Mark-10 M2-20 User manual

Series2
DIGITALFORCE GAUGES
User’s Guide
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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
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Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Series 2 digital force gauge, designed
for tension and compression force testing applications from 2 to 500 lbF (10
to 2,500 N) full scale. The Series 2 is an essential component of a force
testing system, typically also comprising a test stand and grips.
With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great
service with this product. Mark-10 force gauges are ruggedly built for many
years of service in laboratory and industrial environments.
This User’s Guide provides setup, safety, and operation instructions.
Dimensions and specifications are also provided. For additional information
or answers to your questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our
technical support and engineering teams are eager to assist you.
Before use, each person who is to use the Series 2 force gauge should
be fully trained in appropriate operation and safety procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW.........................................................2
POWER...............................................................3
MECHANICAL SETUP.......................................4
HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................6
OPERATING MODES.........................................7
CHANGING THE UNITS.....................................7
DIGITAL FILTERS..............................................8
CALIBRATION ...................................................8
OTHER SETTINGS...........................................13
SPECIFICATIONS............................................15
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1 OVERVIEW
1.1 List of included items
Qty. Description
1 Digital force gauge
1 8.4V rechargeable battery (inside the gauge)
1 Resource CD
1.2 List of optional items
Part No. Description
12-1049 Carrying case
CERT Certificate of calibration with data
G1038 Medium hook, #10-32M (requires G1039)
G1039 Coupling, #10-32F/F
G1029 Flat head, #10-32F
G1026 Cone, #10-32F
G1025 Chisel point, #10-32F
G1027 V-groove, #10-32F
G1024 Extension rod, 5”, #10-32F
G1035 Large hook, 5/16-18M (requires G1037)
G1037 Coupling, 5/16-18F/F
G1036 Flat head, 5/16-18F
G1033 Cone, 5/16-18F
G1032 Chisel point, 5/16-18F
G1034 V-groove, 5/16-18F
G1031 Extension rod, 5”, 5/16-18F
1.3 Safety / Proper Usage
Caution!
Note the force gauge’s capacity before use and ensure that the capacity is not exceeded.
Producing a force greater than 200% of the gauge’s capacity can damage the internal load cell. An
overload can occur whether the gauge is powered on or off.
Typical materials suitable for testing include many manufactured items, such as springs, electronic
components, fasteners, caps, films, mechanical assemblies, and many others. Items that should not be
used with the gauge include potentially flammable substances or products, items that can shatter in an
unsafe manner, and any other components that can present an exceedingly hazardous situation when
acted upon by a force.
The following safety checks and procedures should be performed before and during operation:
1. Never operate the gauge if there is any visible damage to the AC adapter or the gauge itself.
2. Ensure that the gauge is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all
times.
3. The gauge should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be disconnected and
the gauge must be powered off before the housing is opened.
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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
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4. Always consider the characteristics of the sample being tested before initiating a test. A risk
assessment should be carried out beforehand to ensure that all safety measures have been
addressed and implemented.
5. Wear eye and face protection when testing, especially when testing brittle samples that have the
potential to shatter under force. Be aware of the dangers posed by potential energy that can
accumulate in the sample during testing. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a destructive
failure of a test sample is possible.
6. In certain applications, such as the testing of brittle samples that can shatter, or other applications
that could lead to a hazardous situation, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding
system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.
7. When the gauge is not in use, ensure that the power is turned off.
2 POWER
Caution!
Do not use AC adapters other than supplied or instrument damage may occur.
The gauge is powered either by an 8.4V rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter (input jack is located
in the left side of the housing).
If the AC adapter is plugged in, an icon appears in the lower left corner of the display, as follows:
If the AC adapter is not plugged in, battery power drainage is denoted in a five-step process:
1. When battery life is greater than 75%, the following indicator is present:
2. When battery life is between 50% and 75%, the following indicator is present:
3. When battery life is between 25% and 50%, the following indicator is present:
4. When battery life is less than 25%, the following indicator is present:
5. When battery life drops to approximately 2%, the indicator from step 4 will be flashing.
Several minutes after (timing depends on usage and whether the backlight is turned on or
off), a message appears, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. An audio
tone will sound and the gauge will power off.
The gauge can be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity. Refer to the Other
Settings section for details.
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Battery life is approximately 24 hours with the backlight off, or 7 hours with the backlight on. To change
the battery, loosen the two captive screws on the back side of the housing and separate the two housing
halves. A foam strip separates the battery from the PCB, as shown in the illustration below:
Ensure that the foam is positioned above the battery when reassembling the housing. Exercise care when
reassembling the two halves of the housing, ensuring that internal wires do not interfere.
