THE APP › + EVERY SCALE
How to UP↑SCALE any scale: Bluetooth, RS-232, USB - with or without an adapter
Your scale already weighs. The UP↑SCALE app adds the rest: counting, check-weighing, recipes, labels, sales, statistics and records. Here is how your scale gets into the app - by its Bluetooth, its RS-232 port or its USB port - which device you need for it (sometimes none) and how it is powered.
Find your way: what does your scale have?
| Your scale has | Without our hardware | With an UP↑SCALE device |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth (a supported model, see the FAQ) | CONNECT in the app → the virtual scale | an extra scale next to your UP↑SCALE, or the weight source of an RS-232 adapter (relay) |
| an RS-232 port (9-pin or 25-pin plug) | a USB-to-RS-232 cable on a computer → VIA 🔌 USB → the virtual scale | an RS-232 adapter on the scale: phones, tablets and computers by Bluetooth or USB |
| a USB port that is a serial port (most lab balances) | a computer → VIA 🔌 USB → the virtual scale | an adapter with an ESP32-S3: weight source USB |
| a USB port that types like a keyboard, or a USB postal scale (HID) | - | an adapter with an ESP32-S3: weight source USB |
| no port at all | - | an UP↑SCALE scale (420 / 710) |
| it is an UP↑SCALE (420, 710, adapter, DIY, UPCENT↑420) | CONNECT (Bluetooth) or VIA 🔌 USB (computer) - nothing else to do | |
Without our hardware = the virtual scale in your browser: PRO VIRTUAL licence, data in this browser, no ENTERPRISE. With an UP↑SCALE device everything lives on the device: several apps at once, the licence of the device, ENTERPRISE. The differences.
Every way, and what it works with
| Way | How | Works with |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | CONNECT, choose the scale | every UP↑SCALE; phones, tablets, computers (Chrome, Edge, Opera, Samsung Internet; iPhone/iPad: Bluefy); several apps at once |
| 🔌 App on the USB cable | VIA 🔌 USB, choose the port | every UP↑SCALE; computers with Chrome, Edge, Opera or Firefox (from version 151); the cable powers the device |
| RS-232 adapter | the adapter on the scale's RS-232 port, a preset in the RS-232 settings | 232 UP↑SCALER, ESP32-C3 RS232 Adapter, DIY on ESP32-C3 / ESP32-S3; 18 presets + auto-detect |
| USB scale on the adapter | the scale or a USB-serial cable in the USB port of the board, weight source USB | adapters with an ESP32-S3 (232 UP↑SCALER, DIY on S3) + a USB OTG Y-cable with power |
| Virtual scale | CONNECT (Bluetooth scale) or VIA 🔌 USB (serial scale) without an UP↑SCALE | no hardware; Bluetooth: same browsers as the app; serial/USB: computers with Chrome, Edge, Opera or Firefox (from version 151) |
| Extra scales | ADD MORE 🤝 SCALES | more UP↑SCALEs and the supported Bluetooth scales of other makers; weights added up, stations in check-weighing and sorting |
| Relay | ADD MORE 🤝 SCALES with an RS-232 adapter as main scale, answer OK | a Bluetooth scale of another maker becomes the weight source of the adapter (keep the app open) |
More about each way, machines, ESP-NOW, label printers and your own programs: connectivity.
Devices, boards and firmware
| Device | Weight from | To the app | Firmware |
|---|---|---|---|
| UP↑SCALE 420 / 710 | its own load cell | Bluetooth, USB cable | 420 / 710 |
| 232 UP↑SCALER (ESP32-S3) | RS-232 plug, or USB (scale or USB-serial cable) | Bluetooth, USB cable (not while the USB port reads a scale) | 232 |
| ESP32-C3 RS232 Adapter (TinyTronics board) | RS-232 plug | Bluetooth, USB cable | DIY (C3) |
| DIY on an ESP32-C3 board + RS-232 board | RS-232 board | Bluetooth, USB cable | DIY (C3) |
| DIY on an ESP32-S3 board | RS-232 board, or USB (scale or USB-serial cable) - then no RS-232 board is needed | Bluetooth, USB cable (not while the USB port reads a scale) | DIY (S3) |
| Half Decent Scale with UPCENT↑420 | its own load cell | Bluetooth, USB cable | HDS |
| Virtual scale | a Bluetooth scale of another maker, or a serial / USB scale on the computer | runs inside the app | built into the app |
All firmware: free on the update page (install from the browser). The same presets, settings and programs on every adapter.
