Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight Review

Let’s Dive into Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight isn’t your everyday piece of kit; it’s a precision instrument designed for laboratories and research facilities demanding utmost accuracy. Manufactured by Ohaus, a well-respected name in the weighing industry, the Explorer Series Analytical Balance promises stabilization times of up to 50% faster and features like SmarText 2.0, a color VGA display, and an automatic internal calibration system, setting it apart.

My journey to acquire this Analytical Balance stemmed from a need for precise measurement in my burgeoning research of rare earth element composition within various tactical gear alloys. I needed to move past estimations and generic material analysis. The appeal of the Explorer Series lay in its promise of speed and accuracy, critical for repeatable results and efficient workflow.

Unboxing the unit, I was immediately struck by the solid construction and meticulous design. The antistatic coated glass draftshield felt substantial, providing a secure enclosure for the weighing chamber. The overall build exuded quality, instilling confidence in its ability to deliver accurate and consistent results.

Compared to a generic digital scale and a less sophisticated balance I’ve used in the past, the Ohaus Explorer appeared in a different league. The responsiveness and features like the internal calibration and touchless sensors seemed leagues ahead. This justified the significantly higher price point, at least in my initial assessment.

My first impression was excitement tempered with slight intimidation. While the features seemed incredible, I was eager to see if the promise of ease-of-use would hold true.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place in my research lab, a controlled environment where temperature and humidity are carefully regulated to minimize external influences. I started by calibrating the Analytical Balance using the internal calibration system, which was surprisingly straightforward. Weighing reference samples, I observed that the readings stabilized almost instantly, exceeding my expectations.

I then moved to test samples under various conditions. One test involved taking the Balance into a garage environment. The balance demonstrated impressive stability and maintained consistent readings.

The Ohaus Explorer was surprisingly user-friendly, with the SmarText 2.0 software guiding me through various applications. While the QWERTY keyboard initially seemed unnecessary, it proved useful for inputting sample names and other relevant data. After a few practice runs, navigating the menus became intuitive.

One minor issue arose during initial use: the below-minimum weight indication was overly sensitive, flagging even slightly underweight samples. Adjusting the settings resolved this quickly.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the Ohaus Explorer Analytical Balance has proven to be a reliable and indispensable tool in my research. It consistently provides accurate and repeatable results. The balance handles my daily workload of sample weighing with ease.

Durability has been excellent, with no signs of wear and tear despite frequent use. The antistatic coated glass remains clean and scratch-free. The balance is stable and unaffected by normal vibrations.

Cleaning and maintaining the Analytical Balance is simple. The removable stainless steel pan makes cleaning up sample spills easy, and the draftshield wipes clean with a damp cloth. This ease of maintenance ensures that the balance remains in optimal condition for continued use.

Compared to my previous experiences with less sophisticated balances, the Ohaus Explorer outperforms them in every aspect. The speed, accuracy, and user-friendly interface have significantly improved my research efficiency.

Breaking Down the Features of Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight

Specifications

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight boasts a range of impressive specifications:

