TBF-604BODYFAT
MONITOR/SCALE
Instruction Manual
TANITA TBF-604 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE
Principles of body fat percentage measurement
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale TBF-604 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-604 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 meas-
uring 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
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.
Body Fat %
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.
Advantages of the Tanita TBF-604
6am
10am
2pm
6pm
10pm Time
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
measurement. Currently, the standard methods of fat percentage measurement are
DEXA (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) and Hydrodensitometry (underwater weigh-
ing).
Daily fluctuations in body fat percentage based
on the BIA method
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-604 and those obtained through DEXA and underwa-
2
ter weighing.
Table of contents
page
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-604
4
6
7
Features and functions of TBF-604
Components
Measuring platform
Accessories
Useful features of the TBF-604
Preparations before use
Inserting the batteries
Positioning the monitor
Attaching the support feet
Handling tips
How to measure body fat percentage
Overview of measuring
Setting and storing data in memory
Taking measurements
Multiple users
Replacing the batteries
9
Troubleshooting
Specifications
10
Warranty
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-604 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE
Features and functions of the TBF-604
Components
Measuring platform
(1)
(4)
(4)
(1)
(1)
(1)
Support feet
AA-size batteries
Instruction manual
Warranty card
Educational booklet
Getting Started workbook (1)
Measuring platform
1. Display screen
2. Blue Set button
3. Green Arrow (select) button
4. Toe electrodes
5. Heel electrodes
6. Guide marks sticker
For positioning heels when standing on the unit.
7. PERSONAL keys (start switch)
Setting of adult male or female and height for two persons can
be stored in the memory of the unit.
1
2
3
4
6
7
5
4
Accessories
8. Support feet (4)
8
For use on carpeting 0.8 inch thick or less; a hard, uncarpeted surface
is recommended.
9. AA-size 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.
9
Useful features of the TBF-604
The TBF-604 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously
as easily and simply as stepping on a scale.
The TBF-604 can be set for an adult male or female, increasing the accuracy of
the measurements.
Personal data (gender and height) are stored in the memory of the unit.
Switching the weight mode
The TBF-604 can record measurements in lb (pounds), kg (kilograms), or st-lb (British
stone pounds). To select the preferred mode, make sure the monitor is off. Press the
Green Arrow and Blue Set buttons simultaneously. Press the Green Arrow button to
choose your measurement mode (lb/kg/st-lb), then press the Blue Set button. The display
screen will flash to confirm your selection and store it in memory. (To change weight
mode, repeat the previous steps.)
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.
• After you have completed the measurement process.
NOTE: If the power shuts off automatically due to a problem, repeat the steps from the
beginning (see pp. 7-8 for steps).
5
TANITA TBF-604 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 AA-size 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 inch 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
AA-size 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-604 can be operated only if data has been pre-programmed. Once programmed,
tapping the appropriate 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.
The TBF-604 is a Personal Model for male or female adults aged 18 or older.
Turn the unit on.
The TBF-604 is not intended for use by persons involved in intense aerobic exercise of at least 10 hours
per week and who have a resting heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute. It is also not intended for
professional athletes or bodybuilders who may experience physical changes due to dehydration.
1. Turn on the power
When programming data, use the Blue Set button to turn the unit on. The numbers
(1 or 2) will appear and the display will flash.
Select PERSONAL key.
Install in memory.
2. Select Personal key
Use the Green Arrow button to select a PERSONAL key number for the person whose
measurement is to be taken. Then press the Set button.
3. Select Male or Female
Use the Arrow button to select the appropriate gender, then press the Set button.
Select gender.
Install in memory.
Install in memory.
(
) Male
(
) Female
4. Specify the height
Use the Arrow button to specify the height in feet and inches. Then press the Set button.
Specify the height.
The display will flash all data (adult male or female and height) for 3 seconds to confirm
the programming. The power will automatically turn off.
Confirmed data will flash for 3 seconds.
