Troubleshooting guide

RS-232 Communications 17
7.0 RS-232 Communications
The scale comes with an RS-232 port which enables weight data to be transmitted to other equipment, such as a
computer or printer. The RS-232 cable with DB-9 connector (PN 100719) is available from Rice Lake Weighing
System.
Figure 4-1 on page 7 shows where the RS-232 connection is.
The RS-232 parameters are 9600 baud (selectable in the programming mode), 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity
and no handshaking.
There are three methods of communication:
• Pushbutton keypad print
• Standard remote protocol
• Escape protocol
7.1 Pushbutton Keypad Print
With a stable, in-range weight, press and hold the Kg-Lb/Print key for at least three seconds, or until the scale
emits two quick beeps. Note that if the scale does not beep after five seconds, then release the button as the
weight was either in motion, or out of range.
• If displaying weight and not BMI, the scale will send out the following 21 character string:
xxxxxxxxx<SP>uu<SP>mmmmm<SP><CR><LF>
Where:
xxxxxxxxx is the weight with decimal point and " - " sign, if negative uu is the unit (lb or kg).
mmmmm is the mode (gross or net)
Examples:
-10 Lb net = <SP><SP><SP><SP>-10.0<SP>lb<SP><SP>Net<SP><SP><SP><CR><LF>
10 Lb gross = <SP><SP><SP><SP><SP>-10.0<SP>lb<SP>Gross<SP><CR><LF>
• In BMI mode (displaying the BMI value), the scale will send out the following data:
GROSS WEIGHT 215.0 LB
TARE WEIGHT 0.0 LB
NET WEIGHT 215.0 LB
PATIENT HEIGHT 6-01.0 FT
PATIENT BMI 28.4
7.2 Standard Remote Protocol (configuration option #9 set to 1)
When connected to a computer, there are five commands that can be used in the standard remote protocol to
communicate with the scale. They are:
• t - tare the scale. If in gross mode, will tare and go to net mode. If in net mode, will remove tare and
return to gross mode.
• w - the scale sends the actual weight to the computer.
• i - the scale sends the software ID of the scale.
• z - the scale will be set to zero (0.0) if possible.
• p - the scale sends the same data as a pushbutton keypad print.
The format of the returned data will be the same as noted under the pushbutton keypad print. Note that the w and
p commands will not return a value if the scale is in motion, or displaying an invalid weight.
7.3 ESC Protocol (configuration option #9 set to 0)
The ESC Protocol differs from the standard protocol and enables weight and unit of measure data to be
transmitted for full integration into electronic medical records or for diagnostic testing of the battery life, load
cells, etc. The scale will only transmit data upon receiving the proper command set.
You can test the command set and review the scales’ response using either PROCOMM Plus or the
Dietary/Fitness files found on our web site, www.ricelake.com/health. If using PROCOMM Plus, we
recommend you set up "hot" keys for the commands. Refer to
Table 7-1 for a listing of those commands.