Technical training seminars are available through Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
Course descriptions and dates can be viewed at www.ricelake.com/training
or obtained by calling 715-234-9171 and asking for the training department.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems is an ISO 9001 registered company. Software version 114154
September 2014, Rev. C
Page 4
1Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Rice Lake continually offers web-based video training on a growing selection
of product-related topics at no cost. Visit www.ricelake.com/webinars.
Page 5
1.0Introduction
The Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale is efficiently designed to provide accurate, reliable and repeatable weight
measurements and has features that enable a fast and convenient weighing process. The Rice Lake 550 Digital
Chair scale features an ergonomic design, has two armrests that can be lifted separately and a foot rest that can be
folded. Its four swivel casters can be locked in place.
This manual can be viewed and downloaded from the Rice Lake Weighing Systems web site at
www.ricelakehealth.com. Technical information on these products and other medical products are
available on the Rice Lake W
eighing Systems website.
Figure 1-1. Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale
1
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 6
2.0Safety
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
Important
With the Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale 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, may result in death or serious injury
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
Indicates information about procedures that, if not observed, could result in damage to equipment.
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 the warnings could 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 information. Plea
se follow these instructions carefully.
•Do not transport the scale while the platform is loaded.
•Always lock the caster brakes of the chair before seating the patient.
•Make sure the footrest is in the up position when seating t
he patient.
•Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
•For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
•For accurate weighing, verify proper operation according to the procedure
described in this manual
before each use.
•Weight exceeding the maximum capacity (660 Lb/300
Kg) may damage your scale.
•Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
•Operating at other voltages and frequencies
than specified could damage the equipment. Use only
medically approved AC adapters.
•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.
•These scales are used to determine weight
•To avoid cross contamination, the scale plate must be cleaned regularly
of people while sitting.
. It is recommended after each
weighing which could result in potential contamination such as when there is direct skin contact during
the weighing process.
•The scale is not waterproof so avoid cont
•To prevent injury, do not exert unne
act with excessive moisture.
cessary force on the arm rests.
2 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 7
3.0Scale Assembly
Note
“Parts Inside Box”
Location
3.1Unpacking Your Scale
Place the unopened box in an open area that has ample room for unpacking the scale.
Parts contained in the shipping box include:
•The chair scale
•This manual
•Box labeled
•The Parts Inside box contains the following:
•Serial communication cable
•AA batteries (6)
•5 mm Allen key
•M6 x 16 Allen screws (4) — (to attach seat to base)
3.2Save Packaging
If the Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale must be returned for any reason, it must be properly packed with
sufficient packing materials in the original carton.
Parts Inside
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 550 Digital Chair scale.
Move the box into an area where the scale can be assembled. It’
level surface for the most accurate weighments.
1. Locate the operator’s manual from inside the box and set it aside as it
proper scale removal and set up.
Figure 3-1. Chair Scale Packaging Once Out of the Box
s recommended that the scale be placed on a hard,
will provide instructions on the
2. Locate and remove the “Parts Inside” box and locate the 5 mm Allen key.
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Assembly3
Page 8
3. Remove top Styrofoam piece and remove the seat from the attached Styrofoam.
Note
Figure 3-2. Remove Seat From Packaging
4. Set the seat aside for later assembly.
5. Remove the side and the back handle Styrofoam pieces.
Figure 3-3. Remove Side Styrofoam Pieces From Packaging
The c
hair is heavy so use assistance in taking it out of the box and placing it on the floor, making sure it
does not get dropped.
Figure 3-4. Chair Scale Without Side Packaging Materials
4 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 9
6. Lift chair off of Styrofoam packing material using assistance and place it on the floor.
Remove screws to
release the back handle
frame.
Do not completely
unscrew the screws.
Figure 3-5. Lift Chair off of Styrofoam Bottom Packaging
7. Collect the Styrofoam pieces and place them back in the carton box.
Chair Assembly
Use the following steps to assemble the chair.
1. Use the Allen key provided in the “
2. Release both of the screws holding the back handle frame
Parts Inside” box.
