TENSITRON WX-1 Series User manual

Operating Instructions
WX-1 Series Digital
Web Tension Meter

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WARRANTY POLICY ..................................................................................................... 3
2. SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................................................................... 4
3. SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................................................... 5
4. INSTRUMENT FEATURES ............................................................................................. 6
•Calibration and Accuracy........................................................................................ 6
•Add-On Options...................................................................................................... 6
o- A Analog Output option................................................................................ 6
o- E RS-232 Serial Output option ...................................................................... 6
•Features of all Instruments .................................................................................... 6
5. BASIC OPERATION....................................................................................................... 7
•Charging Instrument Batteries ............................................................................... 7
•Quick Start Instructions.......................................................................................... 8
•Engaging Instrument onto Web ............................................................................. 9
6. DISPLAY SCREENS...................................................................................................... 10
•SETUP Screen ....................................................................................................... 10
oLCD Refresh Rate............................................................................................. 10
oData Averaging ................................................................................................ 10
oCustom Names ................................................................................................ 10
oRe-Cal Tension: See description at the end of this booklet............................. 11
oAudio ............................................................................................................... 11
oBacklight.......................................................................................................... 11
oSet-Point Menu ............................................................................................... 11
oVersion ............................................................................................................ 11
•DATA LOGGING Screen......................................................................................... 12
oView Data Stats ............................................................................................... 12
oView Data Log.................................................................................................. 12
oClear Single Point Log ...................................................................................... 12
•TENSION UNITS Screen......................................................................................... 12
•SELECT MATERIAL Screen..................................................................................... 12

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 3
7. ADVANCED OPERATION............................................................................................ 12
•General Calibration Precautions .......................................................................... 12
•Check Accuracy .................................................................................................... 13
•Calibrate Instrument ............................................................................................ 13
Proprietary Notice
This document contains proprietary information which may not be
reproduced in whole or in part without the written permission of
Tensitron, 733 South Bowen Street, Longmont, CO 80501.
Tensitron reserves the right to make instrument changes and
improvements which may not be reflected in this document. Portions
of this document may have been updated to include the latest
hardware or firmware version, if applicable. We recommend that this
document be read in its entirety before any attempt is made to
operate the instrument.
Thank You . . .
For purchasing another fine product from Tensitron
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at
303-702-1980 or find us online at www.tensitron.com
1. WARRANTY POLICY
STANDARD EQUIPMENT WARRANTY
Tensitron warrants that all Tensitron-manufactured equipment will be free of any defect in materials or
workmanship for the period of (1) year. Warranty begins from the date of shipment from a Tensitron facility.
The warranty is extended to customers and applies to all Tensitron-manufactured equipment purchased,
installed, and used for the purpose for which such equipment was originally designed. The above warranties
cover only defects arising under normal use and donot includemalfunctions orfailures resulting from misuse,
abuse, neglect, alteration, problems with electrical power, usage not in accordance with product instructions,
acts of nature, or improper installation or repairs made by anyone other than Tensitron or a Tensitron-
authorized, third-party service provider. Shipping costs toand from Tensitron are not included in the warranty
coverage.

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 4
2. SPECIFICATIONS
Full Scale Accuracy
For the accuracy of each WX-1 model, see Section 4.
Power Requirements
For Instrument Input: 9 VDC…2.2A
For AC Adapter: 100-240V~50-60Hz 0.48A
Power Supply operates with input voltages from 100 –240V and includes several interchangeable
adapters allowing use with European, U.S., Australian, English and other plug configurations.
Battery
Battery: Rechargeable NiMH, custom proprietary design
Battery lasts approximately 8 hours between charges, depending on backlighting intensity.
Operating Temperature
Recommended operating temperature range for WX-1 meters is -20 to 65 C (-4 to 149 F).
Recommended charging temperature range for WX-1 meters is 0 to 45 C (32 to 113 F).
Storage Temperature
20º F to 158º F. (Instrument and Charger)
Ambient Humidity
10% to 90% non-condensing
Weight, Dimensions
WX-1: Weight 3.1 lb. Dimensions 5.7” x 14.7” x 4.6” (See Figure 1)
Environment
Indoor or outdoor use, dust-free environment.
Figure 1: WX-1 Dimensions

