User’s Guide
MESURgauge Software
User’s Guide
MESURgauge Software
Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing MESURgauge software, a data collection
and analysis program developed to:
Measure
Collect data from digital force gauges, torque gauges, test stands,
travel displays, and other devices.
Graph
View a real time graph of load vs. time or travel.
Analyze
View an analysis graph, calculate statistics, and zoom to selected locations on the graph.
Store
Save results to a file, or export directly to Microsoft
recall previously saved test data, test setups and gauge configurations.
MESURgauge expands the functionality of a Mark-10 testing system,
typically comprising a test stand, force gauge, grips, and accessories.
For details on communicating with an ESM301 motorized test stand,
please refer to page 28.
This User’s Guide provides detailed operating instructions. 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.
®
ExcelTM. Save and
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STARTUP ................................................................................... 2
PORT CONFIGURATION TAB .................................................. 4
TEST SETUP TAB ..................................................................... 7
ACQUISITION TAB .................................................................. 11
ANALYSIS TAB........................................................................ 17
DIGITAL DISPLAY TAB........................................................... 20
GAUGE SETTINGS TAB ......................................................... 21
REPORT TAB........................................................................... 23
COMMUNICATING WITH THE ESM301 TEST STAND.......... 28
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User’s Guide
1 STARTUP
1.1 Computer Requirements
A personal computer running Microsoft
Vista operating system, with screen resolution of 1024 x 768 minimum, is required to run MESURgauge software. An RS-232C serial
port (“COM” Port) is required to communicate with a gauge. A second COM port is needed to communicate with a digital travel display. A CD-ROM drive is needed for software installation.
1.2 Installation Instructions
Insert the MESURgauge installation CD into the computer’s CDROM drive. If AutoRun is enabled on the computer, the setup program will run automatically. If not, the setup program may be run
manually. Click the START button on the Windows task bar, select
“Run…”, type “D:Setup” in the dialog box and press ENTER.
Alternately, using My Computer or Windows Explorer, navigate to
the CD-ROM drive and double-click the file “Setup.exe”.
Follow the prompts on the screen to install MESURgauge.
1.3 Running MESURgauge Software
When the installation is complete, run MESURgauge by clicking the
Windows START button, locating “MESURgauge by Mark-10” under “Programs”, and then clicking “MESURgauge”.
1.4 MENU ITEMS (available in all tabs)
File
Factory Defaults – Click to restore the factory default set-
tings.
Close – Click to exit MESURgauge.
Help
Show Tip Strips – Check this box to show “tip strips” (also
known as “tool tips”). These are text boxes that appear
when the cursor hovers over an object or area of the
®
Windows 2000, XP or
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screen.
MESURgauge User’s Guide – Click to open the user’s
guide PDF document. (Note: Adobe Reader is required
and is downloadable at
Mark-10 Website – Click this to link to the Mark-10 web-
site. (Note: An internet connection and a browser is required).
(About)
Click the MESURgauge logo to display general software
information.
www.adobe.com
).
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User’s Guide
2 PORT CONFIGURATION TAB
Use this screen to configure the computer’s COM port settings to
which the instruments are connected. The default settings are the
same as the factory default settings for Mark-10 gauges. The
setting most likely to be changed is the particular COM port to
which the instrument is connected. MESURgauge can be configured to accept a single string of data (load), two strings of data
(load and travel) on separate COM ports, or two strings of data on
the same COM port.
2.1 Gauge Port Settings
COM Port
Select the COM port that the gauge is connected to from
the drop-down list. Clicking REFRESH updates the list with
all installed ports.
Baud Rate
Select the baud rate of the serial port. The default setting is
9600 baud.
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Data Bits
Select the number of data bits for the serial port, then click
the APPLY button below. The default setting is 8 data bits.
Parity
Select the parity setting of the serial port. The default set-
ting is “None” (no parity).
Stop Bits
Select the number of stop bits for the serial port. The de-
fault setting is 1 stop bit.