3 MECHANICAL SETUP
3.1 Loading shaft orientation
In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the loading shaft may be
oriented in either of the two positions shown below. To change the loading shaft orientation, loosen the
two captive screws on the back side of the housing, separate the two housing halves, rotate one half 180
degrees, and reassemble. Exercise care when reassembling the two halves of the housing, ensuring that
internal wires do not interfere.
Load cell shaft up Load cell shaft down
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3.2 Mounting to a plate
Although the gauge may be used by hand, proper mounting is important if attached to a fixture or test
stand. The round steel insert with a hole in the back of the housing is provided to withstand the load
during a test. A mating dowel pin should be used (see illustration below). Mounting plates on Mark-10 test
stands include a dowel pin and clearance holes for the four threaded holes located near the corners of
the housing. An additional two holes are supplied for metric screws. These holes are designed to
accommodate screws in order to hold the gauge in place (Mark-10 test stands include a set of thumb
screws for gauge mounting). The screws must not be used for load bearing purposes. Failure to use a
dowel pin properly can result in a hazardous situation.
3.3 Mounting attachments to the gauge
The force gauge’s threaded loading shaft is designed to accommodate common grips and attachments
with female mounting holes. To mount a grip, gently thread it onto the shaft. Ensure that the grip or fixture
is positioned to ensure axial load with respect to the loading shaft of the force gauge. When using a grip,
ensure that it secures the sample in such a way that it is prevented from slipping out during a test,
preventing a potential safety risk to the operator and others in the vicinity. If using a grip or fixture from a
supplier other than Mark-10, ensure that it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components.
Do not use jam nuts or tools to tighten grips or attachments onto the shaft. Finger-tighten only.
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4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
No. Name Description
1 Primary reading
The current displayed force reading. See Operating Modes section for
details.
2 Units The current unit of measurement. Abbreviations are as follows:
lbF – Pound-force
kgF – Kilogram-force
N – Newton
3 Mode The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression
PT – Peak Tension
See Operating Modes section for details about each of these modes
4 Battery / AC
adapter indicator Either the AC adapter icon or battery power icon will be shown, depending on
power conditions. Refer to the Power section for details.
5 Tension /
compression
indicator - indicates a compression (push) direction
- indicates a tension (pull) direction
4.2 Controls
Primary
Label Primary Function
Secondary
Label Secondary Function
Powers the gauge on and off. Press
briefly to power on, press and hold
to power off. Active only when the
home screen is displayed.
ENTER Various uses, as described in the
following sections.
ZERO Zeroes the primary reading.
(UP) Navigates up through the menu and
sub-menus.
MENU Enters the main menu. ESCAPE Reverts one step backwards through
the menu hierarchy.
PEAK Toggles between real-time and peak
measurement modes.
(DOWN) Navigates down through the menu
and sub-menus.
Note: Units are configured through the menu. Refer to the Changing The Units section for details.
1
23
4
5
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4.3 Menu navigation basics
Most of the gauge’s various functions and parameters are configured through the main menu. To access
the menu press MENU. Use the UP and DOWN keys to scroll through the items. The current selection is
denoted with clear text over a dark background. Press ENTER to select a menu item, then use UP and
DOWN again to scroll through the sub-menus. Press ENTER again to select the sub-menu item.
For parameters that may be either selected or deselected, press ENTER to toggle between selecting and
deselecting. An asterisk (*) to the left of the parameter label is used to indicate when the parameter has
been selected.
For parameters requiring the input of a numerical value, use the UP and DOWN keys to increment or
decrement the value. Press and hold either key to auto-increment at a gradually increasing rate. When
the desired value has been reached, press ENTER to save the change and revert back to the sub-menu
item, or press ESCAPE to revert back to the sub-menu item without saving. Press ESCAPE to revert one
step back in the menu hierarchy until back into normal operating mode.
Refer to the following sections for details about setting up particular functions and parameters.
5 OPERATING MODES
Caution!
In any operating mode, if the capacity of the instrument has been exceeded by more than 110%,
the display will show “OVER” to indicate an overload.
Three operating modes are possible with Series 2 gauges. To cycle between the modes, press PEAK
while in the home screen.
5.1 Real time (RT)
The primary reading corresponds to the live measured reading.
5.2 Peak Compression (PC)
The primary reading corresponds to the peak compression reading observed. If the actual force
decreases from the peak value, the peak will still be retained in the primary reading area of the display.
Pressing ZERO will reset the value.
5.3 Peak Tension (PT)
Same as Peak Compression, but for tension readings.
6 CHANGING THE UNITS
Series 2 gauges display one of three measurement units. To change the unit, select Units from the
menu. The display appears as follows:
The gauge will always power on with the unit selected.