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3. SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE
WARNING: When using cordless, electronic instruments, always follow basic safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury
USE ONLY A TENSITRON POWER SUPPLY TO AVOID DAMAGE
TO INSTRUMENT.
READ AND SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS. Before use, ensure all users read
and understand this manual, as well as labels packaged with or attached to the
instrument.
•Know your instrument. Read this manual carefully to learn your tension meter’s
applications and limitations, as well as potential hazards associated with this type
of instrument.
•Avoid dangerous environments. Do not use your instrument in explosive
atmospheres (gaseous fumes, dust or flammable materials). Do not submerge your
instrument in liquids.
•Use the right tool or instrument. Do not use this instrument to do a job for which it is
not recommended.
•Check for damaged parts. Inspect instrument before use. Check for any binding of
moving parts, improper mountings, broken parts and any other condition that may
affect operation. Do not use a damaged instrument. Tag damaged instrument “DO
NOT USE” until repaired. For repair, send instruments directly to Tensitron.
•Guard against electric shock.
•Maintain instrument carefully. Keep handles dry, clean and free from oil and
grease. Do not lubricate. All roller bearings are sealed.
•Do not use instrument if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or damaged in
any way. Do not disassemble. Incorrect reassembly may result in damage to the
instrument and risk of electric shock and fire. Return damaged instruments to
Tensitron for repair.
•WARNING: Only use battery pack assemblies provided by Tensitron with your
meter. Other types of batteries might explode, causing personal injury and
damage. Unplug charger when not in use.
•Tensitron recommends calibration by the manufacturer at one-year intervals, or
sooner if the meter is worn, damaged, or reading incorrectly. However, it is the
user’s responsibility to establish a suitable calibration interval, considering the
user’s accuracy requirements, requirements set by contract or regulation, and
environmental factors such as frequency and conditions of the meter’s use.

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 6
4. INSTRUMENT FEATURES
•Calibration and Accuracy
WX-1 series instruments are calibrated to customer-supplied materials to ensure the
greatest possible accuracy for each application. When ordering, please provide Tensitron
with a sample (approximately 10”-wide, 10’-long) of each material you’d like included in
the menu.
WX-1 meters display tension per 10” width of material. Readings that equal PLI can
be provided instead, but the accuracy of each reading will be reduced.
Accuracy is material-specific. Typical accuracy for WX-1 instruments is summarized in
the table below, but actual accuracy may differ, depending on the properties of the
material used in the calibration:
Typical WX-1 Accuracy
Model
Range (lb)
Resolution
(lb)
Full-Scale
Accuracy
WX-50-1
5-50
0.5
2%
WX-100-1
5-100
0.5
2%
WX-250-1
5-250
0.5
2%
WX-500-1
25-500
1.0
2%
•Add-On Options
Instruments can be configured with either of these options:
o- A Analog Output option
Data output at 40 Hz.
0-5 VDC or 4-20 mA with Software-definable ending sequences.
Provided with 10’ web to interface with your receiving device.
o- E RS-232 Serial Output option
Select data sampling rate from 1, 2 or 5 Hz.
Provided with 10’ web to interface with your receiving device.
•Features of all Instruments
•Rollers: WX-1 meters come standard with 1” contact elements at the end
of 4” extensions.
•Color graphic display:
oLarge and easy to read, with adjustable backlighting.
oShows Tension, Battery Charge Level, and Web Material and
Size Selected.
oIncludes user-definable tension set points.
•Data Statistics: Monitor your process by viewing count, average,
minimum/maximum, and standard deviation values of your logged data.
•Selectable Tension Units: Choose to display tension in Lb, Kg or daN.
•Up to ten calibrations can be programmed into the instrument. (Password-
protected to provide due diligence against unauthorized changes.)
•Adjustable LCD refresh rates allow for stable digital readings.
•Automatic shutoff after several minutes of non-use.

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 7
•All models are typically available from stock.
•All models are factory calibrated and ready for use.
•All calibration values are traceable to National Standards.
•Calibration certificate is included.
•Continuous operation while connected to power supply.
•Durable, lightweight carrying case with protective foam inserts included.
(See Figure 2)
5. BASIC OPERATION
•Charging Instrument Batteries
1. Use only a Tensitron power supply to avoid damage to instrument.
2. Connect power supply to the instrument. Plug the power supply into a
power source with input voltages between 100 –240 VAC.
3. A full charge of the battery assembly requires several hours of
charging.
4. Battery pack assembly cannot be overcharged.
5. Instrument will remain on while connected to its power supply.
6. Battery charge level is indicated in upper, right-hand corner of display.
Figure 2: Carrying case with instrument, calibration
certificate, charger, adapters, and operating instructions.

