CONRAD PCE-DFG N Series Digital Force Gauge User Manual

: June 12, 2024
: CONRAD

Table of Contents

CONRAD PCE-DFG N Series Digital Force Gauge
Product Usage Instructions
Operation
Documents / Resources

CONRAD PCE-DFG N Series Digital Force Gauge

Product Information

The product is a measurement device that allows users to measure forces. It comes with a user manual that provides detailed instructions on how to use the device safely and effectively.

The product has the following specifications:

Technical specifications: Please refer to section 2.1 in the user manual for detailed technical specifications.
Delivery contents: Please refer to section 2.2 in the user manual for a list of items included in the package.
Optional accessories: Please refer to section 2.3 in the user manual for a list of optional accessories that can be used with the product.

Product Usage Instructions

Before using the product, please read the safety notes in section 1 of the user manual to ensure safe operation.

Getting Started

Power Supply:
Connect the device to a suitable power source. Please refer to section 4.1 in the user manual for detailed instructions on how to connect the power supply.

Settings:
Configure the device settings according to your requirements.
Please refer to section 4.2 in the user manual for detailed instructions on how to adjust the settings.

Operation

To perform measurements using the device, follow these steps:

Measurement:
Place the object to be measured on the device and initiate the measurement process. Please refer to section 5.1 in the user manual for detailed instructions on how to perform measurements.

Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of the device.

Storage:
When not in use, store the device in a clean and dry environment. Please refer to section 6.1 in the user manual for detailed instructions on how to store the device properly.

For additional information, such as contact details and disposal instructions, please refer to sections 8 and 9 in the user manual.

Safety notes

Please read this manual carefully and completely before you use the device for the first time. The device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel. Damage or injuries caused by non- observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and not covered by our warranty.

The device must only be used as described in this instruction manual. If used otherwise, this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
You must not make any technical changes to the device.
The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner, no abrasives or solvents.
The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not use the device.
Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
ATTENTION: For impact tests, the maximum measurable value of the force gauge should be twice as high as the applied impact load.
When doing impact tests, wear a mask and protective gloves to avoid injuries.
Do not use the test stand when it is bent or damaged. Dropping can cause injuries.
This device only measures tensile and compressive forces. The test head must not be bent or twisted.
Overloading, excessive impact loads or applied forces other than tensile and compressive forces can cause damage to the sensor.
Do not press the keys with pointed objects.
Keep the force gauge away from water, oil and other liquids.
Store the meter in a cool, dry place without any occurrence of vibration.
Wire the ports as described in this manual. Non-observance of the instructions can cause circuit failure or problems with your computer.
Make sure that the mains adaptor is securely connected to the power outlet as otherwise short circuits and thus electric shocks and fire can occur.
When the battery is fully charged, remove the mains adaptor immediately to avoid overheating, fire or accidents.
Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of business.
If you have any questions please contact PCE Instruments. The contact details can be found at the end of this manual.

Safety symbols
Safety-related instructions the non-observance of which can cause damage to the device or personal injury carry a safety symbol.

Symbol

|

Designation/description

---|---
| General warning sign

Non-observance can cause damage to the device and injuries to the user.

| Warning: electrical voltage

Non-observance can cause electric shock.

Specifications

Technical specifications

Force gauge with internal dynamometric cell

Specification

|

Value / version

---|---
Model| PCE-DFG N 5| PCE-DFG N 10| PCE-DFG N 20| PCE-DFG N 200| PCE-DFG N 500
Range| 0 … 5 N| 0 … 10 N| 0 … 20 N| 0…200 N| 0…500 N
Resolution| 0.001 N| 0.002 N| 0.005 N| 0.01 N| 0.05 N
Accuracy|
Dimensions| 200 x 97 x 42 mm
Weight| approx. 540g

