Dillon GTX-Plus Series User manual

GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual

GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 3.0 01/03/2013 2
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction………………………………………………………………… 3
Before Use………………………………………………………. 3
Operation Overview………………………………………… 3
Powering the GTX Plus……………………………………………….. 4
Charging the Batteries……………………………………. 4
Using the GTX Plus……………………………………………………… 5
Fitting Accessories…………………………………………… 5
Mounting to a Test Stand………………………………… 5
Powering up…………………………………………………….. 5
Basic Functions………………………………………………… 6
Main Menu……………………………………………………… 10
SETUP………………………………………………….. 10
AUTO-OFF………………………………… 11
PASS-FAIL………………………………… 11
DROP LEVEL…………………………….. 13
FILTERING………………………………… 15
CUSTOM UNIT………………………….. 15
AUTO AVERAGING……………………. 16
LOAD DEFAULT………………………… 18
SELECT OUTPUT………………………… 18
DATABASE…………………………………………… 19
VIEW…………………………………………. 19
DELETE LAST…………………………… 19
DELETE ALL……………………………… 20
STATISTICS……………………………… 20
CALIBRATION………………………………………. 21
DATE & TIME………………………………………… 21
DIAGNOSTIC………………………………………… 22
ABOUT………………………………………………….. 23
GTX Plus Specifications………………………………………………. 24
Conversion Factor……………………………………………………….. 25

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Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Dillon GTX series instrument. With
correct use and regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate
and reliable service.
The GTX can measure tensile and compressive forces accurately,
while being simple to use by the operator.
Dillon offers software and accessories to make your force gauge
even more versatile. Ask your Dillon distributor for additional information
or visit our website at www.forcetorque.com
Before Use
Upon receiving the unit please check that no physical damage
has occurred to the packaging material, plastic case or the instrument
itself. If any damage is evident please notify Dillon immediately.
Operation Overview
The most commonly used features (such as displaying force,
peak hold, zero and changing of displayed units) can all be done by
pressing a single dedicated key identified on the font panel-see the Basic
Functions section.
You can press a menu key to access the gauge configuration- see
the Main Menu section.

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Powering the GTX Plus for the first time
The GTX Plus is supplied with a set of 4 Nickel Metal Hydride AAA
rechargeable batteries pack. For safety reasons during transportation the
batteries are shipped discharged. To obtain maximum battery life we
recommend that you charge them with the charger/adaptor supplied for
at least 14-16 hours when you first receive the instrument. Only use the
adaptor/charger supplied.
Battery Indicator
Battery level > 5.0 V
5.0 V > Battery level > 4.9 V
4.9 V > Battery level > 4.8 V
4.8 V > Battery level > 4.7 V
Battery level < 4.7 V
If battery level less than 4.6 V , The “battery empty” massage
will be displayed and the gauge will be powered down automatically.
Important: Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.

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Using the GTX Plus
Fitting Accessories
Couple fittings directly to the load cell stem or use an extension
rod. The threads are 10-32 in capacities up to 1000 N, and 5/16-18 in
the 2500 N capacity.
Ensure that fixturing does not contact the force gauge case.
Ensure that anything coupled to the gauge is screwed finger-tight
only. Excessive torque can damage the load cell and is not covered by
warranty.
Mounting to Test Stand
The two 10-32 threaded holes on the rear of the gauge can be
used for mounting the gauge. The distance between the holes is 2.25
inch. A versatile stand mounting plate is available to couple the force
gauge to many brands of test stands.
Powering up
As show in Figure 1 the control panel has eight keys.
Figure 1 GTX Plus control panel
To power up the gauge press the ON/OFF key. A short self-test
runs during which the display will show the capacity in Newtons.

