Rice Lake Weighing Systems is an ISO 9001 registered company.
Software revision 11439, September 2014 Rev B
i
ii Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
1.0Introduction
The Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale is a heavy-duty scale that easily accommodates wheelchairs with its large
platform size and easy-access ramp in either a single ramp (RL-350-5) or dual ramp model (RL-350-6). It
provides exceptional performance in applications where typical wheelchair scales are not large enough to meet
the needs of the patient.
The Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale is a fully el
.86 m), and has a capacity up to 1000 lb (450 kg). The Rice Lake Wheelchair uses four corner-mounted, alloy
steel shear beam load cells, with the cells recessed into the frame channels for protection. The Rice Lake
Wheelchair Scale offers two integrated handles and wheels for ease of portability.
Load cell cables are run through the main channels, and held down with replaceable cable ties near eac
eliminating the possibility of cable damage in portable applications.
The adjustable feet are used to allow leveling the scale to make up for minor floor irregularities. T
feet sit inside the foot keeper plates located on the front of the ramp.
The Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale comes equipped with a anti-slip rubber surfa
1" LCD indicator display. The indicator comes with six AA batteries and has an optional AC adaptor available.
ectronic, low profile floor scale that measures 34 in x 34 in (.86 m x
h corner,
wo of the four
ce on the scale platform and a large
Figure 1-1. Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale (350-10-5 Model 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 either pounds or kilograms and you can enter a tare weight. The Scale Operation section on
page 9 of this manual explains the scale operation and how to obtain a tare
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual 1
weight.
1
2.0Safety
Important
CAUTION
WARNING
CAUTION
There are certain precautions that should be taken to prevent personal injury to the user and damage to your
scale.
2.1Safety Signals
Safety Signal Definitions:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or
serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous s
moderate injury.
Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to
equipment
.
tuation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
i
2.2Safety Precautions
Do not operate or work on this equipment unless you have read and understand
instructions in the manual. Failure to follow the instructions or heed t
result in injury or death. Contact any Rice Lake Weighing Systems dealer for replacement
manuals. Proper care is your responsibility.
Before attempting to operate this unit, make sure every individual who operates or works
with this unit has read and understands the following safety informat
these instructions carefully.
•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/450 kg) may da
•Operating at voltages and frequencies other than
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.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapt
•
all warranties.
To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be
•
•Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
•Do not allow minors (children) or inexperie
nced 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 assis
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 a
re wet, such as after taking a bath.
specified could damage the equipment.
ors, utilizing an adaptor not supplied by us voids
cleaned regularly.
he warnings could
ion. Please follow
mage your scale.
ted by another person when
2 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
3.0Scale Setup
Note
The following sections describe the correct installation procedures when installing the Rice Lake Wheelchair
Scale.
3.1Unpacking Your Scale
The Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale comes shipped in a wooden two piece box. Place the unopened box in an open
area that has ample room for unpacking the scale.
Recommended tools needed to set up your scale inc
•Scissors or box cutters
•Small Phillips screwdriver
Using scissors or a box cutter, cut the strapping ba
Immediately after opening the box, visually inspect your scale to ensure all parts are included and undamaged.
Parts contained in the shipping box include:
•Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale
•This manual
•Parts box which contains the indicator di
3.2Repacking
If the Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale must be returned for modification, calibration or repair, it must be properly
packed with sufficient packing materials. Whenever possible, use the original box when shipping the wheelchair
scale back.
lude:
nds that secure the box together. Lift off the top cover.
splay
Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty
3.3Setting Up Your Scale
Use the following steps to set up the Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale.
1. Locate the operation manual and set aside as it will provide instru
Using two people, remove the scale off of the shipping platform
2.
Figure 3-1. Un-box the Scale
.
ctions on the proper scale setup.
that it came in as shown in Figure 3-1.
3. Move the scale into the area where the weighing process will occur. It’s recommended to place the scale
hard, level surface for the most accurate weighments. Thin carpeting is often acceptable but no
on a
recommende
d.
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Setup3
t
4. Stand the scale on its side so that the plastic packaging material can be removed.
Figure 3-2. Remove Plastic Wrapping off of Scale
3.4Scale Feet Adjustment
The scale feet are shipped attached to the scale. Adjustments need to be made in order for the scale to sit properly
on the floor.
1. There must be adequate clearance between the scale ba
clockwise two full turns. This will ensure that there is enough clearance between the scale base and the
.
floor
se and the floor so screw each foot out counter
Figure 3-3. Backing Out the Scale Feet
4 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
2. Carefully unwrap the load cell cable located on the underside of the scale. It will run out the underside of
Note
Note
Note
Cable should
exit underside
of the scale on
the wheeled
side of scale.
the scale.
