Scale With Remote Display: When You Need One and Which Setup to Choose
Reviewed by MNM Scales technicians · Updated November 4, 2026 · Prices checked November 4, 2026
Short answer: a scale with remote display puts the readout on a cable away from the weighing platform, so you can read it when the load covers the platform, the base sits on the floor or the platform gets washed down. For patients, the Rice Lake 150-10-7 floor-level physician scale (550 lb x 0.2 lb, display on a 6 ft cable) is $411.99. For 0.1 g weighing of big containers, the A&D GX-32001LS (32 kg x 0.1 g, display on an approx. 3 m cable) is $3,685. Questions? Call (832) 290-3120.
This guide is for clinics, labs, food plants and shops choosing a scale with remote display, or adding a remote readout to a scale they build. MNM Scales has sold, calibrated and repaired scales for over 30 years from our shop in Cypress, Texas, and we are one of the largest scale distributors.
When to choose a scale with remote display
- Oversize loads: a box, drum or tray that covers the platform also covers a built-in display.
- Floor-level bases: a low platform keeps the step-up easy, and the display sits at desk height or on the wall.
- Washdown and wet areas: the display can sit away from the spray zone; see our washdown floor scale guide.
- Patient privacy: the nurse reads the weight at the desk instead of at the patient’s feet.
- Built-in or under-counter weighing: the weighing unit goes under a hood or into a line, and the display stays where people work.
Scale with remote display models at live prices
| Model | Type | Capacity x readability | Remote display setup | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Lake 150-10-7 | Floor-level physician scale | 550 lb x 0.2 lb / 250 kg x 0.1 kg | Five-digit LCD (0.75 in digits) on a 6 ft (1.8 m) cable; table, floor or built-in wall bracket; RS-232 and USB; six AA batteries, about 25 h | $411.99 |
| A&D GX-32001LS | High-capacity precision balance | 32 kg x 0.1 g | Separate display on an approx. 3 m cable, for floor, bench or wall; IP65; internal calibration; RS-232C and USB; 384 x 344 mm pan | $3,685 |
| Brecknell SBI-505 | Weight indicator | Up to 30,000 divisions | Drives a Brecknell RD65 remote display (not included) from its RS-232 port when C18 is set to 5 | $299 |
Browse medical and healthcare scales, or see our scale indicator buying guide if you are building a floor or bench scale.
Remote display setup options
- Corded remote display: the display is part of the scale and connects by cable, like the 150-10-7 (6 ft) and the GX-32001LS (approx. 3 m). A&D sells a 5 m GXL-07 extension cable for the GX-L separate display (not included).
- Second display from an indicator: an indicator such as the SBI-505 sends weight out RS-232 to a remote display. Set C18 = 5 for an RD65-compatible output; see our SBI-505 manual guide.
- Data to a PC or EMR: the 150-10-7 and GX-32001LS both have RS-232 and USB ports; see how to connect a scale to a computer.
Setting up a scale with remote display
- Put the base on a hard, level floor or bench, away from drafts and vibration for 0.1 g work.
- Route the display cable where people won’t trip on it or pinch it, and mount or place the display at eye level.
- Power up: the 150-10-7 runs on six AA batteries (included) and the GX-32001LS on its AC adapter.
- Zero with the platform empty, then weigh. On the GX-32001LS, run internal calibration after setup or a move.
Rules: legal for trade
Patient weighing, QC and batching are in-house weighing. Selling by weight is commercial, and the scale has to be legal for trade. The models in this guide are not NTEP certified, so call us for a legal-for-trade scale if you sell by weight. Our NTEP guide explains the certificate, and we handle legal-for-trade scale calibration in Texas.
Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.
Calibration and rental
- 150-10-7 calibration add-ons: our TDA-registered technicians calibrate scales in-house. Add in-house calibration with a certificate ($495) or NIST calibration with a NIST-traceable certificate ($995). See NIST vs in-house certificates.
- GX-32001LS and SBI-505 calibration: call for a quote.
- On-site service: $295 + $2 per mile per visit across the Houston area, plus calibration per scale; see on-site calibration.
- Mail-in, repairs and rentals: use mail-in calibration, have us repair the brands we sell, and rent all types of scales while yours is in for service.
Not sure which setup fits? Tell us what you weigh, how far the display needs to be from the platform and where it will be mounted. See also our washdown floor scale guide. Shop: 21249 FM 529 Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, visits by appointment.
Frequently asked questions
What is a scale with remote display?
A scale whose readout sits away from the weighing platform on a cable, so you can read it when the load covers the platform or the base is on the floor.
How long is the display cable on the Rice Lake 150-10-7?
6 ft (1.8 m) between the scale base and the indicator. The indicator can sit on a table or floor or hang on the wall with its built-in bracket.
Does the A&D GX-32001LS have a remote display?
Yes. It is the separate-display version of the GX-32001L, with the display on an approx. 3 m cable. A&D sells a 5 m GXL-07 extension cable (not included).
Can I add a remote display to a scale I already have?
Often, if the indicator has a serial output. The Brecknell SBI-505 drives an RD65 remote display when C18 is set to 5. Call us to check your indicator.
Are these remote display scales legal for trade?
No. The models in this guide are not NTEP certified. Call us for a legal-for-trade scale if you sell by weight.
Do you calibrate scales with remote displays?
Yes. For the 150-10-7, in-house calibration with a certificate is $495 and NIST-traceable is $995. For the GX-32001LS and SBI-505, call for a quote.