
Model 3770 DC STRAIN GAGE PANEL METER
4. CALIBRATION (cont.) – Shunt Calibration Equivalent Calculation
If dead weight calibration is not practical and the transducer calibration data is unknown, the
Equivalent Input value for the factory-installed calibration resistor can be approximated as follows,
assuming that the mv/v sensitivity rating of the transducer and the bridge resistance is known.
X = 25000 x Rb
K x Rc
Where X = Equivalent Input, % of full scale
Rb = bridge resistance, ohms
K = transducer sensitivity, mv/v full scale
Rc = calibration resistance, ohms (59 K installed)
Sample Calculation: Assume that K = 3.000 mv/v for a 5000-pound load cell (full scale) with a bridge
resistance of 350 ohms and using the internal 59K Ohm shunt resistor.
25000 x 350
59000 x 3 = 49.44% of full scale = 2472 pounds
When + CAL is depressed, input sensor is at zero, display is on the 5000 range, adjust the readout for 2472
Display Calibration
The 3770 instrument display has separate adjustment controls that are independent of the
analog controls which allow the user to alter thedisplay reading to a value that is suited for theengineering units display
reading required. The additional span controls allow the user theflexibility to adjust the display reading as referenced tothe
analog signal orreferenced tothe defaulted front panel display dip switches. Ina standard – default “OFF” switch position
ofthe Coarse Span control, the display has a full scale reading set bythe display range switches of 5000, 10000 or 20000
counts. Atthe selected reading the full scale analog output signal will be 5 VDC or 10 VDC, asselected by the Analog
Controls of the unit. Toaccomplish the display adjustment change, theuser would first set the desired display range and
decimal location using thedisplay dip switches, adjust - calibrate the analog output to thedesired amplitude level and then
adjust the display Coarse and Fine span controls for therequired digital readout.
Page 17
Tech Tip:
The inability tobalance correctly where the unit output reads totally off scale andthe zero controls have no
authority canvery likely be the result ofa damaged or defective transducer orcable. This possibility can beconfirmed (or
eliminated) by substituting a transducer and cable known to bein good condition or bysimulating a balanced transducer, using
either a commercially available transducer simulator orthe simple star bridge arrangement shown below. The star bridge
simulates a conventional four-armbridge in an exact condition ofbalance. Toconstruct a star bridge connect four resistors as
shown; use180-ohm resistors to approximate a 350-ohm bridge.
Neither the resistor values nor temperature
characteristics are critical. Solder two
excitation resistors together, and then solder
the two Signal resistors together. Next, connect
the two junctions together using a separate
wire as shown. There is a good reason for this
method of construction, and it should be
followed. Connect the substitute or simulated
transducer to the module I/O connector using
a short 4-wire cable configuration as shown in
Figure 4. Attempt to balance the substitute or
simulated transducer. If conditions now appear
to be normal, the transducer or cable is at fault.
If the previous difficulties persist, the meter is
at fault.