Everything you need to know about digital scales & bull; hello healthy

Currently there are many types of scales on the market. In general, many people prefer to use digital scales instead of manual scales because of the accuracy of the results. This type of scale is also designed to be used portable, making it easy for you to carry it anywhere.

If you are one of the people who want to buy digital scales but are still confused about how to make the right choice, the information in this article might help.

Understand how digital scales work

When analog scales use springs to show the weight of an object, it is different with digital scales. This type of scale works by using strain gauge load cell.

Strain gauge is a tool that functions to measure the strain of an object. While load cell is a kind of transducer, which is a device for converting one form of energy into another. Load cell also can be referred to as a sensor scale.

Actually, scales come in many different shapes, sizes, and configurations, but the basic component that makes the most accurate measurements is load cell. On digital scales, load cell serves to convert the force caused by the load of the object into an electrical signal.

When you place an object on the scale, the object's mass will be distributed evenly over the disk. At the bottom of the scale, you will see four supports located at each corner of the dish. This support is made not without reason, but to distribute the weight of the object evenly. Now, the load force will then be transferred to one of the parts load cell. Increasing the weight of the object will cause load cell curved downward.

Furthermore, the load force converts the strain gauge into an electrical signal. When cell load measure changes in compression resistance, cell load will feed the signal to the CPU.

The signal is run through an analog to digital converter, and then passed through a microchip to "translate" the data. After that, the number of items you weighed will appear on the display board on the LCD screen. This figure is the result of the final calculation.

How to choose a good and quality digital scale

After knowing how digital scales work, now is the time for you to know how to choose the right scale. Remember, don't just buy a scale if you don't want to be disappointed afterward.

Yes, most people only focus on well-known brands and lots of advertisements. In fact, not all of those who are well-known in the market must have good quality. Not infrequently, several scales from well-known brands actually break quickly before the warranty period runs out. Indeed, this can also be caused by many factors.

However, there's nothing wrong with it, right, to equip yourself first before buying a scale? So, so there is no regret at the end, some of the tips below might be taken into consideration before you decide to buy a scale.

1. Understand what your needs are

The first thing you should know before buying a scale is to make sure that the scale you are going to buy fits your needs. There are many types of digital scales on the market, from scales for measuring human / animal weight, gold, to food. Not only that, the form of the scales can also vary, from those that are hung, sitting, or those that are placed on the floor.

So, make sure you know the function first and then pay attention to the type, whether it suits your needs or not. You don't want to buy a scale that doesn't match the specifications you need.

2. Pay attention to the quality of the ingredients

This one tip is rarely considered because it is considered unimportant. In fact, paying attention to the quality of the weighing materials you buy is a must. Make sure the scale you are going to have is of the highest quality and best.

Not only that, choose a scale that is easy to use, aka user friendly. That way, you don't need to be complicated and dizzy when using it.

3. The capacity of the scale is greater than what is needed

One reason your scale breaks down so quickly is that loads are weighed beyond the scale's own capacity. So, so that your scale is durable and not easily damaged, you should choose a scale whose capacity is 50 percent greater than the maximum load it can measure.

For example, if the maximum weight of the object you are weighing is around 50 kilograms, then choose a scale that has a capacity of 100 kilograms. Not only that, choose a surface (platform) scale that is wider than the size of the object you are weighing.

This is done to avoid damage, so that the scales you buy can be used in the long run.

4. Choose a scale that has been calibrated

Make sure that the scale you buy is calibrated. This is very important to pay attention to so that your scale remains accurate. Usually calibrated scales have a seal or stamp from the metrology agency.

5. Warranty

Warranty is an indicator to see the authenticity of a product. A warranty card can also be used to simplify the repair process if at any time the scales you buy are damaged.

So, make sure the scales you buy get a warranty from the distributor or manufacturer. Usually, the warranty card is placed in the product box.

Tips for caring for digital scales so that they are durable and not easily damaged

Here are some things you can do so that the scales you have purchased can be durable and not easily damaged:

1. Clean regularly

As with goods in general, the scales also need to be cleaned regularly. Periodically, clean your scale from all dust and dirt.

2. Don't put anything on it!

In order not to get damaged quickly, avoid putting any item on the scale for a long time. The reason is, this will cause damage to the sensor.

3. Replace the battery

Unlike analog scales, digital scales require a battery to keep them functioning properly. Change your balance battery regularly, at least every 6 months.

To save energy, turn off the scale when not in use. Rarely changing the balance's battery will actually make your balance result inaccurate.

4. Often used

Weigh it often at regular intervals as this makes the accuracy of the scale better. So, try to use your scale at least once a day.