Scale Magazine.com - Independent Reviews of Scales & Weighing Devices

Scale Magazine Series 2004

"JS vs. PS Comparison Test"

Based on the popularity of our previous comparisons between scales that look similar but are actually different, this Month we again decided to compare and contrast two scales that look similar but are actually quite different. The Jennings JS Series (also sold as On Balance) Compared to the Charder PS Series (sold as DIPSE, Toyo and Yoko) These two scales are made by two totally different manufacturers with totally different specs and modes.

We have been asked many times "what are the real differences between these two scales". These two scales look very similar but upon comparison some distinct differences become apparent. There has been a lot of hoopla and miss-information floating around the web about the true differences and background on these two scales.

So we thought it was time that we C&C (compare and contrast) these two scales and evaluate them ourselves.

	Jennings JS / On Balance Pro	Charder PS (sold as DIPSE, Toyo, Yoko, and others)
Models Available	JS-50 (50g x 0.01) JS-120 (120g x 0.1) JS-200 (200g x 0.1) JS-250 (250g x 0.1) JS-500 (500g x 0.1)	PS-50 (50g x 0.01) PS-250 (250g x 0.1) PS-500 (500g x 0.1)
Sensors	4 German HBM Sensors	4 Taiwanese Sensors
Weighing System	2" Aluminum Load Cell	2" Aluminum Load Cell
Stabilization Time	~1 Second	~3 Seconds
Maximum Capacity	500 Grams (JS-500)	500 Grams (PS-500)
Modes	Grams, Ounces, Pennyweight, Parts counting	Grams, Ounces, Pennyweight, Troy Ounces, Parts Counting
Counting Sizes	10, 20, 50, or 100 pcs	10 or 20 pcs
Tare Max	500 Grams	500 Grams
Recalibration	Yes, with 200g weight	Yes, with 500g weight
Warranty	Varies: 5 Years with $10 fee or 2 years with no fee	Varies: 6 months with $12.50 fee or 2-10 years with no fee
Accessories	Leather Style Pouch, 3 AAA Batteries	Leather Style Pouch, 2 AAA Batteries
Origin	Fuzhou China	Beijing China
Suggested Retail	$59.95 (JS-500)	$89.95 (PS-500)

Testing Results:
We tested 5 JS-500's vs. 5 PS-500's. All scales were put in a 70f room and allowed to sit for 24 hours before tested. Our test facility is a controlled environment that allows us to fully evaluate scales. First (if possible) we calibrate the scales using a 100gram F1 weight. We use F1 test weights for all of our tests and record the results on a spreadsheet to fully compare the products. Each scale is tested by placing a 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 150, 250, and 500 gram weight on the tray 10 times. The results are then compared for an overall accuracy number, skew (reproducibility) and stability. Then we put the scales into a 45f refrigerator for 30 minutes, removed them and then ran the tests again in order to test for temperature compensation.

The JS pulled slightly ahead in every category with better accuracy, better reproducibility, better stability and much faster results than the PS. The tests for durability & temperature compensation were dead-even. We feel that the JS was a better performer due to it's new 2003 FSCII internal processor with built in A/D Converter. This is faster and more stable than the older "chip and resistor" setup used by the PS.

OVERALL
The Jennings Wins. This wasn't even a close decision. The JS has these winning characteristics:
a) The JS runs on 3 AAA batteries whereas the PS only runs on 2. This means the JS will run 50% longer before needing new batteries. This can be a big bonus in the field.
b) The JS has 4 Parts Counting Sample Sizes whereas the PS only has 2
c) The JS Outperforms the PS in accuracy, repeatability, and durability
d) The JS is 200% faster than the PS!!! This is a big factor when weighing items.
e) The JS has a magnet clasp to keep the cover closed, the PS does not have anything to keep the cover closed and in our tests the PS's cover often opened by accident (this can lead to damage of the sensors if it opens at the wrong time).
f) The JS costs 40% less than the PS because it is sold manufacturer direct.

NOTE: The PS does have some benefits as well. The PS's LCD display is larger than the JS display, but the JS has a 6 digit readout whereas the PS only has 5 digits. Some PS models also read in Troy Ounces, but extremely few people still use Troy Ounces as a measurement.

Recommendations:
Buy the JS You’ll save yourself a lot of money and get a better scale to boot!

Notes: There is some dispute as to the origin of the JS/PS scale design. We are told that this scale was originally designed by the owner of Jennings, who made the mistake of showing his design to the owner of Charder. Charder then stole the design and Jennings launched their scale after Charder. DIPSE has made many misleading statements about the true origin of the PS and the country of origin of the PS. The PS is truly made in Beijing China by an independent factory called Charder. It is then sold to various small trading companies such as DIPSE, TOYO, YOKO and others. The JS is made in Fuzhou China in a factory cooperatively owned by Jennings. Thus when you purchase a JS you're buying factory direct, not through a small trading company (as you may already know we strongly dislike small trading companies).

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Important Disclaimer: Scales are sometimes difficult to compare. Our results are just a sample of tests done at random conditions. The actual operating conditions of your scale may vary from our test conditions and your results may differ from our results. We did our best to test the scales in a blind and unbiased manner. We receive advertising consideration from companies that support this site. We do our best to not allow this to affect the results of our tests and evaluations. However, we strongly recommend that you do your own comparison tests in your actual operating environment to determine which scale is best for your needs. The terms Jennings, JScale, JS, PS, Charder, Toyo, DIPSE, Yoko, and all are trademarks or trade names of their respective parties. Names are used for comparison purposes only and for the purposes of this article. No other rights are expressed or implied. This article and all images therein are copyright 2000-4 ScaleMagazine.com.