Mecmesin MultiTest 1-dV User manual

MultiTest-dV Tension and
Compression Test Stand
Operating Manual
431
-
459
-
04
February 2019

2  Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual
The Scope of This Document
This document refers to Mecmesin MultiTest-dV test stands operating with firmware
version 3.0.10. It is essential that you familiarise yourself with the contents of this
manual and the separate ‘Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems’ before
attempting to operate your MultiTest-dV Test System.
You may also need to refer to these documents:
431-957 Long Travel Extensometer Installation Guide
431-955 VectorPro™ for Mecmesin Test Stands and Instruments
431-213 Advanced Force Gauge (AFG Mk4) Operating Manual
431-398 Guide to Safe Use of Mains Powered Test Systems
Important
This user manual covers the operation of MultiTest-dV force test stands in conjunction
with the use of Mecmesin digital Advanced Force Gauges, ELS devices and
extensometers. Operation of gauges and extensometers is covered in separate manuals
for these products.
For operating in conjunction with Vector Pro™, see the manual 431-955, VectorPro™ for
Mecmesin Test Stands and Instruments.
2018 © Mecmesin Ltd, supplied with Mecmesin test systems and not for redistribution
Part no. 431-459-04

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  3
Contents
1. Items Supplied with the Test Stand 5
Accessories 5
2. MultiTest-dV System Diagram 6
3. MultiTest-dV – Dual Functionality 7
3.1. Identifying a Mark 2 MultiTest-dV 7
3.2. Functionality Differences 8
3.3. Switching dV Modes 9
3.4. License Keys 10
4. Initial Setup 11
4.1. Unpacking the Stand 11
4.2. Lifting the Test Stand 11
4.3. Environment Conditions 11
4.4. Mains Power Supply 12
4.5. Fuse Specification 12
4.6. Fitting the Feet to the Stand 13
4.7. Bolting the Test Stand to the Work Surface 14
4.8. Fitting and Connecting an AFG 15
Connecting an AFG to the MultiTest-dV 16
AFG communication settings 16
4.9. ELS - Enhanced Load Sensor 18
4.10. Fitting an ELS to a Test stand 19
Connecting an ELS to the MultiTest-dV 20
4.11. Connect the Test Stand to a PC (VectorPro Users Only) 20
Cable Management 20
4.12. Attaching Grips and Fixtures 21
4.13. Setting the Limit Stops 22
4.14. Test Stand States 22
5. Front Panel Controls 23
Emergency Stop Button 23
Multi-function Scroll Wheel Control 23
MultiTest-dV Display Panel 25
On-Screen Icons 25
6. Automatic ELS Firmware Update 28

4  Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual
Step 1 - Connect an ELS Device 28
Step 2 – Starting the Upgrade 28
Step 3 – Flashing the Device 29
7. MultiTest-dV Settings 31
7.1. MultiTest-dV Settings – dV Operation 31
Settings: Jog settings 31
Settings: Units 32
Settings: Edit Test 32
Settings: PIN Code 39
Settings: Languages 39
Settings: Information 39
7.2. MultiTest-dV Settings - dV(u) Operation 40
Settings: Jog settings 40
Settings: PIN Code 40
Settings: Information 40
8. Rear Connectors Panel 41
9. MultiTest-dV Specification 42
10. MultiTest-dV Dimensions 43
MultiTest-dV 2.5kN Dimensions 43
MultiTest-dV 1.0kN Dimensions 44
MultiTest-dV 0.5kN Dimensions 45
11. Declaration of Conformity 46
12. Change Log 47
2.0.12 - New Features 47
2.0.12 - Bug Fixes 47
3.0.2 - New Features 47
3.0.2 - Bug Fixes 48
3.0.3 - New Features 48
3.0.3 - Bug Fixes 48
3.0.6 - New Features 48
3.0.6 - Bug Fixes 48
3.0.7 - New Features 48
3.0.7 - Bug Fixes 48
3.0.8 - New Features 49
3.0.8 - Bug Fixes 49
3.0.10 - New Features 49
3.0.10 - Bug Fixes 49
13. Test Stand Firmware/ Software Compatibility Table 50
14. Operator Notes 51

