Sartorius MA35 Moisture Analyzer Manual: Setup, Drying Programs and Calibration

This Sartorius MA35 moisture analyzer manual guide covers setup, drying programs and calibration for the Sartorius MA35 (35 g x 1 mg), on sale for $2,499.00 (regular $3,210.00), in stock.

The Sartorius MA35 is a 35 g x 1 mg infrared moisture analyzer that reads moisture to 0.01 percent. It heats the sample with a metal tube infrared heater (Sartorius calls it an IR dark radiator) and works out moisture from the weight lost as the sample dries, the same thermogravimetric principle as a drying oven, with results in about 10 to 20 minutes on Sartorius’s MA35 page. Sartorius lists the MA35 as its basic moisture analyzer for simple routine checks. Below are the MA35 steps and numbers from the Sartorius operating instructions. MNM Scales is an authorized Sartorius dealer.

Sartorius MA35 manual at a glance: specifications

Item	Sartorius MA35
Weighing capacity	35 g
Readability	1 mg; moisture 0.01 percent
Typical reproducibility	±0.2 percent with an initial sample of about 1 g; ±0.05 percent with about 5 g
Typical sample quantity	5 to 15 g
Sample heating	Infrared dark radiator (metal tube heater), standard drying
Drying temperature	40 to 160 °C (104 to 320 °F) in 1 °C steps
End of analysis	Fully automatic, or timer from 0.1 to 99 minutes
Result units	Moisture (%M), dry weight (%S), ratio (%MS), residual weight (g)
Program memory	1 drying program, kept in non-volatile memory
Result memory	The result stays until the next analysis starts
Interface	RS-232C, 25-pin female connector, for a printer or computer
Sample pan	ø90 mm disposable aluminum pans
Calibration	External, with a 30 g weight (YSS43-02, not included); heater adjustment with the YTM15MA temperature adjustment set (not included)
Operating range	10 to 30 °C (50 to 86 °F); works from 5 to 40 °C; indoor use, up to 2,000 m
Power	230 V or 115 V, set at the factory and shown on the label (MA35M-…115… for 115 V), 50 to 60 Hz, 400 VA maximum
Size and weight	224 x 366 x 191 mm (W x D x H); about 5.8 kg

What comes in the box

Sartorius lists the moisture analyzer, power cord, pan support, pan draft shield, 80 disposable aluminum sample pans and a pair of forceps. The 30 g calibration weight (YSS43-02), the YTM15MA temperature adjustment set, glass fiber filters (6906940), the YDP20-0CE data printer and the YDS05MA aluminum panel kit are not included. Keep the box and packing; Sartorius says the original packaging is the best protection whenever the analyzer ships.

Setting up the MA35

1. Pick the spot: a stable, even bench away from vibration, heaters, direct sun, drafts from windows and doors, dust and chemical vapors. Leave 20 cm (about 8 inches) clear around the analyzer and 1 m (3 ft.) above it so heat can escape, and keep anything flammable off, under and near it.
2. Let it acclimate: if the analyzer comes in from a colder place, leave it unplugged at room temperature for about 2 hours so condensation can clear.
3. Check the voltage: the heater is set at the factory for 230 V or 115 V, shown on the label on the bottom (for example MA35M-…115…). If the label does not match your outlet, do not run it; call us.
4. Fit the pan parts: in this order, the pan draft shield, the pan support, then a disposable sample pan.
5. Power and ground: plug the cord into a grounded outlet. Unplug the analyzer before connecting or disconnecting a printer or computer.
6. Level it: turn the front and rear leveling feet until it sits level. Level again after every move; liquid samples need a level pan to spread evenly.
7. Warm it up: give it at least 30 minutes after it is plugged in, or after a long power outage, before you trust a result. Sartorius suggests leaving it connected to power.

