MARK-10 3i Digital Force/Torque Indicator User Guide

MARK-10 3i Digital Force/Torque Indicator

Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Model 3i digital force / torque indicator, designed for use with interchangeable remote force and torque sensors. A 3i- sensor combination can be used with some Mark- 10 test stands grips, and data collection software. With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great service with this product. Mark-10 instruments are ruggedly built for many years of service in laboratory and industrial environments. This User’s Guide provides setup, safety, and operation instructions. Dimensions and specifications are also provided. For additional information or answers to your questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our technical support and engineering teams are eager to assist you. Before use, each person who is to use a Model 3i indicator should be fully trained in appropriate operation and safety procedures.

OVERVIEW

List of included items

Guide

Download at: www.mark-10.com/resources

General Overview

From left to right: Model 5i indicator with Series R01 force sensor, Model 3i indicator with Series R02 force sensor, and Model 7i indicator with Series R50 torque sensor.

The 3i is a universal indicator designed for displaying measurements from interchangeable mark-10 Plug & Test® sensors. Sensor capacities are available from 0.25 to 10,000 lbF (1 N to 50 kN) of force, and from 10 ozFin to 5,000 lbFin (7 Ncm to 550 Nm) of torque. These sensors can be handheld or mounted to a fixture or test stand for more sophisticated testing requirements.
Plug & Test® sensors are used with the 7i, 5i, or 3i indicators. They may be disconnected from one indicator and connected to another without the need for re-calibration or re-configuration. All such data is saved within a PCB located inside the smart connector. The model number, serial number, and capacity of the sensor are identified in the rectangular label located on the Plug & Test® connector. The model and serial numbers are also identified in the Information screen of the indicator.

Accuracy and Resolution

Indicator accuracy must be combined with sensor accuracy to determine the total accuracy of the system. Since sensors may be used with the 7i, 5i or 3i indicators, the accuracy of the indicator being used must be identified and taken into account, as follows:

The total system accuracy can be calculated by adding the sensor accuracy and indicator accuracy. Refer to the following examples:

Example 1
Model RTQ50-50Z sensor with Model 3i Indicator

This translates into a fixed error of up to: 0.55% x 50 ozFin = 0.275 ozFin
Example 2
Model MR01-100 sensor with Model 5i Indicator

Because accuracy is defined as a percentage of full scale, the fixed error is possible anywhere on the scale from 0 to the capacity. As such, this value represents an increasingly large error as percentage of reading towards the low end of the scale. It is, therefore, recommended that a sensor is selected with capacity as close as possible to the expected load. The resolution may be different for some sensors depending on whether a 7i, 5i, or 3i indicator is being used. For example, a Series R01 force sensor will display finer resolution when connected to a 5i indicator than when connected to a 3i indicator. Resolution information is shown in the sensors’ user’s guide.

Safety / Proper Usage

Read through the following safety instructions thoroughly before using the 3i with a sensor:

1. Note the sensor’s capacity before use and ensure that the capacity is not exceeded. Producing a load greater than the indicated safe overload value can damage the sensor. An overload can occur whether the sensor’s indicator is powered on or off.
2. In order to extend the life of the sensor, avoid repetitive shock and impact loading.
3. When moving the sensor to another location, never lift from the cable or strain relief. This can cause damage to the sensor. Always lift the sensor housing itself.
4. Always ensure that load is applied axially with respect to the sensor.
5. Ensure that the sensor is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all times.
6. The sensor and indicator should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be disconnected and the indicator must be powered off before the housing is opened.
7. Always consider the characteristics of the sample being tested before initiating a test. A risk assessment should be carried out beforehand to ensure that all safety measures have been addressed and implemented.
8. Typical materials able to be tested include many manufactured items, such as springs, electronic components, fasteners, caps, films, mechanical assemblies, and many others. Items that should not be used with the sensor include potentially flammable substances or products, items that can shatter in an unsafe manner, and any other components that can present an exceedingly hazardous situation when acted upon by a force. Always wear eye and face protection when testing, especially in aforementioned hazardous cases. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a destructive failure of a test sample is possible.
9. In aforementioned hazardous situations, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.
10. Sensors have threaded holes or chucks, designed for the mounting of grips, fixtures, or attachments. If any such accessories are used, ensure they are mounted firmly to prevent a potential safety risk to the operator and others in the vicinity. If using an accessory from a supplier other tha Mark-10, ensure that it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components. Similar precautions should be taken when mounting the sensor to a test stand, work bench, or other piece of equipment.

