A&D EW-1500i Manual, Explained: Setup, Ranges and Calibration
Shop the A&D EW-1500i Everest compact balance: triple-range 300 / 600 / 1500 g, NTEP Class III, on sale for $297.00 (regular $560.00), in stock. Add in-house calibration from $95 before it ships.
Short answer: The ew 1500i manual walk-through below covers setup (level, warm-up, power), the triple weighing ranges, everyday keys, counting and percent modes, external calibration with a weight over two-thirds of the highest range, RS-232C, and the common error codes from A&D’s EK-i / EW-i instructions. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D Weighing dealer; we stock the EW-1500i and calibrate complete scales in-house from $95.
The A&D EW-1500i (EW1500i) is a multi-interval Everest compact balance: 300 g × 0.1 g, 600 g × 0.2 g, and 1500 g × 0.5 g. It is NTEP Class III under Certificate of Conformance 04-019A3 (EKi and EWi Series) for legal-for-trade use when placed in service under your state’s rules. Counting mode is not legal for trade. Download A&D’s full instruction manual from A&D’s EK-i / EW-i product page; this guide puts the steps you need in one place.
EW-1500i manual at a glance: specifications
| Item | EW-1500i |
|---|---|
| Capacity / readability (multi-interval) | 300 g × 0.1 g; 600 g × 0.2 g; 1500 g × 0.5 g |
| Repeatability (σ) | 0.1 g / 0.2 g / 0.5 g (by range) |
| Linearity | ±0.1 g / ±0.2 g / ±0.5 g (by range) |
| Pan | 170 × 133 mm stainless |
| Display | LCD with stability, zero, net, range and ACAI marks |
| NTEP | Class III, CoC 04-019A3 (family EKi/EWi); nmax 3,000; d as above |
| Temperature (approved) | 5 °C to 40 °C (41 °F to 104 °F) |
| Calibration | External weight; use more than 2/3 of the highest range (over 1,000 g) |
| Interface | RS-232C standard; optional rechargeable battery pack |
| Warranty (A&D) | 5 years (per A&D listing) |
Setting up the EW-1500i
- Place the pan on the pan support. Set the balance on a firm, level bench away from drafts, direct sun, heaters, A/C vents and vibration.
- Adjust the leveling feet until the spirit-level bubble sits in the center of the circle.
- Plug in the AC adapter (or install the optional rechargeable pack). Power on and let the balance warm up for at least 30 minutes with nothing on the pan before you calibrate or take critical readings.
- Calibrate before first use and after any move (see calibration section below).
A&D warns against soft surfaces, magnetic fields, unstable AC power and large temperature swings. If the room temperature just changed, wait for the balance to reach equilibrium with the room before you weigh.
Keys, ranges and everyday weighing
- ON/OFF: power. After the lamp test, the balance waits for stability and shows zero (power-on zero within about ±10% of capacity around the calibrated zero).
- SAMPLE: hold to enter function settings; in weighing mode on EW-i models it can change the weighing range when range selection is enabled; in pcs/% modes it starts sample or 100% entry.
- MODE: cycles weighing units (g, oz, lb, ozt, ct, dwt, grain and others as configured).
- PRINT: sends data to a printer or PC, or confirms an entered value.
- RE-ZERO / 0/T: zeros or tares per configuration. Units built after the CoC date with a combined 0/T key need the “Not for Direct Sales” marking when used that way.
The EW-1500i switches intervals automatically with load: finer readability at low weight, coarser at higher weight. That is normal multi-interval behavior under Handbook 44 — not a fault. For the difference between readability and accuracy, see our guide scale capacity and readability.
Counting and percent modes
Counting (pcs) stores a unit weight from a sample, then counts pieces. A&D’s ACAI feature can refine the unit weight as you add pieces. Counting is not legal for trade on this certificate — use it for inventory, not for selling by count unless your jurisdiction separately allows it. Percent mode stores a 100% reference weight and shows percentages of that reference.
EW-1500i calibration (external weight)
Calibrate when the balance is new, after a move, after a large environment change, or on your regular schedule. You need a calibration weight (not included). A&D requires a weight more than two-thirds of the highest range — for the EW-1500i that means over 1,000 g (1 kg class F or better is typical for this readability).
- Warm up ≥30 minutes with an empty pan.
- Open the calibration switch cover on the rear; press and hold the CAL switch until the calibration prompt appears, then release.
- To change the stored calibration-weight value, follow the digit keys in the manual; otherwise accept the stored gram value.
- With nothing on the pan, confirm zero calibration. Do not touch the pan.
- Place the calibration weight matching the displayed value; confirm span. Do not touch the pan.
- When finished, remove the weight and return to weighing mode with CAL or the confirm key.
If the scale is sealed for commercial use, only a registered service agency should break the Category 1 wire seal on the CAL cover, calibrate and reseal it. MNM Scales’ TDA-registered technicians handle that in Texas — see how to calibrate a scale and what NTEP / legal for trade means.
Add calibration before the EW-1500i ships (capacity ≤2.2 kg tier):
Common EW-i error indications
| Condition | What to check |
|---|---|
| Overload | Remove weight; stay within 1500 g |
| Unexpected load / pan error | Clear the pan; reseat the pan correctly |
| CAL error (weight too light) | Use a heavier calibration weight (>2/3 of 1500 g) |
| Stability error | Block drafts and vibration; press the key to return to weighing |
| Low battery (optional pack) | Recharge or use the AC adapter |
| Sample too light (counting) | Increase sample size when prompted |
NTEP Class III notes for trade use
CoC 04-019A3 lists the EW-1500i as Class III with nmax 3,000 and the multi-interval divisions above (or a single-range configuration at 1500 g × 0.5 g). Approved temperature is 5–40 °C. Sealing is Category 1 through the calibration-switch cover. Place-in-service and sealing rules are state-specific — in Texas, see our legal-for-trade scale checker and TDA scale certification guide.
Buy the EW-1500i from MNM Scales
Current keeper listing: A&D EW-1500i Everest compact balance — $297.00 on sale (regular $560.00), in stock. AC adapter included; calibration weights and the optional battery pack are not included. Need a finer Class II jewelry balance instead? Compare the A&D EK-1200i (1200 g × 0.1 g).
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download the official EW-1500i manual?
From A&D’s EK-i / EW-i series page (instruction manual PDF). This post summarizes setup, ranges, calibration and errors for the EW-1500i; the PDF remains the authority for function menus and RS-232 details.
What calibration weight does the EW-1500i need?
More than two-thirds of the highest range — over 1,000 g. A 1 kg or 1.5 kg calibration weight appropriate for 0.1–0.5 g readability is typical. See calibration weights by capacity and readability.
Is the EW-1500i legal for trade?
Yes, when configured and placed in service under CoC 04-019A3 as NTEP Class III. Counting mode is not legal for trade. Local sealing and inspection still apply.
Can MNM Scales calibrate the EW-1500i before shipping?
Yes. Add in-house calibration with certificate for $95 (≤2.2 kg tier) or NIST-traceable calibration for $395 on the same capacity tier.