TANITA BC-401F Body Composition Monitor Instruction Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this TANITA body composition monitor. This monitor is one of a wide range of home health care products produced by TANITA. This Instruction Manual will guide you through the setup procedures and outline the key features of this monitor. Additional information on healthy living can be found on TANITA's website at www.tanita.com. TANITA products incorporate the latest clinical research and technological innovations, with all data monitored by the TANITA Medical Advisory Board to ensure accuracy.

The TANITA body Composition Monitor is intended for use in the measurement of weight and impedance, and the estimation of body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, total body water percentage, muscle mass, physique rating, bone mass, visceral fat rating with healthy range, basal metabolic rate (BMR), and metabolic age.

⚠️ Safety Precautions

Do not use the body composition monitor if you have an electronic medical implant such as a pacemaker, as it passes a low-level electrical signal through the body which may interfere with the operation of the implant. Pregnant women should only use the weight function. Other functions are not intended for use when pregnant.

Important Notes for Users

This body composition monitor is intended for adults and children (age 7-17) who have inactive to moderately active lifestyles, and adults with athletic lifestyles.

Thanks to major investment in the latest BIA Technology and sports science research, TANITA has upgraded the Athlete Mode function to make measurements more accurate and suitable for a wider range of users.

Who should use Athlete Mode?

• Adults aged 18 years and over who either:
  • Train or exercise for 12 hours or more a week and have been doing so for at least six months.
  • Are body builders.
  • Are professional athletes who want to monitor their progress at home.
  • Have a lifetime history of fitness and who used to do more than 12 hours a week but do less now.

Recorded data may be lost if the unit is used incorrectly or is exposed to electrical power surges. TANITA cannot accept any responsibility for losses incurred due to the loss of recorded data or for damages/losses incurred through the use of this product or any third-party claims.

Note: Body fat percentage estimates will vary with the amount of water in the body, and can be affected by dehydration or over hydration due to such factors as alcohol consumption, menstruation, illness, intense exercise, etc.

For Your Safety

This section explains precautionary measures to be taken to avoid injury to the users of this device and others, and to prevent damage to property. Please familiarize yourself with this information to ensure safe operation of this equipment.

⚠️ Warning

• This monitor must not be used by people with pacemakers or other medical implants. This monitor passes a weak electrical current through the body which could interfere with and cause the malfunction of electrical medical implants, resulting in serious harm to the user.
• Interpretation of measurements (e.g. evaluation of measurements and formulation of exercise programs based on the measurements) must be performed by a professional. Implementing weight loss measures and exercise programs based on self-analysis could be harmful to your health. Always follow the advice of a qualified professional.
• ? Do not step on the edge of the platform. Do not jump onto the monitor. Doing so may cause you to fall or slip, resulting in serious injury.
• ? Do not place this monitor on a slippery surface such as a wet floor. Doing so may cause you to fall or slip, resulting in serious injury. It may also cause water to get inside the monitor resulting in damage to internal components.
• ? Do not drop any objects onto the monitor. Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the monitor. Doing so may damage the glass, resulting in injury.