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After the self test, providing no load has been applied to the
instrument, the display will show all zeroes. This is because the gauge
rezeroes itself during the self-test routine.
If a force is applied via the load cell probe (hole at bottom of GTX
Plus), the reading on display will register the applied force.
Forces may not show zero if it is moved during the self test routine.
Once it is properly mounted and zeroed the reading will be stable.
*Do not overload the load sensor. This will cause irreparable
damage. Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an audible
beep and OL symbol will blink on the display until load is release and
RESET key is pressed.
To power down the gauge press the ON/OFF key.
All the current settings are saved when the gauge is turned off and the
gauge will function in the same mode when powered up again.
Basic Functions
Tensile forces are displayed on the GTX Plus and recognized by
the symbol Compressive forces are displayed on the GTX Plus and
recognized by the symbol
Display of Tension/Compression
Tension
symbol
Load indicator
bar of tension
Compression
Load indicator Symbol
bar of
compression
Figure 2 Tension and compression displays
A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how much load has been
applied to the load sensor.

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For tensile force the indicator bar move from right to left. For
compressive forces the indicator bar move from left to right.
Zeroing the gauge During the operation of the gauge it is often
necessary to zero the display – e.g. when you wish to tare out the
weight of a grip, so it does not become part of the measured reading.
Press and release the ZERO key.
Changing the unit of measure You can choose from the following
units of measure depending on the capacity of your gauge:
MilliNewton, KiloNewton, Newton, gram-force, kilogram force, ounce-
force or pound-force.
To change the display units press the UNITS key. Each
successive key press will select the next available units until the gauge
returns to its original setting. The GTX Plus automatically converts
readings as new unit of measure are selected.
*Note: All units may not be displayed depending on gauge capacity.
Changing the mode of measure You can choose from the following
modes of measure: Track, Peak-Tension, Peak-Compression, Dual-Peak.
To change the display modes press MODES key. Each successive
key press will select the next available modes until the gauge returns to
its original setting.
Track mode Press MODES key until the appeared
on the display. The display will now indicate forces applied in both
directions as they are applied to the load sensor and maintain the live
display. See Figure 3a
Track symbol
Figure 3a Track
Peak-Tension mode Press MODES key until the
appeared on the display. The display will show the maximum tensile
force. See Figure 3b

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Peak Tension
symbol
Figure 3b Peak Tension
Peak-Compression mode Press MODES key until
appeared on the display. The display will show the maximum
compressive force. See Figure 3c
Peak Compression
symbol
Figure 3c Peak Compression
Dual-Peak mode Press MODES key until appeared on
the display. The display will show the highest tensile force and the
highest compressive force. The current load being applied to the load
sensor is also displayed. See Figure 3d
Peaktension
reading
Dual symbol
Peak compression
reading
Load currently
applied to load
sensor
Figure 3d Dual Peak
Resetting the gauge Press RESET key to clear both maximum
registers and prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.
Backlit Display When you press any key or applied forces to load
sensor greater then 0.5 % of full scale the backlight will go on for 6
seconds.

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Invert Display The display may be inverted or “reversed”, so that the
operator can read it more comfortably. Press and hold the MENU key
while powering up the GTX Plus to invert the display. This feature is
remembered after power down. Perform the same steps again to restore
the display to the opposite direction
Saved reading to database Any reading can be saved anytime by
press MEM/ENTER key. A total of 500 readings can be stored in the
database include the reading unit, date and time of reading.
Display Date and Time the lower right corner of the display will
alternate between date (1sec) and time (3sec). Time is show in 24
hour format.
Digital Output GTX Plus have 2 open collector digital output (Overload
and Sample Brake),It use to control the test stand SMD Model
Stop or reverse when overload and sample brake occur.
USB output signal The displayed reading may be transmitted to PC
by pressing the PRINT key or sending request command from PC to the
gauge.
USB command Action
“l” Send live reading value with unit.
“p” Send peak tension value with unit.
“c” Send peak compression value with unit.
“x” or pressing
PRINT key
Send live reading value with unit, if current
mode is track mode.
Send peak tension value with unit, If current
mode is peak tension mode.
Send peak compression value with unit. If
current mode is peak compression mode.
Send live, peak tension and peak
compression value with unit, If current mode
is dual peak mode.
“s” Send Statistics of database (Max, Min, Mean,
Std Dev, Cov).
“d” Send database.
“t” Send current date and time.
“!” Send information of gauge (model, capacity,
serial number, firmware revision, last
calibration, original offset, current offset,
overload count).

