Mecmesin 172100 User manual

Contents
Powering the Gauge 2
Using the Gauge 3
Optional Settings 8
Dimensions 10
BFG Specification Table 11
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mecmesin Basic Force
Gauge (BFG) instrument. With correct use and regular
re-calibration it will give many years of accurate and
reliable service.
The Mecmesin BFG is a member of a series of
highly versatile display units. By using the latest
integrated circuit technology it has been
possible to produce an instrument which can
be used to measure tensile and compressive
forces accurately, whilst being simple to
use by the operator.
Before Use
Upon receiving the unit please check
that no physical damage has occurred
to the packaging material, plastic case or
the instrument itself. If any damage is
evident please notify Mecmesin immediately.
Operation
The most commonly used features such as displaying force,
peak hold, zero and changing of displayed units can all be
done by pressing a single dedicated key on the front panel.
For less frequently used features a number of "hot keys" are
provided, whereby the operator simply presses and holds 2
keys to enable a gauge option.
Page 1

Powering the
Gauge
Fitting the rechargeable
batteries
Charging the
rechargeable batteries
Low battery symbol
Mains operation
Fitting of alkaline batteries
Battery safety information
The BFG is supplied with a set of 4 rechargeable Nickel Metal
Hydride AAA batteries. For safety reasons during transportation
the batteries are not fitted and are not fully charged.
To insert the batteries you must first remove the battery cover on
the rear of the gauge by removing the 2 retaining screws. Fit
the 4 batteries in the battery holder ensuring that you observe
polarity.
Refit the battery cover and tighten the 2 retaining screws.
Connect the mains adaptor/charger into the charger socket on
the top-right hand-side of the gauge, charge the batteries for
14-16 hours. Only use the adaptor/charger supplied. A fully
charged battery pack will provide in excess of 50 hours
constant use between charges.
If the low battery symbol appears on the display the accuracy
of the loadcell reading may be compromised and the gauge
will power down after a short period of time.
The BFG can also be powered directly from the mains. This
can be achieved with or without the batteries being fitted.
Connect the mains adaptor to your mains supply. Only use the
adaptor supplied.
The BFG can also be powered by AAA 1.5V alkaline batteries
(not supplied). For fitting of alkaline batteries, follow fitting
instructions as per rechargeable batteries above.
Warning: When alkaline batteries are fitted, the mains
adaptor/charger must NEVER be connected to the BFG due to
risk of acid leakage which could damage the instrument.
NEVER:
Short circuit Disassemble or deform cells
Heat or incinerate Immerse in water
Solder anything to the battery terminals
Reverse individual cell polarity
Use alternative chargers other than those supplied by Mecmesin
Use replacement parts other than those supplied by Mecmesin
Never dispose of batteries with ‘normal’ refuse. Contact your
local Environmental Authority to determine the location of your
appropriate disposal facility.
Page 2

Using the Gauge
Fitting accessories
Mounting to a test stand
Powering up
Affix the short extension rod (30mm long) to the loadcell
probe in the hole at the bottom of the gauge by tightening it
gently with the fingers.
Your chosen grip or accessory may now be connected to the
extension rod.
Note: When fitting a grip ensure that it is screwed finger-tight
only. Excessive torque or overtightening can damage the
loadcell.
Never fit any accessory without first sitting an extension rod.
On the rear of the gauge there are two M5 threaded holes,
which can be used for mounting the gauge to a Mecmesin
test stand.
Each Mecmesin test stand is supplied with a dedicated
‘dovetailed mounting bracket’ and screws for this purpose.
If you wish to mount the gauge to another type of stand,
ensure that the screws used are threaded into the gauge to a
maximum depth of 10mm. If screws are fitted beyond this
depth, damage to the loadcell will occur.
As shown in Figure 1 the control panel has 5 Function keys
plus an On/Off key:-
To power up the gauge press
the red key. A short self
test runs during which the
display will show the model
and capacity in newtons.
fig.1
b
Page 3

After the self test, providing no load has been applied to the
instrument, the display will show all zero's. This is because
the gauge re-zero's itself during the self test routine.
If a force is applied perpendicularly via the extension rod to
the loadcell, the reading on the display will register the
applied force.
Should the instrument have sustained a catastrophic overload,
the symbol ‘OL’ will be permanently displayed and the
instrument must be returned to Mecmesin or an approved
Mecmesin distributor for repair.
Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an OL
symbol which will remain on the display all the time the
overload is present.
To power down the gauge press the red key.
Tensile forces are displayed on the BFG and recognised by
the symbol . See Fig. 2.
Compressive forces are displayed on the BFG and
recognised by the symbol . See Fig 3b.
Fig. 2
Symbol for
tension
Unit of
measurement


Please note that a BFG
measuring very low forces may
not show zero if it is moved
during the self test routine. Once
it is properly mounted and
zeroed the reading will be stable
Display of Tension/
Compression
b
Page 4