USB: four different things
- Power and updates: the USB-C port of every UP↑SCALE device takes its power and installs new firmware from the update page.
- 🔌 The app on the USB cable: a computer reaches the UP↑SCALE over that cable instead of Bluetooth (VIA 🔌 USB).
- A USB scale on the adapter (ESP32-S3 only): the board itself reads the scale on its USB port: a USB serial port (CDC), a USB-to-RS-232 cable with a CH340, CP210x or FTDI chip, a USB HID scale (postal scales) or a balance that types like a keyboard (set its keyboard layout to US/English). Weight source USB in the RS-232 settings; all presets work the same way. The USB port belongs to the scale then: the app connects by Bluetooth. Updates still work: plug the board into the computer - a computer on the port at the start keeps it a normal USB device for that start.
- A serial scale on the computer: a USB balance or a USB-to-RS-232 cable in the computer, VIA 🔌 USB and choose its port: no UP↑SCALE answers there, so the app asks to start the virtual scale with it.
What kind of USB has my scale? Plug it into a computer. A new serial port (COM port, /dev/tty...) without a driver of the maker, or with a CH340 / CP210x / FTDI driver: a serial port - it works. It types numbers into a text field: a keyboard - S3 adapter. Nothing happens and the maker has its own program: maybe a special protocol - ask us. Manual: weight source USB, the app on the USB cable.
Power
| Setup | Power from |
|---|---|
| Adapter on an RS-232 scale | its USB-C port: a USB charger, a power bank or the computer (the scale gives no power to the adapter) |
| App on the USB cable | the computer, through the same cable |
| S3 adapter with a USB scale or USB-serial cable | a USB OTG Y-cable (also called OTG splitter) with a power input: one end into the board, one to the scale or cable, one to a charger or power bank - the board gives no power to the USB device by itself |
| Virtual scale | nothing extra: your phone or computer, and the batteries of the Bluetooth scale |
| UP↑SCALE 420 / 710 | its own USB-C (charger, power bank or computer) |
A power bank that switches itself off at a low current can switch off a small adapter too: take one with an always-on or low-current mode.
The virtual scale: UP↑SCALE without hardware
No UP↑SCALE device at hand? The app runs our own scale firmware inside your browser and puts your scale in front of it: the same programs, the same settings, the same app. In the app it is called UP↑SCALE (VIR).
- Bluetooth scale: press CONNECT and choose your scale (see the FAQ for the models). Phones, tablets and computers.
- Serial or USB scale: on a computer with Chrome, Edge, Opera or Firefox (from version 151) press VIA 🔌 USB and choose the port of the scale (or of its USB-to-RS-232 cable). The app finds its protocol, baud rate, data bits, unit and d by itself (up to 40 seconds) - press USE IT, done. Next time it connects at once.
- The first time, the app loads the virtual scale (a small download; offline afterwards).
| Virtual scale | With an UP↑SCALE device | |
|---|---|---|
| Hardware | none | an adapter, a DIY board or our scale |
| Data (THINGS, recipes, sales, settings) | in this browser - back up THINGS and recipes | on the device, for every app |
| Several phones / computers at once | no: every browser is its own virtual scale with its own data | yes |
| Licence | the same PRO: in the shop choose APP ONLY with my own scale - one licence for 2 browsers (for example your phone and your laptop), each gets its own key | PRO or ENTERPRISE on the device |
| Free | weighing, tare, units, 1 THING, 1 recipe, 1 extra scale, tracking 15 min - and the full PRO for the first 3 days, automatically | the free version of the device |
| ENTERPRISE (users, audit trail, sealed records) | no (a browser can not keep records tamper-evident) | yes |
| App open | needed: the scale lives in the app | not needed for the device |
What does not work with the virtual scale
- No ENTERPRISE & COMPLIANCE: no users and logins, activity log / audit trail, sealed records and reports, equipment register, signatures, lab server (LIMS) forwarding or compounding - a browser can not keep records tamper-evident. For these: an UP↑SCALE device.