Force gauge with external dynamometric cell

Specification

|

Value / version

---|---
Model| PCE-DFG N 1K| PCE-DFG N 2,5K| PCE-DFG N 5K| PCE-DFG N 10K
Range| 1,000 N / 100 kg| 2,500 N / 250 kg| 5,000 N / 500 kg| 10,000 N / 1 t
Resolution| 0.5 N| 1 N| 1 N| 0.001 kN / 1 N
Accuracy| 0,1 % F.S.
Units| N, kg, lb, KPa
|
Model| PCE-DFG N 20K| PCE-DFG N 50K| PCE-DFG N 100K
Range| 20,000 N / 2t| 50,000 N / 5 t| 100,000 N / 10 t
Resolution| 0.002 kN / 2 N| 0.005 kN / 5 N| 0.01 kN / 10 N
Accuracy| 0,2 % F.S.
Units| kN, t, klb, MPa

Further versions on request

General specifications

Specification

|

Value

---|---
Cell protection class| IP 67
Device dimensions| 162 x 82 x 41 mm
Device weight| 325 g
Display| 2.8“ TFT graphical display
Alarm modes| within, beyond, fracture, off
Sampling rate| 6 … 1600 Hz device 6…800 Hz software
Memory| 100 measurements
Power supply| Ni-Hi rechargeable battery 6 V, 1600 mAh

Battery life10 hours

Mains adaptor| 12 VDC 1 A;
Outputs| Communication via USB Output port 12 V, 50 mA
Operating conditions| -10 … +50 °C; 5 … 95 % RH, non-condensing
Protection class| IP 54

Delivery contents

Version with internal cell:

1 x force gauge PCE-DFG N
5 x test head adaptors (pointed head adaptor, notched head adaptor, chisel head adaptor, flat head adaptor, hook adaptor)
1 x extension rod incl. adaptor
1 x USB cable
1 x mains adaptor
1 x software
1 x user manual

Version with external cell:

1 x force gauge PCE-DFG N
1 x dynamometric cell
2 x eyebolt (only up to 10 kN load cell)
1 x case for the meter
1 x case for the dynamometric cell
1 x USB cable
1 x mains adaptor
1 x software
1 x user manual

Optional accessories

PCE-C-S-1000N-C3 load cell 1,000 N / 100 kg / M10
PCE-C-S-2500N-C3 load cell 2,500 N / 250 kg / M12
PCE-C-S-5000N-C3 load cell 5,000 N / 500 kg / M12
PCE-C-S-10000N-C3 load cell 10,000 N / 1 t / M12 PCE-C-S-20KN-C3 load cell 20.000 N / 2 t / M20
PCE-C-S-50KN-C3 load cell 50.000 N / 5 t / M20
PCE-C-S-100KN-C3 load cell 100.000 N / 10 t / M30 PCE-C-A-1000N-EB eyebolt M10 1,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-2500N-EB eyebolt M12 2,500 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-5000N-EB eyebolt M12 5,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-10000N-EB eyebolt M12 10,000 N (set: 2 pieces) PCE-C-A-60KN-EB eyebolt M20 / 60.000 N / 6 t (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-120KN-EB eyebolt M30 / 120.000 N / 12 t (set: 2 pieces) PCE-C-A-1000N-RE eyebolt with joint head M10 1,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-10000N-RE eyebolt with joint head M12 10,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-1000N-HB clip bolt M10 1,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-2500N-HB clip bolt M12 2,500 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-5000N-HB clip bolt M12 5,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
PCE-C-A-10000N-HB clip bolt M12 10,000 N (set: 2 pieces)
CAL-PCE-DFG N calibration certificate
Further accessories on request

System description

Device
Version with internal dynamometric cell

CONRAD-PCE-DFG-N-Series-Digital-Force-Gauge-3

Measuring shaft
Display
Keypad
Extension rod
Chisel head adaptor
Pointed head adaptor
Hook adaptor
Notched head adaptor
Flat head adaptor
Adaptor for extension rod

Interfaces

Input/output interface
USB interface
Power connection

Circuit diagram of output port

Switch of external input/output
Output lower limit
Output upper limit
GND

Display
In measurement mode

memory usage
measurement curve
force value
upper alarm value
clear by key
maximum peak
battery level indicator
set sampling rate
lower alam value
first peak
minimum peak

