Advanced Force Gauge (AFG/AFTI) User’s Manual · 2016. 11. 15. · Advanced Force Gauge User’s...

Advanced Force Gauge (AFG/AFTI)User’s Manual

Advanced Force Gauge User’s Manual2

Risk of electrical shock. Do not remove cover. No user serviceableparts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

Weigh-Tronix reserves the right to changespecifications at any time.

CAUTION

EUROPEAN COUNTRIESWARNING

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment thisproduct may cause radio interference in which the user

may be required to take adequate measures.

07/22/04 AFG2003_U.P65 PN 29814-0013D e2 Printed in USA

Advanced Force Gauge User’s Manual 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ........................................................................................... 3Introduction .................................................................................................... 5

Before Use .............................................................................................. 5Operation Overview ................................................................................ 5

Powering the AFG .......................................................................................... 5Inserting and Charging the Batteries ...................................................... 6

Using the AFG ............................................................................................... 6Fitting Accessories ................................................................................. 6Mounting to a Test Stand ........................................................................ 7Powering up ............................................................................................ 7Basic Functions ...................................................................................... 8Optional Settings .................................................................................. 12Additional Force & Torque Sensors ...................................................... 13Advanced Menu Options ...................................................................... 14

ALARM .......................................................................................... 15PLC (Programmable Limit Controller) ........................................... 20STAND........................................................................................... 21FREEZE ........................................................................................ 23% DROP ........................................................................................ 23AVERAGE/TIME ............................................................................ 25RATE ............................................................................................. 26FOOTSWITCH 1 ........................................................................... 26FOOTSWITCH 2 ........................................................................... 27COMMS ......................................................................................... 27INFORMATION .............................................................................. 28CALIBRATION ............................................................................... 28x/CONSTANT ................................................................................ 29CONTRAST ................................................................................... 29

AFG Specifications ...................................................................................... 30Appendix: Menu Flowcharts ........................................................................ 33


Powering the AFG for the First Time

Introduction

Before Use

OperationOverview

Thank you for choosing the Quantrol Advanced ForceGauge (AFG) instrument. With correct use andregular re-calibration it will give many years ofaccurate and reliable service.

The AFG uses the latest integrated circuit technology.It can measure tensile and compressive forcesaccurately, while being simple to use by the operator.

Quantrol offers a full range of force measurementproducts to complement your force gauge, includingmanual and motorized test stands and a largeassortment of grips and attachments. Ask yourQuantrol distributor for additional information.

Upon receiving the unit please check that no physicaldamage has occurred to the packaging material,plastic case or the instrument itself. If any damage isevident please notify Quantrol immediately.

The most commonly used features (such as display-ing force, peak hold, zero and changing of displayedunits) can all be done by pressing a single dedicatedkey identified on the front panel with grey text – seethe Basic Functions section. For less frequently usedfeatures, a number of menu “hot keys” are providedso you can press and hold a menu key to access thegauge configuration – see the Optional Settingssection.

To configure the advanced features of the gauge a fullmenu-driven system is available by using the keysidentified on the front panel with red text – see theAdvanced Menu Options section.

The AFG is supplied with a set of 5 Nickel MetalHydride AAA rechargeable batteries. For safetyreasons during transportation the batteries areshipped discharged. To obtain maximum battery lifewe recommend that you charge them with thecharger/adaptor supplied for at least 14 -16 hourswhen you first receive the AFG.

Important!Charge the AFG for 14-16 hours before use.


Inserting andCharging theBatteries

Low Battery Warning

Installing alkalinebatteries

AC operation

Using the AFG

FittingAccessories

To insert the batteries, remove the battery cover onthe upper part of the rear of the gauge by undoing the3 retaining screws. Fit the five batteries in the batteryholder ensuring that you observe polarity and thebatteries are placed on top of the release tag.

To remove the batteries simply pull the release tag.

Refit the battery cover and tighten the 3 retainingscrews. Connect the AC charger to the AFG chargersocket located at the right hand side of the gauge nextto the display and charge the batteries for 14-16hours. Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.

A low battery symbol willappear in the displayapproximately two minutesbefore the gauge powersdown automatically.

The AFG can also be powered directly fromthe AC adapter/charger. You can use the adapterwithout the batteries present. Connect the ACadapter/charger to your power supply.

If rechargeable batteries are installed, a trickle chargewill be applied to the batteries.

