Scale Integration with Arlyn UpScale
UpScale Connectivity adds communication, logging, control, printing, identification, and workflow options to fine weighing systems. The source instrument continues to perform the measurement while UpScale handles the selected advanced functions.
There are two paths. Arlyn can provide an UpScale Connected High Resolution Balance for a new application, or retrofit UpScale to a customer-owned scale with an integrated display. In both arrangements, the original display remains in place and sends weight data to UpScale through RS-232.
UpScale Connected High Resolution Balances
An UpScale Connected High Resolution Balance combines a fine-weighing instrument with UpScale and the selected communication or workflow options. The balance’s integrated display continues to measure and show the weight while supplying that data to UpScale over RS-232.
Arlyn uses High Resolution Balances as one product family for milligram, sub-milligram, and other fine-weighing requirements. Published models provide a starting point, and additional configurations can be evaluated when the required capacity or readability differs.
UpScale Retrofit for Existing Scales
A customer may already have a laboratory balance or another self-contained scale whose display is integrated with the weighing instrument. The original display remains in place, sends weight data to UpScale through RS-232, and continues to perform its normal weighing functions.
The source scale continues to measure and display the weight. UpScale receives that weight and provides its own touchscreen, communication, logging, automation, and operator workflow functions.
What UpScale Connectivity Can Add
These functions reside in UpScale and may be selected for either a Connected High Resolution Balance or an UpScale Retrofit:
For a laboratory-specific comparison of RS-232, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PLC protocols, Web API, Google Sheets, and logging destinations, see Laboratory Balance Connectivity.
Custom fields, user records, time stamps, checkweighing, saved records, and guided operator tasks.
Local data logging, USB export, Google Sheets logging, emailed records, and AxChange monitoring.
Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Web API access, and connections to applications or databases.
Modbus, EtherNet/IP, and PROFINET options for PLC and automation systems.
Barcode or QR-code scanning, label printing, custom print frames, and product identification workflows.
Setpoints, relays, alerts, filling, batching, and related functions selected for the UpScale configuration.
UpScale can expand the interface, data handling, communications, and workflow. It does not change the original instrument’s maximum capacity, readability, sensor technology, stated accuracy, or environmental suitability.
Example Case: Direct Target-Weight Control
For applications that do not require a PLC, an UpScale setpoint can operate an external relay interface directly. When the target weight is reached, the relay output can stop a feeder, pump, or valve.
How the Integration Process Works
- Choose the path. Start with a new UpScale Connected High Resolution Balance or an UpScale Retrofit for a compatible customer-owned scale with an integrated display.
- Review the source equipment. For an existing scale, provide the manufacturer, model, RS-232 connector and pinout, serial settings, weight-data format, units, status fields, and any command or handshake requirements.
- Choose the UpScale functions. Select the touchscreen, logging, network, PLC, printing, identification, alert, and workflow options needed for the application.
- Configure and verify the connection. Arlyn prepares the supported data connection and selected UpScale functions, then verifies the approved configuration for the application.
Common Integration Applications
- Adding connected workflows to a milligram or microgram balance
- Retaining a suitable existing scale while changing how its weight data is recorded
- Providing weight data to a PLC, application, database, dashboard, or cloud service
- Adding operator identification, custom fields, barcode functions, or printing
- Standardizing the operator interface across different types of weighing equipment
- Configuring a new High Resolution Balance with UpScale Connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the source scale provide?
The scale’s integrated display continues to measure and show the weight while sending that weight to UpScale through RS-232.
Can Arlyn supply a new High Resolution Balance with UpScale?
Yes. Arlyn can evaluate the measurement and workflow requirements, supply a High Resolution Balance, configure UpScale, and provide the selected connectivity options.
Does UpScale improve the accuracy or readability of an existing scale?
No. The existing balance or scale continues to determine capacity, readability, accuracy, stability, and environmental performance. UpScale provides the interface and selected data or workflow functions.
Are EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus, and Web API available?
These UpScale functions can be selected for either an UpScale Connected High Resolution Balance or an UpScale Retrofit, subject to the approved configuration, network, receiving system, and required options.
What information should be provided for a review?
For a customer-owned scale, provide the following information when available:
- Manufacturer and model
- RS-232 connector and pinout
- Baud rate, parity, data bits, and stop bits
- Weight-data format, units, status fields, and commands or handshake requirements
- Required UpScale communication, logging, automation, printing, and workflow options
Share the weighing requirement and the UpScale functions needed. Arlyn can configure a Connected High Resolution Balance or plan an UpScale Retrofit for an existing scale.
