Minimum measurement weight
The minimum weight limit at which the scale's readings must align with the specified margin of error is referred to as the minimum load parameter. While theoretically the scale can display measurements below this threshold, the reliability of results can't be guaranteed due to the extremely low load on the sensors in the device's design. The minimum load requirement is primarily determined by the type and intended use of the scales. For instance, kitchen models typically have a range of a few grams, floor scales start at a couple of kilograms, and commodity warehouse scales might begin at 10-15 kg.
Max. measurement weight
The largest weight that is allowed to be placed on the platform of this scale model. If this parameter is exceeded, the scales, at best, will not be able to show the correct data, at worst, they will completely fail. Obviously, the maximum weight is directly related to the purpose, but even kitchen scales can weigh both
up to 5 kg and up to 20 kg.
Actually, floor scales have the largest maximum measurement weight, in such models it can reach
200 kg or even more. And the most delicate are
jewelry models (refer to "Type"). Also note that in mechanical devices (refer to "Mechanism") the scale is usually graduated to the maximum weight.
Now on the market there are scales with such a maximum weight:
up to 1 kg,
up to 5 kg,
up to 10 kg,
up to 50 kg,
up to 150 kg,
up to 200 kg.
Scale division
Scale division value. Initially, the term "scale division" referred only to mechanical devices (see "Mechanism") and meant the distance between divisions on a scale; however, out of habit, they began to use it for electronic scales. Moreover, both there and there the meaning of this parameter is the same — in fact, it directly describes the accuracy of measurements. For example, if
the division value is 1 g, the weight on such devices can be measured with an accuracy of 1 g, regardless of whether it is a mechanical model or an electronic one.
Theoretically, the lower the division value, the more accurate the measurements and the more advanced the device is. On the other hand, high accuracy has a corresponding effect on the price, although in some situations it is not required in principle. So when choosing it is worth considering the features of the application of the device. For example, a kitchen scale with a division value of 0.5 – 1 g will be indispensable for a sophisticated cooker who cooks according to complex recipes with an abundance of ingredients in a small dosage; and for ordinary household cooking on a large scale, an accuracy of 10–20 g is quite enough. But there are also cases when, over the entire measurement range, the division value changes. So for more correct measurements (low weight), the accuracy can be measured in units of grams, for average values — in tens of grams, and already for heavyweights, where an er
...ror of 50 – 100 grams is not so critical, even in hundreds of grams. In such cases, we have a value for the general average range in the catalog (if we take into account the floor, then this is approximately for a person of 70 kg).Units of measurement
Weights are able to keep records in various units of measurement, while accounting can be done both by mass and by volume. Among the most common units of measurement, we highlight the following.
— Grams (g) — a unit of weight that belongs to the metric system. Grams are used in desktop kitchen scales.
— Kilograms (kg) — a unit of weight that belongs to the metric system. Kilograms are used in floor weighing equipment.
— Pounds (lb:oz) is a common unit of weight used in some countries in Europe, as well as in the United States. 1 pound can be equated to 0.45 kilograms.
— Milliliters (ml) — a unit of volume that belongs to the metric system. Some models of scales are able to determine the volume of milk and water based on mass.
— Ounces (fl'oz) is a unit of volume used in English-speaking countries. 1 US ounce is equivalent to 30 mL.
— Stones (st) is the British unit of weight. Stones are used to take into account the mass of the human body, so this measurement system is found in floor household and specialized diagnostic scales. 1 stone can be equated to 6.35 kilograms.
Memory
The number of users that can be stored in the device's memory.
Memory storage for multiple users is predominantly present in floor models of scales (as indicated in "Type of scales"), particularly those with advanced diagnostic functionalities (although the latter is not a mandatory requirement). These scales can store data for each user across multiple measurements, often including time and date stamps for each reading. Furthermore, these designs might include additional features, such as tracking changes in various parameters since the last measurement.
The choice of memory size depends on the number of users whose data needs to be stored. So, for family use, a device designed for 3 to 4 people is usually enough; less often 6 – 8 memory cells may be required. And the most "capacious" modern scales allow you to store data for 16 – 20 users; this can be useful, for example, for a sports team or a sanatorium group.
Power source
The vast majority of electronic scales are powered by a battery pack. But some models may have a
built-in battery, which does not require constant replacement. Just remember to recharge the scales.
Battery powered scales can use different types of batteries:
—
AA — the format of the classic "finger" batteries;
—
AAA — "microfinger" batteries;
—
CR2032 — the so-called coin type. Many PC users are familiar with this battery format. "Coins" are used to power BIOS memory in motherboards.
In addition to the type of batteries, you also need to pay attention to their number in the battery compartment.