Axis FA Series User manual

OPERATION MANUAL
FORCE GAUGE
FA Series
File: 2012-05-25 FA-140 FA0021 GB

2 OPERATION MANUAL
Contents:
1. Introduction _____________________________________________________________________ 3
2. Basic Set _______________________________________________________________________ 3
3. Safety instructions ________________________________________________________________ 4
3.1 Main safety rules ________________________________________________________________ 4
3.2 Safety rules during measurements above 1 N (about 100 g) ______________________________ 4
4. Rules for handling a worn force gauge ________________________________________________ 5
5. Technical data ___________________________________________________________________ 6
6. Keys and indicators _______________________________________________________________ 8
7. Preparing the force gauge for operation _______________________________________________ 9
8. General rules for use _____________________________________________________________ 11
9. Turning on the gauge ____________________________________________________________ 12
10. Description of measurement methods ________________________________________________ 13
10.1 Measuring actual and pea value of a pressure/pull force ___________________________ 13
10.2 Force characteristics measurement, measurement registration to memory ______________ 15
10.3 Measurement of the mass – using the gauge as scales _____________________________ 16
11. Connecting external devices _______________________________________________________ 19
12. User’s Menu ___________________________________________________________________ 20
13. Applications ____________________________________________________________________ 20
13.1 Data stored _______________________________________________________________ 21
13.2 Comparison with threshold values MIN / OK / MAX ________________________________ 24
14. Units _________________________________________________________________________ 25
15. Configuration ___________________________________________________________________ 26
15.1 Measure speed ____________________________________________________________ 26
15.2 Auto-zeroing ______________________________________________________________ 27
15.3 Print settings ______________________________________________________________ 28
15.4 Setting parameters for serial connectors ________________________________________ 29
15.5 LCD settings ______________________________________________________________ 30
15.6 Selecting the menu language _________________________________________________ 31
15.7 Setting date and time _______________________________________________________ 32
15.8 Turning the sound ON/OFF when using the eypad (beep) __________________________ 33
15.9 Automatic power OFF (Auto-OFF) _____________________________________________ 34
15.10 Monitoring the batteries’ charge level (Battery) ____________________________________ 35
15.11 Firmware update ___________________________________________________________ 36
15.12 Reset settings _____________________________________________________________ 36
16. Calibration _____________________________________________________________________ 38
17. Maintenance, troubleshooting and repairing minor types of damage _________________________ 39
18. Force gauge menu diagram ________________________________________________________ 40
Declaration of Conformity __________________________________________________________ 42

OPERATION MANUAL 3
1. Introduction
The FA series force gauges are designed for measuring pressure or pulling force in
laboratory, manufacturing and quality control applications.
Measurements up to 200N are e ecuted by holding the gauge in hand.
Measurements from 200N to 500N require using a double-hand handle (additional
equipment). It is also possible to use the force gauge mounted on a stand
(additional equipment).
To measure bigger forces (over 500N) force gauges with e ternal sensor are used.
The RS232C serial connector allows the measurement results to be transmitted to a
computer or a printer for further analysis or recording.
Additional information regarding FA00 force gauge are located in Appendi A
(p.41).
2. Basic Set
1. The basic set includes the following elements:
2. Force gauge,
3. Power supply unit ~230 V 50 Hz / =12 V; 1.25 A,
4. SK-1 cable (dynamometer – computer),
5. CD containing an operation manual and software,
6. Warranty.
Moreover:
for FA50-FA500: Push tips – 4 pcs, 1 hook tip, 1 e tension piece
for FA1k-FA50k: bearings – 2 pcs

4 OPERATION MANUAL
3. Safety instructions
3.1 Main safety rules
Read carefully the safety instructions included below.
Observe these instructions to avoid electrocution or
damage to the force gauge itself or other devices
connected to the force gauge.
• Repairs and any necessary adjustments may only be conducted by
qualified personnel.
• Do not use the force gauge when any part of the enclosure has been
removed.
• Do not use the force gauge in potentially e plosive atmospheres.
• Do not use the force gauge in areas with a high humidity.
• In the case of suspected damage to the force gauge, turn off the gauge and
do not use it until it is e amined by a specialised servicing facility.
3.2 Safety rules during measurements above 1kN (about 100kg)
• Putting into service
Measurement set, which includes force gauge must e ceed actual forces during
measuring by its measurement range. E ceeding force gauge range (by more than
10%) may cause damaging the sensor and constitutes a threat to personnel.
Measurement stand that consists of force sensor, screw with bearings for
transferring forces and measured objects, must be mounted safely.
• Mounting and dismounting
Mounting and dismounting the measurement stand should be made under control
of authorized personnel (technical supervision). Installation consists of attaching
sensor to measured objects. This should be made using screw with bearings. The
screws should be screwed into sensor threaded holes over the entire depth of the
thread and spin by nuts. In light of the bearing (in the eye), insert the power
transfer element (from measured object) with a circular cross-section matched to
the diameter of the bearing, such as shackle
. All elements of the power transfer