Function keys

Key	Desig nation	Function
Single measureme nt mode	Capture mode	Online measur ement

mode

close paramet

er settings

| Zero| Zero setting| –| Zero setting| –| –
| Up| –| –| –| Up| Up
| Down| Activate memory and query mode| –| –| Switch upper window| to| Down
| OK| Open parameter settings| Stop capturing| –| Show report and reading| Confirm paramet er setting
| Left| Start curve capturing| –| Start curve

capturin g

Getting started

Power supply

The PCE-DFG N is equipped with a rechargeable 1600 mAh 6 V Ni-Hi battery that should only be charged by means of the mains adaptor which is included in the standard delivery.
Charging can take 8 to 10 hours and should only be started when the battery is completely flat. Excessively frequent or long-time charging shortens the battery life.
When the battery is fully charged, it will last up to 10 hours of continuous use. The device can also be used during charging. The battery can be charged approx. 500 times.

Settings

When you are in measurement mode, press the OK key to enter the settings screen which is divided into 2 pages:

CONRAD-PCE-DFG-N-Series-Digital-Force-Gauge-15

In order to change settings, select the menu item with the arrow keys and confirm with the OK key. The values can then be changed by means of the arrow keys. Then press “OK” to confirm the settings or the Back key to discard.

Function

|

Description page 1

---|---
Display Unit| The display unit can be set to: „N“, „kg“, „lb“ or „KPa“

Force Area

| The force area can be set to a value between 999.99cm2 and 0.01cm2 and is included in the calculation if the display unit selected is „kPA“ (important for the accuracy).

Zero Tracking

| For zero tracking, you can set:

„Off“, „0.1 N“, „0.2 N“, „0.3 N“, „0.4 N“, „0.5 N“

Values below the value set are automatically excluded before the zero point stabilises. After stabilisation of the reading, the sampling rate will be 1 x per second. Deviations from the measured value which are

below the set value are automatically excluded in order to keep the displayed values.

Sampling Speed

| You can set how many measurements are taken per second. A value between 6 and 1600 Hz can be set here.

Note: The higher the sampling rate, the lower the accuracy will be. Higher sampling rates are suitable for dynamic measurements whereas

lower sampling rates are more suitable for static and slow measurements.

Calibrate Grav| Enter the gravity at the place of calibration.

Alarm Upper

| The upper alarm can be set to +/- 9999.9.
Alarm Mode| You can choose “Within“ (within alarm limit), “Beyond“ (outside alarm limit), “Fracture“ (overload alarm) or “Off“.
| If you select “Within“ or “Beyond“, the display will show information on

the alarm.

If you select “Fracture“, Alarm Upper LV and Alarm Lower LV will automatically be set to “Fracture Alarm” and „Fracture Stop of Peak“. Set these two parameters. When the force reaches the fracture alarm value or when the sample breaks, the display will show some

information on the alarm.

---|---
Peak V. Hold| You can select „On“ or “Off“. If “Off” is selected, the peak value will not

be indicated in the display.

Factory Set A| Only relevant for customer service.
Factory Set B| Only relevant for customer service.
Factory Set C| Only relevant for customer service.

Calibrate

| Press OK to start the calibration. The calibration result will have a considerable influence on the accuracy of measurement. There are two

possibilities to calibrate the meter:

1. Entering saved data:

The user enters the saved calibration data. The calibration is done without any other devices or weights.

2. Standard calibration:

The force gauge is calibrated by means of the calibration stand or calibration weight.

User Gravity

| Here, you can set the gravity at the place of use. The value can be between 9.700 and 9.900 N/kg. This parameter is used for the gravity

correction. The following formula must be used for this:

Displayed value = reading + reading x (gravitation place of calibration – gravitation place of use)

Alarm Lower| The lower alarm can be set to +/- 9999.9.

External Input

| You can select “On“ or “Off“. If “On” is selected, the external switch can be switched on and the force gauge enters curve capture mode.

Note: The capturing duration depends on the sampling rate. Capturing duration in seconds = number of recorded data / sampling

rate

Peak Hold Time

| You can select “Clr by Key“ or certain periods between 1 and 60

seconds. If “Clr by Key“ is selected, the peak value will not be changed until the “Arrow Right key or the “Zero Set“ button is applied.