APPLY
Click this button to apply changes to the above settings.
2.2 Reading Request String
String to Write
Enter the command string to request a reading from the
instrument. The default string for Mark-10 gauges is “?
C” (no quotes). Select either or both of the CR and LF
check boxes to append the string as required. CR (default)
or CR-LF may be used for Mark-10 gauges. The default
string can be recalled by right-clicking in the box and selecting "Reinitialize to Default Value".
The ability to specify the request data command adds flexi-
bility in testing. For example, peak or average readings may
be read from the gauge. Additionally, it allows for the compatibility of MESURgauge with gauges not manufactured by
Mark-10.
String Read
This is the raw character string read from the gauge.
Display Codes
Display control character '\' codes (\r = carriage return, \n =
line feed, \s = space).
2.3 Gauge Name
Optionally enter a name to be associated with the gauge settings in
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User’s Guide
this text box. This is helpful in identifying the particular gauge being
used. This name is automatically entered in the file dialog box
which opens when the SAVE configuration button is clicked. Any
name may be used. For further information on saving, see the
SAVE button description in Section 2.6.
2.4 Simulated Gauge
Check this box to simulate data being received from an instrument.
No serial connection is needed to a gauge. To start collecting data,
click the Acquisition tab and click the START button. Data will
populate the graph and table at the specified rate. This is provided
for demonstration purposes only.
2.5 Travel Port Settings
These settings apply to the second COM port. This COM port is
intended for use with a serial port digital travel display which is attached to a test stand (travel measurement is used for tests such as
spring and tensile testing). The information about the settings in
Section 2.1 (Gauge Port Settings) also applies to this section.
2.6 Travel Data Combined With Load Data
Check this box for MESURgauge to accept two strings of data on
one COM port. Configure the data string as required by selecting
the appropriate line numbers, field numbers, and field delimiter.
2.7 Configuration File Folder
Enter a full path or browse for a folder to use for Gauge Configuration (*.cfg) files. To browse for a folder, click the folder icon at the
right of the text box and navigate to or create the desired folder,
then click the "Current Folder" button in the dialog box.
2.8 Shared Buttons
SAVE
Click this button to open a file dialog box prompting to save
the current settings to a configuration file (this file has a .cfg
extension). Any file name may be entered and any folder
may be selected or created.
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SAVE AS DEFAULT
Clicking this button saves the current settings to the default
configuration file “Default.cfg”. (No file dialog box opens.)
RECALL
Click this button to open a dialog box in which to browse for
previously saved configuration files. Parameter fields will be
populated based on the information in the configuration file.
3 TEST SETUP TAB
Use this tab to configure various parameters for the test. This includes test start and stop conditions, pass/fail limits, selection of
continuous or discrete readings, and data sampling rate.
3.1 Start Condition
Select an option button for time delay, load threshold, or travel to
begin the test.
Time
Set time delay, in seconds, to begin the test.
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User’s Guide
Load
Set a load threshold to begin the test (The load units are as
specified in the Select Units drop-down list box in the upper right area of this tab).
Travel
Set a travel threshold to begin the test. The second COM
port must be enabled for this selection to be made (the
travel units are as specified with the Inches / Millimeter
option buttons in the right-center area of this tab).
3.2 Stop Condition
Select an option button for time, load, the number of readings, or
travel to stop the test.
Time – Seconds
Set the duration of the test, in seconds.
Load – Threshold
Set the load threshold at which to terminate the test (the
load units are as specified in the Select Units drop-down
list box in the upper right area of this tab). See Stop
Threshold Options below for various load stop threshold
options.
Number of Readings – Readings
Set the number of readings at which to terminate the test.
Travel
Set the travel threshold to end the test. The second COM
port must be enabled for this selection to be made (the
travel units are as specified with the Inches / Millimeter
option buttons in the right-center area of this tab).
3.3 Load Stop Condition
Four test stop options based on load threshold are available:
Rising Edge
Stop threshold is higher than the start threshold (increasing
load).