(which is marked with circles in Figure 3-6).
Figure 3-6. Remove Screws to Release the Back Handle Frame
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Assembly5
Page 10
3. Remove Styrofoam pieces from the main handle.
Tighten screws once
frame has been rotated
Figure 3-7. Remove Styrofoam Packing Pieces from Main Handle
4. Pull out the back handle frame and rotate it so that the indicator will be facing up.
Figure 3-8. Pull out Frame and Rotate
5. Insert the main handle into the frame and secure it with the screws.
6 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Figure 3-9. Tighten Screws Once Frame Has Been Rotated and Reinserted
Page 11
6. Connect the load cell cable and indicator cable making sure to position the load cell cable on the grooves
Note
Secure seat to scale
using 4 screws
so that it doesn’t get damaged or pinched.
Figure 3-10. Connect Load Cell Cable and Indicator Cable
7.Use the Allen key (provided) to release both screws holding the arm rest frame (marked with circles below).
Figure 3-11. Loosen Screws Holding Arm Rest Frame
8. Rotate the arm rest until the arm rests are parallel to the seat base.
9. Tighten the screws to secure the arm rests in place.
The arm rests can move up and down to allow easy patient access.
Figure 3-12. Arm Rest Assembly\
10. Place the seat on the seat base and secure it into place using the four (4) M6 x 16 Allen screws.
Figure 3-13. Secure Seat to the Scale Using Screws
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Assembly7
Page 12
11. Use level bubble to check for level and adjust feet as needed by adjusting bolts located on top of each
Bubble level location
Adjust bolt located above
caster to adjust bubble
level
Note
caster wheel.
Figure 3-14. Bubble Indicates that the Scale is Level
Ensure casters are in a locked position prior to havin
g a patient sit down on the chair scale.
12. Foot rest must be in the UP position prior to patient sitting down on the chair scale. Once the patient is
seated, you can lower the foot rest.
Figure 3-15. Brake Location on Each Caster Wheel
Figure 3-16. Flip Footrest Down
8 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 13
Inserting Batteries
Connect the
optional AC
power adapter.
The Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale uses six (6) AA batteries which offers an average of 25 hours of
continuous use from the batteries. The batteries come with the product.
To install the batteries,
1. Open the battery chamber cover.
2. Insert batteries.
Figure 3-17. Batteries in Battery Chamber
If an external power supply or USB power is connected, the battery flag
When on battery or USB power supply, the backlight power is deducted to 60 percent.
AC Power Connections
The Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale has an optional 120 VAC adapter or 230 VAC adapter to use when power
is readily available. The optional AC power adapter plugs into the back of the indicator as shown in Figure 3-18.
3. Close battery chamber cover.
on the display is turned off.
Figure 3-18. Power Connection
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Assembly9
Page 14
4.0Scale Operation
On/Off
LB/KG
Print
Zero
Hold
Release
BMI
TARE
T
CLEAR
The Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale display has various front panel keys. They are shown below.
Figure 4-1. Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale Front Panel Display Keys
Key Descriptions
Table 4-1 describes each of the Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair scale’s key functions.
KeyNameFunction
On/OffSwitches the scale on or off
Print
LB/KG
ZeroClears the weight off the scale and returns it back to zero.
Hold
Release
BMIEnables the user to access the BMI (Body Mass Index) function. This key
Ta reIs used to subtract the weight off the scale, ie: oxygen tank, other equipment.
ClearAllows you to return to normal weighing when the BMI value is being
Print - A long key press will send data out from the RS-232 and USB ports.
LB/KG - A short key press allows the user to toggle between kilograms and
pounds pr
Hold & Release - The first press holds the most current weight value shown
on the display.
A second press releases the weight value shown.
only works if there is a locked weight shown on the display and the BMI
function is turned on in the configuration settings.
displayed.
oviding that it’s enabled in configuration mode.
