FMFPAX Automatic Capsule and Tablet Counting Machine User Manual: Setup, Counting Modes & Cleaning

Use this guide to set up, run and clean the FMFPAX automatic capsule and tablet counting machine: three counting modes (SGL, MULTI, INV), a digital display with keypad, a funnel collection drawer for filling vials directly, and counting at up to 500 pieces per minute with 99.9% accuracy.

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English user manual PDF

Download the FMFPAX Automatic Capsule and Tablet Counting Machine English User Manual — 8 PDF pages (FMFPAX-branded).

Specifications | Operation | Cleaning | Troubleshooting | Service and warranty | FAQ

Specifications

Machine parameters (product page and manual)
Counting modes SGL single, MULTI multiple, INV inventory
Production capacity Up to 500 pieces per minute, depending on material shape and operating conditions
Counting accuracy 99.9% of the solid pharmaceuticals handled
Voltage Two versions: 110V ±10% or 220V ±10%, 50/60 Hz
Power 100 W
Weight 8.5 kg
Fuse 1 A (0.5 A for 220V machines)
Operating controls On/off switch, gate adjustment knob, separator tab, digital display, keypad
Collection drawers Two collection drawers (counted quantity and excess) plus one funnel drawer for direct vial filling
Package contents (manual, page 3)
Item Quantity
Automatic capsule and tablet counting machine 1
Collection drawers 2
Funnel collection drawer 1
Cleaning brush 1
Wiper brushes 3
Dust cover 1
Operator's manual 1

Parts and controls

  1. On/off switch
  2. Keypad
  3. Digital display window
  4. Collection drawers
  5. Sensor signal lamp (above the collection drawers)
  6. Cover assembly
  7. Gate adjustment knob
  8. Sorting wheel
  9. Track arm and separator tab
  10. Fuse indicator (red)
  11. Turntable disc

How to use the capsule and tablet counting machine

  1. Place the machine on a level surface.
  2. Turn the machine on.
  3. Close the gate by turning the gate adjustment knob clockwise. Make sure the drawers are completely closed.
  4. Pour the tablets or capsules onto the turntable. Do not overload it.
  5. Select the counting mode on the keypad (see below).
  6. In SGL and MULTI modes, press CLEAR and set the quantity with the keypad. In INV mode, do not set a quantity.
  7. Press START.
  8. Turn the gate adjustment knob slowly counterclockwise, just wide enough for the tablets to pass through in single file.
  9. Set the separator tab on the track arm: UP for large tablets and all capsules, DOWN for smaller, flat sizes, to prevent overriding.

Counting modes

Mode Use it to What happens
Single (SGL) Count a predetermined number of tablets into the top drawer Counted tablets drop into the top drawer. When you remove the top drawer, the excess tablets on the turntable drop into the bottom drawer.
Multiple (MULTI) Count several quantities from the same batch When you remove the top drawer with the preset count, the excess tablets stay on the turntable. Insert a collection drawer and press START for the next count. To clear the turntable after the last count, leave the top drawer out and press CLEAR/INVENTORY/START.
Inventory (INV) Count an entire amount of tablets The machine counts up to 1,000 and restarts at 1. Do not set a quantity.

Using the funnel drawer

The funnel collection drawer fills prescription vials quickly and directly.

  1. Remove both collection drawers and insert the funnel drawer into the upper drawer slot.
  2. Insert the vial onto the dispensing tube. The vial retaining tab holds the vial firmly in place. For large vials, insert the vial all the way onto the dispensing tube. For small vials, insert it to the open front of the dispensing tube.
  • Use the funnel drawer only in Multiple or Inventory count mode. Do not use it in Single count mode.
  • If the funnel drawer was used in Single count mode, press STOP before removing the drawer. To clear the turntable disc, replace the top drawer and press CLEAR/INVENTORY/START.

Using the separator tab

  • For flat, medium or small tablets, place the separator tab in the DOWN position by pressing the front of the tab.
  • For capsules, elongated shapes and large or thick tablets, place the separator tab in the UP position by pressing the back of the tab.
  • Do not bend or reshape the separator tab.

Cleaning the counting machine

Keep the machine clean for the best counting performance. Turn off the power first. Whenever the unit miscounts or stops counting, clean the sensing area.

  1. Close the gate. Gently bend the track arm to disengage it from the slot.
  2. Grasp the cover as shown, lift it off, and clean powder build-up off the bottom of the cover.
  3. Lift the sorting wheel in the center of the disc.
  4. Grasp the main disc at the center and lift it off.
  5. Clean the sensing area with the cleaning brush as shown.

Clean the disc and plastic parts with a lint-free damp cloth. Always clean both the top and the bottom of removed parts. Clean the drawers often to avoid contamination. Make sure all parts are dry before you replace them.