POWER

The 3i is powered either by an 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter. Since these batteries are subject to self discharge, it may be necessary to recharge the unit after a prolonged period of storage. Plug the accompanying charger into the AC outlet and insert the charger plug into the receptacle on the indicator (refer to the illustration below). The battery will fully charge in approximately 8 hours.

Caution!
Do not use chargers or batteries other than supplied or instrument damage may occur. If the AC adapter is plugged in, an icon appears in the lower left corner of the display, as follows: If the AC adapter is not plugged in, battery power drainage is denoted in a five-step process:

1. When battery life is greater than 75%, the following indicator is present
2. When battery life is between 50% and 75%, the following indicator is present
3. When battery life is between 25% and 50%, the following indicator is present
4. When battery life is less than 25%, the following indicator is present
5. When battery life drops to approximately 2%, the indicator from step 4 will be flashing. Several minutes after (timing depends on usage and whether the backlight is turned on or off), a message appears, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. A 4-tone audio indicator will sound and the indicator will power off. The indicator can be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity. Refer to the Other Settings section for details. If battery replacement is necessary, the battery may be accessed by loosening the two captive screws in the rear half of the housing and separating the two halves of the housing.

SETUP

Connecting a sensor
The Plug & Test® connector must be inserted into the receptacle of the 7i, 5i, or 3i indicator with the side marked “Plug & Test® Technology” facing up (see Fig. 3.1). When fully inserted, the connector will lock into place with a “click”.Appropriate orientation of Plug & Test® connector. Sensor model number, serial number, and load capacity may be found on the labels affixed to the connector. To release the connector, press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the sensor (see Fig. 3.2). Pull the connector completely out of the indicator by holding the curved aluminum section. DO NOT pull on the cable or strain relief.

Press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the Plug & Test® connector.

Mounting to a plate
The 3i can be mounted to a plate with four thumb screws fastened into the appropriate holes in the rear half of the housing. Refer to the Dimensions section for detailed hole information and locations.
3.4 Installing the USB driver
If communicating via USB, install the USB driver available at: www.mark-10.com/resources

Caution! Install the USB driver before physically connecting the indicator to a PC with the USB cable. Further instructions for configuring and using the indicator’s outputs are provided in the Communications and Outputs section.

HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS

Home Screen

direction (for force sensors)

–  indicates tension direction (for force sensors)

–  indicates clockwise direction (for torque sensors)

–  indicates counter-clockwise direction (for torque sensors) These indicators are used throughout the display and menu.

2| Peaks| The maximum measured compression/tension or clockwise /counter-clockwise readings. These readings are reset by pressing ZERO or by powering the

indicator off and on.

3| Primary reading| The current displayed load reading. See Operating Modes section for details. If a sensor is not plugged in, this value will be replaced by a message, as follows: SENSOR NOT CONNECTED
4| Load bar| Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The bar increases either to the right or to the left from the midpoint of the graph. Increasing to the right indicates compression or clockwise load, increasing to the left indicates tension or counter- clockwise load. If set points are enabled, triangular markers are displayed for visual convenience. This indicator reflects the actual load, which may not correspond to the primary reading (depends on operating mode). The ZERO key does not reset the load bar. See

Operating Modes section for details.

5| Units| The current measurement unit. Abbreviations are as follows:

Force units:

lbF – Pound-force ozF – Ounce-force kgF – Kilogram-force gF – Gram-force

N – Newton

kN – Kilonewton

 |  | Torque units:

lbFin – Pound-inch ozFin – Ounce-inch kgFm – Kilogram-meter

kgFmm – Kilogram-millimeter Nm – Newton-meter

Ncm – Newton-centimeter

Note: not all sensor models display all the above units. Refer to the capacity / resolution table for the respective sensor series for details.

---|---|---
6| Mode| The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows: RT – Real Time

PC – Peak Compression (for force sensors) PT – Peak Tension (for force sensors)

PCW – Peak Clockwise (for torque sensors)

PCCW – Peak Counter-clockwise (for torque sensors)

See Operating Modes section for details about each of these modes

7| Battery / AC adapter indicator| Either the AC adapter icon or battery power icon will be shown, depending on power conditions. Refer to the Power section for details.
8| High / low limit indicators| Correspond to the programmed set points. Indicator definitions are as follows:

– the displayed value is greater than the upper load limit

– the displayed value is between the load limits

– the displayed value is less than the lower load limit

9| Set points| The programmed load limit values. Typically used for pass/fail type testing. One, two, or no indicators may be present, depending on the configuration shown in the Set Points menu item.