Table 4-1. Digital Chair Scale Key Functions
10 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 15
ENTER
Note
CAUTION
Note
KeyNameFunction
ENTERUsed to accept height in BMI mode.
Up/Down ArrowsUsed to adjust height input (0.5 in/0.5 cm) while in BMI mode.
Table 4-1. Digital Chair Scale Key Functions
The keys on the front panel display are very sensitive so only a gentle pushing motion is required to
obtain results.
To prevent injury, do not exert unnecessary force on the arm rests.
The scales have the capability of performing different operations beyond just calculating weight. The various
operating instructions are described below.
4.1Weighing
Use the following steps to weigh a person.
1. Press the
display.
2. Have the person sit down on the scale. The
is on in the upper display and beeps to indicate the end of the weighing process.
3. To change the display from Lb to Kg and vice-versa, press the LB/KG key.
4. To turn off the scale, press and hold the
On/Off key to turn on the scale and 0.0 will appear on the display along with ZERO on the upper
display shows the person’s weight, and the LOCK annunciator
On/Off key until OFF appears on the display.
4.2Hold/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 gets off the
scale, the weight and the HOLD & LOCK annunciator will remain on the
Hold/Release key.
display.
3. At this stage the
Release key one more time.
Pressing the HOLD key prior to a person getting on the scale will also work.
ZERO key will not work. The only way to return to zero from here is to press the Hold/
4.3Preset 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
3. Ask the patient to sit down 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, place the extra load on the scale and press the TA R E key until the display
TARE key until NET disappears from the display and the
0.0 and GROSS appears. Tare weight is also canceled when the scale is turned off.
with a negative symbol to the left of it.
weight. The display then shows the patient’s
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Scale Operation11
Page 16
4.4Toggle 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 programmed to be 33.0 Lb/15.0 Kg), while the zero is
flashing.
3. Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to adjust the value.
4. Press ENTER to start the tare function and the NET annunciator will be turned on instead of the GROSS
annunciator.
4.5Using 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 sit down on the scale to obtain a weight.
3. The LOCK annunciator is illustrated on the display.
4. Press the BMI key. The BMI and FT/IN annunciators are lit on the display and a default value of 5 feet
and 7.5 inches (ie: 5-07.5) is flashing.
5. Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to adjust the height value, and press the ENTER key to move to the next
step.
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator is shown on the display. Press CLEAR to return to the weighing
mode and the BMI function will be turned off.
KG Mode
1. Ensure that the scale is at zero.
2. Have the person sit down on the scale to obtain a weight.
3. The LOCK annunciator is illustrated on the display.
4. Press the BMI key. The BMI and CM annunciators are lit on the display and a default value of 170.0 cm
(ie: 170.0) is flashing.
5. Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to adjust the height value, and press the ENTER key to move to the next
step.
6. The BMI value and BMI annunciator is shown on the display. Press CLEAR to return to the weighing
mode and the BMI function will be turned off.
12 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 17
5.0RS-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
System. Figure 3-18 on page 9 shows where the RS-232 connection is.
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
5.1Pushbutton 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 “
either in motion, or out of range.
xxxxxxxxx<SP>uu<SP>mm
Where:
Examples:
PRINT.” Note that if the scale does not beep after five seconds, then release the button as the weight was
•If displaying weight and not BMI, the scale will se
mmm<SP><CR><LF>
xxxxxxxxx is the weight with decimal point and " - "
mmmmm is the mode (gross or net)
-10 Lb net = <SP><SP><SP><SP>-10.0<SP>lb<SP><SP>Net<SP><SP><SP><CR><LF>
table in the programming mode), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity
nd out the following 21 character string:
sign, if negative uu is the unit (Lb or Kg).
•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
5.2USB Connection
The Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair 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 5-1.
Figure 5-1. USB Connection Port and RS-232 Connection Port
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - RS-232 Communication13
Page 18
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://www
Select Medical/Health Scales, Software an
download. click on
Download to open and download the driver to your computer.
