Morehouse 4215 Plus User manual

Model 4215 Plus
Smart Indicators
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc.
1742 Sixth Ave, York PA 17403 USA
Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
www.mhforce.com

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 1 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
All equipment, software, and documentation is sold subject to the mutual agreement that
it is warranted by the company to be free from defects of material and workmanship but
the company shall not be liable for special, indirect or consequential damages of any
kind under this contract or otherwise. The company’s liability shall be limited exclusively
to replacing or repairing without charge, at its factory or elsewhere at its discretion, any
material or workmanship defects which become apparent within one year from the date
on which the equipment was shipped, and the company shall have no liability of any kind
arising from the installation and/or use of the apparatus by anyone. The buyer by the
acceptance of the equipment will assume all liability for any damages which may result
from its use or misuse by the buyer, his or its employees, or by others.
The warranties of the company do not cover, and the company makes no warranty with
respect to any defect, failure, deficiency, or error which is:
A) Not reported to the company within the applicable warranty period; or
B) Due to misapplication, modification, disassembly, abuse, improper installation by
others, abnormal conditions of temperature, dirt, or corrosive matter; or
C) Due to operation, either intentional or otherwise, above rated capacities or in an
otherwise improper manner.
The company believes that the information in this manual is accurate. The document has
been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy. In the event, that technical or
typographic errors exist, the company reserves the right to make changes to subsequent
editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should
consult the company if errors are suspected. In no event shall the company be liable for
any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.
There are no other warranties, expressed or implied including the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
COPYRIGHT
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any
form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an
information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior consent
of Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc.
January 27, 2022 Morehouse Instrument Company. All rights reserved.

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 2 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
CONTENTS
WARRANTY AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.................................................................................1
COPYRIGHT ................................................................................................................................................1
CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................................................2
INTRODUCTION .........................................................................................................................................5
QUICK START .............................................................................................................................................7
RUN MODE...................................................................................................................................................8
ITEM BUTTON...................................................................................................................................................9
UNIT BUTTON ..................................................................................................................................................9
TARE BUTTON..................................................................................................................................................9
RESET BUTTON ................................................................................................................................................9
VIEW BUTTON ................................................................................................................................................10
PRINT /HOLD BUTTON ...................................................................................................................................10
SETUP MODE SUMMARY.......................................................................................................................11
SETUP MODE.............................................................................................................................................12
ENTERING NUMERICAL AND ALPHANUMERICAL DATA..................................................................................13
>USER DATA ENTRY......................................................................................................................................13
>>Base Area Entry...................................................................................................................................13
>>Base Length .........................................................................................................................................13
>ANALOG OUTPUT.........................................................................................................................................13
>SENSOR OPTIONS .........................................................................................................................................14
>CALIBRATION...............................................................................................................................................15
>>Cal Check ............................................................................................................................................15
>>Two Point mV/V...................................................................................................................................15
>>Five Point mV/V...................................................................................................................................16
>>Two Pt & Five Pt Data Cal .................................................................................................................16
>>Shunt Cal .............................................................................................................................................16
>>Polynomial Cal ....................................................................................................................................17
>>Counts / Inch........................................................................................................................................17
>LIMITERS .....................................................................................................................................................17
>SYSTEM OPTIONS.........................................................................................................................................18
>>Printer Baud ........................................................................................................................................19
>>Auto Identify ........................................................................................................................................19
>>AutoID Annunciator.............................................................................................................................19
>>Auto Zero Channel...............................................................................................................................19
>>Com Address........................................................................................................................................19
>>Com Baudrate......................................................................................................................................19
>>Com Line Feed.....................................................................................................................................19
>>Retain Tare ..........................................................................................................................................19
>>EOT Char ............................................................................................................................................20
>>Auto Tare .............................................................................................................................................20
>DISPLAY OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................20
>>Filter Select..........................................................................................................................................20
>>Filter Window ......................................................................................................................................20
>>Decimal Select .....................................................................................................................................21
>>Count By Select....................................................................................................................................21
>>Second Line..........................................................................................................................................21
>>Vel Filter Level ....................................................................................................................................22
>>Max Pos Decimals ...............................................................................................................................22
>>Max Vel Decimals................................................................................................................................22

