Mark-10 Series 4 User manual

Series 4
DIGITAL FORCE GAUGES
User’s Guide
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
1
Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Series 4 digital force gauge, designed for
tension and compression force testing applications from 0.12 lb to 500 lb (0.5
N to 2,500 N) full scale. The Series 4 is an essential component of a force
testing system, typically also comprising a test stand, grips, and data collection
software.
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 4 force gauge should
be fully trained in appropriate operation and safety procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW ..................................................................2
POWER........................................................................4
SETUP .........................................................................5
HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ............................7
OPERATING MODES..................................................9
DIGITAL FILTERS.....................................................10
SET POINTS ..............................................................11
DATA MEMORY AND STATISTICS .........................12
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS ......................15
CALIBRATION ..........................................................19
OTHER SETTINGS....................................................24
SPECIFICATIONS .....................................................27
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
2
1 OVERVIEW
1.1 List of included items
Qty.
Part No.
Description
M4-012 –
M4-20
M4-50 –
M4-100
M4-200 –
M4-500
1
12-1049
12-1049
12-1049
Carrying Case
1
AC1030 /
AC1031 /
AC1032
AC1030 /
AC1031 /
AC1032
AC1030 /
AC1031 /
AC1032
AC adapter body with US, EU, or UK prong
1
08-1026
08-1026
08-1026
Battery (inside the gauge)
1
G1024
G1024
G1031
Extension rod
1
G1026
G1026
G1033
Cone
1
G1025
G1025
G1032
Chisel
1
G1027
G1027
G1034
V-groove
1
G1029
G1029
G1036
Flat
1
G1028
G1038
G1035
Hook
1
N/A
G1039
G1037
Coupling
1
-
Certificate of calibration
1
09-1165
USB cable
-
USB driver, MESUR®Lite software, MESUR®gauge evaluation software, User’s Guide
1.2 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.
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.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
4
2 POWER
The gauge is powered either by an 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter. Since the
batteries are subject to self discharge, it may be necessary to recharge the unit after a prolonged period
of storage. Plug the accompanying charger into the AC outlet and insert the charger plug into the
receptacle on the gauge (refer to the illustration below). The battery will fully charge in approximately 8
hours.
Caution!
Do not use chargers or batteries other than supplied or instrument damage may occur.
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.
If battery replacement is necessary, it can be accessed by separating the two halves of the gauge. Refer
to the Setup section for details.
Serial connector
USB connector
Power input jack
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
5
3 SETUP
3.1 Mechanical Setup
3.1.1 Loading shaft orientation
In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the loading shaft may be set
up in either of the two positions shown below. In order 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. Contact between the two halves is made by spring pins and contact pads on
the printed circuit boards.
Load cell shaft up Load cell shaft down
3.1.2 Mounting to a plate
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. 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.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
6
3.1.3 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.
3.2 Installing the USB driver
If communicating via USB, install the USB driver available at:
Caution!
Install the USB driver before physically connecting the gauge to a PC with the USB cable.
Further instructions for configuring and using the gauge’s outputs are provided in the Communications
and Outputs section.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
7
4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
No.
Name
Description
1
Tension /
compression
indicator
- indicates a compression (push) direction
- indicates a tension (pull) direction
These indicators are used throughout the display and menu.
2
Peaks
The maximum compression and tension readings. These readings are reset
by pressing ZERO or by powering the gauge off and on.
3
Primary reading
The current displayed force reading. See Operating Modes section for
details.
4
Load bar
Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The
bar increases either to the right or to the left from the midpoint of the graph.
Increasing to the right indicates compression load, increasing to the left
indicates tension load. If set points are enabled, triangular markers are
displayed for visual convenience. This indicator reflects the actual load, which
may not correspond to the primary reading (depends on operating mode).
The ZERO key does not reset the load bar. See Operating Modes section for
details.
5
Units
The current unit of measurement. Abbreviations are as follows:
lbF – Pound-force
ozF – Ounce-force
kgF – Kilogram-force
gF – Gram-force
N – Newton
kN – Kilonewton
mN – Millinewton
Note: not all gauge capacities measure in all the above units. Refer to the
capacity / resolution table in the Specifications section for details.
