PCE Instruments Dillon Quick-Check User manual

Quick-Check
Tension Meter
User Instructions
43079-0014 Issue AD October 2012
PCE Deutschland GmbH
Im Langel 4
D-59872 Meschede
Deutschland
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/deutsch
Zugspannungsmesser

QuickBalance_u_en_500545.book
© Avery Weigh-Tronix, LLC 2012. All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in an electronic retrieval system, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of
the copyright owner, or as permitted by law or under license. Full acknowledgment of the source must be given.
Avery Weigh-Tronix is a registered trade mark of the Avery Weigh-Tronix, LLC. This publication was correct at the
time of going to print however, Avery Weigh-Tronix, LLC reserves the right to alter without notice the specification,
design, price or conditions of supply of any product or service at any time.
All third party brands and product names used within this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective holders.

Quick-Check User Instructions 3
Table of Contents
page
Chapter 1 General information and warnings ......................................................................................... 5
About this manual ..............................................................................................................5
Text conventions ......................................................................................................... 5
Special messages ....................................................................................................... 5
Safe handling of equipment with batteries .................................................................. 6
Routine maintenance ......................................................................................................... 6
Cleaning the machine ........................................................................................................ 6
Training .............................................................................................................................. 6
Sharp objects ..................................................................................................................... 6
FCC and EMC declarations of compliance ........................................................................ 7
Chapter 2 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 8
Unpacking .......................................................................................................................... 8
Front Panel and Keys ........................................................................................................ 9
Important Features ........................................................................................................... 10
Chapter 3 Operation ................................................................................................................................ 11
Typical Operation ............................................................................................................. 11
Measurement Practices ................................................................................................... 12
Softkey Functions ............................................................................................................ 13
Top level softkeys ...................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 4 Configuration Mode ............................................................................................................... 17
Accessing the Configuration Mode .................................................................................. 17
Chapter 5 Changing Sheaves ................................................................................................................. 20
Chapter 6 Achieving Best Accuracy ...................................................................................................... 21
Accuracy .......................................................................................................................... 21
Calibration to Specific Wire Type ..................................................................................... 21
Loading Error ................................................................................................................... 22
Non-repeatability ..............................................................................................................22
Non-linearity ..................................................................................................................... 22
Wire Characteristics ......................................................................................................... 22
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 23
Chapter 8 Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 24

Quick-Check User Instructions 5
1 General information and warnings
1.1 About this manual
This manual is divided into chapters by the chapter number and the large text at the top
of a page. Subsections are labeled as shown by the 1 and 1.1 headings shown above.
The names of the chapter and the next subsection level appear at the top of alternating
pages of the manual to remind you of where you are in the manual. The manual name
and page numbers appear at the bottom of the pages.
1.1.1 Text conventions
Key names are shown in bold and reflect the case of the key being described. This
applies to hard keys and onscreen or soft keys.
Displayed messages appear in bold italic type and reflect the case of the displayed
message.
1.1.2 Special messages
Examples of special messages you will see in this manual are defined below. The
signal words have specific meanings to alert you to additional information or the relative
level of hazard.
CAUTION!
This is a Caution symbol.
Cautions give information about procedures that, if not observed, could result
in damage to equipment or corruption to and loss of data.
NOTE: This is a Note symbol. Notes give additional and important information, hints
and tips that help you to use your product.

6 Quick-Check User Instructions
1.1.3 Safe handling of equipment with batteries
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose
of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
ATTENTION: Il y a danger d'explosion s'il y a remplacement incorrect de la
batterie, remplacer uniquement avec une batterie du même type ou d'un type
équivalent recommandé par le constructeur. Mettre au rebut les batteries
usagées conformément aux instructions du fabricant.
1.2 Routine maintenance
IMPORTANT: This equipment must be routinely checked for proper operation
and calibration.
Application and usage will determine the frequency of calibration required for
safe operation.
1.3 Cleaning the machine
Table 1.1 Cleaning DOs and DON’Ts
DO DO NOT
Wipe down the outside of standard products
with a clean cloth, moistened with water and
a small amount of mild detergent
Attempt to clean the inside of the machine
Use harsh abrasives, solvents, scouring cleaners or
alkaline cleaning solutions
Spray the cloth when using a proprietary
cleaning fluid
Spray any liquid directly on to the display windows
1.4 Training
Do not attempt to operate or complete any procedure on a machine unless you have
received the appropriate training or read the instruction books.
To avoid the risk of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury), place the machine on a surface which
is ergonomically satisfactory to the user. Take frequent breaks during prolonged usage.
1.5 Sharp objects
Do not use sharp objects such as screwdrivers or long fingernails to operate the keys.