The AFG can also be powered by five AAA 1.5Valkaline batteries (not supplied).

Warning: When alkaline batteries are installed, theAC adaptor/charger must NEVER be connected to theAFG due to the risk of acid leakage which coulddamage the instrument.

The Rotary Coupling is supplied with AFG instrumentsbetween capacities of 10N to 1000N. It allows you toorientate the gripping accessory without the need fora locking wheel (as on the extension rod).

We do not recommend it to be used for AFG 2.5N and5N due to its weight, which would need to be taredfrom the measuring range.

Affix the Rotary Coupling to the male thread of eitherthe short extension rod (1 inch long) or the long

Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.

Note: When fitting a gripensure that it is screwedfinger-tight only.Excessive torque candamage the load cell.


Mounting to aTest Stand

Note: When fitting a gripensure that it is screwedfinger-tight only.Excessive torque candamage the load cell.

Powering up

Please note that an AFGmeasuring very lowforces may not showzero if it is moved duringthe self test routine.Once it is properlymounted and zeroed thereading will be stable.

extension rod (5 inches long). Affix the extension rodto the load cell probe in the hole at the bottom of thegauge by tightening it gently with the fingers.

Your chosen grip or accessory may now be connectedto the rotary coupling.

On the rear of the gauge there are two M5 threadedholes, which can be used for mounting the gauge to aQuantrol test stand. Each Quantrol test stand issupplied with a dedicated dovetailed mounting bracketand screws for this purpose. If you wish to mount toanother type of stand, ensure that the screws usedare threaded into the gauge to a maximum depth of0.21 inch. The final thread is peaned but if screws arefitted beyond this depth, damage to the internal PCBmay occur.

As shown in Figure 1 the control panel has six keys.

Figure 1AFG control panel

To power up the gauge press the red key. A shortself test runs during which the display will show themodel and capacity in Newtons.

After the self test, providing no load has been appliedto the instrument, the display will show all zeroes.This is because the gauge rezeroes itself during theself test routine.

If a force is applied via the load cell probe (hole atbottom of AFG), the reading on the display willregister the applied force.


All the current settingsare saved when thegauge is turned off andthe gauge will function inthe same mode whenpowered up again.

Basic Functions

Display of Tension/Compression

If the AFG has suffered aserious overloadcondition, the loadindicator bar will bepartially displayed evenwhen no load is present.This is a warning that theload cell is damaged andyou should immediatelycontact your supplier toarrange repair.

* Do not overload the load sensor. This will causeirreparable damage. Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an audible beep until load isreleased and an OL symbol will appear on the displayfor 30 seconds.

Forces greater than 150% of full-scale will produce anaudible beep until load is released and an OL symbolwill appear permanently on the display. Consult yoursupplier to arrange repair.

To power down the gauge press the red key.

Tensile forces are displayed on the AFG and recog-nized by the symbol

Compressive forces are displayed on the AFG andrecognised by the symbol

Figure 2Tension and compression displays

A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how muchload has been applied to the load sensor. As the loadapproaches the maximum rating of the load sensor,the indicator bar changes appearance when aboveapprox. 80% of the rated capacity. This warns youthat steps should be taken to prevent excessive loadbeing applied.

For tensile forces the indicator bar is solid thendotted. For compressive forces the indicator bar isdotted then solid. See Figure 2.


Zeroing the Gauge

Changing the Unitof Measure

Max (peak) Readings

“Max” Mode

During the operation of the gauge it is often necessaryto zero the display – e.g. when you wish to tare outthe weight of a grip, so it does not become part of themeasured reading. Press and release the ZERO key.The display will blink momentarily as the zero opera-tion is carried out.

You can choose from the following units of measuredepending on the capacity of your gauge:milliNewtons, kiloNewtons, Newtons, gram-force,kilogram-force, ounce-force or pound-force.

To change the display units press and release theUNITS key. Each successive key press will select thenext available units until the gauge returns to itsoriginal setting. The AFG automatically convertsreadings as new units of measure are selected.

The gauge detects and stores maximum (peak) forcein both compressive and tensile directions.

Press the MAX key. The display will show the wordMAX together with the highest tensile force and thehighest compressive force detected during the test.The current load being applied to the load sensor isalso displayed. See Figure 3a.

