Hi everyone,
We’re currently using the Brecknell P25 scales in our Tulip applications, but we’ve been facing frequent connectivity issues. The USB connection tends to loosen over time, causing unstable communication with both computers and IO Gateways. We often have to restart the scale, and in some cases, even reboot the Gateway because it stops recognizing the device. We haven’t been able to pinpoint a clear root cause, but the reliability just hasn’t been there.
To explore alternatives, we tested two DYMO models:
-
DYMO M25: Works via USB, but is only compatible with PCs — not with IO Gateways or EDGE IO.
-
DYMO M10: This one is compatible with both IO Gateway and EDGE IO
But both of them automatically powers off after 3 minutes of inactivity. Unfortunately, this behavior can’t be disabled, based on the documentation and forums we’ve reviewed.
In our process, scales are used not only to weigh materials and determine quantities but also as part of poka-yoke systems to verify final product packaging. So uptime and reliability are critical. Having the operator turn the scale back on repeatedly is not ideal in a high-paced production environment.
My question is:
Does anyone know of a plug-and-play scale that works reliably with Tulip IO Gateways, EDGE IO or computers, and that doesn’t power off automatically?
We’re only weighing up to 20–25 lbs max, so we don’t need industrial/heavy-duty scales — just something compact, accurate, and stable for light use.
Appreciate any suggestions or experiences you can share!
Thanks,
Hi Edgar,
Thanks for putting the details together on what you have tested so far. Below are a few scales that have proven reliable with Tulip, plus the steps to get one online quickly.
-
Ohaus “Navigator” or “Scout STX” (USB)
-
Plug-and-play with both IO Gateway and Edge IO.
-
Disable the sleep timer in the menu: Setup → Auto Off → Off.
-
Capacities up to 10 kg / 22 lb cover your 20–25 lb range.
-
Mettler-Toledo ICS425 bench scale
-
USB or RS-232 connection, configurable power-off timer (can be disabled).
-
Indicator head mounts on the bench; only the load-cell cable runs to the platform.
-
Run the “Weighing Scale Unit Tests” app before go-live
- Confirms that the Gateway or Edge IO is receiving real-time weight updates.
-
Secure the cable
- Add a strain-relief clip or zip tie where the USB cable meets the scale to prevent random disconnects.
-
Update scale firmware
- Ohaus and Mettler release flash tools that fix USB enumeration drop-outs.
Helpful Tulip docs
Let me know which model you decide on, and I can walk you through the setup or send exact part numbers.
Best,
Nicolo
Hi Nicolo, thanks for the reply!
I will move forward with the Ohaus brand. Can you please share the exact model?
Thanks!
My name is Edgar 
haha
Hi Edgar,
Thanks for catching that, I read your username a bit too quickly the first time!
For your use case, I’d recommend the Ohaus Navigator NV622 or Ohaus Navigator NV2201 models. Both are USB-capable, plug-and-play with IO Gateway and Edge IO, and allow you to fully disable the auto-off setting in the menu.
If you want the touchscreen version, the Ohaus Scout STX2201 is another solid choice with the same connectivity and power-off control.
Once you get the scale, you can follow the Ohaus scale setup guide and run the Weighing Scale Unit Tests app to make sure it’s communicating properly before go-live.
Let me know which one you pick and I can share the exact steps to disable auto-off in the menu.
Hi @nicolo.lagravinese, the models you mentioned have a maximum capacity of around 1.37 lb to 4.85 lb.
I’m looking for something with a higher capacity, around 20–25 lb.
Do you have any models that can handle that?
What about the DYMO S50 or S100 scales? I know the maximum capacity is higher than my requirements, but my question is more related to the stability of this scale connected to the EDGE IO, IO GTW or Windows computer.
Hi Edgar,
The DYMO S50 is officially supported by Tulip starting with Player 2.0.0 (January 2023). It has a 50 kg capacity (~110 lbs), which covers your 20–25 lb requirement, and works with IO Gateway, EDGE IO, and computers via USB.
Unlike the M10/M25 models, the S50 is a higher-capacity bench scale that draws power via USB rather than relying on battery power, so it should handle power management differently and avoid the 3-minute auto-off behavior you saw. Still, I’d recommend testing it in your setup to confirm it stays awake under your workflow.
For higher-capacity Ohaus alternatives, the Navigator NVT series goes up to 70 lbs, but the DYMO S50 would be worth testing first given its official support status.
Let me know how it works out.
Best,
Nicolo
I couldn’t find the DYMO S50, but I did find the S100. Do you think it will work? Specifically, I want to connect it directly to a Windows computer, but ideally it should also work with the IO GTW.
The S100 should work similarly to the S50. Both are DYMO shipping scales with USB connectivity and similar power management. The official support announcement specifically mentions “Dymo 50 KG Scale” but both the S50 (50kg) and S100 (100lb/45kg) are essentially the same product line with different capacity ranges.
For your use case:
-
Windows computer: Should work directly via USB - DYMO scales typically use standard USB HID protocols
-
IO Gateway: Should also work since the S50 is officially supported and they share the same communication protocol
The S100 has approximately 45kg capacity (~100 lbs), which still exceeds your 20-25 lb requirement and should have the same USB power advantage (no auto-off issues) that the larger DYMO shipping scales have.
I’d recommend testing the S100 since it’s readily available and should behave identically to the officially supported S50 from a connectivity and power management perspective.
Let me know how it works out!
Best,
Nicolo
Hey Nicolo,
Just to share that the DYMO S100 works perfectly in all ways, including with Windows, IO GTW, and EDGE IO.
With that confirmed, we will proceed to replace all our Brecknell P25 scales and upgrade to the DYMO S100.
Thanks!