Hoggan Health ergoFET500 User manual

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations
The ergoFET500 warranty does not cover damage by negligence, misuse, or accident.
Damage or unit failure caused by modifications or repair other than by Hoggan or its authorized
repair agent, or damage to equipment resulting from improper use or operation is not covered.
Any warning or instructional labels or decals must remain on the unit for the warranty to be valid.
This warranty applies to the original purchaser. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limi-
tation of incidental or consequential damages, in which case the exclusions and limitations may
not apply. This warranty gives specific legal rights, and may also have other rights, which vary
from state to state. To determine the legal rights in your state, consult your local or state con-
sumer affairs office or State Attorney General.
CustomerService/Repairs
Customer satisfaction is important to Hoggan. We are happy to assist
with questions, problems or service issues on any Hoggan products you
may own. Our business has grown on the basis of excellent product quality
and customer satisfaction. Our full-time customer service representatives
are available from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm MST (1-800-678-7888) to meet your
needs.
Any repairs to the ergoFET500 unit should be completed by a qualified
service technician.
OrderingReplacementParts
Hoggan ergo Products are manufactured to exacting specifications.
When replacing worn or damaged parts, use only original 'Hoggan' manu-
factured parts. The use of substitute or unauthorized parts will void your
warranty and may increase the possibility of injury to the user, or cause
additional damage to the unit.
When ordering Replacement Parts, Please take the unit out of service,
and complete the following:
1. Identify the brand, model, and serial number, and note the unit's function.
2. Identify and document the problem and the worn or missing parts.
3. Contact Hoggan Health Industries.
- Replacement parts (attachments) will be shipped directly from
Hoggan.
- All repair services will be performed at Hoggan Health Industries
Manufacturing plant.
*Except for replacing batteries, do not attempt to repair the unit on your
own. This will void all warranties.
ContactInformation
For any questions, Customer Service Representatives are available from
8:30 am to 5:30 pm MST 1-800-678-7888 or
[email protected]
Hoggan Health Industries
8020 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
www.hogganergo.com
Congratulations on becoming the proud owner of an
ergoFET500, one of the latest in Hoggan Health Industries
line of innovative ergonomics measurement products.
From the original hand-held ergoFET push pull force gauge,
to the revolutionary ergoPAK real-time job analysis kit, Hoggan
has been creating innovative solutions to real-life measurement
issues since 1984.
ergoFET500 joins other recent product introductions, includ-
ing digitFET - a miniature push and pinch force gauge for sen-
sitive hand and finger force measurements, and ergoPAK - a
measurement kit which features highly flexible, mix and
match devices for measuring force, angle, velocity, and torque
in any combination, for real-time job analysis and ergonomics
research.
Hoggan's ergo products are recognized for innovation, excel-
lent quality, and long-lasting accuracy and reliability. Our high-
ly satisfied customers include automotive, aerospace, consumer
products, and food manufacturers, as well as ergonomics con-
sultants, universities, and research institutions worldwide.
At Hoggan, we understand the value of customer feedback.
In fact, our customers provide us with many of our best prod-
uct improvement ideas, as well as interesting new measurement
applications. As you have comments and suggestions, we'd love
to hear from you. Please drop us a line at
[email protected].
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy using your ergoFET500,
immediately, and for many years to come.
Signed,
Marva L. Sadler,
President

ergoFET500UserManual
Hoggan Health Industries, Inc.
P.O. Box 488 / 8020 South 1300 West
West Jordan, UT 84088
Phone: [phone] Fax
e-mail: [email protected]
or visit us online: www.hogganhealth.com
ergoFET500
Push/PullTestingDevice

TableofContents
-What is ergoFET500?