Press the MAX key again and the display will showthe maximum tensile force identified by the symbol

. See Figure 3b. Press the MAX key again and thedisplay will show the maximum compressive forceidentified by the symbol. See Figure 3c.

Figure 3aDual Max


“Normal” mode

Data Output

Analog output

RS232 and Mitutoyooutput signals

Figure 3bMax Tension

Figure 3cMax Compression

Press the MAX key again and the word MAX has nowdisappeared from the display. The display will nowindicate forces applied in both directions as they areapplied to the load sensor and maintain a live display.

Press the RESET key to clear both maximum regis-ters and prepare for detecting the next maximumreadings.

(See also COMMS section of Advanced MenuOptions)

A calibrated analog output is available from the top ‘Dtype’ connector. See Specifications for details.

It is possible to transmit the displayed reading toperipheral devices (e.g. PC, printer) by pressing andreleasing the TXD key. Displayed readings can alsobe requested individually from a PC via the RS232interface by sending a”?” (ascii D63 [3fh] character).


Continuous PCCommunication

For sending a continuous data stream to a PC, pressand hold the TXD key for 2 seconds then release. TXwill now appear in the display to indicate that data isbeing sent. See Figure 4.To stop sending data, simplypress and release the TXD key, at which point TX willdisappear from the display.

Figure 4

AFG uses 2400, 9600,57600 or 115200 Baud, 8data bits, 1 start bit, 1stop bit and no parity.(See Advanced MenuOptions for setup details)

A full range of datacables are available toconnect your gauge toperipheral devices –contact your supplier.

Data is output atapproximately 12 Hz.

Only prints largedisplayed number in dualdisplay mode.

Computer Control ofForce Gauge

Key ASCII code CharacterTXD 1 <Ctrl> A

UNITS 2 <Ctrl> B

MAX 3 <Ctrl> C

RESET 4 <Ctrl> D

ZERO 5 <Ctrl> E

REQUEST 63 ?

A computer can control the force gauge by sendingRS-232 commands. These commands are interpretedexactly as if the button on the front of the gauge weremomentarily pressed.

Default baud rate = 9600.


Factory Default

The AFG has a display backlight that can be turnedon at powerup. Press and hold UNITS while poweringup the AFG with the key. The backlight is nowoperating.

Please note that battery consumption is doubled whenusing the backlight. For this reason the backlightsetting is not remembered after power down.

An Auto-off feature can be enabled to conservebattery power where the gauge powers down after 2minutes since the last key press.

Press and hold ZERO while powering up the AFG withthe key. The symbol Ao will appear in the displayto indicate Auto-off is active. This feature is remem-bered after power down.

The display may be inverted or “reversed”, so that theoperator can read it more comfortably. Press and holdthe MAX key while powering up the AFG with the key to invert the display. This feature is rememberedafter power down.

The AFG may be returned to its original factory defaultsettings, shown in the Advanced Menu Optionssection of this manual.

Press and hold the RESET key while powering up theAFG with the key.

Auto-off

Backlit Display

Optional Settings

Invert Display


Additional Force& Torque Sensors

InterchangeableAdvanced LoadcellCartridges (ALC)’s

Warning! Incorrectalignment of the ALCmay lead to damage tothe ALC interface pins.

The AFG has an interchangeable loadcell cartridge(ALC), which allows selection of different capacityload cells to be fitted to the AFG console.

To exchange the cartridge, power down the gaugeand remove it from the test stand if it is fitted to one.Turn the gauge face down and insert a 3mm Allen key(supplied) into the boss on the back of the ALC. Tounlock the ALC rotate the boss anti-clockwise with theAllen key through approximately 30º to release thespring loaded locking cam. While still holding theAllen key in position slide the ALC away from the AFGconsole to the left. See Figure 5.

Figure 5Removing ALC

To fit the new ALC, first insert the Allen key into itsboss and rotate the locking cam as above. Slide theALC into the AFG console, ensuring that the matingsurfaces are correctly aligned.

Push the ALC firmly home into the AFG console and,to lock it, tighten the locking cam by rotating the Allenkey clockwise until slight pressure is felt. Take carenot to over tighten the locking cam.

Warning! The AFG mustbe powered down whenconnecting or discon-necting smart loadsensors.


‘Smart’ Sensors

Warning! The AFG mustbe powered down whenconnecting or discon-necting smart loadsensors.

