Mecmesin Vortex-dV User manual

Vortex-dV Motorised Torque Testing
System Operating Manual
431
-
468
-
0
4
February 2019

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  2
The Scope of This Document
This document refers to Mecmesin Vortex-dV test stands 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 Vortex-dV Test System.
You may also need to refer to these documents:
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 reference manual covers the operation of Vortex-dV test stands in conjunction with
the use of Mecmesin digital Advanced Force Torque Indicator (AFTI). Operation of the
AFTI is covered in a separate manual.
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. 431-468-04

3  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
Contents
1. Items Supplied With Your Test Stand 5
Available Accessories 5
2. Vortex-dV System Diagram 6
3. Initial Setup 7
Unpacking the Test Stand 7
Lifting the Test Stand 7
Environment Conditions 7
Locating the Stand 7
Mains Power Supply 8
Fuse Specification 8
Attaching the Torque Sensor 9
Fitting the AFTI Torque Indicator 10
Connecting the AFTI and the Vortex-dV 11
AFTI Communication Settings 11
Connect the Test Stand to a PC (VectorPro™ Users Only) 13
Cable Management 13
Attaching Grips and Fixtures 13
Test Stand States 14
4. Front Panel Controls 15
Emergency Stop Button 15
Dial control 15
Vortex-dV Display Panel 17
On-Screen Icons 17
5. Vortex-dV Settings 20
Settings: Jog settings 20
Settings: Units 20
Settings: Edit Test 21
Example Test Setup 22
Examples 24
Settings: PIN Code 27
Settings: Languages 27
Settings: Information 27
6. Rear Connectors Panel 28

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  4
7. Vortex-dV Specification 29
8. Vortex-dV Dimensions 30
9. Declaration of Conformity 31
10. Change Log 32
2.0.12 - New Features 32
2.0.12 - Bug Fixes 32
3.0.2 - New Features 32
3.0.2 - Bug Fixes 33
3.0.5 - New Features 33
3.0.5 - Bug Fixes 33
3.0.6 - New Features 33
3.0.6 - Bug Fixes 33
3.0.7 - New Features 33
3.0.7 - Bug Fixes 33
3.0.8 - New Features 34
3.0.8 - Bug Fixes 34
3.0.10 - New Features 34
3.0.10 - Bug Fixes 34
11. Test Stand Firmware/ Software Compatibility Table 35
12. Operator Notes 36

5  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
1. Items Supplied With Your Test Stand
When ordering a Vortex-dV you are supplied with the following parts:
 Vortex-dV test stand complete with a pre-selected torque transducer (1.5, 3, 6, or
10 N.m),
 AFTI gauge bracket (for fitting an AFTI torque indicator to the column),
 Allen key for tightening crosshead to gauge bracket,
 Mains cable,
 Document: A Guide to Safe Use of Mecmesin Mains Powered Test Systems,
 Document: Vortex-dV Motorised Torque Testing System, Operating Manual,
Available Accessories
For a full range of digital force gauges and accessories, please go to the Mecmesin
website www.mecmesin.com, or your local distributor, as listed on the back cover.
 When using Mecmesin VectorPro™ Lite software, use communications cable part no.
351-093 to connect the stand to MS-Windows computer,
 Use communications cable part no. 351-092 to connect the Mecmesin Advanced Force
and Torque Indicator (AFTI) to the Vortex-dV.

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  6
2. Vortex-dV System Diagram
Multi-
function scroll
wheel
Front control panel
Emergency stop
Lower fixing plate
(optional) shown
with saddle plate
Crosshead
Static torque
transducer
Upper
fixing
plate (optional)
AFTI mounting
bracket
AFTI
Top load tray

7  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
3. Initial Setup
Unpacking the Test Stand
When you first receive the stand, please check that there is no visible damage to the
packaging. If there is any sign that the packaging or the test stand itself has been
damaged, please contact Mecmesin or your authorised distributor immediately. Do not
use the stand until you have done so.
We strongly recommend that the packaging is retained, as this can be useful if the
machine needs to be returned for calibration.
Section 1 lists items that should be included with your test stand. Please contact
Mecmesin or your authorised distributor if any items are missing or damaged.
Lifting the Test Stand
The unpackaged weight of the test stand is given in the Specification table at the back of
this manual. Do not try to lift heavy loads unaided. Use suitable lifting equipment if
necessary.
Environment Conditions
In line with BS EN 61010-1 it is recommended that your Mecmesin Vortex-dV test stand
is operated in an environment that matches the following conditions:
 Indoor use only, recommended to be operated in a lab environment.
 Altitude up to 2 000 m,
 Temperature range between 10 °C to 35 °C. Please note that the instrument should
not be used for long durations at higher temperatures.
 The maximum relative humidity is 80 % for temperatures up to 31 °C decreasing
linearly to 50 % at 40 °C. It is crucial that the surrounding environment does not cause
water to form on the device.
 Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to a maximum of ±10 % of the nominal voltage.
 The environments should also take considerations of excessive dust or metal
particulates as ingress of these into the device can cause damage to the system.
Locating the Stand
The test stand should be positioned on a suitable, level, stable work surface.

