VALD FDMax User manual

ForceDecks
Instruction Manual for FDMax, FDLite (v.2), and FDMIni
Version 1.0
2022

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Contents
1Important Notice ........................................................................................................ 3
1.1 F.C.C. Notification........................................................................................................................ 3
2Introduction................................................................................................................ 4
3Welcome to ForceDecks ............................................................................................. 4
4Getting Started: ForceDecks Hardware ....................................................................... 5
4.1 ForceDecks Components............................................................................................................ 5
4.2 ForceDecks Setup........................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Floor Considerations ................................................................................................................... 6
4.4 Space Considerations ................................................................................................................. 6
4.4.1 Preventing Crosstalk ......................................................................................................................... 6
4.5 Cable configuration ..................................................................................................................... 6
4.6 Battery .......................................................................................................................................... 7
4.6.1 Charging ForceDecks ........................................................................................................................ 8
4.6.2 Battery Status .................................................................................................................................... 8
4.7 Turn On and Off............................................................................................................................ 8
5Getting Started: ForceDecks Software ........................................................................ 9
5.1 Setup Your Software.................................................................................................................. 10
5.2 Minimum Device Requirements................................................................................................ 10
5.3 Bluetooth Connection................................................................................................................ 11
6Using ForceDecks..................................................................................................... 11
7Safety, Care and Maintenance .................................................................................. 11

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1Important Notice
1.1 F.C.C. Notification
Caution: The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
—Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
—Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
—Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
—Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This equipment complies with FCC‘s RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled
environment. End user must follow the specific operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure
compliance. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other
antenna or transmitter.

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2Introduction
This document provides information about the installation and use of the FDMax, FDLIte (v.2), and
FDMini ForceDecks systems, including the assembly of hardware and installation of software.
3Welcome to ForceDecks
ForceDecks are a dual force plate and auto-analysis system, used to analyse an individual’s balance,
strength and movement strategies in a range of exercises and jumps.
The collection of ForceDecks data is about measuring different muscle characteristics, in controlled
situations.
Whether a practitioner needs to assess or treat:
•Musculoskeletal;
•Neurological;
•Orthopaedic;
•Geriatric;
•Performance; or
•Sports conditions,
they can use ForceDecks to:
•Collect baseline data;
•Monitor rehabilitation progress;
•Monitor injury risk; and
•Improve performance.
Previously, force plates were limited to laboratories and elite sporting teams and involved a time-
consuming and complex process to analyse the data collected.
With the ForceDecks portable force plates and suite of software, practitioners are able to collect
force plate data on the road and see auto-analysed results in real-time.
Practitioners can then use ForceDecks results to make decisions on an individual’s training,
performance, readiness, or rehabilitation, among other applications.
The ForceDecks system can:
•Provide immediate feedback to the individual and practitioner that is easy to interpret;
•Minimise the time spent testing; and
•Make the assessment of large groups of individuals practical (e.g. sport teams and defence
personnel).

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4Getting Started: ForceDecks Hardware
ForceDecks consists of a pair of connected uni-axial force plates. This means they produce vertical
force data only.
Each force plate is loaded with four highly sensitive strain gauge sensors.
When an individual is in contact with the plates, the sensors will detect movement within the strain
gauge, and the strain gauge will compress in proportion to the amount of force applied.
This force causes a change in voltage within the sensors, that ForceDecks then calibrates to
measure how much force has been applied. This enables ForceDecks to collect total force data over
time.
4.1 ForceDecks Components
The ForceDecks FDMax, FDLite (V.2) and FDMini systems consists of the following hardware:

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4.2 ForceDecks Setup
ForceDecks plates can be mounted on:
•Steel bases;
•Set into weightlifting platforms; or
•Used freestanding on any flat, hard surface.
4.3 Floor Considerations
ForceDecks are designed to be mobile, however it is important ForceDecks are mounted on a
surface that is:
•As rigid as possible; and
•As flat as possible.
For example, concrete floors are ideal, whereas sprung floors are not suitable.
Rebounding vibrations or ringing may occur if the platform is placed on the wooden section of some
Olympic lifting platforms.
Note: If clients are unsure about the rigidity of their floor, they can check for vibrations by examining a
force-time trace or by sending a recording to [e-mail] for assessment.
We also recommend using a spirit level to identify an even part of the floor and marking out the
space if clients are planning to move the plates.
4.4 Space Considerations
If the force plates are to be embedded into the ground or into a raised lifting platform, it is important
to leave adequate space around the plates to prevent contact with the surrounding walls and to
allow access to cables.
4.4.1 Preventing Crosstalk
Crosstalk is the unwanted transfer of force between plates. This can occur when two plates are in
contact, potentially resulting in inaccurate readings.
It is important to leave a small gap between the left and right plate to minimise interference and a
small gap between the outside edge of the safety frame or casing if applicable.
4.5 Cable configuration
Both V.2 ForceDecks plates are identical, and the orientation of the Interplate Cable determines the
default left plate (Primary) and right plate (Secondary) in the ForceDecks software.