Loadcell DiagnosticTest

Advanced MenuOptions

Navigating the menus

All Advanced Loadcell Cartridges have a 15-pin‘Smart’ connector port on the right hand side forinterface with Quantrol external ‘Smart’ force andtorque sensors. This allows you to use your existingAFG console to perform additional tests without theneed for a dedicated instrument.

To connect a ‘Smart’ sensor, power down the gaugeand plug in the ‘Smart’ force or torque sensor to the15-pin ‘Smart’ port. Power on the AFG. The ‘Smart’load sensor will be automatically recognized and thecapacity displayed.

If you suspect that your ALC loadcell or ‘Smart’sensor has sustained an overload it is possible tocheck the status of the sensor immediately.

Symptoms of overload may be (a) OL in display (b)buzzer sound (c) probe not aligned perpendicularly togauge (d) load indicator bar present even under zeroload.

See Calibration section of Advanced Menu Options tocheck load cell status.

All the features and advanced menu options of theAFG are also applicable while using the ‘Smart’ rangeof peripheral devices.

The AFG Advanced Menus are accessed using thered text on the keys.

Press and hold the MENU key for approximately 2seconds to access page 1 of the main menu. To movebetween the options listed on the 2 main menu pages,press UP and DOWN to move the cursor. PressENTER to select sub-menus, activate features andenter values. Within sub-menus UP and DOWN willalso change numerical values. Press ESC to return topage 1 of the main menu page.

If ALARM is selected in page 1, by pressing ENTERthe status of all the other functions can be seen byconsecutively pressing the MENU key to scrollthrough the functions one at a time. Press ESC onceto return to the main menu page and twice to return tothe main display.

An instrument showingan overload conditioncannot be relied upon toprovide accurate,repeatable measurement–consult your Quantroldistributor.

See the Appendix in theback of this manual forflowcharts of all themenus.


ALARM

Figure 6Main Menu

The AFG has an audible and visual alarm featurewhich can be set to trigger on pass, fail or samplebreak criteria.

To set an alarm, press and hold the MENU key untilpage 1 of the main menu appears. The cursor arrowwill point to ALARM. Press the ENTER key.

The display will show ALARM OFF and SET.

Press ENTER to change ALARM OFF to ALARM ON.

Press DOWN to move the arrow cursor to SET andpress ENTER.

The display will now show the two limits LIMIT 1(lower limit) and LIMIT 2 (upper limit) plus the valuethey are set to and whether they are in tension(TENS’N) or compression (COMP’N). A diamondcursor will indicate which value is selected. Use UPand DOWN keys to change the value, press and holdto scroll values. When the correct value is reachedpress ENTER to set LIMIT 1. Repeat procedure forLIMIT 2.

Figure 7Menu page 1

ALARM sub-menu 1

ALARM sub-menu 2

The alarm limits are notactive below 1% of thecapacity of the gauge.

Compression limits musthave a negative (-) signin front of the number.


ALARM sub-menu 3 The display shows AUDIBLE, LED and BOTH with thearrow cursor indicating which feature is selected. Thismenu selects how the PASS/FAIL status of a valuewill be indicated.

AUDIBLE Only the audible alarm will be activatedwhen the value is a PASS/FAIL

LED The green and red LED’s will indicate thePASS /FAIL status.

BOTH Both the LED and the audible alarm willbe activated above.

Use UP and DOWN to move the cursor and pressENTER to select the desired feature.

The display shows OUT BAND and IN BAND. Thismenu selects which values are to be considered.

OUT BAND Any value falling outside the set limitsLIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2

IN BAND Any value falling between the set limitsLIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2


The display shows PASS and FAIL. This menu setsthe OUT BAND and IN BAND mode.

PASS Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or INBAND, if selected), are a PASS

FAIL Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or INBAND, if selected), are a FAIL and willcause an audible beep.


Display is showing sub-menu 1 again (= ALARM ONand SET). Press ESC to return to main menu andagain to return to main display. The main display willnow show an alarm ‘bell’ symbol indicating the alarmis turned on. See Figure 8.

ALARM sub-menu 4

ALARM sub-menu 5


Figure 8Alarm symbol

ALARM on break This feature is only activated when the % DROPfeature is used in conjunction with the ALARMfunction. The AFG looks for a percentage (of full-scale) drop from peak load value, set in the % DROPmenu. The alarm can be used to indicate if the breakpoint falls inside or outside the limits LIMIT 1 andLIMIT 2 set in the alarm menu (see Examples 1 to 5).


