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.
Such a connection can be used for different purposes: setting up
PLUs into the scale's built-in storage (see "Functions and Features") and editing such PLUs, collecting usage statistics, etc. Connection options can be as follows:
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RS232 (COM). A specialized connector used for direct connection to computers, cash registers and some other types of equipment. This interface is convenient in cases where there is only one scale at the point of sale (or when each scale is connected directly to its control device), but to connect several scales to one control device at once, it is more convenient to use network interfaces — LAN or
Wi-Fi (see below).
—
Ethernet. Standard connector for wired connection to local computer networks. With Ethernet, the balance can operate as a network device; this gives more connectivity options than the RS-232 interface. Thus, access to the device can be obtained from any computer on the network (with appropriate access rights settings), and vice versa, several scales can be “linked” to one control computer. Among the disadvantages of such a connection is the need for a router/switch for the operation of network equipment.
— Wi-Fi. A technology used both for wireless connection to computer networks and for direct communication between devices. The first option is similar in its fe
...atures to Ethernet (see the relevant paragraph) — adjusted for the fact that you do not need to put a cable for connection. This makes the connection as fast and convenient as possible, but wireless equipment is somewhat more expensive than wired ones. Direct connection to other devices (laptops, tablets, etc.) is extremely rare in trading scales, but it can also be provided — usually as an addition to the common, “networked” Wi-Fi mode of operation.
Note that in some devices, the interfaces described above can be combined — in particular, scales equipped with both RS-232 and Ethernet are still manufactured, and even models that combine all three connection types. This provides versatility in application, but somewhat affects the cost.
