Tanita Scale BF 542 User Manual

BF-542BODYFAT  
MONITOR/SCALE  
Instruction Manual  
Read this Instruction Manual carefully  
and keep it for future reference.  
 
English: Instruction Manual  
Introduction  
Thank you for selecting the Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale BF-542.  
This family model uses the BIA (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) technique,  
a state-of-the-art technology for body fat assessment.  
Safety Precautions  
Persons with implanted medical equipment, such as a pacemaker, should not use the  
BF-542. This Body Fat Monitor/Scale passes a low-level electrical signal through the body,  
which may interfere with the operation of a pacemaker.  
• The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale BF-542 is intended for home use only. This unit is not  
intended for professional use in hospitals or other medical facilities; it is not equipped with  
the quality standards required for heavy usage experienced under professional conditions.  
• Do not use this unit on slippery surfaces such as wet floors.  
• Disabled people should be assisted by someone else, or use a handrail when using  
the BF-542.  
Note: Body fat percentage estimates will vary with the amount of moisture in the body, and can be  
affected by dehydration or overhydration due to such factors as alcohol consumption, menstruation,  
illness, intense exercise, etc.  
Important Notes for Users  
The BF-542 is intended for use by adults and children with moderately active to inactive  
lifestyles and by adults with athletic body types.  
Tanita defines “athlete” as a person 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.  
Tanitas athlete definition includes “lifetime of fitness” individuals who have been fit for  
years but currently exercise less than 10 hours per week.  
Tanitas athlete definition does not include “enthusiastic beginners” who are making a real  
commitment to exercising at least 10 hours per week but whose bodies have not yet changed  
to require the Athlete mode.  
Body fat percentage estimates may be slightly lower or higher for the following categories  
of people:  
• Adults seventy years old or older  
• Persons undergoing dialysis  
• Persons suffering from edema  
Body fat percentage estimates for these persons should not be treated as absolute values, but  
may be used as relative values for checking body fat percent variations over a period of time.  
The BF-542 is not intended for pregnant women, professional athletes or bodybuilders.  
Recommendations for exercise programs or diets based on calculated data should be  
determined by a doctor or licensed medical professional. Do not attempt to evaluate the data  
by yourself.  
Recorded data may be lost if the BF-542 is used incorrectly or is exposed to electrical power  
surges. Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of loss caused by the loss of recorded data.  
Tanita takes no responsibility for any kind of damage or loss caused by these units, or any  
kind of claim made by a third person.  
1
 
BF-542 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Principles of Estimating Body Fat Percentage  
The Tanita Body Fat Monitor/Scale BF-542 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.  
The chart below shows reasonable ranges of body fat percentage.  
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 BF-542 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 measuring  
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  
determine 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 nights sleep. For the  
most accurate reading, a person should take a body fat percentage reading at a consistent  
time of day under consistent conditions.  
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  
ones lifestyle, job and activities.  
Daily fluctuations in body fat percentage based on  
the BIA technique.  
The graph on the left shows an example of daily body fat percentage fluctuations.  
2
 
Advantages of the Tanita BF-542  
Previously, body fat percentage was determined by measuring the thickness of subcutaneous  
fat by pinching it with calipers, or by laying a person on a scanning bed and passing a current  
from hand to foot. However, these methods present problems—professional skills are  
required, the procedures take time and are often invasive, and measurement values vary.  
Currently, the gold standard methods of fat percentage measurement are DEXA (dual energy  
x-ray absorptiometry) and Hydrodensitometry (underwater weighing).  
Tanitas BIA method uses equations derived from large, multi-ethnic population studies to  
predict body composition. Readings taken with Tanitas BF-542 correlate highly with both  
DEXA (Tanitas reference model) and Hydrodensitometry.  
Features and Functions  
Components  
Measuring Platform  
Warranty  
Support Feet (4)  
Educational Booklet  
Getting Started Workbook  
AA-Size Batteries (4)  
Instruction Manual  
Measuring Platform  
1. Display Screen  
2. Orange Set Button  
3. Green Arrow (Select) Buttons  
4. Toe Electrodes  
5. Heel Electrodes  
6. Guide Marks Sticker  
For positioning heels when  
standing on the unit.  
7. Personal Keys (Start Switches)  
Setting of Child, Adult or Athlete,  
Male or Female, and Height for  
four persons can be stored in the  
memory of the unit.  
8. Weight Measurement Key  
Use for weight measurement only.  
Accessories  
9. Support Feet (4)  
For use on carpeting only (max.  
recommended carpet thickness  
0.8 in); a hard, uncarpeted  
surface is recommended.  
10. AA-Size Batteries (4)  
3
 
