Mecmesin Orbis User manual

Artisan Technology Group is your source for quality
new and certied-used/pre-owned equipment
• FAST SHIPPING AND
DELIVERY
• TENS OF THOUSANDS OF
IN-STOCK ITEMS
• EQUIPMENT DEMOS
• HUNDREDS OF
MANUFACTURERS
SUPPORTED
• LEASING/MONTHLY
RENTALS
• ITAR CERTIFIED
SECURE ASSET SOLUTIONS
SERVICE CENTER REPAIRS
Experienced engineers and technicians on staff
at our full-service, in-house repair center
WE BUY USED EQUIPMENT
Sell your excess, underutilized, and idle used equipment
We also offer credit for buy-backs and trade-ins
www.artisantg.com/WeBuyEquipment
REMOTE INSPECTION
Remotely inspect equipment before purchasing with
our interactive website at www.instraview.com
LOOKING FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Visit us on the web at www.artisantg.com for more
information on price quotations, drivers, technical
specications, manuals, and documentation
Contact us: (888) 88-SOURCE | [e-mail] | www.artisantg.com
SM
View
Instra

Orbis
clo ure torque te ter
Operating Manual
testing to perfection

Contents
The Orbis
page 1
Assembly of the Orbis 3
Powering the Orbis 4
Using the Orbis 5
Optional Settings 10
RS232 Commands 13
Dimensions 16
Orbis Specifications 18

page 2
Introduction
Thank you for choosing Mecmesin’s Orbis Digital Torque Tester. With correct use and
regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate and reliable service.
The Orbis has been specifically designed as a high-accuracy, portable instrument for
measuring clockwise and counter-clockwise torques. Using the latest integrated circuit
technology and intuitive programming, the Orbis is easy to use by all operators.
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 torque, peak hold, zero and changing
of displayed units can all be done by pressing single dedicated keys on the front panel.
or less frequently used features a number of 'hot keys' are provided, whereby the operator
simply presses and holds an appropriate key upon startup to enable a gauge option.
The Orbis
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.

Unscrew the top plate handle so that the peg holders move
towards the outside edge of the plate. Align the top plate
with the torque drive so that the handle is on the left-hand
side of the top plate. Using the 2.5mm Allen key (provided),
tighten the four socket countersunk screws hand tight.
Assembly of the
Orbis
When the Orbis is in transit,
the top plate is removed to
avoid damage to the torque
sensor.
Fitting Instructions for the
Orbis Top Plate
Step 1. Orbis with torque
drive shown
Step 2. Align top plate
with torque drive.
The handle is
positioned to the
left.
Step 3. Tighten screws
hand-tight only.
Step 4. or use of Orbis
with handle at
front, repeat steps
1 to 3 but position
top plate
accordingly during
step 2.
page 3

page 4
The Orbis 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
torque tester.
Under normal circumstances these rechargeable batteries
will not need to be replaced. However, if required, to
replace the rechargeable batteries you must first remove the
base plate on the base of the torque tester by removing the
6 retaining screws. This will reveal a retaining plate.
Remove this by releasing the 2 screws on the retaining
plate. Remove the fitted rechargeable batteries and fit the 5
new rechargeable 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 retaining plate and tighten the 2 screws. Refit the
base plate and tighten the 6 retaining screws.
Connect the mains adaptor/charger to the Orbis charger
socket located at the right hand side of the torque tester
next to the display and charge the new set of rechargeable
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 torque tester powers
down automatically. See ig. 1, below.
The Orbis may also be powered directly from the mains.
Simply maintain the mains adaptor/charger connection to
your mains supply as above. Only use the adaptor/charger
supplied.
Powering the Orbis
Replacing rechargeable
batteries
Low battery warning
Mains operation
Fig. 1
Low battery
warning

page 5
The Orbis is supplied with 4 pegs which grip the sample
during testing.
Screw the pegs into the runners on the top fixture equally
spaced to ensure the sample is securely gripped when the
runners are brought together using the star handle on the
end of the lead screws.
Ensure that the pillars are finger tight and the sample
securely clamped, otherwise rotation in the fixture will
occur during testing.
As shown in ig. 1, the control panel has 6 keys:
To power up the Orbis press the
red key. A short self test runs
during which the display will
show the capacity in ‘N.m’
(newton metres).
After the self test, providing no torque has been applied to
the instrument, the display will show all zeros. This is
because the Orbis re-zeros itself during the self test routine.
If a torque is applied rotationally via the fixture, the reading
on the display will register the applied torque.
Using the Orbis
Fitting accessories
Powering up Fig.1