During the operation of the gauge it is often necessary to
zero the display – e.g. when you wish to tare out the weight
of a grip, so it does not become part of the measured
reading. Press and release the ZERO key. The display will
blink momentarily as the zero operation is carried out.
You can choose from the following units of measurement
depending on the capacity of your gauge: millinewtons,
kilonewtons, newtons, gram-force, kilogram-force, ounce-force
or pound-force.
To change the display units press and release the UNITS key.
Each successive key press will select the next available units
until the gauge returns to its original setting. The BFG
automatically converts readings as new units of measure are
selected.
The gauge detects and stores maximum (peak) force in both
compressive and tensile directions.
Press the MAX key and the display will show the maximum
tensile force identified by the symbol.
Zeroing the Gauge
Changing the unit of
measurement
Max (Peak) Readings
Max Tension
Page 5

Fig. 3a
Symbol for
tension

Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum compressive force identified by the symbol.
Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
current load applied to the loadcell in either direction,
maintaining a “running” display.
Press the RESET key to clear both maximum registers and
prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.
Fig. 3b
Symbol for
compression

Max Compression
"Normal" mode
Fig. 3c
Page 6

The BFG has RS232, Mitutoyo and analogue output signals.
It is possible to transmit the displayed reading to peripheral
devices (e.g. PC, printer) by pressing and releasing the TXD
key.
Displayed readings can also be requested individually from a
PC via the RS232 interface by sending a "?" (ascii D63 [3fh])
character.
For sending a continuous data stream to a PC, press and
hold the TXD key for 2 seconds then release. A ‘1’ will now
appear in the display to indicate that data can now be sent.
To stop sending data, simply press and release the TXD key,
at which point a ‘1’ will disappear from the display.
Please note that the continuous data stream only starts when
approximately 2% of the rated capacity of the gauge is
reached.
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and pressing the
following keys or sending their equivalent ASCII code as
shown in brackets:
a to simulate pressing the TXD key *(ascii DØ1 [Ø1h])
b to simulate pressing the UNITS key (ascii DØ2 [Ø2h])
c to simulate pressing the MAX key (ascii DØ3 [Ø3h])
d to simulate pressing the RESET key (ascii DØ4 [Ø4h])
e to simulate pressing the ZERO key (ascii DØ5 [Ø5h])
*Note that the continuous transmission mode cannot be
entered via this method
The BFG is delivered from the factory with the following
settings as default:
Display = “Normal” mode
Auto-off = Not active
Transmit minus sign = Not active
Data Output
BFG uses 9600 Baud 8 data
bits, 1 start bit 1 stop bit and no
parity
When the continuous data
stream option is selected the
gauge defaults to a BAUD rate
of 57,600.
A full range of data cables are
available to connect your gauge
to peripheral devices – see page
12.
Remote key press from PC
Factory Defaults
Page 7

To conserve battery power, it is possible to activate an Auto-
off function so that the gauge powers down after 5 minutes
since the last key press or remote request or load change
greater than 2% of full scale.
Holding down the ON/OFF key while the gauge ‘boots up’
will either enable or disable the auto-off function (i.e. toggle
from its current state). If the auto-off function is enabled then
‘Ao’ is displayed. If the auto-off function is disabled then ‘No
Ao’ is displayed. This setting is stored in the memory and is
remembered when the gauge is powered down.
If you suspect that your loadcell transducer has sustained an
overload it is possible to check the status of the loadcell
immediately.
Symptoms of overload may be (a) OL in display (b) probe
not aligned perpendicularly to gauge (c) display will not
return to zero (d) F.S.D cannot be achieved (e) instrument
readings are not repeatable.
Place the gauge horizontally on a flat level surface without
any accessories attached.
Hold down the MAX key whilst turning the gauge on. The
value displayed is the percentage difference (Loadcell offset)
between the load currently present on the gauge and the
gauges first ever calibration relative to full scale counts.
Optional Settings
through Dual
Function keys
Auto-off
Loadcell Diagnostic test
An instrument showing an
overload condition cannot be
relied upon to provide accurate,
repeatable measurement –consult
your supplier.
Page 8

For information:
If the % offset is between 5% - 10% it is advisable to contact
your supplier to arrange a recalibration of your BFG.
If the % offset is greater than 10% it is advisable to contact
your supplier to arrange investigation and repair. These
values are given as an indicator only – the need for
calibration/repair may vary according to the individual
characteristics of the loadcell.
Press any key except the ON/OFF key (which will turn the
gauge off) to continue using the gauge.
Holding down the TXD key whilst turning the gauge on will
enable or disable sending a minus sign with RS232 and
Mitutoyo transmission. If the ‘transmit sign’ function is enabled
then ‘2’ is displayed in the top row of the display. This
setting is stored in the memory and is remembered when the
gauge is powered down.
If you suspect that the gauge has been subjected to
overloading this can be verified by pressing the UNITS key
whilst turning on the gauge this will display the number of
overloads in tension first followed by the number in
compression. An overload is registered when the load
exceeds120% of the rated capacity.
Removing recorded overloads can only be undertaken by
Mecmesin or an approved Mecmesin distributor.
Fig. 4
% offset
Note: The % offset readings are
for indication only and act as
guidance and do not give an
accurate indication of calibration
or loadcell performance
Removing the minus sign
during data transmission
Overload counters
Page 9

