How To Choose An Electronic Floor Scale, How To Set Up, Weigh And Repair Correctly + Video

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 22:26

How to choose electronic floor scales, set up and repair them if necessary

A person takes their first weighing immediately after birth. The newborn gains about 100 g per week, then the weight gain slows down. Regular monitoring is needed not only for babies: athletes check the results of training, young mothers - the progress of pregnancy, and other people also need to know their weight. Large deviations from the norm up or down can be symptoms of a serious illness. What is the best bathroom scale for your home? Electronic are considered to be simpler and more convenient, they are compact and modern. If desired, they can be customized, and if necessary, it is possible to repair them.

Content

• 1 How electronic floor scales work

• 2 How to choose the most accurate and convenient

  • 2.1 Maximum load

  • 2.2 Diagnostic or conventional scales?

    • 2.2.1 Table: additional parameters measured by the diagnostic balance
    • 2.2.2 How does the balance measure tissue mass in the human body?
  • 2.3 Memory capacity of the balance
  • 2.4 Indicators and Batteries

  • 2.5 Materials and design

    • 2.5.1 Table: materials of modern electronic scales
    • 2.5.2 Gallery - floor scales made of different materials
  • 2.6 Remote control, smartphone and cloud storage
  • 2.7 Video: how to choose a bathroom scale

• 3 Top Models

  • 3.1 Table: Rating of Electronic Floor Scales
  • 3.2 Reviews of electronic floor scales: which is better?

• 4 How to weigh yourself correctly

  • 4.1 At the same time and in the same clothes
  • 4.2 On the same level surface
  • 4.3 Legs are symmetrical
  • 4.4 Don't Forget Zeroing
  • 4.5 Video: how to weigh yourself correctly on the scales

• 5 How to check accuracy and adjust if necessary

  • 5.1 Is it possible to calibrate a household bathroom scale at home?
  • 5.2 What should I do if the balance displays strange symbols?
  • 5.3 How to replace the battery in the balance?

• 6 How to fix some problems

  • 6.1 If the balance does not start
  • 6.2 If the balance does not display numbers
  • 6.3 Balance shows incorrect weight
  • 6.4 How do I turn off the sound on the scale?
  • 6.5 Video: repair of scales Tefal PP5000B1

• 7 What is Body Mass Index (BMI)

  7.1 Table: assessment of a person's condition by BMI

How electronic floor scales work

Mechanical scales consist of a movable platform and a disc with a scale

The simplest and most inexpensive devices for determining weight are mechanical. In them, the movable platform is lowered by gravity and compresses the spring. The pointer indicator shows the deflection of the spring, the scale is graduated in mass units. The disadvantage of mechanical ones is low accuracy: 0.5–1 kg. Over time, the spring changes shape, the accuracy becomes even lower.

There are two types of digital scales: electromechanical and electronic. In the first case, the design repeats the mechanical ones, only the change in the platform height is determined by a special sensor, and the weight is displayed by a digital indicator. The disadvantage of electromechanical scales is the same as that of mechanical ones - low weighing accuracy.

Electronic scales sensors are located in the supports

Electronic scales do not have a movable platform and springs; in them, the weight of a person's body is measured by strain gauges (usually four pieces). The signal coming from the sensors is measured by an electronic circuit, summed up and processed by a microcontroller.

In 90% of scale models, load cells are built into the support legs on which the scale is placed.

Advantages of this type of device:

• High measurement accuracy (50–100 g);
• Accuracy does not degrade over time;
• Additional useful functions are implemented: memory, calculation of body mass index (BMI), assessment of fat mass, communication with a smartphone, and others.

How to choose the most accurate and convenient

Today it is recommended to choose fully electronic devices. To determine that this is precisely such a device in front of you, and not its electromechanical counterpart, take the case and place it on your palm without touching the legs. Press down on the platform with your other hand. If the scales are electromechanical, the platform will noticeably move, numbers will appear on the indicator. Electronic will not show anything.

