Overview
The slider is a physical attachment for the 4D Scale that holds items in place during measurement. Because the slider itself occupies space on the scale platform, the device automatically subtracts configured offsets from each axis so your readings reflect only the item being measured.
This guide covers how to enable the slider feature, configure offsets, and verify everything is working correctly.
Requirements
- 4D Scale desktop app version 4.0.3 or later.
- A 4D Scale device connected and online.
If you are running an older version of the desktop app, update to 4.0.3 before enabling slider preferences. The device will not recognize slider settings from earlier versions.
Enabling the Slider
- Open the 4D Scale web app and navigate to your device.
- Tap the gear icon (⚙) in the bottom-right toolbar.
- Select Preferences from the menu.
- In the Slider Preferences section, check the Using slider box.
- Tap Save.
The setting syncs to the desktop app in real time. Once enabled, every dimension reading the scale produces will have the configured offsets subtracted automatically.
Configuring Offsets
Below the “Using slider” toggle you will see three offset fields — X, Y, and Z — expressed in centimeters.
| Field | What it controls |
|---|---|
| X | Amount subtracted from the width (left–right) reading |
| Y | Amount subtracted from the depth (front–back) reading |
| Z | Amount subtracted from the height (top–bottom) reading |
Default Values
The default offsets match the standard slider attachment:
| Axis | Default Offset |
|---|---|
| X | 0.14 in (0.35 cm) |
| Y | 0.14 in (0.35 cm) |
| Z | 0.43 in (1.1 cm) |
Adjusting the Z Offset for a Pin
If you are using the pin accessory instead of the standard slider clamp, set the Z value to 1.59 in (4.05 cm) to account for the additional height of the pin. The X and Y defaults remain the same.
How Offsets Are Applied
The scale subtracts each axis offset from the raw reading and returns the adjusted result. If the subtraction would produce a negative value, the reading is clamped to 0.
For example, with the default offsets and a raw reading of 7.09 × 6.30 × 8.66 in (18.00 × 16.00 × 22.00 cm):
| Axis | Raw | Offset | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | 7.09 in (18.00 cm) | − 0.14 in (0.35 cm) | 6.95 in (17.65 cm) |
| Y | 6.30 in (16.00 cm) | − 0.14 in (0.35 cm) | 6.16 in (15.65 cm) |
| Z | 8.66 in (22.00 cm) | − 0.43 in (1.10 cm) | 8.23 in (20.90 cm) |
Disabling the Slider
To stop applying offsets, uncheck the Using slider box in Preferences and tap Save. The scale will return to reporting raw dimension values immediately. Your previously saved offsets are preserved so you can re-enable the slider without re-entering them.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Preferences are greyed out with the message “Preferences are unavailable until the device reports them.” | The device has not yet connected or has not reported its current slider state. Ensure the desktop app is running (v4.0.3+) and the device is online, then reopen Preferences. |
| Dimensions look too small after enabling | Verify your offset values. If a large Z offset like 1.59 in (4.05 cm) is set but you are using the standard slider (not the pin), readings will be under-reported. |
| Changes don’t appear on the device | Confirm the device shows a green connection indicator and is running app version 4.0.3 or later. Settings sync over the network in real time, so a stale desktop version or lost connection will block updates. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter offsets in inches instead of centimeters?
The web app fields are in centimeters, but don’t worry — the scale automatically converts everything to whichever display unit you’ve chosen (inches, centimeters, etc.), so your final readings will always show in the unit you prefer.
Do offsets affect weight readings?
No. Offsets are applied to dimension (X, Y, Z) readings only. Weight is unaffected.
What happens if I remove the slider but forget to disable the setting?
The scale will continue subtracting offsets, resulting in dimensions that are smaller than the actual item. Always disable the slider setting when you remove the physical attachment.