OPERATION MANUAL 5
from one side and the other side of the sensor must have adequate strength, as
evidenced by a proper certificate.
• xploitation
On the basis of this force gauge manual, a whole measurement system manual
should be developed by user. Measurement system manual should be available on
the measurement post during e ploitation. Personnel should be familiar with
security rules.
If any damage is noticed immediately stop operation.
• Maintenance, inspections and repairs
Maintenance, inspections and repairs on measurement post should be e ecuted
only by representatives of contractor or trained personnel. If the post is under
technical supervision, this activities should be e ecuted under supervision of
qualified person within the meaning of act on technical supervision.
4. Rules for handling a worn force gauge
According to the applicable regulations on the
protection of the environment, do not put worn
electronic devices in containers for common waste.
• When put out of operation, a worn force gauge can be delivered to bodies
authorised to collect old electronic equipment or to the point of purchase.

6 OPERATION MANUAL
5. Technical data
Type
FA50
FA200
FA500
Maximum force measured
50N (~5kg)
200N (~20kg)
500N (~50kg)
Reading graduation (d)
0 01N (1g)
0 05N (5g)
0 1N (10g)
Accuracy
±
0 05%
Measurement units
N g lb oz kg
M
aximum overload
20%
Operating temperature
-
10
÷
40
°
C
Internal resolution
24 bits (16mln graduation)
Process speed
10 or 40 measurements/s
Internal memory capacity
8x800 measurements
Interface
RS
-
232C (standard) or USB (option)
Assisting software
FM (time characteristics statistic analysis
data archiving )
Display
LCD graphical 61x34mm
Measurement options
Maximal value measurement serial measurement
dynamic measurement (time diagrams)
Power supply
lithium polymer batteries
set 1000mAh (LP703048P6H type)
+ supply ~230V 50Hz / 12V 1 2A
Accumulator working time
~20h (~45h backlighting off)
Measurement mantrel
11mm (thread M6x9mm)
Dimensions
210x110x40mm
Weight
700g
Type
FA1k
FA2k
FA5k
FA10k
FA20k
Maximum force measured
1kN
(~100kg)
2kN
(~200kg)
5kN
(~500kg)
10kN
(~1t)
20kN
(~2t)
Reading graduation (d)
0 2N (20g)
0 5N (50g)
1N (100g)
2N (200g)
5N (500g)
Accuracy
±
0 05%
Measurement units
N g lb oz kg
Maximum overload
20%
Operating temperature
-
10
÷
40
°
C
Internal resolution
24 bits (16mln graduation)
Process speed
10 or 40 measurements/s
Internal memory capacity
8x800 measurements
Interface
RS
-
232C (standard) or USB (option)
Assisting software
FM (time characteristics statistic analysis
data archiving)
Display
LCD graphical 61x34mm
Measurement options
Maximal value measurement serial measurement
dynamic measurement (time diagrams)
Power supply
lithium polymer batteries
set 1000mAh (LP703048P6H type)
+ supply ~230V 50Hz / 12V 1 2A
Accumulator working time
~20h (~45h backlighting off)
Measurement mantrel
-
Dimensions
210x110x40mm + sensor
Weight
460g+sensor weight

OPERATION MANUAL 7
Type
FA50k
FA100k
FA200k
Maximum force measured
50kN
(~5t)
100kN
(~10t)
200kN
(~20t)
Reading graduatio
n (d)
10N (1kg)
20N (2kg)
50N (5kg)
Accuracy
±
0 05%
Measurement units
N g lb oz kg
Maximum overload
20%
Operating temperature
-
10
÷
40
°
C
Internal resolution
24 bits (16mln graduation)
Process speed
10 or 40 measurements/s
Internal memory capaci
ty
8x800 measurements
Interface
RS
-
232C (standard) or USB (option)
Assisting software
FM (time characteristics statistic analysis
data archiving)
Display
LCD graphical 61x34mm
Measurement options
Maximal value measurement serial measuremen
t
dynamic measurement (time diagrams)
Power supply
lithium polymer batteries
set 1000mAh (LP703048P6H type)
+ supply ~230V 50Hz / 12V 1 2A
Accumulator working time
~20h (~45h backlighting off)
Measurement mantrel
-
Dimensions
210x110x40mm + sens
or
Weight
460g+sensor weight

