350-10-3M Dual-ramp Digital Wheelchair Scale

Introduction

The 350-10-3M dual-ramp digital wheelchair scale is a user-friendly, quality scale, designed for safe weighing of mobility challenged individuals. Movement compensation technology ensures sound, accurate weighments. The scale is set up to use motion sensing technology, to determine actual weight of a moving patient. The weight can be displayed in pounds or kilograms. To obtain a tare weight, See Section 3.0 on page 10. The wheelchair scale has a unique folding feature that enables easy transportation and simplifies assembly, avoiding the need for field wiring and recalibration. All that is required is to open the packaging and unfold the scale.

[Information] Manuals are available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems at www.ricelake.com/manuals

[Information] Warranty information is available at www.ricelake.com/warranties

FCC Compliance

United States

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Canada

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la Class A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édité par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Disposal

Product Disposal

The product must be brought to appropriate separate waste collection centers at the end of its life cycle. Proper separate collection to recycle the product helps prevent possible negative effects on the environment and to health, and promotes the recycling of the materials. Users who dispose of the product illegally shall face administrative sanctions as provided by law.

Battery Disposal

Dispose of batteries at appropriate waste collection centers at the end of their life cycle in accordance with local laws and regulations. Batteries and rechargeable batteries may contain harmful substances that should not be disposed of in household waste. Batteries may contain harmful substances including but not limited to: cadmium (Cd), lithium (Li), mercury (Hg) or lead (Pb). Users who dispose of batteries illegally shall face administrative sanctions as provided by law.

[Warning] Risk of fire and explosion. Do not burn, crush, disassemble or short-circuit lithium batteries.

Safety

Safety Definitions:

• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in serious injury or death. Includes hazards that are exposed when guards are removed.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
• IMPORTANT: Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.

General Safety

Do not operate or work on this equipment unless this manual has been read and all instructions are understood. Failure to follow the instructions or heed the warnings could result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for replacement manuals.

WARNING Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.

• Ensure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands all safety information.
• Do not transport the scale while someone is on the scale.
• Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this scale.
• Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
• Do not use this product if any of the components are loose or cracked.
• Do not use near water.
• Do not use the scale on slippery surfaces, such as a wet floor.
• Do not use this scale when a person's body or feet are wet, such as after taking a bath.
• Do not place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
• To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be cleaned regularly.
• Prior to cleaning, make sure the scale is disconnected from the power source.
• People with disabilities, or who are physically frail, should always be assisted by another person when using this scale.

IMPORTANT

• Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
• Do not jump on the scale.
• For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
• Operating at voltages and frequencies other than specified could damage the equipment.
• Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
• Do not make alterations or modifications to the scale.
• Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapters; utilizing an adapter not supplied by Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids all warranties and approvals.
• Weight exceeding the maximum capacity may damage the scale.

Assembly

Use the following information to unpack and set up the 350-10-3M dual-ramp digital wheelchair scale.

2.1 Unpacking

Place the unopened box in an open area that has ample room for unpacking the scale.

[Information] The 350-10-3M digital wheelchair scale box is bulky, so two people are recommended for unpacking.

Using scissors or a box cutter, cut the strapping bands that secure the box together. Immediately after opening the box, visually inspect the scale to ensure all parts are included and undamaged. If parts were damaged in shipment, notify Rice Lake Weighing Systems and the shipper immediately.

Parts contained in the shipping box include:

• Scale
• Manual
• AA batteries (6)
• Scale feet (4)

[Image Description] Figure 2-1 shows the box contents packed in Styrofoam.

2.1.1 Repacking

Retain the packaging for use in the event that the scale must be returned or moved. The product must be properly packed with sufficient packing materials. Whenever possible, use the original carton and packing materials when shipping the scale back.

[Important] Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty.

2.2 Scale Setup

Move the scale into the area where the weighing process will occur. Place the scale on a hard, level surface for the most accurate weighments. Placing the scale on thin carpeting is not recommended.

[Caution] Rice Lake Weighing Systems recommends using two people for lifting the scale and to use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury.

1. Using two people, remove the scale out of the packaging material that it came in by lifting the scale out of the box by the scale base.
2. [Important] Do not lift the scale out of the box by its handle as this can cause the hinges to break or affect the scale operation.
3. Gently set the scale base down to the floor.

2.2.1 Attaching Feet to the Scale

The 350-10-3M digital wheelchair scale comes with four feet that must be attached to the scale base for proper operation. The four feet are located in the parts box in the original shipping box. Use the following steps to attach the feet to the scale.

