Display type
The type of
display installed in the balance.
— LCD. Usually, this abbreviation refers to monochrome LCD displays. Among them, two subcategories can be distinguished. The first is black-and-white LCD displays with segment characters, which are not lit by default. They are poorly visible in low ambient light and have a modest set of displayed characters, but this set is quite enough to work. The second variety is screens consists of individual pixels that glow constantly; they have more extensive features, they can display the simple images, they are clearly visible even in the dark time, but they are also more expensive.
— LED. This designation can be used for both LED-based arrays and LED-backlit LCD screens. The second variety is completely similar to the LCD described above. And the screens themselves based on LEDs are usually made segmented. They have low power consumption and a bright image that is perfectly visible even in the dark. On the other hand, such displays can dim under the bright sunlight, and they cost a little more than similar VFDs in terms of capabilities.
— VFD. Displays made up of luminous segments, working on the principle of vacuum tubes. As like LEDs, they have good brightness and are clearly visible even in low ambient light, but they noticeably dim with the sunlight. Compared to LED, VFD displays consume slightly more power, but are somewhat cheaper.
Battery charge indicator
Low battery level alert system. This option is implemented by a special indicator, which is most often located on the main screen. The main advantage of weighing equipment with battery indication is the ability to visually monitor the battery charge level: looking at the indicator, you can calculate the remaining battery charge so that the equipment does not fail at the most inopportune moment for this.
Features
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Tare function. A function that allows you to take into account the weight of the tare/package during the weighing and determine the net weight of the items without tare. Usually this function works like this: an empty container is placed on the scales, a special button is pressed, and the instrument readings are reset, so that further weight measurements are carried out without taking into account the packaging.
— Counting mode. Scales that support the counting mode. In this mode, the device works as a kind of calculator, which allows determining the average weight of one item during batch weighing, as well as the total number of items by their weight. For example, you can put several weighed items on the scales, turn on the counting mode, set the quantity — and the scales will automatically calculate the average weight of one item; on the contrary, you can set the average weight from the keyboard of the scales and determine the number of items in the heap or stack to be weighed.
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Auto zero tracking. Function of automatic installation of indications of scales on a zero. In most cases, we are talking about the fact that when the load is removed (a rapid decrease of the load on the platform to almost zero value), the device ignores small measurement errors and immediately sets the weight to zero. This allows you to avoid situations when the scales show a non-zero value when the plat
...form is empty, and to dispense with additional measures such as turning the device off and on. In some models, set to zero can be done manually by pressing a special button, but this function is not considered as auto-track.
— Price calculation. Ability to use scales to automatically calculate the cost of goods. To do this, just enter the price per kilogram from the keyboard or select the desired item from the scales' memory (see "PLU storing in built-in memory") — and the device will display the cost of the weighed goods.
— Total cost. Possibility of work of scales in the mode of accumulation of the sum. In this mode, the seller sends to the memory the cost of each purchase by pressing a special button, these values are automatically summed up, and then they can be displayed on the screen. This feature makes it much easier to calculate the total cost, especially if you buy a lot of different products.
— Change calculation. The ability to use scales to automatically calculate the change from a certain amount. To do this, having determined the total cost of the purchase (for example, by accumulating the amount — see the relevant paragraph), the seller enters the amount from which you need to give change, presses a special button — and the scales display the amount of change on the screen.
— PLU storing in built-in memory. Possibility of recording certain goods prices directly into the memory of scales. Due to this, the determination of the cost of goods is noticeably simplified: instead of manually entering the price for each item, it is enough to enter the item code or select the desired direct access key (see the relevant paragraph). Item memory can be especially useful if scales are used as part of a computerized sales accounting system.
— PLU direct keys. Availability of keys for direct access to PLUs (see "PLU storing in built-in memory"). With this function, the choice of goods is simplified as much as possible: instead of entering its digital code, it is enough to press the corresponding button. In some models, the keys are quite large, and you can even put the pictures with goods on them.
— Printing labels/stickers. Ability to use scales to print labels for weighed goods. In addition to information on weight and cost, a barcode can also be printed on such stickers — during the calculation, it is read by the cash register and sales data are entered into the general accounting system. However, there are models without barcode printing, this point should be clarified separately.
— Standby mode. Ability to work scales in standby mode. In this mode, the power consumption of the device is reduced to the minimum, the display is off, however, the scales are ready for operation and “wake up” as soon as any load is put on the platform. This feature is especially useful for models with a built-in battery (see "Power supply") — it can significantly save battery power. The standby mode can be activated either automatically (after a certain period of inactivity) or manually, depending on the model.
— Automatic shutdown. A function that turns off the power of the scale after it has been idle for a while. This helps to decrease electricity consumption, and in models with a built-in battery — increases battery life. Auto-shutdown, usually, works with rather long downtime — half an hour or an hour; for breaks of shorter duration in the same scale, a standby mode can be provided (see the relevant paragraph).
