Omega DFG-RS5 User manual

Model DFG-RS5
Digital Force / Torque Indicator

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing an Omega Model DFG-RS5 digital force / torque indicator, designed for use
with interchangeable remote force and torque sensors.
With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great service with this product.
Omega instruments are ruggedly built for many years of service in laboratory and industrial environments.
This User’s Guide provides setup, safety, and operation instructions. Dimensions and specifications are
also provided. For additional information or answers to your questions, please do not hesitate to contact
us. Our technical support and engineering teams are eager to assist you.
Before use, each person who is to use a Model DFG-RS5 indicator should be fully trained in
appropriate operation and safety procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW.........................................................3
POWER...............................................................5
SETUP ................................................................6
HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................8
DIGITAL FILTERS............................................11
SET POINTS.....................................................11
OPERATING MODES.......................................13
DATA MEMORY AND STATISTICS................15
COMMUNICATIONS ........................................17
CALIBRATION .................................................22
PASSWORDS...................................................26
OTHER SETTINGS...........................................28
SPECIFICATIONS............................................31

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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1 OVERVIEW
1.1 List of included items
Qt
y
. Part No. Description
1 12-1049 Carr
y
in
g
Case
1 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, or UK prong
1 08-1026 Batter
y
(
inside the indicator
)
1 - Certificate of conformance
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD
(
USB driver, user’s
g
uide
)
1.2 General Overview
The DFG-RS5 is a universal indicator designed for displaying measurements from interchangeable
Omega Series RLC and RTQ sensors. These sensors can be handheld or mounted to a fixture or test
stand for more sophisticated testing requirements.
These sensors may be used with the DFG-RS5 or DFG-RS3 indicators. They may be disconnected from
one indicator and connected to another without the need for re-calibration or re-configuration. All such
data is saved within a PCB located inside the smart connector.
The model number, serial number, and capacity of the sensor are identified in the rectangular label
located on the sensor connector. The model and serial numbers are also identified in the Information
screen of the indicator.
1.3 Accuracy and Resolution
Indicator accuracy must be combined with sensor accuracy to determine the total accuracy of the system.
Since sensors may be used with either the DFG-RS5 or DFG-RS3 indicators, the accuracy of the
indicator being used must be identified and taken into account, as follows:
Indicator Model Accurac
y
DFG-RS5 ±0.1% of full scale
DFG-RS3 ±0.2% of full scale
The total system accuracy can be calculated by adding the sensor accuracy and indicator accuracy.
Refer to the following examples:

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Example 1
Model RLC01-100 sensor with Model DFG-RS5 Indicator
RLC01-100
±0.15% of full scale + DFG-RS5 ±0.1% of full scale = Total ±0.25% of full scale
This translates into a fixed error of up to:
0.25% x 100 lbF = 0.25 lbF
Example 2
Model RTQ-50Z sensor with Model DFG-RS3 Indicator
RTQ50-50Z
±0.35% of full scale + DFG-RS3 ±0.2% of full scale = Total ±0.55% of full scale
This translates into a fixed error of up to:
0.55% x 50 ozFin = 0.275 ozFin
Because accuracy is defined as a percentage of full scale, the fixed error is possible anywhere on the
scale from 0 to the capacity. As such, this value represents an increasingly large error as percentage of
reading towards the low end of the scale. It is, therefore, recommended that a sensor is selected with
capacity as close as possible to the expected load.
The resolution may be different for some sensors depending on which indicator is used. For example, a
Series RLC01 force sensor will display finer resolution when connected to a DFG-RS5 indicator than
when connected to a DFG-RS3 indicator. Resolution information is shown in the sensors’ user’s guide.
1.4 Safety / Proper Usage
Read through the following safety instructions thoroughly before using the DFG-RS5 with a sensor:
1. Note the sensor’s capacity before use and ensure that the capacity is not exceeded. Producing a
load greater than the indicated safe overload value can damage the sensor. An overload can
occur whether the sensor’s indicator is powered on or off.
2. In order to extend the life of the sensor, avoid repetitive shock and impact loading.
3. When moving the sensor to another location, never lift from the cable or strain relief. This can
cause damage to the sensor. Always lift the sensor housing itself.
4. Always ensure that load is applied axially with respect to the sensor.
5. Ensure that the sensor is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all
times.
6. The sensor and indicator should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be
disconnected and the indicator must be powered off before the housing is opened.
7. Always consider the characteristics of the sample being tested before initiating a test. A risk
assessment should be carried out beforehand to ensure that all safety measures have been
addressed and implemented.
8. Typical materials able to be tested include many manufactured items, such as springs, electronic
components, fasteners, caps, films, mechanical assemblies, and many others. Items that should

