Mecmesin Compact Force Gauge+ User manual

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Home > Compact Force Gauge (CFG+) Operating Manual
Support / Product / CFG+
Revision ID
86
Manual 431-373-03-L00
1

1
2
3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.3.7
3.3.8
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.5
3.6
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
3.7
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
3.8
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
Introduction
Before Use
Operation
Powering the Gauge
Replacing batteries - Low battery symbol
Mains operation
Battery safety information
Using the Gauge
Fitting accessories
Mounting to a test stand
Powering up
Turning off
Basic Functions
Display of Tension/Compression
Zeroing the gauge
Changing the unit of measurement
Max (peak) readings
Max Tension
Max Compression
Data Output
Remote key press from PC
Optional Settings through Dual Function keys
Baud Rate
Removing the minus sign during data transmission
Auto-off
Overload
Overload counters
Display messages
RS232 Commands Table: Configuration
RS232 Command Responses: Information
Command: M
Command: U
Command: C
Command: @
CFG+ Specifications
Range & Resolution
Accuracy
Output
Optional Extras
Dimensions (in Millimetres)
Front View
Rear View
Side Views
2

1Introduction
Thank you for choosing Mecmesin’s Compact Force Gauge+ (CFG+). With correct use and regular re-calibration it
will provide many years of accurate and reliable service.
The CFG+ is the elementary member of a series of highly versatile display units. Specifically designed for
performing basic tension and compression tests, the CFG+ can be used handheld or fixed to a manual or
motorised test stand.
3

2Before Use
Upon receiving the unit please check that no physical damage has occurred to the packaging material or the
instrument itself. If any damage is evident please notify Mecmesin or your local distributor immediately.
4

3
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.1.3
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
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 - see page 6, Basic Functions.
Powering the Gauge
The CFG+ is supplied with a set of 4 x 1.5V AA batteries. To fit the batteries you must first remove the battery
cover on the upper part of the rear of the gauge. To release the battery cover press the battery cover as indicated
by the arrow and slide the cover upwards. Fit the batteries in the battery holder ensuring that you observe
polarity. Incorrect insertion of batteries can cause damage to the gauge.
To replace the battery cover slide it from the top edge of the gauge until it clicks into place.
If the gauge is not going to be used for 3 months or more the batteries should be removed and stored separately.
(Settings and calibration data will not be lost if the batteries are removed).
Replacing batteries - Low battery symbol
If the low battery symbol appears on the display the gauge will power-off unconditionally at intervals of one
minute. The gauge may be repowered but will power-off every one minute as long as the low battery symbol
remains on the display.
This feature has been designed into the gauge to protect the integrity of displayed readings because when the
low battery symbol appears the accuracy of the loadcell reading may be compromised.
When the low battery symbol appears on the display, fit four new 1.5V AA batteries in the gauge.
Rechargeable batteries should not be used in the CFG+.Rechargeable batteries should not be used in the CFG+.
Mains operation
The CFG+ can also be powered directly from the mains using an AC Power Adaptor plugged into the right hand
side of the gauge (available as an optional extra). Using an incorrect power adaptor can damage the gauge.
Battery safety information
NEVER:NEVER:
Short circuit
Heat or incinerate
Disassemble or deform cells
Immerse in water
Solder anything to the battery terminals Reverse individual cell polarity
Use alternative chargers other than that supplied by Mecmesin (Available as an optional extra)
Use replacement parts other than that supplied by Mecmesin
Never dispose of batteries with ‘normal’ refuse. Contact your local Environmental Authority to determine the
location of your appropriate disposal facility.
Using the Gauge
Fitting accessories
All CFG+ instruments are supplied with a short extension rod (30mm long). This fits directly onto the loadcell
mounted in the bottom of the CFG+.
Note: Note: When fitting the extension rod always ensure that it is screwed finger-tight only. Excessive torque or
overtightening can damage the loadcell.
Note: Note: When attaching accessories to the gauge always use the extension rod.
Mounting to a test stand
5

3.2.3
3.2.4
On the rear of the gauge are 4 x M3 threaded holes, which can be used with the CFG+ Mounting Plate (available
as an optional extra) for mounting the gauge to a Mecmesin test stand.
Powering up
As shown in Fig. 1, the control panel has 4 keys. To power up the gauge press the red and white
key. A short self test will run during which the software version number, the currently selected baud rate and the
loadcell capacity in newtons are shown. The gauge will then enter the main display mode.
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 zero’s itself during the self test routine.
If a compressive or tensile force is applied via the extension rod to the loadcell, the reading on the display will
register the applied force if not in MAX MAX Mode.
Turning off
To turn off the gauge press the
key for at least 2 seconds.
6

3.3
3.3.1
Basic Functions
Display of Tension/Compression
Tensile forces
are displayed on the CFG+ and recognised by the symbol (See Fig. 2).
Compressive forces
7