Keys and display

Key	Press briefly	Press and hold
On/off	Switch on or off (off leaves it in standby)	—
CF (clear function)	Cancel a function or a menu selection	—
Enter	Run the selected function, or store a menu setting	Store the setting and close the menu
Down/Back and Up/Forward	Move along the function line, or change a value	Change a value 10 at a time
Print	Send the reading or data record out the interface	—

The function line along the bottom of the display holds PRG (drying program), SET (device setup), CAL (calibration), TAR (tare) and START. Move to one with the arrow keys and press Enter. Symbols on the display show the target temperature, drying time, fully automatic mode, the unit and prompts such as close the hood or please wait.

Setting the MA35 drying program

The MA35 holds one drying program. Select PRG and press Enter, then step through these parameters, pressing Enter after each one. Hold Enter for more than 2 seconds to save and leave the menu.

Parameter	Settings
Heating temperature	40 to 160 °C
End of analysis	0.0 minutes for fully automatic shutoff, or 0.1 to 99 minutes for a fixed drying time
Result display	%M moisture, %S dry weight, %MS ratio, g residual weight
Start of analysis	E: with stability, after you press Enter at START. A: without stability, as soon as you close the cover
Print intermediate results	0.0 minutes (off), or every 0.1 to 10.0 minutes

Fully automatic mode ends the test when the weight loss curve levels off, so you do not have to program a switch-off point. Timer mode ends it when the set time is up. Sartorius’s example program is 130 °C, start without stability when the cover closes, a 10-minute end and results in %M moisture.

Running a test: MA35 step by step

1. Press On/off; the self-test runs.
2. Check or set the drying program under PRG.
3. Open the sample chamber and set an unused disposable pan on the pan support.
4. Select TAR and press Enter to tare the pan.
5. Spread the sample evenly on the pan (Sartorius’s example uses about 2 g; 5 to 15 g in a 2 to 5 mm layer is typical).
6. Close the sample chamber. With start mode A, drying begins as soon as the cover closes; with start mode E, select START and press Enter first. A connected printer prints the header with the model, serial number, temperature, start mode, end setting and initial weight.
7. Watch the moisture loss and elapsed time on the display. The test ends on its own, fully automatic or at the set time, and the footer prints the result and final weight.
8. Press Print to print the result again as often as you need. Use the arrow keys to switch between %M, %S, %MS and g at any time during or after the test. Press CF to clear the display.

In Sartorius’s example, an initial weight of 2.036 g dried to 1.814 g in 10 minutes at 130 °C, which reads 10.90 percent moisture. A test you cancel prints with a B (break) in front of the time.

Getting accurate results

• Use a fresh 90 mm Sartorius disposable pan every time. Sartorius warns that reused pans hurt repeatability: residue, cleaning agents and scratches all change the reading.
• Spread the sample in a thin, even layer, 2 to 5 mm high and 5 to 15 g. A thick or uneven layer dries unevenly, takes longer, can scorch or crust over and leaves moisture behind.
• Grind solids with a pestle or lab mill, and avoid anything that heats the sample while you prepare it. Stir liquids that carry solids with a glass stirrer, spoon or magnetic stirrer.
• Put liquids, pastes and samples that melt on a glass fiber filter (6906940, not included), and cover heat-sensitive or sugary solids with one to stop a skin forming.
• Take one representative sample at a time and test it quickly; samples stored in a part-empty container trade moisture with the air in it.
• Infrared drying usually needs a lower temperature than a drying oven. If a result runs high or low, change the temperature before you change the end criterion.
• If a sample loses moisture very slowly or the analyzer is cold, fully automatic mode may stop too early. Preheat for two to three minutes or switch to timer mode.
• When you move a test from a drying oven to the MA35, adjust the temperature and end settings until it matches your reference method on the same material.

MA35 calibration: weighing system and heater

Sartorius separates calibration (measuring the difference between the reading and the true mass) from adjustment (correcting that difference). On the MA35 the weighing system is calibrated and adjusted externally with a 30 g weight, and the result prints as a GLP-compliant report with the model, serial number, nominal weight and difference. Our calibration interval guide covers how often to check.