- Every browser on its own: each browser is its own virtual scale with its own data - no second phone or computer on the same virtual scale at the same time, no sync. It runs only while the app is open.
- Data in this browser: another browser or cleared site data = a new, empty virtual scale with a new Device ID. Back up your THINGS and recipes; we move your licence on request.
- No direct connections of the scale: no ESP-NOW devices or machine control, no coffee machines over the Decent Scale protocol, no USB serial output or Bluetooth weight for other programs, no keyboard output.
- Only the supported scales: the Bluetooth scales of the FAQ, serial / USB scales on a computer with Chrome, Edge, Opera or Firefox (from version 151) (not on phones), no USB postal or keyboard scales, no calibration in the app.
- Not verified for trade, like every consumer scale.
Clearing the site data of the browser deletes the virtual scale with its data: back up your THINGS and recipes (BACKUP in their lists). Consumer scales are not verified for trade. Manual: the virtual scale.
FAQ: does my scale work with UP↑SCALE?
Bluetooth scales of other makers
Do I need the app of the scale's maker or an account?
No. The UP↑SCALE app talks to the scale directly, the maker's app is not needed at all. So there is no account, no sign-up and no maker cloud: nothing phones home and nothing tracks you. The weight goes over Bluetooth straight from the scale into the app on your device. Close the maker's app while you use ours (most scales talk to one app at a time).
Can I use my BOOKOO Themis Mini or Themis Ultra with the UP↑SCALE app?
Yes. Open the app, press CONNECT and choose your BOOKOO in the list - ready. Without an UP↑SCALE device the app starts the virtual scale for it; next to an UP↑SCALE it joins as an extra scale, or it becomes the weight source of an RS-232 adapter (relay). 0.01 g, tare on the scale. Written from the protocol BOOKOO publishes (BETA).
Does the Half Decent Scale work with the UP↑SCALE app?
Yes, two ways. As it is: press CONNECT and choose it - the app speaks the Decent Scale protocol (0.1 g). Or as a real UP↑SCALE: install our firmware UPCENT↑420 on it (firmware update, "HDS"): then it is an UP↑SCALE scale with everything on the scale itself, several apps at once and ENTERPRISE.
Can I use a scale with the Decent Scale protocol (Decent Scale, EspressiScale, ButtsHaus Scale)?
Yes: CONNECT, choose the scale, ready. The app talks the published Decent Scale protocol: weight in 0.1 g, tare on the scale (BETA: not tested with every clone).
Can I use my Etekcity ESN00 nutrition scale with the app?
Yes: CONNECT, choose the ESN00. The app switches it to grams (1 g). The support is written from community notes, not from the maker (BETA): please tell us how it works with yours. The COSORI nutrition scale uses an encrypted protocol and does not work yet.
Does the app work with Acaia (Lunar, Pearl, Pyxis), Felicita (Arc, Parallel), Timemore (Black Mirror, Basic), Varia AKU or the DiFluid Microbalance?
Not yet - they are next on our list. Until then: an UP↑SCALE scale or adapter does everything, and every scale with an RS-232 or USB port works today.
Can I use a cheap no-name Bluetooth kitchen scale?
Only the models in this list for now. Many cheap kitchen scales share a few protocols (e.g. "MY_SCALE", "smartchef"); support for them is planned. Tell us the name your scale shows in the Bluetooth list.
Lab balances (RS-232 or USB)
Can I use my Mettler Toledo balance (MS-TS, ML-T, ME-T, XS, XP, XPR, moisture analyzers) with the app?
