Rice Lake 350-10-4 Dual-Ramp Wheelchair Scale with Seat

Introduction

The 350-10-4 digital wheelchair scale with seat is a user-friendly, quality scale, designed for safe weighing of the handicapped and mobility challenged individuals. Movement compensation technology ensures sound, accurate weighments. The scale has roll-on ramp access and a comfortable seat.

The scale has a non-skid rigid platform and two rear heavy-duty wheels for easy maneuverability. The scale is set up to use motion sensing technology to determine the actual weight of a moving patient. The weight can be displayed in either pounds or kilograms, and a tare weight can be entered. Section 3.0 on page 11 of this manual explains scale operation and how to obtain a tare weight.

The 350-10-4 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.

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

Warranty information is available at www.ricelake.com/warranties.

1.1 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 édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

1.2 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.

1.3 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

2.1 Unpacking

Place the unopened box in an open area that has ample room for unpacking the scale. Immediately after opening the box, visually inspect the scale and components 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
• Box containing six AA batteries and four feet

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. It's recommended to place the scale on a hard, level surface for the most accurate weighments. Thin carpeting is acceptable, but not recommended.

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

• 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.

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.

• Gently set the scale base down to the floor.

2.2.1 Attach Feet to Scale

The 350-10-4 digital wheelchair scale with seat 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. Prior to laying the scale base on the floor, use the following steps to attach the feet to the scale.

1. Screw the four round feet clockwise into the scale base as shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1. Screw Feet Into the Scale Platform

2. There must be adequate clearance between the scale base and the floor, so screw each foot out counterclockwise two full turns. This will ensure that there is enough clearance between the scale base and the floor.
3. There should be minimal clearance between the scale base and the floor without having the scale base actually touching the floor. Figure 2-2 shows the width of a finger being slid under the scale base and the floor.

IMPORTANT: Not having clearance around the scale base creates inaccurate weighments.

Figure 2-2. Clearance Between Scale Base and Floor

4. It is also important to make sure that the scale is completely level. Gently press down on all corners of the scale base to ensure there are no high spots or rocking of the scale base.
5. Adjust feet as needed to level the scale base.

IMPORTANT: An unleveled base produces inaccurate weight readings.

2.2.2 Handle Setup

1. Loosen the handles and unfold and set upright (handles shown in Figure 2-3).
2. Tighten the two hinges on the wheelchair scale by rotating the two handles. This will secure the handrail mounted indicator.

Figure 2-3. Secure the Handrail by Tightening the Durable Hinges

The 350-10-4 wheelchair scale with seat comes fully assembled (shown below).

Figure 2-4. Wheelchair Scale with Seat in an Upright Position

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.

Figure 2-7. Battery Chamber

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.

Figure 2-8. Power Connection Site

NOTE: The battery annunciator on the display turns off when using an AC power connection.

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.

Figure 3-1. 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 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 to change the display from lb to kg and vice-versa.
4. Press and hold On/Off 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 to turn on the scale. 0.0 prompts along with ZERO on the display.
2. Press Hold Release 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 again to return the scale to zero.

NOTE: Pressing Print LB/KG will not work while using Hold/Release function.

NOTE: Pressing Hold Release 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 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 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 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 when the scale is empty and 0.0 displays. The default values prompt while 0.0 is flashing on the display (default is programmed to be 33.0 lb/15.0 kg).
2. Use Up Arrows ▲ and Down Arrows ▼ to adjust the value. Press ENTER 全 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. 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 Arrows ▲ and Down Arrows ▼ to adjust the height value.
5. Press ENTER 全.
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press CLEAR 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. 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 Arrows ▲ and Down Arrows ▼ to adjust the height value.
5. Press ENTER 全.
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator are shown on the display. Press CLEAR 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.

Configuration

Options and parameter setup are done through the scale configuration.

4.1 Setup Switch

Access to the setup switch is located under the tilt stand cover. Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the four screws holding the cover in place (shown below — left photo).

Figure 4-1. Setup Switch Location

4.2 General Navigation

Use the buttons on the front panel to navigate through the menus and parameters.

4.2.1 Change Parameters

• Press BMI to scroll through the menus and/or parameters
• Press ENTER 全 to enter a displayed menu and/or parameter
• Press Up Arrows ▲ or Down Arrows ▼ to scroll through values
• Press ENTER 全 to save the displayed selection and move to the next parameter

4.2.2 Enter Numbers

• Press ENTER 全 to enter parameter value
• Press Up Arrows ▲ or Down Arrows ▼ to increment/decrement numbers
• Press BMI to move to the next digit
• Press ENTER 全 to save value and move to the next parameter

4.2.3 Save and Return to Main Menu

• When a parameters selection/value is correct, press ENTER 全. The next parameter displays
• When all parameters selections/values are correct, SAVE displays
• Press ENTER 全. DONE displays.
• Press ENTER 全 to save settings and return to weigh mode.

4.3 Configuration Mode

Use the following steps to enter into Configuration mode.

1. Ensure the scale is turned off.
2. Turn the scale on by simultaneously pressing On/Off and ENTER 全. Continue to hold both keys until Id appears. The unit cycles through its startup function and continues to display the software version.
3. Access the setup switch located in the back of the scale to enter the setup parameters for the scale. Use a small paper clip, small screwdriver or other similar object to press the setup switch.
4. Once the setup switch is pressed, PROG displays.
5. Scale can be configured using a series of menus accessed through the front panel when the scale is in Setup mode.