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Computer Control of Force Gauge A computer can control the force
gauge by sending USB commands.
USB Command Action
“m” Changing measure mode.
“u” Changing measure unit.
“z” Zero the gauge.
“r” Reset the gauge.
Main Menu
Press MENU/ESC key to access the main menu. To move
between the option listed on the main menu page, press UP and DOWN
arrow keys to move the cursor. Press ENTER to select the sub-menus,
activate feature and enter values. Within sub-menus UP, DOWN LEFT
and RIGHT arrow keys will also change numerical values. Press ESC to
return to the main menu page.
Figure 4 Main Menu
1) SETUP Press the MENU key, the display will show main menu page
and use UP and DOWN to move the cursor point to SETUP. Press the
ENTER key. The display will show the setup menu page. Press ESC key to
return to the main menu page.
SETUP MENU 1/2
1) AUTO-OFF
2) PASS-FAIL
3) DROP LEVEL
4) FILTERING
5) CUSTOM UNIT
6) AUTO AVERAGING
Figure 5 Setup Menu
MAIN MENU
1) SETUP
2) DATABASE
3) CALIBRATION
4) DATE&TIME
5) DIAGNOSTIC
6) ABOUT
SETUP MENU 2/2
7) SELECT OUTPUT
8) LOAD DEFAULT

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1.1) AUTO-OFF An Auto-off feature can be enabled to
conserve battery power where the gauge powers down after 5,10 and 15
minutes (depend on Auto-off time) since the last key press. The AO will
appear in the main display if you activate this feature.
To access AUTO-OFF menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the
cursor point to AUTO-OFF and press the ENTER key the display will show
the auto-off menu page. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
AUTO-OFF MENU
1) OFF
2) 5 MINUTE
3) 10 MINUTE
4) 15 MINUTE
Figure 6 Auto-Off Menu
Use UP and DOWN key to move the cursor. Press the ENTER key
to select auto-off option and return to setup menu page.
1.2) PASS-FAIL the Pass-Fail feature used to set a defined
acceptable maximum and minimum forces gap for measuring. It activate
by setting the lower level and upper level forces limit If the forces value
is within the gap level, the display will show message PASS. Any reading
values outside this gap (higher or lower), the display will show message
FAIL. If you activate this feature the PF symbol will display on main
display.
To access PASS-FAIL menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the
cursor point to PASS-FAIL and press the ENTER key the display will show
the Pass-Fail menu page. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
Use LEFT ARROW keys to move cursor point to the desired value.
Use UP and DOWN keys to change the value, press and hold to scroll
values. Use RIGHT ARROW key to change the unit. Press ENTER to save
setting and return to Setup menu page.
*Pass-Fail feature will
automatically disabled if you set LOWER
and UPPER = 0 N.
*LOWER must be less than the
UPPER.
PASS FAIL MENU
UPPER = 2.5 N
LOWER = 1.0 N
Press Zero key to
Reset value.

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example LOWER LEVEL = 0 N, UPPER LEVEL = 20 N
Load
The “UPPER” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Upper level
The “OK” LED will ON. Another LED OFF
Time
Figure 7a
example LOWER LEVEL = 20 N, UPPER LEVEL = 0 N
Load
The “OK” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Lower level
The “LOWER” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Time
Figure 7b

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example LOWER LEVEL = 10 N, UPPER LEVEL = 20 N
Load
The “UPPER” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Upper level
The “OK” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Lower level
The “LOWER” LED will ON. Another LED OFF.
Time
Figure 7c
1.3) DROP LEVEL 1st Peak facility- this is used to detect the
force at which a sample breaks but is not necessarily the maximum force
(e.g. detecting the force at which a tablet first begins to crack) or in
capturing yield point of a material. NOTE: This setting will control, stand
stop or stand reverse.
When this feature is set ON, three addition Measure mode can be
selected using the MODE key from the main display.
Figure 8a 1st Peak Tension Figure 8b 1st Peak Compression
1st Peak Symbol Load currently
applied
Figure 8c 1st Peak Tension and Compression