If a period between 1 and 60 seconds is selected, the peak value will automatically be measured again after the set time has passed. The peak value can also be re-measured by applying the “Arrow Right key

or the “Zero Set“ button.

Function

|

Description page 2

---|---

Capture Length

| You can set a value between 1 and 1280 seconds. This value represents the duration of curve capturing in capture mode which depends on the sampling rate:

Sampling rate 6 Hz: 1 ~ 1280 seconds

Sampling rate 12 Hz: 1 ~ 640 seconds

Sampling rate 25 Hz: 1 ~ 320 seconds

Sampling rate 50 Hz: 1 ~ 160 seconds

Sampling rate 100 Hz: 1 ~ 80 seconds

Sampling rate 200 Hz: 1 ~ 40 seconds

Sampling rate 400 Hz: 1 ~ 20 seconds

Sampling rate 800 Hz: 1 ~ 10 seconds

Sampling rate 1600 Hz: 1 ~ 5 seconds

F/P Boundary

| You can set a value between 1 and 99999. This setting is used during peak value measurement to determine the first peak value. When you press the Arrow Right key, a new peak value measurement will start. Meanwhile, the values peak-to-peak (Vmax), valley-to-peak (Vmin) and new peak (Vnew) are updated continuously. For example, if 10 is set as the criterion, Vmax or Vmin will be counted as the first peak

value when the absolute value of (Vmax – Vnew) or (Vmin – Vnew) is above 10.

Serial Port

| This port is used to control the real-time data transfer. The following

parameters can be set:

Prohibit: The real-time data transfer of the serial interface is prohibited.

Key/Order: A single output will take place when you press the Up key or when an output command is received. When the force gauge is connected to a computer, the programmes on the computer will automatically disable the output function.

Change: A single output will take place when the measuring data change.

Stabilize: A single output will take place when the reading stabilises. Consecutive: The measuring data are transferred without interruption.

Auto Power Off

| This function reduces the energy consumption. The force gauge will automatically power off when it has not been used for a certain period

of time.

Max Charge V| This window shows the maximum voltage of the battery.

Clear Storage

| Here, you can delete saved measurement reports and curves.

Important information:

When the memory is full, all data will automatically be deleted to enable new data to be saved.

Factory Test| Only relevant for customer service.
S/N| This window shows the serial number of the device which cannot be

changed.

Capture Trigger| Here, you can set a value between -99999 and +99999. The range of

values depends on the set unit. This parameter stipulates the

| condition that triggers the capturing when the force gauge is in curve

capture mode. When the maximum number of data has been recorded or capturing was discontinued early, a capture report is

created and saved. The curve is deleted when you leave capture mode.

---|---

Baud Rate

| The baud rate for the serial interface can be set to a value between 4800 and 230400 bps.

This setting will only be effective after restarting the force gauge.

Note: To make sure that all data are retrieved when the device is connected to a computer, the baud rate should be set as follows:

12 Hz: ≥9600 bps 25 Hz: ≥14400 bps

50 Hz: ≥19200 bps

100 Hz: ≥28800 bps

200 Hz: ≥38400 bps

400 Hz: ≥57600 bps

800 Hz: ≥115200 bps

1600 Hz: ≥230400 bps

Due to the limited speed of serial interfaces, some data get lost when

transferred to a PC if the sampling rate is higher than 800 Hz. The readings will, however, not get lost in the device.

Display Angle| Here, you can set the display angle. You can select 0 or 180 °.

Auto Backlight

| This function also reduces the energy consumption. The brightness of

the display backlight will automatically be turned off when the meter has not been used for a certain period of time.

Now Voltage| This window shows the current battery level.

Reset

| You can reset the device to factory default settings, e. g. if you have

made an incorrect setting or if other problems with the settings occurred.

Language| In this window, you can change the output language. English or

German can be selected.

Connection| In this window, you can see the circuit diagram of the input port (see

chapter 3.2).

Operation

Measurement

Edition with internal sensor:
After making the settings, you can start a measurement. To do so, you first need to attach the suitable adaptor. If required, you can also use the extension rod. Do not apply too much force when attaching the adaptor and/or the extension rod to avoid damage to the sensor.