Quick-Check User Instructions 7
1.6 FCC and EMC declarations of compliance
United States
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own
expense.
Canada
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio
Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de
la Classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique edicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
European Countries
WARNING: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in which the user may be
required to take adequate measures.

8 Quick-Check User Instructions
2 Introduction
This manual covers the setup and operation of the Quick-Check Clamp Line
Tensiometer from Dillon. The Quick-Check is a simple, accurate strand dynamometer.
It is can be clamped onto a cable, accurately determine the wire tension and be
removed in seconds.
The Quick-Check can handle multiple wire diameters, it can display live tension, dual
live/peak tension, average tension captured from several tests, dual tension/
temperature display and a check-tensioning graphical display.
With its battery-powered electronic interface, setup and operation is made simple with
on-screen prompts.
This manual covers the following:
lUnpacking
lSetup
lOperation
lMaintenance
lTroubleshooting
2.1 Unpacking
When you receive your Quick-Check, unpack it and inspect the container and the
instrument for any damage. Report any problems to the shipping company immediately
and save the packing materials.
Insert 2 AA batteries into the battery compartment, shown in Figure 2.1. Your Quick-
Check probably comes from the factory with the proper sheave size installed and
calibrated for your application. If not, follow the setup directions later in section 3.0
Configuration Mode and 4.0 Changing Sheaves.
The Quick-Check is shown in Figure 2.1 with the different parts labeled.
Lever arm Front panel
Battery compartment
Sheaves
Support arm
Figure 2.1 Quick-Check parts

Quick-Check User Instructions 9
2.2 Front Panel and Keys
The front panel of the Quick-Check is shown in Figure 2.2.
Figure 2.2 Quick-Check front panel
Following are descriptions of the keys and their functions:
ON/OFF key. Press this key to power up and turn off the Quick-Check.
ESC key. Press this key to escape an area of the menu or to clear the field when in
data entry mode.
WIRE key. Press this key to change the wire diameter you are testing with the
Quick-Check. Choose from the listed selection and when the desired size is
highlighted, press the ENTER softkey. Up to 15 sizes available.
Soft key. Softkey function changes as needed for different tasks. The soft key
labels appear above the keys themselves. You will use these for operation and
configuration.
Arrow key. Press this key to reveal more softkeys in a group of softkeys.

10 Quick-Check User Instructions
2.3 Important Features
Quick to use Attaches and removes from tensioned line in
seconds.
Quick-tensioning readout for ultra fast line
tensioning.
Direct tension readings No more complicated lookup charts! Save time
and improve accuracy.
Portable & rugged Designed for outdoor use.
Accurate Employs Weigh Bar®technology used for precise
weighing.
Multiple wire size storage Stores up to 15 different calibrations.

Quick-Check User Instructions 11
3 Operation
Typical operation of the Quick-Check is covered below, followed by explanations of the
various display modes, how to change wire size, how to change the unit of measure,
etc.
3.1 Typical Operation
To perform a typical tension measurement, see the note below and follow these steps:
Take readings at three different places along the cable, moving the tension meter at
least four inches for each reading. Take the average of the readings. The built-in
average function is ideal for this task.
The handle quick release pin should be used when the Quick-Check is attached to a
cable that will be de-tensioned and re-tensioned. The pin prevents the handle from
opening once the tension falls to a small level. The pin should also be used if the
Quick-Check will be installed for a prolonged period.
1. Turn the unit on by pressing the ON/OFF key…
The display shows DILLON briefly, then, in this example, the screen
shows the following:
Figure 3.1 Sample display
Press the WIRE key to list the stored calibrations.
2. This example shows the wire is a 7/16”, 6X19 stranded cable and the unit of
measure is lbf. Place the Quick-Check so the two outside sheaves hang on the
wire. Insure that the wire rope is riding in the groove of all three sheaves. See
Figure 3.2. Press the Zero softkey to zero the display.
0should be displayed.
3. Raise the lever arm until it locks in the upright position to apply tension to the
wire. Read the line tension on the display.

