How to Connect Your Balances to LabCollector? - LabCollector

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How to Connect Your Balances to LabCollector?

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Overview

The LC Balance App enables integration between laboratory balances and LabCollector. It facilitates wireless data transfer, and allows users to record and manage weight measurements.

This guide explains how to set up, use, and troubleshoot the LC Balance App and its features.

Features

Key Features of the LC Balance App:

  • Real-Time Weight Display: View real-time measurements directly on your device.
  • Barcode Integration: Assign or verify sample IDs using the app’s barcode scanning feature.
  • Direct Data Synchronization: Upload weight measurements directly to LabCollector modules and add-ons (LSM or Weight Tracker).
  • Data Logging: Keep a record of recent measurements within the app.

Prerequisites

Step 1: Enable Bluetooth on the Balance

  • If the balance lacks built-in Bluetooth, connect a compatible Bluetooth adapter to the balance’s communication port (you can buy one through our e-store). Please note that usually KERN balances come with a special  ready-to-use bluetooth adapter.

AgileBio’s Bluetooth Adapter

  • Turn on the balance and ensure the Bluetooth adapter is active.

Step 2: Install and Launch the LC Balance App

  • Download the LC Balance App from the Google Play Store.
  • Open the app on your Android device.
Note
The LC Balance App is supported on Android 9 and higher versions.

    Using the LC Balance App

        App Interface Overview

        1. The Main Page displays all active use cases, letting you easily access and manage recorded weight data. Each use case shows relevant details like sample names and last recorded weights.

        2. The Settings page is for configuring the app’s integration with LabCollector, managing connected balances, setting default weight units, and syncing options.

        3. The Info Page provides app details, version updates, and usage instructions, ensuring you’re informed about any new features or changes.

         

        Settings Configuration

        1. In this section, you’ll need to enter the LabCollector instance URL. This is the address that the app will use to connect to your LabCollector server. Make sure to input the correct URL to ensure proper integration.
        2. To link the LC Balance App with LabCollector, you need an API token.

        • Generate the Token: Go to your LabCollector instance and generate an API token. To do this, follow the guide on generating API tokens for detailed instructions.
        • Enter the Token: After generating the token, paste it into the app’s settings. This token allows secure communication between the app and LabCollector.

        3. Once the LC instance URL and API token have been inputted, tap Save Settings. This will save your configuration, allowing the app to connect to LabCollector and sync weight data.

        Note

        When configuring the Web Services API in LabCollector (Admin -> Setup -> Web Services API), it is essential to check the appropriate box depending on the use case you are creating (please make sure that at least one box is checked):

        1. For LSM or Weight Tracker Use Cases in the LC Balance App: Check the ADD-ONS box in LabCollector.
        2. For Module-Specific Use Cases in the App: Check the corresponding Module box in LabCollector (e.g., Samples, Stocks, etc.).
        3. For Use Cases Involving Both Add-Ons and Modules: Check all relevant boxes (e.g., ADD-ONS and corresponding Modules).

        Please follow the guide on generating API tokens for detailed instructions.

           

          Adding a Use Case

          Open the form to input new use case details by tapping the Add Use Case button at the top of the Main Page

           

          1. Template Name: Choose a name for the use case (e.g., “Sample A Weighing”).

          2. Module/LSM: Select whether to send data to a Module or LSM or Weight Tracker add-on.

          3. Target Model: Pick the specific module or test (if you choose LSM) to send data to.

          4. Parameter: Select the field for storing weight (e.g., “Weight”), or one of the parameters associated to a test (in case you previously selected LSM).

          5. Unit: Decide whether to include the weight unit (e.g., grams, kilograms) alongside the value in LabCollector. If you’ve selected a numeric field, units cannot be displayed, so choose “NO” in this case.

          6.  Mode: Choose automatic (Bluetooth sync) or manual input for entering weight data.

          7. Tap “Add Use Case” When Ready to Start Weighing

          Once you add a use case, it will appear on the main page (see screenshot below).

           

          Select the use case you’re interested in, and the next page will display a list of all available balances (see screenshot below).
          You can also tap and hold on the balance name to rename and personalize it as needed.

          Simply click the Bluetooth icon next to your chosen balance to connect and start weighing.

           

          1. Tap the “Bluetooth icon” to connect your balance to the app via Bluetooth. To disconnect, simply tap the icon again (this allows your colleagues to utilize the balance).

          2. Click the “Rotating arrows” button to begin the weighing process.

          3. Use the “Scan Barcode” button to capture and assign the sample’s barcode.

          4. Once you’ve weighed the sample, click the “Send to LabCollector” button to upload the result directly to your LabCollector instance.

           

          Contact/Info Page Overview

          This page allows you to easily connect with us on our social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for the latest updates. You can reach out to us via email at support@labcollector.com or call us for any inquiries. You can also find the app’s version number at the bottom of the page to ensure you’re using the latest release.

           

          Brand-Specific Guides:

          • For Mettler Toledo balances: Knowledge Base Article (coming soon!)
          • For Sartorius balances: Knowledge Base Article (coming soon!)
          • For Kern balances: Knowledge Base Article (coming soon!)
          • For RADWAG balances: Knowledge Base Article (coming soon!)

          Weight Tracker

          You can pick Weight Tracker as your target model (learn more about weight tracker add-on):

          this allows you to:

          • Track weight changes over time.
          • Manage weight data for samples, reagents, or consumables.
          • Generate reports and logs for compliance or analysis.

            Troubleshooting

            Connection Issues

            • Ensure both the balance and Android device have Bluetooth enabled.
            • Verify that the balance is within the effective range for Bluetooth communication.
            • Restart the app and balance if the connection fails.

            Data Synchronization Problems

            • Check your internet connection.
            • Ensure your LabCollector instance and token are correctly entered in the app settings.

            General Tips

            • Keep the app updated to the latest version for optimal performance.

            FAQ

            Which balances are compatible with the LC Balance App?

            The app supports balances from different brands like Sartorius, Kern, Mettler Toledo, RADWAG.. Make sure that a compatible Bluetooth adapter is used.

            Can I use the LC Balance App without LabCollector?

            While the app can record and display weights independently, its full functionality, including data synchronization and logging, requires LabCollector.

            Is the app available on iOS?

            Currently, the LC Balance App is only available for Android devices.

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