Ametek CHATILLON DFIS Series User manual

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CHATILLON®DFISSeries
ACCUFORCE®AF2Series
DigitalForce Gauges
OperatingInstructions
InstructionManual NC001562
May2001
Issue3
CHATILLON DFIS Series Digital Force Gauge
AMETEK AF2 Series Shown with MHTC
Mechanical Test Stand

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TABLEOFCONTENTS
INSTRUMENT PRECAUTIONS.............................................................................................. 4
1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PRODUCT OVERVIEW......................................................... 5
1.1 PRODUCT FEATURES .................................................................................................. 5
1.2 ELECTRICAL SAFETY ................................................................................................... 5
1.3 RECHARGING BATTERIES ........................................................................................... 5
1.4 PHYSICAL DIMENSIONS................................................................................................ 6
1.5 REVERSIBLE HOUSING................................................................................................. 6
1.6 ABOUT THE KEYPAD ..................................................................................................... 7
1.7 ABOUT THE DISPLAY..................................................................................................... 7
1.8 CONNECTION TO EXTERNAL DEVICES ................................................................... 8
1.9 INTERFACE CABLES..................................................................................................... 9
1.10 SETTING UP FOR SAFE USE...................................................................................... 10
2.0 FRONT PANEL OPERATION ....................................................................................... 11
2.1 NORMAL MODE .............................................................................................................. 11
2.1.1 Selecting Units of Measure.............................................................................. 11
2.1.2 Selecting Type of Measurement - Capturing Peaks..................................... 11
2.1.3 Zeroing............................................................................................................... 12
2.1.4 Transmitting Readings ..................................................................................... 12
2.2 CONFIGURATION MODE............................................................................................... 13
2.2.1 Configuring Output Port- Analog Output .......................................................... 13
2.2.2 Configuring Output Port- Digital Outputs.......................................................... 13
2.2.2.1 Enabling the Mitutoyo Output................................................................... 14
2.2.2.2 Enabling the RS-232 Port- Numerical Data Only .................................. 15
2.2.2.3 Enabling the RS-232 Port- Full Data ....................................................... 16
2.2.2.4 Modifying Communication Parameters .................................................. 17
2.3 DATA COLLECT MODE .................................................................................................. 18
2.3.1 About Data Collect Mode ................................................................................. 18
Page

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3.0 CALIBRATING THE DFIS/AF2 SERIES .................................................................... 20
3.1 CALIBRATION PROCEDURE ........................................................................................ 20
4.0 DIAGNOSTICS ................................................................................................................ 23
4.1 SOFTWARE PART NUMBER........................................................................................ 23
4.2 SOFTWARE REVISION LEVEL ..................................................................................... 23
4.3 CAPACITY AND UNITS .................................................................................................. 24
4.4 NO LOAD ZERO VALUE................................................................................................. 24
4.5 RS232 LOOPBACK TEST .............................................................................................. 25
4.6 KEYPAD TEST ................................................................................................................. 25
5.0 TECHNICAL REFERENCE AND SPECIFICATIONS............................................... 26
6.0 MODEL NUMBERS........................................................................................................ 27
TABLE OFCONTENTS Page
PRODUCT WARRANTY
This instrument is warranted against defects in workmanship, material and design for one (1) year from the
date of delivery to the extent that AMETEK will, at its sole option, repair or replace the instrument or any part
thereof which is defective provided, however, that the warranty shall not apply to instruments subjected to
tampering or abuse, or exposed to highly corrosive conditions.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AND
AMETEK HEREBY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY
WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY. AMETEK SHALL
NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT
LIMITED TO, ANY ANTICIPATED OR LOST PROFITS.
This warranty is voidable if the purchaser fails to follow any and all instructions, warnings or cautions in the
instrument’s operation manual.
If a manufacturing defect is found, AMETEK will replace or repair the instrument or replace any defective part
thereof without charge; however, AMETEK’s obligation hereunder does not include the cost of transportation
which must be borne by the customer. AMETEK assumes no responsibility for damage in transit, and any
claims for such damage should be presented to the carrier by the purchaser.