1. Tip the scale onto its side on a level surface so the scale base is accessible.
2. [Caution] When tipping the scale, be cautious of surroundings to prevent potential injuries.
3. Rotate the four round feet clockwise into the scale base until secure. Feet are secure when no mechanical binding is present.
4. [Image Description] Figure 2-2 shows how to secure the scale platform feet by rotating them clockwise.
5. To prevent interference with the scale base, screw each foot counterclockwise four entire turns. The scale will not weigh properly if the feet restrict the scale platform.
6. Gently set the scale base down onto the floor. Ensure there is minimal clearance between the scale base and the floor without having the scale base contacting the floor.
7. [Image Description] Figure 2-3 illustrates checking the scale base clearance.
8. It is important to ensure that the scale is completely level. Gently press down on all corners of the scale base to ensure that there are no high spots or rocking of the scale base.
9. Adjust feet as needed to level the scale base.
10. [Note] An uneven base will produce inaccurate weight readings.

2.2.2 Hinge Assembly

1. Loosen the knobs by rotating counterclockwise and set the scale arms upright.
2. [Image Description] Figure 2-4 shows loosening the durable hinges to set the handles upright.
3. Tighten the two hinges on the 350-10-3M digital wheelchair scale by tightening the two knobs by rotating clockwise to secure the handrail mounted indicator.

2.2.3 Insert Batteries

The six AA batteries supplied with the scale provide an average of 25 hours of continuous use.

To install the batteries:

1. Turn thumbscrew counterclockwise then remove battery cover.
2. Insert batteries into the battery chamber as illustrated.

[Image Description] Figure 2-5 shows the battery chamber with batteries installed.

3. Put the cover in place and turn the thumbscrew clockwise to secure.

[Note] Remove the batteries prior to storing if the product is not going to be used for an extended period of time.

[Note] If the LO BAT indicator activates, for accurate weighing, replace the batteries or connect the scale to an AC power source as soon as possible.

2.2.4 Power Connection

An optional AC power adapter can be used when a power outlet is available.

[Important] Only use power adapters supplied by or purchased from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. The use of a power adapter not from Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids the warranty.

[Image Description] Figure 2-6 shows the AC Power Connection site.

[Note] The battery annunciator on the display turns off when using an AC power connection.

[Note] The brightness of the backlight is reduced to 60% when using battery power.

Operation

This section describes the front panel and includes procedures for operation of the scale.

[Image Description] Figure 3-1 shows the Front Panel Keypad.

3.1 Key Descriptions

The display has 10 front panel keys. Key functions are described in the table below.

[Important] The front panel keys are very sensitive, so only a gentle press is required.

3.2 Weighing

Use the following steps to weigh:

1. Press [On/Off Key] to turn on the scale. 0.0 appears on the display along with the ZERO annunciator.
2. Place the patient on the scale. The patient's weight is displayed, the LOCK annunciator is on and the indicator beeps to indicate the end of the weighing process.
3. Press [LB/KG Key] to change the display from lb to kg and vice-versa.
4. Press and hold [On/Off Key] until OFF displays to turn off the scale.

3.3 Hold/Release Function

Use the following steps to use the Hold/Release function.

1. Press [On/Off Key] to turn on the scale. 0.0 prompts along with ZERO on the display.
2. Press [Hold/Release Key] once the patient's weight stabilizes. The patient's weight and the HOLD and LOCK annunciators remain on the display when the patient is off the scale.
3. Press [Hold/Release Key] again to return the scale to zero.

[Note] Pressing [On/Off Key] will not work while using Hold/Release function.

[Note] Pressing [Hold/Release Key] prior to the patient getting on the scale will also hold the weight display.

3.4 Preset Tare

Use the following steps for the Preset Tare function prior to patient weighing if additional items are being used by the patient.

1. Press [On/Off Key] to turn on the scale. 0.0 appears on the display along with the ZERO annunciator.
2. Place additional item(s) on the scale.
3. Press [Tare Key] until the display returns to 0.0 and NET annunciator appears on the display.
4. Remove additional item(s) from the scale. The weight displays with a negative symbol to the left of it.

[Note] Not removing the additional item(s) prior to patient weighing will also work.

5. Position the patient and additional item(s) on the scale. The display identifies the patient weight. The NET annunciator is still active. The weight of the additional item(s) remains stored in memory for the duration of this weigh in.
6. To cancel the tare weight, remove patient from the scale and press [Tare Key] until NET disappears from the display and the display turns back to 0.0 and GROSS appears.

[Note] Tare weight is also canceled when the scale is turned off.

3.5 Toggle Tare

Use the following steps to use the Toggle Tare function when the additional item to be weighed is known.

1. Press [Tare Key] when the scale is empty and 0.0 displays. The default values prompts while 0.0 is flashing on the display (default is programmed to be 33.0 lb/15.0 kg).
2. Use [Up Arrow Key] and [Down Arrow Key] to adjust the value. Press [Enter Key] to start the tare function. The NET annunciator turns on instead of the GROSS annunciator.

3.6 Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Function

Use the following steps in determining the BMI.