6
Mode
The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
8
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression
PT – Peak Tension
See Operating Modes section for details about each of these modes
7
Number of stored
data points
The number of stored data points in memory, up to 50. Displayed only if
Memory Storage is enabled for the DATA key.
8
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.
9
High / low limit
indicators
Correspond to the programmed set points. Indicator definitions are as follows:
– the displayed value is greater than the upper force limit
– the displayed value is between the limits
– the displayed value is less than the lower force limit
10
Set points
The programmed force limits. Typically used for pass/fail type testing. 1, 2, or
no signals may be present, depending on the configuration shown in the Set
Points menu item.
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 and
peaks.
(UP)
Navigates up through the menu and
sub-menus .
MENU
Enters the main menu.
ESCAPE
Reverts one step backwards through
the menu hierarchy.
MODE
Toggles between measurement
modes.
(DOWN)
Navigates down through the menu
and sub-menus.
DATA
Stores a value to memory and/or
transmits the current reading to an
external device, depending on setup.
DELETE
Enables and disables Delete mode
while viewing stored data.
UNITS
Toggles between measurement
units.
DIRECTION
Reverses the display during
calibration, and toggles between
tension and compression directions
while configuring set points and other
menu items.
CLEAR
Zeroes the peak readings, but
retains the primary reading.
N/A
N/A
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
9
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. A continuous audible tone will be sounded
until the MENU key has been pressed or the load has been reduced to a safe level.
Three operating modes are possible with Series 4 gauges. To cycle between the modes, press MODE
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.
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
10
6 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.
DIGITAL FILTERS
(1 = Fastest)
Current Reading
1
Displayed Reading
256
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
11
7 SET POINTS
7.1 General Information
Set points are useful for tolerance checking (pass/fail), triggering an external device such as a motorized
test stand, or alarm indication in process control applications. Two limits, high and low, are specified and
stored in the non-volatile memory of the instrument and the primary reading is compared to these limits.
The results of the comparisons are indicated through the three outputs provided on the 15-pin connector,
thus providing “under”, “in range”, and “over” signaling. These outputs can be connected to indicators,
buzzers, or relays as required for the application.
7.2 Configuration
To configure set points, select Set Pointsfrom the menu. The screen appears as follows:
Either one, two, or none of the set points may be enabled. To toggle between the tension and
compression directions, press the DIRECTION key.
If two set points have been enabled, they are displayed in the upper left corner of the display. If only one
set point has been enabled, the word “OFF” appears in place of the value. If no set points have been
enabled, the upper left corner of the display will be blank.
When set points are enabled, the following indicators are shown to the left of the primary reading:
– the displayed value is greater than the upper
force limit (NO GO HIGH)
– the displayed value is between the limits (GO)
– the displayed value is less than the lower force
limit (NO GO LOW)
Note: Set point indicators and outputs reference the displayed reading, not necessarily the current live
load.
SET POINTS
Upper Disabled
* Upper Enabled
5.000
Lower Disabled
* Lower Enabled
3.500
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
12
7.3 Set Points Outputs Schematic Diagram
7.4 Using Set Points to Control a Mark-10 Test Stand
When using set points to stop/cycle Mark-10 motorized test stands, the upper and lower set points must
be set to opposite measuring directions. Both set points must be set, even if the intended application is
to stop/cycle at only one of the set points. The opposite set point should be a value sufficiently large that it
does not get triggered during the course of the test.
For certain Mark-10 test stands, the upper and lower set point directions are reversed.
8 DATA MEMORY AND STATISTICS
Series 4 gauges have storage capacity of 50 data points. Readings may be stored, viewed, and output to
an external device. Individual, or all data points may be deleted. Statistics are calculated for the data in
memory.
To enable memory storage, select DATA Key from the menu, then scroll to Memory Storage and press
ENTER. Then exit the menu. In the home screen, the data record number 00 appears below the primary
reading. Press DATA at any time to save the displayed reading. The record number will increment each
time DATA is pressed. If DATA is pressed when memory is full the message “MEMORY FULL” will be
flashed at the bottom of the display and a double audio tone will be sounded.