Edition with external sensor:
Connect the sensor to the force gauge.
Then attach the suitable adaptor to the sensor without applying too much force as this can damage the sensor.

Switch on the device by pressing the On / Off key. You are now in the measurement window. Start by checking the battery level in the upper right corner. If the battery level is low, charge the device using the mains adaptor that comes with the device. For charging, it does not matter if the device is switched on or off. It is possible to make measurements during charging. When the device is fully charged, a notification will appear on the display. You should then disconnect the device from the power supply immediately.

You can now set the parameters. Press “OK” when you are in measurement mode to enter the settings window. Set the unit, the force area, zero tracking, the sampling speed, fracture alarm, the upper and lower limit alarm, the Peak Hold function, the capture trigger as well as the capture length (duration). Press the Back key to return to measurement mode.
To start your measurement, attach the device to a suitable test stand. Press the Zero key and the Arrow Right key. You can now take a direct measurement or capture a curve. If you make a direct measurement, the force will be measured in real time, as well as the peak values and further parameters. These will not be saved. The previously measured values will be lost when a new measurement is taken. If you want to capture a curve, enter capture mode by pressing the “Arrow Left” key when you are in measurement mode. The measurement will start automatically as soon as the trigger condition is met. The measurement ends if you press “OK“ or when the set capture duration has been reached. The measurement will return peak values, measurement curves and further parameters.

These will be saved. Only one curve with the associated values can be saved. You can retrieve the saved data by pressing the “Query“ button. The curve will be deleted when the force gauge is restarted or when a new measurement is taken. A maximum of 100 reports can be saved if no curve is saved. These can also be retrieved by pressing the “Query“ button.
Press the Back key to get back to the measurement window. To switch off the device, press the On/Off key. Remove the sensor if you have a device with an external sensor and clean the force gauge. It is recommended to store the device in its original carrying case.

Maintenance

Storage

Please charge the battery before storing the meter for a longer period of time and store the device as well as, if applicable, the external sensors and the accessories in the packaging / carrying case the PCE-DFG N comes with to protect the technical components.

Appendix: load cell (1 … 100 kN)

| L [mm]| H [mm]| W1[mm]| H1 [mm]| M [mm]
---|---|---|---|---|---
1 kN| 50,8| 76,2| 20,8| 15,3| M10 x 1,5
2,5 … 5 kN| 20,8| 76,2| 20,8| 13,6| M12 x 1,75
10 kN| 50,8| 76,2| 27,2| 12,1| M12 x 1,75
20 … 50 kN| 76,2| 101,6| 27,2| 20| M20 x 1,5
100 kN| 112,78| 177,8| 42,93| –| M30 x 2

| A [mm]| B [mm]| H [mm]| L [mm]| D [mm]| Max| Weight
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
1 kN| 24| 45| 45| 20| M10| 0,25 t| 110 g
2,5 kN| 29| 53| 53| 22| M12| 0,4 t| 175 g
5 kN| 35| 62| 63| 22| M12| 0,7 t| 260 g
10 kN| 39| 71| 73| 22| M12| 1 t| 395 g
20 kN … 50kN| 40| 72| 71| 30| M20| 6 t| 450 g
100 kN| 60| 108| 109| 45| M30| 12 t| 1700 g

Warranty

You can read our warranty terms in our General Business Terms which you can find here: https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/terms.

Disposal

For the disposal of batteries in the EU, the 2006/66/EC directive of the European Parliament applies. Due to the contained pollutants, batteries must not be disposed of as household waste. They must be given to collection points designed for that purpose.
In order to comply with the EU directive 2012/19/EU we take our devices back. We either re-use them or give them to a recycling company which disposes of the devices in line with law.
For countries outside the EU, batteries and devices should be disposed of in accordance with your local waste regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact PCE Instruments.

PCE Instruments’ contact information

Documents / Resources

| CONRAD PCE-DFG N Series Digital Force Gauge [pdf] User Manual
PCE-DFG N Series, PCE-DFG N Series Digital Force Gauge, PCE-DFG N Series Force Gauge, Digital Force Gauge, Digital Gauge, Force Gauge, Gauge
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