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 8
•Quick Start Instructions
1. Power unit on by pressing ON button. Main display will indicate:
Tension, Material, Min and Max readings and other information. (See
Figure 3.)
2. Select a screen:
a. Move between screens by using the up (↑) and down (↓)
buttons.
b. Make or enter a selection by pressing the Enter/Zero button.
c. Exit a setting by pressing the Escape (ESC) button.
3. Log Data:
a. Press the STORE button to store tension readings along
with the Minimum and Maximum of these values.
b. Clear the data displayed on the Main Screen by pressing
and holding the STORE button, or power the instrument off.
c. For additional information on logging and viewing data, refer
to Sec 6 Display Screens - Data Logging.
4. Read Tension: Variations in webbing (material, thickness and width)
affect tension readings. It is essential to select the correct material
and size before use, or tension values may be incorrect.
Instrument Operation Panel
Main Display
Operation Buttons:
Off / Escape
On / Enter / Zero
Arrow Up
Arrow Down
Store
Main Display
Battery Charge Level
Selectable Units in Kg, daN, Lbs.
Set Point Display
Select Web Size –Instrument
automatically adjusts calibration
Store and Display Max and Min Tension
Readings.
Figure 3: Instrument Operation Panel and Display

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 9
5. Select Tension Units:
a. Using the up or down arrows, scroll to TENSION UNITS,
then press ENTER.
b. Next, select from: Kilograms, DecaNewtons, or LBS, and
then press ENTER.
6. Select Material:
a. Using the up or down arrows, scroll to SELECT MATERIAL,
then press ENTER.
b. Next scroll through the web descriptions until the correct
web size/material is highlighted, then press ENTER. Your
main display will indicate the web size selected. (See Figure
4)
c. If your specific material is not listed, add it to the menu by
following the calibration instructions included at the end of
these instructions. Or, send a 10’ sample of your
material/web and the instrument to Tensitron and ask to
have it added to the menu.
7. Zero Instrument: Hold the instrument in the attitude your reading will
be taken before you engage it to the tensioned web. Then, press
ZERO.
•Engaging Instrument onto Web
▪To engage the instrument onto the tensioned web, start with the
meter’s lever released, so the center sensor roller is lowered.
▪Position the meter so the webbing passes under the two outer guide
rollers and over the center sensor roller. Do not exceed the
maximum tension range of the instrument or damage will occur.
(See Figure 5)
▪Squeeze the lever gently shut until the rollers close onto the material.
Note: If it takes a lot of force to close the lever, STOP! Closing the
lever with excessive force will damage the instrument.
▪Note the tension reading on the display. (See Figure 5)
Select web size –
Instrument automatically
adjusts calibration
Figure 4:
Select Material Screen

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 10
6. DISPLAY SCREENS
•SETUP Screen
oLCD Refresh Rate
To either speed up or slow down the instrument’s LCD refresh rates:
▪Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to LCD REFRESH RATE and press ENTER.
▪Select your preference: 1, 2 or 5 Hz and press ENTER.
Note: This feature is unrelated to Data Averaging
oData Averaging
Use the Data Averaging feature to adjust the stability of your displayed
tension readings in processes where the material to be checked is
constantly moving. This feature averages all of the readings taken over
a user-selected duration, then posts that average to the display, in an
ongoing, rolling average. The duration can be set at 1, 2, 5 and 10
seconds.
Examples: The meter takes ~300 readings per second, so if a 1-second
duration is selected, the meter will average all 300 readings before
posting the average of those readings to the display. Likewise, if a 10-
second duration is selected, the meter will average all 3000 readings
before posting the average of those 3000 readings to the display.
oCustom Names
Custom calibrations, listed as Custom 0 –9, can be renamed so your
material appears as a selection on the Main Display. To rename a
Custom Calibration:
▪Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to CUSTOM NAMES and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to the description to rename and press ENTER.
▪Input your custom name by using the up and down arrows to
select each number, letter, or character, followed each time
by ENTER.
Note the routing of the web (under
the outer guide rollers and over the
center sensor roller) and the
tension reading on the display.
Figure 5: Instrument engaged onto
webbing.