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  8
Mains Power Supply
Vortex-dV test stands can be used on 110–120 or 220–240 Vac 50-60 Hz supplies. The rear
fuse carrier is set for your local requirement but is reversible, so should you replace a
fuse, the correct local voltage must be selected.
The voltage that is selected is indicated by which the arrow is pointing to the white line
located at the bottom of the device. This is illustrated in the image below, shown within
the red circle:
Fuse Specification
A Vortex-dV test stand uses two 2A - Speed T, 5 x 20mm fuses. If replacing a blown fuse
only replace the fuse on the active side of the inlet filter with the fuse specified above,
or equivalent.
If you are in doubt, please contact your local Mecmesin support agent for more
information.

Removing the fuse holder

9  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
Attaching the Torque Sensor
The torque cell attaches to the crosshead using the four supplied M6 caphead screws.
To fit the torque cell, first, ensure that the cable exit is towards the side that you plan to
fit the AFTI.
Then, align the transducer with the mounting plate and secure using one the M6 bolts,
if needed have one person hold the transducer while the other fits the screws. Make sure
the transducer is seated centrally before fulling tightening all of the screws.
Note: Take care when handling lower capacity torque transducers, as damage can occur
from mishandling.
It is also essential to ensure that the attached grips and fixtures cannot cause excess
leverage on the torque transducer or exhibit excessive axial load on the transducer.
 Tightening the four M6 screws to secure the transducer

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  10
Fitting the AFTI Torque Indicator
The AFTI can be fitted to either the left or right-hand of the test stand, but it is important
to ensure that the cable coming from the transducer points to the side that the gauge is
mounted, as this prevents any unnecessary kinking.
The fixing bracket can be easily fitted, adjusted or removed and transferred to the
opposite column using a 4 mm Allen key to loosen the retention screws.
To fit the AFTI to the bracket use the two supplied screws. These pass through the
bracket into the back of the gauge and are secured using a 4mm Allen key. The angle
the AFTI sits at can be adjusted by loosening the screw located on the side of the bracket.
 Fitting the AFTI bracket using a 4mm Allen key

The left
-
hand image shows the AFTI being secured to the bracket, while
the image on the right shows how to adjust the angle of the AFTI.

11  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
Connecting the AFTI and the Vortex-dV
First, connect the transducer to the side port of the AFTI, using the cable from the
transducer.
Connect the top port of the AFTI to the RJ11 port marked ‘Gauge’ on the back of the
Vortex-dV, using the supplied cable, part no. 351-092. This cable enables AFTI torque
control testing and passes the torque readings to the Vortex-dV.
Note: The gauge can also be run from its power supply rather than internal batteries.
AFTI Communication Settings
To achieve communication between your Vortex–dV test system and your AFTI gauge
you need to apply the correct settings within the AFTI’s communication menu (BAUD
rate must be 115200). Use the following steps to configure the AFTI:
1. Hold on the AFTI until the main menu is displayed →
2. Press once until you are on page 2 →
3. Scroll down using the button, then press to select the “COMMS”
menu →
4. Now press on port →
USB-B Comms port
RJ11 connector
for AFTI gauge

Rear view of
Vortex
-
dV

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  12
5. Set TX Units On press →
6. Set TX Sign On press →
7. Set 115200, press →
8. Set CR LF press →
9. Ensure the line delay is set to 0 press →
10. Ensure TX threshold is set to 0 press →
11. Set RS232 press →
12. Then press twice to return to the primary measurement screen.
Note: If using the stand in conjunction with VectorPro please ensure that the units
selected on the gauge match the unit selected within the software.

13  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
Connect the Test Stand to a PC (VectorPro™ Users Only)
If you are using VectorPro software, connect the USB B port, located on the test stand,
to a PC using cable part no. 351-093.
Important! Please install VectorPro software on your desired PC before
connecting the test stand to your computer. Once the software is installed
and the stand is connected, the stand will show as connected. This is shown
in the image to the left.
Cable Management
It is essential that no cables interfere with the controls or any moving parts. Failure to
do so could lead to injury or damage to the equipment.
Attaching Grips and Fixtures
The most commonly-used upper fixture used is the 100 mm upper fixing plate with a
diameter capacity of 10 mm to 78 mm. This is fixed to the adaptor on the torque
transducer using a 2.5 mm Allen key to secure the four countersunk screws supplied.
The fixture can also be quickly removed using the two grub screws in the adapter,
accessed through slots in the sides of the fixing plate, as shown below.
The most commonly-used lower fixture is the 188 mm diameter lower fixing plate with
a diameter capacity of 10 mm to 190 mm. This is fixed to the Vortex-dV spindle using a
2.5 mm Allen key to secure the four countersunk screws supplied.
A range of other torque testing fixtures is available, including saddle plates that help
support samples in the fixing plates, longer grip fingers, mandrels, and chucks.
Important! Take care not to apply excess torque on the transducer when securing the
fixtures.