Operating tips

Do

  • Clean the machine frequently.
  • Plug the machine into a grounded outlet.
  • Keep adequate clearance for the cooling fan.
  • Insert the collection drawers fully before you start counting.

Do not

  • Do not use the power switch to stop the machine. Use the red STOP key on the keypad, and use the power switch only to turn the unit on or off. Wait 15 seconds before turning it on again. The unit can stay on all day.
  • Do not count penicillin unless the machine is thoroughly cleaned afterwards.
  • Do not remove the collection drawers while the turntable is running.
  • Do not place the machine under high-intensity light or direct sunlight.
  • Do not plug the machine into the same receptacle as another high-powered appliance such as a computer or refrigerator.
  • Do not let liquids of any kind enter the machine.
  • Do not remove the base plate. Removal voids the warranty.

Counting situations

Situation What to do
Interruption A momentary power failure, a surge, or stopping the machine during counting can make the count inaccurate. Repeat the count.
Sensor signal lamp stays lit The sensing area needs cleaning. Clean it as shown in the cleaning section.
Overloading An overloaded machine can jam. The machine counts faster and more accurately when it is loaded lightly.
Extra count Occasionally an extra pill drops because of the high-speed flow and the shape, size or weight of the tablets. The sensor detects it and the display shows it, for example 31 when the preset is 30. Remove the excess or reload the tablets for a recount.
Overfilling Do not let the top drawer overfill; it can partially block the sensor and affect the count. Use the funnel drawer for bulk or direct-vial counting.
Worn wiper brush Remove the worn wiper brush on the track arm and replace it with a new wiper brush supplied with the machine.

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
No power Check the power cord and make sure it is firmly inserted into a working, grounded AC outlet.
Red fuse indicator light is on A power surge may have blown the fuse. Unplug the unit, check the fuse on the back of the machine and replace a blown fuse with one of similar design rated at 1 amp (0.5 amp for 220V AC machines). Plug the machine in again and follow the operating instructions.
Pills go through, but the unit does not count Turn off the power and clean the sensing area.
Miscounts or undercounts The gate may be too wide or the separator tab in the wrong position. Set the separator tab correctly and open the gate just wide enough for pills to pass single file.
Unit counts by itself Foreign material or pill residue may be triggering the sensor. Clean the sensing area.
Miscounts in general Local electrical interference, such as elevators and heavy machinery, can cause power surges. Miscounting can also occur when the machine shares a receptacle with other electrical appliances.

Safety

  • To prevent electric shock, do not let liquids enter the machine and do not use it without a grounding plug.
  • A fuse protects the electronics from power overloads. The red indicator light on the top shows a blown fuse.
  • A cooling fan prevents the motor and electronic components from overheating. Do not block the fan opening.

Service and warranty

If your counting machine needs service, contact FMFPAX at sales@fmfpack.com with a detailed description of the problem. Do not try to service the machine yourself; service is performed by FMFPAX. Removing the base plate voids the warranty.

FMFPAX warrants the machine against defects in parts, materials and workmanship for one year from the date of shipping to the original user. Covered defects are repaired free of charge during the warranty period. The warranty is void if the base plate has been removed or the machine has not been properly cleaned and maintained.

Normal service and maintenance described in this manual are the user's responsibility. Labor and parts costs caused by improper maintenance or operation are charged at FMFPAX's prevailing labor and parts rates, and FMFPAX advises you of any costs the warranty does not cover before the repair.

Capsule and tablet counting machine FAQ

Which counting modes does the capsule and tablet counting machine have?

Three: Single (SGL) counts a preset number into the top drawer, Multiple (MULTI) counts several preset quantities from the same batch, and Inventory (INV) counts an entire amount of tablets. INV counts up to 1,000 and restarts at 1.

How do I fill a vial directly from the machine?

Remove both collection drawers and insert the funnel drawer into the upper drawer slot. Push the vial onto the dispensing tube; the vial retaining tab holds it in place. Use the funnel drawer only in Multiple or Inventory mode, never in Single mode.

What should I do if the machine miscounts or undercounts?

Open the gate just wide enough for pills to pass single file and set the separator tab correctly: UP for capsules and large or thick tablets, DOWN for small or flat tablets. If pills pass but are not counted, or the sensor signal lamp stays lit, turn off the power and clean the sensing area with the cleaning brush.

What fuse does the machine use?

When the red fuse indicator light is on, replace the fuse on the back of the machine with one of similar design rated at 1 amp (0.5 amp for 220V machines), then plug the machine back in.

Can I count penicillin with this machine?

Do not count penicillin unless the machine is thoroughly cleaned afterwards.

How do I get service or warranty support?

Contact FMFPAX at sales@fmfpack.com with a description of the problem. Do not remove the base plate of the machine; removing it voids the warranty.

View the FMFPAX automatic capsule and tablet counting machine | RY-2S tablet and capsule counter manual | sales@fmfpack.com