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Falling Edge 1
Stop threshold is lower than start threshold (decreasing
load).
Falling Edge 2
Stop threshold is higher than Start threshold, but the load is
decreasing.
Break Detect
Stop the test when the load decreases to a specified percentage of the maximum (peak) reading during the test.
3.4 Reading Mode
Single Readings
When this option is selected, single readings are taken from
the gauge each time READ is clicked, or the DATA button
on the gauge is pressed. This button appears below the
graph in the Acquisition tab when this option is selected.
Continuous Readings
When selected, readings are taken from the gauge at a rate
set in the Readings per Second field.
Readings per Second
This numeric box sets the number of readings per second
that MESURgauge requests data from the gauge in the
“Continuous Readings” mode. Available range is 0.001 to
50 readings per second.
Note: When using a Mitutoyo brand travel display, it is recommended to limit the readings per second at 4, to prevent
communication errors.
3.5 Invert Load
Check this box to invert the polarity (sign) of the load reading. This
is useful, for example, in tensile strength testing. Tension readings,
which have a negative sign, can be reversed so that the graph
shows increasing values instead of decreasing values.
Note: There is another instance of this check box in the Acquisition
tab. Checking one box automatically checks the other.
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User’s Guide
3.6 Test Units
Note: Reading and setting units is possible with Mark-10 gauges
only.
Select Units
The gauge’s unit of measurement can be set by clicking on
the appropriate selection from the drop-down menu.
SET
Sets the gauge to the units of measurement selected.
READ
Reads the unit of measurement to which the gauge is currently set.
Units Read
Displays the unit of measurement to which the gauge is
currently set.
3.7 Travel Port
This is a second COM port from which data from a travel display is
received. Travel readings are tabulated and plotted vs. load, as opposed to time vs. load.
Enable
Check this box to enable the second COM port for travel
data collection. The settings for this port can be configured
in the Port Configuration tab.
Invert Travel
Check this box to invert the polarity (sign) of the readings
from the travel display.
3.8 Pass / Fail Limits
Check this check box to enable high and low indicators for go / no
go type testing. When checked, Pass, Fail High, and Fail Low indi-
cators appear in the Acquisition tab, below the STOP button.
3.9 Folders
Enter full paths or browse for folders to use for Test Data (*.log) and
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Test Setup (*.tst) files. To browse for a folder, click the folder icon at
the right of the text box and navigate to or create the desired folder,
then click the "Current Folder" button in the dialog box.
3.10 Shared Buttons
SAVE
Opens a file dialog box in which to save the current settings
to a test setup file (.tst extension). Any file name may be
entered and any folder may be selected or created.
SAVE AS DEFAULT
Clicking this button saves the current settings to the default
test setup file, “Default.tst”.
RECALL
Click this button to open a dialog box in which to browse for
previously saved test setup files. Parameter fields will be
populated based on the information in the test setup file.
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User’s Guide
4 ACQUISITION TAB
Use this tab to view tabular and graphical data from a gauge as it is
being received. When the START button is clicked, data received
from the connected gauge(s) will be graphed and tabulated as they
are being received. The test ends automatically when the stop condition in the Test Setup tab is met. The test can also be ended at
any time by clicking the STOP button. Specific load and time (or
travel) data points are displayed in the fields below the table.
4.1 START
Starts a test. Readings from the gauge are captured when the start
condition in the Test Setup tab is met. When data is being captured, the “Acquiring Data” indicator above the START button turns
on (bright green).
4.2 STOP
Stops a test. The test will stop automatically when the selected stop
condition in the Test Setup tab has been met. When the test is
completed, the “Acquiring Data” indicator will turn off (dark green).
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4.3 Table
Contains the reading number, load reading from the gauge, and
relative time stamp (or travel datum) for each data point.
Scroll to, or manually enter, the desired reading in the Reading box
to display corresponding load and time (or travel) data in the indicators to the right.
