FS-200

Overview

The Hobart FS-200 is a FreshServe self-service scale for retail product weighing and consumer-facing transactions. A product listing identifies it as a 23-inch FreshServe scale with a 14-inch touchscreen. The FS Series system can store information on thousands of products, including PLU and UPC numbers, pricing, tare, and shelf life, as well as consumer information such as nutrition facts, safe-handling information, expanded text, recipes, cooking instructions, and merchandising graphics.

In self-service mode, a consumer can look up a product, place it on the scale, and print a label or use a barcode or QR code displayed on the screen. The scale can also be operated in standard mode. Self-service features must be enabled in supervisor mode before the scale can be switched into self-service operation.

Key Features

• Touchscreen operation: The 14-inch touchscreen provides access to scale functions, product search, and consumer prompts.
• Product records: The system can hold thousands of product records with retail handling information and consumer-facing content.
• Self-service interface choices: The FS Series offers FreshServe and HT user-interface styles. The manuals describe similar functionality with different graphical designs.
• Product identification options: Consumers can enter a known PLU or search for a product. A barcode scanner and image-recognition camera are available as auxiliary equipment mounted to the post under the display.
• Label flexibility: The printer supports die-cut, continuous, and linerless label stock. The scale automatically recognizes and sizes correctly installed stock when the printer access door is closed.
• On-screen code option: The scale can present a barcode or QR code on the screen for scan-and-go use. The supervisor manual identifies the on-screen barcode/QR function with label type 10072; changing that label type affects what appears on screen.

Specifications

• Manufacturer and model: Hobart FS-200.
• Product type: FreshServe self-serve scale.
• Display: 14-inch touchscreen.
• Operating temperature: 14°F to 104°F (-10°C to 40°C).
• Electrical supply: 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz, single phase.
• Electrical draw: 1.42 amps, maximum 170 watts, as stated in the supervisor manual.
• Power cord: A 9-foot standard cord cap with ground-type plug is specified in the supervisor manual.
• Connections: Two Type A USB 2.0 ports, one RJ-45 Ethernet jack for TCP/IP, and a power/reboot connection.
• Scale resolution: 0.005 lb increments up to 12 lb; above 12 lb, resolution is 0.01 lb. The scale can also be set during installation to use 0.01 lb resolution from 0.0 to 30.00.
• Label roll dimensions: 1.50-inch roll inside diameter, 6.25-inch maximum outside diameter, and 2.25-inch label width.
• Label lengths: 2.375, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5 inches.
• Label stock: Die-cut, continuous, or linerless, as described in the operator manual. The supervisor manual lists die-cut or linerless stock.
• Bowl: Warewash-suitable polymer with a twist-lock attachment.

HT scale labels will not fit the FS scale. The manuals do not provide a scale capacity figure in the supplied material.

Installation & Requirements

The operator manual states that the scale should be installed only by a qualified Hobart Service technician. The supervisor manual also says that installation or moving should be performed by a qualified Hobart Service Technician. The scale operates within the temperature range listed above.

A power cord connects from inside the printer access door. The supervisor manual specifies a 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz, single-phase supply, with a maximum draw of 1.42 amps and 170 watts. It also describes a 9-foot standard cord cap with a ground-type plug. Available communication connections are two Type A USB 2.0 ports and an RJ-45 Ethernet connection for TCP/IP. No clearance or ventilation dimensions are provided in the supplied manuals.

To enable self-service, a supervisor must turn on the self-service feature in the Normal Operations settings. The supervisor manual says that enabling this feature defaults to the HT user interface, and changes must be followed by a reboot to take effect. The scale can then be switched into self-service mode from the home screen.

Operation

Using self-service mode

Self-service mode is intended for consumer operation. The consumer can enter a known PLU or search for a PLU by name, number, or keyword. On units equipped with a barcode scanner, the consumer can scan the product barcode. On units equipped with image recognition, placing an item on the scale presents a list of product options for the consumer to choose from. After selecting the correct product, the consumer can print a label or scan a barcode or QR code shown on the screen. For by-count items, the consumer is prompted to enter a quantity.

