the startup information display is too fast, you can pause and restart the sequence by pressing the -0- key.
INFO: For a calibrated scale, the event counter displayed at startup must match the number indicated on the housing sticker.
Image of a scale's type plate detailing model, serial number, specifications, and calibration information.
- 1 Type Plate
- 2 Gravitation zone in which the scale may be used in a calibrated manner.
- 3 Event counter status at conformity assessment / calibration. If adjustment is needed during recalibration, the sticker with the counter status must be renewed and secured. If a different counter status appears during the scale's startup phase than indicated on the label, the calibration is invalid, and the scale must no longer be used for legally regulated weighing.
- 4 Serial number of the load cell installed in the device.
- 5 Tamper-evident seal to prevent label tampering.
5 Settings
Access to the menu is achieved by pressing and holding the FN key.
The display shows Set 1.1. and then changes, for example, to On. This means the function indicated by 1.1 is active. Changes will result in the loss of valid calibration.
The FN key can then be used to switch between the individual sub-menus. Example: 6.1 / 7.1 / 8.1 etc.
The -0- key can be used to change the second number (sub-menu). Example: 8.1 / 8.2 / 8.3 etc.
In the settings mode, a short press of the -0- key allows cursor position changes. Setting changes are made with the –T- key.
A long press of the -0- key enters the selected menu.
A short press of the FN key exits the sub-menu. A long press of the FN key exits the complete menu and returns to the weighing function.
Calibration-relevant settings cannot be changed on calibrated scales. Some settings may not be accessible on all scales.
| Menu | Description | Selection | Default | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.1 | Tare possibility only with stable value | On/OFF | On | |
| 1.2 | Automatic deletion of tare values in the negative range. | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.1 | Start zero check ±10% from Max | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.2 | Zeroing via Zero key <2% | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.3 | Zeroing only with stable value | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.4 | Automatic zeroing in the negative range (after approx. 5 sec.) | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.5 | Automatic zero tracking | On/OFF | On | |
| 2.7 | SILO weighing (Not on all scales) | On/OFF | On | |
| Start zero point is ignored | ||||
| 3.1 | Summing function without sum display | On/OFF | On | |
| 3.2 | Unit price | On/OFF | On | |
| 3.3 | Summing by key press with stable value | On/OFF | On | |
| 4.7 | Not relevant | 5 | ||
| 4.8 | Not relevant | On/OFF | OFF | |
| 5.1 | Display contrast | 1 ... 9 | 9 | |
| 5.2 | Backlight brightness | 1 ... 9 | 9 | |
| 5.3 | Date dd.mm.yy (optional) | |||
| 5.4 | Time hh.mm (optional) | |||
| 5.5# | Unit price and sum display | 0 = TL / kg 1: OFF 2: € / kg | 0 ... 2 | |
| 6.1 | Battery saving function | On | ||
| If the scale is not used, the display automatically goes into standby and starts again as soon as the scale is used again. (Key press or placing load) | ||||
| 7.1 | Median Filter | 1 ... 9 | 5 | |
| 7.2 | Meridian long (min. 10) | 200 | ||
| 7.3 | Minimum meridian long | 1 ... 25 | 1 | |
| 7.4 | Filter value (average value) | 70..2800 | 175 | |
| 7.5 | Not relevant | 3 | ||
| 7.6 | Not relevant | 3 | ||
| 8.1 | Calibration coefficient | 255100 | ||
| 8.2* | Maximum load | 3 | ||
| Division | 0 = 3000d 1 = 2x 3000d 2 = 3x 3000d (not selectable in calibrated state) 3 = 6000 / 7500d (not selectable in calibrated state) 4 = 15000d (not selectable in calibrated state) 5 = 30000d (not selectable in calibrated state) 6 = 1500d (not selectable in calibrated state) | 0 ... 6 | 1 | |
| 8.3* | ||||
| A long press of the [-0-] key opens an input possibility: 000000 (the last digit blinks). The value (0..6) can be changed with the -T- key. The [FN] key confirms the input. The change is only accepted if 12.1 has been set to OFF beforehand. | ||||
| 8.4 | Zeroing A/D value | A long press of the [-0-] key opens an input possibility: 000000 (the last digit blinks). The value can be changed with the -T- key. The input position can be changed with the [-0-] key. The [FN] key confirms the input. | 0 | |
| 8.5 | Unit input (not available on all versions) | 0 = g 1 = kg 2 = t | 0 ... 2 | |
| 8.6* | Gravitation at adjustment location | Changes only possible if 12.3 is set to ON. | 9.8022 | |
| 8.7* | Gravitation at installation location | Changes only possible if 12.3 is set to ON. | 9.8006 | |
| 8.8 | Sensitivity indication of load cell mV/V | 2.0720 | ||
| 9.1 | Data format | 0= 7 bit / odd 1= 8 bit / none | 0 ... 1 | 1 |
| 9.2 | Protocol | 0= TEM | 0 ... 5 | 5 |
| 9.3 | 2= Tisa 3= Delta 4= Dialog06 5= PCE | 0 ... 1 | 1 | |
| 9.4 | Data transfer | Fill leading zeros: 0 = (001,234) 1 = (1,234) | ||
| Unit Price | ON= Include decimals OFF= Do not include decimals | On/OFF | On | |
| 9.8 | Digital value | 36.478 | ||
| 10.1 | RS232 Communication | ON = Active OFF = Inactive (possibly PC error message ER8) | On/OFF | On |