BF-542 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Useful Features of the BF-542  
• The BF-542 allows you to measure both weight and body fat percentage simultaneously as  
easily and simply as stepping on a scale.  
• The BF-542 can be set for an Child, Adult or Athlete, Male or Female, increasing the  
accuracy of the reading.  
• Personal data (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female and Height) can be stored in the memory  
of the unit for up to four people.  
• Weight only key provides quick weight only readings.  
Switching the Weight Mode  
lb  
st/lb  
The BF-542 can record measurements in lb (pounds), kg (kilograms), or st-lb (British stone  
pounds). Select the preferred weight mode by using the switch on the back of the measuring  
platform (see illustration at left).  
kg  
Select the preferred weight mode (lb/kg/st-lb)  
by using the switch on the back of  
the measuring platform  
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 or button operation.  
• After you have completed the measuring process.  
Note: If the power shuts off unexpectedly, repeat the measuring process.  
Preparations Before Use  
Open as shown  
Inserting the Batteries  
1. Locate the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform. Press the tab to release 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  
m easuring 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.  
4
 
Setting and Storing Data in Memory  
The BF-542 can be operated only if data has been preprogrammed into one of the four Personal  
keys. Once programmed, tapping a Personal key turns the monitor on. The unit has an  
automatic shut-down function. If you do not step on the platform after pressing a Personal  
key, the unit will automatically shut off in about 30 seconds.  
The BF-542 is intended for use by adults and children with moderately active to inactive  
lifestyles and by adults with athletic body types. (See p.1 for Tanitas definition of “athlete.”)  
1. Turn on the Power  
When programming data, use the Orange Set button to turn the unit on. The register  
numbers (1-2-3-4”) will appear and the display will flash.  
Turn the unit on.  
2. Select a Personal Key  
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select a Personal key, then press the Orange  
Set button.  
Select  
1, 2, 3 or 4.”  
Store in memory.  
Store in memory.  
Store in memory.  
3. Select Adult, Child or Athlete  
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Adult, Child or Athlete, then press the Orange  
Set button.  
ADULT  
CHILD  
Adult = age 18 or older.  
Child = up to the age of 18, over 3 ft 4 in (102 cm).  
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 Tanitas definition of “athlete.”)  
ATHLETE  
Select Child, Adult  
or Athlete.  
4. Select Male or Female  
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select Male or Female, then press the Orange Set button.  
Select Male  
or Female.  
(
) Male  
(
) Female  
5. Specify the Height  
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Height in feet and inches. Then press the Orange  
Set button.  
Female  
Male  
The display will flash all data (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female and Height) for three  
seconds to confirm the programming. The power will automatically turn off.  
Getting Accurate Readings  
Specify Height.  
Store in memory.  
To get the most accurate absolute values, readings should be taken without clothing and  
under consistent conditions of hydration. If you do not undress, always remove your socks  
or stockings, and be sure the soles of your feet are clean before stepping on the measuring  
platform. Stand erect on the platform.  
Note: An accurate reading 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.  
Confirmed data will flash for three seconds.  
It is best to take readings at the same time of day. 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 taken under the same conditions over a  
period of time.  
5
 
