Max. weight
The highest weight that can be weighed on the balances. This is not only the maximum weight that can be displayed on the display, but also the load limit on the platform — if this limit is exceeded, the device may break. Accordingly, it is worth to consider this parameter, knowing the weight that is supposed to operate with the scales.
Stand
Availability of
a vertical stand in a scales' design ; the rod of hanged scales (see "Suitable for") in this case is also considered a stand.
Actually, hanged models have this feature by definition. In bench scales, the display is usually placed on a vertical pillar — this placement is more convenient than mounting on the body, under the platform. A keyboard can also be installed there, but this is optional. But in floor models, the pillar is used as a stand for both the screen and the control panel — otherwise the user would have to bend over to enter data or read readings from the display. However, floor models are also available without a stand — for convenience, they provide other design features.
Display backlight
Availability
of backlight in the display of scales. This feature allows you to see the screen readings in poor visibility conditions, up to complete darkness. At the same time, in some models, the backlight works constantly, in others it turns on at the touch of a button.
Note that VFD screens (see "Display type") glow on their own, so this function is not needed for them. And if it is indicated for an LED screen, this most likely means that we have an LCD screen with LED backlighting.
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).