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  14
Test Stand States
The test stand can be in one of five states:
1. Test readiness - ready to start, or complete,
2. Testing – test operation sequence is running,
3. Stopped - test interrupted or emergency stop pressed,
4. Jog mode - for jogging or positioning the crosshead manually,
5. Settings menu – for adjusting your test stands settings,
In each state, the selector buttons have functions described by the on-screen icons.

15  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
4. Front Panel Controls
Emergency Stop Button
Push to stop the spindle movement. Rotate the button to release it and resume
spindle control. If pressed during a test, do not simply restart a test, ensure you
remove any residual torque using the test stand’s jog controls.
Dial control
The lights
The lights surrounding the wheel illuminate in three colours, indicating the status of the
test stand:
Multi
-
function
scroll wheel
LED
dial ring
Scroll
wheel
button
Emergency stop
Button
functions
Status
messages
Multi
-
function
selector buttons
Display
Green Light
Pulsating: Ready to start test
Rotating: Scrolling through a menu
Amber Light
Static: Test completed
Rotating: Spindle moving
Red
Light
Static: Test stopped/limit
triggered

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  16
The wheel
When in jog mode the wheel drives the Vortex-dV clockwise or anticlockwise, matching
the direction the wheel is turned. This method offers more variable control when
compared to the two fixed-speed jog control buttons (circled in red below).
The scroll wheel can also be used as a speed controller. The jog buttons move the spindle
at the set speeds (configured in the ‘Jog Settings’ menu picture below). Rotating the
wheel clockwise while holding a jog button increases the speed and rotating the wheel
anticlockwise while holding a jog button decreases the speed
Vortex-dV test stands also feature a precision jog mode, rotating the scroll wheel while
holding the central scroll wheel button moves the test stand at its minimum speed; this
is useful when fitting specimens into grips for example.
Navigational Control
The scroll wheel can also be used to navigate the menus. When in a selection menu, the
scroll wheel cycles through the selections and their values. This is an alternate
navigational option to using the up and down arrow buttons.
The button
The central button is used to confirm a menu selection. It is equivalent to the tick button.
It can also be used to activate fine jog control, by rotating the scroll wheel while holding
the central scroll wheel button moves the test stand at its minimum speed.
Enter jog mode
Jog control buttons
Menu: operates with buttons or wheel

17  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
Vortex-dV Display Panel
The display indicates the stand’s status, displays live values and is used to configure the
test stands settings.
The purpose of the four multi-function button is indicated on screen by an adjacent icon.
Below is an image showing a typical example of the on-screen icons in relation to the
physical buttons.
On-Screen Icons
On-screen icons vary depending on the current state of the test stand and what functions
the physical buttons perform at that point. Below are reference tables to help explain the
icon definitions, in relation to the test stand state.
1. Test Readiness
Icon Action
No AFTI connected.
Start test sequence.
Go to jog mode.
Go to settings.
Top
button is ‘confirm’
Upper middle button is ‘up’
Lower middle button is ‘down’
Lower button is ‘back’

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  18
2. Testing
Icon Action
Pause test: This stops spindle movement, leaving the stand in a state of
test readiness. The message is ‘Interrupted: User’ and the play button is
displayed as well as the stop button.
Emergency stop button pushed: Message: ‘Emergency Stop!!!’. Release
the emergency stop to regain control and remedy the situation before
resuming testing. Note there is no on-screen icon for the emergency
stop.
3. Stopped
Icon Action
Continue test sequence.
Stop test: This ends the test at this point
Move to the home position (start position from the beginning of the
previous test). This icon is only visible after pressing the stop
Exit to the test ready screen, leaving the spindle in its current position.

19  Mecmesin Vortex-dV Operating Manual
4. Jog Mode
Icon Action
Zero (tare) all system values.
Rotate the Vortex-dV clockwise at the set jog speed.
Rotate the Vortex-dV anticlockwise at the set jog speed.
Go back to the previous screen.
5. Settings Menu
Icon Action
Confirm selection (or press the scroll wheel button).
Navigate up a menu selection or value (or turn the wheel clockwise).
Navigate down a menu selection or value (or turn the wheel
anticlockwise).
Go back to the previous screen.

Vortex-dV Operating Manual Mecmesin  20
5. Vortex-dV Settings
Settings: Jog settings
Within the jog settings menu, you can configure the jog speed limits while in jog mode.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each setting and the options available for each setting.
Setting Action Range
Clockwise Speed Configure the jog speed in a clockwise direction 0.1 to 30
rev/min
Anticlockwise
Speed Configure the jog speed in an anticlockwise direction 0.1 to 30
rev/min
Clockwise Limit Configure the clockwise torque limit while in jog mode 0 to 10 N.m
Anticlockwise
Limit
Configure the anticlockwise torque limit while in jog
mode 0 to 10 N.m
Tare AFTI Configure whether or not the AFTI is tared when pressing
the tare button in jog mode. Yes or No
Settings: Units
Within the units menu, you can configure the test stands units for displacement and
speed. Torque settings are configured using the AFTI.
Setting Units Available
Angle rev, deg
Speed rev/min, rev/sec, deg/min, deg/sec
Torque N.m, N.cm, mN.m, gf.cm, kgf.cm, kgf.m, lbf.ft, lbf.in, ozf.in