Q. Do I have to calibrate the scale after assembly?

A. No, every scale is factory calibrated before shipment. After assembling, your scale system is ready to use. Depending on the criteria set by your facility, the scale may periodically be checked against a standard weight to assure its accuracy. If re-calibration is necessary, the procedure is quick, simple and depending on the model, requires no tools.

Q. How often should the scale be recalibrated?

A. Under normal operation, there is no required recalibration period for the SR Scales electronic scale system. Depending on the criteria set by your facility, the scale may periodically be checked against a standard weight to assure its accuracy. If recalibration is necessary, the procedure is quick, simple and depending on the model, requires no tools.

Q. Are special batteries required to operate SR Scales?

A. No, SR Scales can operate on cost saving alkaline batteries available in central supply, hardware or food stores.

Q. How often well I need to replace the batteries?

A. You will be able to get 3,000 readings from our 9-volt battery systems, 10,000 readings from our "C" cell battery systems, and upwards of 20,000 weight readings from our “D” cell battery systems before simply replacing the batteries. In most cases this equates to more than two years of use on one set of batteries.

Q. How can an electronic scale save me money?

A. TIME - ACCURACY - RE-WEIGHS: SR Scales will reduce the amount of time it takes to weigh your patients. Weight is displayed in a matter of seconds with guaranteed accuracy eliminating time consuming re-weighs, guesswork, and the paperwork involved when a patient's weight fluctuates due to an inaccurate weight reading. Making it easier to gather accurate patient weight data improves the level of care you can provide for your patients. 

Q. What is the difference between Accuracy and Resolution?

A. Accuracy is how precise the scale system is calibrated. Resolution tells you how many digits the electronics will display. For instance -- the SR755 wheelchair scale has an accuracy of 0.1% plus or minus one digit of the displayed weight. This means if a person’s weight is 150 lbs., the displayed weight will be within 0.15 lbs., consistently. The resolution of the scale is 0.1 lb / kg. This means it will display the weight in increments of one-tenth of a pound or one tenth of a kilogram (e.g. 150.1 lbs., 150.2 lbs., etc.).

Q. What is the difference between an electronic scale and an electromechanical scale?

A. BEWARE! An electromechanical scale is simply a mechanical scale with an electronic display. This type of scale still uses the old lever and knife-edge technology and is prone to the same inaccuracies as its beam balance cousin.

SR Scales electronic scales utilize load cell technology with digital electronics that eliminates all of the moving parts associated with the mechanical scale. There is an easy way you can determine if a scale is electronic or electromechanical by standing on the weighing platform. If the platform wobbles and rattles…it’s mechanical. 

Q. What is a load cell and why is it better than the levers of a mechanical transducer?

A. A Load Cell is a solid block of metal with strain gauges bonded to it. The strain gauge measures the forces induced in the metal when weight is applied to it. These forces are converted into electrical signals and displayed as weight on the digital display. This type of sensor is ideal when factors such as accuracy and repeatability and durability are crucial.

The mechanical transducer uses a system of levers and pivots relying on sharp knife-edges to reduce the amount of friction that will, by its own nature, interfere with the weight reading. When these edges become dirty and worn, they lose the ability to weigh accurately.