Pin Out:
1 +ve Analogue Output
2 RS232 Transmit
3 RS232 Receive
4 Mitutoyo Clock Output
5 Mitutoyo Ready Output
6 not used
7 not used
8 not used
9 -ve Analogue Output
10 Ground
11 Mitutoyo Request Input
12 Mitutoyo Data Output
13 not used
14 not used
15 not used
Page 10
Allocation for the pins on the
female 15 way ‘D Type’
Communication Connector
Front view Side view
Rear View
Dimensions
201
57
18
17
22.5
32
BATTERY COVER
TAPPED HOLE:
THREAD M5 x 0.8p x
10mm DEEP
INTERNAL
LOADCELL STUD
MALE THREAD
= 10/32UNF
(10-1000N MODELS)
= 5/16”UNC
(2500N MODEL)
OPTIONAL DOVETAIL BRACKET
FOR MOUNTING ON TEST STANDS
MAXIMUM SIZE SCREWS = M5X10
SOCKET CAP HEAD SCREW
(in millimetres)
D-TYPE FEMALE
COMMUNICATION CONNECTOR
EXTENSION ROD MALE THREAD
= M6 (10N - 1000N)
= 5/16”UNC (2500N)
CHARGER SOCKET

BFG Specification Table
Range & Resolution
Model no: mN N kN g-f kg-f oz-f lb-f
BFG 10 10,000 x 2 10 x 0.002 - 1,000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002 35 x 0.01 2.2 x 0.0005
BFG 50 50,000 x 10 50 x 0.01 - 5,000 x 1 5 x 0.001 180 x 0.05 11 x 0.002
BFG 200 - 200 x 0.05 - 20,000 x 5 20 x 0.005 720 x 0.2 44 x 0.01
BFG 500 - 500 x 0.1 - 50,000 x 10 50 x 0.01 1,800 x 0.5 110 x 0.02
BFG 1000 - 1,000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002 - 100 x 0.02 3,500 x 1 220 x 0.05
BFG 2500 - 2,500 x 0.5 2.5 x 0.0005 - 250 x 0.05 9,000 x 2 550 x 0.1
Accuracy:
±0.25% of full-scale, ± least significant digit
Calibration temperature: 20°C ±2°C
Operating temperature: 10°C - 35°C
Temperature shift at zero load: ±0.09% of full-scale/°C
Output:
RS232-C ….. 8 data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit, no parity
Digimatic (Mitutoyo) format
Analogue ... • +ve output (pin 1)when referenced to ground (pin 10) gives 1.5V output at
zero load with typical swing of ±1V approx. for full-scale tension/compression
• +ve output (pin 1) when referenced to -ve analogue output (pin 10) gives 0V at
zero load with typical swing of ±1V approx. for full scale tension/compression
If you have any feedback regarding Mecmesin, its products and services, which you
would like to share with us, please contact us at
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Page 11

Additional products available from Mecmesin
The MultiTest 1 is a budget-priced, potentiometer-
controlled test stand with 1000 newton capacity.
When used with a Mecmesin force gauge and
appropriate fixtures this system is ideal for relatively
straightforward testing applications; the force
gauge captures maximum tensile and compressive
loads. (Also available in a 2500 newton capacity)
The MultiTest 2.5- x is a console-controlled 2500
newton stand, which can carry out simple test
procedures and data analyses. Features include:
cycling, load-holding, remote and running to a
precise load, displacement, time or break. (Also
available in a 1000 and 5000 newton capacity)
MultiTest
MultiTest- x
Page 12
The MultiTest 5- i is a fully computer-controlled
5000 newton testing machine. Mecmesin’s
Emperor software enables users to develop
sophisticated program routines and analyses to
meet precise requirements for testing particular
products. (Also available in a 1000 and 2500
newton capacity)
MultiTest- i

The Vortex- i is a fully computer-
controlled motorised torque
testing system. A Vortex
improves reproducibility by
allowing constant speed testing.
However, a Vortex-
i will enable
complete control of the test
procedure, analysis and reporting by using a new
torque version of Mecmesin’s powerful, flexible and
user-friendly Emperor software.
Vortex- i
Interface Cables
Page 13
BFG to RS232 9-way for PC, dataloggers - part no: 351-054
BFG to digimatic 10-way for Mitutoyo printer - part no: 351-055
BFG to analogue - part no: 351-057
BFG to RS232 9-way for
PC, dataloggers
BFG to digimatic 10-way for Mitutoyo printer
BFG to analogue
To view our range of accessories please request our brochure by
calling [phone] or visit our website and download the
brochure under ‘Literature & FAQ’s’.

431-221-01
Newton House
Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold
West Sussex
RH13 0SZ
England
General Enquiries: t: [phone]
f: [phone]
Service & Calibration t: [phone]
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