Figure 3-4. Unwrap the Cable from the Underside of the Scale
3. Gently set the scale base down to the floor. There should be minimal clearance between the scale base
an
d the floor without having the scale base actually touching the floor.
Not having clearance around the scale base will create inaccurate weighments.
4. It’s also important to make sure that the scale is completely level. Gently press down on all corners of the
le base to ensure that there are no high spots or rocking of the sc
sca
An un-level base will produce inaccurate weight readings.
ale base.
3.5Cable Connections
Ten feet of 4-wire cable to connect the scale to the weight indicator is supplied with each scale.
The cable is pre-installed from the factory.
The cable must be routed to the indicator in a manner that will protect the cable from damage.
Cabling should exit the underside of the scale on the portable wheel side of the scale and not the ramp side(s).
When planning cable routing, leave a loose coil of excess cable under the scale to facilitate future lifting of the
scale for servicing or cleaning.
Figure 3-5. Indicator Cable Exiting the Side of the Scale Platform
5. When the interface cable is protected and in its final position, complete connections to the indicator as
described in Section 4.0.
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Setup5
4.0Indicator Setup
Unscrew tilt stand knobs
and remove tilt stand from
indicator
To protect the indicator during transit, the indicator is shipped in a separate box inside the main shipping
container. The following sections apply to indicator connections and setup.
4.1Load Cell Connections
The scale comes with ten feet of load cell cable which comes from the bottom of the scale (shown in Figure 3-5).
The load cell cable must be connected to the indicator di
To gain access to the load cell connection point, do the follow
1. Unscrew and remove the tilt stand bracket from the indicator
splay.
ing:
.
2. Remove the four back retaining screws as shown in Figure 4-2 and remove the back cover to the
indicator.
Figure 4-1. Remove Tilt Stand From Indicator
Figure 4-2. Remove Back Cover of Indicator
6 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
3.Figure 4-3 illustrates where the load cell connection point is located.
Load Cell
Connection
Point
Note
Figure 4-3. Load Cell Connection Point
Plug the end of the load cell cable into the load cell connection point shown in Figure 4-3. There will be a “click”
when the load cell cable has been properly seate
Replace the back cover on the indicator with the four back
d into the connection point.
retaining screws and re-attach to the tilt stand.
4.2Inserting Batteries
The six AA batteries that come with the scale offer an average of 25 hours of continuous us.
To install the batteries,
1. Open the battery chamber cover by loosening the thumbscrew
2. Insert batteries into the battery chamber as shown in Figure 4-4.
.
If an external power supply or USB power supply is connecte
When using battery or USB power supply, the backlight power is deducted to 60%.
3. Close the battery chamber.
To maintain battery longevity we recommend you charge it
fully discharged.
Figure 4-4. Battery Chamber
d, the battery flag on the display is turned off.
on a regular basis rather than waiting until it is
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Indicator Setup7
4.3AC Power Connections
Connect the
optional AC
power source
here.
Use the optional 120 VAC adaptor or 230 VAC adaptor to use when power is available. The AC power adaptor
plugs into the back of the indicator as shown in Figure 4-5. Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC
adaptors, utilizing an adaptor not supplied by us voids all warranties.
Figure 4-5. Power Connection Site
8 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
5.0Scale Operation
On/Off
LB/KG
Print
Zero
Hold
Release
BMI
TARE
T
ENTER
The display has various front panel keys. They are shown below and their function is described in Table 5-1.
Figure 5-1. Front Panel Display Keys
KeyNameFunction
On/OffSwitches the scale on or off.
Print
LB/KG
ZeroClears the weight off the scale and returns it to zero after three seconds.
Hold
Release
BMIEnables the user to access the BMI (Body Mass Index) function. This key only
TAR EUsed to subtract the weight off the scale, example: oxygen tank, other
ENTERUsed to accept height 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.
works if there is a locked weight shown on the display and the BMI function is
turned on in the configuration mode.
equipment.
Accepts the value of the parameter last entered and moves to the next stage.
A long press of the ENTER key during the scale’s start up process will enter the
ID display (pr
e-parameter mode).
Table 5-1. Key Functions
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Operation9
Note
Important
KeyNameFunction
Up/Down ArrowsUsed to adjust height input (0.5 in/0.5 cm) while in BMI mode.
Adjusts the value of the flashing digit/number.
Table 5-1. Key Functions (Continued) (Continued)
The keys on the front panel display are very sensitive so only a gentle pushing motion is required to
obtain results.
5.1Weighing
Use the following steps to weigh a person.
1. Press the
On/Off key to turn on the scale and 0.0 will appear on the display along with ZERO on the upper
display.
2. When the person steps on the scale the display shows the person’s weight. The LOCK annunciator is on in
the upper display and beeps to indicate the end of the weighing process.