To view, edit, and output stored readings and statistics, select Memory from the menu. The screen
appears as follows:
MEMORY
View Data
View Statistics
Output Data
Output Statistics
Output Data & Stats
Clear All Data
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
13
8.1 View Data
All the saved data points may be viewed. The record number is displayed, along with the corresponding
value and currently set unit of measurement. Any readings may be deleted individually. To do so, scroll to
the desired reading and press DELETE. The letter “D” appears to the left of the record number, indicating
that the gauge is in Delete mode, as follows:
Press ENTER to delete the value. To exit Delete mode, press DELETE again. Any number of readings
may be individually deleted, however, all readings may also be cleared simultaneously. Refer to the Clear
All Data section for details.
8.2 Statistics
Statistical calculations are performed for the saved values. Calculations include number of readings,
minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation.
8.3 Output Data
Press ENTER to output data to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING DATA…”, then
“DATA SENT”. If there was a problem with communication, the display will show, “DATA NOT SENT”.
Saved data can be transmitted to a data collection program such as MESURTMgauge. Refer to their
respective user’s guides for details.
8.4 Output Statistics
Press ENTER to output statistics to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING STATS…”, then
“STATS SENT”. If there was a problem with communication, the display will show, “STATS NOT SENT”.
8.5 Output Data & Stats
Press ENTER to output data and statistics to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING
DATA”, then “SENDING STATS…”, then “DATA SENT”, then “STATS SENT”. If there was a problem with
communication, the display will show, “DATA NOT SENT” and/or “STATS NOT SENT”.
01 2.458 lbF
02 2.224 lbF
03 2.446 lbF
04 1.890 lbF
D 05 2.098 lbF
06 1.998 lbF
07 2.042 lbF
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
14
8.6 Clear All Data
Press ENTER to clear all data from the memory. A prompt will be shown, “CLEAR ALL DATA?”. Select
Yes to clear all the data, or No to return to the sub-menu.
Shortcut for clearing all data: In the main menu, highlight Memory and press DELETE. The same
prompt will be shown as above.
For output of data and/or statistics, RS-232 or USB output must be enabled. Data formatting is
<CR><LF> following each value. Units can be either included or excluded. Output of data via the Mitutoyo
output is possible, however, output of statistics is not. Refer to the Communications and Outputs
section for details.
Note: Data is not retained while the gauge is powered off. However, the gauge protects against
accidental or automatic power-off. If manually powering the instrument off, or if the inactivity time limit for
the Automatic Shutoff function has been reached, the following warning message appears:
If no option is selected, this screen will be displayed indefinitely, or until battery power has been depleted.
*** WARNING ***
DATA IN MEMORY
WILL BE LOST
CANCEL
POWER OFF
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
15
9 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS
Communication with a Series 4 gauge is achieved through the micro USB or 15-pin serial ports, as shown
in the illustration in the Power section. Communication is possible only when the gauge is in the main
operating screen (i.e. not in a menu or configuration area).
9.1 Serial / USB
To set up RS-232 and USB communication, select Serial/USB Settings from the menu. The display
appears as follows:
Select either RS-232 or USB input (output is always simultaneous through both the USB and RS-232
ports). Communication settings are permanently set to the following:
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
Other settings are configured as follows:
9.1.1 Baud Rate
Select the baud rate as required for the application. It must be set to the same value as the receiving
device.
9.1.2 Data Format
Select the desired data format. The display appears as follows:
Selection
Description
Numeric + Units
Output format includes the value and unit of measure. Compression values have
positive polarity, tension values have negative polarity.
Numeric Only
Output format includes the value only. Polarity same as above.
Invert Polarity
Compression values have negative polarity, tension values have positive polarity.
May be selected in addition to the Numeric + Units / Numeric Only selection.
Omit Polarity
Both directions are formatted with positive polarity. May be selected in addition to
the Numeric + Units / Numeric Only selection.
DATA FORMAT
* Numeric + Units
Numeric Only
Invert Polarity
Omit Polarity
SERIAL/USB SETTINGS
* RS232 Selected
USB Selected
+ Baud Rate
+ Data Format
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
16
9.1.3 Data Communication
Individual data points may be transmitted by pressing DATA. Series 4 gauges may also be controlled by
an external device through the RS-232 or USB channels. The following is a list of supported commands
and their explanations. All commands must be terminated by a CR (Carriage Return) character, 0x0D, or
a CR-LF (Carriage Return – Line Feed) pair, where the Line Feed, 0x0A, is ignored.