Example 1Settings: -- BOTH LED and audio

alarms are active- Alarm triggers on OUT

BAND- Alarm is set to FAIL- % DROP is 10% of

fullscale (e.g. AFG100N must registerdrop of 10N)Main display is set to1st peak tensionscreen









full-scale (e.g. AFG100N must registerdrop of 10N)Main display is set to1st peak tensionscreen




full-scale (e.g. AFG100N must registerdrop of 10N)Main display is set to1st peak tensionscreen






PLC(Programmable LimitController)

PLC sub-menu 1

The AFG has a load output signal which may be usedfor PLC applications. For PLC applications, thisfunction requires an external cable with a built-insolid-state relay – see Specifications for details of thesignal.

To configure the signal output from the AFG, pressand hold the MENU key until page 1 of the main menuappears. Press DOWN to move the arrow cursor toPLC and press the ENTER key. The cursor arrow nowpoints to PLC OFF.

The display will show:

PLC OFF Indicates PLC function status.

RESET When the load limit is reached, theoutput signal triggers the relay andthe RESET key must be pressed toclear the line before starting the nexttest.

CONTINUOUS The relay will be activated every timethe load limit is reached and theoutput signal will remain on.

PULSE The relay will be activated momen-tarily when the load limit is reached.

Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.


PLC sub-menu 2

STAND

Contact your supplier forstand interface cable

STAND sub-menu 1

The display will show SET and a default load limit atwhich the output signal will trigger the relay.

To set the required load limit use UP and DOWN keysto adjust the value and ENTER to confirm the selec-tion.

The display will revert back to PLC sub-menu 1 andPLC ON will now be displayed.

The AFG may be used to send a signal to control theQuantrol range of motorized test stands via a dedi-cated cable.

To configure the signal output from the AFG, pressand hold the MENU key until page 1 of the main menuappears. Press DOWN to move the arrow cursor toSTAND and press the ENTER key.

The display will show:

STAND OFF Stand control function not enabled.

REVERSE Reverses the stand direction of travelat sample break (BREAK) or load-limitvalue (LIMIT). The test stand willreverse back to the start position asdefined by the physical limit switch.

STOP Stops the stand at sample break(BREAK) or load-limit value (LIMIT).The test stand does not return to thestart position until physically com-manded by the operator.

CYCLE Cycles a suitable test stand betweenload limits (UPPER, LOWER) for a setnumber of times (CYCLE).

Select the desired function using UP and DOWN keysand press ENTER to select.

You must press the RESET key after youperform a REVERSE, STOP or CYCLE test.

Stand STOP and CYCLEare new functions whichrequire newer teststands. Consult with yourQuantrol distributor ifcompatibility is inquestion.

Compression limits musthave a negative (-) signin front of the force value.


Limit sub-menu 1

REVERSEsub-menu 1

REVERSEsub-menu 2

Break sub-menu 1

STOP sub-menu 1

CYCLE sub-menu 1

It is assumed thatstarting a test in the UPdirection applies atension force, and in theDOWN direction appliesa compression.

The total number ofcycles must be com-pleted. e.g. if a samplebreaks during the test,the AFG will try tocontinue applying loadfor the set number ofcycles.

At the end of your cycletest, the test sample willstill be under load.

Select UP or DOWN to tell the gauge which directionthe stand will begin to move before the load-limit isreached.

BREAK - Sets the gauge to reverse at sample break.Press ENTER to select.

SET % of load cell capacity to indicate the value bywhich the load must fall to determine a break. Use ahigher percentage for ‘noisy’ samples where the loadmay fluctuate before the sample finally breaks.

Press ENTER to confirm selection and return to standsubmenu 1.

LIMIT - Sets the load-limit value to trigger the standreverse function. Press ENTER to select.

SET load-limit using UP and DOWN keys. (UNITS keychanges the units of measurement for load-limitvalue). Press ENTER to confirm selection and returnto stand sub-menu.

Select BREAK or LIMIT as per Reverse sub-menu 2(above) and SET the appropriate value at which yourequire the test stand to stop.