UNITS
* lbF
kgF
N
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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
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7 DIGITAL FILTERS
Digital filters are provided to help smooth out the readings in situations where there is mechanical
interference in the work area or test sample. These filters utilize the moving average technique in which
consecutive readings are pushed through a buffer and the displayed reading is the average of the buffer
contents. By varying the length of the buffer, a variable smoothing effect can be achieved. The selection
of 1 will disable the filter since the average of a single value is the value itself.
To access digital filter settings, select Filters from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Two filters are available:
Current Reading – Applies to the peak capture rate of the instrument.
Displayed Reading – Applies to the primary reading on the display.
Available settings: 1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128,256,512,1024. It is recommended to keep the current reading
filter at its lowest value for best performance, and the displayed reading filter at its highest value for best
visual stability.
8 CALIBRATION
8.1 Initial Physical Setup
The gauge should be mounted vertically to a test stand or fixture rugged enough to withstand a load
equal to the full capacity of the instrument. Certified deadweights or master load cells should be used,
along with appropriate mounting brackets and fixtures. Caution should be taken while handling such
equipment.
8.2 Calibration Procedure
1. Select Calibration from the menu. The display appears as follows:
2. Press DIRECTION to invert the display, if desired. ENTER to continue. The display appears as
follows:
CALIBRATION
To invert the
display, press the
DIRECTION button,
then press ENTER
DIGITAL FILTERS
(1 = Fastest)
Current Reading
8
Displayed Reading
128
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The gauge can be calibrated at up to 10 points in each direction. Enter the number of calibration
points for each direction (compression and tension). At least one point must be selected for each
direction.
Note: To achieve the accuracy specification of ±0.5%, it is recommended to calibrate the gauge
at 5 or more even increments in both tension and compression directions. For example, a gauge
with capacity of 10 lbF should be calibrated at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 lb loads in each direction.
3. To escape the Calibration menu at any time, press ESCAPE. The display appears as follows:
Selecting “Cancel” will revert back to the Calibration setup. Selecting “Exit without saving” will
return to the menu without saving changes.
4. After the number of calibration points has been entered, press ENTER. The display appears as
follows:
5. Place the force gauge horizontally on a level surface free from vibration, then press ZERO. The
gauge will calculate internal offsets, and the display appears as follows:
CALIBRATION
NOT COMPLETE
Cancel
Exit without saving
CALIBRATION
Enter # cal points
(1 to 10)
Compression:
5
Tension:
5
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Please wait…
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Place force gauge
horizontally, then
press ZERO
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If failed:
6. The following screen appears after the offsets have been calculated:
Attach weight fixtures (brackets, hooks, etc), as required. Do not yet attach any weights or apply
any calibration loads. Press ENTER.
7. The display appears as follows:
Optionally exercise the load cell shaft several times (at full scale, if possible), then press ENTER.
8. The display appears as follows:
Apply a weight equal to the full scale of the instrument, then press ENTER.
9. After displaying “Please wait…” the display appears as follows:
Remove the load applied in Step 8, leave the fixtures in place, then press ZERO.
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Gain adjust
Apply full scale load
10.000 lbF +/-20%,
Then press ENTER
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Ensure no load
Then press ZERO
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Optionally exercise
sensor, then press
ENTER
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Sensor Failed
Analog Failed
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Sensor Passed
Analog Passed
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10. The display appears as follows:
Use the UP and DOWN keys to adjust the load value as required. The load values default to even
increments, as indicated by the previously entered number of data points (even increments are
recommended for best results). For example, if a 50 lbF capacity gauge is calibrated, and 5 data
points were selected, the load values will default to 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 lb. Apply the calibration
load. Then press ENTER.
Repeat the above step for the number of data points selected.
11. After all the compression calibration points have been completed, the display appears as follows:
Press ENTER.
12. The display appears as follows:
Reverse the orientation of the load cell shaft by rotating the gauge 180 degrees. Press
DIRECTION to invert the display. Then attach weight fixtures. The following screens will step
through the same procedure as with the compression direction. Proceed in the same manner.
13. At the completion of the tension calibration, the display appears as follows:
To save the calibration information, select “Save & exit”. To exit without saving the data select
“Exit without saving”.
CALIBRATION
To invert the
display, press the
DIRECTION button,
then press ENTER
CALIBRATION
COMPLETE
Save & exit
Exit without saving
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION COMPLETE
Reverse direction
for Tension
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Apply load
1 OF 5
Enter load:
2.000 lbF
Press ENTER
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14. Any errors are reported by the following screens:
Displayed at the start of calibration if a disallowed unit is selected.
Ensure that the load is not swinging, oscillating, or vibrating in any manner. Then try again.
The calibration weight does not match the set value.
The entered calibration point is too close to the previous point.