- What Is Included
- Specifications
- Operating Features
- On/Off
-Battery Saver
-LCD Window
-Key Pad Operation
o On/Reset
o Average
o Threshold
o Units of Measure
- Operating Your Gauge
- Handheld Operation
- Affixing Test Attachments
- Testing-Un-timed Test Mode:
o Active Reading
o Peak Force - Compression or Tension
o Average Force
- Timed Test Mode: (Static Strength Test)
o Peak Force - Compression or Tension
o Average Force (Last 3 Seconds of 5 Second Test)
- Job Analysis/Ergonomic Analysis
- Muscle Testing
- Recording Test Data
- ergoFET 500 Maintenance
-Care and Cleaning
-Calibration
-Transporting your ergoFET500
-Low Battery
-Changing Battery
- Using ergoFET500 with TBS FCE Clinical Software
- Warranty Information
- Customer Service and Repairs
- Contact Information
ProductWarrantyInformation
ergoFET500 is warranted for a period of one year from the time of
purchase. If ergoFET500 fails to operate because of a defect in
materials or workmanship at any time within one year of the pur-
chase date, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge by Hoggan
Health industries.
In addition, your first annual re-calibration will be performed without
charge as part of your warranty (customer pays shipping).
Extended warranties (additional 1 or 2 years) are available at an
additional nominal fee.
WarrantyRegistration
To ensure that your warranty is in force, please complete and mail
or fax your warranty card to Hoggan Health Industries, or visit
www.hogganergo.com to register your warranty information online.
Please save proof of your original purchase date, such as your
sales slip, invoice, credit card voucher, or cancelled check to estab-
lish the warranty period.
WarrantyRepairs
Before deciding that your ergoFET500 is inoperable or defective,
please review and follow the information in this instruction booklet.
In the unlikely event that your ergoFET500 becomes inoperable,
please contact Hoggan Health to arrange to have the equipment
repaired or replaced. Hoggan reserves the right to repair or replace
the unit with new or refurbished parts or equipment.
Hoggan's Customer Service Department can be contacted at 800-
678-7888, or by email at [email protected]
When a Hoggan Customer Service Representative authorizes
return of the product, you will be given a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Please include the RMA number with
your unit.

WhatIsErgoFET500?
ergoFET 500 is a cost effective, digital force gauge for measuring
compression and tension forces to a maximum capacity of 500
pounds. ergoFET 500 is excellent for ergonomic task analysis, job
analysis, musculoskeletal strength testing, functional capacity evalu-
ations, A.D.A. compliance, and any general push and pull test appli-
cation. ergoFET 500 is part of a growing family of Hoggan Health
pioneering measurement products for ergonomic, healthcare and
engineering professionals.
The ergoFET 500 contains an internal load cell which measures
Compression (Push) or Tension (Pull) from a single input shaft. Two
large diameter handles screw into the sides of the durable alu-
minum case to provide the operator a convenient place to apply
force. The large, easy to read liquid crystal display (LCD) displays
real time force and peak force for any Push or Pull force.
The ergoFET 500 is powered by a 9 volt battery, and features an
automatic power shut off to extend battery life. The unit can be set
to display force in Pounds, Kilograms, or Newtons.
ergoFET500offersthefollowingfeatures:
- Displays real time force and peak force
- Two operation test modes:
- Un-timed test mode: Record and display peak force and an
average force for tension or compression.
- Timed (Static Strength Test) Mode: Record and display peak force
and a 3 second average force over the last three seconds of a five
second exertion for tension or compression.
- 4 selectable threshold settings (2 low and 2 high settings) to
accommodate a variety of testing applications.
ergoFET500 was designed as a stand-alone gauge for capturing
individual force measurements under any job condition. However,
the ergoFET500 can also be connected to a computer for use with
The Blankenship System (TBS) Software for functional capacity
evaluations and static strength testing.