12 Quick-Check User Instructions
4. Release the lever arm and you are ready to perform another measurement.
Figure 3.2 Quick-Check attached to cable
3.2 Measurement Practices
For best measurement, install the Quick-Check at least 2 feet (0.6 m) from
terminations, clamps or other hardware. Do not install over the top of wire wrappings.
Take readings at three different places along the cable, moving the tension meter at
least four inches for each reading. Take the average of the readings. The built-in
average function is ideal for this task.
WARNING: Do not apply tension greater than rated capacity of the instrument
or overload damage to the sensor may result. Do not use the Quick-Check with
cable larger than indicated on the sheaves. Overload and damage to the
instrument may result. Do not mix sheave sizes. This will result in inaccurate
measurement and possible overload.
Do not use the Quick-Check to measure tension for wires if both of the following are
true:
1. No wire calibrations are stored of the same diameter as the wire you are looking
to measure, and
2. You do not have sheaves of the same diameter.
If both of these conditions exist, contact your Dillon distributor.
Contact your Dillon distributor to improve accuracy for a specific wire type by calibrating
to it.
Insure that the wire rope is riding in the groove of all three sheaves.
Insure sheaves installed agree with sheaves noted in the Wire calibration. Exception:
Sheaves match the wire diameter of the cable to be measured and alternate calibration
is selected as per section 5.2.

Quick-Check User Instructions 13
The Quick-Check has an internal temperature sensor inside the electronics cavity.
Dramatic temperature changes (such as moving from a warm vehicle to cooler
outdoors) requires time for the sensor to reach the same temperature. Direct sunlight
will heat the electronics cavity and cause higher readings than actual ambient
temperature. In these cases, use a separate thermometer to determine temperature.
Be certain to enter this temperature into the Quick-Check if using the quick-tensioning
mode with the temperature dependent acceptance window.
For best tension accuracy, use the exact temperature of the wire. This may be widely
different from the ambient temperature if the cable has been sitting in direct sunlight.
3.3 Softkey Functions
Now that you’ve seen a simple operation, we’ll explain the softkey functions. Figure 3.3
shows the softkeys available during normal operation.
Figure 3.3 Normal mode softkeys
3.3.1 Top level softkeys
Zero Press this softkey to zero the force display. You would usually press this
at the beginning of a series of tension tests but would not need to do it for
every test unless there is some zero drift.
Clear Press this softkey and you are prompted to clear the Peak reading or the
Average. Make your choice by pressing the appropriate softkey and that
value is cleared from memory.
Mode Press the Mode key to scroll through the five display modes. These are
explained below:
Live Tension Mode: The display shows the live tension.
Dual Peak Mode: The display shows the live tension on the top display and
the peak force achieved on the bottom display. To clear the peak, remove
any force on the Quick-Check, press the Clear softkey and follow the
prompts.
Average Capture Mode: This mode shows the live tension in the top
display and the average of all captured readings on the bottom display. To
capture a reading and add it to the average, press the Avg softkey when
a force is applied to the Quick-Check. Follow the prompts to add (or not)
the reading to the average.
Temperature Mode: This mode shows the live tension in the top display
and the current temperature in the bottom display. Also shown is whether
the reading is in Fahrenheit or Centigrade and if the temp is one that was
Entrd (entered) manually.

14 Quick-Check User Instructions
You can enter the temperature in one of two ways; let the Quick-Check
determine the ambient temperature automatically or key in a temperature
manually. Instructions for entering the temperature are under the Temp
softkey description on page 15.
Upper and lower thresholds are set in the Configuration WIRE menu. See page 18.
Check-tensioning Mode: Check-tensioning mode permits quick & easy
graphical view of the applied tension versus the desired tension. This
mode works well when you are repeatedly tensioning to the same tension
range. This mode displays a bar graph representation of the tension being
applied. See Figure 3.4. The black bar represents the range of the wire,
from zero to ultimate wire rating. The wide white band is the tolerance
window based on upper and lower thresholds you can enter. The live force
is represented by the arrow and the white line on the black bar. When the
force gets within ±5% of the acceptance window, a close-up of the
acceptance window is displayed. See bottom example in Figure 3.4.
The Quick-Check has automatic tension targeting with temperature. Points
may be entered from a linear Tension-Temperature supplied table for a
wire cable. If entered, the check-tensioning window will automatically float
according to the active temperature (manual or automatic). Use the bottom
and top entries from the table.
Display when tension
is below the dotted,
target box.
Display when tension
falls within the dotted,
target box.
Figure 3.4 Check-tension display
To exit the check-tension mode, press any softkey to display the softkey
labels, then press the Mode softkey to scroll to the next mode. The next
mode is the first mode that was described, live tension mode.
Avg Press the Avg softkey to add a displayed tension to the average of other
entered readings. Follow the onscreen prompts.
Press the Right Arrow key to move to the next set of softkeys.
Units Press this key to set the Quick-Check for displaying:
lForce in lbf, kgf or N
lSize of wire in inches or millimeters
lTemperature in Fahrenheit or Centigrade