page 6
*Do not overload the torque sensor, as this could cause
irreparable damage.
Loads 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 .
Loads 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. Consult your supplier
to arrange repair.
To power down the Orbis press the red key.
Clockwise torque is displayed on the Orbis and recognised
by the symbol shown in ig. 2.
Counter-clockwise torque is displayed on the Orbis and
recognised by the symbol shown in ig. 3c.
A torque indicator bar alerts the operator to how much
load has been applied to the torque sensor. As the load
approaches the maximum rating of the torque sensor, 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
torque being applied.
Fig. 2
Clockwise and
Counter-clockwise Values
If the Orbis has suffered a
serious overload condition, the
torque indicator bar will be
partially displayed even when
no torque is present. This is a
warning that the torque sensor
is damaged and you should
immediately contact your
supplier to arrange repair.
Symbol for
clockwise
torque Unit of
measurement
Load indicator
bar

page 7
Zeroing the Orbis
Changing the unit of
measurement
Max (peak) readings
'Max' mode
When applying clockwise torque, the indicator bar begins
solid in appearance, then becomes striped when the
capacity is approached. When applying counter-clockwise
torque, the indicator bar begins striped, then becomes solid
- see ig. 3b & 3c.
During operation of the Orbis, it is sometimes necessary to
zero the display - e.g. when you wish to tare out a
displayed torque applied by the sample, so it does not
become part of the measured reading. Press and release the
ZERO key. The display will freeze whilst the key is pressed.
You can choose from the following units of measurement:
N.m, N.cm, mN.m, gf.cm, kgf.cm, kgf.m, lbf.ft, lbf.in,
ozf.in.
To change the displayed units, press and release the UNITS
key. Each successive key press will select the next available
units until the Orbis returns to its original setting. The Orbis
automatically converts readings as new units of
measurement are selected.
The Orbis detects and stores maximum (peak) torque in
both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions.
Press the MAX key. The display will show the word MAX
together with the highest counter-clockwise torque and the
highest clockwise torque detected during the test. The
current load being applied to the torque sensor is also
displayed - see ig. 3a

Press the MAX key again, and the display will show the
maximum clockwise torque identified by its symbol.
Press the MAX key again, and the display will show the
maximum counter-clockwise torque identified by its
symbol.
Fig. 3b
Fig. 3a
Dual Max
Max Clockwise Torque
Max Counter-clockwise
Torque
Fig. 3c
Max clockwise
reading
Max counter-
clockwise reading
Torque currently
applied
Direction of
torque
currently
applied
Max clockwise
reading
Max
counter-clockwise
reading
page 8

page 9
Press the MAX key again, and the word MAX has now
disappeared from the display. The display will now indicate
torque of either direction, as it is applied, maintaining a
'running' display.
Press the RESET key to clear both maximum registers and
prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.
The Orbis has RS232, Digimatic 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 "?" character. See
page 13. When using the Orbis for creating a graphical
presentation of data, ensure that the normal mode, and not
a max mode, is selected.
or sending a continuous data stream to a PC, press and
hold the TXD key for 2 seconds. TX will now appear in the
display to indicate that data is being sent. 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 Orbis
is reached.
'Normal' mode
Data Output
Orbis uses 9600 Baud 8 data
bits, 1 start bit 1 stop bit and
no parity.
A full range of data cables are
available to connect the Orbis
to peripheral devices. Please
contact your supplier for
further information.

It is possible to activate a back-light on the Orbis display.
Press and hold RESET whilst powering up the Orbis with
the key. The back-light is now operating.
Please note that battery consumption is doubled when
using the back-light.
To conserve battery power, it is possible to activate an
Auto-off function. This causes the Orbis to power down
automatically 5 minutes after the last key press, or 5
minutes after the last application of a torque greater than
2% of full capacity.
Press and hold ZERO whilst powering up the Orbis with
the key. The symbol ‘Ao’ will appear in the display to
indicate Auto-off is active.
It may be desirable to invert the display, so that it may be
easily read upside down. By pressing and holding MAX
whilst powering up the Orbis with the key, the display
is inverted.
Once the desired Max display mode has been selected, it is
possible to lock the mode, so that further pressing the MAX
key results in no change.
Press and hold RESET and MAX keys simultaneously whilst
powering up the Orbis with the key. 'MAX KEY
LOCKED' will appear on the display until the 'Hot Keys'
are released. The Max display mode is now locked.
To unlock the Max display mode, repeat as above. 'MAX
KEY UNLOCKED' will appear on the display until the 'Hot
Keys' are released.
Optional Settings -
‘Hot eys’
Backlit Display
Auto-off
Invert Display
Locking and unlocking
'Max' mode
page 10