Yes, with an RS-232 adapter on its RS-232 port: choose the preset METTLER TOLEDO (MT-SICS) - the adapter asks the balance for its weight and reads its own stable mark; or LISTEN ONLY for verified balances. Older PM balances: preset METTLER PM / SYSTEC. A USB port that shows up as a plain serial port works on an S3 adapter or with the virtual scale on a computer.
Can I use my Sartorius balance (Entris II, Quintix, Secura, Cubis, Practum, BCE) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset SARTORIUS (SBI) (9600 baud 7O1 is filled in; AUTO-DETECT finds other settings). Newer balances with USB-C "PC-SBI" (a serial port) or "PC-Direct" (types like a keyboard) work on an S3 adapter with the weight source USB. Minebea Intec indicators (Combics, Midrics, Puro, Signum): SBI or SMA.
Can I use my OHAUS scale (Scout, Adventurer, Explorer, Pioneer, Defender, Ranger) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter (or the RS-232 kit of the scale), preset OHAUS, continuous output switched on in the scale's menu. With the USB kit: on an S3 adapter if it shows up as a CH340/CP210x/FTDI or plain serial port.
Can I use my A&D balance (GX-A, GF-A, FX-i, FZ-i, HR-AZ, GH, EK-i, GP) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset A&D (2400 baud 7E1 is filled in). GX-A / GF-A with USB: "Virtual COM" (a serial port) and "Quick USB" (types like a keyboard) both work on an S3 adapter; Virtual COM also with the virtual scale on a computer.
Can I use my KERN balance (PCB, EMB, ABJ, ABT, ADB, FKB, FCB) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset KERN (KCP). Older KERN lines ("ST,GS,...") are read by the first preset RS232 WEIGHING SCALE (continuous output).
Can I use my ADAM balance (Highland, Core, Nimbus, Luna, Equinox, CBK, GBK, Warrior) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset ADAM (continuous output in the scale's menu; Highland: 4800 baud - AUTO-DETECT finds it).
Can I use my RADWAG balance (WLC, PS R2, AS, XA) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset RADWAG - the adapter starts the continuous output and reads the stable mark.
Can I use my SHIMADZU balance (ATX, ATY, AUW-D, AUX, UW, UX, UP, UPX) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset SHIMADZU (1200 baud, lines end with CR only - the preset knows that).
Can I use a Precisa, Citizen, Gram, Steinberg, G&G or no-name lab balance?
Most likely: almost every balance with an RS-232 port sends lines like + 123.45 g. Use the first preset RS232 WEIGHING SCALE with continuous output, or ESC p (G&G and many no-name balances), and press AUTO-DETECT. Many cheap balances have a CH340 chip inside their USB port: that works on an S3 adapter and with the virtual scale on a computer.
Industrial, shop and postal scales
Can I use a Mettler Toledo industrial terminal (IND, ICS, BBA, BC) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset METTLER TOLEDO (MT-SICS) or TOLEDO CONTINUOUS (the binary stream of many terminals). Shipping scales with a USB HID port: on an S3 adapter.
Can I use a CAS indicator or scale (CI-200, CI-2001, CI-6000, PD-II, HD, HB, DB) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset CAS (stream output of the indicator switched on).
Can I use a Dini Argeo indicator (DFW, DFWL, DGT, 3590) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset DINI ARGEO - the adapter asks for the weight.
Can I use a Rice Lake indicator (480, 482, 680, 880, 920i, SCT) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset RICE LAKE (RLWS); indicators set to the SMA format: preset SMA (also for many US indicators of Fairbanks, Cardinal and others).
Can I use an Avery Weigh-Tronix or Brecknell scale (NCI protocol) with the app?
Yes: RS-232 adapter, preset NCI (7E1; a weight comes only when the scale is stable).
Can I use a SysTec indicator or a Yaohua XK3190 (A12, A9) floor or crane scale?