ergoFET500inuse

WhatIsIncluded:
- ergoFET 500 Force Gauge
- Test Attachments
(2) 1" diameter, 4 7/8" length handles
3 ¼" diameter circular flat disc
4 ¼ x 1 ½" curved bar
3 ½ x 5/8" curved finger tester
#2 carabineer snap eye stationary hook
Cable with eye loops
- User Manual
- Product/Warranty card
- Calibration certificate
- Carrying case
Specifications:
- Weight: 2 pounds
-Dimensions: 6" Height x 2 " Width x 1 3/8" Depth
- Power Source: Replaceable 9 Volt Battery
- Operating Temperature: (52 - 92 F) (11 - 33 C)
- Humidity: 10-40% non-condensing
- Accuracy: 2% Full Scale
- Sampling Rate: 100 Samples Per Second
- Controls: On/Reset, Avg., and Threshold
- Load Cell Capacity Test Range:
o Tension: 500 lbs. in 0.5 lb. increments
o Compression: 200 lbs. in 0.2 lb. increments
- Threshold Setting: 4 selectable threshold settings - 2 low and
2 high:o Low #1: Tension at 1.5 lbs., compression .6 lbs.
o Low #2: Tension at 5.0 lbs., compression at 2.0 lbs.
o High #1: Tension at 10.0 lbs., compression at 4.0 lbs.
o High #2: Tension at 15.0 lbs., compression at 6.0 lbs.
- Auto Power Shutoff After 3 Minutes
- Force Unit of Measure: Is selectable by the operator at the time of
testing. Measurement can be set in Pounds (lbs), Newtons (N), or
Kilograms (kg), by depressing the appropriate button.
ergoFET500Maintenance
LowBattery
Fading LCD display or unlit segments of the LCD are indications
that ergoFET500's battery power may be low. If LCD segments
remain unlit after pressing Reset, the battery should be changed.
ChangingBatteries
ergoFET500 uses a replaceable 9 volt battery for convenience,
and ease of replacement. The battery is accessible through the bat-
tery cover on the back of the gauge.
To change the battery, remove the battery cover, using a small
Phillips head screw driver. Carefully remove the battery from the
holder. When installing a new battery, make sure the positive (+)
post aligns with the (+) mark on the ergoFET500 body.
If LCD segments do not light up after properly installing a new
battery, please contact Hoggan Health Industries Ergonomics
Customer Service Department 1-800-678-7888
Calibration
ergoFET500 comes with a calibration certificate, ensuring that the
unit was properly calibrated at the time of shipment. To ensure con-
tinued accuracy and reliability your ergoFET500 unit should be re-
calibrated annually, by a properly authorized service technician. The
first annual calibration is included as part of the product warranty.
TransportingergoFET500
Hoggan Health strongly recommends that you store and transport
ergoFET500 in the hard sided protective carrying case provided.

OperatingFeatures
TurningonDevice
Depress the On/Reset keypad button located on the front of the
device, to turn on the ergoFET500. Once the On/Reset button is
depressed, the LCD window will display zeros in the screen.
TurningOffDevice/BatterySaver
ergoFET500 has an automatic shutoff function. The unit will auto-
matically shut off when it has not been used for more than 3 min-
utes. Auto shutoff ensures that battery power is preserved when the
unit is not in use, and avoids the power drainage that can occur
when an on/off switch is accidentally left on.
LCDWindow
The large LCD Window displays easy to read test results, either
peak force or average force depending on the selected operating
mode. Results are displayed in whole numbers or decimal meas-
ures in tenths, depending on the threshold level selected.
UnitsofMeasure
The ergoFET500 has dedicated unit keys for selecting unit of
measure. The gauge measures either force or load, and displays
results in Pounds, Kilograms or Newtons. Depress the key for the
desired unit of measure. The ergoFET500 will display test results in
the unit of measure selected.
MuscleTesting
The ergoFET500 has some limitations for Manual Muscle Testing.
The number of muscles that can be tested depends largely on eval-
uator strength. The ergoFET500 is a large gauge and is difficult to
hold in one hand while performing either a Break Test or a Make
test. Therefore, some practice will be necessary to develop a tech-
nique which works well for each evaluator.