,
3. To change the display from kg to lb and vice-versa
4. To turn off the scale, press and hold the
On/Off key until OFF appears on the display.
press the LB/KG key.
5.2Hold/Release Function
Use the following steps to use the Hold/Release function.
1. When the person is on the scale, press the
2. When the person steps off the scale,
display.
3. At this stage the Zero key will not work. The only way to return to zero from here is to press the Hold/
Release key one more time.
Hold/Release key.
the weight and the HOLD & LOCK annunciator will remain on the
Pressing the Hold key prior to a person getting on the scale will also work.
5.3Preset Tare
Use the following steps to use the Preset Tare.
1. When the weight is set to
returns to
0.0 and NET appears on the display.
2. Remove the extra load from the scale. The weight will appear with a negative symbol to
3. Ask the patient to step on the scale with the extra weight. The
NET annunciator is still on. The weight of the extra load remains stored in memory.
4. To cancel the tare weight, press and hold the
display turns back to 0.0 and GROSS appears. Tare weight is also canceled when the scale is turned off.
0.0, place the extra load on the scale. Press the TARE key until the display
display shows the patient’s weight. The
TARE key until NET disappears from the display and the
the left of it.
10 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
5.4Toggle Tare
Use the following steps to use the Toggle Tare function.
1. When the weight is set to
0.0, press the TARE key.
2. The default tare value is displayed (default is program
flashing.
3. Use the
4. Press
Up/Down arrow keys to adjust the value.
ENTER to start the tare function and the NET annunciator will be turned on instead of the GROSS
annunciator.
5.5Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Function
Use the following steps in determining the BMI.
LB Mode
1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Have the person step on the scale to obtain a weight.
3. The
4. Press the
5. Use the
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator is shown on the
KG Mode
1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Have the person step on the scale to obtain a weight.
3. The
4. Press the
5. Use the
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator is sh
LOCK annunciator is illustrated on the display.
BMI key. The BMI and FT/IN annunciators are lit on the display and a default value of 5 feet
and 7.5 inches (5-07.5) is flashing.
Up/Down arrow keys to adjust the height value, and press the ENTER key to move to the next step.
mode
and the BMI function will be turned of
LOCK annunciator is illustrated on the display.
BMI key. The BMI and CM annunciators are lit on the display and a default value of 170.0 cm
(170.0) is flashing.
Up/Down arrow keys to adjust the height value, and press the ENTER key to move to the next step.
weighing mode or step of
f the scale and the BMI function will be turned of
f.
own on the display. Press the CLEAR key to return to the
med to be 33.0 lb/15.0 kg), while the zero is
display. Press CLEAR to return to the weighing
f.
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Operation11
6.0RS-232 Communication
USB Connection
RS-232 Connection
The scale comes with an RS-232 port which 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 6-1 shows the RS-232 connection location.
ta
The RS-232 parameters are 9600 baud (selec
and no handshaking.
There are three methods of communication:
•Pushbutton keypad print
•Standard remote protocol
•Escape protocol
6.1Pushbutton Keypad Print
With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold the Kg-Lb/Print key for at least three seconds, or until the scale
emits two quick beeps. 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
xxxxxxxxx<SP>uu<SP>mmmm
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)
Examples:
-10 Lb net = <SP><SP><SP><SP>-10.0<SP>lb<SP><SP>Net<SP><SP><SP><CR><LF>
ble in the programming mode), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity
out the following 21 character string:
•In BMI mode (displaying the BMI value), the scale will send out the following data:
GROSS WEIGHT 215.0 LB
TARE WEIGHT 0.0 LB
NET WEIGHT 215.0 LB
PATIENT HEIGHT 6-01.0 FT
PATIENT BMI 28.4
6.2USB Connection
The Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale has the capability of connecting to a PC using a USB connection and a USB
cable (not included). That connection location is shown in Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1. USB Connection Port and RS-232 Connection Port
12 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
Connecting software and downloads should be addressed by your IT department and can vary depending on what
type of computer platform you’re using. Basic information on USB driver installation using Windows is
described in the following steps and serves only as an example. The USB driver can be downloaded from the
Rice Lake Weighing Systems website at the following location; http://ric
Select Medical/Health Scales, Software and Get Down
download. Click on
Download to open and download the driver to your computer.
loads. Opening any product will show a USB driver
1. The graphic below shows the window that pops up when the
scale is turned on.
the
elake.com/software.aspx
USB cable is connected to the indicator and
Follow the screen prompts to navigate through the screens below.
2. Select
No, not this time and then select Next.
4. The following screen appears while the driver
is installing on to your system.
3. Select Install the software automatically, then
Next.
ct
sele
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - RS-232 Communication13
5. The following screen appears when
installation is complete. Click on
Finish.