8 OPERATION MANUAL
6. Keys and indicators
Main keys:
ON/OFF
-
ON / OFF key (standby),
UNIT/CLEAR
-
Change units / cancel selection or change a parameter value,
BACKLIGHT
-
Turn on illumination (ECO mode),
ENTER
-
Confirm / select an option or a digit,
(
→
0
←
)
- Zeroing / resetting (entering the current reference value to be subtracted from the
measured values in each consecutive measurement)
Navigation keys:
↑
-
Move cursor up or increase the digit marked by the cursor,
↓
-
Move cursor down or decrease the digit marked by the cursor,
→
-
Move to the ne t menu level or display the ne t option,
←
ENTER
- Move to the previous menu level or display the previous option.
-
Confirm the entered parameter or select a highlighted option,
MENU
Function Keys:
-
Meter function menu (diagram menu - chapter 18),
PEAK
-
Measure the ma imum value,
MEM
-
Save the result to the memory, press and hold – save to memory menu,
PRINT
-
Print result (transmission via RS-232C connector).
Indicators:
-
Indicates that the weighing result has stabilised,
OFF
-
Appears after turning off the gauge using the ON/OFF key (standby),
SLW/FST
-
Slow/fast measurement mode,
ACQ
AUT
- Automatically acquire measurement results.
-
Autozeroing on
ote:
Numbers are entered using the navigation keys. First, the cursor is placed in the right digit position.

OPERATION MANUAL 9
7. Preparing the force gauge for operation
1. Take the gauge out of the case.
2. Fit a measurement tip suitable for the measurements to be conducted on the
gauge plunger.
Intended use of the individual tips:
- tip A – measurement of surface pressure force,
- tip B – measurement of point pressure force,
- tip C – measurement of pressure on an a is or an edge,
- tip D – measurement of edge pressure force,
- tip E – hook for measuring pull force or suspending and weighing an object,
- tip F – e tension piece suitable for all types of above-mentioned tips.
If the force gauge has been transported from an area with low
temperature to an area with a higher temperature, e.g. during
winter, water may condensate on the gauge’s enclosure. In such a
case, do not turn on the gauge’s power supply, as it may lead to
damage to the gauge or improper operation. Before turning on the
gauge, leave it for 1 hour to acclimatise.
Tip A
Tip B
Tip C
Tip D
Tip E
(hook)
E tension
piece F

10 OPERATION MANUAL
Force gauges with a range from 1kN to 20kN are equipped with an e ternal force
sensor connected by a rod with a plug. Bearings are connected to the e tensometric
force gauge in order to avoid unwanted stress when mounting load.-{}-
The meter is delivered in two carrying cases (separate for the meter and for the
sensor).

OPERATION MANUAL 11
8. General rules for use
1. When conducting measurements by hand, make sure that the direction of the
measured force is identical with the gauge’s a is (a is of the gauge plunger).
Otherwise, only a component force along the gauge’s a is will be measured.
2. The gauge allows for resetting in the entire measurement range (this operation is
called taring in the case of measuring the mass) by pressing the → T(0) ← key.
Resetting/taring does not e tend the measurement range but only subtracts the
entered reference value from the measured value.
3. The measurement mechanism is a precision device and is sensitive to shocks and
vibrations. It is not allowed to hit the measurement tip against any objects.
4. Do not overload the gauge above the ma imum overload value (20%).
5. Accumulators set situated inside the force gauge housing, should be e changed
when working time decreases to 20 % of nominal time (below 4 hours).
When transporting the force gauge, unscrew the measurement tip and
put the gauge in the case to protect it against accidental pressure on
the gauge plunger.