CALIBRATION
TENSION
Load too close
to previous
Please try again
CALIBRATION
Load not stable
Please try again
CALIBRATION
Units must be gF
Please try again
Press ENTER
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Load too low
Please try again
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9 OTHER SETTINGS
9.1 Automatic Shutoff
The gauge may be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity while on battery
power. Inactivity is defined as the absence of any key presses or load changes of 100 counts or less. To
access these settings, select Automatic Shutoff from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Selection Description
Disabled Disable automatic shutoff.
Enabled Enable automatic shutoff.
Set Minutes The length of time of inactivity. Available settings: 5-30, in 5 minute increments.
Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and remain powered on until
the POWER key is pressed.
9.2 Backlight
Several initial settings are available, upon powering on the gauge. To access these settings, select
Backlight from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Select Off for the backlight to be off upon powering on the gauge.
Select On for the backlight to be on upon powering on the gauge.
Select Auto for the backlight to be on upon powering gauge, but will shut off after a period of inactivity (as
defined in the Automatic Shutoff sub-section). The backlight will turn on again when activity resumes.
The length of time of inactivity is programmed in minutes via the Set Minutes parameter. Available
settings: 1-10, in 1 minute increments.
Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and keep the backlight on.
Selecting the On or Off setting in the Backlight menu will manually turn the backlight on or off as if the
Backlight key were pressed.
9.3 LCD Contrast
The contrast of the display may be adjusted. Select LCD Contrast from the menu. The screen appears
as follows:
BACKLIGHT
Off
On
* Auto
Set Minutes
1
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF
* Disabled
Enabled
Set Minutes
5
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Press ENTER to modify the contrast. Select a value from 0 to 25, 25 producing the most contrast.
9.4 Initial Mode
This section is used to configure the initial mode upon powering on the gauge. To access this parameter,
select Initial Mode from the menu. The screen appears as follows:
The default value is Real Time.
9.5 Restore Default Settings
Default factory settings can be restored by selecting Restore Defaults from the menu. The settings may
be found in the Specifications section. The screen appears as follows:
9.6 Information / Welcome Screen
The following screen is displayed at power-up and can be accessed at any time by selecting Information
from the menu:
RESTORE DEFAULT
SETTINGS?
No
Yes
Digital Force Gauge
Series 2
Model No: M2-50
Serial No: 1234567
Version: 1.0
(c) Mark-10 Corp.
INITIAL MODE
* Real Time
Peak Compression
Peak Tension
LCD CONTRAST
Set Contrast
10
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10 SPECIFICATIONS
10.1 General
Accuracy: ±0.5% of full scale
Sampling rate: 500 Hz
Power: AC or rechargeable battery, with multi-step low battery indicator
Battery life: Backlight on: up to 7 hours of continuous use
Backlight off: up to 24 hours of continuous use
Safe overload: 200% of full scale (display shows “OVER” at 110% and above)
Weight: M2-2 – M2-100: 0.7 lb [0.33 kg]
M2-200 – M2-500: 0.9 lb [0.41 kg]
Included items: Battery, quick-start guide, resource CD, certificate of conformance
Load cell deflection: 0.010 in [0.25 mm]
Environmental
requirements: 40 - 100°F, max. 93% humidity, non-condensating
Warranty: 3 years (see individual statement for further details)
10.2 Factory Default Settings
Parameter Setting
Filters
Current 8
Displayed 128
Backlight Auto
Minutes 1
Automatic Shutoff Enabled
Minutes 5
LCD Contrast 10
Initial Mode Real Time
Units lbF
10.3 Capacity, Resolution & Load Cell Deflection
Model lbF kgF N
M2-2 2 x 0.002 1 x 0.001 10 X 0.01
M2-5 5 x 0.005 2.5 x 0.002 25 x 0.02
M2-10 10 x 0.01 5 x 0.005 50 x 0.05
M2-20 20 x 0.02 10 x 0.01 100 x 0.1
M2-50 50 x 0.05 25 x 0.02 250 x 0.2
M2-100 100 x 0.1 50 x 0.05 500 x 0.5
M2-200 200 x 0.2 100 x 0.1 1000 x 1
M2-500 500 x 0.5 250 x 0.2 2500 x 2
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10.4 Dimensions
IN [MM]
Thread Flat
M2-2
–
M2-100 #10-32M UNF 5/16 [7.94]
M2-200
–
M2-500 5/16-18M UNC 5/16 [7.94]
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Mark-10 Corporation has been an innovator in the force and torque measurement fields
since 1979. We strive to achieve 100% customer satisfaction through excellence in product
design, manufacturing and customer support. In addition to our standard line of products we
can provide modifications and custom designs for OEM applications. Our engineering team
is eager to satisfy any special requirements. Please contact us for further information or
suggestions for improvement.
Force and torque measurement engineered better
32-1168
REV 0516
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