【Technical Solution】Electronic Balance Shows "CALF" During Calibration? Full Analysis of 2 Core Causes & Solutions
Wendy 2025-09-27 18:22:03
Recently, many customers have reported encountering the "CALF" error prompt when calibrating electronic balances. In response, our technical team has summarized two core troubleshooting directions—calibration environment and operation steps—based on common fault cases, helping you quickly resolve the issue and ensure the measurement accuracy of the balance.
1. What Does "CALF" Mean?
"CALF" stands for "Calibration Failed," indicating that the electronic balance has not completed the normal calibration process. This error is mostly caused by environmental interference or improper operation and can be resolved through standardized adjustments, so there is no need for excessive concern.
2. Core Cause 1: Unqualified Calibration Environment (Most Common)
The weighing sensor of an electronic balance is extremely sensitive to environmental stability. Factors such as temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and tilted tables can directly cause sensor data drift and trigger the "CALF" error.
Common Issues
- Inadequate Preheating: High-precision balances (e.g., accuracy ≥ 0.1mg) require 30 minutes to 2 hours of preheating after being powered on (refer to the equipment manual for specific requirements). If calibration is performed directly without preheating, the sensor will not enter a stable working state, leading to data distortion.
- Unstable Table or Vibrations: The balance is placed on a wobbly table or near vibration sources such as printers, fans, or air conditioning vents. During calibration, the weight position shifts, and the sensor is continuously disturbed.
- Unaligned Table: The level bubble at the bottom of the balance is offset, causing uneven force on the weighing pan and deviations in weight data collection.
Solutions
- Strictly Follow the Preheating Process: After powering on, let the balance stand for at least 30 minutes without touching any buttons during this period to ensure the sensor temperature and environment are stable.
- Optimize the Calibration Environment: Move the balance to a stable, vibration-free solid table. Turn off air conditioners and fans, and keep it away from doors and windows (to avoid air flow interference) to maintain a stable ambient temperature.
- Ensure the Table is Level: Check the level bubble at the bottom of the balance. If the bubble is offset, slowly adjust the leveling feet until the bubble is centered. Ensure the balance is placed stably before starting calibration.
3. Core Cause 2: Incorrect Calibration Operation Steps
Incorrect operations—such as reversed procedures or improper weight use—are high-frequency factors for "CALF" errors among new users, preventing the balance from recognizing calibration commands or standard weights.
Common Issues
- Failure to Enter the Correct Calibration Mode: Calibration is not started according to the manual (e.g., pressing the "Model" key once instead of holding it down), so the balance does not enter calibration mode before weights are placed.
- Improper Weight Use:
- Placing weights too early/late: Weights are placed before the screen displays "Wait for weight placement" (e.g., "CAL 100g") after calibration starts, or weights are removed before the balance automatically recognizes them.
- Using mismatched weights: Weights with inconsistent weight (e.g., using 50g weights when 100g is required) are used.
- Interference During Calibration: Touching the balance or table after placing weights, or foreign objects (such as dust, thread) sticking to the weighing pan/weights, affecting the accuracy of weight data.
Solutions
- Standardize Operations According to the Manual (Reference General Process):① After preheating, press the "ON/OFF" key to turn on the balance and ensure it shows "0.000g" (zero state).② Hold down the "Model" key for 3-5 seconds until the screen displays "FO" or a specific weight value (e.g., "100g").③ When the screen flashes the weight value (prompting to place the weight), gently place the calibration weight of corresponding accuracy in the center of the weighing pan.④ After the screen displays "PASS" (calibration successful), remove the weight to complete calibration.
- Keep Calibration "Interference-Free": After placing the weight, keep hands away from the balance. Wipe the weighing pan and weight with a clean soft cloth to ensure no foreign objects remain.
4. Summary of Quick Troubleshooting Process
- Check the Environment First: Is the preheating time sufficient? Is the level bubble centered? Are there vibrations/air flow nearby? Is the table flat and stable?
- Then Verify the Operation: Did you enter the calibration mode according to the manual? Is the weight matching and placed at the correct time? Is the process complete without interruption?
Through the above two steps, more than 90% of "CALF" issues can be resolved quickly. If the error persists after adjustments, it may involve hardware faults (e.g., sensor abnormalities). Please contact our after-sales team.
We are always committed to providing you with reliable products and technical support. If you have other operational questions, please feel free to consult us at any time!