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  5
1. Items Supplied with the Test Stand
When ordering a MultiTest-dV test stand the following components are supplied:
 MultiTest-dV test stand (0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 kN),
 Dovetail gauge bracket (for fitting a gauge to the crosshead),
 Allen key for tightening crosshead to gauge bracket,
 Mains cable,
 Document: A Guide to Safe Use of Mecmesin Mains Powered Test Systems,
 Document: MultiTest-dV Compression and Tension Test Stands, Operating
Manual,
Accessories
For a full range of digital force gauges, ELS devices, extensometer and accessories,
please go to the Mecmesin website www.mecmesin.com, or your local distributor, as
listed on the back cover.
 For connection of the stand to your computer, a Mecmesin supplied 2m USB B to USB
A cable communications cable is required (part no. 351-093),
 When using a Mecmesin Advanced Force Gauge (AFG) use communications cable
part no. 351-092 to connect the gauge to the MultiTest-dV,

6  Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual
2. MultiTest-dV System Diagram
Upper and lower safety limit
switches are located on the
rear of the column
Multi
-
function scroll
wheel
Front control panel
Emergency stop
ELS Socket
Dovetail crosshead

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  7
3. MultiTest-dV – Dual Functionality
MultiTest-dV Mark 2 test stands, with firmware version 3.0.2 and above, can operate in
both standard dV mode and also dV(u) mode to allow support of ELS and extensometry
devices, in conjunction with VectorPro 5.1.0.0 or later.
By default all MultiTest-dV test stands are supplied in dV mode, to switch the test stand
to dV(u) mode both VectorPro and a dV(u) license key are required, these can both be
ordered separately from your local Mecmesin distributor.
3.1. Identifying a Mark 2 MultiTest-dV
Compatible Mark 2 MultiTest-dV test stands are identified through two key elements:
All Mark 2 MultiTest-dV test stands have an ELS port (pictured above) located halfway
up the column shroud on the right-hand side.
Located on the rear of the test stand is also an extensometer port, this is not present on
earlier Mark 1 test stands.

8  Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual
3.2. Functionality Differences
The table below highlights features unique to each of the MultiTest-dV’s operating
modes:
In dV Mode In dV(u) Mode
Supports AFG/AFTI gauges only Supports ELS devices only
Supports stand-alone testing option VectorPro required for all testing
Supports cyclic testing Extensometer support
Single operation Multiple configurable operations within
VectorPro
Force limit control SDC support
Suitable for basic product testing Suitable for basic material testing

A MultiTest
-
dV
2.5kN in
dV
(u) mode performing a 3
-
point bend, using
an ELS 500N and deflectometer

MultiTest-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  9
3.3. Switching dV Modes
To switch to dV(u) mode you require a dV(u) key, a test stand with firmware version
3.0.2 or later and VectorPro 5.1.0.0 or later. The dV(u) key is a separate accessory and can
be purchased from your local Mecmesin agent.
The key is linked to an individual test stand. It is crucial when ordering the key that you
supply the test stand’s serial number.
To switch your stand into dV(u) mode first open VectorPro. Once the workspace screen
is displayed, click the USB icon located in the top left of the screen (circled in red below).
Next, click the button highlighted in green in the image below, if a corresponding dV(u)
key is present the stand will enter dV(u) mode.
Pressing the button highlighted, in green above, switches the stand into dV(u) mode. In
the screenshot above the stand is currently in dV mode, this is illustrated by the AFG
connected to the stand and by the stand name located within the switch button.
The image above shows the device in dV(u) mode, this is illustrated by the connected
ELS in the image, as well as the ELS device information in the main panel.

10  Mecmesin MultiTest-dV Operating Manual
To switch from dV(u) to dV mode open the device information panel within VectorPro
and click the switch located at the bottom of the panel (Shown below).
3.4. License Keys
A VectorPro Lite license key is required to run dV tests within VectorPro, this key is not
required when testing in dV(u) mode but you do require a dV(u) key to switch the stand
from dV mode to dV(u) mode.

Click the test stand switch located in the information panel to swa
p between
dV
and dV(u) mode