The Rice Lake Digital Wheelchair Scale 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 comes in four different configurations:
• Single ramp folding wheelchair scale
• Single ramp platform wheelchair scale
• Dual ramp folding wheelchair scale
• Dual ramp platform wheelchair scale
The scale has a non-skid rigid platform and two rear heavy duty wheels for easy maneuverability.
Manuals and additional resources are available from the
Model 350-10-2
Model 350-10-7
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
Model 350-10-3
Model 350-10-8
website at
www.ricelake.com/health
Figure 1-1. Digital Wheelchair Scale (single ramp and dual ramp models shown)
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 and you can enter a tare weight. Section 3.0 on page 6 of this manual explains the scale
operation and how to obtain a tare weight.
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.
There are certain precautions that should be taken to prevent personal injury to the user and damage to your scale.
Safety Signal Definitions:
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.
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.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
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.
Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.
Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
Do not transport the scale while someone is standing on it.
Weight exceeding the maximum capacity (1000 lb/453 kg) may damage your scale.
Operating at voltages and frequencies other than specified could damage the equipment.
LO Bat indicator activates, for accurate weighing, replace the batteries or connect the scale to an AC power source as soon
If the
as possible.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapters, utilizing an adaptor not supplied by us voids all warranties.
To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be cleaned regularly.
Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this scale.
Do not jump up and down on the scale.
Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
Do not make alterations or modifications to the scale.
People with disabilities, or who are physically frail, should always be assisted by another person when using this scale.
Do not use the scale on slippery surfaces, such as a wet floor.
Do not use this scale when your body/feet are wet, such as after taking a bath.
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Assembly
IMPORTANT
CAUTION
IMPORTANT
2.0Assembly
2.1Unpacking
Place the unopened box in an open area that has ample room for unpacking the scale.
Recommended tools needed to set up your scale include:
• Scissors or a box cutter
Using scissors or a box cutter, cut the strapping bands that secure the box together. Immediately after opening the box, visually
inspect the scale and components to ensure all parts are included and undamaged.
Parts contained in the shipping box include:
• Scale
• Box containing six AA batteries and four feet
2.2Repacking
If the Rice Lake Digital Wheelchair Scale must be returned or moved, it must be properly packed with sufficient packing
materials. When possible, use the original carton and packing material.
Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty.
2.3Setup
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.
Rice Lake recommends using two people for lifting the scale and to use proper lifting techniques to prevent
injury.
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.
1.Using two people, lift the scale out of the box by the base.
2.Stand the scale on edge to remove the packing material.
3.Screw the four feet clockwise into the scale base as far as possible.
4.Turn each foot counterclockwise two full rotations, to ensure there is adequate clearance between the scale and the
floor.
5.Lower the scale base down to the floor carefully.
There should be minimal clearance between the scale base and the floor. Figure 2-2 shows the width of a finger being
slid between the scale base and the floor.
Not having clearance around the scale base creates inaccurate weighments.
Figure 2-2. Clearance Between Scale Base and Floor
6.Gently press down on all corners of the scale base to ensure there are no high spots or rocking of the scale base. The
scale must be completely level.
An unleveled base produces inaccurate weight readings.
7.Turn the knobs to loosen the hinges and raise the handle.
8.Tighten the knobs to secures the handrail and the indicator mounted on it.
Hinge Knob
Figure 2-3. Loosen Hinges to Raise Handles
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2.4Inserting Batteries
Note
IMPORTANT
The six AA batteries that come with the scale offer an average of 25 hours of continuous use.
To install the batteries:
1.Open the battery chamber cover by turning the thumbscrew to the left and remove the cover.
2.Insert batteries into the battery chamber as illustrated in the back of the chamber.
Thumb
Screw
Figure 2-4. Battery Chamber
3.Put the cover in place and turn the thumbscrew to the right to secure it.
Batteries must be removed from the unit prior to long periods of disuse or long term storage.
Assembly
If an external power supply or USB power supply is connected, the battery flag on the display is turned off.
When using battery or USB power supply, the back light power is deducted to 60%.
2.5AC Power Connections
Use the optional 120 VAC or 230 VAC adapter when power is available. Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC
adapters that plug into the back of the indicator as shown in Figure 2-5.
