Mecmesin AFG 2.5 User manual

(Includes AFTI display)
testing to perfection
Advanced
Force Gauge
Operating Manual

page 1
Contents
The Advanced Force Gauge (AFG)
Powering the Gauge 3
Using the Gauge 4
Basic Functions 6
Smart Force & Torque Sensors 10
Advanced Menu Options 11
RS232 Commands 37
Advanced Menu Options Flowcharts 44
Dimensions 52
AFG Specifications 54

Introduction
Thank you for choosing Mecmesin’s Advanced Force Gauge (AFG). With correct use
and regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate and reliable service.
The Mecmesin AFG is the flagship 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. Information contained in this operating
manual also applies to the AFG or Advanced Force & Torque Indicator (AFTI) display
when used with ‘Smart’ sensors.
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 of measurement can all be done by pressing a single
dedicated key on the front panel with grey text - see page 6, Basic Functions.
To configure the advanced features of the gauge, a full menu-driven system is
accessible using the keys identified on the front panel with red text - see page 11,
Advanced Menu Options.
The Advanced Force Gauge (AFG)
page 2
Maintenance
When cleaning the keypad care must be taken to avoid liquids, especially alcohols,
seeping around the edge of the membrane. Therefore, we recommend the use of a
lightly dampened cloth to avoid liquid spillage onto the membrane.

page 3
The AFG is supplied with a set of 5 Nickel Metal
Hydride AAA rechargeable batteries, which are supplied
fully charged to allow use straight from the box. Do not
use any other battery charger other than that supplied
with the force gauge.
To replace the batteries you must first remove the
battery cover on the upper part of the rear of the gauge
by removing the 2 retaining screws. Remove the fitted
batteries and fit the 5 new batteries in the battery
holder ensuring that you observe polarity and the
batteries are placed on top of the ‘release tag’ and they
will be freed from the spring-loaded contacts.
Refit the battery cover and tighten the 2 retaining
screws.
Connect the mains adaptor/charger to the AFG charger
socket located at the right hand side of the gauge next
to the display and charge the batteries for 14 - 16 hours.
Only use the adaptor/charger supplied. A fully charged
battery pack will provide approximately 20 hours
constant use between charges.
A low battery symbol will appear in the display
approximately 2 minutes before the gauge powers
down automatically. See Fig 1.
Powering the
Gauge
Replacing batteries
Low battery warning
Mains operation
Fig. 1
The AFG can also be powered directly from the mains.
This can be achieved with or without the rechargeable
batteries being fitted. Connect the mains adaptor/
charger to your mains supply. Only use the adaptor/
charger supplied.
Low battery
warning

If rechargeable batteries are fitted, a trickle charge will be
applied to the batteries with the display switched on.
The AFG can also be powered by AAA 1.5V alkaline
batteries (not supplied). For the 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 AFG
due to the 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.
All AFG instruments are supplied with a short extension
rod (30mm long). This fits directly onto the loadcell
mounted in the bottom of the AFG. When attaching
accessories to the gauge always use the extension rod.
It comes supplied with a thumb wheel to control the
orientation of any accessory fitted.
When fitting the extension rod ensure that it is screwed
finger-tight only. Excessive torque can damage the loadcell.
Your chosen grip can now be fitted to the extension rod
which has a 10-32UNF male thread (10-500N), 5/16”UNC
(1000-2500N).
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.
page 4
Fitting of alkaline
batteries
Battery safety information
Using the Gauge
Fitting accessories
Mounting to a test stand

If you wish to mount to another type of stand, ensure
that the screws used are threaded into the gauge to a
maximum depth of 12mm. If screws are fitted beyond
this depth, damage to the internal PCB or loadcell may
occur.
As shown in Fig 2 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.
After the self test (if the
‘X CONSTANT’ is used,
its value will be displayed
at this point) providing no load has been applied to
the instrument, the display will show all zeros. This is
because the gauge re-zeros itself during the self test
routine.
If a compressive or tensile force is applied to the sensor
probe (bottom of AFG), the reading on the display will
register the applied force.
Do not overload the loadcell, as this could cause
irreparable damage.
Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an
audible beep until load is released and an OL symbol
will appear on the display for 30 seconds.
page 5
Powering up
Note: The current version of
the gauge’s operating software
appears in the bottom left
corner of the start-up screen.
This may have been updated,
however the manual supplied
with your AFG remains valid.
Please note that an AFG
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.
NB: All the current settings
are saved when the gauge is
turned off and the gauge will
function in the same mode
when powered up again.
Fig. 2