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 3 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
REMOTE OPERATION ............................................................................................................................23
DIGITAL INPUTS .............................................................................................................................................23
REMOTE COMMUNICATIONS ..........................................................................................................................24
USB COMMUNICATIONS INFORMATION.........................................................................................24
USB Driver................................................................................................................................................24
Communications Settings..........................................................................................................................24
REMOTE RUN MODE COMMAND SUMMARY .................................................................................26
REMOTE RUN MODE COMMANDS .....................................................................................................26
HELLO COMMAND (H) ...................................................................................................................................26
FRONT PANEL DISPLAY COMMAND (F)..........................................................................................................27
Front Panel View Command (FV) ............................................................................................................27
Front Panel Set Command (FS)................................................................................................................28
Front Panel Alternate Command (FA)......................................................................................................28
Front Panel Pointer Control to Line 1 (F1)..............................................................................................28
Front Panel Pointer Control to Line 2 (F2)..............................................................................................28
Value Command (V)..................................................................................................................................29
PRINT COMMAND (P) .....................................................................................................................................29
RESET TARE,PEAK,VALLEY,AND POSITION COMMAND (R).........................................................................30
HOLD DATA COMMAND (X) OPTIONAL .............................................................................................................31
TEXT DISPLAY COMMAND (T) .......................................................................................................................31
REMOTE SETUP MODE COMMAND SUMMARY .............................................................................32
REMOTE SETUP MODE COMMANDS.................................................................................................33
USER DATA ENTRY COMMAND (U) ...............................................................................................................33
User Data View Command (UV)...............................................................................................................33
User Data Area Command (UA)...............................................................................................................34
User Data Length Command (UL)............................................................................................................34
ANALOG OUTPUT COMMAND (A) ..................................................................................................................34
Analog Output View Command (AV) ........................................................................................................34
Analog Output Set Command (AS)............................................................................................................35
SENSOR COMMAND (S) ..................................................................................................................................35
Sensor View Command (SV) .....................................................................................................................35
Sensor Select Command (SS) ....................................................................................................................36
Sensor Delete Command (SD) ..................................................................................................................36
Sensor View Calibration Points Command (SZ).......................................................................................37
CALIBRATION COMMAND (C) ........................................................................................................................37
Calibration Check Command (CC)...........................................................................................................38
Calibration Begin Command (CB)............................................................................................................38
Calibration Escape Command (CE) .........................................................................................................39
Calibrate by milli-volt per Volt Command for One-Point (CV)................................................................39
Calibrate by milli-volt per Volt Command for Five-Points (CMV5).........................................................40
Calibrate by Polynomial Equation (CP)...................................................................................................40
Calibrate by mV/V Mass and mV/V Volt Commands (CMVM and CMVV) ..............................................41
Calibrate by Masses Command (CM).......................................................................................................43
Calibrate by Masses Point Command (CMP)...........................................................................................43
Calibrate by Shunt Command (CS)...........................................................................................................44
Calibrate Counts-Per-Inch Command (CI)...............................................................................................45
Calibration Counts-per-Inch View Command (CIV) ................................................................................45
Calibration Counts-per-Inch Set Command (CIS)....................................................................................45
LIMITS COMMAND (L)....................................................................................................................................45
Limit View Command (LiV) ......................................................................................................................45
Limit Set Command (LiS)..........................................................................................................................46

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 4 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
Limit Setup Escape (LE)............................................................................................................................47
Limit Reset Command (LiR)......................................................................................................................47
SYSTEM OPTIONS COMMAND (O)...................................................................................................................47
Option View Command (OV) ....................................................................................................................48
Option Printer Baud Rate Command (OP)...............................................................................................48
Option Auto-Identify Command (OI) ........................................................................................................49
Option Auto-Zeroing Command (OZ).......................................................................................................49
Option Com Address Command (OA).......................................................................................................49
Option Com Baud Rate Command (OB) ...................................................................................................49
Option Line Feed Command (OL) ............................................................................................................50
Option Tare Retain Command (OT)..........................................................................................................50
Option Hold / Freeze (OH) .......................................................................................................................50
DISPLAY OPTIONS COMMAND (D) .................................................................................................................50
Display View Command (DV)...................................................................................................................51
Display Filter Command (DF)..................................................................................................................51
Display Decimal Command (DD) .............................................................................................................51
Display Count By Command (DC)............................................................................................................52
Display Second Line Command (D2)........................................................................................................52
Display Second Line Text (DT) .................................................................................................................52
SYSTEM CALIBRATION MODE .........................................................................................................................53
FORCE AVERAGING (OPTIONAL) ......................................................................................................54
APPENDIX A – MODEL 4215 PLUS SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................55
APPENDIX B -- CABLES AND CONNECTORS....................................................................................58
SENSOR CONNECTORS....................................................................................................................................58
SERIAL PORT CONNECTOR .............................................................................................................................58
DIGITAL I/O CONNECTOR...............................................................................................................................60
CHART REC.CONNECTOR ..............................................................................................................................61
USB CONNECTOR ..........................................................................................................................................61
PRECISION SHUNT CALIBRATION RESISTORS .................................................................................................62
APPLICATION NOTE: .............................................................................................................................63
MAKE YOUR OWN PLUG-AND-PLAY LOAD CELL SYSTEM AND ELIMINATE COSTLY USER ERRORS .............63
The Problem..............................................................................................................................................63
The TEDS-Tag®Plug-and-Play Solution.................................................................................................63
How to Make the TEDS-Tag®Plug-and-Play Load Cell .........................................................................64
Plug-and-Play Operation..........................................................................................................................66
Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any
form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storing in an
information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior consent
of Morehouse Instrument Company Inc. Copyright January 27, 2022 all rights reserved.