4.4 SAVE
Click this button to open a file dialog box in which to save the data
from the table to a tab-delimited text file. Enter a file name and optionally browse to any desired folder location. The default file folder
location for the test data files is set in the Test Data Folder box in
the Test Setup tab. After saving, the file can then be opened by
common Windows programs such as Notepad and Excel. Note:
Saving cannot be performed until the test has been completed.
4.5 Last Reading
The most recent reading received from the gauge.
4.6 Total Readings
The total number of readings taken during the test.
4.7 Units
The unit of measurement received with the data (the gauge[s] must
be configured to send units information).
4.8 Graph
The graph plots load versus time or load versus travel (time is default). Scale minimum and maximum values can be set by doubleclicking on the numerals long the X and Y axes. Change the numbers to the desired values and press ENTER or click away from the
numbers.
Several options are available by right-clicking anywhere within the
graph. A pop-up menu appears as follows:
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User’s Guide
The menu items are provided for quick access and convenience to
some common functions. The AutoScale X and Y items are equivalent to the “padlock” icon on the scale palette at the lower right of
the graph, described below.
4.9 Tools (under the graph)
View
Clicking on this button brings up the following six viewing
options:
Set a zoom window with adjustable x- and ydimensions for a specific part of the graph
Set a zoom window with adjustable x-dimension for
a specific part of the graph
Set a zoom window with adjustable y-dimension for
a specific part of the graph
View entire graph
Zoom out
Zoom in
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Pan
This allows the user to reposition the graph. Click on the
graph, move the mouse to the desired location, and release
the mouse button.
4.10 X- & Y-scale Settings
Auto-scale lock
When in the locked position, the scale is in auto-scale
mode.
Auto-scale
Click to auto-scale the axis.
Scale & grid properties
Click to adjust various scale and grid properties. A pop-up
context menu provides access to these properties.
4.11 Plot Palette (upper right corner of the graph)
Several plot options are available by clicking on the Plot Palette
icon. A menu of options will appear as follows:
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User’s Guide
Plot settings and graph properties can be configured as desired.
4.12 Graph Colors
Background Color Picker Box
Select the background color of the graph.
Set
Sets the graph to the selected background color.
Defaults
Restores the background, plot, and grid colors to factory
defaults.
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4.13 Pass/Fail Indicators
When the Use Limits check box in the Pass/Fail Limits frame in the
Test Setup tab is checked, the Pass/Fail indicators, shown below,
become visible. While acquiring data, the load values received are
compared to the upper and lower limits set in the Test Setup tab,
and the appropriate indicator illuminates. A fail condition is represented by a bright red indicator. A pass condition is represented by
a bright green indicator.
4.14 Pass/Fail Limit Lines
Horizontal lines corresponding to the pass/fail limits set are displayed on the graph in red.
4.15 Invert Load
See Section 3.5.
4.16 Invert Travel
This checkbox is not visible unless the travel port is enabled in the
Test Setup tab. For details see Section 3.7.
4.17 CLEAR
Sends a command to a Mark-10 gauge to clear peaks and start a
new average or external trigger test (if so enabled).
4.18 ZERO
Sends a command to a Mark-10 gauge to zero the display and per-
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User’s Guide
form the CLEAR function, as described above.
The ZERO and CLEAR buttons in MESURgauge perform the same
functions as the ZERO and CLEAR buttons on Mark-10 gauges.
5 ANALYSIS TAB
This tab is used to analyze the data obtained during a test. Statistics are calculated and displayed automatically upon completion of
the test. The graph cursor tools can be used to zoom to a specific
area of the graph. Statistics may then be calculated for that region
of the graph. Graph and table data from the Acquisition tab is automatically transferred to this graph and table when the test has been
completed.
5.1 Graph
Graph functionality and tools are the same as in the Acquisition
tab, with one additional active icon:
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Cursor Movement Tool
Clicking this button allows the X-Y cursor to be dragged to
the desired position.
