Scales

Recommended Hardware

The hardware requirements are divided into two categories - components for an individual production line that will get a scale and setup hardware for initial configuration.

Hardware for Each Line Running a Scale

The following components are required for each production area where a scale will be deployed:

Component	Model	Key Specifications
Single Board Computer	Raspberry Pi 4B	Primary computing unit for scale interface
Case	Geekworm Aluminum Case	Aluminum alloy construction, passive cooling, Raspberry Pi compatible
SD Card	PNY 128GB Elite microSDXC (3-pack)	128GB capacity, Class 10, storage for operating system and data
Power Supply	USB-C Power Supply	Power adapter for main components
Scale	OHAUS Courier 5000 (C52M100L-AM)	Industrial shipping scale with digital interface
USB Hub / Scale Power Supply	USB Hub with Power Supply	Powered USB hub for scale and peripherals
Pi Power Supply	5V 3A Power Supply (2-pack)	Any 5V 3A power supply compatible with Raspberry Pi
Surge Protector	Amazon Basics Surge Protector (2-pack)	Optional but recommended for equipment protection

Setup Hardware

The following components are needed for initial configuration and setup of the Raspberry Pi units:

Component	Model	Key Specifications
USB Keyboard / Mouse	Standard USB Keyboard and Mouse	For initial setup and configuration
HDMI Monitor	Standard HDMI Monitor	For viewing setup process
Micro HDMI Cable	Micro HDMI to HDMI Adapter	Compatible with Raspberry Pi 4B micro HDMI port
Thermal Paste	Thermal Paste	For optimal heat transfer in aluminum case
Tweezers	Precision Tweezers	For pulling and placing micro SD cards

Support for Other Scales

Essembi can support other scale models in addition to the OHAUS Courier 5000. Connect with an Essembi team member if you have questions about a specific model.

Installation Guide for Scales

Install Pi Case

The top of the case has pillars for transferring heat to the case from the chips, such that the case works like a heat sink.

Thermal Paste Application: Thermal paste should be placed above and below the copper heatsink, but not at all on the thermal pads.

Peel off stickers on both ends of the thermal pads. Apply the appropriately sized pads to the three chips specified (all three are black).
Apply thermal paste to the top of the processor. Not so much that it will spill out when pressed down.
Apply the copper heatsink on the processor. Put a little bit more thermal paste on top.
Install the case screws.

Note: Be aware of the USB 3 ports vs the slower USB 2 ports.

Flash the Micro SD Card

Prerequisites

Download and install Raspberry Pi Imager if it is not already installed
Download and unzip the latest essembi-scale-pi.img file. The naming convention is essembi-scale-pi-YYYY-MM-DD.img.zip

Flashing Steps

Insert a blank Micro-SD card. The card should have come with a micro to full-sized SD adapter.
Verify the card is visible in "This PC"
Run Raspberry Pi Imager
Configure the First Screen:

Device: Raspberry Pi 4
OS: Choose "Use Custom" → Select the extracted .img file from the zip above
Storage: The SDXC card / drive
Warning: Be VERY careful not to accidentally select your computer hard drive. Should be hidden by default, but be sure of what you are doing.

Edit Settings - General

Uncheck "set hostname"
Set user / password
Set Locale to their time zone

Edit Settings - Services

Check "Enable SSH"
Set "Use Password Authentication" as the method
Save the settings

Complete the Flashing Process

When returned to the "would you like to apply" prompt, hit "Yes"
When the next prompt appears, click "Yes" again
DO NOT REMOVE THE SD CARD IN PROCESS
The writer will go through writing and verification steps which take 2-3 minutes
When the completion prompt appears, click "Continue", after which it is safe to remove the SD card

When the SD card is written, you should be able to plug it into a Pi and fire it up. The first time you boot it, it may reboot once or twice.

Note: Raspberry Pi boots based on newly receiving power. If you shut it down, simply unplug and plug back in to boot it.

Connect the Scale & Pi

Plug in the USB hub into the power
Plug the scale into the hub and turn on its port
Plug the hub into the Pi
Plug the Pi's USB-C power supply in

Program the Scale

The only setting you should have to change on the scale should be to set it in Mettler-Toledo Continuous mode.

Navigating the Scale Menu

The scale navigation menu is as follows:

Hold "Menu" to enter the menu
Hit "No" to go to the next option
Hit "Yes" to select the current option, go back to the parent menu, and go to the next option in the parent menu
Hit "Exit" to end the menu

Setting Mettler-Toledo Continuous Mode

To set the mode to Mettler-Toledo Continuous, follow this menu path:

Menu
Print
Assign
Mt.CO

Units

The units can be changed on the scale by holding down the "Units" button to toggle between lbs, kg and more.

OHAUS Courier 5000 – Not Registering Weight

If your OHAUS Courier 5000is powering on but not displaying any weight when items are placed on the platform, work through the steps below in order, starting with the simplest fixes first.

Step 1: Basic Checks

Level the scale. Place it on a flat, stable surface and use the leveling feet and bubble level to confirm it is properly leveled.
Power cycle. Remove all weight from the platform, then hold the power button to turn the scale off. Turn it back on and allow it to sit empty for approximately 30 seconds.
Re-zero the display. Press the Zero/Tare button before placing any items on the platform.

Step 2: Check the "Data Transfer" Setting

This is a common culprit. If the Data Transfer setting is turned ON, the scale may freeze and fail to register new weights. To fix it:

Go to Main Menu > Print
Select Data Transfer
Set Data Transfer to OFF
Press NO until you see END, then press YES
Press EXIT to return to the home menu

Step 3: Check the Zero Limit

The scale will not register weight if the display has drifted too far from its calibrated zero point. Make sure the platform is completely empty, then press the Zero button. If the scale is over its zero limit, remove all load, allow it to settle, and re-zero before testing again.

Step 4: Verify Unit Settings

If a unit of measure is not enabled, the scale may fail to display weight. Navigate to Menu > Units and confirm that your desired unit (lb, kg, etc.) is turned on.

Step 5: Recalibrate the Scale

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, the calibration data may be corrupted or drifted. To recalibrate:

Go to Calibration Menu
Run Zero Calibration with the platform empty
Run Span Calibration using a known reference weight

Step 6: Physical Inspection

Check that the platform sits evenly on all four corners with nothing wedged underneath.
Inspect the cable connection between the platform base and the display head — reseat it if loose.
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, load cell damage may be the cause, which requires professional service.

Contact OHAUS Support

If you have worked through all of the steps above without success, contact OHAUS directly:

Phone: 1-800-526-0659
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM EST

The Courier 5000 comes with a standard 2-year warranty. If the unit is relatively new, it may qualify for a free repair or replacement.

Back to help