Controls

Primary Label| ****

Primary Function

| Secondary Label| ****

Secondary Function

---|---|---|---
**| Powers the indicator on and off. Press briefly to power on, press and hold to power off. Active only when the home screen is displayed.| ENTER| Various uses, as described in the following sections.
ZERO| Zeroes the primary reading and peaks.| **

(UP)

| Navigates up through the menu and sub-menus .
MENU| Enters the main menu.| ESCAPE| Reverts one step backwards through the menu hierarchy.
MODE| Toggles between measurement modes.| ****

(DOWN)

| Navigates down through the menu and sub-menus.
DATA| Transmits the current reading to an external device via the USB port.| DIRECTION| Toggles between tension and compression (or clockwise and counter-clockwise) directions while configuring set points and other menu

functions.

Note : Measurement units are configured through the menu. Refer to the Changing The Units section for details.

Menu navigation basics

Most of the indicator’s various functions and parameters are configured through the main menu. To access the menu press MENU. Use the UP and DOWN keys to scroll through the items. The current selection is denoted with clear text over a dark background. Press ENTER to select a menu item, then use UP and DOWN again to scroll through the sub-menus. Press ENTER again to select the sub-menu item.

For parameters that may be either selected or deselected, press ENTER to toggle between selecting and deselecting. An asterisk (*) to the left of the parameter label is used to indicate when the parameter has been selected. For parameters requiring the input of a numerical value, use the UP and DOWN keys to increment or decrement the value. Press and hold either key to auto- increment at a gradually increasing rate. When the desired value has been reached, press ENTER to save the change and revert back to the sub-menu item, or press ESCAPE to revert back to the sub-menu item without saving. Press ESCAPE to revert one step back in the menu hierarchy until back into normal operating mode. Refer to the following sections for details about setting up particular functions and parameters.

Note : As described above, the Plug & Test® smart connector retains all configuration and calibration data for the sensor, which includes menu settings. As such, a sensor must be connected in order for menu changes to be saved with that particular sensor. If a sensor is not connected and the MENU key is pressed, it is possible to browse through the menu parameters and make changes, but changes will not be saved.

DIGITAL FILTERS

Digital filters are provided to help smooth out the readings in situations where there is mechanical interference in the work area or test sample. These filters utilize the moving average technique in which consecutive readings are pushed through a buffer and the displayed reading is the average of the buffer contents. By varying the length of the buffer, a variable smoothing effect can be achieved. The selection of 1 will disable the filter since the average of a single value is the value itself. To access digital filter settings, select Filters from the menu. The display appears as follows:

Two filters are available:
Current Reading – Applies to the peak capture rate of the instrument.
Displayed Reading – Applies to the primary reading on the display.

Available settings: 1,2,4,8,1 6,32,64,128,256,512,1024. It is recommended to keep the current reading filter at its lowest value for best performance, and the displayed reading filter at its highest value for best stability.

SET POINT INDICATORS

General Information
Set points are useful for tolerance checking (pass/fail). Two limits, high and low, are specified and stored in the non-volatile memory of the instrument and the primary reading is compared to these limits.

Configuration
To configure set points, select Set Points from the menu. The screen appears as follows:

Either one, two, or none of the set points may be enabled. To toggle between the tension and compression (or clockwise and counter-clockwise) directions, press the DIRECTION key. If two set points have been enabled, they are displayed in the upper left corner of the display. If only one set point has been enabled, the word “OFF” appears in place of the value. If no set points have been enabled, the upper left corner of the display will be blank.

When set points are enabled, the following indicators are shown to the left of the primary reading: Note : Set point indicators reference the displayed reading, not necessarily the current live load.

OPERATING MODES

Caution!
In any operating mode, if the capacity of the instrument has been exceeded by more than 110%, the display will show “OVER” to indicate an overload. A continuous audible tone will be sounded (if beeps are enabled) until the MENU key has been pressed or the load has been reduced to a safe level. Three operating modes are possible with the 3i indicator. To cycle between the modes, press MODE while in the home screen.

Real time (RT)
The primary reading corresponds to the live measured reading.

Peak Compression (PC) / Peak Clockwise (PCW) – for force / torque sensors, respectively The primary reading corresponds to the peak compression or clockwise reading observed. If the actual
load decreases from the peak value, the peak will still be retained in the primary reading area of the display. Pressing ZERO will reset the value.

Peak Tension (PT) / Peak Counter-clockwise (PCCW) – for force / torque sensors, respectively Same as above, but for tension / counter-clockwise readings.

