Mecmesin AFG Series User manual

page 1
Contents
Powering the Gauge 2
Using the Gauge 3
Basic Functions 5
Optional Settings 9
Additional Force & Torque Sensors 10
Advanced Menu Options 11
AFG Specifications 26
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mecmesin Advanced Force Gauge (AFG) instrument. 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 AFTI display when
used with external ‘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) can all be done by pressing a single dedicated key identified on the front
panel with grey text – see page 5, Basic Functions.
For less frequently used features, a number of menu “hot keys” are provided, whereby the
operator simply presses and holds a menu key to access the gauge configuration – see page
9, Optional Settings.
To configure the advanced features of the gauge a full menu-driven system is available by using
the keys identified on the front panel with red text – see page 11, Advanced Menu Options.

page 2
POWERING THE
GAUGE
Fitting and charging of
rechargeable batteries
Low Battery Warning
Mains operation
The AFG is supplied with a set of 5 Nickel Metal Hydride
AAA rechargeable batteries. For safety reasons during
transportation the batteries are shipped discharged. To obtain
maximum battery life we recommend that you charge them
with the charger/adaptor supplied for at least 14 - 16 hours
when you first receive the AFG. Do not use any other battery
charger other than that supplied with the force gauge.
To insert 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. Fit the 5 batteries in the battery holder
ensuring that you observe polarity and the batteries are
placed on top of the ‘release tag’. To remove the batteries
simply pull 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 Figure 1a.
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.
Fig.1a Low battery
warning

Fitting of alkaline batteries
Battery safety information
USING THE GAUGE
Fitting accessories
Mounting to a test stand
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
an M6 male thread.
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 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.
page 3

page 4
Powering up
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.
As shown in Figure 1b 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, 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 force is applied perpendicularly via the sensor probe
(bottom of AFG), the reading on the display will register the
applied force.
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 .
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.
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.
To power down the gauge press the red key.
b
Fig.1b
b

page 5
Tensile forces are displayed on the AFG and recognised by
the symbol (See Fig. 2a)
Compressive forces are displayed on the AFG and recognised
by the symbol (See Fig. 2b)
A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how much load has
been applied to the transducer. As the load approaches the
maximum rating of the transducer, 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.
For tensile forces the indicator bar is solid then dotted. For
compressive forces the indicator bar is dotted then solid – see
Figure 2b.
Fig. 2a
Symbol for
tension
Unit of
measurement
Load indicator
bar


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.
Fig. 2b
Symbol for
compression
Unit of
measurement
Load indicator
bar

page 6


Zeroing the Gauge
Changing the unit of
measurement
Max (peak) readings
"Max" mode
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 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.
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 transducer is also displayed -
see Figure 3a overleaf.

page 7
Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum tensile force identified by the symbol. (See Fig.
3b)
Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum compressive force identified by the symbol. (See
Fig. 3c)
Fig. 3c
Max compression
reading
Fig. 3b
Max tension
reading
Fig. 3a Max tension
reading
Max compression
reading
Load currently
applied to load
cell


Dual Max
Max Tension
Max Compression

page 8
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
transducer 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 25)
A calibrated 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.
See technical specifications on page 26 and 30 for details.
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. TX will now
appear in the display to indicate that data is being sent, (see
figure 4). To stop sending data, simply press and release the
TXD key, at which point TX 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.
This default threshold can be set from 1-100% (see advanced
menu options).
"Normal" mode
Data Output
Analogue output
RS232 and Mitutoyo
output signals
PC Communication
AFG uses 9600, 19200,
57600 or 115200 Baud, 8
data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit
and no parity. (See Advanced
Menu Options for setup details)
A full range of data cables are
available to connect your gauge
to peripheral devices – contact
your supplier.
Fig. 4
Max compression
reading

page 9
Hold down the Ctrl key on the PC keyboard and press;
a to simulate pressing the TXD key *
b to simulate pressing the UNITS key
c to simulate pressing the MAX key
d to simulate pressing the RESET key
e to simulate pressing the ZERO key
* Note that the continuous transmission mode cannot be
entered via these methods.
‘1’ (ascii 001 [01h]): “TXD”
‘2’ (ascii 002 [02h]): “UNITS”
‘3’ (ascii 003 [03h]): “MAX”
‘4’ (ascii 004 [04h]): “RESET”
‘5’ (ascii 005 [05h]): “ZERO”
‘?’ (ascii 063 [3Fh]): Single reading request
It is possible to activate a backlight on the AFG display. Press
and hold UNITS key whilst powering up the AFG with the
key. The backlight is now operating.
Please note that battery consumption is doubled when using
the backlight. For this reason the backlight setting is not
remembered after power down.
To conserve battery power, it is possible to activate an Auto-
off function so that the gauge powers down after either 2 or
10 minutes since the last key press, OR since a load change
of more than 2% of full-scale.
Press and hold ZERO key whilst powering up the AFG with
the key. A menu will appear with options OFF, 2 MINS,
10 MINS. Move the UP or DOWN key to desired setting
and press the ENTER key. The symbol Ao will appear in the
display to indicate if Auto-off is active. This feature is
remembered after power down.
Remote key press from PC
Optional Settings
Backlit Display
Auto-off
b
b

page 10
Invert Display
Factory Default
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 causes the default
settings within Advanced Menu
Options to be installed
Loadcell Diagnostic test
An instrument showing an
overload condition cannot be
relied upon to provide accurate,
repeatable measurement –
consult your supplier.
For hand-held tension applications it is often desirable to
reverse the display, so that the operator can read it more
comfortably. Press and hold the MAX key whilst powering up
the AFG with the key to invert the display. This feature is
remembered after power down.
The AFG may be returned to its original factory default
settings, indicated on pages 28 and 29 of the Advanced
Menu Options section of this manual.
Press and hold the RESET key whilst powering up the AFG
with the key
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 28 to check load cell status.
b
b