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To set DROP LEVEL, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor
point to DROP LEVEL and press ENTER key The display will show the Set
Drop level menu page. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
DROP LEVEL MENU
DROP = 2.5 N
Press Zero key to
Reset value.
Figure 9 Set Percent Drop Menu
Use UP and DOWN keys to change the value, press and hold to
scroll values. Use RIGHT ARROW key to change unit. When the correct
value is reached press ENTER to save setting and return to setup menu
page.
*1st Peak feature will automatically disabled if you set DROP = 0 N.
example GTX Plus 100N has drop level =20N. If the peak load before
sample break is 50 the load must drop to 30N in order for the GTX Plus
to detect a 1st peak of 50N. If load continues to be applied above 50N
(e.g. to 75N), the GTX will return 75N as PEAK and 50N as 1st peak.
GTX capacity
100 N
80 N Ultimate Peak
60 N
First Peak
40 N 20N Drop
Trigger Threshold
20 N
Time
0 Figure 9a

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1.4) FILTERING This function selects the display throughput
rate i.e. the amount of averaging performed by the internal electronics
before the load reading is displayed. There are two levels HIGH and LOW
LOW Display update every 100 ms with a little data averaging.
HIGH Display update every 200 ms with a maximum data
averaging.
To set FILTERING, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor point
to FILTERING and press ENTER key the display will show Filtering menu
page. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
FILTERING MENU
1) LOW
2) HIGH
Figure 10 Filtering Menu
Using UP and DOWN keys select the relevant level and press
ENTER key to save setting and return to setup menu page.
1.5) CUSTOM UNIT A custom unit can be applied to the load
values in the main display. This is useful for applications where you wish
to convert the load reading into a non-standard unit of measurement.
To set CUSTOM UNIT, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor
point to CUSTOM UNIT and press ENTER key the display will show
Custom unit menu page. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
CUSTOM UNIT MENU
NAME = Cust
FACTOR = 01.000 N
WARNING All Database
will be deleted.
Figure 11 Custom unit Menu
To set the name, Use LEFT ARROW key to move the cursor point
to NAME. Use UP and DOWN keys to change the character, press and
hold to scroll change.

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To set the constant factor, Use LEFT ARROW key to move the
cursor point to FACTOR constant. Use UP and DOWN keys to change the
value, press and hold to scroll values.
To set the unit factor, Use RIGHT ARROW key to change the unit,
press and hold to scroll change.
Press ENTER to save setting and return to setup menu page.
*All Data in Database will be deleted if you change setting.
1.6) AUTO AVERAGING This function allows the average load
reading to be displayed. The average starts being calculated when the
start trigger condition occur and stops when the stop trigger condition
occur. When this feature is Enabled, one addition Measure mode can be
selected using the MODE key from the main display.
averaging mode
symbol
Stop Timer (secs)
averaging value
Figure 12 Auto Averaging mode
*In this mode save database by press ENTER key for 0.5 sec
To access AUTO AVERAGING menu, Press UP and DOWN to move
the cursor point to AUTO AVERAGING and press the ENTER key the
display will show the Pass-Fail menu page. Press ESC key to return the
setup menu page.
AUTO AVERAGING MENU
1) START,STOP OPTION
2) SETTING
Figure 13 Auto Averaging Menu
1.6.1) START,STOP OPTION This function selects the Auto
Averaging start and stop option.
To access START,STOP OPTION menu, Press UP and DOWN to
move the cursor point to START,STOP OPTION and press ENTER key the

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display will show Start, Stop option menu page. Press ESC key to return
the auto averaging menu page.
START,STOP OPTION 1/2
1) OFF
2) KEY,KEY
3) KEY,LOAD
4) KEY,TIMER
5) LOAD,KEY
6) LOAD,LOAD
Figure 13a Start, Stop option Menu
1.6.1.1) OFF Disable the auto averaging function.
1.6.1.2) KEY,KEY Start Averaging and stop Averaging by
press ENTER key.
1.6.1.3) KEY,LOAD Start averaging by press ENTER key and
stop averaging by STOP LOAD threshold defined.
1.6.1.4) KEY,TIMER Start averaging by press ENTER key and
stop averaging by STOP TIMER defined.
1.6.1.5) LOAD,KEY Start averaging by START LOAD threshold
defined and stop averaging by press ENTER key.
1.6.1.6) LOAD,KEY Start averaging by START LOAD threshold
defined and stop averaging by STOP LOAD threshold defined.
1.6.1.7) LOAD,TIMER Start averaging by START LOAD
threshold defined and stop averaging by STOP TIMER defined.
1.6.2) SETTING This function use to define the threshold value
(START LOAD, STOP LOAD, STOP TIMER).
To access SETTING menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the
cursor point to SETTING and press ENTER key the display will show
Setting menu page. Press ESC key to return the auto averaging menu
page.
Figure 13b Setting Menu
START,STOP OPTION 1/2
7) LOAD,TIMER
START,STOP OPTION 1/2
START LD= 10.0 N
STOP LD= 15.0 N
STOP TIMER= 0010 Sec