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PRECAUTIONS
qRead the instruction manual completely before attempting to use the DFIS or ACCUFORCE
2 (AF2) Series. By following the instructions contained in this manual, the optimum accuracy and
performance can be attained.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The DFIS and ACCUFORCE 2 (AF2) gauges are identical in function-
ality. The procedures, specifications and operations in this manual apply to both products
unless noted.
qTurn off the DFIS/AF2 Series before connecting or disconnecting any cables to the instrument.
qDo not overload the DFIS/AF2 Series! The instrument can handle an overload of up to 150% of the
rated full scale. The display will read “- - - -” when the gauge exceeds approximately 120% of full
scale. When the force applied is removed and “- - - -” is no longer displayed, the gauge may not read
above 121% of full scale in the Tension Peak or Compression Peak modes. Therefore, you must
contact your local distributor to ensure the load cell was not damaged, unless you are 100% sure the
force applied did not exceed 150% of full scale.
qThe DFIS/AF2 Series is designed for axial loading only! Applying load on an angle or eccentric
loading may cause an erroneous reading.
qDo not use tools to attach the shaft adapter and accessories to the gauge. Use “finger-tight”
pressure only to prevent damage to the load cell.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before using your new DFIS/AF2 Series, fully charge the rechargeable
Nicad battery by plugging the supplied battery charger into the battery charger jack at the top
of the gauge and the proper AC outlet. Use only the battery charger supplied with the gauge.
Using other chargers can overcharge and damage the battery.

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1.0 INTRODUCTIONAND PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The DFIS/AF2 Series family of digital force gauges manufactured by AMETEK Test and Calibration
Instruments Division. They have been designed to provide accurate compression and tension force
measurements via an internal load cell. These instruments have been precisely crafted to provide years of
reliable service. Each gauge comes equipped with a rechargeable battery pack, AC battery charger,
Accessory Attachments, and a handy Carrying Case.
1.1 PRODUCT FEATURES
The key features of the DFIS/AF2 Series are:
qLoad capacity up to 500 lbs (250 kg, 2.5 kN)
qInternal sampling rate of 1000 Hz
qDisplays Tension (T) or Compression (C)
qSimple keypad operation
qRugged aluminum housing offers long life. Top (Front) housing is reversible
qMounting arrangements for attaching to Manual and Motorized Test Stands
qReadings can be scaled using several engineering units: LB, KG, N
qField calibration
qAnalog and Digital outputs through common connector
qCan be controlled remotely via RS-232 port
1.2 ELECTRICAL SAFETY
These instruments have been assessed against the essentail health and safety requirements of the Low
Voltage and the EMC Directives listed below. Based on conformity with the listed directives, the DFIS and
AF2 are compliant with the following:
Directive Test Standard
EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) EN 50081-1 EMC Generic Emissions Standard
EN 50082-1 EMC Generic Immunity Standard
Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) EN 61010-1 Safety Requirement for Electrical Equip
1.3 RECHARGINGBATTERIES
A rechargeable NiCad battery powers the DFIS/AF2Series. Since NiCad batteries continue to discharge
when not in use, it may be necessary to recharge the unit before use. When the battery power begins to lose
its charge, the Battery Indicator will appear on the display . To recharge the battery, plug the battery charger
included with the gauge into the correct voltage source and insert the charger jack into the receptacle on the
end of the gauge . Charge the battery for 10-12 hours to yield approximately 8-10 hours of continuous
operation. The gauge can be operated continuously with the charger connected.
_ WARNING -
Before using the gauge, please fully charge the Nicad battery. Use only the battery charger supplied with
the gauge. Using other chargers can overcharge and damage the battery.

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1.4 PHYSICALDIMENSIONS
1.5 REVERSIBLEHOUSING
The DFIS/AF2 Series is shipped shaft-down for stand-mounted applications, and the display on the front of
the gauge is configured accordingly. For performing operations in which the gauge will be hand-held, it may
be desirable to rotate the front of the casing so that the display and logo will be shown right side up. To do
so, remove the two screws from the back of the casing, carefully rotate the front of the casing 180 degrees
being careful not to pull, pinch, or twist the wires inside, and then reinstall the screws.
NOTE: When removing the screws to the back casing for any reason, please take the proper ESD (Electro
Static Discharge) precautions. Touching the circuit board without taking the proper ESD precautions may
cause damage to the circuit board.