| 10.2 | Scale ID Number | Appended to weighing data transfer. | 0 ... 8888 | 0 |
| 10.3 | Data transfer setting | 1 = Continuous data transfer 2 = Automatic data transfer when value is stable. 3 = Automatic data transfer after unloading the weighing surface. 4 = Data transfer after key press [FN] and stable value. In this mode, data can be queried via P+CR+LF. The scale only responds if the value is stable. | 1 ... 4 | 4 |
| 10.4 | Transfer Scale ID [10.2]? | 0 = NO 1 = YES | 0 | |
| 10.5 | Baud | 0 = 9600 1 = 19200 2 = 38400 3 = 57600 4 = 115200 | 1 ... 4 | 0 |
| 10.6 | Send only weighing data | On/OFF | On | |
| 10.7 | Dialog 06 Protocol Lock | On/OFF | OFF | |
| 11 | Testing Menu | |||
| 12.1 | Calibratability | (YES / NO) A change is only possible if calibration switch 12.3 has been set to ON. The change is made by briefly pressing the –T- key when ON / OFF appears in the display. | On/OFF | On |
| 12.2 | Start delay | On/OFF | On | |
| 12.3* | Calibration Access | If calibration access is set to OFF, no parameterization or adjustment of the scale can be performed. Activating calibration access increases the event counter and invalidates the calibration with every performed change. | On/OFF | OFF |
6 Calibration
ATTENTION: Through the following steps, the scale will lose its calibration.
To calibrate the scale, the calibration access must first be activated in the menu under 12.3. This and any change will be documented by the event counter.
- Start the scale.
- In normal weighing mode, press and hold the [FN] key until internal menu 1.1 appears.
- In the internal menu, navigate to menu 12.3 using the [FN] and [-0-] keys. If OFF appears in the display, press the [-T-] key until PASS appears in the display.
- Press the following keys sequentially: [-0-] / [FN] / [FN] / [-T-].
- After input, point 12.3 changes from OFF to ON.
Setting Gravitation at Adjustment Location
After activating calibration access, select menu 8.6 = Gravitation at adjustment location using the [FN] and [-0-] keys. A long press of the [-0-] key allows the displayed value to be changed. The [-0-] key changes the input position. The [-T-] key changes the value. The [FN] key confirms and exits the menu.
INFO: If the adjustment and installation locations are identical, the gravitation values for adjustment and installation location must also be identical. With different gravitation values, the weighing results will be adjusted accordingly!!
Setting Gravitation at Installation Location
As described for the adjustment location, but under 8.7 = Gravitation at installation location.
Calibrating the Scale
Turn the scale OFF and then ON again. In the startup phase, the following key sequence must be pressed: [-T-] / [FN] / [FN] / [-0-].
In calibration mode, the capacity display of the scale, e.g., CAP 3, blinks first. Ensure this matches the specification on the type plate. For multi-range scales, the Max2 value applies.
Then, the division (resolution) automatically follows, e.g., 0.5. Ensure this matches the specification on the type plate. For multi-range scales, the value of d=e1 applies.
Then, the start zero point 0.000 kg follows. This must be confirmed with the [FN] key.
Next, the blinking adjustment weight, e.g., 1000 (for a 3 kg scale). This weight can be freely set by long-pressing the [-0-] key. The [-0-] key changes the input position. The [-T-] key changes the value. The [FN] key confirms the input.
Recommendation: Use 2/3 of the maximum load as the adjustment weight.
Place the displayed adjustment weight on the scale and press the [FN] key. The scale restarts with the indication "CAL on" and runs through the loaded state, potentially showing errors. The scale must now be unloaded and restarted via the ON/OFF switch. After completing the normal startup phase, the scale can be checked for accuracy using the adjustment weight or other known weights. When restarting the scale repeatedly, ensure that "CAL on" no longer appears during the startup phase. Switching the scale on again deactivates the calibration access.
Note: In the legally regulated range, menu 12.1 must be set to ON during the startup phase. The new event counter status after adjustment must be transferred to a label on the scale and secured by the calibration authority.
7 Contact
For questions, suggestions, or technical problems, we are at your disposal. The relevant contact information can be found at the end of this user manual.
8 Disposal
NOTICE according to the Battery Ordinance (BattV)
Batteries must not be disposed of in household waste: The end consumer is legally obliged to return them. Used batteries can be returned to collection points or PCE Deutschland GmbH, among other places.
Collection point according to BattV: PCE Deutschland GmbH, Im Langel 4, 59872 Meschede.
For the implementation of the ElektroG (Return and Disposal of Electrical and Electronic Equipment), we take back our devices. They are either recycled by us or disposed of via a recycling company according to legal requirements. Alternatively, you can also hand in your old equipment at designated collection points. WEEE Reg. No. DE69278128.
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