Tanita Scale TBF 612 User Manual

TBF-612BODYFAT  
MONITOR/SCALE  
Instruction Manual  
Read this Instruction Manual carefully  
and keep it for future reference.  
 
Tanita TBF-612 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE  
Principles of body fat percentage measurement  
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-612 allows you to estimate your body fat  
percentage at home as easily as you measure your weight.  
What is body fat percentage?  
Body fat percentage is the percentage of fat in your body. Until now, your absolute  
weight has determined whether or not you were considered overweight or obese. In  
recent years, the definition of obesity has been refined to mean the presence of excess  
body fat. Too much body fat has been linked to conditions such as high blood pressure,  
heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and other disabling conditions.  
1, 2  
Body Fat Ranges for Standard Adults  
Underfat  
Healthy  
Overfat  
Obese  
Female 20–39  
Age 40–59  
60–79  
0%  
10%  
20%  
30%  
40%  
Male 20–39  
Age 40–59  
60–79  
Underfat  
1 Based on NIH/WHO BMI Guidelines.  
2 As reported by Gallagher, et al., at NY Obesity Research Center.  
To determine the percentage of body fat that is appropriate for your body, consult your physician.  
Healthy  
Overfat  
Obese  
The BIA method  
The TBF-612 uses the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) technique. In this method,  
a safe low-level electrical signal is passed through the body. It is difficult for the signal to  
flow through fat in the human body, but easy to flow through moisture in the muscle  
and other body tissues. The difficulty with which a signal flows through a substance is  
called impedance. So the amount of fat in the body can be accurately estimated by mea-  
suring the impedance. The signal used is very low, making it safe and imperceptible.  
Tanita’s patented foot-pad” design sends a safe,  
low-level electrical signal through the body to deter-  
mine its composition.  
The illustration on the left show how the signal travels through the body.  
Body fat percentage fluctuations in a day  
Body Fat %  
Hydration levels in the body may affect body fat readings. Readings are usually highest  
in the early waking hours, since the body tends to be dehydrated after a long nights  
sleep. For the most accurate reading, a person should take a body fat percentage reading  
at a consistent time of day under consistent conditions.  
22  
21  
20  
Besides this basic cycle of fluctuations in the daily body fat readings, variations may be  
caused by hydration changes in the body due to eating, drinking, menstruation, illness,  
exercising, and bathing. Daily body fat readings are unique to each person, and depend  
upon ones lifestyle, job and activities.  
19  
18  
17  
The graph on the left shows an example of daily body fat percentage fluctuations.  
6am  
10am  
2pm  
6pm  
10pm Time  
Advantages of the Tanita TBF-612  
Daily fluctuations in body fat percentage based on  
the BIA method  
Previously, body fat percentage was determined by measuring the thickness of subcuta-  
neous fat by pinching it with calipers, or by laying a person on a scanning bed and pass-  
ing a current from hand to foot. However, these methods had problems; measurement  
values varied, professional skills were required, and extensive time was required for mea-  
surement. Currently, the standard methods of fat percentage measurement are DEXA  
(dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and Hydrodensitometry (underwater weighing).  
Based on data from both the DEXA and underwater weighing methods, Tanita established  
a formula for estimating the percentage of body fat. There is a high correlation between  
measurements taken with the TBF-612 and those obtained through DEXA and underwa-  
ter weighing.  
2
 
Table of contents  
1
2
Safety precautions  
Important notes for users  
Principles of body fat percentage measurement  
What is body fat percentage?  
Reasonable ranges of body fat percentage  
Body fat percentage measurement  
Body fat percentage fluctuations in a day  
Advantages of the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-612  
4
Features and functions of TBF-612  
Components  
Measuring platform  
Accessories  
Useful features of the TBF-612  
Selecting the Weight Mode (lb, kg or st-lb)  
Preparations before use  
5
6
Inserting the batteries  
Positioning the monitor  
Attaching the support feet  
Handling tips  
How to measure body fat percentage  
7
Overview of measuring  
Setting and storing data in memory  
Taking measurements  
Multiple users  
Replacing the batteries  
Troubleshooting  
9
Specifications  
Warranty form  
10  
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION NOTICE  
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide  
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and  
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particu-  
lar installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is  
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:  
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.  
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.  
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.  
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio or television technician for help.  
Modifications  
The FCC requires the user to be notied that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Tanita Corporation may void the users  
authority to operate the equipment.  
3
 
