RICE LAKE RL-350 Series Portable Bariatric Wheelchair Scale User Manual
- October 27, 2023
- RICE LAKE
Table of Contents
RICE LAKE RL-350 Series Portable Bariatric Wheelchair Scale User Manual
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems. All rights reserved.
Rice Lake Weighing Systems® is a registered trademark of Rice Lake Weighing Systems.
All other brand or product names within this publication are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.
All information contained within this publication is, to the best of our knowledge, complete and accurate at the time of publication. Rice Lake Weighing Systems reserves the right to make changes to the technology, features, specifications and design of the equipment without notice.
The most current version of this publication, software, firmware and all other
product
updates can be found on our website:
www.ricelake.com
Revision History
This section tracks and describes the current and previous manual revisions for awareness of major updates and when the updates took place.
Table i. Revision Letter History
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 continually offers web-based video training on a growing selection of product-related topics at no cost. Visit www.ricelake.com/webinars
Visit our website www.RiceLake.com
1.0 Introduction
The RL-350 Series wheelchair scales are heavy-duty scales that easily accommodate wheelchairs with its large platform size and easy-access ramp in either a single ramp (RL-350-5) or dual ramp (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 RL-350 Series wheelchair scale is a fully electronic, low profile floor scale that measures 34 in x 34 in (.86 m x .86 m) and has the capacity up to 1000 lb (450 kg). The RL-350 Series wheelchair scale uses four corner-mounted, alloy steel shear beam load cells, with the cells recessed into the frame channels for protection. The RL-350 Series 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 each corner, 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. Two of the four feet sit inside the foot keeper plates located on the front of the ramp.
The RL-350 Series wheelchair scale comes equipped with an anti-slip rubber surface on the scale platform and a large one inch LCD indicator display. The indicator comes with six, AA batteries and has an optional AC adapter available.
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 a tare weight can be entered. Section 3.0 on page 8 of this manual explains the scale operation and how to obtain a tare weight.
Manuals, resources and warranties are available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems website at www.ricelake.com/health
1.1 FCC Compliance
United States
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the
user will be required to correct the
interference at his own expense.
Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations
of the Canadian Department of Communications.
1.2 Safety
Safety Definitions:
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.
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Failure to heed could result in serious injury or death.
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Ensure every individual who operates or works with this unit has read and understands all safety information.
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Do not transport the scale while someone is on the scale.
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Do not allow minors (children) or inexperienced persons to operate this scale.
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Do not use in the presence of flammable materials.
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Do not use this product if any of the components are loose or cracked.
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Do not use near water.
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Do not use the scale on slippery surfaces, such as a wet floor.
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Do not use this scale when a person’s body or feet are wet, such as after taking a bath.
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Do not place fingers into slots or possible pinch points.
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To avoid cross contamination, the scale should be cleaned regularly.
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Prior to cleaning, make sure the scale is disconnected from the power source.
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People with disabilities, or who are physically frail, should always be assisted by another person when using this scale.
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Do not drop the scale or subject it to violent shocks.
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Do not jump on the scale.
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For accurate weighing, the scale must be placed on a flat, stable surface.
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Operating at voltages and frequencies other than specified could damage the equipment.
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Avoid contact with excessive moisture.
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Do not make alterations or modifications to the scale.
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Rice Lake Weighing Systems offers optional AC adapters; utilizing an adapter not supplied by Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids all warranties and approvals.
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Weight exceeding the maximum capacity may damage the scale.
2.0 Assembly
The following section provides assembly instructions for the RL-350 Series wheelchair scale.
2.1 Unpacking
The RL-350 Series 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.
Using scissors or a box cutter, cut the strapping bands that secure the box together. Lift off the top cover. Immediately after opening the box, visually inspect the scale to ensure all parts are included and undamaged. If parts were damaged in shipment, notify Rice Lake Weighing Systems and the shipper immediately.
Parts contained in the shipping box include:
- The scale
- This manual
- Parts box which contains the indicator display
2.1.1 Repacking
Retain the packaging for use in the event that the scale must be returned or
moved. The product must be properly packed with sufficient packing materials.
Whenever possible, use the original carton and packing materials when shipping
the scale back.
Damage caused by improper packaging is not covered by the warranty.
2.2 Scale Setup
Use the following steps to set up the RL-350 Series wheelchair scale.
- Locate the manual and set it aside as it will provide instructions on the proper scale setup.
- Using two people, remove the scale off the shipping platform that it came in as shown in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1. Unbox the Scale
3. 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 often acceptable, but not recommended.
4. Stand the scale on its side so that the plastic packaging material can be removed.
Figure 2-2. Remove Plastic Wrapping off of Scale
2.2.1 Scale 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 base and the floor, so
screw each foot out counter clockwise, two full turns. This will ensure that
there is enough clearance between the scale base and the floor.
Figure 2-3. Backing out the Scale Feet
2. Carefully unwrap the load cell cable located on the underside of the scale. It will run out the underside of the scale.
Figure 2-4. 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 and 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 four corners of the scale base to ensure that there
are no high spots or rocking of the scale base.
An un-level scale base will produce inaccurate weight readings.
2.3 Cable 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. 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.
Cabling should exit the underside of the scale on the portable wheel side of
the scale and not the ramp side(s).
When the interface cable is protected and in its final position, complete the
connections to the indicator. 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.
2.4 Load Cell Connections
The indicator and scale comes factory installed with a load cell cable
connection. Follow the procedure below if the load cell cable needs to be
replaced or reconnected to the indicator.
