Before the invention of the personal computer, industrial scales measured and displayed weight values—that’s it. If companies wanted documentation of the weight readings their scales measured, someone had to record every weight reading by hand. Undoubtedly, the process was time-consuming and vulnerable to errors.
A Vast Selection of Connectivity Options
When personal computers were first invented, there were not many connectivity options available. A majority of scales communicated with computers via the RS-232 port; however, the manner in which computers and industrials scales are able to communicate has changed drastically since then. Today, there is a vast selection of connectivity options available for industrial scales and computers.
Step One: Purchase a Scale with Connectivity Abilities
With all of the advancements in computer and scale technology, there is still not a one-size-fits-all solution for storing weight information received by an industrial scale on the computer. The connectivity option you choose, if you choose one at all, will depend on the location of your scale, how you plan on using your scale, and how you prefer to access the information communicated between the scale and the computer.
The RS-232 serial port has been used for the communication between scales, computers, and printers for a long time; however, in 2002, computer manufacturers agreed to limit the installation of RS-232 ports and install USB ports into computers instead. RS-232 ports are still used; however, USB ports are more common.
When an industrial scale features a USB port, there are a number of ways the scale can be connected to a computer. First, users can connect the scale to a nearby computer with a USB cable. USB cables are generally inexpensive and easy to find.
By connecting an industrial scale to a computer using a USB cable, users will be able to view the scale indicator on the computer screen. This allows users to control the scale from the computer. Moreover, users can extract weight data from the scale and transfer the information to the connected computer. Once the data is obtained it can be analyzed on Microsoft Excel or Access.
Computers are capable of monitoring multiple scales at once; however, PCs typically have only 2 USB ports. Therefore, to connect multiple scales to one computer, a USB hub must be used.
USB Flash Drive
If for whatever reason your computer is unable to be in the same vicinity as your industrial scale—perhaps there is not a power source for the computer or the scale is located in a hazardous area—a USB flash drive can come in handy.
By inserting the drive into the scale’s USB port, users can later remove the drive and transfer the weight data to a computer whenever they choose.
Ethernet or Wi-Fi
In some ways, the USB connectivity option can be limiting. Either the computer and scale have to be in the same room, or users have to take the time to transfer all of the weight data from the scale to a computer. The Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity options do not share these limitations.
With Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity, your computer is not required to be in the same room as your scale. If your scale is located in a part of the building that is far from the Internet router, Wi-Fi might be the best option for you. Also, with Wi-Fi, users can access the scale 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world.
Arlyn Scales’ Connectivity Options
Arlyn Scales, a leader in the weighing industry for over 30 years, manufactures a variety of industrial scales capable of featuring connectivity options. All of the connectivity options we offer can be added to our scales for an additional price. The options and price of each are as follows:
- RS-232: $100.00
- USB: $100.00
- Ethernet: $200.00
- Wi-Fi: $200.00
Step Two: Utilize Arlyn Scale’s Free USB Remote Software Package
Arlyn Scales provides all of our customers with a free USB Remote Software Package. By downloading this software, customers are able to import weight data onto an Excel spreadsheet or Access database. The software allows users to access, monitor, and control their scales from the connected computer. USB Remote Software can connect up to 10 USB scale indicators to one computer.
By downloading the USB Remote Software Package, a faceplate similar to the scale’s faceplate will appear on the computer screen. The keys that appear on the computer screen are the same as the keys normally present on the scale’s indicator. Users can control the scale from the computer by clicking the keys on the computer screen. A separate screen allows operators to view readings collected by the scale. Users can export the data to a CSV text file that can be imported into various software packages.
Why Connectivity is Useful to Scale Operators and Companies
From the first time personal computers were sold, industrial scales have been capable of communicating with them. By connecting an industrial scale to a computer, scale users can access weight data collected by their scale quickly and easily. Using the information received from the scale, operators of the scale are able to analyze the data, search for patterns within the statistics, and make predictions or adjustments concerning the numbers.
Learn More About the Connectivity Options Arlyn Scales Offers
By visiting Arlyn Scales’ website, you can learn more about all of the connectivity options we are able to include with our scales. Read about each option in detail and view our company’s entire selection of high-quality industrial scales.
Reach Out to Arlyn Scales Today
Arlyn Scales is committed to manufacturing scales that are dependable, accurate, and technologically innovative. If you have any questions about our scales, the technology we use, or the add-on options we offer, do not hesitate to call us at 800-645-4301 or fill out our online contact form. Our team is prepared to assist you with any questions you might have.