• Fast stabilization time: Achieves accurate results within seconds, drastically improving workflow and throughput. This reduces wait times and increases efficiency.
• Color VGA display with icons for simple menu navigation: Provides a clear and intuitive interface for accessing various functions and settings. This makes it easy to use.
• 14 built-in applications with customization capabilities: Offers versatility for various weighing tasks, from simple weighing to more complex applications. This offers a wide range of use cases.
• QWERTY keyboard and numeric keypad to input GLP, GMP & other application data: Facilitates easy input of sample names, batch numbers, and other important information, ensuring data integrity. This makes data entry easy and simple.
• User manager with administrator capability: Allows for controlled access and data management, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify settings or access sensitive data. This ensures data integrity and prevents tampering.
• Library function to store and recall customized applications: Saves time and effort by allowing users to quickly access and use frequently used weighing protocols. This allows the user to quickly work through complex tasks.
• Alternate RS232 command feature adapts the balance to existing data acquisition software: Ensures compatibility with existing laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for seamless data transfer and analysis. This keeps data organized and in one place.
• External input for Zero, Tare or print operations via the external foot switch accessory: Enables hands-free operation, minimizing contamination and improving workflow. This helps to avoid spills and keeps the work environment clean.
• Audible and visual feedback for button presses as well as the indication of the check weighing status: Provides clear confirmation of user actions and weighing status, reducing errors and improving confidence in results. This confirms actions and helps prevent any errors.
• Side doors seamlessly glide on top-mounted bearings: Offers smooth and easy access to the weighing chamber, minimizing disturbance to the sample. This makes the process of placing the sample easier.
• Touchless sensors provide for hands-free operation, improving efficiency, eliminating sample residue transfer and minimizing contamination: Enhances cleanliness and reduces the risk of cross-contamination, particularly important in sensitive applications. This feature ensures the purity of samples and a reliable experience.
• Fully-Automatic internal calibration system eliminates the need for external calibration weights: Simplifies calibration and ensures consistent accuracy, reducing the risk of operator error. The internal calibration system is easy to use.
• Self-Calibrates the system when it senses a temperature change sufficient enough to affect weighing accuracy: Maintains optimal accuracy by automatically compensating for environmental fluctuations, ensuring reliable results. The self-calibration reduces maintenance time and effort.
• Easy to view illuminated level indicator: Ensures proper leveling, crucial for accurate weighing results, especially in less-than-ideal environments. Leveling is easy.
• Level assist screen: Provides visual guidance to help users quickly and accurately level the balance. This provides additional assistance.
• Up to 11 operating lanGauges make Explorer’s intuitive user setup truly universal: Offers flexibility for users from different regions and backgrounds, simplifying operation and reducing the learning curve. This makes the balance easy for any user.
• Color tough display can be separated from the weighing base: Allows for flexible placement and improved ergonomics, particularly in cramped workspaces. This increases the user’s ability to use the balance anywhere.
• Easy access to standard USB & RS232 ports: Facilitates easy data transfer and connection to external devices, enhancing data management and analysis capabilities. This ensures easy access to data when needed.
• Ethernet or additional RS232 available via optional 3rd port: Provides additional connectivity options for more complex data acquisition and networking needs. Ethernet provides high speed connectivity.
• Tower and wall mount ready: Offers flexible installation options, maximizing workspace efficiency. This allows for flexible placement.
• In-use cover for protection against rugged use: Provides protection against spills, dust, and other environmental hazards, extending the life of the balance. The cover ensures safety and longevity of the product.
• Security bracket: Prevents theft and unauthorized removal of the balance, ensuring its safety and security. The security bracket is ideal for preventing theft.
• Integral weigh below hook: Enables density determination and weighing of bulky samples that cannot be placed on the weighing pan. This feature offers a more diverse range of use cases.
• Removable stainless steel pan: Simplifies cleaning and maintenance, ensuring hygiene and preventing contamination. Cleaning the balance is easy.
• Stability indicator: Provides a visual indication of when the reading is stable, ensuring accurate results. This reduces mistakes and prevents miscalculations.
• Overload and underload indicators: Protects the balance from damage and alerts the user to potential weighing errors. Overloading can damage the balance.
• Auto standby: Conserves energy and extends the life of the display. This can help to save energy and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.

These specifications translate to superior performance and a more user-friendly experience. The fast stabilization time, internal calibration, and touchless sensors all contribute to increased efficiency and accuracy.

Performance & Functionality

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight performs exceptionally well, consistently delivering accurate and reliable measurements. The various built-in applications are useful and well-designed, making it easy to perform different weighing tasks.

The strengths of this Analytical Balance lie in its speed, accuracy, and ease of use. The automatic calibration system and touchless sensors are particularly impressive features.

While the Analytical Balance excels in most areas, the price point could be a barrier for some users. The display is also a little small.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Ohaus Explorer is excellent. The materials used are high-quality, and the balance feels solid and well-constructed. The antistatic coated glass draftshield provides ample access and visibility to the weighing chamber.

The Analytical Balance is user-friendly, with a clear and intuitive interface. The SmarText 2.0 software is easy to navigate, and the QWERTY keyboard is a nice touch. However, the sheer number of features can be overwhelming at first.

Durability & Maintenance

The Ohaus Explorer is built to last. The materials used are durable and resistant to wear and tear. The balance is easy to clean and maintain.

With proper care, the Analytical Balance should provide years of reliable service. Routine cleaning and calibration are essential to maintain accuracy and performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance comes with a standard set of accessories, including a draftshield, removable stainless steel pan, and in-use cover.

Additional accessories are available, such as a foot switch for hands-free operation, an external display, and a printer for data logging. The Analytical Balance is also compatible with various data acquisition software packages.

Pros and Cons of Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight

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Who Should Buy Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight?

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight is perfect for:

• Researchers and scientists requiring high-precision measurements.
• Laboratories performing quality control testing.
• Pharmaceutical companies involved in drug development.

Individuals who need a basic scale or who are on a tight budget should skip this product.

A must-have accessory would be the foot switch for hands-free operation.

Conclusion on Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight

The Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight is a top-of-the-line instrument that delivers exceptional performance. The speed, accuracy, and user-friendly interface make it an invaluable tool for any laboratory or research facility.

While the price is high, the value proposition is justified by the superior performance and features. The speed of the balance is unmatched.

I would highly recommend the Ohaus Explorer Series Analytical Balance Weight to anyone who needs a reliable and accurate Analytical Balance. It has significantly improved my research efficiency and data quality.