Select and SET UPPER load-limit, LOWER load-limitand the number of CYCLES you wish to perform(range = 1- 9999). Start the test by pushing the UP orDOWN switch on your test stand. The test stand willmove to the UPPER load-limit and then travel back tothe LOWER load-limit to perform the first cycle.Subsequent cycles will be performed and a cycle-counter is shown on the main display. See notes atleft.

When one of the stand control options (REVERSE,STOP or CYCLE) have been set, press ENTER. Thedisplay will revert back to STAND sub-menu 1 andSTAND ON will now be displayed. Press ESC toreturn to the main menu page 1.

It is recommended to press RESET after each STANDoperation.


FREEZE

FREEZE sub-menu 1

% DROP

This feature is used to ‘freeze’ the main-display whenan external signal is received. The AFG can beconfigured to freeze when going either low 1-0 (LO) orhigh 0-1 (HI). This is particularly useful for applica-tions where a significant event occurs which must becaptured (e.g. force required for switch closure). Toclear the main menu display press RESET.

To configure this function, press and hold the MENUkey until page 1 of the main menu appears. PressDOWN to move the arrow cursor to FREEZE andpress the ENTER key.

Select the desired LO or HI function using UP orDOWN arrow keys and press ENTER to select. Whenset the submenu will display FREEZE ON. To disablethe FREEZE function, press ENTER. FREEZE OFFwill now be displayed. Press ESC to return to mainmenu page 1.

A signal must be provided to the AFG through pins 7and 10. See specifications.

1st Peak facility – this is used to detect the force atwhich a sample breaks but is not necessarily themaximum force (e.g. detecting the force at which atablet first begins to crack) or in capturing yield pointof a material.

When this feature is set to ON, two additional func-tions can be selected using the MAX key from themain display.

Figure 91st PeakTension

Figure 101st Peak

Compression

Key:1 = 5.0 V0 = 0.0 V


Figure 111st Peak Tension and Compression

The display will show % DROP OFF and SET. PressENTER to change % DROP OFF to % DROP ON.Press DOWN to move the arrow cursor to SET % andpress ENTER.

To determine what precisely is considered a break,you must define the % drop of full-scale value fromthe peak load observed prior to the break occurring.

To set the required % drop use UP and DOWN keysto adjust the value and press ENTER to confirm theselection.

The % drop value selected also acts as a threshold,below which the % drop function will not be active.

AFG 100N has % drop of 20 (= 20N). If the peak loadbefore sample break is 50N, the load must drop to30N in order for the AFG to detect a 1st peak of 50N.If load continues to be applied above 50N (e.g. to75N), the AFG will return 75N as MAX and 50N as 1stpeak.

EXAMPLE

% DROP sub-menu 1

% DROP sub-menu 2

This test would producea first peak result.


This function allows the average load reading to bedisplayed. The average starts being calculated whenthe threshold (% of full-scale) is reached and stopsbeing calculated when the load falls back below thisthreshold.

To set AVERAGE over TIME, press and hold theMENU key until page 1 of the main-menu appears.Using UP and DOWN move the cursor key to AV/TIME. Press the ENTER key.

The display will show AVERAGE/TIME OFF and SET.Press ENTER to change AVERAGE/TIME OFF toAVERAGE /TIME ON. Press DOWN to move thearrow cursor to SET and press ENTER.

Define a % value of full-scale as the threshold valuein the SET menu. Any load reading above thisthreshold will be averaged over time with all theprevious readings occurring since the threshold valuewas exceeded. Averaging stops when load readingsfall back below the threshold.

Press ESC to return to main menu.

Avg/Timesub-menu 2

Avg/Timesub-menu 1

Average/Time


This function selects the display throughput rate, i.e.the amount of averaging performed by the internalelectronics before the load reading is displayed.There are three levels HI, MED and LO.

HI Display updates quickly with little dataaveraging (2000 Hz)

MED Gauge default. (10 Hz)

LO Maximum data averaging before values aredisplayed. Smoothes ‘noisy’ data. (2 Hz)

To set RATE, press and hold the MENU key untilpage 1 of the main menu appears. Using UP andDOWN move the arrow key to RATE.

Using UP and DOWN select the relevant level (HI,MED or LO) and press the ENTER key.

Press ESC to return to page 1 of the main-menu.

Figure 12Main menu, page 2

From page 1 of main-menu press MENU to scroll topage 2 of the main menu. See Figure 12.