Maximum load

Each device for determining body weight is designed for a certain load and will break if it is exceeded. 40% of commercially available scales are designed for a maximum user weight of 150 kg. If you have larger people in your family, it is recommended to purchase scales that can withstand up to 200 or 300 kg.

Diagnostic or conventional scales?

Regular scales perform one function - to determine the body weight of a person. Such a device has a low price, about 1,000 rubles.

Diagnosticians use the computing power of a microcontroller to determine some other user parameters, such as the proportion of water in the body, the ratio of muscle, bone and fat tissue. Also, the diagnostic scales remember the user's body weight, height, and allow to evaluate changes.

Table: additional parameters measured by the diagnostic balance

Parameter	Normal value	Comment
Share of water	Women: 55–85% Men: 60–62%	The parameter determines the proportion of water in the human body by weight.
The proportion of adipose tissue	Women: 22-27% Men: 17-25%	The parameter determines the proportion of adipose tissue in the human body by weight.
The proportion of muscle tissue	Women: 35% Men: 45%	The parameter determines the proportion of muscle tissue in the human body by mass.
Body mass index (BMI)	18.5-24.99	The coefficient that determines the ratio between the height and weight of a person.

How does the scale determine the mass of tissues in the human body?

Tissues in the human body conduct electric current in different ways (they have different electrical resistance). This fact is used to estimate tissue mass. Metal electrodes are applied to the surface of the weighing platform. When the user stands with his bare feet on them, the microcontroller sends a weak electrical discharge through the human body. By the shape of the signal transmitted through the body, the electronics determine the composition of the tissues. The electrical resistance of the body depends on many factors, therefore measurements of the fractional mass of tissues are inaccurate, the figures obtained should be treated only as a reference.

Scale memory capacity

If you have several people monitoring the weight in your family, it is recommended to choose a device with memory. In this case, the scales will help to track changes in the body weight of a certain person and give a signal when significant changes are made. The number of memory cells can vary from 2 to 10, please choose the model that suits you.

Indicators and batteries

LED indicator visible through bamboo veneer

All electronic scales show body weight using digital indicators. These can be bright LED segments or LCD indicators. The latter allow displaying additional information: units of measurement, values of additional parameters.

The liquid crystal display is clearly visible in the light

Choose the size of the numbers so that they can be clearly seen from your height, so you don't have to ask your relatives to see the weight.

Black and gold LCD displays almost do not consume the battery, such scales use CR2032 lithium cells. If the screen is backlit, more energy is needed - AAA batteries are placed in such devices. The most power-hungry are the LED indicators, these scales require an AA battery pack or "Krone".

Materials and design

The main place of stay of electronic scales is under the closet, sofa or bathroom, you don't have to admire them for a long time. But all the same, designers compete with each other, trying to turn a utilitarian device into a work of art. For platforms and hulls, plastic, metal, glass, wood, stone, leather, and their combinations are used.

Table: materials of modern electronic scales

Material	Advantages	disadvantages
Plastic	Inexpensive material, pleasant to the touch, not cold. Factories produce cases of many colors, apply pictures.	Plastic does not allow direct sunlight, does not withstand significant loads, and becomes fragile over time.
Metal	Modern and durable material, easy to care for and maintain. Nice view, especially in high-tech interiors.	Steel cases are more expensive than plastic ones. Metal accumulates cold, it is unpleasant to stand on it with bare feet.
Glass	Transparent glass products look very impressive, especially when combined with steel.	Glass does not like shock loads, it can crack. Cold and slippery to the touch.
Wood	The material is very beautiful, warm and pleasant to the touch. FROM	The increased price of wood products, sensitivity to moisture.
A rock	Stone scales are suitable for a luxurious interior, for example, an expensive bathroom.	Large body weight, high product price. The stone is cold and unpleasant to the touch. The material collects dust.
Leather	The material is soft and pleasant to the touch. Combined with wood or metal, it is very beautiful.	High price of natural leather, moisture sensitivity. Collects dust, needs special care.