1. The graphic below shows the window that pops up when the
d Get Downloads. Opening any product will show a USB driver
USB cable is connected to the indicator and
.ricelake.com/software.aspx
the scale is turned on.
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.
select
14 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
5. The following screen appears when the
installation is complete. Click on Finish.
Page 19
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 the
USB
driver to the indicator to be able to see the information being sent to the PC. A port needs to be
established so select the port that is assigned to Parpar and print the ticket. The following example tickets
will print.
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.
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - RS-232 Communication15
Page 20
6.0Troubleshooting and Testing
Refer to the following instructions to check and correct any failure before 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 optional adapter.
Questionable weight or the scale
es not zero
do
External object is interfering with the
scale
Display did not show 0.0 before
ighing
we
Scale is not placed on a level floorEnsure the scale is level and begin the weighing
Scale is out of calibrationCheck the weight with a known weight value.
Remove the interfering object from the scale.
Help the patient off the scale, zero the scale and
begin the weighing process again.
ocess again.
pr
The display shows a STOP messageThe load on the scale exceeds the
capacity of the scale
The display shows LO Bat messageThe battery is lowRecharge the battery.
The display shows Err messag
detailed in the table below
Err 2Low saturation state (low A/D)The load cell is not connected properly. Check
Err 3High saturation state (high A/D)See Err 2
Err 6Unstable weight. Cannot calibrateCheck the load cells’ mechanica
e as
Table 6-1. Troubleshooting Table for the Rice Lake Scale Line
Remove the excess weight and use the scale
according to manufacture’s specs.
cables and mechanical connections. If the
the
problem persists, replace the set of load cells.
l surroundings
and see that nothing touches them and that the
cables are properly welded.
7.0Maintenance
The following section provides instructions for maintaining and cleaning the Rice Lake line of scales.
Maintenance operations other than those described in this section should be performed by qualified service
personnel.
7.1Basic 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 qualified service personnel.
Go through the following ste
1. Check the overall appearance of the entire scale fo
2.Inspect the condition of the optional AC adapter for cord cracking or fraying or for broken or bent prongs.
ps for basic maintenance.
r any obvious signs of damage, abuse, etc.
7.2Cleaning
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.
1. Clean all external surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or tissue.
Dry with a clean soft cloth.
2. Do not immerse the scale into cleaning or other liquid
3. Do not use Isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to
16 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
clean the display surface.
solutions.
Mild soap and water solution may be used.
Page 21
8.0Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale Specifications
Power
Optional AC Adapter - 120 VAC-9VDC-60Hz / 230
VAC-9VDC-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 to +95°F (10 to 35°C)
Storage Temperature
32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
Humidity
85% relative humidity
Capacity and Graduation
Digital Chair Scale
660 Lb (300 Kg)0.2lb (0.1Kg)
Certifications and Approvals
RoHS Compliant
Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual - Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale Specifications17
Page 22
For More Information
System Manuals
•Rice Lake 550 Digital Chair Scale Technical Manual, PN 155191
Literature
•4-color 550-10 Series Digital Chair Scale 550-10 Series literature, PN 130955
Web Site
•http://www.ricelakehealth.com
Contact Information
Hours of Operation
Knowledgeable customer service representatives are available 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and
8 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday. (CST)
Telephone
•Sales/Technical Support 800-472-6703
•Canada and Mexico Customers 800-321-6703
•International 715-234-9171
Immediate/Emergency Service
For immediate assistance call toll-free 1-800-472-6703 (Customers in Canada and Mexico, please call
1-800-321-6703). If you are calling after standard business hours and have an urgent scale outage or emergency,
press 1 to reach on-call personnel.
Fax
Fax Number 715-234-6967
Email
•U.S. sales and product information at prodinfo@ricelake.com
•International (non-U.S.) sales and product information at intlsales@ricelake.com
Mailing Address
Rice Lake Weighing Systems
230 West Coleman Street
Rice Lake, WI 54868 USA
18 Digital Chair Scale Operation Manual
Page 23
Digital Chair 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 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 written 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 Your Components 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.