**TROUBLESHOOTING NOTE: Some scale owners (especially with the i2600) have noted that their scale will give a MUCH more accurate calibration if calibration is performed as quickly as possible (not pausing between steps). This is especially true in the step after you have placed the calibration weight on the tray. If your scale is acting inaccurate after calibration, please try recalibrating 'as quickly as possible'.

Low Batteries, bad battery connections & Faulty AC Adaptors are the #1 cause of scale malfunction and inaccuracy! We test all of our scale returns from consumers. Fully 60% of consumer returns are battery related problems. This sounds silly but it's true! A scale will perform slowly, or read inaccurately when it has low batteries. Please replace the batteries often (and only use good quality batteries). We include good quality batteries with all of our scales but batteries can run low in storage. If your scale simply won't turn on while on Battery power, this is often caused by loose battery connections. Battery prongs (terminals) are made of metal. They must be making good contact with your batteries in order for the scale to power on. You can use a paperclip to slightly bend the battery prongs to make them have a better connection. Also some poorly designed batteries have recessed or partially obstructed battery terminals. This may cause your prongs to be touching the plastic housing of the battery instead of the metal battery terminal. A Faulty AC adaptor can cause your scale to act unstable with numbers "jumping" all around. Please test your scale with a good set of batteries (instead of the AC adaptor) to determine if perhaps the AC adaptor is faulty.

Due to the SS tray of the iBalance, this model is especially prone to being charged with Static Electricity. Please discharge any static electricity if you think your scale is acting unstable.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
All safety messages are identified by the words warning and caution. These words mean the following:

Warning Important information to alert you to a situation that might cause serious injury and damage to your property if instructions are not followed.

Caution
Important information that tells how to prevent damage to the equipment.

When using the i500/i1200, the following safety precautions should always be followed.

Warning: Use only the correct AC adaptor with the scale. Other adaptors may cause permanent electrical damage. The i2600 uses an adaptor that is different from the i500 and i1200. For reference, the i2600 adaptor is pictured here:

Caution: Avoid placing the scale in direct sunlight, this may cause discoloration or malfunction.

Replace all batteries at the same time. Do not replace only a portion of the 6 batteries as this may cause a malfunction.

If the scale is not to be used for a long period of time, remove all batteries from the battery compartment to avoid leakage which may cause damage to this scale.

Avoid overloading the scale, as this may cause permanent damage.

Keep the scale away from water. This scale is not water resistant. Shock, injury and electrical damage can occur if used in a wet location!

Matter charged with static electricity could affect accuracy. Discharge all static electricity. As example, one method is to use electrification prevention spray, and spray it on both side of weighing platform.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model number i500 Capacity 500g Division .1g
Model number i1200 Capacity 1200g Division .1g
Platter / Tray 145~145mm
Net/gross weight 460/650g
Package Standard carton: 22.5~15.5~4.8(cm3)
24 Units in one box: 48~48~22(cm3)
Operating Temperature 0-40c (32-104f)
Power source 6~AA Size Batteries or AC/DC
Adapter 9V/100mA (optional)

CALIBRATION
When to calibrate - calibration is RARELY required. Calibration may be required when the scale is first set up for use, or if the scale is moved to a different altitude or gravitation. This is necessary because the weight of a mass in one location is not necessarily the same in another location. Also, with time and use, mechanical deviations can occur.

For the i500 you must have an accurate 500 gram weight or a combination of weights that equals 500 grams in order to calibrate. For the i1200 there are 2 models: For the 2003 i1200 you must have an accurate 1200 gram weight or a combination of weights that equals 1200 grams in order to calibrate. For the 2004 i1200 you must have an accurate 1000 gram weight or a combination of weights that equals 1000 grams in order to calibrate. For the i2600 (2004-2007 models) the correct calibration weight is 2000 grams. For i2600 (2002 & 2003 models) the correct calibration weight is 2600 grams

Calibration Procedure:

1. Before entering calibration mode, be sure the scale is powered OFF (must be OFF)
2. Enter calibration mode. Press [ON/OFF] to turn the power off. Press and hold [ZERO] first, then Press [ON/OFF] while keeping the [ZERO] button depressed, the display will show the A/D value (a series of random numbers).
3. Calibration by the weight. Wait for the stable indicator to be displayed, Press [SET] the display will show "00SAVE", after 2 seconds, the display will return to the A/D value.
4. Place the correct calibration weight on platform (see note above )., then immediately press [SET], the display will show "00SAVE" and calibration is finished.
5. Press [ON/OFF], turn off the power, calibration is complete.

Counting procedures

1.Press [ON/OFF] to turn on the scale.

Wait for "0" to appear on the display.

2.Start the Count Procedure

If necessary, press [ZERO] key to set the display to “0”.

3. Place a given number of samples of an item on the pan (the Sample Size should be either 10、20、50 or 100 pieces). The weight of these samples will show on the display.