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 accessed using the red text
on the keys.
Press and hold the MENU key for approximately 2 seconds
to access page 1 of the main-menu, (see figure 5). Pressing
the MENU key again takes you to page 2 of the main menu.
To move between the options listed on the 2 main-menu
pages, press 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 main-menu page and ESC again to return to the main
display.
The AFG has an audible and visual alarm feature which can
be set to trigger on pass, fail or sample break criteria.
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.
Advanced Menu
Options
Navigating the menus
ALARM
Alarms will not trigger in the first
1% of full-scale use
Fig. 5 MAIN MENU
PAGE 1

page 12
The display will show ALARM OFF and SET.
Press the ENTER key to change ALARM OFF to ALARM ON.
Press the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to SET and
press the ENTER key.
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 will indicate which value is
selected. Use 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 figure 6).
Note: The alarm limits are not active below 1% of the
capacity of the gauge.
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 green and red LED’s will indicate the PASS
/FAIL status.
BOTH - Both the LED and the audible alarm will be
activated above.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
the ENTER key to select the desired feature.
The display shows OUT BAND and IN BAND. This menu
selects which values are to be considered.
ALARM sub-menu 1
ALARM sub-menu 2
Torque sensors will show
CW for clockwise and
CCW for counter-
clockwise
ALARM sub-menu 3
ALARM sub-menu 4
Fig. 6

page 13
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 PULSE. This
menu selects length of time that the buzzer will sound, if
AUDIBLE or BOTH has been selected in sub-menu 3.
CONTINUOUS - The buzzer sounds at a pre-set alarm value
and stays on until load falls below that pre-set.
PULSE - The buzzer pulses for fixed time of one second every
time the load crosses over each of the presets.
Use UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
ENTER key to select the desired feature.
ALARM sub-menu 5
Alarm sub-menu 6
Fig. 7 alarm symbol

page 14
ALARM on break Display is showing sub-menu 1 again (= ALARM ON and
SET). Press ESC key to return to main-menu and again to
return to main display. The main display will now show an
alarm ‘bell’ symbol indicating the alarm is turned on - See
Figure 7.
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 % DROP menu (see page 19). 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 overleaf.

page 15
Example 1
Settings: -
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % DROP is 10% of full-
scale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen
Example 2
Settings: -
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % DROP is 10% of full-
scale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

page 16
Example 3
Settings: -
- BOTH LED and audio alarms
are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % DROP is 10% of full-scale
(e.g. AFG 100N must
register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen
Example 4
Settings: -
- BOTH LED and audio alarms
are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % DROP is 10% of full-scale
(e.g. AFG 100N must
register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

page 17
For PLC applications, this function requires an external cable
with a built-in solid-state relay - see Specifications on page
26 for details of the signal.
To configure the signal output of the AFG, press and hold the
MENU key until page 1 of the main-menu appears. Press
the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to PLC and press
the ENTER key.
The cursor arrow points to PLC OFF.
The display will show:
PLC OFF - Indicates PLC function status
AT LIMITS - Will set PLC signal at specified
load limits
AT ALARM - Will tie in PLC signal with the
AFG alarm settings
Select the desired function and press ENTER key.
Example 5
Settings: -
- BOTH LED and audio
alarms are active
- Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
- Alarm is set to FAIL
- % DROP is 10% of full-
scale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen
PLC
(Programmable Limit
Controller)
PLC sub-menu 1

page 18
The display will show:
RESET - When the load limit is reached, the output signal
triggers the relay and the RESET key must be pressed to clear
the line before starting the next test.
CONTINUOUS - The relay will be activated every time the
load limit is reached and the output signal will remain on.
PULSE - The relay will be activated momentarily when the
load limit is reached.
Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.
The display will show SET and a default load limit at which
output signal will trigger the relay. To set the required load
limit use UP and DOWN keys to adjust the value and the
ENTER key to confirm the selection.
The display will show:
STATE
HIGH - Will set PLC signal at AFG’s high alarm setting
LOW - Will set PLC signal at AFG’s low alarm setting
Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.
The display will revert back to PLC sub-menu 1 and PLC ON
will now be displayed.
Press ESC key to return to main-menu page 1.
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. Press
the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to STAND and
press the ENTER key.
AT LIMITS sub-menu 1
AT LIMITS sub-menu 2
AT ALARM sub-menu 1
STAND
Contact your supplier for stand
interface cable