VALD VAL002 ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System Instruction Manual

: June 5, 2024
: VALD

VALD VAL002 ForceDecks Dual Force Plate System

Important Notice

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.

Introduction

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.

Welcome to Force Decks

Force Decks 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 Force Decks data is about measuring different muscle characteristics, in controlled situations.

Whether a practitioner needs to assess or treat:

Musculoskeletal;
Neurological;
Orthopedic;
Geriatric;
Performance; or
Sports conditions,

they can use Force Decks 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 Force Decks portable force plates and suite of software, practitioners are able to collect force plate data on the road and see autoanalysed results in real-time.
- Practitioners can then use Force Decks results to make decisions on an individual’s training, performance, readiness, or rehabilitation, among other applications.

The Force Decks 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).

Getting 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 Force Decks then calibrates to measure how much force has been applied. This enables Force Decks to collect total force data over time.

Force Decks Components

The Force Decks FDMax, FDLite (V.2) and FDMini systems consists of the following hardware:

Force Decks Setup

Force Decks plates can be mounted on:

Steel bases;
Set into weightlifting platforms; or
Used freestanding on any flat, hard surface.

Floor Considerations

Force Decks are designed to be mobile, however it is important Force Decks 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 support@vald.com 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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

Battery

Each Force Decks 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 Force Decks 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.

Note: Force Decks will be partially charged when shipped to clients, enabling them to use the Force Decks straight out of the box.

Charging Force Decks

There are two ways to charge ForceDecks batteries, using the supplied USB cable. The ForceDecks batteries will charge when:

Plugged into a USB port on a computer, or
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 Force Decks will automatically turn off after a period of inactivity.

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.

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

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.

Getting Started: Force Decks Software

Force Decks software is the heart of the Force Decks 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 Force Decks software suite includes:

Force Decks Windows application
Force Decks iOS application
Force Decks Jump
Force Decks Leader Board, and
VALD Hub.
*Users must activate their ForceDecks software within 7 days of installing the software onto their device, and annually thereafter.

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

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

Bluetooth Connection

Force Decks 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:

Log in to ForceDecks
Click on Options
Select Settings
Select the Platform tab
Click on ForceDecks
Change connection types to: Prefer Bluetooth Device Connection
Click Save

Using Force Decks

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

Safety, 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.

References

ForceDecks iOS App Compatible Devices - VALD Support

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