Using an adapter not supplied by Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids all warranties.
The Rice Lake Digital Wheelchair Scale display has various front panel keys as shown in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1. Front Panel Display Keys
Key Descriptions
Table 3-1 describes each of the key functions.
Item NoNameFunction
1BMIEnables the user to access the BMI (Body Mass Index) function. This key only works if there is a locked weight shown on
the display and the BMI function is turned on in the configuration mode.
2TAREUsed to subtract the weight off the scale, example: oxygen tank, other equipment.
3CLEARAllows the user to return to normal weighing when the BMI value is being displayed.
While in BMI mode, the height display causes the value to return to the default of 190.0 cm, 5 ft, 7.5 in.
4Print
LB/KG
5ZeroClears the weight off the scale and returns it to zero after three seconds.
6Hold
Release
7On/OffSwitches the scale on or off.
8ENTERUsed to accept height in BMI mode.
9Up/Down ArrowsUsed to adjust height input (0.5''/0.5 cm) while in BMI mode.
Print — A long key press will send data out from the RS-232 port.
LB/KG — A short key press allows the user to toggle between kilograms and pounds providing that it’s enabled in
configuration mode.
There is no toggling while in the BMI mode.
It works only if the current weight is stable and zero up to 2% of full weight.
Hold & Release — The first press holds the most current weight value shown on the display.
A second press releases the weight value shown.
This key is not active while in BMI mode.
Accepts the value of the parameter last entered and moves to the next stage.
A long press of the
Adjusts the value of the flashing digit/number.
Table 3-1. Rice Lake Digital Wheelchair Scale Key Functions
ENTER key during the scale’s start up process will enter the ID display (pre-parameter mode).
The keys on the front panel display are very sensitive so only a gentle pushing motion is required to obtain
results.
The scales have the capability of performing different operations beyond just calculating weight. The various operating
instructions are described below.
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3.1Weighing
Note
TARE
T
TARE
T
TARE
T
ENTER
Use the following steps to weigh a person.
1.Press to turn the scale on. 0.0 displays with ZERO on the upper display.
2.Have a person step on the scale, the weight displays. LOCK is displayed on the upper display and the display beeps
to indicate the end of the weighing process.
• Press to toggle the display between kg and lb.
• Press and hold to turn off the scale, OFF displays.
3.2Hold/Release Function
Use the following steps to use the Hold/Release function.
1.Have a person step on the scale.
2.Press. Have the person step off the scale, the weight and HOLD & LOCK remain on the display.
Operation
3.Press to release the hold lock. The
does not work until the hold is released.
Pressing prior to a person stepping on the scale also works.
3.3Preset Tare
Use the following steps to use the Preset Tare.
1.With 0.0 displayed, place the extra load on the scale.
2.Press until 0.0 displays again and NET displays.
3.Remove the extra load from the scale. The weight displays with a negative symbol to the left of it.
4.Have the person to step on the scale with the extra weight. The persons weight displays and NET is displayed. The
weight of the extra load remains stored in memory.
5.To cancel the tare weight, press and hold until the display returns to 0.0 and GROSS displays. Tare weight is
also canceled by turning off the scale.
3.4Toggle Tare
Use the following steps to use the Toggle Tare function.
1.With 0.0 displayed, press.
2.The default tare value is displayed (default is programmed to be 33.0 lb/15.0 kg), while the zero is flashing.
2.Have the person step on the scale to obtain a weight. LOCK displays.
3.Press. BMI and FT/IN are lit on the display and a default value of 5 feet and 7.5 inches (5-07.5) flashes.
4.Use and to adjust the height value and press to move to the next step.
5.The BMI value and BMI display. Press to return to the weighing mode or step off the scale and the BMI function
will be turned off.
KG Mode
1.Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2.Have the person step on the scale to obtain a weight. LOCK displays.
3.Press. BMI and CM are lit on the display and a default value of 170.0 cm (170.0) flashes.
4.Use and to adjust the height value and press to move to the next step.
5.The BMI value and BMI display. Press to return to the weighing mode or step off the scale and the BMI function
will be turned off.
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RS-232 Communication
4.0RS-232 Communication
The scale 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. Figure 4-3 on
page 12 shows where the RS-232 connection is.