⚠ Caution

• ? Do not stand on the display screen.
• ? Do not insert your fingers into gaps or holes. Doing so may result in injury.
• ? Do not use rechargeable batteries. Do not use old batteries together with new batteries, or a mix of different types of batteries at the same time. Doing so may cause battery fluid to leak or the batteries to become excessively hot and rupture, resulting in damage to the monitor or injury.
• ? Never allow an infant or small child to carry the monitor. The child may drop the monitor, resulting in injury.
• ❗ This monitor is intended for home use only. This monitor is not intended for professional use including hospitals, medical or fitness facilities. It is not equipped with the components required for heavy usage. Using the monitor in a professional location will invalidate the warranty.
• ❗ Place the monitor on a hard, flat surface where there is minimal vibration to ensure safe and accurate measurement.
• ❗ Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the monitor. Doing so may damage the monitor or cause it to malfunction, or may cause settings to be erased.
• ❗ Do not use or store this monitor in the following locations.
  • Locations that are exposed to direct sunlight, near to heaters, or exposed directly to air from air conditioning units, etc.
  • Locations where there are severe temperature changes or a large amount of vibration.
  • Locations with high levels of humidity or moisture.
  Doing so may damage the monitor or cause it to malfunction.
• ? Do not step on the monitor when your body is wet (immediately after a shower or bath, etc.). Be sure to thoroughly dry your body and feet before using the monitor. Failure to do so may cause you to slip or fall, resulting in injury. Also, the monitor cannot take accurate measurements if your body or feet are wet.
• ❗ Keep away from water.
• ? Do not use boiling water, benzene, thinner, etc. to clean the monitor. If the monitor becomes dirty, soak a soft cloth in water or neutral household detergent, wring it out thoroughly and wipe the monitor clean, then use a dry cloth to wipe the monitor dry.
• ? Do not attempt to disassemble the monitor. Do not modify this equipment in any way.
• ? Do not wash the monitor in water.
• ? Do not submerge this monitor in water. Doing so may damage the monitor or cause it to malfunction.
• ❗ Be sure to insert the batteries with the polarities (+, -) in the correct position. If the batteries are incorrectly inserted, battery fluid may leak and damage the floor. (If you do not intend to use this monitor for a long period of time, it is advisable to remove the batteries before storage.)
• ? Do not use the monitor near other products such as microwave ovens that emit electromagnetic waves. Doing so may cause the monitor to malfunction, preventing accurate measurements.
• ❗ Another person should assist persons with disabilities who may be able to take a measurement alone.

Features and Functions

Front View

The front of the monitor features four ball-of-foot electrodes and a display screen. Below the display screen are four heel electrodes.

Back View

The back of the monitor includes a Weight Mode Button, Battery Box, and Battery Cover.

Control Buttons

• SET/PAIRING Button: Used for setting and pairing.
• Down/RESULT Button: Used for navigating down and viewing results.
• Up/USER Button: Used for navigating up and selecting users.
• OFF/Weight-Only Button: Used to turn off the device or take weight-only measurements.

Accessories

The product comes with an Instruction Manual and 4 AAA-Size Batteries.

Preparations before Use

Inserting the Batteries

Open the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform. Insert the supplied AAA-batteries as indicated, ensuring correct polarity (+, -). Incorrect positioning may cause fluid leakage and damage. If the unit will not be used for a long period, remove batteries before storage. Note that factory-included batteries may have decreased energy levels.

Positioning the Monitor

Place the measuring platform on a hard, flat surface with minimal vibration for safe and accurate measurement. Avoid stepping on the edge of the platform to prevent injury.

Handling Tips

This monitor is a precision instrument. To keep it in best condition:

• Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.
• Store the unit horizontally, ensuring buttons are not pressed accidentally.
• Avoid excessive impact or vibration.
• Place the unit away from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity, or extreme temperature changes.
• Never submerge in water. Clean electrodes and glass with alcohol or glass cleaner (applied to a cloth first); avoid soaps.
• Do not step on the platform when wet.
• Do not drop any objects onto the platform.
• Do not jump onto or off the unit.

Changing the Weight Mode

Change the weight unit using the button on the back of the scale. When the display is blank, press the OFF button. When "0.0 lb" (or "0.0 kg", "0.0 stlb") appears, press the Weight Mode button on the underside to switch units. If pounds or stone-pounds are selected, height programming automatically sets to feet and inches. If kilograms is selected, height automatically sets to "cm".

Automatic Shut-Down Function

The unit automatically shuts off:

• If measurement is interrupted (within 30 seconds).
• During programming, if no keys/buttons are touched for 60 seconds.
• After measurement completion.

Getting Accurate Readings

For accuracy, readings should be taken without clothing and under consistent hydration. Always remove socks/stockings and ensure clean feet before stepping on the platform. Align heels correctly with electrodes; toes may overhang. Best to take readings at the same time daily, about three hours after rising, eating, or hard exercise. Readings taken under other conditions are accurate for determining percentage change if consistent. Compare weight and body fat percentage under same conditions over time. Accurate readings are not possible if feet are not clean, or if knees are bent, or in a sitting position.