TANITA TBF-612 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE  
Components  
Support feet  
Batteries(4)  
This Instruction Manual  
Educational booklet  
Getting Started” workbook  
Features and functions of components:  
1. Display screen  
2. Orange Set button  
3. Green Arrow (select) button  
4. Ball-of-foot electrodes  
5. Heel electrodes  
6. Personal key (start switch)  
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
Accessories  
7. Support feet (4)  
Only needed if unit is placed on carpet. Do not use these feet on hard flooring.  
8. Batteries (4)  
These are trial batteries; their service life will be short. New batteries will  
last for about a year if the unit is used every day.  
4
 
Useful features of the TBF-612  
The TBF-612 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously  
as easily and simply as stepping on a scale.  
The TBF-612 can be set for a standard adult or athlete and male or female, increasing  
the accuracy of the measurements.  
Personal data (Adult or Athlete, gender and height) are stored in the memory  
of the unit.  
Selecting the Weight Mode (lb, kg or st-lb)  
The TBF-612 can measure weight in three different modes: lb (pounds), kg (kilograms) or  
st-lb (British stone-pounds). The default setting (the setting at which Tanita products are  
shipped) is lb. If you would like to change that setting, or if at any point another setting  
has been inadvertently entered, follow these steps:  
Press  
cycle through each weight mode until just the mode that you require is displayed. Then  
press . The display screen will flash to confirm your selection and store it in memory.  
and  
simultaneously. Release the buttons, the display will flash. Press  
to  
Note: If weight mode is set to pounds or stone-pounds, the height programming mode will be automatically  
set to feet and inches. Similarly, if kilograms is selected, height will be automatically set to centimeters.  
Automatic shut-down function  
The automatic shut-down function shuts off the power automatically in the  
following cases:  
• If you interrupt the measurement process.  
The power will shut down automatically within 10 to 20 seconds, depending  
upon the type of operation.  
• If an extraordinary weight is applied to the platform.  
• If you make a mistake during measurement or a key operation.  
Note: If the power shuts off automatically, repeat the steps from the beginning (see p.8 for steps).  
5
 
TANITA TBF-612 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE  
Preparations before use:  
Inserting the batteries  
1. Locate the battery cover on the back of the monitor platform. Press the tab to release  
Open as shown  
the cover as shown.  
Direction of the batteries  
2. Insert the supplied batteries as indicated.  
Note: Be sure that the polarity of the batteries is set properly. If the batteries are incorrectly  
positioned the fluid may leak and damage oors. If you do not intend to use this unit for a long  
period of time, it is advisable to remove the batteries before storage.  
Positioning the monitor  
Place the monitor on a hard, flat surface where there is minimal vibration to ensure safe  
and accurate measurement.  
Note: To avoid possible injury, do not step on the edge of the platform.  
Attaching the support feet (carpet use only)  
Insert the support feet into the holes at the four corners on the bottom of the  
measuring platform.  
Note: Do not use the monitor on any carpeting that is more than 0.8" (20 mm) in thickness.  
Do not use the support feet on hard, flat surfaces, as the unit may tip over.  
Handling tips  
This monitor is a precision instrument utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To keep the  
unit in the best condition, follow these instructions carefully:  
• Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.  
• Store the unit horizontally, and place it so that the Personal key will not be  
pressed accidentally.  
• Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the unit.  
• Place the unit in an area free from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity,  
or extreme temperature change.  
Never submerge in water. To clean, use a dampened cloth and mild detergent.  
Use alcohol to clean the electrodes.  
• When you change the batteries, exchange all four batteries at the same time with  
new batteries.  
If you need assistance, please call our toll-free customer service number at 1-800-TANITA-8.  
6
 
