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Tanita TBF-551 Body Fat Monitor/Scale
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How to measure body fat percentage
Inserting the batteries
1. Open the battery cover on the back of the measuring platform.
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 measuring platform 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, uncarpeted 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 keys 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 six 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.
Preparations before use:
Open as shown
(detachable)
Direction of the batteries
Overview of measuring
To get the most accurate absolute values, measurements should be taken while wear-
ing no clothing and after urinating; preferably in the evening, after bathing (the body
must be dry). 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: Accurate measurement will not be possible if the soles of your feet are not clean, and if your
knees are bent or you are in a sitting position.
It is best to take measurements at the same time each day. If doing so in the evening
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 per-
centage of change as long as the readings are taken in a consistent manner. To moni-
tor 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-551 can be operated only if data has been pre-programmed into one of the
four Personal keys.
1. Turn on the power
Use the Blue Set button to turn the unit on. The register numbers (1-2-3-4) will appear
and the display will flash.
2. Select the Personal number
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select a Personal key, then press the Blue Set button.
3. Select Adult, Child, or Athlete
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Adult, Child or Athlete, then press the Blue
Set button.
Adult = age 18 or older.
Child = up to the age of 18, over 3' 4" (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.
(See p.1 for Tanita’s definition of “athlete.”)
4. Select Male or Female
Use the Green Arrow buttons to select Male or Female, then press the Blue Set
button. ( ) Male ( ) Female
5. Specify the height
Use the Green Arrow buttons to specify Height. Then press the Blue Set button.
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. To
set the next Personal key, repeat steps 1 through 5 after the power turns off.
Adult, Child, and Athlete mode
MaleFemale
The display will alternately flash all data for 3 seconds.