To perform muscle tests, select the appropriate Muscle Testing
attachment and screw it into the input shaft.
Attachments- Muscles Tested
" ¾" x 5/8" Finger Tester- All Individual finger and Toe tests
" 4 ½" x 1 ½" Flat Bar- Fingers and Toes as a Group
" 3 ½" x ¾" Curved Bar- All Extremity Tests
RecordingTestData
To avoid confusion, ergoFET500 does not save test data.
Results are displayed for the most recent test only. Initiating a new
test, pushing the reset button, or turning the unit off erases previous
results. If you desire a record of the test results, please remember
to record each result on a test record sheet before beginning the
next test.
UsingErgoFETWithTBSClinicalSoftware
ergoFET500 was designed as a stand-alone gauge for simple
measurements. However, the serial port located on the side of the
unit allows ergoFET500 to be cabled to a computer and used with
TBS software for functional capacity evaluations and static strength
testing.
ErgoFET500Maintenance
Your ergoFET500 is built to provide long lasting, reliable service.
As with any precision instrument, it should be used with care. It
should not be dropped, banged against hard surfaces, or used as a
scale.
ergoFET500's exterior surface can be cleaned with a damp soft
cloth. A small amount of household spray cleaner can be used, and
any cleaner residue should be removed with a soft cloth dampened
with clean water.
We recommend that you periodically inspect your unit for wear,
and proper functioning.

PerformingStaticStrengthTest
For static strength testing, selecting a higher threshold setting will minimize
the potential for false starts or accidental movement of the gauge.
The ergoFET500 is an ideal gauge for Static Strength Testing.
To prepare the unit for Static Strength Testing, screw the two 1" Diameter 4
7/8" long handles snugly into the sides of the gauge and attach the Small Snap
Eye Hook onto the input shaft. Check to make sure the attachments are finger
tight.
Have the patient hold the ergoFET500 so the evaluator can view the display.
Ensure that the patient is properly positioned, and given instructions for testing.
Before handing the patient the ergoFET 500, set the gauge to the Timed/Static
strength test mode; attach the ergoFET500 to the appropriate chain link and
place it in the patient's hands. The ergoFET 500 will now read the weight of the
chain which is part of the weight the patient is lifting.
To begin a test, instruct the patient to begin pulling. When the force exerted
passes the threshold value selected, the 5 second countdown will begin. The
LCD will display "0000", then the display will cycle through "1, 2, 3, 4" as the
gauge counts the 5 seconds required for the timed test. At the end of the five
second test, the peak force is displayed. This signals the end of the five sec-
ond static strength test. Instruct the patient to immediately stop pulling.
The ergoFET500 should be taken from the patient between exertions so they
can relax the tested muscles for a full 30 seconds.
PeakForce
At the end of the five second timed/static strength test, the peak force record-
ed for the test is displayed.
Average(Last3Secondsof5SecondTest)
To display or show the average force of the last three seconds of the five sec-
ond test performed, depress the Avg button once. The average force is dis-
played. After 2 seconds, the gauge will default back displaying peak force. To
view the average force again, simply depress the Avg button.
Resetting Gauge Back To Un-Timed Test Mode
To reset the gauge to the un-timed test mode, depress the Avg Button, and
while holding down the Avg Button, depress and release the On/Reset Button.
This will set the gauge to the un-timed test mode. To return to the Timed Test
Mode, simply repeat the process. Depress and hold the Avg Button and
depress and release the On/Reset Button.
KeyPadOperation
On/Reset
Depress the On/Reset button once to turn on the ergoFET500.
Average
The Average keypad button is used to calculate average force for the dura-
tion of a test. Average force can be displayed for either Un-Timed or Timed
(Static Strength Test) operating modes. Detailed instructions on using the aver-
age function are included in the Testing section of this manual (Pages 7 & 8).
Threshold
Four selectable threshold settings allow testing flexibility for a variety of appli-
cations. Low Threshold settings are for small or sensitive force measurements.