3.6.1 LB Mode

1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Place the patient on the scale to obtain a weight. The LOCK annunciator appears on the display.
3. Press [BMI Key]. The BMI and FT/IN annunciators appear on the display and a default height value of 5 feet - 7.5 inch (5 - 07.5) is flashing.
4. Use [Up Arrow Key] and [Down Arrow Key] to adjust the height value.
5. Press [Enter Key].
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press [Clear Key] to return to the Weighing mode and the BMI function will be turned off.

3.6.2 KG Mode

1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Place the patient on the scale to obtain a weight. The LOCK annunciator appears on the display.
3. Press [BMI Key]. The BMI and CM annunciators appear on the display and a default height value of 170.0 cm (170.0) is flashing.
4. Use [Up Arrow Key] and [Down Arrow Key] to adjust the height value.
5. Press [Enter Key].
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press [Clear Key] to return to the Weighing mode and the BMI function will be turned off.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the following table to check and correct any failure before contacting service personnel.

RS-232 Communication

The unit comes with an RS-232 port that enables weight data to be transmitted to other equipment, such as a computer or printer. The RS-232 cable with DB-9 connector (PN 100719) is available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. That connection is shown in USB Connection section on the next page.

The RS-232 parameters are:

• 9600 baud (selectable in the programming mode)
• 8 data bits
• 1 stop bit
• no parity
• no handshaking

There are three methods of communication:

• Push-button keypad print
• Standard remote protocol
• Escape protocol

4.1 Push-button Keypad Print

With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold [Print LB/KG Key] for at least three seconds, or until the scale emits two quick beeps.

[Note] If the scale does not beep after five seconds, release [Print LB/KG Key] as the weight was either in motion or out of range.

If displaying weight and not BMI, the scale will send out the following 21 character string: xxxxxxxxxxuummmmm

Example:

-10 Lb net = -10.0lbNet

10 Lb gross = 10.0lbGross

The scale will send out the following data while in BMI mode (displaying the BMI value):

USB Connection

The scale has the capability of connecting to a Windows® computer (PC) using a USB cable (not included) and a terminal emulation program. A terminal emulation program allows the transfer of data between the scale and PC using a serial port.

[Image Description] Figure 4-1 shows the USB Connection and RS-232 Connection ports.

[Note] Apple® and Macintosh® computers are unable to transfer the necessary data to the scale. Only use a PC for data transfer.

Connecting software and downloads should always be addressed by the IT department for safety reasons and can vary depending on what type of computer platform is being used.

[Note] Consult the IT department if driver protections are preventing the use of the USB driver. Driver protections may need to be temporarily disabled on Windows 10 or later computers to allow for the installation of the USB driver.

1. Connect the scale's indicator to a PC using a USB-Type B to USB-Type A cable (not included).
2. Turn the indicator on.
3. [Note] In most cases, the PC should find the driver and automatically configure the driver when the scale is plugged into a USB port.
4. Open a terminal emulation program, such as Advanced Serial Port Terminal, PuTTY or Hercules (used in this example).
5. Connect to the serial port assigned by the PC (COM5 in example). This can be found in Device Manager. Once selected, press Open.
6. [Image Description] Figure 4-2 illustrates connecting to a serial port.
7. With weight on the scale, press and hold the Print button on the indicator for three seconds. The patient's weight is sent to the PC.
8. [Image Description] Figure 4-3 shows the patient weight displayed in the terminal emulation program.

Maintenance

The following section provides instructions for maintaining and cleaning the unit.

[Important] Do not immerse the scale in cleaning or other liquid solutions.

[Important] Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to clean the indicator display surface.

5.1 Basic Maintenance

Before the first use of the scale and after periods of non-use, check the scale for proper operation and function. If the scale does not operate correctly, contact a qualified service personnel.

Go through the following steps for basic maintenance.

• Check the overall appearance of the entire scale for any obvious signs of damage.
• Inspect the condition of the AC power adapter cord for cracking, fraying or for broken or bent prongs.

5.2 Cleaning

Proper care and cleaning is essential to ensure a long life of accurate and effective operation. Before beginning the cleaning process, disconnect the scale from the AC power source.

• Clean all external surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or tissue. Mild soap and water solution may be used. Dry with a clean soft cloth.
• Do not immerse the scale into cleaning or other liquid solutions.
• Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to clean the display surface.

Specifications

Power

120 VAC - 9 VDC - 60Hz / 230 VAC - 9 VDC - 50Hz

Battery Type

6 AA size Alkaline batteries

Battery Use

25 hours continuous use

Automatic power-off can be configured

Data Communications

• RS-232 with RJ-45 jack
• USB Connection
• Selectable baud rate, default - 9600
• 8 bits
• No parity
• 1 stop bit
• No handshaking

Environmental

• Operating Temperature: 50°F to 95°F (10°C to 35°C)
• Storage Temperature: 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
• Humidity: 85% relative humidity

Capacity and Graduation

1000 lb x 0.2 lb (453 kg x 0.1 kg)

Dimensions

Platform Dimensions: 48.5 in W x 29.5 in L x 3 in H