Yes: SysTec with preset METTLER PM / SYSTEC (or its MT-SICS emulation), Yaohua XK3190 with preset YAOHUA (XK3190).
Can I use a USB postal scale (DYMO M-series and other USB HID scales)?
Yes, on an S3 adapter: plug the scale into its USB port, set the weight source to USB - the adapter reads the USB scale report and converts ounces and pounds to grams. Not with the virtual scale (a browser cannot read these yet).
Can I use my verified (legal for trade) scale?
Yes - that is what the RS-232 adapters are made for: LISTEN ONLY sends nothing to the scale, EXACT WEIGHT shows exactly its weight. The display of the verified scale stays the legal reading; ask your verification office which setup is allowed for prices and labels in trade. Details: for verified scales.
My scale is not in this list. Will it work?
If it has an RS-232 port or a USB port that shows up as a serial port: very likely - press AUTO-DETECT and try the first preset RS232 WEIGHING SCALE. Not yet: Bizerba POS scales (their dialogue needs a cash register). No port at all? Then an UP↑SCALE scale or your own load cell build.
Connections and devices
I have no UP↑SCALE device. Can I still use the app with my scale?
Yes, with the virtual scale: our firmware runs inside your browser. Bluetooth scales of other makers: CONNECT. Scales with a serial or USB port on a computer: VIA 🔌 USB. No hardware to buy; the data stays in this browser.
Which UP↑SCALE adapter do I need for an RS-232 scale?
Any of them: the 232 UP↑SCALER, the ESP32-C3 RS232 Adapter (a ready board from TinyTronics) or your own build with an ESP32-C3 or ESP32-S3 board and a small RS-232 board. All run the same firmware with all presets.
Can the adapter read a scale with a USB port, without an RS-232 board?
Yes, an adapter with an ESP32-S3: plug the scale (or a USB-to-RS-232 cable) into the USB port of the board with a USB OTG Y-cable that also takes power, and set the weight source to USB. The app then connects by Bluetooth. ESP32-C3 boards have no USB host.
Can I connect the app by USB cable instead of Bluetooth?
Yes, on a computer with Chrome, Edge, Opera or Firefox (from version 151): plug in the UP↑SCALE scale or adapter and press VIA 🔌 USB. Everything works as over Bluetooth. Phones and tablets: Bluetooth only.
Does the app work in Firefox?
Over the USB cable, yes: Firefox can use USB serial ports from version 151 - plug in your UP↑SCALE (or a serial / USB scale for the virtual scale) and press VIA 🔌 USB. Firefox has no Bluetooth for web apps, so for Bluetooth use Chrome, Edge, Opera or Samsung Internet. On Linux: the Firefox of the Snap store (the usual one on Ubuntu) sees no serial ports - take the Firefox of Mozilla.
Does the USB cable work on an Android phone or tablet?
Not yet. Android only now starts to give browsers access to serial ports (Chrome 148 on Android 17, and only for devices that offer wired serial ports). On phones and tablets use Bluetooth: an UP↑SCALE device, or a Bluetooth scale of the list with the virtual scale.
Does it work on iPhone and iPad?
With the free browser Bluefy (Safari has no Bluetooth for web apps). USB is not possible on iPhone and iPad. Android phones and tablets: Chrome, Edge, Opera, Samsung Internet. Details: app setup & help.
The support for other makers' scales is written from the protocols they publish and from our research; it is not tested with every model. Tell us how it works with yours. Decent, Decent Scale, EspressiScale, ButtsHaus, BOOKOO, Etekcity, COSORI, Acaia, Felicita, Timemore, Varia, DiFluid, Mettler Toledo, Sartorius, Minebea Intec, OHAUS, A&D, KERN, ADAM, RADWAG, SHIMADZU, Precisa, Citizen, Gram, Steinberg, G&G, CAS, Dini Argeo, Rice Lake, Fairbanks, Cardinal, Avery Weigh-Tronix, Brecknell, SysTec, Yaohua, DYMO, Bizerba, TinyTronics and the names of their products belong to their owners. UP↑SCALE is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.