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Note: It is advised to follow the below configuration to prevent having to adjust left and right plate
settings in the ForceDecks software.
The ForceDecks system consists of a ‘Primary’ plate and a ‘Secondary’ plate.
It is important to ensure cables between the plates and power source are routed to prevent them
being stepped on or caught underneath the plate, as this can cause instability, potentially affect
measurements and/or damage the cables.
4.6 Battery
Each ForceDecks plate contains a rechargeable battery. The battery life and recharge times are as
follows:
Approximate battery life (from full charge)
FDLite, FDMax
50+ hours
FDMini
20+ hours
Approximate charge time (from empty charge)
FDLite, FDMax, FDMini
24 hours
If it recommended to connect ForceDecks plates to a power source for at least one full day every
month, as the batteries will slowly discharge over time when not in use.

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Note: ForceDecks will be partially charged when shipped to clients, enabling them to use the
ForceDecks straight out of the box.
4.6.1 Charging ForceDecks
There are two ways to charge ForceDecks batteries, using the supplied USB cable.
The ForceDecks batteries will charge when:
1. Plugged into a USB port on a computer, or
2. Plugged into the mains power with a USB wall adapter (mains power).
•Do not charge a device if your Mini-USB cable or wall adapter are damaged.
•While other brands of wall adapter may successfully charge your device, we recommend
only using VALD supplied adapters.
•Your ForceDecks will automatically turn off after a period of inactivity.
4.6.2 Battery Status
The battery status LED on each force plate illuminate according to the status of the plate’s battery.
The LED will:
•Illuminate green –when fully charged.
•Illuminate amber –when moderately charged.
•Illuminate red –when charge is low.
•Not illuminate –when turned off or has no charge.
4.7 Turn On and Off
Before turning on ForceDecks it is important to confirm the plate setup, to identify the Primary plate.
When the Primary plate is turned on it will automatically pair with, and power the Secondary plate.
Primary plate - on

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Note: When turning on the ForceDecks, if the power button is pressed on the Secondary plate, the plate
will turn on then straight off again.
5Getting Started: ForceDecks Software
ForceDecks software is the heart of the ForceDecks system, taking previously laborious tasks and
performing them automatically to facilitate rapid testing of individuals in time-pressured
environments. These tasks include:
•Identifying what type of movement was performed;
•Identifying key characteristic time points within the movement (e.g. Start of Movement,
Take-off, etc); and most importantly
•Calculating actionable summary results.
The ForceDecks software suite includes:
•ForceDecks Windows application
•ForceDecks iOS application
•ForceDecks Jump
•ForceDecks LeaderBoard, and
•VALD Hub.
*Users must activate their ForceDecks software within 7 days of installing the software onto their
device, and annually thereafter.

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5.1 Setup Your Software
To setup your software, scan the QR code or
Or visit our website to access the ForceDecks Starter’s Guide:
https://support.vald.com/hc/en-au/articles/4999028480025
5.2 Minimum Device Requirements
The following specifications are recommended for any device running ForceDecks Windows
software:
Windows
Operating System
Windows 7 x 64 or later
Processor
Intel i5 / i7 / i9
Ram
8 GB or greater
Storage
500 MB minimum for install
Ports
1 x USB 2.0 / USB 3.0
The minimum device requirements for operating the ForceDecks iOS App are as follows:
iOS
Operating System
iOS (12 or later)
Bluetooth
BLE 5.0
Compatible Devices
Refer to ForceDecks iOS App Compatible Devices

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5.3 Bluetooth Connection
ForceDecks plates (FDMini, LDLite (V2), FDMax) can be connected to a laptop via Bluetooth.
Note: To enable Bluetooth connectivity the latest ForceDecks Firmware must be installed, and only one
set of ForceDecks plates turned on.
To connect ForceDecks plates to a laptop or iOS device via Bluetooth:
0. Log in to ForceDecks
1. Click on Options
2. Select Settings
3. Select the Platform tab
4. Click on ForceDecks
5. Change connection types to: Prefer Bluetooth Device Connection
6. Click Save
6Using ForceDecks
The VALD Knowledge Base at support.vald.com has detailed information, guides, how-to resources,
and answers to FAQs.
For detailed instructions to operate the ForceDecks system please visit out website at:
https://support.vald.com/hc/en-au/categories/4421397081625-ForceDecks
7Safety, Care and Maintenance
ForceDecks have no planned maintenance or servicing requirements, however it is best practice to
go through the zeroing process before every testing session. (Refer Zeroing section 7.2)
It is also recommended users follow the below care guidelines:
•Keep liquids away from the plates and cables.
•When transporting the plates, ensure the plates are well padded, with no forces being
exerted on the plates.
•Avoid any accumulation of dirt, mud or other residues on the plates.