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▪Continue pressing ENTER until all spaces in the description
have values, including blank spaces.
▪Once your new name has been entered you will automatically
be returned to the SETUP screen.
oRe-Cal Tension: See description at the end of this booklet.
ONLY PERFORM THIS IF YOU ARE A QUALIFIED CALIBRATION HOUSE USING NIST-CERTIFIED
CALIBRATION WEIGHTS.NOT USED FOR CHECKING ACCURACY.TO CHECK ACCURACY,REFER TO
SEC.7: CHECK ACCURACY.
oAudio
To turn the Beep ON or OFF:
▪Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to AUDIO and press ENTER.
▪Select ON or OFF and press ENTER.
oBacklight
To adjust the visual intensity of the LCD screen.
▪Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to BACKLIGHT and press ENTER
▪Select Low, Medium or Full intensity and press ENTER.
oSet-Point Menu
This feature displays tension as a colored bar on the main display. The
colored bar advances as tension increases, and retracts as tension
decreases. You can define a safe operating tension range. For tension
measurements within this range, the bar is green. Below the range, the
bar is amber. Above the range, the bar is red.
To adjust the Set Point Menu:
▪Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to SETPOINT MENU and press ENTER.
▪Follow and enter the prompts to turn this feature on or off, or
to edit your high and low values. (See Figure 6)
oVersion
Press this button to determine what Model the instrument is set at in the
firmware as well as to see what level of firmware is downloaded to the
Instrument.
Set Point Setup Screen
See High and Low threshold values
Settings:
On / Off
Edit High Point Threshold
Edit High Point Threshold
Figure 6: Setpoint Setup

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•DATA LOGGING Screen
Each time the instrument’s STORE button is pressed, a log of that web tension
will be stored into memory for later review.
oView Data Stats
This feature allows the operator to view the basis statistics of the
logged data (Count, Average, Minimum/Maximum, and Standard
Deviation).
oView Data Log
When data is logged to the instrument memory, that data and the
statistics of that data log (Count, Average, Minimum/Maximum, and
Standard Deviation) can be seen under the Data Logging / View Data
Stats screen. To view this logged data:
▪Scroll to DATA LOGGING and press ENTER.
▪Scroll to VIEW DATA LOG and press ENTER.
oClear Single Point Log
To clear stored data, scroll to CLEAR SINGLE PT LOG, press ENTER,
and follow the prompts.
•TENSION UNITS Screen
To change the unit of measure in which tension readings are logged:
▪Scroll to Tension Units and press ENTER.
▪Use the Up and Down arrows to select Kilograms,
DecaNewtons or Pounds and press ENTER.
•SELECT MATERIAL Screen
Press ENTER while this display is shown to show the available options for the
material types. Use the up or down arrow to scroll to the option you want and
press ENTER to select it.
7. ADVANCED OPERATION
•General Calibration Precautions
1. To verify the accuracy of your instrument, check the tension on a sample
length of web by suspending known weights from the opposite end.
2. When performing this test, use a micrometer to measure your web
thickness and ensure it is dimensionally within tolerance.
3. Only use free-hanging weights which are traceable to National Standards
on correctly-sized webs. (See Figure 7.)
4. Never use any tensioning device that attempts to convert rotational torque
values into tension loads, as these types of systems are highly inaccurate.
Also, any load cell system must be routinely checked for accuracy using
traceable weights as these types of systems are also highly inaccurate
and generally do not meet the minimum repeatable accuracy standards
required by ISO-17025.