12 OPERATION MANUAL
9. Turning on the gauge
Place the gauge in the operating
position, e.g. horizontal position (by
laying it on a table). Turn on the
gauge by pressing the ON/OFF key.
When necessary, plug the gauge’s
power supply unit to a ~230 V/50 Hz
socket and connect the power supply
unit’s plug to the gauge’s 12 V
socket.
The gauge automatically tests the
electronic subassemblies and then
resets. During this operation, the
gauge should remain stationary and
its sensor should not be affected by
any forces.
After the resetting has been
successfully completed, the gauge
indicates zero.
Unsuccessful resetting is signalled by
an appropriate message.
ote:
It is possible to accelerate the resetting process by pressing the MENU key, which
will recall the results from the previous resetting.
If the batteries are low, leave the gauge’s e ternal power supply unit ON until they
are fully recharged. The batteries’ charge level is signalled by an indicator in the
upper section of the display.
AXIS
AXIS Sp. z o.o.
ul. Kartuska 375B
80-125 Gdańsk
RESETTING
_ _ _ _ _ _
CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT
0.00N

-
-

+


OPERATION MANUAL 13
10. Description of measurement methods
The gauge can be used to measure pressure and pull forces. In addition, when
mounted properly, it can be used as suspension scales to measure the mass.
10.1 Measuring actual and peak value of a pressure/pull force
Measuring pressure force Measuring pull force
Measuring pull force e ternal load cell vertion

14 OPERATION MANUAL
Before starting the measurement, choose a suitable measurement tip, screw it to the
gauge plunger and reset the gauge in the operating position, e.g. horizontal position
(laying the gauge on a table). The resetting process starts automatically after
turning on the gauge or by pressing the →T(0)← key.
To perform the measurement,
indicate the force direction using an
arrow in the display’s lower bar
section and “+” (pressure) or “-” (pull
force) symbol.
To change the measurement from the
actual value (continuous
measurement) to the ma imum value
(peak measurement), use the PEAK
key. Pressing again PEAK button will
change direction of the measured
force(PK↑, PK↓), zeroing by using
→0← key .
When measuring ma imum value, at
the bottom of the screen appears a
bar showing actual force value and
ma imum force value for other force
direction if it was measured before -
otherwise 0,00 value will indicate.
NORMAL MEASUREMENT
0.00N

-
-

+

RESETTING
_ _ _ _ _ _
PEAK MEASUREMENT
PK↑ LOCK
0.10N

-
-

+

↓ 0 00 0 10

OPERATION MANUAL 15
10.2 Force characteristics measurement, measurement registration to memory
In order to enable changing force measurement and to create results visualizations
(graphs or histograms), force gauge is equipped with actual results buffer memory
and a memory that holds up to 8 files with measurement results. Detailed
description of available options can be found in 13.1 chapter.
After pressing MEM key results are
stored in buffer memory
If ACQ indication is turned off,
single measurement is stored.
When ACQ indication is turned on,
MEM key starts storing
measurements in equal time intervals.
During measurement storing,
numbers of samples and total sum of
samples are displayed.
After storing all samples a graph is
displayed.
ENTER – returns to force indications,
MEM – Statistics results displaying.
Statistics option is used for
obligatory storing or deleting actual
results (ne t measurement is possible
only after deleting).
UNIT/CLEAR enables quick e it from
Statistics option.
NORMAL MEASUREMENT
AUT
1.00N

-
-

+

SAMPLE 001

-
-

+

MEM
NORMAL MEASUREMENT
ACQ AUT
1.00N

-
-

+

SAMPLE 001/100
ACQ AUT
1.00N

-
-

+

MEM
001: 1.00N
0 100s
F
t
↑

16 OPERATION MANUAL
10.3 Measurement of the mass – using the gauge as scales
When using an additional element (bowl, basket, etc.) for suspending an object to
be weighed, the gauge can be used to measure the mass. In the case of
measurements which do not require a high level of precision, the gauge can be
hand-held. To ensure ma imum precision of the measurement, the gauge should be
mounted on a stand using the four threaded holes at the bottom of the enclosure or
it can be suspended using a special suspension element (option available on
request).
While the measurement of the force is independent of geographical factors, the
measurement of mass requires gravity force. Since the value of the gravity force
used to calculate the mass depends on the gravitational acceleration in the location
where the gauge is used, the device is calibrated for a specific value of the
gravitational acceleration.
Example: Force gauge cali rated y producer in Gdansk (54
o
21' N, h=114m
a ove sea-level), during weighing 5kg will indicate 5,000kg, ut when it will e
moved to Katowice (50° 15′ N, h=250m a ove sea-level.) it will indicate 4,998kg.
The factory preset value is the gravitational acceleration in AXIS headquarters
location ( g
R
= 9.81415 m/s
2
). When using force gauge as a balance in place with
significantly different gravity force (more than ±0,00 200m/s2 ) inscribe proper
gravity force or inscribe latitude with above sea-level value. To do that use
Cali ration option from force gauge menu.
The values of the gravitational acceleration for some of the Polish cities are
presented in the table below.
Gravitational acceleration for selected cities
City g
R
[m/s
2
] City g
R
[m/s
2
]
AXIS 9.81415 Olsztyn
9.81354
Gdańsk 9.81446 Łódź
9.81164
Gdynia 9.81453 Mława
9.81295
Białystok 9.81294 Opole
9.81076
Bydgoszcz 9.81327 Piła
9.81330
Chojnice 9.81342 Poznań
9.81266
Cieszyn 9.80960 Przemyśl 9.
80991
Częstochowa 9.81061 Przeworsk
9.81009
Elbląg 9.81430 Radom
9.81146
Ełk 9.81361 Rybnik
9.81008
Gliwice 9.81025 Rzeszów
9.81010
Gorzów Wielkopolski 9.81305 Słupsk
9.81449
Grudziądz 9.81368 Suwałki
9.81377
Kalisz 9.81184 Szczecin
9.81370
Katowice 9.81008 Tarnów
9.81005
Kielce 9.81063 Toruń
9.81313
Koszalin 9.81427 Warszawa
9.81240
Kraków 9.81005 Włocławek
9.81288
Leszno 9.81206 Wrocław
9.81131
Lublin 9.81128 Zielona Góra
9.81190