The AFG has two footswitch input pins on the 15-pinD connector. This allows a footswitch to be assignedto perform any of the five main key functions, MAX,UNITS, TXD, ZERO and RESET.

This feature is useful when integrating the AFG intotest or production systems.

To assign the function of a key to FOOTSWITCH 1use UP and DOWN to move the arrow key toFOOTSWITCH 1. Using UP and DOWN select therelevant key (MAX, UNITS, TXD, ZERO or RESET)and press the ENTER key. Press ESC to return topage 2 of the main-menu.

RATE

FOOTSWITCH 1


To assign the function of a key to FOOTSWITCH 2use UP and DOWN to move the arrow key toFOOTSWITCH 2. Using UP and DOWN select therelevant key (MAX, UNITS, TXD, ZERO or RESET)and press the ENTER key. Press ESC to return topage 2 of the main-menu.

Communications settings are selected to configureinterface of the AFG with peripheral devices. Alsoused to configure the AFG internal database whichcan store up to a maximum of 100 readings in theinternal memory.

To set communications first use UP and DOWN keysto move the cursor arrow to COMMS on page 2 of themain menu.

Using UP and DOWN select the relevant option (seebelow) and press the ENTER key.

PORT Communicates with peripheral device.Transmission of the displayed loadreading can be set to include unit ofmeasurement (UNITS ON or OFF)and BAUD rate can also be set.

STORE MEM Stores the present load reading to theinternal memory, whether live or peak.Up to 100 readings may be stored inthe memory. As each reading isstored, a REC symbol appears on themain display to indicate a reading hasbeen stored in memory.

SEND MEM Sends all load readings stored in theinternal memory to a peripheraldevice (e.g PC or data logger).

CLEAR MEM Erases all load readings stored inmemory.

When setting PORT you will now access sub-menu 1.

Transmission of the displayed load reading can be setto include the unit of measurement (UNITS ON orOFF). Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrowcursor at either UNITS OFF or ON. Press ENTER toselect.

Port sub-menu 1

COMMS sub-menu 1

COMMS

FOOTSWITCH 2


The transmission (or Baud) rate can now be set.

Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursorat the relevant speed (2400, 9600, 57600 or 115200).Press ENTER to select.

You will now return to page 2 of the main menu.

To set STORE MEM press ENTER from Comms sub-menu 1. This will cause a memory counter to appearin the main display. You will now return to page 2 ofthe mainmenu.

To set SEND MEM press ENTER from Comms sub-menu 1. This will cause a TX symbol to flash in themain display as the memory data is now transmittedto a peripheral device. The data is transmitted at thesettings defined by PORT. After transmission of datayou will now return to page 2 of the main-menu.

To set CLEAR MEM press ENTER from Comms sub-menu 1. This now erases all the data stored in thememory. The memory counter is now reset to zero.After clearing the memory you will now return to page2 of the main-menu.

Displays calibration information.

T - Tension span

C - Compression span

Z - Current zero

G - Gravitational constant

This is for information only and may be required fordiagnostic purposes by your distributor.

Calibration menu - displays a password menu andallows the user to check for load cell offset if overloadis suspected.

Place the gauge (or your external SMART sensor)horizontally on a flat level surface. By using UP orDOWN keys select the CAL option and the display willshow 0000. Press ENTER four times (to enter 0000as the password), a screen showing initial (at calibra-tion) load cell offsets and current offset in % isdisplayed.

The upper value shows the % offset when the gaugewas last successfully calibrated. The lower valueshows the % offset currently present on the gauge.

Port sub-menu 2

CALIBRATION

INFORMATION


If the current % offset is as shown below, follow theappropriate action.

Lower Value Action-4.9% to 4.9% Normal offset provided

upper and lower values arewithin 5% of each other

-5.0% to -9.9% Contact Quantrol distributor5% to 9.97% for recalibration

-10% and greater Contact Quantrol distributor10% and greater for loadcell replacement

These values are given as an indicator only – theneed for calibration/repair may vary according to theindividual characteristics of the load cell.

Press and hold ESC until you return to page 2 of mainmenu.

A constant of multiplication can be applied to the loadvalues in the main display. This is useful for applica-tions where you wish to convert the load reading intoa non-standard unit of measurement e.g. for co-efficient of friction tests.

Press ENTER to select xCONSTANT. Press UP orDOWN to adjust the constant of multiplication. PressENTER to confirm.