Forces greater than 150% of full-scale will produce an
audible beep until load is released and an OL symbol
will appear permanently on the display. If this should
occur consult your supplier to arrange inspection and
repair, if necessary.
To power down the gauge press the key.
Tensile forces are displayed on the AFG and recognised
by the symbol (See Fig. 3a)
Compressive forces are displayed on the AFG and
recognised by the symbol (see Fig. 3b)
When connected with an external ‘Smart’ torque
sensor clockwise torque and anticlockwise torque are
represented by
A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how much
load has been applied to the loadcell. As the load
approaches the maximum rating of the loadcell,
the indicator bar changes appearance when above
approximately 80% of the rated capacity. This warns
the operator that steps should be taken to prevent
excessive load being applied.
When applying tensile force, the indicator bar begins
solid in appearance, then becomes striped when the
capacity is approached. When applying compressive
force, the indicator bar begins striped and then
becomes solid
(see Fig 3a & 3b).
page 6
Basic Functions
Display of Tension/
Compression
If the AFG has suffered a
serious overload condition,
the load indicator bar will be
partially displayed even when
no load is present. This is a
warning that the load cell
is damaged and you should
immediately contact your
supplier to arrange repair.
34
43
Fig. 3a
Symbol for
tension
Unit of
measurement
Load indicator
bar

page 7
During the operation of the gauge it is often necessary
to zero the display - e.g. when you wish it to tare out
the weight of a grip, so it does not become part of the
measured reading. Press and release the ZERO key.
You can choose from the following units of
measurement depending on the capacity of your gauge:
newtons (N), millinewtons (mN), kilonewtons (kN),
kilogram-force (kgf), ounce-force (ozf), pound-force (lbf)
or gram-force (gf).
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 AFG automatically converts readings as new
units of measure are selected.
The gauge detects and stores maximum (peak) force in
both compressive and tensile directions.
Note: the following max display modes do not apply
when the % 1st PEAK function is enabled. See page 23
for alternative modes
Press the MAX key. The display will show the word
MAX together with the highest tensile force and the
highest compressive force detected during the test.
The current load being applied to the loadcell is also
displayed - see Fig 4a overleaf.
Zeroing the gauge
Changing the unit of
measurement
Max (peak) readings
“Max” mode
34
43
Symbol for
compression
Unit of
measurement
Load indicator
bar
Fig. 3b

page 8
Dual Max
Max Tension
Max Compression
Note: When % 1st PEAK
function is enabled, different
max modes are shown,
see page 23
Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum tensile force identified by the symbol. (see
Fig. 4b)
Press the MAX key again and the display will show
the maximum compressive force identified by the
symbol. (See Fig. 4c)
Fig. 4a Max tension
reading
Max compression
reading
Load currently
applied to load
cell
34
Fig. 4b
Max tension
reading
43
Fig. 4c
Max compression
reading

page 9
Press the MAX key again and the word MAX has now
disappeared from the display. The display will now
indicate forces applied in both directions as they are
applied to the loadcell and maintain a “running” display.
Press the RESET key to clear both maximum registers
and prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.
(See also COMMS section of Advanced Menu Options
on page 28)
An uncalibrated analogue output is available from the
top ‘D type connector marked ‘coms’ for use with chart
recorders, oscilloscopes or any other devices requiring
analogue inputs. A calibrated analogue output can also
be supplied as an option (calibrated to order at factory).
See technical specifications on page 54 and 55 for
details.
It is possible to transmit the displayed reading
to peripheral devices (e.g. PC, printer) via the
communications port by pressing and releasing the TXD
key.
Displayed readings can also be requested individually
from a PC via the RS232 interface by sending a “?”
character.
See page 37.
For sending a continuous data stream to a PC, printer,
etc press and hold the TXD key for 2 seconds then
release. TX will now appear in the display to indicate
that data is being sent, (see figure 5). To stop sending
data, simply press and release the TXD key, at which
point TX will disappear from the display.
“Normal” mode
Data Output
Analogue output
RS232 and Digimatic
output signals
A full range of interface cables
are available to connect your
AFG to peripheral devices – see
page 56 for details.
Continuous data
transmission
The continuous data stream rate
is 25Hz, unless 115200 Baud is
selected, when it is 50Hz.
When using continuous
transmission over RS232 only,
select the TX METHOD as RS232
(see page 29). If DIGIMATIC
or DUAL is selected, and no
digimatic device is connected,
the display will periodically
freeze.
Fig. 5
Max compression
reading