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 13
•Check Accuracy
1. Confirm that the size web you’re working with is the same as the one
selected in your WX’s display.
2. Before engaging the WX-1 instrument onto the web, zero the instrument
by holding it in the same attitude you’ll be taking the readings and press
the “Enter” or “Zero” button. This will eliminate any small tare effects.
3. Take readings along the web. FOR BEST RESULTS ALWAYS TAKE
SEVERAL READINGS OF THE WEB TENSION BY DISENGAGING AND
THEN RE-ENGAGING THE INSTRUMENT FROM THE WEB ITSELF.
4. Verify the tension value. For example, if your suspended weight is 40.0 lb.
your instrument should also indicate 40.0 lb. +/- the full-scale accuracy
percentage of the specific instrument model listed in Section 4, once
properly engaged to the web. This procedure confirms the instrument’s
accuracy and it is now ready for use.
Note: Accuracy Specification: NOTE, ACCURACY IS MODEL
DEPENDENT. For an instrument with a full-scale range of 250 lb., this
translates into +/- 5 lb., and for an instrument with a full-scale range of
500 lb., accuracy is +/- 10.0 lb. (with a 2% Accuracy Specification).
If you have additional questions, please contact Tensitron for help.
•Calibrate Instrument
*IMPORTANT: THIS FEATURE SHOULD ONLY BE USED BY A CALIBRATION FACILITY USING CERTIFIED AND
TRACEABLE DEAD WEIGHTS.DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE FOR A SIMPLE ACCURACY CHECK.
If you want to verify or check the accuracy of a Web go to: “Check
Accuracy” in Section 7: Advanced Operation.
When calibrating these instruments tension values must be entered in
Lbs. Note: If your dead weight standards are in Kilograms, convert their
values into Lbs: 1 KG = 2.2046 Lbs

WX-1 Series Instrument Revised: 10.3.19 www.tensitron.com pg. 14
Follow these instructions to update the calibration for an existing web on
the menu or to add a calibration for a new web. If you would like to add a
new web, first create a name for it by following the instructions under
“Custom Names” in Section 6, above.
1. Scroll to SETUP and press ENTER. Next, scroll to RE-CAL TENSION and press
ENTER. The screen will now display: SETUP, RE-CALIBRATE TENSION,
ENTER PASSWORD, CAL DATA WILL BE LOST!
2. Enter Password. Contact Tensitron at [e-mail] for the password.
3. The display now indicates: SETUP RE-CALIBRATE TENSION with a list of the
calibration names and custom names programmed into the instrument. Scroll to
the description you wish to recalibrate, highlight it and then press ENTER.
4. The next screen will indicate: CALIBRATE TENSION, NUMBER OF POINTS.
Using the up and down arrows select the number of calibration points to which you
will be tensioning the web. The minimum is 5 points. Zero is a calibration point
already set, so you will need to define a minimum of 4 increasing tension values
such as: 50, 100, 150 and 200. If desired you can define more than 5 weight
points, with a maximum of 10 points total. If 10 calibration points were selected the
entries could look something like this: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90.
Figure 7: Free hanging weight
simulating web tension.

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5. ENTER WEIGHT. After selecting the number of calibration points, you need to
define these weight values. Using the up or down arrows select your first tension,
or weight calibration point and press ENTER. Do not use 0 (zero) as this value is
already programmed into the instrument. Next, use the up or down arrows to select
your weight 2 value, making sure the value entered is greater than the entry in
weight 1. Next, select increasing weight values for the additional weight points,
without exceeding the maximum tension range of the instrument.
6. CALIBRATE TENSION. Next you will calibrate the instrument using the weight
values you previously selected. To properly simulate these tensions, suspend a
single length of your web from above and suspend known weights onto the web in
the values you’ve previously selected, when prompted. (See Figure 7.)
a. CALIBRATE TENSION, NUMBER OF POINTS __, ZERO UNIT.
Without any web engaged to the instrument, hold it in the attitude
you will be taking the reading in and press ENTER to calibrate
zero weight. Next the display will prompt you to suspend the
weight value you previously selected in step 5. If, for example
you selected 50 lb. for your first weight value the instrument will
indicate: PLACE WEIGHT 50.
b. Suspend the exact weight value from your web that you’ve
previously selected (In this example it would be 50 lb.)
c. Next, engage the instrument to your tensioned web, then press
ENTER once the reading has stabilized.
d. Repeat steps b. and c. for the remaining weight points by
suspending additional weights onto your web in the values
previously selected and entering these readings.
e. Once the last weight value is entered, the instrument will return
to the SETUP menu. Press the ESCAPE button to return to the
main display.
f. The main display will now indicate the web/material description
you just finished calibrating. If the material name on the display
is not the material you just recalibrated, you have re-
programmed the incorrect description. If this happens, you will
need to recalibrate both the material indicated on the display
along with the material you thought you were calibrating.
g. After completing a calibration always recheck the values. Refer
to “Check Accuracy” in Section 7.

733 S. Bowen Street
Longmont, CO 80501
USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.tensitron.com