4. Press the [SET] key several times to put the scale in PCS mode (the indicator should be on pcs).

5. Select the sample size (the same as you chose above) by pressing the [PCS] key (press it as many times as necessary to put it in the correct sample size (the sample size is the same as in step three =10、20、50or100),

6. Press the [SET] key, the display will show “pass”, then after 2 seconds, the scale will remember the sample size you selected and show the starting sample size on the display

(you can now remove the samples if you want to return the scale to 0)

7. Place the items that you want counted onto the tray and the total number of items will show on the display.

8. Press the “SET” key to exit the counting function and return to normal weighing or you can press ON/OFF to turn the scale off .

NOTE: the weight of unit sample > 10e.

FEATURES
Auto shut off. Auto calibration
Auto zero tracking and Auto backlight
Low battery indication and 8 mode conversion
Large LCD (6digits 15 mm high)
Large square stainless steel weighing tray
Net weight/stability indication
0.1 gram division with professional accuracy

PARTS DESCRIPTIONS

Side
AC adaptor
Socket

Top
Weighing platform: The arch face of platform is front, Correct the direction of the pan.
Protectors: Remove these before use
Display
ON/OFF key: Turns the scale Power on/off.
MODE key; Changes weighing units, g/oz/ozt/dwt/lb/gn/ct/n. ZERO key (for TARE): Sets display to zero or Subtracts weight of a container.

Bottom
Battery compartment, Battery compartment cover, Batteries: Use 6 AA batteries
Zero indicator: Indicates when the scale zero is correct. Weighing unit
Stable indicator: Indicates when the reading is stable.
Low battery indicator

PREPARATION

Installing batteries/Connecting the AC adaptor
Remove the battery compartment and insert six Dry batteries(R6P/LR6/AA size) into the battery compartment. Use extreme care that the polarities plus and minus are correct.

Plug the AC adapter to the AC adapter socket on the side. The AC input requirement could be 100,120,220,230 or 240Volts (50/60Hz) depending on the area where used, so please verify that the adaptor is correct.

Setting up the i500
Caution: Avoid placing the scale in direct sunlight, this may cause discoloration or malfunction. Place your i500/i1200 on a firm weighing table so that the scale is level. (The scale will not perform accurately when it is not level.) Make sure there are absolutely NO air currents or vibrations. They can cause inaccurate readings.

Place the scale on a firm surface that is flat and level for accurate weighing.

Weighing
Before weighing, a several second warm up time is required after turning the power on so that the scale will function properly and accurately. Calibration may be required before weighing. Calibration is rarely needed. Read "CALIBRATION" first and if necessary, calibrate your scale for accurate weighing.

Weighing Procedure

1. Press [ON/OFF] to turn on the scale. When the power is turned on, all display segments appear for a few seconds and "0" will appear on the display.
2. Select the weighing unit with [SET]. Press [SET] to select a weighing unit (g, oz, ozt, dwt, etc..). Once the unit has been selected, the selected unit will be displayed next to the weight value.
3. Start weighing. If you do not use a container for weighing, Verify the reading is "0". If not, press [ZERO] to display "0". Place objects on the weighing platform to weigh. When the reading becomes stable, the stable indicator is displayed. If you use a container for weighing, Place an empty container on the platform. Wait for the stability indicator to be displayed and press [ZERO]. Place the objects to be weighed in the container. When the reading becomes stable, the stable indicator is displayed.

FUNCTION SETTINGS (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 models only)

1. Enter function setting mode.

Press [ON/OFF] to turn the power off, Press [Mode] first, then press [ON/OFF], while keeping [Mode] pressed, the display will show b_on arrow direct to light, this means enter the selection of auto backlight mode. Press [Mode] key again, the display will show d-on arrow direct to A-OFF, this means enter the selection of auto shut off mode.

2. Selection of auto backlight mode.

The [ZERO] key use to select auto backlight function, when the scale enter function setting menu and the display will show b_on arrow, this means auto backlight function active, press [ZERO] again, the display will not show b_off arrow, this means auto backlight function inactive.

3. Selection of auto shut off mode.

The [Mode] key use to select auto shut off function, when the scale enter function setting menu and the display will show d_on arrow, this means auto shut off function active. Press [Mode] again, the display will not show d_off arrow, this means auto shut off function inactive.

4. Return to weighing mode.

Press [ON/OFF] to turn the power off, press [ON/OFF] again to turn on the power and the scale return to the weighing mode.

How Much Should My Birds Weigh?

Healthy adult cockatiels usually weigh 78 to 125 grams. Birds should always be weighed in grams, which is a metric measurement. (There are approximately 28 grams in an ounce.) It is important that a bird is weighed on an accurate gram scale. Electronic scales are available for purchase from bird-supply companies and office-supply retailers. These can be modified by installing a lightweight perch to facilitate weighing birds. A basket may come with some models for weighing baby birds and eggs. Another accurate scale is the triple-beam balance. Serious aviculturists, hobby breeders and pet owners should purchase a quality scale to periodically weigh eggs, babies and pet birds.