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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not be used with the sensor include potentially flammable substances or products, items that can
shatter in an unsafe manner, and any other components that can present an exceedingly
hazardous situation when acted upon by a force. Always wear eye and face protection when
testing, especially in aforementioned hazardous cases. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a
destructive failure of a test sample is possible.
9. In aforementioned hazardous situations, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding
system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.
10. Sensors have threaded holes or chucks, designed for the mounting of grips, fixtures, or
attachments. If any such accessories are used, ensure they are mounted firmly to prevent a
potential safety risk to the operator and others in the vicinity. If using an accessory from a supplier
other than Omega, ensure that it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components.
Similar precautions should be taken when mounting the sensor to a test stand, work bench, or
other piece of equipment.
2 POWER
The DFG-RS5 is powered either by an 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter. Since these
batteries are subject to self discharge, it may be necessary to recharge the unit after a prolonged period
of storage. Plug the accompanying charger into the AC outlet and insert the charger plug into the
receptacle on the indicator (refer to the illustration below). The battery will fully charge in approximately 8
hours.
Caution!
Do not use chargers or batteries other than supplied or instrument damage may occur.
If the AC adapter is plugged in, an icon appears in the lower left corner of the display, as follows:
If the AC adapter is not plugged in, battery power drainage is denoted in a five-step process:
1. When battery life is greater than 75%, the following indicator is present:
2. When battery life is between 50% and 75%, the following indicator is present:
3. When battery life is between 25% and 50%, the following indicator is present:
4. When battery life is less than 25%, the following indicator is present:
5. When battery life drops to approximately 2%, the indicator from step 4 will be flashing.
Several minutes after (timing depends on usage and whether the backlight is turned on or
Serial connecto
r
USB connector
Power input jack

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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off), a message appears, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. A 4-tone
audio indicator will sound and the indicator will power off.
The indicator can be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity. Refer to the
Other Settings section for details.
If battery replacement is necessary, the battery may be accessed by loosening the two captive screws in
the rear half of the housing and separating the two halves of the housing.
3 SETUP
3.1 Connecting a sensor
Insert the connector into the receptacle in the indicator, as shown in Fig. 3.1 below. When fully inserted,
the connector will lock into place with a “click”.
Fig. 3.1
Appropriate orientation of the connector.
To release the connector, press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the sensor,
as shown in Fig. 3.2 below. Pull the connector completely out of the indicator by holding the curved
aluminum section. DO NOT pull on the cable or strain relief.
Fig. 3.2
Press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the connector.
3.2 Sensor connector orientation
In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the connector may be set up
in either of the two positions shown below. To change the orientation, loosen the two captive screws on
the back side of the housing, separate the two housing halves, rotate one half 180 degrees, and
reassemble. Contact between the two halves is made by the spring pins and contact pads on the printed
circuit boards.

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3.3 Mounting to a plate
The DFG-RS5 can be mounted to a plate with four thumb screws fastened into the appropriate holes in
the rear half of the housing. Refer to the Dimensions section for detailed hole information and locations.
3.4 Installing the USB driver
If communicating via USB, install the USB driver provided on the Resource CD.
Caution!
Install the USB driver before physically connecting the indicator to a PC with the USB cable.
Further instructions for configuring and using the indicator’s outputs are provided in the Communications
and Outputs section.
Sensor connector
oriented up Sensor connector oriented down

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4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
No. Name Description
1 Measurement
direction
indicator
– indicates compression direction (for force sensors)
– indicates tension direction (for force sensors)
– indicates clockwise direction (for torque sensors)
– indicates counter-clockwise direction (for torque sensors)
These indicators are used throu
g
hout the displa
y
and menu.
2 Peaks The maximum measured compression/tension or clockwise/counter-clockwise
readings. These readings are reset by pressing ZERO or by powering the
indicator off and on.
3 Primary reading The current displayed load reading. See Operating Modes section for
details. If a sensor is not plugged in, this value will be replaced by a message,
as follows: SENSOR NOT CONNECTED
4 Load bar Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The
bar increases either to the right or to the left from the midpoint of the graph.
Increasing to the right indicates compression or clockwise load, increasing to
the left indicates tension or counter-clockwise load. If set points are enabled,
triangular markers are displayed for visual convenience. This indicator reflects
the actual load, which may not correspond to the primary reading (depends
on operating mode). The ZERO key does not reset the load bar. See
Operatin
g
Modes section for details.
5 Units The current measurement unit. Abbreviations are as follows:
Force units:
lbF – Pound-force
ozF – Ounce-force
kgF – Kilogram-force
gF – Gram-force
N – Newton
kN – Kilonewton
mN – Millinewton
1
2
3
4
567
8
9
10
11

Model DFG-RS5 Digital Force / Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Torque units:
lbFft – Pound-foot
lbFin – Pound-inch
ozFin – Ounce-inch
kgFm – Kilogram-meter
kgFmm – Kilogram-millimeter
gFcm – Gram-centimeter
Nm – Newton-meter
Ncm – Newton-centimeter
Nmm – Newton-millimeter
Note: not all sensor models display all the above units. Refer to the capacity /
resolution table for the respective sensor series for details.
6 Mode The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression (for force sensors)
PT – Peak Tension (for force sensors)
PCW – Peak Clockwise (for torque sensors)
PCCW – Peak Counter-clockwise (for torque sensors)
A – Average Mode
ET – External Trigger Mode
See Operatin
g
Modes section for details about each of these modes
7 Number of stored
data points The number of stored data points in memory, up to 1,000. Displayed only if Memor
y
Stora
g
eis enabled for the DATA ke
y
.
8 Battery / AC
adapter indicato
r
Either the AC adapter icon or battery power icon will be shown, depending on power conditions. Refer to the Powe
r
section for details.
9 Automatic data
output indicator If Auto Output has been enabled under Serial / USB Settings, this indicator is displayed. When automatic data output is occurring, the icon becomes
animated. See Communications section for details.
10 High / low limit
indicators Correspond to the programmed set points. Indicator definitions are as follows:
– the displayed value is greater than the upper load limit
– the displayed value is between the load limits
–
the displa
y
ed value is less than the lower load limi
t
11 Set points The programmed load limit values. Typically used for pass/fail type testing.
One, two, or no indicators may be present, depending on the configuration
shown in the Set Points menu item.