Initial Setup (Type 1) via Smartphone

1. Download the app and turn Bluetooth® on.

   Visit the App Store/Google Play Store to download the "Healthy Edge Mobile" app. Turn Bluetooth setting on. Note: If not using the app, enter settings manually (refer to page 10). If purchasing a new smartphone, adjust monitor registration. Approximate signal range: 16 feet in unobstructed areas.

2. Set your "Profile"

   Open the app, go to "Settings", and register profile details. Touch "<Settings" to return.

3. "Server"

   Fill out info registered at my.tanita.com in "Server" under "Settings". Measurement results can be uploaded to my.tanita.com after measurement. Touch "Save" to return.

4. "Scale" settings

   Touch "+" and follow in-app instructions to register your platform. Return to previous screen. Note: Compatible apps may change; contact www.tanita.com for questions. Screen displays and instructions may differ based on app specifications.

5. Operate the body composition monitor as indicated by the app.

   If the monitor is off, press and hold SET (enter button) for 3 seconds, then enter information as indicated by the app. Note: Depending on signal strength, connection may take a few seconds. The Bluetooth icon (?) is lit while data is transmitted. To weigh yourself holding a smartphone, first enter the weight to subtract into "Weight of Clothing, etc." (e.g., "NET 0.4 lb" displayed). This amount will be subtracted from your weight display.

6. Monitor Activation

   When the body composition monitor is activated, "0.0 lb" is displayed.

7. Take Measurement

   After "0.0 lb" is displayed, carefully step barefoot onto the measuring platform. Refrain from moving during measurement. Registration is complete once measurement is completed.

Initial Setup (Type 2) from Body Composition Monitor

If the BC-401F is already paired with a smartphone, location, date, and time are set; skip this procedure. Different locations have different gravitational pulls affecting weight accuracy. Select the correct gravity setting for accurate readings.

The display will show the location code, year, month, day, hour, and minute during setup. For example, "A:4" for location code, "2019" for year, "1" for month, "5:1" for day, "0:00" for hour, and "16:00" for minute.

1. Set your location code

   When power is off, press SET, ▼ or ▲ button. Refer to the enclosed map, and press ▼ or ▲ to select your location code. Press SET to enter and save.

2. Set Date

   Press ▼ or ▲ button to set year, then press SET. Set month and date similarly.

3. Set Hour

   Press ▼ or ▲ button to set hour, then press SET.

4. Set Minute

   Press ▼ or ▲ button to set minute, then press SET. The device automatically turns off after date and time are registered. Note: 60 seconds of inactivity causes automatic shut off; no data saved. To turn off before programming completion, press OFF; settings won't be saved. To change location code, press and hold OFF for 3 seconds when power is off, then follow steps. To change date/time, press and hold ▼ for 3 seconds when power is off, then follow steps. Fast-forward numbers by holding ▼ or ▲. When replacing batteries, press SET, ▼ or ▲, then follow steps 2-4.

Taking Measurements

1. Step onto the monitor.

   When monitor power is off, touch the power button (represented by a foot icon) and follow app instructions. When "0.0 lb" (or "0.0 kg", "0.0 stlb") is displayed, step onto the monitor.

2. Measurement data is automatically sent to the smartphone.

   Note: When taking measurements with a smartphone, enter the weight to subtract into "Smartphone's weight" section in the app. This subtracted weight (up to -4.4 lb / -2.0 kg) is displayed. Maximum weighing capacity is reduced by this amount.

If you do not have your smartphone when taking measurements.

Simply step onto the monitor. The auto-recognition feature will recall personal data. The monitor stores up to 10 sets of measurements. Saved data is sent to the smartphone with new measurements next time it connects. Note: Up to 10 measurements can be stored per ID number; new data deletes oldest. A Bluetooth icon (?) will notify if pairing is complete and there is unsent data.