TANITA TBF-604 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE
Taking measurements
1. Turn on the power
Using your toe, turn the unit on by tapping the appropriate PERSONAL key located on
the front of the measuring platform.
NOTE: Do not hold the key down or the display will show “ error” and the programmed
data will be erased and require resetting.
Turn the unit on.
Your pre-set data will appear (gender and height).
Immediately after your pre-set data, the display will show “0.0 lb”.
Pre-set data will appear.
Wait for “0.0 lb” to appear.
2. Take measurement
Wait for “0.0 lb” to appear before stepping onto the measuring platform.
NOTE: If you step on before “ 0.0 lb” , 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 with the toe and heel electrodes on
the measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform.
Weight will appear first.
NOTE: If you do not step onto the measuring platform within about 20 seconds after
“ 0.0 lb” appears, the power shuts off automatically.
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.
Display counts down from 5 to 1.
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.
Body fat percentage will appear.
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.
Multiple users
The unit may be used by more than two persons. Simply repeat the programming
process. (Steps 1 through 4 of setting and storing data in memory.)
Data will be repeated 3 times, then the power will
automatically turn off.
NOTE: Previously stored data will be erased.
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.
The batteries run low.
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.
8
Troubleshooting
If the following problems occur...
Then...
Check foot alignment. Make sure you wait for “0.0 lb” to appear before stepping on the
• Nothing appears in the LCD after
platform. Check to see that the batteries are fresh and are in the correct positions.
initial display.
• Nothing appears when the PERSONAL key
No data (gender or height) has been stored in the memory.
is pressed, or
The display shows “- - - - -” and goes off
when the PERSONAL key is pressed.
• The body fat percentage measurement
does not appear after the weight
is measured.
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
is extremely low.
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.
Consider whether or not you are over-hydrated. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.
• The body fat percentage measurement
is extremely high.
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. will interfere with measurement of the fat per-
centage. Step off and repeat steps on p.8.
SPECIFICATIONS: TBF-604 BODY FAT MONITOR/SCALE
Unit: lb
300 lb
Unit: st-lb
21st-6lb
Unit: kg
136 kg
Capacity
0-300 lb / 0.5 lb
0-136 kg / 0.2 kg 0-21st-6lb / 0.5lb
Graduation
Fat Percentage
1.0%
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) dry battery (x4) included
Power Supply
Power Consumption
Measuring Current
UPC No:
After sales service
Please contact the store at which you bought
this monitor for any inquiry regarding opera-
tion 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).
60 mA maximum
50 kHz 500 µA
TBF-604-LG (Light Grey) 742496-860408
Not for trade use.
9
TANITA PRODUCTS LIMITED WARRANTY
Not Valid Without Proof of Purchase
Your Tanita product is warranted to the original consumer only, for one (1) year, to be free from defects in materials and work-
manship 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 obliga-
tion 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 recov-
ery may not be greater than the purchase price paid for this product. Some states do not allow limitation 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
AStepToward A Healthier Life.
10
©1998 Tanita Corporation All rights reserved 6/98 HDI
TANITA Corporation
TANITA Corporation of America Inc.
2625 S. Clearbrook Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60005 USA
Tel. 847-640-9241 Fax 847-640-9261
Toll Free 1-800-TANITA-8
http:// WWW.TANITA.COM (English)
http:// WWW.TANITA.CO.JP (Japanese)
14-2, 1-Chome, Maeno-Cho
Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel. 03-3968-2123 Fax 03-3967-3766
ISO 9001 Certified
TANITA UK Ltd.
TANITA France S.A.
3-3 Bis, Rue Charcot 92200
Neuilly-sur-Seine, France
Tel. 01-5524-9999
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. 07031-61896
Tanita House, Willow Avenue, Denham
Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 4AF, Great Britain
Tel. 01895-232355
Fax 01895-233116
Fax 01-5524-9868
Tel. 852-2838-7111 Fax 852-2838-8667
Fax 07031-618971
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