page 11
Once the desired unit of measurement has been selected, it
is possible to lock the units, so that further pressing the
UNITS key results in no change.
Press and hold RESET and UNITS keys simultaneously
whilst powering up the Orbis with the key. 'UNITS KEY
LOCKED' will appear on the display until the 'Hot Keys'
are released. The units are now locked.
To unlock the units, repeat as above. 'UNITS KEY
UNLOCKED' will appear on the display until the 'Hot
Keys' are released.
To differentiate between clockwise and counter-clockwise
measurements when transmitted to peripheral devices,
counter-clockwise results may be prefixed with a minus
sign. Press and hold the TXD key whilst powering up the
Orbis with the key. The display will show TX SIGN O
and ON. This will transmit a negative sign for
counter-clockwise readings if set to ON. Use the TXD key
to position the arrow cursor against the desired selection
and press the RESET key. The display will continue to the
main menu.
If you suspect that your torque sensor has sustained an
overload, it is possible to check the status of the torque
sensor immediately.
Symptoms of overload may be (a) OL in display (b) buzzer
sound (c) torque indicator bar present even under zero
load.
Place the Orbis horizontally on a flat, level surface. Press
and hold the UNITS key whilst powering up the Orbis with
the key.
The torque sensor diagnostic test screen will appear on the
display, as shown in ig. 4.
Locking and unlocking
the unit of measurement
Removal of minus sign for
counter-clockwise (release
torque) measurements
Torque Sensor
Diagnostic test
An instrument showing an
overload condition cannot be
relied upon to provide
accurate, repeatable
measurement - please consult
your supplier.

page 12
The offset value provides an indication of the condition of
the torque sensor, and is defined as the % difference
between the critical zero and the current reading.
If the offset is between 5 - 10 %, please contact your
supplier to arrange a re-calibration of your Orbis.
If the offset is greater than 10 %, please contact your
supplier to arrange for a torque sensor replacement.
These values are given as an indicator only - the need for
calibration/repair may vary according to the individual
characteristics of the torque sensor.
In addition to the offset, the number of overloads (OL)
experienced by the torque sensor in both clockwise and
counter-clockwise directions are displayed. An overload is
registered when a torque exceeding 150% of the rated
capacity of the torque sensor is applied in either direction.
To exit the torque sensor diagnostic test screen, press MAX.
Fig. 4

RS232 Commands Table: Configuration
Character in ASCII Decimal Hexadecimal Function
M 77 0x4D Current mode
U 85 0x55 Current units
C 67 0x43 Torque sensor capacity
@ 64 0x40 Configuration status request
* 42 0x2A Continuous transmit
r 114 0x72 Normal Screen
s 115 0x73 Dual Max
t 116 0x74 Max Clockwise
u 117 0x75 Max Counter-clockwise
a 97 0x61 N.m
b 98 0x62 N.cm
c 99 0x63 mN.m
d 100 0x64 gf.cm
e 101 0x65 kgf.cm
f 102 0x66 kgf.m
g 103 0x67 ozf.in
h 104 0x68 lbf.ft
i 105 0x69 lbf.in
? 63 0x3 Transmit the current reading
CTRL a 1 0x01 TXD key
CTRL b 2 0x02 UNITS key
CTRL c 3 0x03 MAX key
CTRL d 4 0x04 RESET key
CTRL e 5 0x05 ZERO key
page 13
It is possible to remotely configure the setting of your Orbis by sending the following RS232
command characters:

RS232 Command Responses: Information
Command: M
Response Orbis Display Mode
Normal Normal Mode
MaxC Max Counter-clockwise
MaxT Max Clockwise
MaxDual Dual Max Screen
Command: U
Response for Torque Sensor
N.m
N.cm
mN.m
gf.cm
kgf.cm
kgf.m
lbf.ft
lbf.in
ozf.in
Command: C
The torque sensor size, in the current selected units.
Note: ‘xxxx’ will be transmitted if the torque sensor is not calibrated or has a serious fault.
Contact Mecmesin or your supplier.
page 14
It is possible to remotely interrogate your Orbis by sending the following RS232
commands. This will inform you which settings are currently configured.

Command: @
When all options are O , and the Orbis is set at defaults, you will receive the following
information listing:
Response Explanation of Response
ORBIS Gauge type
6N.m Torque sensor size in N.m as per transmitting 'C'
V01 Version number
Normal Mode of operation as per transmitting 'M'
N Units of operation as per transmitting 'U'
Function Default Setting
TXD -SIGN O
BACKLIGHT O
AUTO-O O
INVERT O
TXD-SIGN 1 options explained below:
TXD-SIGN 1
1 Transmit minus sign, ON or O
BAC LIGHT 1 options explained below:
BAC LIGHT 1
1 Backlight enabled, ON or O
AUTO-OFF 1 options explained below:
AUTO-OFF 1
1 Auto-off time, O or 5 mins
INVERT 1 options explained below:
INVERT 1
1 Display inverted, ON or O
page 15

page 16
DIMENSIONS
Side view
130 mm

Top view
278 mm
303 mm
page 17
* Min-Max opening: 10 - 190mm diameter
*