Visual description: A person's bare feet are shown correctly placed on the scale's electrodes, indicating proper foot placement for measurement.

Setting and Storing Personal Data in Memory

The unit operates only if data is programmed into a personal data memory slot.

1. Turn on the Power

   Press SET button. Unit beeps, personal data number flashes. Note: Inactivity for 60 seconds turns unit off. To quit programming, press OFF; settings won't be saved.

2. Select a Personal data Number

   Press ▼ or ▲ to select a personal data number (1-5). Once desired number is reached, press SET to confirm (unit beeps).

3. Set your Birthday

   Set Year/Month/Day using ▼ or ▲. Press SET to confirm each programming (unit beeps). Note: Year settings from 1900 onwards.

4. Select Female or Male

   Use ▼ or ▲ to scroll through Female (♀), Male (♂), Female/Athlete (♀?), and Male/Athlete (♂?) settings. Press SET to confirm (unit beeps).

   Who should use Athlete Mode? Adults aged 18+ who:

   • Train/exercise 12+ hours/week for 6+ months.
   • Are body builders.
   • Are professional athletes monitoring progress at home.
   • Have a lifetime history of fitness, previously exercising 12+ hours/week but now less.

Specify Height and Measure Weight/Body Fat

5. Specify the Height

   Display defaults to 5' 7.0" (170 cm). Range: 3'4.0"–7'3.0" (100 cm–220 cm). Use ▼ or ▲ to specify height, then press SET. Unit beeps, displays "0.0 lb" and is ready.

6. Measuring your weight and body fat

   Step onto scale within 60 seconds after "0.0 lb" is shown. Do not step off until "oooo" disappears. Readings display for 40 seconds, then unit shuts off and readings are stored. Note: If you step on before "0.0 lb" appears, "Err" displays, no reading. If not on scale within 60 seconds after "0.0 lb" appears, unit auto-shuts off. Retry setting/storing personal data. ⚠️ Warning: Do not use body fat reading if you have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic medical device.

Taking Weight and Body Fat Readings

After programming personal data, you are ready to take a reading.

1. Step onto the scale

   Step onto the scale when it's off; it will turn on automatically and start measuring.

2. Get Your Readings

   After measurement, readings display in order: Weight, BMI, Body Fat %, Muscle Mass, Physique Rating, Bone Mass, Visceral Fat, BMR, Metabolic Age, Total Body Water %. After the last result, weight reading reappears, then unit auto-shuts off. Use ▼ button to scroll through results. For advanced scrolling, press and hold ▼ until desired reading displays. Release to view result for 40 seconds before auto-shut off. Note: Do not step off until "3-3/C-C" disappears.

If the wrong personal number appears on the display,

Change personal number using ▲ button. Press ▼ or ▲ until your personal number and profile appear. After selecting correct personal number and pressing SET, display shows correct readings automatically. Results are stored under your personal number.

Measurement Displays

The monitor displays the following measurements:

1. Weight: e.g., 139.9 lb
2. BMI (Body Mass Index): e.g., 21.0
3. Body Fat %: e.g., 28.3%
4. Muscle mass: e.g., 120.5 lb
5. Physique Rating: e.g., 8
6. Bone mass: e.g., 6.2 lb
7. Visceral fat: e.g., 4.5 (Level)
8. BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate): e.g., 1527 cal
9. Metabolic Age: e.g., 36 Age
10. Total Body Water %: e.g., 58.8%

Measurement Interpretation Guide

↑→↓ Arrows indicate the trend compared to the previous measurement.

Note: For children (age 7–17), only weight, BMI, and Body Fat % are displayed. For children (age 6 or less), only weight is displayed. "Err" displays if body fat percentage exceeds measurable range. Use ▼ button to scroll results. Press and hold ▼ for fast scrolling. Release to view. Press OFF to cancel measurement or power off. Do not move monitor for approximately 3 seconds after measurement/stepping off. To prevent accidents, always step off monitor before operating buttons.