Quick-Check User Instructions 15
Temp Press this softkey to choose the source of the temperature reading, the
Quick-Check itself (Meter), outside input (Input) or None. If you choose
Input, you are prompted to enter the temperature. When finished, press
the Enter softkey to accept this value.
Next you are prompted to choose Fahrenheit or Centigrade as the
temperature unit. When your choice is highlighted, press the Enter
softkey.
An annunciator shows when temperature has been manually entered. See
example below:
Temperature Display Mode
Auto-off can preserve battery life.
Setup Press the Setup softkey and you will see these choices; Off, PtFmt, Misc,
About, and Test. These are described below:
Off Press this softkey to enable or disable the auto-shutdown function.
If you choose Yes, you are asked to set a period of time in
minutes. Next, press the Enter softkey to accept this value. You
are then asked to set the shutdown type; Fixed, No Load, or No
Change. These are described below;
Fixed - The unit will shutdown after the set number of minutes no
matter what happens.
No Load - The unit will shutdown after the set number of minutes
only if there is no load on the unit. This prevents shutdown in the
middle of a test.
No Change - The unit will shutdown if there has been no keypad
activity or change in tension after the set number of minutes.
PtFmt Not currently used.
Misc Press this softkey to set the following:
Flash - Enables or disables the momentary blinking of the display
to acknowledge a key press.
Zero - Enables the use of the Zero softkey to clear a peak tension
value.
Contr - Press this key to adjust the contrast of the LCD display.
Press the Up soft key to lighten the contrast. Press the Down
softkey to darken the contrast.

16 Quick-Check User Instructions
There is a keypad shortcut for increasing and decreasing contrast.
While in normal display mode press the Arrow key and the 2nd
softkey simultaneously to increase contrast. Press the Arrow key
and first softkey simultaneously to decrease contrast.
Blite - Not currently used.
About Press this softkey to see the following information:
Device - Press this softkey to show a list of information about the
Quick-Check; serial number, capacity rating, hardware and
software revision levels. Press any key to return to the previous
softkey set.
Calib - Press this softkey to show Calibration Points and the
calibration information for the current wire size. Follow the on-
screen prompts.
O. Load - Press this softkey to show an audit count of the number
of times the unit has been overloaded beyond 125% of capacity.
Press any key to return to the previous softkey set.
Zero - Press this softkey to show the deadload analysis of the
Quick-Check. Press any key to return to the previous softkey set.
Ntwrk - Not used in the Quick-Check.
Test Press this softkey and the following softkeys appear:
Batt - Press this softkey to test the battery level.
A-D - Press this softkey to display the A to D counts.
Disp. - Press this softkey to perform a test of the display pixels.
Keys - Press this softkey to test the keypad.
Comm - Not used in the Quick-Check.
Ntwrk - Not used in the Quick-Check.
Config This is a password protected menu. See Configuration Mode on page 17.
Press the ESC key to return to the normal operating mode. If you made changes to the
configuration of the unit, you are prompted to save them or abort the changes. Do so
and the unit returns to normal operation mode.

Quick-Check User Instructions 17
4 Configuration Mode
4.1 Accessing the Configuration Mode
You need to access the Configuration mode to perform certain tasks. Access to some
of these tasks may be restricted by a supervisor password.
To access Configuration mode:
1. From normal operating mode, press the Right Arrow softkey…
A new softkey set, shown below, appears:
2. Press the Config softkey…
The following is displayed:
The Num keys increment and decrement the displayed numbers. The Adv key
moves the cursor to the next digit position.
Default Configuration password is 0. If a new password is lost or forgotten, contact
your Dillon distributor.
3. Use the Num and Adv keys to enter the Config password. Default is 0. After
the number is displayed, press the Enter key…
The following is displayed:

18 Quick-Check User Instructions
4. The unit is now in the Configuration mode. To see the rest of the softkeys
available in this mode, press the Right Arrow key. All the Config softkeys are
shown below.
The softkeys in the Configuration mode are Wire, Setup, Reso, Comm, Mode, Units,
Power, ChPwd, and Reset. These are described below:
Wire Press this softkey and the wire selection screen is displayed. Choose an
existing wire to change its defining characteristics.
You have the choice of changing the Range, which is used to set the
check-tensioning function, or the Rating, which is the maximum rating of
the cable.
Range - Use this item to set the parameters for the check tensioning
display. Follow the prompts to set the following:
Lower tension limit - This is the lowest acceptable force
Upper tension limit - This is the highest acceptable force
Units - Unit of measure used in defining the tension limit
Rating - Press this softkey and you are prompted to set the ultimate rating
for the cable being used and the unit of measure for that rating.
Setup Press the Setup softkey to view the Setup softkeys. This is the same as
the Setup softkey described inTop level softkeys on page 13.
Reso Press the Reso softkey and you are prompted to enter a display, or count-
by, resolution. Choose from Low, Medium or High.
Low resolution provides the best stability and makes the display easiest to
read. High resolution provides the finest graduations, but sees greater drift
from wire creep and non-repeatability. If the reading is decreasing over
time or differing between measurements on the same line, lowering the
resolution will reduce these effects.
Comm Communication output not supported at this time in the Quick-Check
Mode Press this softkey to set the display mode on power up. Choices are Last*,
Temp, Check, Avg, Peak, and Force. Use the Sel keys to display your
choice and press Enter to accept it.
Units Press this softkey to set the following:
Unit of measure on power up - Choices are Last*, C2, C1, N, kgf, and
lbf. Use the Sel keys to display your choice and press Enter to accept it.
C2 and C1 are custom units. If you choose to have custom units, you are
prompted to enter the number of pounds in each custom unit. The Quick-
Check will then automatically calculate correct display for the applied
force.