Gallery - bathroom scales made of different materials

Scales with a plastic platform

Steel platform scales

Balance with glass surface

Scales with wooden platform

Scales with a platform of smalt

Scales with a platform made of black leather

Remote control, smartphone and cloud storage

Scales with remote display and remote control

A number of diagnostic electronic scales are equipped with a remote control. There are control buttons and an indicator on it. Straining your eyes and bending over to look at the weight is not required.

SkyBalance scales transmit measurements to a smartphone and store data in the cloud

The most advanced models of electronic scales interact with a smartphone. Each user of the scales has his own account on a remote server in the "cloud", where measurements are stored and beautiful graphs of achievements are built.

Video: how to choose a bathroom scale

youtube.com/watch?v=EGbMmCAY_7M

Top Models

Table: rating of electronic floor scales

Model	A type	Platform material	Batteries	Maximum weight, kg	Additional features	price, rub.	Comment
Xiaomi Mi Smart Scale	Diagnostic	Glass	4xAA	150.0	BMI calculation; Bluetooth; Luminous display digits; Application - Mi Fit;	2100	High-quality Chinese scales with an elegant look, synchronized with a smartphone.
Tefal PP 1110	Electronic	Glass	1хСR2032	160.0	LCD indicator; Automatic shutdown.	1660	Slim and precise scale (22 mm) with glass platform and large numbers (32 mm).
REDMOND RS-726	Diagnostic	Metal and glass	1хСR2032	150.0	Measurements: water content, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue; Memory: 10 users; Luminous display digits; Overload indication; Battery discharge indication; calculation of the daily food intake in calories.	2100	An accurate diagnostic scale with memory, can work as a personal nutritionist.
Scarlett SC-BS33E060	Electronic	Glass	1хСR2032	150.0	Overload indicator; Battery discharge indicator.	550	Inexpensive scales that perform one task efficiently - weighing.
REDMOND SkyBalance 740S	Diagnostic	Metal and glass	3xAAA	150.0	Measurements: water content, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue; Memory: 8 users; Luminous display digits; Overload indication; Battery charge indication; Body type indication; Synchronization with a mobile application.	2400	Diagnostic scale that allows you to save results to the cloud using the Ready for Sky smartphone software.
Bosch PPW2360	Diagnostic	Metal and plastic	3xAA	180.0	Measurements: water content, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue; calculation of BMI; Memory for 10 users; Light indication of weight: green color - optimal weight; orange color - warning about a problem.	3300	Expensive diagnostic scales from a well-known manufacturer. Many parameters to measure. The weight depends on the surface on which the appliance stands. To get the right measurements, you have to adapt.
REDMOND RS-713	Diagnostic	Glass	2хСR2032	150.0	Backlit LCD indicator; Measurements: water content, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue; Memory: 8 users; Overload indication; Battery charge indication; Indication of the nature of the physique.	3000	Beautiful diagnostic scales, accuracy up to 50 g. Beauty and functionality come at a price.
REDMOND RS-710	Electronic	Plastic	6xAAA	150.0	Backlit LCD; Overload indication; Battery charge indication.	1900	Inexpensive scales are quality scales with one function.
SUPRA BSS-6600	Diagnostic	Metal and glass	2xAAA	150.0	LCD indicator; Measurements: water content, adipose tissue, muscle tissue, bone tissue; calculation of BMI; Memory: 12 users; Overload indication; Battery charge indication.	1400	Inexpensive diagnostic scales. The instruction is printed on the platform. Disadvantage: there is no indicator backlight.
Marta MT-1677	Electronic	Glass	2xAAA	180.0	Overload indication; Battery charge indication; Voice function.	900	Cheap scales that can take a lot of weight. The measurement results are spoken aloud.

Electronic bathroom scales reviews: which is better?

How to weigh yourself correctly

Weighing results often disappoint users. However, the scale may display an incorrect weight due to errors. Follow simple weighing rules so you don't get upset for no reason.