page 10
PC Communication or
other RS232 input device,
eg. PLC.
AFG uses 9600, 19200, 57600 or
115200 Baud, 8 data bits, 1 start
bit, 1 stop bit, no parity and
no flow control. (See Advanced
Menu Options for setup details).
Smart Force &
Torque Sensors
‘Smart’ sensors
Warning! The AFG must be
powered down when connecting
or disconnecting smart
transducers.
Note: Connecting a new ‘Smart’
transducer scales the settings
limit of the Advanced Menu
Options relative to the new
transducer capacity.
Loadcell Diagnostic Test
An instrument showing an
overload condition cannot be
relied upon to provide accurate,
repeatable measurement -
consult your supplier.
Please note that the continuous data output only starts
when the load threshold default of 2% of the rated
capacity of the gauge is reached.
This threshold can be set from 0-100% (see page 29).
Hold down the Ctrl key on the PC keyboard and press:
ato simulate pressing the TXD key*
bto simulate pressing the UNITS key
cto simulate pressing the MAX key
dto simulate pressing the RESET key
eto simulate pressing the ZERO key
See page 37 for full table.
* Note that the continuous transmission mode cannot
be entered via this method.
All Advanced Force Gauges have a 15-pin ‘Smart’
connector port on the left-hand side for interface with
Mecmesin external ‘Smart’ force and torque sensors.
This allows you to use your existing AFG to perform
additional tests without the need for a dedicated
instrument.
To connect a ‘Smart’ sensor, power down the gauge and
plug in the ‘Smart’ force or torque sensor to the 15-pin
‘Smart’ port. Power on the AFG. The ‘Smart’ transducer
will be automatically recognised and the capacity
displayed.
If you suspect that your AFG loadcell or ‘Smart’ sensor
has sustained an overload it is possible to check the
status of the sensor immediately.
Symptoms of overload may be (a) OL in display (b)
buzzer sound (c) probe not aligned perpendicularly to
gauge (d) load indicator bar present even under zero
load.
See CALIBRATION section of Advanced Menu Options
on page 31 to check load cell status.

page 11
All the features and advanced menu options of the AFG
are also applicable whilst using the ‘Smart’ range of
peripheral devices. (Except for the footswitch 2 option
which has the same pin requirement).
The AFG Advanced Menus are navigated using the red
text on the function keys.
Press and hold the MENU key for approximately 3
seconds to access page 1 of the main-menu, (see Fig.
6). Pressing the MENU key again takes you to pages 2
and 3 of the main menu in turn. To move between the
options listed on the 3 main-menu pages, press the UP
and DOWN keys to move the cursor. Press the ENTER
key to select sub-menus, activate features and enter
values. Within sub-menus the UP and DOWN keys will
also change numerical values. Press the ESC key to
return to the relevant main-menu page and ESC again to
return to the main display.
The AFG may be used to send a signal to control
the Mecmesin range of motorised test stands via a
dedicated cable.
To configure the signal output from the AFG, press
and hold the MENU key until page 1 of the main menu
appears. The cursor arrow will point to STAND. Press
the ENTER key.
Advanced Menu
Options
Navigating the menus
MAIN MENU PAGE 1
Stand
Contact your supplier for stand
interface cable
Fig. 6
Main menu page 1