3.3.2
3.3.3
are displayed on the CFG+ and recognised by the symbol (See Fig. 3).
Zeroing the gauge
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 an accessory that you do not want to become part of the measured reading. Press and release the
ZERO ZERO key.
When the gauge is in the process of zeroing itself a row of segments on the top and bottom of the display will
be seen to alternately blink once. When this is completed the display will read zero. This function will not be
performed if the gauge is in an overloaded state.
Changing the unit of measurement
You can choose from the following units of measurement depending on the capacity of the gauge: newtons (N),
kilogram-force (kg), millinewtons (mN), gram-force (g), ounce-force (oz), pound-force (lb) or kilonewtons (kN).
To change the display units press and release the UNITS UNITS key. Each successive key press will select the next
available units until the gauge returns to its original setting.
The CFG+ automatically converts readings as new units of measurement are selected.
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3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
Max (peak) readings
The gauge detects and stores maximum (peak) force in both compressive and tensile directions.
Peak capture rate is 500HzPeak capture rate is 500Hz
Max Tension
Press the MAX MAX key. The display will show the word MAX MAX together with the highest tensile
force (See Fig. 4).
Max Compression
Press the MAX MAX key. The display will show the word MAX together with the highest compressive
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3.3.7
force (See Fig. 5).
Data Output
The CFG+ has RS232 output. It is possible to transmit the displayed reading to peripheral devices (e.g. PC,
printer) by pressing and releasing the TXD 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 TXD key for 2 seconds and release. A ‘1’ will
now appear in the display to indicate that data can now be sent (See Fig. 6). To stop sending data, simply press
and release the TXD TXD key, at which point a ‘1’ will disappear from the display.
CFG+ uses: CFG+ uses:
9600 or 115200 Baud9600 or 115200 Baud
8 data bits8 data bits
1 start bit1 start bit
1 stop bit no parity1 stop bit no parity
A data cable is available as an optional extra to connect your gauge to peripheral devicesA data cable is available as an optional extra to connect your gauge to peripheral devices
10

3.3.8
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
The continuous data stream rate is 100Hz at 9600 Baud and 250Hz at 115200 BaudThe continuous data stream rate is 100Hz at 9600 Baud and 250Hz at 115200 Baud
Please note that the continuous data stream only starts when approximately 2% of the rated capacity of the gauge
is reached.
Remote key press from PC
Hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard and press:
a a to simulate pressing the TXD TXD key*
b b to simulate pressing the UNITS UNITS key
c c to simulate pressing the MAX MAX key
e e to simulate pressing the ZERO ZERO key
Note Note that the continuous transmission mode cannot be entered via this method.
Optional Settings through Dual Function keys
Baud Rate
Holding down the TXD TXD key whilst turning on the gauge will toggle between baud rates of 9600 and 115200. If the
baud rate is being toggled, when powered up the gauge will display either 9600 or 115.2 between displaying the
software version number and the loadcell capacity. The baud rate setting will be stored in memory and
remembered when the gauge is turned off.
Removing the minus sign during data transmission
Holding down the MAX MAX key while turning the gauge on will enable or disable sending a minus sign with RS232
transmission. If the ‘transmit sign’ function is enabled then ‘2’ is displayed in the top row of the display (See Fig.
7). This setting is stored in the memory and is remembered when the gauge is powered down.
To conserve battery power the gauge constantly keeps a record of time elapsed since the last key press. If
this function is not disabled and the low battery symbol is not showing, the gauge will power down after
11