Selecting a higher threshold minimizes the potential for false starts or acciden-
tal movement of the gauge.
The four preset threshold settings are as follows:
Number in Displayed Preset Threshold Setting
LCD Window
1 Low #1: Tension at 1.5 lbs., compression 0.6 Lbs.
2 Low #2: Tension at 5.0 lbs., compression at 2.0 Lbs.
3 High #1: Tension at 10.0 lbs., compression at 4.0 Lbs.
4 High #2: Tension at 15.0 lbs., compression at 6.0 Lbs.
Example: If threshold High #1 - 10 lbs. is selected, the gauge will begin
recording test data when the load cell has detected 10 lb. of force. The load
cell will continue to record test data until the force drops below 70% (in this
case, 7Lbs.) of the threshold setting. The test will then end and data is no
longer recorded.
SettingtheThresholdSetting
Depress the Threshold button to select the desired threshold setting. If a "1"
is displayed, this is low setting #1 (1.5 lbs. - tension, 0.6 lbs. - compression).
Each time the Threshold button is depressed the gauge will toggle through to
the next preset threshold setting. (2, 3, 4)

OperatingYourGauge
When using the ergoFET 500 force gauge, make sure to apply the load axially
to the load cell transducer and shaft. Keep the gauge perpendicular to the item
being measured to ensure axial loading.
WARNING
The gauge is designed for axial loads only.
Do not apply side loads to the load cell transducer and shaft.
Applying side loads could cause damage to the unit, and may increase the risk
of operator injury. Take precautions to ensure load is applied axially.
HandheldOperation
The ergoFET500 can be used with or without handles. For high force load
capacity testing, screw handles into each side of force gauge housing.
Following are examples of the ergoFET500 force gauge in use, for performing
compression (push), and tension (pull) tests with handles.
AffixingTestAttachments
A variety of attachments are provided to accommodate a wide variety of com-
pression and tension test applications. When affixing test attachments to the
load cell shaft, screw the appropriate attachment into the shaft by hand until fin-
ger tight. Do not use tools to secure or tighten the test attachments. Finger
tight torque is sufficient for all attachments. Over-tightening with tools may dam-
age the load cell.
Testing
Un-timedTestOperationMode:
ActiveForceReading
The LCD window continuously displays the active (or live) force reading for
the duration of the test.
The active force display begins when the force exerted reaches the selected
threshold setting. The active display will end when the force applied drops
below 70% of the threshold setting, or the test has stopped.
The Active force display applies to both peak force and average force operat-
ing modes.
PeakForce-TensionandCompression
In the Un-Timed Test Mode, perform your push or pull test. During the test,
active force readings will be displayed. At the end of the test, a final value will
be displayed. This is the maximum (peak) force measured by the ergoFET500
for the test performed.
Peak force is commonly used to measure the force required to complete a
task. For example, peak force is necessary to understand the force required to
raise the hood of an automobile or to throw a switch.
AverageForce
At the conclusion of any push or pull test, Peak Force is displayed. To obtain
the Average Force exerted for the entire duration of the test, depress the Avg
button once. Average force will be displayed for 5 seconds. After 5 seconds,
the gauge will return to displaying peak force. To view the average force again,
simply depress the Avg button.
The average force measurement is generally used to measure continuous
tasks, such as pushing or pulling a cart across a given distance or sliding an
object across a smooth surface.
TimedTestOperationMode(StaticStrengthTest)
SettingergoFET500ToTimed/StaticStrengthTestMode
To set the gauge to the timed or static strength test mode, depress the Avg.
Button, and while holding down the Avg Button, depress and release the
On/Reset Button. When the static strength test begins, four zeros - "0000" will
appear in the display window. Then the display will cycle through "1, 2, 3, 4" as
the gauge counts the 5 seconds required for the timed test. At the conclusion
of the 5 second test, the Peak Force is displayed. This signals the end of the
test.