At the same time and in the same clothes

It is recommended that you check your weight at the same time. Ideally - in the morning, after using the toilet, but before breakfast. Weigh yourself in your favorite clothes, while always being the same.

On the same level surface

Modern electronic scales are equipped with four electronic sensors. If the scale is crooked or wobbles during weighing, the results will be very different. The scale should be placed on a flat surface - floor, parquet or tiles. It is advisable to weigh yourself at the same place all the time.

Legs are symmetrical

One should stand on level scales with two feet, trying to distribute the body weight evenly on both feet. The axis of symmetry of the scales runs in the middle between the feet. Do not move or shift from foot to foot until the scale shows a stable reading. Get off the platform and re-weigh - the results should not differ by more than 500 g.

Don't forget to set zero

Suppose you purchased a new scale and set it down on a level surface as recommended. The microcontroller needs to be informed that this position is the initial one, that is, set to zero weight. Each manufacturer has its own procedure, read the instructions for your device.

For example, to zero a Beurer balance, step on the balance, remove your feet after about 1 second and wait until the balance switches off.

Video: how to weigh yourself correctly on the scales

How to check accuracy and adjust if necessary

There are several ways to check the accuracy of the balance.

1. Invite a friend who knows his weight to weigh in.
2. Go to the clinic and weigh yourself on an accurate medical scale.
3. Place a heavy object with a known weight on the platform (barbell pancake, dumbbells). The weight of the object should not be less than 10 kg; when weighing lighter objects, a significant error will occur.
4. Call on math and statistics to help. Weigh yourself 5 times in a row, recording the results. Subtract the smallest from the largest value. If the difference does not exceed the value declared by the manufacturer, then the balance can be considered accurate.

Can I calibrate a household bathroom scale at home?

Household scales have already been calibrated at the factory - correction factors for specific installed load cells are written into the microcontroller program. There is no provision for changing user settings. In some models, you can reset the weight to zero, this will be the starting point of weight. How to do this in your model is written in the instructions.

What if the scales show strange symbols?

In working condition, the scale indicates zero or weight of a person standing on the platform. Sometimes strange characters are shown on the screen. What do they mean?

Symbols	Meaning and procedure
LO	Low battery. The battery needs to be replaced.
FFFF (overflow) or EGGOG (error)	The platform is loaded with a weight that exceeds the allowable weight for this model. The weight must be removed from the platform.
Incomprehensible character set	Microcontroller error. The balance must be switched off and on again. If it does not help, you need to remove the battery and insert it again.

How to replace the battery in the balance?

If the balance displays LO symbols, the battery needs to be replaced. This is very easy to do.

After checking the instructions, we determine which battery is needed for your scale. It can be a CR2032 "tablet", AA or AAA elements

The battery cover is usually located on the bottom of the case

Find the battery compartment cover and open it. The cover is usually located on the underside of the balance housing Fastened with screws or a plastic clip

The battery cover is secured with screws or snaps

1. We take out the old batteries. We put new elements, observing the polarity of the contacts.
2. We close the battery compartment cover.
3. We check the scales at work.
4. It is also recommended to carry out the zero adjustment according to the instructions for the balance.

How to fix some problems

An electronic scale is not a very complex device, consisting of ready-made units: display, circuit board, sensors and buttons. Simple diagnostics and repairs are within the power of a home craftsman.

If the scale does not turn on

1. Check the battery. Open the battery compartment and carefully examine the batteries and contacts. If old batteries have leaked, then the contacts have probably oxidized. Sand them with sandpaper or a knife. Install new batteries and test the balance.