? Request the displayed reading
MEM Transmit all stored readings
STA Transmit statistics
CLRMEM Delete all stored readings from memory
9.1.4 Command Responses
In response to the reading request command ‘?’ the gauge will return a string with the load data, followed
by a space, then the load unit (if enabled under the Serial/USB Settings Data format sub-menu). It
will be terminated by a CR-LF pair.
Example return strings:
-18.78 lbF<CR><LF> 18.78 lbF of tension force
4.285 N<CR><LF> 4.285 N of compression force
Polarity may be inverted or omitted, as shown in the table above.
The number of digits after the decimal point is dependent of the gauge’s capacity and resolution.
Any detected errors are reported back by means of error code *10 (illegal command).
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
17
9.2 Mitutoyo BCD settings
This output is useful for connection to data collectors, printers, multiplexers, or any other device capable
of accepting Mitutoyo BCD data. Individual data points may be transmitted by pressing DATA or by
requesting it from the Mitutoyo communication device (if available). To enable Mitutoyo output, select the
desired format – either with polarity or without polarity. The screen appears as follows:
9.3 Analog Output
This output can be used for chart recorders, oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, or any other
compatible devices with analog inputs. The output produces ±1 volt at full scale of the instrument. The
polarity of the signal is positive for compression and negative for tension.
9.4 DATA Key Functions
The DATA key can be configured to perform several functions. To configure the DATA key, select DATA
Key from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Selection
Function when pressing DATA
RS232/USB Output
Outputs data via the serial and USB ports
Mitutoyo Output
Outputs data via Mitutoyo (Digimatic)
Memory Storage
Stores a reading to memory (refer to the Memory section for details)
Any combination of the above functions may be selected.
DATA KEY
* RS232/USB Output
Mitutoyo Output
Memory Storage
MITUTOYO BCD
* Disabled
Enabled
* Without Polarity
With Polarity
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
18
9.5 I/O Connector Pin Diagram (DB-15HD female)
* Maximum voltage: 40V.
** The output assignments depend on several factors described in the table below. Output functions
always reference the primary reading on the display, regardless of the current mode.
Force Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13
Upper and Lower Set Points are Compression
Greater than or equal to upper set point
On
Off
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Less than or equal to lower set point
Off
On
Off
Upper and Lower Set Points are Tension
Greater than or equal to upper set point
Off
On
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Less than or equal to lower set point
On
Off
Off
Upper Set Point is Compression, Lower Set Point is Tension
Greater than or equal to upper set point, in compression
Off
On
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Greater than or equal to lower set point, in tension
On
Off
Off
Upper Set Point is Tension, Lower Set Point is Compression
Greater than or equal to upper set point, in tension
Off
On
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Greater than or equal to lower set point, in compression
On
Off
Off
Pin No.
Description
Input / Output
1
Signal Ground
---
2 *
Tension Overload *
Output *
3
RS-232 Receive
Input
4
RS-232 Transmit
Output
5
+12V DC
Input / Output
6
Analog Output
Output
7 *
Compression Overload *
Output *
8
Mitutoyo Clock
Output Bit 2
Output
9
Mitutoyo Data
Output Bit 0
Output
10
Mitutoyo Request
Input Bit 3
Input
11 **
Set Point Pin 1 **
Output
12 **
Set Point Pin 2 **
Output
13 **
Set Point Pin 3 **
Output
14
Do not connect
---
15 *
Mitutoyo Ready
Output Bit 1 *
Output *
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
19
10 CALIBRATION
10.1 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.
10.2 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:
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 ±0.2%, 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.
CALIBRATION
NOT COMPLETE
Cancel
Exit without saving
CALIBRATION
Enter # cal points
(1 to 10)
Compression:
5
Tension:
5
CALIBRATION
To invert the
display, press the
DIRECTION button,
then press ENTER
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series 4 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide
20
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:
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.
CALIBRATION
COMPRESSION
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Sensor Failed
Analog Failed
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Sensor Passed
Analog Passed
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Please wait…
CALIBRATION
OFFSET
Place force gauge
horizontally, then
press ZERO
www. .com [e-mail]1.800.561.8187