The RS-232 parameters are 9600 baud (selectable in the programming mode), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and no
handshaking.
There are three methods of communication:
• Pushbutton keypad print
• Escape protocol
• Maintenance protocol
4.1Push-Button Keypad Print
With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold the LB/KG/Print key for at least three seconds, or until the scale displays PRINT.
Note that if the scale does not beep after five seconds, then release the button 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>
Where:
xxxxxxxxx is the weight with decimal point and " - " sign, if negative uu is the unit (lb or kg).
mmmmm is the mode (gross or net)
The Rice Lake Digital Wheelchair Scale has two communication protocols, escape and maintenance protocol.
4.2.1Escape 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
Table 4-1 is what can be sent across communications lines.
PC InitiatedESC Value
Request current values/settingsR
DiagnosticsA
Send scale control messagesC
PC InitiatedESC Value
Send single readingR
Send diagnostic response
Table 4-1. Escape Protocol Commands
Table 4-2 lists the ESC characters that will be used.
ESC
Name
ReadingRRTells PC the scale is sending a reading; immediately following this is the value that is sent
WeightWWnnn.nThe patient weight (Example: W02000 means 200.0). If scale is overloaded or under loaded,
HeightHHnnn.nPatient height
BMIBBnn.nPatient BMI
UnitsNNcIndicates the units the values have been taken (m=metric, c=constitutional).
End of Packet (EOP)EEIndicates the end of the command has been reached.
Diagnostics
(request)
Diagnostics
(response)
Control (set a value)CCccc=cSets the value of the scale’s global settings
Character
ESC Value with
ParametersDescription
Example: <ESC><R>ESC><W0200.0<ESC>Nm<ESC>E
999.99 is returned
AAcccA request for a diagnostic test on certain parts of the scale (like battery life, load cells).
ZZcccThe response of the diagnostics done on the scale; values include error codes to indicate an
issue, or all zeros (Z000) to indicate the scale is performing properly
Example: <ESC><CUOM=m><ESC><E sets the unit of measurement
Table 4-2. ESC Characters
Name of ControlIdentifierUnit
Unit of Measure (metric or constitutional)UOMc (m or c)
Table 4-3. Scale Global Values and Identifiers
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Samples of Escape Protocol
<ESC>R <ESC>E
Reading
(request)
EOP
<SCALE><PC>
EOP
Unit of Measure
= Metric
<ESC> R <ESC> W0210.9 <ESC> Nm <ESC> E
Reading
(Command)
Weight = 0210.9
<SCALE><PC>
direction of communication
<ESC> ABAT <ESC> E
Diagnose battery
EOP
<SCALE><PC>
direction of communication
<ESC> ZE4U <ESC> E
Battery is okay
(no errors)
EOP
<SCALE><PC>
direction of communication
<ESC> ZE4L <ESC> E
Battery is very low
(Unstable)
EOP
Examples of what is sent to the computer from the scale.
Escape Protocol Example 1Escape Protocol Example 2
Figure 4-1. Escape Protocol Examples
Examples of diagnosing battery request and responses.
RS-232 Communication
Diagnose Battery RequestBattery OK ResponseBattery Low Response
Figure 4-2. Diagnose Battery Examples
4.2.2Maintenance Protocol
Table 4-4 lists the maintenance protocol commands.
CommandDefinition
RReboot
VFirmware ID + development version
WCurrent weight
ACurrent AD
ZZero the scale
FShow flash values (used for the first flash process)
LUSB On/Off (not available on USB communication
8.To verify the installation, the driver can be viewed in the device manager of the computer.
Figure 4-8. Device Manager
9.To configure a printer using the USB driver, open the software driver Parpar in the device manager (Figure 4-8). The
port assigned to that driver is displayed.
10. Ensure the USB cable is properly connected and the unit is on.
11. Open and connect a terminal emulation program, such as Hyperterminal, via the USB driver. Select the port assigned
to the software driver Parpar
transmitted from the indicator to the PC.
to establish a port. The terminal emulation program is necessary to view information
12. Press
A single print ticket has four spaces after PATIENT WEIGHT, one space between the weight value and units (lb), and
seven <CR><LF> after.
. The following example tickets print.