page 12
STAND sub-menu 1
The cycle function only refers to
the VersaTest and MultiTest-d
motorized test stands.
REVERSE sub-menu 1
REVERSE sub-menu 2
BREAK sub-menu 1
LIMIT sub-menu 1
The display will show:
STAND OFF/ON indicates status of stand control
function.
REVERSE Reverses the stand direction of travel
at sample break (BREAK) or load-limit
value (LIMIT). The test stand will
reverse back to the start position as
defined by the physical Microswitch.
STOP Stops the stand at sample break
(BREAK) or load-limit value (LIMIT). The test
stand does not return to the start
position.
CYCLE Cycles a suitable test stand between
load limits (UPPER, LOWER) for a set
number of times (CYCLE).
Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.
Select UP or DOWN to tell the gauge which direction
the stand will begin to move before the load-limit is
reached. Press ENTER to select.
The display will show:
BREAK Sets the gauge to reverse at sample break.
Press ENTER to select.
LIMIT Sets the load-limit value to trigger the stand
reverse function. Press ENTER to select.
Set % of loadcell capacity to indicate the value by which
the load must fall to determine a break. Use a higher
percentage for ‘noisy’ samples where the load may
fluctuate before the sample finally breaks.
Set % BREAK using UP and DOWN keys and press the
ENTER key to select and return to stand sub-menu 1.
Set load-limit using UP and DOWN keys. (UNITS key
changes the units of measurement for load-limit value).
Press the ENTER key to select and return to stand
sub-menu 1. Negative load-limits indicate compression.

page 13
STOP sub-menu 2
BREAK sub-menu 1
LIMIT sub-menu 1
Cycle
Cycle sub-menu 1
Only used in conjunction with
VersaTest and MultiTest-d
motorised test stands.
Note: It is recommended to press
RESET key after each STAND
operation.
The display will show:
BREAK Sets the gauge to stop at sample break.
Press ENTER to select.
LIMIT Sets the load-limit value to trigger the stand
stop function. Press ENTER to select.
Set % of loadcell capacity to indicate the value by which
the load must fall to determine a break. Use a higher
percentage for ‘noisy’ samples where the load may
fluctuate before the sample finally breaks.
Set % BREAK using UP and DOWN keys and press the
ENTER key to select and return to stand sub-menu 1.
Set load-limit using UP and DOWN keys. (UNITS key
changes the units of measurement for load-limit value).
Press the ENTER key to select and return to stand
sub-menu 1. Negative load-limits indicate compression.
Select CYCLE using UP and DOWN keys and press the
ENTER key to select.
The display will now show the UPPER load-limit, the
LOWER load-limit and the number of CYCLES you wish
to perform (range = 1 - 999). A diamond curser indicates
which value is selected. Use the UP and DOWN keys to
change the value, press and hold to scroll values. When
the correct value is reached press the ENTER key to
select.
When one of the stand control options (REVERSE,
STOP or CYCLE) have been set press the ENTER key.
The display will revert back to STAND sub-menu 1 and
STAND ON will now be displayed. Press the ESC key to
return to
main-menu page 1.
Start the test by pushing the UP or DOWN switch on
your test stand. The test stand will move to the UPPER
load-limit and then travel back to the LOWER load-limit
to perform the first cycle. Subsequent cycles will be
performed and a cycle-counter is shown on the main
display.

page 14
Note: a) It is assumed that starting a test in the UP
direction applies a tension force, and in the DOWN
direction a compression force is applied.
b) The total number of cycles must be completed, e.g.
if a sample breaks during the test, the AFG will try to
continue applying load for the set number of cycles.
c) WARNING: At the end of your cycle test, the test
sample could still be under load.
The AFG has an audible and visual alarm feature which
can be set to trigger on pass, fail or sample break
criteria.
Up to 5 alarm settings may be stored, but only one
setting may be used at any one time.
To set an alarm, press and hold the MENU key until
page 1 of the main-menu appears. The cursor arrow will
point to ALARM. Press the ENTER key.
The display will show ALARM OFF, and 5 separate
alarms, which may each be set up independently and
stored by the user for easy access when changing test
routines.
The cursor will be positioned against the current alarm
in use, or against ALARM OFF if no alarm is selected.
To activate an alarm, move the curser to the desired
alarm and press ENTER.
This will access the ALARM sub-menu 2, however this
alarm has now been activated, and you can return to the
main display by pressing the ESC key twice.
The main display will now show an alarm ‘bell’ symbol
accompanied by the number of the alarm selected,
indicating that that alarm is activated (see Fig. 7).
If, however, you wish to change the settings of the
selected alarm, choose SET by pressing the ENTER key
in ALARM sub-menu 2.
ALARM
Alarms will not trigger in the first
1% of full-scale use.
ALARM sub-menu 1
(SETTING SELECTION)
ALARM sub-menu 2
(ALARM SET)
Fig. 7 Alarm symbol with
setting number
in use