CHANGING THE UNITS
The 3i can display several measurement units, depending on the sensor. To change the unit, select Units from the menu. The display will list the available units, for example:

The indicator will always power on with the unit selected.

COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS

Communication Settings
To set up communication settings, select USB Settings from the menu. The screen appears as follows:

Communication settings are permanently set to the following:
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None

Other settings are configured as follows:

Baud Rate
Select the baud rate as required for the application. It must be set to the same value as the receiving device.
Data Format
Select the desired data format. The screen appears as follows:

Compression/clockwise values have positive polarity, tension/counter-clockwise values have negative polarity.
Numeric Only| Output format includes the value only. Polarity same as above.
Invert Polarity| Compression/clockwise values have negative polarity, tension /counter-clockwise

values have positive polarity. May be selected in addition to the Numeric + Units / Numeric Only selection.

Omit Polarity| Both directions are formatted with positive polarity. May be selected in addition to the Numeric + Units / Numeric Only selection.

Data Output
Communication with the 3i is achieved through the micro USB port located along the left side of the housing, as shown in the illustration in the Power section. Communication is possible only when the indicator is in the main operating screen (i.e. not in a menu or configuration area). The current reading is transmitted from the indicator when the DATA key is pressed. The 3i may also be
controlled by an external device through the USB channel by sending ASCII command ‘?’ (no quotes). The command must be terminated by a CR (Carriage Return) character, 0x0D, or a CR-LF (Carriage Return – Line Feed) pair, where the Line Feed, 0x0A, is ignored.

Command Responses
In response to the reading request command ‘?’ the indicator will return a string with the load data, followed by a space, then the load unit (if enabled under the USB Settings → Data format sub-menu). It will be terminated by a CR- LF pair.

Example return strings:
-18.78 lbFin 18.78 lbFin of counter-clockwise torque
1.724 N 1.724 N of compression force

The number of digits after the decimal point is dependent of the sensor’s capacity and resolution. Polarity may be inverted or omitted, as shown in the table above. Any detected errors are reported back by means of error code *10 (illegal command). The 3i can send individual data points or continuous data to MESUR®gauge and MESUR® Lite software.

CALIBRATION

Initial Physical Setup
The sensor should be mounted vertically to a test stand or fixture rugged enough to withstand a load  equal to the full capacity of the sensor. Certified deadweights, torque arms/wheels, and/or master load cells should be used, along with appropriate mounting brackets and fixtures. Caution should be taken while handling such equipment.

Calibration Procedure

In the interests of simplicity and brevity, the following instructions use force terminology only. Such wording is displayed only when a force sensor is being calibrated. When a torque sensor is being calibrated, the terms COMPRESSION and TENSION are replaced by CLOCKWISE and COUNTERCLOCKWISE, respectively.

1. Select Calibration from the menu. The display appears as follows:
   The sensor can be calibrated at up to 10 points in each direction. Enter the number of calibration points for each direction (compression and tension or clockwise and counter-clockwise). At least one point must be selected for each direction. For single-direction sensors such as Mark-10’s Series R02, only one direction is allowed.
   Note : To achieve the accuracy specification of ±0.2% + sensor, it is recommended to calibrate the sensor at 5 or more even increments in both the tension and compression directions. For example, a sensor with capacity of 10 lbF should be calibrated at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 lbF loads in each direction.

2. To escape the Calibration menu at any time, press ESCAPE. The display appears as follows:
   Selecting “Cancel” will revert back to the Calibration setup. Selecting “Exit w/o saving” will return to the menu without saving changes.

3. After the number of calibration points has been entered, press ENTER. The display appears as follows:

4. Place the force sensor horizontally on a level surface free from vibration, then press ZERO. The indicator will calculate internal offsets, and the display appears as follows:
   If failed:

5. The following screen appears after the offsets have been calculated:

6. Attach weight fixtures (brackets, hooks, etc), as required. Do not yet attach any weights or apply any calibration loads. Press ENTER. Optionally exercise the sensor several times (at full scale, if possible), then press ENTER.

7. The display appears as follows:
   Apply a weight equal to the full scale of the instrument, then press ENTER.

8.  After displaying “Please wait…” the display appears as follows:
   Remove the load applied in Step 8, leave the fixtures in place, then press ZERO.

9. The display appears as follows:
   Use the UP and DOWN keys to adjust the load value as required. The load values default to even increments, as indicated by the previously entered number of data points (even increments are recommended for best results). For example, if a 50 lbF capacity sensor is calibrated, and 5 data points were selected, the load values will default to 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 lb. Apply the calibration load. Then press ENTER. Repeat the above step for the number of data points selected.