The FreshServe interface presents on-screen directions and product categories; the manual says the scale defaults to the Best Sellers group. The language displayed in self-service mode can be changed using the alternate-language button. The HT interface provides similar functionality with a different graphical design. The scale remains in self-service mode after a reboot or power failure until it is deliberately changed to another mode.

Changing modes and rezeroing

To exit self-service mode or rezero the scale, touch the lower-left area of the screen that displays the capacity. The scale then opens the Self-Service Mode Weights and Measures screen. Touch Rezero to zero the weigher when nothing is on the platter. To exit self-service mode, enter an operator ID and select Exit Self-Service Mode, or use a standard USB Supervisor/Service key. The supervisor manual notes that operator ID 1010, with level 1 scale access, is present by default to allow an exit without a USB key.

Loading labels

Open the printer access door and release printhead tension by rotating the red printhead lever counterclockwise as directed in the label-loading instructions. Install the label stock on the hub and route it through the printer according to the stock type. For linerless stock, the manual instructs the operator to secure the stock in place, rotate the printhead lever clockwise until seated, and close the access door. For die-cut stock, the backing paper is routed around the take-up spool and secured with the take-up spool key. Once the roll is installed and the door is closed, the printer automatically sizes the stock and expels several blank labels before it is ready to print.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Cleaning the bowl

The bowl is made of warewash-suitable polymer and attaches with a twist lock. To remove it, grip the sides and gently turn it about 45 degrees counterclockwise, then lift it off. Clean it with a gentle detergent. To reinstall it, align the twist-lock notches on the bowl and scale, then turn the bowl about 45 degrees clockwise until locked into place.

Cleaning the printhead and roller

The supervisor manual recommends cleaning the printhead approximately once a week, or when residue on the printhead or roller obstructs labels. It also recommends cleaning the printhead roller when installing a new label roll. First open the printer access door, remove the labels, release the printhead lever, and check for label stock or adhesive. Rotate the red printhead lever 90 degrees counterclockwise to release tension. Use the scraper from the Printhead Cleaning Kit to remove stuck label stock. Gently rub burnt-on adhesive with the kit eraser, then use 70% isopropyl alcohol cleaner and a kit swab to clean the printhead. Clean the print roller with the cleaner and swabs, and allow both parts to dry before loading labels.

The manual states that cleaning the printer unit is the customer’s responsibility and is not covered by Hobart warranty. It also cautions that damage to the printer mechanism caused by an improper cleaning procedure or cleaning product is not covered by Hobart warranty.

Troubleshooting

Checking weight and price

Routinely verify the information printed on labels. Check that price per pound multiplied by weight matches the printed price, and compare the scale reading with the printed label weight. Weigh the same package several times to check consistency. The operator manual notes that packages near the middle of a 0.005 lb increment may vary up or down by 0.005 lb. It says variation greater than 0.005 lb indicates a need for weigher adjustment; contact a local Hobart representative when adjustment is needed. The supervisor manual also advises contacting a local Hobart Service Representative if the scale repeatedly shows errors or does not weigh accurately.

Checking print quality

If CodeChecker is enabled for the supervisor, the Printer Dot Status function provides a visual indication of printhead health: functioning dots appear green and blown or bad dots appear red. The manual says the printhead should be serviced only when blown dots hinder print quality and cleaning does not improve it.

Restarting or shutting down

Use the Reboot button on the left side of the scale only if the scale has stopped responding. Press and hold the button and wait for the message that the scale is rebooting; do not remove power during the process. For a normal shutdown, use the on-screen Shutdown function. When the system indicates it is ready, touch Shutdown and wait for the screen to go black before unplugging the scale. The manual specifically cautions against disconnecting power during shutdown.

Applications

The FS-200 suits retail settings where products are weighed, priced, and labelled at a self-service station. Product records can carry retail information such as PLU, UPC, price, tare, and shelf life, together with consumer-facing details such as nutrition facts, safe-handling information, recipes, cooking instructions, and merchandising graphics. Its self-service workflow supports customers who need to identify an item, obtain its weight and price, and print or scan a product label or code.