Pass/Fail Limit Lines
Horizontal lines corresponding to the pass/fail limits set are
displayed on the graph in red.
5.2 REFRESH GRAPH
Redraws the graph based on the data collected during the test.
5.3 Cursor Palette
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Center Cursor
Centers the cursor in the graph area.
Cursor Control
Click on the quadrants of this icon to move the cursor in the
corresponding direction.
Cursor Table
Displays the cursor position’s X and Y values.
User’s Guide
Reading Number at Cursor
Reading number corresponding to the current position of
the cursor.
5.4 Graph Colors
The graph color selection functionality is the same as described in
the Acquisition tab.
5.5 Statistics
This frame displays statistical data for the test.
Maximum
The maximum load reading measured during the test.
Minimum
The minimum load reading measured during the test.
Average
The average (mean) of the readings. Note that in situations
where load fluctuates between positive and negative values, this function considers polarity, not the absolute values
(for example, the average of +5 and -5 is calculated as 0).
Area Under Curve
The average of the absolute values of the load readings
multiplied by the selected time interval.
The above statistics are based on the data range specified in the Xscale Settings frame. This range defaults to the full range at completion of the test. This range can be modified by entering the desired range in the Minimum and Maximum numeric boxes. Click the
CALCULATE button to calculate the statistics for the specified
range. The graph will automatically adjust to reflect the new range.
5.6 Table
The table functionality is the same as described in the Acquisition
tab.
5.7 RECALL
Opens a file dialog box prompting to recall a previously saved test
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data file. The table and graph will be populated with the previously
saved data, and the statistics will automatically be calculated.
Note: When recalling a test which used the travel port for travel
measurement, or single readings, those options must be selected in
the Test Setup tab in order for the x-axis label of the graph and the
statistics to be displayed correctly.
5.8 SAVE
Opens a file dialog box prompting to save the data from the table to
a tab-delimited text file. Enter a file name and optionally browse to
any desired folder location. The default file folder location for the
test data files is set in the Test Data Folder box in the Test Setup
tab. After saving, the file can then be opened by common Windows
programs such as Notepad and Excel.
5.9 Export to Excel
Clicking this button launches Microsoft
separately) and populates a worksheet containing reading numbers, load, and time or travel directly into a worksheet.
®
ExcelTM (if installed, sold
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User’s Guide
6 DIGITAL DISPLAY TAB
This tab is provided to display real time load readings (and, if the
travel port is enabled, travel readings) in large numerals. If the
“Graph and Tabulate Data” check box is checked, the graph and
table in the Acquisition tab is populated. See image on the next
page.
7 GAUGE SETTINGS TAB
This tab provides a convenient utility with which to read and set
gauge configuration parameters from a PC. Settings are applicable
only for Mark-10 gauges. Refer to your instrument’s user’s guide for
details on the various parameters.
In the lower left-hand part of the screen, it is possible to enter commands to send to any gauge via the primary serial port. This facility
allows the user to communicate with any gauge.
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7.1 READ
Populates the fields above with current settings from a Mark-10
gauge.
7.2 SAVE
Saves the current gauge settings to the gauge’s non-volatile memory. These will be the default settings when the gauge powers on.
Note: The desired settings must be individually written to the gauge
(by clicking the Set button adjacent to the parameter menu) before
clicking SAVE. It is recommended to click the READ button to confirm the current settings before clicking SAVE.
7.3 Set Buttons (all)
Click to set the Mark-10 gauge with the parameter selected from
the drop-down menu adjacent to the respective Set button.
7.4 String to Send to Gauge
Enter a command to send to the gauge via the primary serial port.
This facility allows the user to communicate with and send commands to any gauge. Click Send to send the command.
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User’s Guide
7.5 String Read from Gauge
This text box shows the response string, if any, that is received in
response to the above command.
7.6 Display Codes
Display control character '\' codes (\r = carriage return, \n = line
feed, \s = space).