Quick-Check User Instructions 19
Enable lbf - Enable or disable the pound-force unit of measure.
Enable kgf - Enable or disable the kilogram-force unit of measure.
Enable N - Enable or disable the N unit of measure.
Enable CUST1 - Enable or disable the Cust1 unit of measure.
Enable CUST2 - Enable or disable the Cust2 unit of measure.
Enable C - Enable or disable Centigrade temperature.
Enable F - Enable or disable Fahrenheit temperature.
Custom units of measure are handy when working with multi-part lines.
Off Press this softkey to enable or disable the auto-shutdown. If you enable
this function you are prompted to set a period of time in minutes. Next,
press the Enter softkey to accept this value. You are then asked to set the
shutdown type; Fixed, No Load, or No Change. These are described
below;
Fixed - The unit will shutdown after the set number of minutes no matter
what happens.
No Load - The unit will shutdown after the set number of minutes only if
there is no load on the unit. This prevents shutdown in the middle of line
tensioning.
No Change - The unit will shutdown if there has been no keypad activity
or change in tension after the set number of minutes.
ChPwd Press this key and you are prompted to enter a new password to access
the configuration menus. Use the softkeys to scroll in a new password and
press the Enter softkey to accept it.
Default password is 0. If a new password is lost or forgotten, contact your Dillon
distributor.
Reset Press this key and you are asked if you wish to reset the system. Press the
Yes softkey only if you want to reset the unit to factory default
configuration. Press the No softkey to abort this and return to the previous
screen.

20 Quick-Check User Instructions
5 Changing Sheaves
Do not use the Quick-Check with cable larger than indicated on the sheaves.
Overload and damage to the instrument may result.
Do not mix sheave sizes. This will result in inaccurate measurement and possible
overload.
As you use the Quick-Check on different diameter cables you must change to the
correct sheave size. To change sheaves, remove the hex head screws pointed out in
Figure 5.1 below. Replace the sheaves with the correct letter sheave and reinsert the
screws and tighten.
Insure sheaves installed agree with sheaves noted in the Wire calibration.
Exception: Sheaves match the wire diameter of the cable to be measured and
alternate calibration is selected as per the section Calibration to Specific Wire Type on
page 21.
Insure that the wire rope is riding in the groove of all three sheaves.
Screws
Figure 5.1 Changing sheaves

Quick-Check User Instructions 21
6 Achieving Best Accuracy
6.1 Accuracy
The Quick-Check is an instrument designed to give accuracy that typically exceeds
normal requirements for wire tensioning. You should have an understanding of what
factors affect tension measurement accuracy.
6.2 Calibration to Specific Wire Type
While it is best to have the instrument calibrated to the specific wire size(s) and type(s)
used, the Quick-check can often work adequately in other situations. If the best tension
accuracy is required, Dillon recommends that a calibration be performed for that
specific wire size and type.
Contact your Dillon distributor for any additional calibrations you may need.
What calibration choice and sheaves should I use?
Situation Wire calibration selection Sheave selection Accuracy
Exact wire size and type is
shown in wire list
Description of exact match Sheaves noted in list Best
Wire size is same, but type
is not identical
Description of same wire
diameter
Sheaves noted for that
wire size
Good
Wire size is not the same Closest diameter Sheaves matching the
wire size being
measured
Fair
Do not use the Quick-Check to measure tension for wires if both of the following are
true:
1. No wire calibrations are stored of the same diameter as the wire you are looking
to measure, and
2. You do not have sheaves of the same diameter.
If both of these conditions exist, contact your Dillon distributor.
Contact your Dillon distributor to improve accuracy for a specific wire type by calibrating
to it.