Calibrating the weighing system (30 g weight)

1. Turn the analyzer on and let it warm up. Keep the bench free of vibration and drafts.
2. Select CAL in the function line and press Enter.
3. Press Enter again when Pb is shown.
4. Tare the empty weighing system.
5. Select CAL again and press Enter; the prompt for the calibration weight appears.
6. Open the hinged cover and set the 30 g weight on the weighing system. A minus sign means the weight value is too low, a plus sign means too high, and no sign means it is OK.
7. When the g symbol appears, the adjustment is done and the report prints (External calibration, Nom. +30.000 g, Diff., External adjustment, completed).
8. Remove the weight, close the cover and press CF to leave calibration.

Sartorius lists the YSS43-02 external calibration weight, 30 g ± 0.3 mg, for the MA35. Err 02 means calibration started without zero (not tared or the pan support loaded), and Err 03 means it could not finish in time, so let it warm up again and repeat. See calibration weights and weight classes to choose a mass.

Adjusting the heater temperature (YTM15MA)

The heating element is adjusted with the Sartorius YTM15MA temperature adjustment set, following the instructions that come with the set. Moisture is a ratio of wet to dry weight, so the weighing calibration does not change the moisture math; the heater temperature does, which is why labs that need traceable records check both.

Device setup menu (SET)

Select SET and press Enter to open the device parameters. Step through menu items with the arrow keys, open a submenu with Enter, confirm a setting with Enter (a small circle marks the active one) and press CF repeatedly to close the menu.

Menu item	Settings (factory setting marked)
5.1 Baud rate	600, 1200 (factory), 2400, 4800, 9600, 19,200
5.2 Parity	Odd (factory), even, none
5.3 Stop bits	1 (factory) or 2
5.4 Handshake	Software, hardware (factory), none
5.5 Data bits	7 (factory) or 8
6.7 Printout	Result only, or complete with GLP data and drying parameters (factory)
6.9 Language	German, English (factory), US English with US date and time, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian
9.1 Factory settings	Reset to factory settings, or do not reset (factory)

Connecting the MA35 to a printer or computer

The MA35 has an RS-232C port with a 25-pin female connector (DB25S) for a printer or computer. Match the baud rate, parity, stop bits, handshake and data bits in the SET menu to the device on the other end. Sartorius warns that ready-made RS-232 cables from other makers often have different pin assignments: check every pin against the manual before connecting and disconnect any line that does not match, pin 11 in particular, which carries a charge voltage. Date and time print only with a Sartorius YDP20-0CE printer (not included). For a computer without a serial port, see our USB vs RS-232 guide.

MA35 error codes

Display	Meaning and fix
H	Load is over the weighing capacity; unload the pan support
L or Err 54	Load is below the weighing range; put the pan support on the weighing system
Err 01	Data output does not fit the output format; change the setup
Err 02	Calibration condition not met (not tared, or pan support loaded); tare and calibrate only at zero
Err 03	Calibration could not finish in time; let it warm up again and repeat
Err 30	Printer output on the interface is blocked; needs a service setting change
Err 31	Peripheral device not responding (handshake interrupted)
Err 50, Err 53, Err 55	Temperature compensation or weighing ADC fault; call us for service
Err 79	Dryer adjustment data not found; call us for service
Err 241, Err 243	Weighing system parameters fault; switch off and on, and call us if it stays
Err 2xx, Err 340, Err 342	Internal or operating parameter fault; call us for service

Our error code guide covers other balance messages.

Cleaning and care

• Unplug the analyzer and any interface cable first, and let the heater and pan cool.
• Lift out the pan draft shield and pan support. Remove spilled sample or powder with a brush or a handheld vacuum.
• Wipe the housing with a cloth dampened with mild soap only, then dry it with a soft cloth. No solvents or abrasive cleaners, and keep dust and liquid out of the housing.
• To clean the heating unit, open the hinged cover with the cord unplugged (the heater terminals are live when it is plugged in), remove any residue from the temperature sensor and clean the tubular metal heater with a brush or a damp, lint-free cloth.
• Sartorius calls for a safety inspection at least once a year, and right away if the analyzer or cord is damaged, it stops working properly, or it was stored badly or handled roughly in shipping.
• See our scale maintenance guide for a routine check list.