OPERATION MANUAL 17
Measurement Measurement using a gauge
using a hand-held gauge mounted on a stand
(stand available on request)
Suspended weight measurement
(suspension element available on request)

18 OPERATION MANUAL
Screw the hook tip to the gauge
plunger, suspend a bowl on the
hook and place the gauge in the
operating position (as shown in the
figure). The display’s indications
will rotate by 180
o
.
To change force units to mass
units, press the UNIT/CLEAR or
MENU key several times. When
using the MENU key, move the
cursor to Units and press ENTER .
Move the cursor to a mass unit
( kilogr m or gr m ) and press
ENTER .
Reset the gauge in the operating
position by pressing the →T(0)←
key .
Place the object to be weighed on
the bowl.
Read the mass.
RESETTING
_ _ _ _ _ _
USER’s MENU
1. Applications
2. Units
3. Configuration
4. Calibration
5.
Exit
CONTINUOUS MEASUREMENT
0.2kg

-
-

+

U
NITS
 Kilogram [kg]
 Gram [g]
 Pound [lb]
 Ounce [oz]
 Newton [N]
Exit

OPERATION MANUAL 19
11. Connecting external devices
The force gauge is equipped with a socket for an e ternal power supply unit and
RS232C serial connector for a printer or a computer.
PL EN
ZASILACZ POWER SUPPLY UNIT
masa gnd
Description of the data transmission protocol when working with a computer
(LonG):
The scales transmit the result as follows (8 bits, 1 stop, no parity, 4,800 bps):
Computer→Gauge: initiating signal S I CR LF (53 h 49 h 0Dh 0 Ah),
Gauge→Computer: gauge indication according to the following format (16 bytes):
Description of individual bytes:
byte 1
-
“-“ or space
byte 2
-
space
byte
3
÷
4
-
digit or space
byte 5÷9
-
digit, comma or space
byte 10
-
digit
byte 11
-
space
byte 12
-
k, l, c, p or space
byte 13
-
g, b, t, c or %
byte 14
-
space
byte 15
-
CR
byte 16
-
LF
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
RxD
asa
TxD
NC
RS232C
ZASILACZ

20 OPERATION MANUAL
12. User’s Menu
The User’s Menu includes all functions and options necessary to operate the gauge
or e tend its functionalities.
To use the options of the USER’s
MENU , use the MENU key . Move the
cursor to the desired option and
press ENTER .
The menu includes:
1. Applic tions – advanced measurement functions,
2. Units – select measurement units,
3. Configur tion – set the gauge’s mode of operation,
4. C libr tion – adjust the measurement accuracy using an e ternal standard of
mass.
5. Info – basic information about device: model, measurement range (Ma ),
internal program version, serial number, manufacturer
6. Exit .
13. Applications
This selection includes the following functions to effectively assist you with the
measurement:
- memory operations and data analysis,
- comparison with two threshold values (MIN / MAX).
Move the cursor to Applications and
press ENTER .
Move the cursor to the desired
application and press ENTER .
USER’s MENU
1. Applications
2. Units
3. Configuration
4. Calibration
5. Info
6.
Exit
USER’s MENU
1. Applications
2. Units
3. Configuration
4. Calibration
5. Info
6.
Exit
APPLICATIONS
 Data stored
 Threshold
Exit