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 5 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
INTRODUCTION
The Model 4215 Plus is a versatile precision Instrument intended for the digital readout
of Strain Gauge Sensors such as Load Cells. Optical Encoders are also supported.
Here is a quick listing of its features:
•Full bi-polar 6-digit display (±999,999) using two-line, 20-Character, vacuum
fluorescent display for clear, precise indication of measured quantities and limit
status.
•No knobs or dials. No internal jumpers. All adjustment and calibration is done using
user-friendly front panel menus. Keylock option to prevent accidental or
unauthorized changes to the unit’s setup.
•Measure Load linearly or as a Polynomial in pound force (lbf), kilogram force (kgf),
Newtons (N), Pounds per square inch (Psi), MegaPascals (MPa), kilo-pound force
(klb), kilo-Newtons (kN), metric tons (t), milli-volt per Volt (mVV), or gram force (gf).
User defined Base Area for Psi (Pounds per square inch) and MPa (MegaPascals).
Tare at any time.
•Capture the load, peak,valley, gross, polynomial, and optional average.
Displayed in pound force (lbf), kilogram force (kgf), Newtons (N), Pounds per square
inch (Psi), MegaPascals (MPa), kilo-pound force (Klb), kilo-Newtons (kN), metric
tons (t), milli-volt per Volt (mVV), or gram force (gf). Reset at any time.
•Measure position and velocity with Optional Encoder input. Displayed in English
units, metric units, or in percent of a user defined Base Length. Reset at any time.
•Four contact-closure Limit switches. You can set which signal drives the Limit:
(Load, Peak, Valley, Position, Velocity, Gross, Channel Sum, or Polynomial),
normally open / normally closed, set point, and manual reset (latched) or automatic
reset (not latched).
•Print or Hold current readings of Load, Peak, Valley, Position, Velocity, Limit, Gross,
Channel A+B, and Polynomial at the touch of one button.
•Automatic Identification of calibrated Load cells with the Auto-ID option.

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 6 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
•Calibration for Load cells using manufacturer’s milli-volt per Volt calibration factor
(2- point milli-volt per Volt), 5- point milli-volt per Volt, 2-point data calibration, 5-point
data calibration, shunt calibration, or Polynomial calibration. A back panel switch
allows you to choose between two values used for the Shunt Calibration so there is
no need to open the unit.
•Up to Two Channels of Analog Output of any signal (Load, Peak, Valley, Position,
and Velocity) with user defined scale factor and offset. Large, buffered ±10.00 Volt
output.
•Remote operation using ASCII Commands set via the Serial RS-232/RS-485 port or
the USB port.
•Back panel Digital Inputs for Tare, Peak, and Valley reset, position reset, and print.
Other functions available as custom programmed options.
•Optionally measure the Average Force using a Contact-Closure to begin and end
the averaging period.

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 7 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
QUICK START
This section will help you get your Model 4215 Plus set up and operating in just a couple
of minutes.
The rear panel is shown below. You will need to make at least two connections here.
First be sure that the power switch is off (the lower part of the rocker should be pressed
in). Connect the AC power line and plug it in.
Next connect a Load Cell to the 9 -Pin (female) connector labeled “Sensor A”. You
should use the cabling supplied with your Model 4215 Plus and Load Cell. If you do not
have a factory-supplied cable, see Appendix B for the recommended Load Cell
connection.
You are now ready to turn on the power. Each time power is applied to the Model 4215
Plus you will see a sequence of 2 messages appear on the front display. For example:
#
Message
Meaning
1
Morehouse X.Y.Z
This is the version number.
2
Serial # 12345
Option # 4653056
This is the serial number.
This is the option number.
Message 1 will be displayed for roughly 4 seconds while message 2 will be displayed for
about 2 seconds. After that the front panel display will start showing the current readings
from the Load Cell.
To change an Item being displayed, press the leftmost button (Item) under the display.
This will cycle through the List of Items available (Load A, Peak A, Valley A, Load B,
Peak B, Valley B, Position, Velocity, Limits, Gross A, Gross B, Channel A+B, Polynomial
A, Polynomial B, and optionally: Avg A and Avg B).
The rightmost button (Unit) will change the Units that are being used. Repeated presses
of this button will cycle through the List of Units available for the currently displayed Item.
For example, with Load A as the Item you would see lbf, kgf, N, Psi, MPa, Klb, kN, t,
mVV, gf, and then back to lbf.
DB9 Sensor A
Power