1. Unscrew and remove the tilt stand bracket from the indicator to gain access to the load cell connection.
2. Remove the four back retaining screws to remove the back cover to the indicator.
3. Plug the end of the load cell cable into the load cell connection. When it clicks the load cell cable is properly seated into the connection.
4. Reinstall the back cover and attach to the tilt stand.
2.4.1 Insert Batteries
The six AA batteries supplied with the scale provide an average of 25 hours of
continuous use.
To install the batteries:
- Turn thumbscrew counterclockwise then remove battery cover.
- Insert batteries into the battery chamber as illustrated.
3. Put the cover in place and turn the thumbscrew clockwise to secure.
Remove the batteries prior to storing if the product is not going to be used for an extended period of time.
If the LO BAT indicator activates, for accurate weighing, replace the batteries or connect the scale to an AC power source as soon as possible.
2.4.2 Power Connection
An optional AC power adapter can be used when a power outlet is available.
Only use power adapters supplied by or purchased from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. The use of a power adapter not from Rice Lake Weighing Systems voids the warranty.
The battery annunciator on the display turns off when using an AC power connection. The brightness of the backlight is reduced to 60% when using battery power.
3.0 Operation
This section describes the front panel and includes procedures for operation of the scale.
3.1 Key Descriptions
The display has 10 front panel keys. Key functions are described in the table below.
The front panel keys are very sensitive, so only a gentle press is required.
3.2 Weighing
Use the following steps to weigh.
3.3 Hold/Release Function
Use the following steps to use the Hold/Release function.
3.4 Preset Tare
Use the following steps for the Preset Tare function prior to patient weighing
if additional items are being used by the patient.
3.5 Toggle Tare
Use the following steps to use the Toggle Tare function when the additional
item to be weighed is known.
3.6 Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) Function
Use the following steps in determining the BMI.
3.6.1 LB Mode
3.6.2 KG Mode
3.7 Troubleshooting
Refer to the following table to check and correct any failure before
contacting service personnel.
Table 3-2. Troubleshooting Table
4.0 Communications
The unit comes with an RS-232 port that enables weight data to be transmitted to other equipment, such as a computer or printer. The RS-232 cable with DB-9 connector (PN 100719) is available from Rice Lake Weighing Systems. That connection is shown in USB Connection section on the next page.
The RS-232 parameters are:
- 9600 baud (selectable in the programming mode)
- 8 data bits
- 1 stop bit
- no parity
- no handshaking
There are three methods of communication:
- Push-button keypad print
- Standard remote protocol
- Escape protocol
4.1 Push-button Keypad Print
- The scale will send out the following data while in BMI mode (displaying the BMI value):
Table 4-2. BMI Data
4.2 USB Connection
The scale has the capability of connecting to a Windows® computer (PC) using a
USB cable (not included) and a terminal emulation program. A terminal
emulation program allows the transfer of data between the scale and PC using a
serial port.
Apple® and Macintosh® computers are unable to transfer the necessary data to the scale. Only use a PC for data transfer.
Connecting software and downloads should always be addressed by the IT department for safety reasons and can vary depending on what type of computer platform is being used.
Consult the IT department if driver protections are preventing the use of the USB driver. Driver protections may need to be temporarily disabled on Windows 10 or later computers to allow for the installation of the USB driver.
- Connect the scale’s indicator to a PC using a USB-Type B to USB-Type A cable (not included).
- Turn the indicator on.
**** In most cases, the PC should find the driver and automatically configure
the driver when the scale is plugged into a USB port.
3. Open a terminal emulation program, such as Advanced Serial Port Terminal,
pUtty or Hercules (used in this example).
4. Connect to the serial port assigned by the PC (COM5 in example). This can
be found in Device Manager. Once selected, press Open.
5. With weight on the scale, press and hold the Print button on the indicator for three seconds. The patient’s weight is sent to the PC.
5.0 Maintenance
The following section provides instructions for maintaining and cleaning the unit.
5.1 Basic Maintenance
Before the first use of the scale and after periods of non-use, check the
scale for proper operation and function. If the scale does not operate
correctly, contact a qualified service personnel. Go through the following
steps for basic maintenance.
- Check the overall appearance of the entire scale for any obvious signs of damage
- Inspect the condition of the AC power adapter cord for cracking, fraying or for broken or bent prongs
5.2 Cleaning
Proper care and cleaning is essential to ensure a long life of accurate and
effective operation. Before beginning the cleaning process, disconnect the
scale from the AC power source.
- Clean all external surfaces with a clean, damp cloth or tissue. Mild soap and water solution may be used. Dry with a clean soft cloth
- Do not immerse the scale into cleaning or other liquid solutions
- Do not use isopropyl alcohol or other solutions to clean the display surface
5.3 Transporting and Storing the Scale
For ease of portability, the RL-350 Series 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.
- Carefully pick up the scale by standing on the side opposite of the wheels, where the cabling comes out from the bottom of the scale platform.
2. With the scale upright, wrap the cable around brackets on the underside of
the scale and hang indicator on bracket.
3. The scale can now be rolled to another location.
6.0 Specifications
© Rice Lake Weighing Systems Specifications subject to change without notice.
230 W. Coleman St. • Rice Lake, WI 54868 • USA
U.S. 800-472-6703 • Canada/Mexico 800-321-6703 • International 715-234-9171 •
Europe +31 (0)26 472 1319
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References
- Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Health Scales | Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Training | Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Videos and Webinars | Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Rice Lake Weighing Systems
- Rice Lake Weighing Systems
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