Figure 4-9. Example Tickets
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Figure 4-10. IT Example (IT Information Only)
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Maintenance and Troubleshooting
IMPORTANT
5.0Maintenance and Troubleshooting
5.1Maintenance
The following section provides instructions for maintaining and cleaning the Rice Lake line of scales.
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.
5.1.1Basic Maintenance
Before using 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.
Basic maintenance includes:
• Check the overall appearance of the entire scale for any obvious signs of damage.
• Inspect the condition of the AC adapter cord for cracking, fraying or broken/bent prongs.
• Using an adapter that has been used elsewhere may cause issues with the scale.
• Change batteries on a regular interval. Leaving in for long periods of time can cause batteries to leak.
5.1.2Cleaning
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.
• Standing platform may be cleaned with Isopropyl alcohol
• Dry with a clean soft cloth.
5.2Troubleshooting and Testing
Refer to Table 5-1 to diagnose and correct failure prior to contacting service personnel.
SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Scale does not turn onDead batteryConnect the scale to a power source
Faulty electrical outletUse a different electrical outlet
Bad power supplyReplace adapter
Questionable weight or
the scale does not zero
E messages displayed
E06Identifier - ADCAD too high
E07AD too low
E10OverloadScale is overloaded; remove load from scale
E4LBAT
E4U
E11CAL
Err 2Low saturation state (low A/D)Load cell is not connected properly; check cables and mechanical connections;
Err 3High saturation state (high A/D)See Err 2
Err 6Unstable weight; cannot calibrate.Check the load cells mechanical surroundings to ensure nothing is touching them
SATDamaged load cell cableReplace load cell cable
External object is interfering with scaleRemove interfering object from scale
0.0 was not displayed prior weighingHave the patient off scale, zero scale and begin weighing process again
Scale is not levelLevel scale and begin weighing process again
Scale is out of calibrationCheck weight with a known weight value
Battery low but usable
Battery low and unstable
Calibration Error
if the problem persists, replace load cells.
and the cables are properly welded
Table 5-1. Troubleshooting Table for the Rice Lake Scale Line
Rice Lake Weighing Systems (RLWS) warrants that all RLWS equipment and systems properly installed by a Distributor or
Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) will operate per written specifications as confirmed by the Distributor/OEM and
accepted by RLWS. All systems and components are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for two years.
RLWS warrants that the equipment sold hereunder will conform to the current written specifications authorized by RLWS. RLWS
warrants the equipment against faulty workmanship and defective materials. If any equipment fails to conform to these
warranties, RLWS will, at its option, repair or replace such goods returned within the warranty period subject to the following
conditions:
• Upon discovery by Buyer of such nonconformity, RLWS will be given prompt notice with a detailed explanation of the
alleged deficiencies.
• Individual electronic components returned to RLWS for warranty purposes must be packaged to prevent electrostatic
discharge (ESD) damage in shipment. Packaging requirements are listed in a publication, Protecting YourComponents From Static Damage in Shipment, available from RLWS Equipment Return Department.
• Examination of such equipment by RLWS confirms that the nonconformity actually exists, and was not caused by
accident, misuse, neglect, alteration, improper installation, improper repair or improper testing; RLWS shall be the sole
judge of all alleged non-conformities.
• Such equipment has not been modified, altered, or changed by any person other than RLWS or its duly authorized repair
agents.
• RLWS will have a reasonable time to repair or replace the defective equipment. Buyer is responsible for shipping
charges both ways.
• In no event will RLWS be responsible for travel time or on-location repairs, including assembly or disassembly of
equipment, nor will RLWS be liable for the cost of any repairs made by others.
These warranties exclude all other warranties, expressed or implied, including without limitation warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. Neither RLWS nor distributor will, in any event, be liable for incidental or consequential
damages.
RLWS and buyer agree that RLWS’s sole and exclusive liability hereunder is limited to repair or replacement of such goods. In
accepting this warranty, the buyer waives any and all other claims to warranty.
Should the seller be other than RLWS, the buyer agrees to look only to the seller for warranty claims.
No terms, conditions, understanding, or agreements purporting to modify the terms of this warranty shall have any legal effect
unless made in writing and signed by a corporate officer of RLWS and the Buyer.