6. If you want to verify the installation, you can view the driver by looking at the device manager of your
Note
system.
7. To print a ticket using the USB driver, open the software driver (shown above) and the port assigned to
that driver is shown.
8. Ensure that the USB cable is properly connected and the unit is on.
9. Another terminal type program (such as Hyperterminal) needs to be opened and connected through th
USB driver to
established so sel
of tickets that
the indicator to be able to see the information being sent to the PC. A port needs to be
ect the port that is assigned to Parpar and print
wil
l print.
the ticket. The following are examples
e
A single print ticket has four spaces after the “patient weight” and only one space between weight and
lb in the examples shown above. Then seven <CR><LF> after.
14 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
7.0Maintenance
Wheels and
cable on this
side of scale
(not shown)
Two recessed
handles for
lifting
7.1Transporting & Storing the Scale
For ease of portability, the Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale comes with two built-in handles and wheels. This allows
the user to transport the scale from one location to another. Use the following steps to transport the scale or to
store it.
1. Carefully pick up the scale by standing on the side oppo
from the bottom of the scale platform.
site of the wheels, where the cabling comes out
Figure 7-1. Pick up Scale Using Handles
2. With scale upright, wrap cable around brackets on underside of scale and hang indicator on bracket.
3. The scale can now be ro
lled to another location.
Figure 7-2. Roll Away For Transporting or Storage
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Maintenance15
8.0Troubleshooting and Testing
Refer to the following to check and correct any failure before contacting service personnel.
SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Scale does not turn on.Dead batteryConnect the scale to a power source.
Faulty electrical outletUse a different electri
Bad power supplyReplace adaptor.
Questionable weight or the scale does not
zero
.
The display shows E messages as detailed below.
E06
E07A/D is too low.
E10OverloadScale has been overloaded. Remove load from scale.
E4LBAT
E4U
E11CAL
Err 2Low saturation state (low A/D)The load cell is not connected properly. Check the
Display did not show 0.0 before weighing. Help the patient off the scale, zero the sca
Scale is not placed on a level floor.Ensure the scale is level an
Scale is out of calibration.Check the weight with a kn
Identifier
— ADC
stable weight. Cannot calibrate.Check the load cells’ mechanic
Remove the interfering object from the scale.
the weighing process again.
process again.
A/D is too high.
Battery low but still useable
dicator display.
in
Battery low and unstable
indicator display.
Calibration Error
cables an
persists, replace the set of load cells.
that nothing touches them and that the cables are
properly welded.
d mechanical connections. If the problem
cal outlet.
le and begin
d begin the weighing
own weight value.
— One bar left on the
— no bars left on the
— recalibrate the scale again.
al surroundings and see
Table 8-1. Troubleshooting Table for the Rice Lake Scale Line
16 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
9.0Scale Specifications
Load Cell Excitation
Rated Excitation: 10 VDC
Maximum Excitation: 15 VDC
Grade Level Requirements
The supporting surface for the four feet of the scale must be level within 1/4 inch of horizontal.
Nominal Scale Height
3.0 inch (76 mm)
9.1Indicator Specifications
Power
120 VAC-9VDC-50Hz / 230 VAC-9VDC-50Hz
Battery Type
6 AA size Alkaline batteries
Battery Use
25 hours continuous use
Automatic power-off can be configured
Environmental
Operating Temperature
50 to +104°F (14 to 40°C)
Storage Temperature
32 to 158°F (0 to 70°C)
Humidity
85% relative humidity
Certifications and Approvals
RoHS Compliant
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Specifications17
For More Information
System Manuals
•RL-350 Series Wheelchair Scale Technical Manual, PN 162532
Literature
•Wheelchair Scales, 4 Color, PN 115157
18 Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Operation Manual
Rice Lake Wheelchair Scale Limited Warranty
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
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:
to the current written specifications authorized
•Upon discovery by Buyer of such nonconformity
de
tailed explanation of the alleged deficiencies.
•Individual electronic components returned to RL
prevent electrostatic dischar
publ
ication, Protecting Your Components From Static Damage in Shipment, available from RL
Eq
uipment Return Department.
ge (ESD) damage in shipment.
•Examination of such equipment by RLWS confirms that
no
t caused by accident, misuse, neglect, alteration, improper installation, improper
improper testing; RL
WS shall be the sole judge of all alleged non-conformities.
•Such equipment has not been modified, altered, or ch
, RLWS will be given prompt written notice with a
WS for warranty purposes must be packaged to
Packaging requirements are listed in a
WS
the nonconformity actually exists, and was
repair or
anged by any person other than RLWS or its
duly authorized repair agents.
•RLWS will have a reasonable time to repair or replac
fo
r shipping charges both ways.
•In no event will RLWS be responsible for travel time or on-location r
disassembly of equipment, nor will