Using the MA35 in food and HACCP areas

For food plants that want metal instead of glass in the cover, Sartorius makes the YDS05MA aluminum panel kit (not included). Let the glass panels cool, remove the 2 rubber caps and 2 screws, lift off the retainer, swap the glass for the aluminum panels and refit the retainer, screws and caps. Handle the aluminum panels with clean, dry hands and clean them without abrasives.

Setup tips from our technicians

• Write the drying program on a card next to the analyzer, since the MA35 keeps one program, so every shift runs the same temperature and end setting.
• Set the language to US English (menu 6.9.3) if you want US date and time on GLP printouts.
• Keep the 30 g weight in its case near the analyzer, and calibrate after every move once it has warmed up.
• Buy disposable pans by the box; reusing them is the fastest way to lose repeatability.

Common mistakes we see

• Running a test before the 30-minute warm-up.
• Heaping the sample instead of spreading 2 to 5 mm evenly.
• Reusing washed pans.
• Using an off-the-shelf RS-232 cable without checking the pins.
• Cleaning the housing or heater with solvent.

Calibration, repair and rentals from MNM Scales

• Book calibration: the 35 g MA35 is in our small scale and balance tier: in-house calibration with a certificate is $95 and NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate is $395. See our balance calibration service in Houston, all tiers on the scale calibration service page, and NIST vs in-house certificates. For the heater temperature check with the YTM15MA set, call us.
• Mail-in calibration: let the analyzer cool, pack it in its original box and ship it with the mail-in calibration service.
• Cypress pickup by appointment: drop off or pick up at our Cypress, TX shop (21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433).
• On-site service: on-site calibration is $295 plus $2 per mile, round trip, once per visit, plus the calibration fee for each instrument. Our TDA-registered technicians calibrate lab balances and analyzers at QC labs, plants and warehouses across the Houston area.
• Repair: heater, display, keypad and weighing problems go to our scale repair bench.
• Rentals: we rent all types of scales; ask about a scale rental while yours is in for service.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I download the Sartorius MA35 manual?

Sartorius publishes the MA35 operating instructions as a PDF (publication WMA6030-e220603). This guide collects the MA35 steps and numbers from it.

How do I calibrate the Sartorius MA35?

Turn it on and let it warm up. Select CAL and press Enter, press Enter again at Pb, tare, select CAL and press Enter, then open the cover and set the 30 g weight on the weighing system when prompted. When the g symbol appears, remove the weight, close the cover and press CF.

What weight do I need to calibrate the MA35?

A 30 g weight. Sartorius lists the YSS43-02 external calibration weight, 30 g plus or minus 0.3 mg, which is not included with the analyzer.

How do I set the drying program on the MA35?

Select PRG and press Enter, then set the heating temperature (40 to 160 °C), the end of analysis (0.0 minutes for fully automatic or 0.1 to 99 minutes), the result unit, the start mode and intermediate printing, pressing Enter after each. Hold Enter for more than 2 seconds to save.

How much sample does the MA35 need?

Sartorius gives 5 to 15 g as the typical sample, spread 2 to 5 mm thick on a fresh 90 mm disposable pan. The capacity is 35 g.

How long does the MA35 need to warm up?

At least 30 minutes after it is plugged in or after a long power outage. If it comes in from a cold place, leave it unplugged at room temperature for about 2 hours first.

What does Err 02 mean on the MA35?

The calibration condition was not met, usually because the analyzer was not tared or the pan support was loaded. Tare and start the calibration only at zero.

Can the MA35 connect to a computer?

Yes. It has an RS-232C port with a 25-pin female connector. The factory settings are 1200 baud, odd parity, 1 stop bit, hardware handshake and 7 data bits, all changeable in the SET menu. Check the cable pins against the manual before connecting.