How to measure body fat percentage  
Overview of measuring  
To get the most accurate absolute values, measurements should be taken while wearing  
no clothing, preferably in the evening, and after urinating. If you do not undress, always  
remove your socks or stockings, and be sure the soles of your feet are clean before step-  
ping on the measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform. If used after bathing, the  
body must be completely dry.  
Note: Accurate measurement will not be possible if the soles of your feet are not clean, or if your knees  
are bent or you are in a sitting position.  
It is best to take measurements at the same time each day, preferably in the evening. If  
doing so is not convenient, remember to wait about three hours after rising, eating, or  
hard exercise before taking measurements. While readings taken under other conditions  
may not have the same absolute values, they are accurate for determining the percentage  
of change as long as the readings are taken in a consistent manner. To monitor progress,  
compare weight and body fat percentage measurements taken under the same conditions  
over a period of time.  
Setting and storing data in memory  
The TBF-612 can be operated only if data has been pre-programmed. Once programmed,  
tapping the Personal key turns the monitor on. The unit has an automatic shut-down  
function. If you do not step on the platform after pressing the Personal key, the unit will  
automatically shut off in about 30 seconds.  
1. Turn on the power  
When programming data, use the Orange Set button to turn the unit on.  
Turn the unit on.  
2. Select Standard Adult or Athlete  
Use the Green Arrow button to specify Adult or Athlete mode, then press the Orange  
Set button.  
Adult = age 18 or older.  
Athlete = adult involved in intense physical activity of at least 10 hours per week and  
who has a resting heart rate of approximately 60 beats per minute or less.  
This includes “lifetime of fitness” individuals but excludes “enthusiastic  
beginners.” (See p.1 for Tanitas definition of “athlete.”)  
Select Standard Adult  
or Athlete.  
Install in memory.  
3. Select Male or Female  
Use the Green Arrow button to select the appropriate gender, then press the Orange Set  
button. ( ) Male ( ) Female  
Select gender.  
Specify the height.  
Install in memory.  
Install in memory.  
4. Specify the height  
Use the Green Arrow button to specify the height in feet and inches (or cm if the weight  
mode is set to kg). Then press the Orange Set button.  
The display will flash all data (Adult/Athlete, male/female and height) for 3 seconds to  
confirm the programming. The power will automatically turn off.  
Confirmed data will flash for 3 seconds.  
7
 
TANITA TBF-612 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE  
Taking measurements  
1. Turn on the power  
Using your toe, turn the unit on by tapping the Personal key located on the lower right-  
hand corner of the platform.  
Your pre-set data will appear (Adult/Athlete, gender, height).  
Immediately after your pre-set data, the display will show “0.0”.  
Turn the unit on.  
2. Take measurement  
Wait for “0.0” to appear before stepping onto the measuring platform.  
Pre-set data will appear.  
Wait for “0.0 lb” to appear.  
Note: If you step on before 0.0”, you will not receive a reading.  
Be sure you are barefoot, and that the soles of your feet are clean and dry.  
Be sure that your toes and heels are correctly aligned on the measuring platform.  
Stand erect on the platform.  
Note: If you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 20 seconds after 0.0” appears, the  
power shuts off automatically.  
Weight will appear first.  
Your weight will be shown first. The numbers 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 will appear one after another in  
the display. The numbers will disappear, and your body fat percentage will be displayed.  
Continue to stand erect on the platform. The values of body fat percentage and body weight  
will be displayed alternately at 2-second intervals. If you remain on the platform, the display  
will continue for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Display counts down from 5 to 1.  
If you step off the platform, the alternating display of body fat percentage and body  
weight will be repeated 3 times, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Body fat percentage will appear.  
Multiple users  
The unit may be used by more than one person. Simply repeat the programming process.  
(Steps 1 through 4 of Setting and storing data in memory.)  
Note: Previously stored data will be erased.  
Data will be repeated 3 times, then the power will  
automatically turn off.  
Replacing the batteries  
When the batteries run low, the “Lo” message will appear on the display window. When  
this message appears, be sure to replace the batteries immediately, since weak batteries  
will affect the accuracy of your measurements.  
Your setting will not be erased from the memory when you remove the batteries.  
New batteries will last for about one year if the unit is used once every day. The unit  
comes with trial batteries; their service life will be short.  
The batteries run low.  
8
 
Troubleshooting  
If the following problems occur...  
Then...  
The units Weight Mode” has been set to measure your weight in units of stone-  
pounds or kilograms. Refer to the Selecting the Weight Mode (lb, kg, or st-lb) on p.5  
if you would like to change the setting back to pounds (lb).  
• “st-lb” or “kg” appears while taking a  
weight measurement.  
Check foot alignment. Make sure you wait for “0.0” to appear before stepping on the  
platform. Check to see that the batteries are fresh and are in the correct positions.  
Nothing appears in the display screen after  
initial display.  
Nothing appears when the Personal key  
is pressed, or  
No data (gender or height) has been stored in the memory.  
the display shows “- - - - -” and goes off  
when the Personal key is pressed.  
Vibration will interfere with measurement of the fat percentage. Be sure to stand erect  
and still on the measuring platform. Do not bend your knees. Be sure that shoes and  
socks are removed and check foot alignment. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.  
• The body fat percentage measurement  
does not appear after the weight  
is measured.  
Be sure you are measuring in the correct user mode (male or female), and that the soles  
of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the guides on the measuring platform.  
Dehydration, exercise, foot calluses, etc. can interfere with measurement of the fat  
percentage. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.  
• The body fat percentage measurement  
is extremely low/extremely high.  
Specifications  
TBF-612  
Weight Capacity  
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)  
Weight Increments  
0.5 lb (0.2 kg) (0.5 lb)  
Fat Percentage  
1%  
Power Supply  
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) battery (x4)—included  
Power Consumption  
60 mA maximum  
After sales service  
Measuring Current  
Please contact the store at which you bought this  
monitor for any inquiry regarding operation or trouble,  
request for repair and/or placement of an order for  
parts or products. Or call 1-800-TANITA-8 (USA and  
Canada only).  
50 kHz 500 µA  
UPC No  
TBF-612-DG (Dark Grey) 742496-166210  
9
 
