How to Set Up the CAS PDN 15Kg Scale

The CAS-PDN 15kg scale is a great choice for businesses wanting a budget-friendly solution that works well with compatible POS software. 

In this set up guide, we'll explain the components of your CAS PDN 15kg scale and how to set it up, including common FAQs when it comes to the scale itself. 

Names and Functions:

In the above image, you'll see all the components that make up the CAS PDN scale. How do they all work?

• The platter, display and key board all work together to display the weight of an item put on the scale. 
• The adjusting bolt allows you to balance your scale on the counter for a perfect measurement. 
• You'll see there's a power switch on the device, a USB B-Type port and RS-232 port. Those ports are the ones that allow the scale to connect to your till as well as other devices. 

What can I connect the CAS PDN to and how? 

The USB B port is the primary interface for retail systems and serves two purposes:

• POS Data Communication - it sends the weight data to your computer or POS software directly, using what's called ECR protocols. No need for manual weight entry at the checkout counter, so you have a faster transaction. 
• How does the CAS PDN 15kg scale receive power? Through the USB port! The POS terminal it would be connected to or host computer means you don't need a power adapter. 

Note: If you choose to configure the scale's internal settings to "USB ECR" mode, communication goes entirely through this port.

What is an ECR protocol and how does it work with a scale?

An ECR (Electronic Cash Register) protocol is a set of communication rules and command codes that a weighing scale uses to transmit weight data to a Point of Sale (POS) system or cash register. 

This CAS PDN scale enables different ways of data communication:

• Continuous (ECR Type 14) - Scale continuously shares weight data down the cable multiple times per second and the POS system listens out for this live feed and grabs the weight number the exact second the cashier brings up the item for a sale. 
• Request/Command Mode (ECR Type 12) - Scale is not sending any messages - only when the cashier scans a barcoded item sold by weight like bananas, the POS software sends a specific prompt. The scale watches out for this prompt and replies with the exact weight once and then continues to be "quiet" again. 

There are a variety of ECR types the CAS PDN scale supports and is pre-loaded with all of the industry variations into the scale's firmware.

When you're setting up the scale, look at your POS software's configuration settings to see what scale brand or protocol (language) it's going to expect. You would enter the scale's internal menu and match it to the ECR type number. 

Find the ECR type number using the CAS PDN manual. - If you can't find it online, contact us. 

What does the RS-232 port do? 

A serial interface such as the RS-232 is typically used in what is known as "legacy set ups". As the name suggests, it's used for connecting the scale to older devices if you don't want to upgrade your whole set up or dedicated peripherals.

What can you connect using the RS-232 port? 

• Peripheral Connectivity (Printers): It is most commonly used to connect dedicated ticket or label printers. It sends weight data to the printer based on your configuration (e.g. printing continuously, printing only when the weight stabilises, or printing when a key is pressed). 

• Legacy POS/ECR Systems: Older cash registers or specialty industrial computers that lack USB ports rely on RS-232 to fetch the scale's weight data. 

• Power Limitation: Unlike the USB port, the RS-232 port cannot provide power to the scale. If you are using the RS-232 port for data transmission, you will need to plug the scale's USB cable into an external USB AC power brick to supply power.

The Set Up Checklist:

You should now know how the CAS PDN scale works and connects to different peripherals. For the most easy set up, here is our recommended set up checklist:

• Make sure the POS till or cash register you are going to be using with the scale, has either the RS-232 port or the USB ports for data transmission. The scale doesn't come with any USB or serial cables, so these will have to be purchased separately. 
• If you're using a label printer, make sure it includes a serial RS-232 port for communication with the scale. 
• Check with your POS software provider whether the scale is compatible with their software. They will be the ones to check what ECR protocol their software uses and if the printer isn't natively set to use the type they mention, please refer to the above ECR protocol instructions provided. You can contact us to check with your POS software provider too.

Common FAQs:

Q: Why does my scale display "Err 1" when I turn it on?

• Answer: Err 1 is an Initial Zero Range Error. It happens if you turn the scale on while something is sitting on the platter, or if the internal zero point has drifted.

• How to fix it: Completely clear the platter and restart the scale. If the error persists while empty, the zero point has drifted past its allowed percentage and the scale requires re-calibration. 

Q: What does "Err 0" mean?

• Answer: Err 0 indicates the scale cannot achieve a stable reading.

• How to fix it: Ensure the scale isn't being shaken by strong nearby vibrations (like a compressor or heavy fan). Check the four feet under the scale and look at the physical bubble level - adjust the legs until the bubble rests perfectly inside the center circle.

Q: What does "Err 3" mean?

• Answer: This is an Overload Error. Whatever is on the scale exceeds its 15kg (or absolute maximum) limit. Take the item off immediately to avoid damaging the internal load cell.

Q: How do I change the ECR/POS communication Type?

• Answer: If your checkout system isn't registering the weight, the scale's protocol likely doesn't match the POS software.

• The Fix:

  1. Turn the scale OFF.

  2. Press and hold down the [ZERO] key, then tap the power switch to turn it back on.

  3. The display will show U SEt (USB Setting).

  4. Press [ZERO] to enter the menu, and cycle through using [TARE] to select your protocol type (e.g., Type 5 is commonly used for modern POS systems like Toast or NCR). (Confirm with your POS software provider)

  5. Press [ZERO] again to save. The display will briefly flash ECr and reboot.

Q: Can I connect a label printer and a POS system at the same time?

• Answer: Yes, but only if you use specific ports.

  If you set the scale's menu to USB ECR mode, you can route weight data to your POS terminal through the USB port, which leaves the RS-232 serial port free to attach an external printer (like the CAS DEP-50 or DLP-50).

  (Note: If you use RS232 ECR mode to talk to the computer, the printer function is automatically disabled.)

Q: Why isn't the scale turning on when plugged into the POS terminal?

• Answer: While the CAS PDN is designed to draw power entirely through its USB B-Type port, some older POS terminal tills or unpowered USB splitters do not output enough voltage to drive the scale's LED display.

• How to fix it: Unplug the scale from the shared hub and plug it directly into a high-power USB port on the main host computer, or bypass terminal power entirely by using a standard 5V USB AC wall adapter.

Q: How do I weigh items using a container (Tare)?

• Answer:

  • Place the empty basket, bowl, or container on the scale platter.

  • Press the [TARE] key—the display will drop back down to 0.000.

  • Place your food or item into the container; the screen will display only the net weight of the goods.

  • When you remove everything, the scale will show a negative number. Press [TARE] once more to clear it back to zero.

Need any further help or advice? Contact our team today.