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 night’s
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 one’s 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 notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Tanita Corporation may void the user’s
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 floors. 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 Tanita’s 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 unit’s “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 specified 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 notified 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 Certified
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
|