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1.7 ABOUT THE DISPLAY
The display is an LCD seven segment display that is easily read even at a distance. The display illustrates
different symbols such as: battery symbol (BATT) indicating the battery is running low; a “C” for compres-
sion or a “T” for tension. The peak operational modes are also displayed (T PEAK, C PEAK). The right
portion of the display indicates the force measurement units (LB, KG, N). The display updates 4 times per
second.
1.6 ABOUT THE KEYPAD
The keypad consists of four dedicated keys (PEAK, UNITS, ZERO, XMIT). The keypad is operational when
the power switch, located on the side of the gauge, is in the ON position.
Figure 1.2
Keypad Layout
PEAK key cycles through three different operating
modes: capture of the Normal reading; Peak
Compression reading; or Peak Tension reading.
The selected mode is indicated in the upper left of
the display screen.
UNITS key allows you to select the display reading
in lbs (LB), kilograms (KG) or newtons (N).
ZERO key returns current display to zero reading.
Depressing this key clears peak readings as well.
XMIT is used to initiate data transmission to an
external device, e.g. personal computer. This key
is also used to display and modify the gauge’s
communications parameters.
UNITS
XMIT
PEAK
ZERO
T C PEAK BATT
LB
KG
N
T
Tension C Compression PEAK Combinedwith
“T” or “C” to
indicate peak
BATT
Indicates low
battery condition
LB, KG, N
Force measurement
indicator
-WARNING -
Force reading accuracy may be affected by a low battery condition. BEFORE using the force gauge for
the first time, fully charge the rechargeable NiCd battery. Plug the charger into the gauge’s charge jack
and into an AC outlet.
Always charge the battery whenever the BATT indicator is highlited. A minimum charge of 8 hours is
recommended.
0 0 0 0
...
.
1

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The DFIS/AF2 Series is supplied with a 12-pin female connector to provide both digital and analog outputs.
AMETEK offers a variety of cables to handle most applications (Refer to Section 1.9). Select the cable type
required to connect the gauge to the peripheral device using the mating connector. The pinout of the
connector is shown above. Pin assignments are defined in the table below.
1 TXD O RS-232 Transmitted Data
2 RXD I RS-232 Received Data
3 GND - Ground Digital Ground
4 - Clock Mitutoyo Clock
5 I Ready Mitutoyo Ready
6 I Request Mitutoyo Request
7 O Data Mitutoyo Data
8 (Reserved)
9 (Reserved)
10 - Ground Digital Ground
11 - Analog GND Analog Ground
12 O Analog SIG Analog Output
Table 1.8 I/O Connector Pinout
PIN Symbol I/O Purpose Description
9
8
7
654
3
2
1
10
12 11
I/O Connector
(View from Solder End)
1.8 CONNECTION TO EXTERNAL DEVICES
The DFIS/AF2 Series can be configured to accept input from an external source, and/or to send output to an
external data-recording device, such as a strip chart recorder, an RS-232 or MITUTOYO printer, or a
personal computer. It can be used in combination with CHATILLON Test Stands and application software
such as NEXYGEN to meet a wide variety of application requirements. To connect the gauge to a device,
attach the appropriate interface cable to the port located at the top of the gauge, and the other end to the
external device.
Power Adapter
I/O Connector

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Cable Description
NC000652 6 ft (182 cm), Connects to a personal
computer with a 25-pin RS-232 connection.
NC000652-1 10 ft (305 cm), Connects gauge to a personal
computer with a 25-pin RS-232 connection.
NC000652-2 15 ft (450 cm), Connectsto a personal
computer with a 25-pin RS-232 connection.
NC000652-3 20 ft (610 cm), Connects to a personal
computer with a 25-pin RS-232 connection.
NC000653 6 ft (182 cm) Connects gauge to X-Y recorder (double banana)
NC000654 5 ft ( 152 cm) Connects gauge to a Mitutoyo device, 10-pin
NC000697 10 ft (305 cm) Connects gauge to a Mitutoyo device,RS232
NC000698 10 ft (305 cm) Connects gauge to a Datamyte
NC000647 6 ft (182 cm) Connects to CHATILLON Model TCD
ENC0125 8 ft (243 cm) Connects to CHATILLON Model TCM
1.9 INTERFACE CABLES

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1.10 SETTING UP FOR SAFE USE
The DFIS/AF2 Series should be properly setup before accurate and most of all, safe measurements can be
made.
Only when you have verified that you will be conducting a safe test, proceed as follows:
1. Determine what and how it will be tested and verify that the DFIS/AF2 Series can handle the test.
2. If desired, mount the gauge in the test fixture.
3. If you will be powering the instrument from the AC line, plug the charger into its jack on the instrument.
Plug the charger into the correct AC voltage outlet (the required AC voltage and frequency are listed on
the charger).
4. Otherwise, if you will be powering the instrument from batteries, fully charge the batteries before using.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Before using your new DFIS/AF2 Series, fully charge the rechargeable
Nicad battery by plugging the supplied battery charger into the battery charger jack at the top
of the gauge and the proper AC outlet. Use only the battery charger supplied with the gauge.
Using other chargers can overcharge and damage the battery.
5. Attach all necessary attachments and plug in the cables. Route the cables so they do not interfere with
the test.
6. Zero the gauge by depressing the ZERO key.
7. Attach the specimen and begin to take measurements.