Official SF40A setup-software route
Find SF40A in the official listThis is a dot-matrix printer for OHAUS instruments. Its exact row on Software and Drivers links PC Software and documentation. USB drivers in other instrument rows are not SF40A compatibility evidence.
PC setup software and USB adapter drivers
| Check | Documented scope |
|---|---|
| PC Software | Use PC Software in the exact SF40A row, checked on 30 October 2026. It states no OS, CPU or version. No payload was requested or run; Windows 11, ARM, Mac and Linux compatibility is unverified. |
| Setup tool | The 2021 manual documents configuration through OHAUS ScaleMate and directs users to their local dealer for it. The current PC Software link has not been established as that same version or package. |
| USB adapter | The documented PC connection uses external RS232–USB kit 30304101 and its adapter. The adapter driver/COM port and SF40A configuration software have different roles. |
A ribbon and ordinary-paper impact model
| Check | Documented scope |
|---|---|
| Printing | The manual specifies 5×7 dot matrix, 40 characters per line and 1.2 lines per second. Thermal-printer media or head procedures do not automatically apply. |
| Media | It uses 57.5 mm ordinary paper with 50–60 mm roll diameter and a replaceable black ribbon. Fit the roll spindle, route paper through the printing-unit slot in the illustrated direction, feed enough paper and refit the cover. |
| Model | This guide covers SF40A. It does not borrow SF40A/BT wireless features or USB/Ethernet support from other instruments. Match parts, the power adapter and the connected instrument to their actual labels and manuals. |
Compare the RS232 link and instrument settings
| Check | Documented scope |
|---|---|
| RS232C | The printer has a 9-pin male RS232C connector. Use the correct instrument cable/adapter and match baud rate, data bits, parity, stop bits and flow control on both devices. |
| PC COM | The documented ScaleMate route selects SF-40A Printer, configures the actual COM port, then uses Connect. Plugging in a USB converter does not establish a normal document-print queue. |
| Functions | The manual limits Statistics/Totalization to DV, EX, AV, PA, NV, MB23/25, AX and PX. Other instruments may support printing only. A balance’s built-in clock can also take priority under the documented conditions. |
Handshake None in a connection screenshot differs from the stated factory Xon/Xoff setting. Compare the actual instrument manual and configuration rather than applying example/default values universally.
Use the printer-symbol key for self-test
This assumes the correct power supply, paper and ribbon in a safe indoor setting. Do not open the housing for internal repair. The EN-13 self-test checks the printer, not successful PC installation.
- With the printer off, identify the bottom-right printer-symbol key, distinct from paper feed and date/time.
- Press the printer-symbol key while switching the printer on with I/O.
- The manual describes printing the standard IBM/DOS character set and current settings. Switch the printer off to end the test.
The pilot lamp depends on Balance Feature
With Balance Feature enabled, a lost balance connection makes the lamp blink. When disabled, the lamp can remain lit even with the connection lost. A steady lamp alone therefore does not prove communication. The option also controls 0/T, Statistics and Totalization.
If the lamp is off, check power and the adapter; refer a power fault to OHAUS support. For blinking, compare cabling and both RS232 settings. The manual supplies no fixed blink period or count.
Six instrument and printed-message groups
These are text messages, not numeric error codes. Compare printer/instrument state and the current statistics task.
| Check | Documented scope |
|---|---|
| Timeout | Data transfer has not completed in the last 45 seconds. Check balance stability and the instrument. |
| Over Load / Under Load | These relate to overload/zero range or the balance pan. Check sample weight and the pan; the message alone does not establish a printer-driver fault. |
| Transfer | Transmission Error: The instrument does not understand the printer instruction. Compare interface parameters on both devices. |
| Cannot run | Not Executable: The instrument cannot execute the printer instruction. Check the connected balance. |
| Memory full | Statistics/Totalization memory is full; the manual specifies more than 999 samples. Preserve results, then start a new application according to the approved workflow. |
| Out of range | The sample is outside 70–130% of the current average. Check the statistics sample/task; this range is unrelated to paper size or driver scaling. |
Follow the matching SF40A check
| Check | Documented scope |
|---|---|
| Software | This SF40A official route and PC tool / USB-adapter roles should be distinguished. |
| COM port | Actual COM / RS232 settings should match both devices. |
| Device | The device-only self-test separates printer output from the instrument/PC path. |
| Ribbon | The manual lists worn/tangled ribbon and printing-unit life as possible causes. Check the correct ribbon/tension; contact OHAUS if unresolved. |
| Pilot | Balance Feature and pilot light must be read together; steady does not alone prove a good link. |
| Messages | Instrument/statistics messages should be checked with the instrument manual. Do not substitute a blind factory reset or measurement-method change. |
Official evidence and verification scope
Official SF40A software row · Exact manual wrapper · SF40A manual PDF
Checked 30 October 2026. The linked manual is multilingual 30063919F, 136 pages, copyright 2021. English EN-1–19 corresponds to PDF 6–24. The self-test is EN-13/PDF 18; troubleshooting EN-15–16/PDF 20–21; RS232/specifications EN-18–19/PDF 23–24. No latest-revision, OS installation or physical-printing claim is made.