BF-542 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
Taking Readings  
1. Turn on the Power  
Using your toe, turn the unit on by tapping your Personal key. Release the key within  
three seconds.  
Turn the unit on by tapping your Personal key.  
Your preset data will appear.  
Your preset data will appear (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female and Height).  
Immediately after your preset data, the display will show “0.0.”  
2. Take Reading  
Wait for “0.0” to appear before stepping onto the measuring platform.  
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.  
Wait for “0.0” to appear and step on.  
Your weight will be shown first.  
Be sure that the heel and ball of each foot is directly on top of the electrodes on the  
measuring platform. Stand erect on the platform. Accurate readings can still be obtained  
even if your toes overhang 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.  
Your weight will be shown first. “ooooo” will appear in the display and then the zeroes will  
disappear one by one until your body fat percentage is displayed.  
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 two-second intervals. If you remain on the platform, the  
display will continue for about 30 seconds, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Guest Measurements  
The unit may be used by more than four persons.  
Simply repeat the programming process. (Steps 1  
through 5 of Setting and Storing Data in Memory.)  
If you step off the platform, the alternating display of body fat percentage and body weight  
will be repeated three times, and then the power will automatically turn off.  
Note: Previously stored data will be erased in  
the Personal key.  
Taking Weight Measurement Only  
1. Select Weight Only Key  
Using your toe, tap the weight only key to select weight measurement. After 2 or 3 seconds,  
“88888” will appear in the display and then it will show “0.0 lb”.  
2. Take Measurement  
Step onto the measuring platform.  
The body weight will appear. If you rem ain on the platform , the display will flash for  
about 30 seconds, and then the power shuts off autom atically. If you step off the  
platform , the weight will continue to show for about 5 seconds.  
Replacing the Batteries  
When the batteries run low, the “Lo” message will appear in the display window. When this  
message appears, be sure to replace the batteries immediately, since weak batteries will  
affect the accuracy of your readings.  
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.  
Batteries run low.  
6
 
Handling Tips  
Specifications  
BF-542  
This monitor is a precision instrument utilizing state-of-the-art technology. To keep the unit  
in the best condition, follow these instructions carefully:  
Weight Capacity  
• Do not attempt to disassemble the measuring platform.  
300 lb (136 kg) (21 st-6 lb)  
• Store the unit horizontally, and place it so that the Personal keys will not be  
pressed accidentally.  
Weight Increments  
0.5 lb (0.2 kg) (0.5 lb)  
• Avoid excessive impact or vibration to the unit.  
Body Fat Increments  
0.5%  
• Place the unit in an area free from direct sunlight, heating equipment, high humidity, or  
extreme temperature change.  
Power Supply  
Never submerge the unit in water. Use alcohol to clean the electrodes and glass cleaner to  
keep them shiny, applied to a cloth first; avoid soaps.  
DC 6V AA-size (UM3-type) dry battery (x4)—included  
Power Consumption  
• When you change the batteries, exchange all four at the same time with new  
AA-size batteries.  
60 mA maximum  
Measuring Current  
50 kHz 500 µA  
Troubleshooting  
After sales service  
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).  
If the following problems occur... then...  
An unfamiliar weight reading appears followed by kg or st-lb.  
Refer to “Switching the Weight Mode” on p.4.  
Nothing appears in the display screen after initial display of preset data.  
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 when a Personal key is pressed, or the display shows “ - - - - -”  
and goes off when a Personal key is pressed.  
No data (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female or Height) has been stored in the memory of  
that Personal key.  
The body fat percentage reading does not appear after the weight is measured.  
Vibration will interfere with the fat percentage reading. 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.6.  
The body fat percentage reading is extremely low.  
Be sure you have selected the correct user mode (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/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 overhydrated. Step off and repeat steps on p.6.  
The body fat percentage reading is extremely high.  
Be sure you have selected the correct user mode (Child/Adult/Athlete, Male/Female), and  
that the soles of your feet are clean and properly aligned with the guides on the measuring  
platform. Dehydration, foot calluses, etc. will interfere with the fat percentage reading. Step  
off and repeat steps on p.6.  
If you need assistance, please call our toll-free customer service number at 1-800-TANITA-8  
(USA and Canada only).  
7
 
BF-542 Body Fat Monitor/Scale  
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  
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  
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 at1-800-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 specied 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 notied 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  
8
 
©2000 Tanita Corporation 3/00 HDI  
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  
www.tanita.co.jp  
ISO 9001 Certied  
e-mail: 4health@tanita.com  
www.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  
 

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