Figure 4-2. Top Level Menu

6. Press BMI to advance to the desired menu.
7. Press ENTER 全 and advance in the manual to the related menu selection for further instructions.

4.4 Programming Mode Menu

Various parameters can be set while in Programming mode.

Figure 4-3. Programming Mode Menu Structure

The following table lists the various display messages and sequence when setting up the scale.

4.5 Default Menu

The default menu is used to return the scale back to its factory settings and is shown below.

Figure 4-4. Default Menu

Use the following steps to return the settings back to their factory default.

1. Press ENTER 全. The display shows a default value of NO.
2. To change to YES, use Up Arrows ▲ and Down Arrows ▼ to adjust the value.
3. Press ENTER 全 and the display shows DONE.
4. Press BMI 全 to return to top level level menu.

NOTE: Selecting YES and pressing ENTER will reset to factory defaults settings without changing the calibration and will return you to Weigh mode.

4.6 Scale Calibration

Use the following steps to calibrate the scale.

1. Press On/Off and ENTER 全 simultaneously to power on the scale. The unit cycles through its startup function and continues to display the software version. Continue to hold both keys until Id appears.
2. Access the setup switch located in the back of the scale to enter the setup parameters for the scale. Use a small paper clip, small screwdriver or other similar object to press the setup switch on the back of the indicator (under the cover).
3. Prog displays. Press BMI 全 to toggle along the parameter menu.
4. Calib displays and enter the calibration parameters.
5. Press ENTER 全 and a numeric value is displayed which represents the amount of weight that is used for calibration. Lb will be flashing. To switch between lb and kg, press LB/KG or On/Off. Once a unit is selected, press ENTER 全 and the right most digit will be flashing.
6. To change the calibration load value, press Up Arrows ▲ or Down Arrows ▼ to increment/decrement the flashing digit.
7. Use BMI 全 to move the flashing digit to the left or right.
8. Once all the digits have been entered, press ENTER 全 and Clear displays.
9. Make sure the scale platform is clear of weight and press ENTER 全 again then = displays.
10. A request to put the chosen load on the platform is displayed by Put xxx.xx.
11. Put the chosen weight on the platform and press ENTER 全 displays then Save displays.
12. Press ENTER 全 again and the display indicates Done.
13. Press BMI 全 three times to exit back out to the top level Done parameter.
14. Press ENTER 全 to return to Weigh mode.
15. To exit calibration without changing zero or span existing calibration, press CLEAR, then press On/Off.

4.7 Test Menu

To access the TEST menu, use the following steps.

1. Press On/Off and ENTER 全 simultaneously to power on the scale until ID flashes.
2. Press ENTER 全 again.
3. Continue to press BMI 全 to scroll through the various menu items.
4. Once complete, press BMI 全 again then Done displays.
5. Press ENTER 全 to start the weighing process.

Figure 4-5. Test Menu

Communications

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.

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

5.1 Push-button Keypad Print

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

NOTE: If the scale does not beep after five seconds, release 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:

xxxxxxxxx<SP>uu<SP>mmmmm<SP><CR><LF>

Example:

80.1 KG<PATIENT><SP><WEIGHT><SP>-60.1<SP>KG<SP><CR><LF>

In BMI mode (displaying the BMI value), the scale will send out the following data:

PATIENT WEIGHT 60.1 KG
PATIENT HEIGHT170.0 CM
PATIENT BMI 20.8

Example in KG:

<PATIENT><SP><WEIGHT><SP>-60.1<SP>KG<SP><CR><LF>
<PATIENT><SP><HEIGHT><SP>-170.0<SP>CM<SP><CR><LF>
<PATIENT><SP><B><SP><M><SP><I><SP><SP><SP>20.8<SP><SP><SP><SP><CR><LF>

Example in LB:

<PATIENT><SP><WEIGHT><SP>132.4<SP>LB<SP><CR><LF>
<PATIENT><SP><HEIGHT><SP>-5-07.5<SP>FT<SP><CR><LF>
<PATIENT><SP><B><SP><M><SP><I><SP><SP><SP>20.4<SP><SP><SP><SP><CR><LF>

In case of under weight or over weight, the word Under or Over will be sent correspondingly.

5.2 Communication Protocols

The scale has two communication protocols, escape and maintenance protocol.

5.2.1 Escape Protocol

An escape protocol is where the escape (0X1B or ASCII 27) is used to indicate that there is a command following. On the PC side there must be a listener created by the vendor that will interpret this protocol. This listener must also take care of all the issues regarding data integrity to make sure that the data that was sent and received is valid.

Two examples include:

• Scale initiated communication
• PC initiated communication

The escape protocol commands table shows (below) what can be sent across communications lines.

Table 5-2. Escape Protocol Commands

ESC characters that will be used is shown below.

Table 5-3. ESC Characters

Table 5-4. Scale Global Values and Identifiers

5.2.2 Maintenance Protocol

Maintenance protocol commands are listed below.

Table 5-5. Maintenance Protocol Commands

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.

Figure 5-3. 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.

NOTE: In most cases, the PC should find the driver and automatically configure the driver when the scale is plugged into a USB port.

3. Open a terminal emulation program, such as Advanced Serial Port Terminal, pUtty or Hercules (used in this example).
4. Connect to the serial port assigned by the PC (COM5 in example). This can be found in Device Manager. Once selected, press Open.

Figure 5-4. Connecting to a Serial Port

5. 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.

Figure 5-5. Patient Weight Displayed

Maintenance

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

IMPORTANT: Do not immerse the scale in cleaning or other liquid solutions.

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

6.1 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

6.2 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 2.3 in H