3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.4.6
3.5
approximately five minutes has elapsed since the last key press, the last load change greater than 2% or the last
recurrence of RS-232 communication.
Auto-off
If the gauge is being used for a long test the user may wish to disable the auto-off function. The auto-off function
can be disabled when powering up the gauge by holding down the
until the display shows ‘No Ao’.
Overload
Do not overload Do not overload the loadcell, as this can cause irreparable damage.
Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will show an ‘-OL-‘ symbol and the corresponding tension or compression
symbols on the display. If the display shows ‘OL’ (without dashes) in either of the two max modes, the loadcell is
not currently in overloaded state but has been overloaded at least once since the last ZERO ZERO operation.
An instrument showing an overload condition cannot be relied upon to provide accurate, repeatableAn instrument showing an overload condition cannot be relied upon to provide accurate, repeatable
measurement - consult your supplier.measurement - consult your supplier.
Overload counters
If you suspect that the gauge has been subjected to overloading this can be verified by pressing the UNITS UNITS key
while turning on the gauge. This will first display the number of overloads in tension, press UNITS UNITS key again to see
the number of overloads in compression. Press UNITS UNITS key once more to allow the gauge to resume powering up.
Removing recorded overloads can only be undertaken by Mecmesin or an approved distributor.
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.
Display messages
‘-OL-‘ Overload - More than 120% of full scale load is
currently being applied to the transducer
‘OL’ Overload - The peak force reading was applied to
the loadcell in excess of 120% of full-scale
‘t-ERR’ Tare Error - The zero function was performed while
the transducer was in an overloaded state
‘No Ao’ No Auto off - Automatic power-off is disabled
‘C-dEF’
Calibration default - Invalid calibration data; please
notify Mecmesin or an authorised representative for
calibration
RS232 Commands Table: Configuration
It is possible to remotely read/configure the settings of your CFG+ by sending the following RS232 command
characters:
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3.6
3.6.1
3.6.2
3.6.3
3.6.4
Character inCharacter in
ASCIIASCII DecimalDecimal HexadecimalHexadecimalFunctionFunction
M 77 0x4D Current mode
U 85 0x55 Current units
C 67 0x43 Loadcell capacity in newtons
? 63 0x3F Transmit the current reading
@ 64 0x40 Configuration Status Request
* 42 0x2A
Toggle Continuous Transmit
Mode
r 114 0x72 Normal Screen (Non max)
t 116 0x74 Max Tension Screen
u 117 0x75 Max Compression Screen
a 97 0x61 Change Units to mN
b 98 0x62 Change Units to N
c 99 0x63 Change Units to kN
d 100 0x64 Change Units to gf
e 101 0x65 Change Units to kgf
f 102 0x66 Change Units to ozf
g 103 0x67 Change Units to lbf
CTRL a 1 0x01 Simulates the TXD TXD key
CTRL b 2 0x02 Simulates the UNITS UNITS key
CTRL c 3 0x03 Simulates the MAX MAX key
CTRL e 5 0x05
Simulates the ZERO ZERO key (to
ZERO a load reading, not
turn the gauge off)
CTRL o 15 0x0F Turns the gauge off
RS232 Command Responses: Information
It is possible to remotely interrogate your CFG+ by sending the following RS232 commands. This will inform you
which settings are currently configured.
Command: M
ResponseResponse CFG+ CFG+ Display ModeDisplay Mode
Normal Normal Mode
MaxC Max Compression
MaxT Max Tension
Command: U
ResponseResponse
mN
kN
N
gf
kgf
ozf
lbf
Command: C
The loadcell size in N
Note: Note: ‘xxxx’ will be transmitted if the loadcell is not calibrated, or has a serious fault. Contact Mecmesin or your
supplier.
Command: @
13

3.7
3.7.1
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
3.8
3.8.1
You will receive the following information listing:
ResponseResponse Explanation of ResponseExplanation of Response
Compact+ Gauge Type
50, 100, 200, 500 or ‘xxxx’ if
the gauge is uncalibrated Loadcell size in N
V01 Version number
Normal, MaxT or MaxC Mode of operation
mN, kN, N, gf, kgf, ozf or
lbf Units of operation
CFG+ Specifications
Range & Resolution
Model no:Model no: NN kgfkgf lbflbf
CFG+ 50 50 x 0.05 5 x 0.005 11 x 0.01
CFG+ 100 100 x 0.1 10 x 0.01 22 x 0.02
CFG+ 200 200 x 0.2 20 x 0.02 44 x 0.05
CFG+ 500 500 x 0.5 50 x 0.05 110 x 0.1
Accuracy
±0.5% of full-scale
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
9600 or 115200 Baud
8 data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit, no
parity
Optional Extras
AC Power Adaptor
A 6V - 9V AC-DC power adaptor (fitted
with a 1.3mm
DC power plug with +6V - +9V DC on
the centre conductor), can be plugged
into the right hand side of the gauge.
Note: Note: Using an incorrect power adaptor
can damage the gauge.
CFG+ Mounting Plate Enables the CFG+ to be mounted to a
Mecmesin test stand.
Cable CFG+ to RS232 An interface cable for connecting your
CFG+ to peripheral devices
Emperor™ Lite
Expand the functionality of the CFG+
with Emperor™ Lite data acquisition and
plotting software. Analyse test results
and view data in graphical format.
Consult your local distributor to buy any of the above items or please see the website: Consult your local distributor to buy any of the above items or please see the website: www.mecmesin.comwww.mecmesin.com
Dimensions (in Millimetres)
Front View
14

3.8.2
Rear View
15

3.8.3
Pin Out:Pin Out:
1 Ground
2 RS-232 Transmit
3 RS-232 Receive
Allocation for the pins on the 3-pin connector for RS-232 communication.
Side Views
16

Source URL (modified on 20/06/2019 - 14:02):Source URL (modified on 20/06/2019 - 14:02):https://help.mecmesin.com/docs/compact-force-gauge-cfg-operating-manual
Original instructions published in English language.
Mecmesin Ltd © 2019.
Patrick Collins
Technical Director, Mecmesin
Contact us
[phone]
[e-mail]
Newton House
Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold, West Sussex
RH13 0SZ
United Kingdom
Mecmesin Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 01302639.
A PPT Holdings Company
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