TANITA PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY  
Not Valid Without Proof of Purchase  
Your Tanita product is warranted to the original consumer only, for three (3) years, to be free from defects in materials and  
workmanship under normal use. This product is designed for personal use only. Tanita Corporation of America reserves  
the right to nullify the warranty agreement should the product be used in a commercial environment. This warranty is void if  
the product has been tampered with or mistreated, or if the defect is related to servicing or parts not supplied by us. Our  
obligation under this warranty is limited solely to the charge of repairing the product, plus the cost of parts or, at the option of  
Tanita, replacing the product with an equivalent model. There are no express or implied warranties except as listed above.  
Tanita is not liable for incidental or consequential damages for failure or malfunction of the product and  
any recovery may not be greater than the purchase price paid for this product. Some states do not allow limita-  
tion on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the  
above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights  
which vary from state to state. No person is authorized to change the terms of this warranty.  
IF PRODUCT IS DEFECTIVE OR NEEDS REPAIR  
Do not return this product to the place of purchase; doing so may delay the processing of your warranty claim.  
Call Tanita at: 1-800-TANITA-8 to receive a Return Authorization Number before returning this product. Include $12.50 for  
handling, return postage and insurance to the facility listed below. Proof of purchase must accompany the product.  
Because of possible loss, we recommend insuring your product, return receipt requested, when using the mail. If you do not  
receive a receipt within a reasonable time, start a tracer through the originating post office. It is important that you pack the  
product carefully prior to shipment to prevent damage in transit and that you include a letter describing in detail the specific  
condition requiring adjustment or repair.  
Tanita PRODUCTS LIMITED AFTER WARRANTY  
All terms and conditions apply as specied above in the original Tanita Limited Warranty except for the cost of labor and parts:  
Minimum charge for After Warranty labor is $30 per hour, plus the cost of parts.  
You will be notied by mail or telephone of the total cost to repair your product to working condition, so prepayment can  
be arranged.  
Your approval is required before any repair work can be performed on your product.  
Please complete the following information and retain for your records.  
MODEL:  
DATE PURCHASED:  
/
/
PURCHASED FROM:  
ADDRESS:  
Please send all returns to:  
Tanita Corporation  
2625 S. Clearbrook Drive  
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA  
10  
 
©2000 Tanita Corporation 7/00 HDI  
www.tanita.com  
Tanita Corporation of Japan  
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho  
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan 174-8630  
Tel: 03-3968-2123  
Tanita Corporation of America Inc.  
2625 South Clearbrook Drive  
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA  
Tel: 847-640-9241 Fax: 847-640-9261  
Toll Free: 1-800-TANITA-8  
Fax: 03-3967-3766  
ISO 9001 Certied  
e-mail: 4health@tanita.com  
Tanita France S.A.  
Villa Labrouste  
68 Boulevard Bourdon  
92200 Neuilly-Sur Seine  
Tel: 01 55 24 99 99 Fax: 01 55 24 98 68  
Tanita Health Equipment H.K. Ltd.  
Unit 301-303 3/F Wing On Plaza  
62 Mody Road, Tsimshatsui East  
Kowloon, Hong Kong  
Tanita Europe GmbH  
Dresdener Strasse 25  
D-71065 Sindelfingen, Germany  
Tel: 07031-6189-6  
Tanita UK Ltd.  
The Barn, Philpots Close, Yiewsley,  
West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 7RY, UK  
Tel: 01895-438577  
Tel: 852-2838-7111 Fax: 852-2838-8667  
Fax: 07031-6189-71  
Fax: 01895-438511  
 

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