Programming the Guest Mode

Guest mode allows one-time use without personal data number. Press ▲ to activate. Press ▼ or ▲ to select "-0-". Press SET. Follow steps to set age, gender (male/female/male athlete/female athlete), and height. Step onto scale after "0.0 lb" is shown. Weight displays first, continue standing until body fat % displays. Reading shows for 40 seconds. Note: Do not step off until "oooo" disappears. If you step on before "0.0 lb" appears, "Err" displays, no reading.

Taking Weight Measurement Only

Press OFF button. Step onto scale after "0.0 lb" is shown. Body weight value appears. Display lights for ~20 seconds, then power auto-shuts off.

Changing Personal Data

1. When power is off, press SET.
2. Press ▼ or ▲ to select personal data number (1-5). Once desired number is reached, press SET to confirm (unit beeps).
3. Follow steps on P.12 to change personal data. Note: If birthday/gender changes, unit shows "CLr". Select "YES" with ▼ or ▲ and press SET to confirm to delete existing data. Select "NO" with ▼ or ▲ and press SET to confirm to keep existing data (unit shuts off).

Erasing Personal Data

1. When power is off, press and hold SET.
2. Press ▼ or ▲ to select personal data number (1-5). Press SET for >3 seconds. Unit beeps, "CLr" displays.
3. Select "YES" using ▼ or ▲.
4. Press SET.

Troubleshooting

• Wrong weight format (kg, lb, st-lb): Refer to "Changing the Weight Mode" on P.7.
• "Lo" appears or data disappears: Batteries are low. Replace all AAA-size batteries immediately; weak batteries affect accuracy. Settings won't be erased.
• "Err" appears while measuring: Stand still on platform. Unit cannot measure weight if movement detected. Readings cannot be obtained if Body Fat % >75% or BMI <5.
• Body Fat Percentage measurement does not appear: Personal data not programmed (follow P.12). Remove socks/stockings; ensure clean feet aligned with guides.
• "DL" appears while measuring: Weight capacity exceeded.
• "-DL" appears: Did you step on before "0.0 lb" was displayed?
• "Errb" is displayed: Set correct date and time. Unit calibrates periodically when not in use. If stored horizontally, with items on top, or moved, select personal data number (P.12) before measurement.

Cannot connect my smartphone to the body composition monitor

• "ErCP" or "ErId" appears: Check battery insertion/level. Check communication range (5m unobstructed). Is Bluetooth on in smartphone settings?
• "ErEP" appears repeatedly: Delete pairing info from smartphone "Settings" > "Bluetooth", then re-pair.
• "Er" appears repeatedly: Delete pairing info from smartphone "Settings" > "Bluetooth", then re-pair.
• "ErC9" appears: Remove/replace batteries, then set date/time again.
• Date and time settings changed: When linked with smartphone, monitor settings are overwritten by smartphone.
• "Input Data" button in app does not work: Is Bluetooth on in smartphone settings? Linking enabled only when monitor is off. Check monitor power is off.

Specifications

* When age exceeds 99 years old, it is just for reference.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Compliance

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits, pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used according to instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. There is no guarantee interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception (determined by turning equipment off/on), the user is encouraged to correct interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase separation between equipment and receiver.
• Connect equipment into an outlet on a different circuit.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician.

Modifications

The FCC requires users to be notified that changes/modifications not expressly approved by Tanita Corporation may void user authority to operate the equipment.

• Product design and specifications may change without prior notice.
• Apple, Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
• Google Play and Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
• Android is trademark of Google LLC.
• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by TANITA Corporation is under license.

Manufacturer and Global Representatives

TANITA Corporation (Manufacturer)

TANITA Europe B.V. (EU Representative)

TANITA Corporation of America, Inc.

TANITA Health Equipment H.K. Ltd.

TANITA (Shanghai) Trading Co., Ltd.

© 2020 TANITA Corporation BC401F7601(1)-20060F