   

   When replacing the battery, check and clean the contacts

2. If replacing the battery does not help, disassemble the case and inspect the inside of the instrument.

   

   It is necessary to disassemble the balance case and carefully inspect the parts

3. Clean the case and parts from dust with a soft brush.
4. Examine the connecting wires, loops and contacts, inspect the printed circuit board. All wires must be firmly held, the cables must be securely installed in the connectors, the tracks of the printed circuit board must be intact.
5. Unreliable contacts must be soldered, loops must be connected, damaged tracks must be cleaned and soldered with jumpers.
6. If the appearance of the structure is perfect, but the scales still do not work - there are problems in the electronic filling, it is better to entrust further repairs to professionals.

If the scale does not show numbers

If the balance is in operation, for example, beeps, but there are no numbers on the screen, or not all segments light up on the display.

1. LO indicates that the battery needs to be replaced. Open the battery compartment and insert a new cell into it.

2. Open the case and make sure the ribbon cable is securely connected to the screen unit. If the connector is loose, push it in until it stops, without using too much force.

   

   Check the wiring to the display

3. Burnt out LED indicators can be replaced by an experienced technician himself. This will require a soldering iron and special tools.

   

   LED indicator will be replaced by experienced craftsman

The scales show the wrong weight

If your scale is not weighing much than expected, the problem is with the sensors.

1. Open the balance case.

2. Inspect the frame; it should be level and free of visible damage. If the frame is bent, it can be gently straightened with a tool.

   

   Check the scale frame, it must be level

3. Carefully inspect the load cells and the wires leading to them.

4. The sensors are mounted in the feet, so they may not work properly due to dust accumulated in the gaps. Clean the feet from dust, check the movement of all feet, in normal condition their movement is 1 - 2 mm.

   

   The load cell of the scale is located in the leg housing

5. The wires to the load cells must be securely soldered. Re-establish the connection if it is broken.
6. If the previous methods do not help, you need to check the sensors themselves. Disconnect the sensors from the printed circuit board one by one and measure the resistance with a tester. If somewhere it is equal to zero, the sensor is faulty - it must be replaced.

A temporary solution is to replace the faulty sensor with a fixed resistor. Its resistance should be the same as that of other sensors

How do I turn off the sound on the scale?

Talking scales are very convenient for people with poor eyesight. If you are annoyed by chatty technique, then the sound can be turned off. Read the instructions for your scale. For example, in all Beurer models the volume is adjustable and can be lowered to zero. In the Scarlett technique, on the back panel, press the button that switches the units of measurement and hold it for 5 seconds until the inscription OFF appears.

If the manufacturer is sure that you must listen to the metal squeak of a buzzer or the soulless voice of a robot, you will have to use brute force.

Piezodynamic wires can be disconnected

To do this, carefully open the case and find a round thin plate of the tweeter - piezodynamics. Remember that this action will void your instrument warranty. Further, the following options are possible.

1. Wrap the buzzer with cotton wool or foam rubber - the sound will be quieter.
2. Soldering a resistor in series with the speaker will also lower the volume.
3. Cut off the tweeter contacts - the device will be silent for good.

Video: repair of scales Tefal PP5000B1

What is Body Mass Index (BMI)

The body mass index (BMI) indicator allows you to qualitatively assess whether the weight of an average person is normal or not (this does not apply to professional athletes, they have different indicators).

To calculate BMI, you need to measure the weight of a person and divide it by the height in meters, squared. The resulting number can be compared with the table developed by the World Health Organization.

Table: assessment of a person's condition by BMI

BMI	Assessment of the human condition
16 or less	Severe underweight
16 - 8.5	Insufficient (deficiency) body weight
18.5-24.99	Norm
25-30	Overweight (preobesity)
30-35	First degree obesity
35-40	Second degree obesity
40 and more	Obesity of the third degree

Source:

In order for your scales to automatically calculate the body mass index of a person, you must first enter height in them, the microcontroller will remember it and will use it in calculations at each weighing.

Modern electronic scales not only determine your weight with great accuracy, but also help you monitor your health. Sensitive electronics will track the progress in work on the body. Despite the fact that scales are not the main subject in the interior, factories produce cases from various materials, shapes and colors. You just have to choose the right device based on your needs and planned costs.