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 8 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
RUN MODE
The Model 4215 Plus has three modes of operation: Run Mode, Setup Mode, and
System Calibration Mode. After the startup sequence, the unit will be in Run Mode.
The first Line of the Display shows an Item Label (Load A), a Value (0.0000), and a Unit
Label (lbf).
The Second Line of the Display can show the Status of the 4 Contact-Closure Limit
Switches, show another display, show text, or be blank.
To change an Item being displayed, press the leftmost button (Item) under the display.
This will cycle through the List of Items available (Load A, Peak A, Valley A, Load B,
Peak B, Valley B, Position, Velocity, Limits, Gross A, Gross B, Channel A+B, Polynomial
A, Polynomial B, and optionally: Avg A and Avg B).
The Rightmost Button (Unit) under the display will change the units that are being used.
Repeated presses of this button will cycle through the List of Units available for the
currently displayed Item. For example, with Load A selected as the Item you would see
lbf, kgf, N, Psi, MPa, Klb, kN, t, mVV, gf, and then back to lbf.
The table below summarizes the options.
List of Items
Units for Available Measurement
Load A
(LoadA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Peak A
(PeakA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Valley A
(VallA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Load B
(LoadB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Peak B
(PeakB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Valley B
(VallB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Position (Pos)
Inches, Centimeters, Percent of Base Length.
Velocity (Vel)
Inches per Minute, Centimeters per Minute.
Limits
(Lmts)
Shows state of each switch, 1 for ON, 0 for OFF, dash for
Disabled, asterisk for Source Error.
Gross A
(GrsA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Gross B
(GrsB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Channel A+B
(ChA+B)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Polynomial A
(PolyA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Polynomial B
(PolyB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.

MOREHOUSE INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC. MODEL 4215 PLUS V5.0.6
Model 4215 Plus Pg. 9 PUB.6396-02
Morehouse Instrument Company, Inc. Tel: [phone]
Avg A
(AvgA)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
Avg B
(AvgB)
Pound Force, Kilogram Force, Newtons, Psi, MegaPascals, Kilo-
Pound Force, Kilo-Newtons, Metric Tons, mV/V, Gram Force.
All the measurements are acquired via the Model 4215 Plus at all times. The display
allows the user to select a particular Item they choose to view, as well as the Units used
to Display or Print this Data.
Each button has a primary function indicated by the upper set of labels: Item, Unit, Tare,
Reset, View, and Print. These buttons are described in the sections below. Each button
additionally has a secondary function assigned to it (designated by highlighted label) that
is used while navigating within the menus of the Model 4215 Plus:
Pressing the “+” button in some instances will increase values being displayed.
Pressing the “-” button in some instances will decrease values being displayed.
While in a submenu, pressing either the “>” button or the “+”button will scroll forward.
While in a submenu, pressing either the “<” button or the “-” button will scroll backward.
Pressing “Enter” will select the currently displayed option within a submenu.
Pressing “Esc” will return to the previous menu/Run Mode without selecting anything.
Note: All menu lists on the Model 4215 Plus start with the “>” symbol and that the Esc
button will always back out of a menu without making any changes. Each submenu adds
an additional “>” to the title.
Item Button
The Item button cycles through the List of different Items that can be displayed. The List
includes: Load A, Peak A, Valley A, Load B, Peak B, Valley B, Position, Velocity, Limits,
Gross A, Gross B, Channel A+B, Polynomial A, and Polynomial B. optionally Avg A, and
Avg B. Use the Unit button to change the Units for the currently displayed Item on the
Display.
Unit Button
The Unit button cycles through the List of Units that are available for the Item that is
currently being displayed.
Tare Button
The Tare button, as a single channel unit, sets the current Load of Channel A to Zero.
When configured as a 2-channel unit, a submenu will allow you to select Channel A,
Channel B, or All Channels. It does not matter what is being displayed, when you press
this button. The Load is always reset to Zero.
Reset Button
The Reset button brings up a list of things that you might want to set back to Zero:
If this is a 2-channel unit, the following menu will appear:
> Reset Channel A - will reset the Peak and Valley for Channel A.
> Reset Channel B - will reset the Peak and Valley for Channel B.
> Reset Position - will reset the Position to Zero.