The Tanita BC-545F is a segmental body composition monitor designed for home healthcare. It provides detailed measurements of body composition by passing a low-level electrical signal through the body. The device is intended for adults and children (ages 7-17) with inactive to moderately active lifestyles, as well as adults with athletic lifestyles.
Function Description:
The primary function of the BC-545F is to measure and monitor various body composition parameters. It utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) to estimate these values. The monitor provides readings for:
- Body Weight: Measured in kilograms (kg), pounds (lb), or stones and pounds (st lb).
- Body Fat Percentage: The proportion of fat in the body.
- Body Mass Index (BMI): A measure of body fat based on height and weight.
- Total Body Water Percentage: The amount of water in the body.
- Muscle Mass: The weight of muscle in the body.
- Physique Rating: A qualitative assessment of body type.
- Bone Mass: The weight of bone mineral in the body.
- Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): The number of calories the body needs to function at rest.
- Metabolic Age: Compares an individual's BMR to the average BMR for their age group.
- Visceral Fat Level: An assessment of the fat surrounding internal organs.
In addition to whole-body measurements, the BC-545F offers segmental analysis, providing body fat percentage and muscle mass readings for five distinct segments:
- Whole body
- Right arm
- Left arm
- Trunk
- Right leg
- Left leg
The device includes a recall function to view previous readings, allowing users to track their progress over time. It stores data for current readings, previous readings, 1 week before, and 12 months before.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Model: BC-545F
- Weight Capacity: 150 kg (330 lb) (23 st 8 lb)
- Weight Increments: 0.1 kg (0.2 lb)
- Body Fat Increments: 0.1%
- Personal Data Memories: 5
- Power Supply: 4 AA batteries (included)
- Power Consumption: 60 mA maximum
- Measuring Current: 50 kHz, 100 µA
- Height Range: 100 cm – 220 cm (3' 4.0” – 7' 3.0”)
- Age Range: 7 – 99 years (for body fat monitor function, children aged 7-17 will only display body weight, BMI, and body fat%)
Usage Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: The device features a display screen, ON/OFF key, SET button, USER button, PAST/Down button, RESULT/Up button, and Muscle mass/Body Fat% buttons for easy navigation and data input.
- Personal Data Storage: Up to 5 personal data profiles can be stored, including birthday (year/month/day), gender (female/male, female/athlete, male/athlete), and height.
- Athlete Mode: Tanita defines "athlete" as an individual involved in intense physical activity of approximately 12 hours per week with a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less. This definition also includes "lifetime of fitness" individuals who have been fit for years but currently exercise less than 10 hours per week.
- Guest Mode: Allows for one-time use without storing personal data, useful for temporary users.
- Weight Measurement Only Mode: The device can be used solely as a weight scale if desired.
- Automatic Shut-Down Function: The unit automatically turns off after a period of inactivity (20-60 seconds) or after completing a measurement.
- Date and Time Setting: Users can set the current year, month, day, hour, and minute.
- Hand-Electrodes: The device incorporates hand-electrodes for comprehensive segmental analysis, which must be held during measurement.
- Measuring Platform: Features foot electrodes for accurate readings.
- Weight Mode Switch: A switch on the back of the scale allows users to easily switch between kilograms (kg), pounds (lb), and stones and pounds (st lb).
- Audible Confirmations: The unit beeps to confirm button presses and completion of programming steps.
Maintenance Features:
- Battery Replacement: The device uses 4 AA batteries. Users are advised to replace all batteries simultaneously when the "Lo" indicator appears to maintain accuracy.
- Cleaning: The electrodes should be cleaned with alcohol and glass cleaner (applied to a cloth first) to keep them shiny. Soaps should be avoided.
- Storage: The unit should be stored horizontally, away from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity, and extreme temperature changes. If not used for a long period, batteries should be removed.
- Error Messages: The device displays "Err" for movement during measurement or if body fat percentage exceeds 75%, and "L" if weight capacity is exceeded, guiding users to correct issues.
- Data Preservation: Settings and past memory are not erased when batteries are removed for replacement.
Safety Precautions:
- Individuals with electronic medical implants (e.g., pacemakers) should not use the monitor due to potential interference from low-level electrical signals.
- Pregnant women should only use the weight function.
- The scale should be placed on a hard, flat, stable surface.
- Avoid using the scale on slippery or wet surfaces.
- Do not use immediately after bathing or strenuous exercise, as the platform may be slippery.
- Ensure feet are clean and properly aligned on the electrodes.
- Do not bend knees or pull the hand-electrode cable beyond the red band during measurement.
- Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.
- Avoid excessive impact or vibration.
- Never submerge the unit in water.
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