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Use LEFT ARROW keys to move cursor point to the desired value.
Use UP and DOWN keys to change the value, press and hold to scroll
values. Use RIGHT ARROW key to change the unit. Press ENTER to save
setting and return to Setup menu page.
1.7) LOAD DEFAULT The GTX Plus may be returned to its
original factory default setting.
To set factory default, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor
point to LOAD DEFAULT and press ENTER key the display will show Load
Default menu page. Press ESC key to return to the setup menu page.
LOAD DEFAULT
AUTO-OFF = OFF
LOWER LEVEL = 0 %
UPPER LEVEL = 0 %
PERCENT DROP = 0%
FILTERING = HIGH
AUTO AVERAGING = OFF
Figure 14 Load default Menu
Press ENTER key to Load default setting and return to setup
menu page.
1.8) SELECT OUTPUT Although the GTX Plus’ default setting is
USB, you can switch the output port to PS2(RS232) and back.
To select output port, Press UP and Down to move the cursor
point to SELECT OUTPUT and press ENTER key the display will show
OUTPUT MENU page, Press Up and Down to move cursor point to your
port and press Enter key. Press ESC key to return the setup menu page.
OUTPUT MENU
1) USB OUPUT
2) PS/2 OUTPUT
Figure 15 Select Output Menu

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2) DATABASE This use to view the saved record, delete last record,
delete all record and calculate the statistics value of saved record.
To access DATABASE menu, go to the main menu page press UP
and DOWN to move the cursor point to DATABASE and press ENTER key
the display will show the Database menu page. Press ESC key to return
to main menu page.
DATABASE MENU
1) VIEW
2) DELETE LAST
3) DELETE ALL
4) STATISTICS
Figure 16 Database Menu
2.1)VIEW This use to view all saved record in database. The
detail of each saved record consist of:
- Reading value with unit
-Direction
- Date and time
To access VIEW menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor
point to VIEW and press ENTER key the display will show the view menu
page. Press ESC key to return to database menu page.
Press UP and DOWN to change view
page, press and hold to scroll change
view page.
2.2)DELETE LAST This use to delete last saved record. To
access DELETE LAST menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor
point to DELETE LAST and press ENTER key the display will show delete
last menu page. Press ESC key to return to database menu page.
VIEW 002/200
001: 0.736 kgf 
09/19/05 15.12
002: 1.086 kgf 
09/19/05 15.12

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Figure 16a Delete last Menu
Press UP and DOWN to select NO and YES, If you selected NO
and press ENTER key the gauge will return to database menu page. If
you selected YES and press ENTER key the gauge will delete last saved
record and return to database menu page.
2.3)DELETE ALL This use to delete all saved record. To access
DELETE ALL menu, Press UP and DOWN to move the cursor point to
DELETE ALL and press ENTER key the display will show delete all menu
page. Press ESC key to return to database menu page.
Figure 16b Delete all Menu
Press UP and DOWN to select NO and YES, If you selected NO
and press ENTER key the gauge will return to database menu page. If
you selected YES and press ENTER key the gauge will delete all saved
record and return to database menu page.
2.4)STATISTICS The GTX Plus calculate statistics value (max,
min, mean, std dev, cov, pass count, fail count, percent pass and
percent fail) of up to 20 saved records. For more than 20 records, the
data should be processed by computer via Dillon’s convenient statistical
software.
To access STATISTICS menu, Press UP and DOWN key to move
the cursor to point to STATISTICS and press ENTER key the display will
DELETE LAST ?
1) NO
2) YES
DELETE ALL ?
1) NO
2) YES