page 15
The display will now show the two limits - LIMIT 1 (lower
limit) and LIMIT 2 (upper limit) - plus the value they are
set to and whether they are in tension (TENS ’ N) or
compression (COMP ’ N). A diamond cursor indicates
which value is selected. Use the UP and DOWN keys to
change the value, press and hold to scroll values. When
the correct value is reached, press the ENTER key to set
LIMIT 1. Repeat procedure for LIMIT 2 (see Fig. 8).
Note: The alarm limits are not active below 1% of the
capacity of the tester.
The display shows AUDIBLE, LED and BOTH with the
arrow cursor indicating which feature is selected. This
menu selects how the PASS/FAIL status of a value will
be indicated.
AUDIBLE Only the audible alarm will be activated when
the value is a pass/fail.
LED The PASS LED will illuminate green to
indicate a pass status, the FAIL LED will
illuminate orange or red to indicate low or
high failures respectively.
BOTH Both the LED and the audible alarm will be
activated.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and
press the ENTER key to select the desired feature.
ALARM sub-menu 3
(ALARM LIMITS)
ALARM sub-menu 4
(ALARM INDICATOR)
Fig. 8

page 16
The display shows OUT BAND and IN BAND. This menu
selects which values are to be considered.
OUT BAND Any value falling outside the set limits
LIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2.
IN BAND Any value falling between the set limits
LIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and
press ENTER key to select the desired feature.
The display shows PASS or FAIL. This menu sets the
OUT BAND criteria.
PASS Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or
IN BAND, if selected), are a PASS and
will cause an audible beep, illuminate
an LED or both.
FAIL Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or
IN BAND, if selected), are a FAIL and
will cause an audible beep, illuminate
an LED or both.
Use UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
ENTER key to select the desired feature.
The display shows BUZZER ON, CONTINUOUS and
PULSE. This menu selects the length of time that the
buzzer will sound, if AUDIBLE or BOTH has been
selected in
sub-menu 5.
CONTINUOUS The buzzer sounds at a pre-set alarm
value and stays on until the load falls
below that pre-set.
PULSE The buzzer pulses for a fixed time of
one second every time the load crosses
over each of the presets.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and
press the ENTER key to select the desired feature.
The display will now return to the main menu page 1,
press ESC to return the main display.
ALARM sub-menu 5
(ALARM BAND)
ALARM sub-menu 6
(ALARM PASS/FAIL)
ALARM sub-menu 7
(ALARM BUZZER MODE)

page 17
Alarm on break
Fast Selection of Alarms
Example 1
Settings:
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % 1st PEAK is 10% of
full-scale (e.g. AFG
100N must register
drop of 10N)
Main display is set to
1st peak tension screen
This feature is only activated when the % DROP feature
is used in conjunction with the ALARM function. The
AFG looks for a percentage (of full-scale) drop from
peak load value, set in the % 1st PEAK menu (see page
23). The alarm can be used to indicate if the break point
falls inside or outside the limits LIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2 set
in the alarm menu - See examples 1 to 5 below.
In order to quickly and easily switch between
pre-set alarms, it is possible to instantly access an
ALARM SELECT page by holding down the RESET key
for 3 seconds whilst in the main display.
The ALARM SELECT page is similar to the ALARM
sub-menu 1- the display will show ALARM SELECT; OFF,
and the 5 separate alarms.
The cursor will be positioned against the current alarm
in use, or against ALARM OFF if no alarm is selected.
To activate an alarm, move the cursor to the desired
alarm (or to OFF to deactivate alarms) and press ENTER.
Alternatively, to cancel the command, press ESC.
The screen will return to the main display.

page 18
Example 2
Settings:
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % 1st PEAK is 10% of
full-scale (e.g. AFG
100N must register
drop of 10N)
Main display is set to
1st peak tension screen
Example 3
Settings:
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % 1st PEAK is 10% of
full-scale (e.g. AFG
100N must register
drop of 10N)
Main display is set to
1st peak tension screen

page 19
Example 4
Settings:
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % 1st PEAK is 10% of
full-scale (e.g. AFG
100N must register
drop of 10N)
Main display is set to
1st peak tension screen
Example 5
Settings:
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % 1st PEAK is 10% of
full-scale (e.g. AFG
100N must register
drop of 10N)
Main display is set to
1st peak tension screen