10. After all the compression calibration points have been completed, the display appears as follows:
    Press ENTER.

11. At the completion of the tension calibration, the display appears as follows:
    To save the calibration information, select “Save & exit”. To exit without saving the data select “Exit without saving”.

12. Any errors are reported by the following screens:
    Displayed at the start of calibration if a disallowed unit is selected.
    Ensure that the load is not swinging, oscillating, or vibrating in any manner. Then try again.

Causes:

1. The calibration weight does not match the set value.
2. If using a PTA configurable adapter, ensure that the output signal leads (SG+ and SG-) have been installed into the appropriate terminal blocks. Some sensor manufacturers consider SG+ to be a compression value, while others consider it to be a tension value. If the indicator is expecting a compression load but it is receiving a tension signal, calibration cannot continue. Verify that the tension/compression indicator on the home screen properly corresponds to the load direction, and switch the signal leads, if required.
   The entered calibration point is too close to the previous point.

OTHER SETTINGS

Automatic Shutoff
The indicator may be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity while on battery power. Inactivity is defined as the absence of any key presses or load changes of 100 counts or less. To access these settings, select Automatic Shutoff from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Select Disabled to disable automatic shutoff. Select Enabled to enable it. The length of time of inactivity is programmed in minutes via the Set Minutes parameter. Available settings: 5-30, in 5 minute increments.
Note : If the AC adapter is plugged in, the indicator will ignore these settings and remain powered on until the POWER key is pressed.

Backlight
There are several available initial settings (applicable upon powering on the indicator). To access these settings, select Backlight from the menu. The display appears as follows:

after a period of inactivity (as defined in the Automatic Shutoff sub- section). The backlight will turn on again when activity resumes. The length of time of inactivity is programmed in minutes via the Set Minutes parameter. Available settings: 1-10 , in 1 minute increments.

Note : If the AC adapter is plugged in, the indicator will ignore these settings and keep the backlight on. Selecting the On or Off setting in the Backlight menu will manually turn the backlight on or off.

LCD Contrast
The contrast of the display may be adjusted. Select LCD Contrast from the menu. The screen appears as follows: Press ENTER to modify the contrast. Select a value from 0 to 25, 25 producing the most contrast.

Tones
Audible tones can be enabled for all key presses and alerts, such as overload, set point value reached, etc. The Set Point alert can be configured to be either a momentary tone or a continuous tone (until the load is restored to a value between the set points). To configure the functions for which audible tones will apply, select Tones from the menu. The screen appears as follows:

Initial Mode
This section is used to configure the initial mode upon powering on the indicator. To access this parameter, select Initial Mode from the menu. The screen will display the available modes, which is determined by whether a force or torque sensor is connected. An example is as follows: The default value is Real Time.

Restore Default Settings
Default factory settings can be restored by selecting Restore Defaults from the menu. The settings may be found in the Specifications section. The screen appears as follows:

Information / Welcome Screen
The following screen is displayed at power up and can be accessed at any time by selecting Information from the menu.

SPECIFICATIONS

General

battery level is low, and indicator powers off automatically when power reaches

critical stage.

Battery life:| Backlight on: up to 7 hours of continuous use

Backlight off: up to 24 hours of continuous use

Measurement units:| lbF, gF, kgF, N, kN, lbFin, ozFin, kgFm, kgFmm, Nm, Ncm, (depending on

sensor)

USB output:| Configurable up to 115,200 baud
Safe overload:| 150% of full scale (display shows “OVER” at 110% and above)
Weight:| 0.7 lb [0.3 kg]
Included accessories:| Carrying case, AC adapter, battery, USB cable, and certificate of calibration
Environmental requirements:| 40 – 100°F, max. 96% humidity, non- condensating
Warranty:| 3 years (see individual statement for further details)
Literature & Software:| Download at: www.mark-10.com/resources

Factory Settings

Dimensions IN [MM]

Mark-10 Corporation has been an innovator in the force and torque measurement fields since 1979. We strive to achieve 100% customer satisfaction through excellence in product design, manufacturing and customer support. In addition to our standard line of products we can provide modifications and custom designs for OEM applications. Our engineering team is eager to satisfy any special requirements. Please contact us for further information or suggestions for improvement.

Mark-10 Corporation
11 Dixon Avenue
Copiague, NY 11726 USA
1-888-MARK-TEN
Tel:631-842-9200
Fax:631-842-9201
Internet:www.mark-10.com
E-mail:info@mark-10.com

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