Note: This tab and all gauge-related functions cannot be used while
MESURgauge is collecting data from an ESM301 test stand. See
Section 9 for details on communicating with the ESM301.
8 REPORT TAB
Use this tab to set up a report for the test. The report may be
printed to the selected printer or saved as an HTML file. A report
template may be saved and recalled.
8.1 Select Printer
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MESURgauge Software
Select the printer to which the report will print. The Windows default
printer is selected initially.
8.2 PRINT
Prints the report on the selected printer.
8.3 HTML Report Folder
Enter or browse for a folder in which to save the report files.
8.4 SAVE
Opens a file dialog box prompting to save the report. Enter a file
name and optionally browse to any desired folder location. The default file folder location for report files is set in HTML Report
Folder, as described above.
8.5 Left Header Text
Enter text to appear in the upper left corner of the report. The text
will appear as bold in the report.
8.6 Right Header Check Boxes
Check the Date and/or Time boxes to include the current date and/
or time in the right header of the report. Date and time will appear
as bold in the report.
8.7 Initial Text
Enter any initial text here.
8.8 Additional Text
Enter any additional text here.
8.9 Conclusion Text
Enter any concluding text here.
8.10 Left Footer Text
Enter text to appear in the lower left corner of the report. The text
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User’s Guide
will appear as bold in the report.
8.11 Right Footer Text
Enter text to appear in the lower left corner of the report. The text
will appear as bold in the report.
Use the above text boxes to enter information and comments pertaining to the test. This information can be saved to a file as a template and can be recalled.
8.12 Include Graph
Check this check box to include an image of the graph in the report.
8.13 Include Table
Check this check box to include the table data in the report.
8.14 Include Table Grid
Check this check box to include a grid for the table.
8.15 Save Template
Saves a template of all the information in the text boxes and selected settings to a file for recall.
8.16 Recall Template
Recalls a previously saved template.
A sample HTML report is shown below as it would appear in a
browser:
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User’s Guide
9 COMMUNICATING WITH THE ESM301
TEST STAND
MESURgauge can collect data from an ESM301 test stand. The
test stand can output either force data only or force data combined
with travel data (if the ESM301-001 integrated travel indication option is installed). To communicate with MESURgauge, certain settings in the test stand, force gauge, and software must be changed
as follows:
9.1 Force data only
1. Check physical connections (refer to the ESM301 user’s guide).
2. Force gauge settings (refer to the gauge’s user’s guide).
1. Set to automatic output of every sample.
2. Disable Mitutoyo BCD output.
3. Test stand settings
1. Set the baud rate to 115,200.
2. Set the Control mode to Console.
9.2 Force and travel data simultaneously
1. Check physical connections (refer to the ESM301 user’s guide).
2. MESURgauge settings
1. Test Setup tab
1. Under Travel check the Enable box. Under
Reading Mode, if Continuous Readings is selected, Readings per Sec. defaults to 4. This
value can be increased.
3. Port Configuration tab
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MESURgauge Software
1. Identify a working com port, and select the appropriate port in Gauge Port Settings.
2. Under Gauge Port Settings, change baud rate to
115,200.
2. Under Reading Request String change String to
Write to “n” (lowercase, no quotes). Uncheck the
CR box.
3. Check the box labeled Travel Data Combined
with Load Data. No changes are needed to the
default lines, fields, and delimiter.
4. Click APPLY after making any changes in the
Gauge Port Settings area.
3. Force gauge settings (refer to the gauge’s user’s guide)
1. Set to automatic output of every sample.
2. Disable Mitutoyo BCD output.
4. Test stand settings
1. Set the baud rate to 115,200.
2. Set the Control mode to Console.
5. The Gauge Settings tab and all other gauge-related functions
cannot be used while MESURgauge is connected to the ESM301. It
is intended for use only when connected to a Mark-10 force gauge
directly.
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User’s Guide
NOTES:
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MESURgauge Software
32-1088
REV 2 0309
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