OHAUS Scout STX Portable Precision Balance

Overview

The OHAUS Scout STX Portable Precision Balance is an engineered solution for demanding laboratory, quality control, and light industrial weighing applications where accuracy, speed, and operational flexibility are critical. Utilizing electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR) technology, the Scout STX delivers high-resolution mass measurement with exceptional stability and repeatability. Its 1 mg readability and 120 g maximum capacity position it within the precision balance class—distinct from analytical balances (typically ≤0.1 mg readability) yet exceeding standard top-loading balances in metrological performance. Designed and manufactured in the United States, the instrument meets rigorous international design and testing standards, including those referenced in ASTM E617 (Specification for Laboratory Weighing Scales) and aligned with principles supporting ISO/IEC 17025-compliant calibration practices. The compact, stackable chassis enables efficient benchtop utilization without compromising structural integrity or environmental resilience.

Key Features

• 4.3-inch WQVGA resistive touchscreen interface: Graphical user interface with intuitive icon-driven navigation enables rapid access to weighing modes, unit selection, menu configuration, and internal calibration—all without physical buttons or membrane overlays.
• Sub-second stabilization: Achieves stable readings in ≤1.5 seconds under standard ambient conditions, significantly reducing cycle time in repetitive QC tasks such as raw material verification or formulation checks.
• 10× overload protection: Robust mechanical architecture withstands transient loads up to ten times rated capacity—critical in dynamic production environments where accidental overloading may occur.
• Integrated real-time clock (RTC): Maintains accurate timestamping even during AC power interruption; supports GLP/GMP-compliant data traceability by automatically recording date/time, sample name, project ID, and balance identifier with each stored result.
• Multi-interface connectivity: Standard RS232, USB Device, USB Host (for direct U-disk data export), and optional Ethernet enable seamless integration into LIMS, MES, or centralized data acquisition systems.
• Dual-power operation: Operates via included AC adapter or four AA batteries (up to 6 hours continuous use), ensuring portability across lab, warehouse, or field deployment scenarios.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Scout STX accommodates a broad range of sample types—including powders, granules, small components, and packaged goods—within its 93 mm × 120 mm stainless steel pan. Optional removable draft shield (standard on 1 mg models) mitigates air-current-induced drift in non-climate-controlled settings. The balance complies with key regulatory expectations for data integrity: automatic time/date stamping, operator-assignable identifiers, and non-editable result logs meet foundational requirements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when used with validated software workflows) and support audit readiness under GLP and GMP frameworks. Its construction adheres to IP32-rated ingress protection (dust-resistant, drip-shielded), and environmental specifications conform to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC immunity) and IEC 61010-1 (safety for laboratory equipment).

Software & Data Management

Data capture is natively supported via ASCII-based serial protocols (RS232/USB), enabling direct import into Excel, LabArchives, or custom SQL databases without proprietary drivers. The USB Host interface allows one-touch saving of weighing records—including metadata—to FAT32-formatted USB drives. While the balance does not include embedded PC software, its communication protocol is fully documented in the OHAUS Connectivity Guide (v3.2+), facilitating third-party integration with ELN platforms compliant with ASTM E2500 or ISO 15197. Audit trail functionality is implemented at the firmware level: all calibrations, parameter changes, and weight recordings generate immutable timestamps and event codes accessible via query commands.

Applications

The Scout STX serves as a primary weighing tool across regulated and non-regulated domains: pharmaceutical excipient dispensing (per USP repeatability criteria), food ingredient batching (HACCP-critical control points), electronics component counting (SMT assembly line verification), polymer additive dosing in R&D labs, and educational quantitative analysis. Its portability and battery operation make it suitable for mobile QA inspections in cleanrooms, warehouse receiving docks, or field service calibration verification. In academic settings, it supports stoichiometric preparation, gravimetric titration, and density determination experiments requiring ±0.002 g repeatability.

FAQ

What is the measurement principle employed by the Scout STX?
The Scout STX uses electromagnetic force restoration (EMFR), wherein load-induced displacement of the weighing pan is counteracted by a precisely controlled electromagnetic current; the resulting current magnitude is linearly proportional to mass and digitally converted to a display value.
Does the balance support external calibration?
No—calibration is internal only, using built-in reference masses; external calibration is not supported per design specification.
Is the touchscreen compatible with gloves?
Yes—the resistive touch technology responds reliably to gloved fingertips or stylus input, making it suitable for use in controlled environments requiring PPE.
Can the balance store multiple user-defined tare values?
Tare is applied dynamically per weighing session; persistent tare memory is not implemented—consistent with ISO 9001 process control recommendations for traceable zeroing.
What documentation is provided for regulatory validation?
OHAUS supplies a Factory Calibration Certificate (traceable to NIST), User Manual (EN/ISO-compliant), and Connectivity Protocol Specification—sufficient for IQ/OQ execution per GAMP 5 guidelines.