The contrast of the display may be increased anddecreased in this menu.

From page 2 of main menu press UP or DOWN keysto position the arrow key on CONTRAST. PressENTER to select CONTRAST menu and 1.234 will bedisplayed. Press UP or DOWN to adjust the contrastof the display and ENTER to confirm the setting. Youwill now return to page 2 of the main menu.

x/CONSTANT

CONTRAST


Model no: mN N kN gf kgf ozf lbf

AFG2.5 2,500 x 0.5 2.5 x 0.0005 - 250 x 0.05 - 9 x 0.002 0.55 x 0.0001

AFG 5 5,000 x 1 5 x 0.001 - 500 x 0.1 0.5 x 0.0001 18 x 0.005 1.1 x 0.0002

AFG 10 10,000 x 2 10 x 0.002 - 1,000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002 35 x 0.01 2.2 x 0.0005

AFG 25 25,000 x 5 25 x 0.005 - 2,500 x 0.5 2.5 x 0.0005 90 x 0.02 5.5 x 0.001

AFG 50 50,000 x 10 50 x 0.01 - 5,000 x 1 5 x 0.001 180 x 0.05 11 x 0.002

AFG 100 - 100 x 0.02 - 10,000 x 2 10 x 0.002 350 x 0.1 22 x 0.005

AFG 250 - 250 x 0.05 - 25,000 x 5 25 x 0.005 900 x 0.2 55 x 0.01

AFG 500 - 500 x 0.1 - 50,000 x 10 50 x 0.01 1,800 x 5 110 x 0.02

AFG 1000 - 1,000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002 - 100 x 0.02 3,500 x 1 220 x 0.05

ACCURACY± 0.1% of full-scale

Calibration temperature: 20°C ± 2°C

Operating temperature: 10°C - 35°C

Temperature shift at zero load: ± 0.01% of full-scale/°C

OUTPUTRS232-C: 8 data bits, 1 Start bit, 1 Stop bit, no parity

Digimatic (Mitutoyo) format: BCD output

Analogue: 0 to +4V full scale for tension (or clockwise)

0 to -4V full scale for compression ( or counter-clockwise)

(calibrated to order at factory)

PLC Signals: Relay description:

The solid-state relay is mounted on a PCB,which ishoused in a 15 pin D-type connector. Connection tothe relay output is via a 15 foot jacketed cable. Theend of the cable is left with bare wires to allowappropriate termination to the peripheral PLCdevice.

Peak Capture Rate: 2,000 Hz

A to D Sampling Rate: 5,000 Hz

AFG SpecificationsRange & Resolution


PLC CableSupply voltage: The relay is powered from a 5 volt regulator inside the AFG Inputcontrol: The relay state is controlled via a TTL signal from the AFG and is in a“closed position” when a logic ‘1’ input is applied.

Output characteristicsPeak relay ac voltage: 350 volts

Continuous relay load current or peak ac voltage: 120 mA

Maximum relay peak load current: 300 mA

Typical relay contact resistance at 100 mA: 17 ohms

Isolation voltage between AFG and relay output: 1500 volts AC


AFG Mk 3 D Connector Pin Out:1* Analog Output2 RS232 Transmit3 RS232 Receive4 Mitutoyo Clock Output5 Mitutoyo Ready Output6 + 5 Volts7* FREEZE Reading Input8 Stand Reverse UP9* Footswitch 2 Input/SMART -ve out10 Ground11 Mitutoyo Request Input12 Mitutoyo DATA Output13* Footswitch 1 input14* PLC Output15 Stand reverse DOWN

* Shown withdovetail mountingbracket (suppliedwith Dillon TestStand)

*

Allocation for the pins on the Male 15-pinD-type communication connector.

* Uses ground (pin 10) to completecircuit.


Appendix: Menu Flowcharts

Alarm

PLC

On the following pages are flowcharts to help younavigate the menus found in the AFG. They appear inthe order they appear on the two pages of the mainmenu.


Stan

d


Freeze

% Drop

Average/Time

Rate


Footswitch1

Footswitch2

Comms

Constant


Information

Calibration

Contrast

DillonA division of Weigh-Tronix Inc.1000 Armstrong Dr.Fairmont, MN 56031 USATelephone: 507-238-4461Facsimile: 507-238-8258e-mail: [email protected]

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