Monitoring your bird's weight is one of the easiest ways to keep tabs on its health. Weight change is a very good indicator of a problem with a bird. Weight gain (in an adult bird) may alert an owner and avian vet about the possibility of a bird developing fatty liver syndrome (hepatic lipidosis), fatty tumors (lipomas and xanthomas) or generalized lipornatosis (an abnormal layer of fat deposited under the skin). Weight gain may also be caused by metabolic problems, heart or liver problems resulting in a fluid build-up, problems associated with egg binding, some tumors, lack of exercise or an inappropriate diet.

Weight loss can be a sign of many infectious diseases (including proventricular dilatation disease [PDD], aspergillosis and others), infestation with parasites (including Giardia and roundworms), inappropriate diet, competition for food with other birds, metabolic problems, some tumors and beak problems.

So, weight change should always be brought to the attention of your avian vet. If you have an accurate gram scale, I recommend that you get into the habit of weighing your pet birds on a weekly basis. Weight loss that is not discernable by handling your bird will be documented by the scale long before a bird may become clinically ill and weight loss is obvious.

Just as there are variations in the weights of humans, the same holds true for our birds. Some people are tall and model thin, and, in the industry, Hollywood called some actresses and models "lollipops" because it seems like their heads are too large for their stick-like bodies. This, of course, represents an extreme in body type, but people come in all shapes and sizes. If you have ever checked out the insurance company's weight charts, you'll notice that they have a great weight range for each height on the chart, based on a persons bone structure. While bone structure descriptions are not available for birds, an experienced avian vet will decide if your bird's weight is normal for its size. When I evaluate a bird, I take into account its total length, body structure, pectoral muscling and amount of visible and palpable body fat. I also factor into the equation information from the history regarding the birds diet, cage size and activity level.

When I weigh a bird and give the owner the number, I am invariably asked if this is a good weight for the bird. Because I usually weigh the bird first, before I perform the hands-on physical exam, I cannot answer that question immediately. Once I weigh the bird, then look at it and palpate (carefully feel) the bones, pectoral (chest) muscles, skin and body fat, I can make an assessment about the weight. Deciding if a bird is too thin or too fat is quite a subjective matter, and cannot be simply based on a number on a scale.

Some cockatiels, especially some lutinos and other color mutations bred for the pet trade, tend to be rather smallboned birds. For these birds, a weight between 78 and 90 grams may be average. Cockatiel breeders that are selectively breeding their birds for showing in competition will usually have larger birds. They tend to be longer and more solid in appearance, and often weigh between 110 and 125 grams. I have seen pet cockatiels; that weighed in at a rotund 150 grams. One cinnamon hen comes to mind. She was so obese that she had actual cleavage of the pectoral muscles and a large amount of body fat. By evaluation of her length and bone structure, I estimated that she should have weighed about 125 grams. In the bird world, hens tend to be smaller than males, but, as with all things, there are exceptions.

You can see that you can have the cockatiel equivalents of Laurel and Hardy. There are many different body types and weights, with some that need to be monitored closely so that they do not gain too much weight. It is very important that you establish what is a normal weight for your pet birds. An accurate gram scale is an important piece of equipment for the serious bird owner. As an alternative, many avian vets will weigh your birds for you at no charge or for a minimal fee. You will just need to be diligent enough to bring your bird into the clinic periodically for its weigh-in. Either way, monitoring your birds' weights is easy and could save their lives by allowing early diagnosis of many medical problems.

Black-headed caique - 145 to 170 grams

Blue-and-gold macaw 800 to 1292 grams

Blue-crowned conure - 84 to 100 grams

Blue-fronted Amazon - 275 to 510 grams (avg. 400 to 430 grams)

Blue-headed pionus - 230 to 260 grams (avg. 250 grams)

Budgerigar - 25 to 60 grams (average 25 to 36 grams)

Canary - 12 to 29 grams

Congo African grey - 380 to 554 grams

Double-yellow-headed Amazon - 450 to 650 grams

Goffin's cockatoo - 221 to 386 grams

Green-cheeked conure - 60 to 80 grams

Greenwinged macaw - 900 to 1529 grams

Lovebird - 45 to 70 grams

Moluccan cockatoo - 640 to 1025 grams (avg. 850 grams)

Pacific parrotlet - 31 to 34 grams

Quaker parakeet - 90 to 150 grams (avg. 110 to 120)

Rose-breasted cockatoo - 281 to 390 grams

Senegal parrot - 110 to 130 grams (avg. 125 grams)

Sun conure - 100 to 130 grams (avg. 120)

Timneh African grey - 300 to 360 grams

Umbrella cockatoo - 458 to 750 grams (avg. 600 to 700 grams)

Yellow-naped Amazon - 480 to 680 grams

Zebra finch - 10 to 16 grams

Some of these weight ranges are from published sources; others come directly from weights derived in my own practice.