Dillon GS Plus Force Gauge User Manual

GS Series User’s Manual

Table of Contents

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction…………………………………………………………………… 3
Before Use…………………………………………………………… 3
Operation Overview…………………………………………… 3
Powering the GS………. ………………………………………………… 4
Using the GS…………. ……….…………………………………………… 5
Fitting Accessories……………………………………………… 5
Mounting to a Test Stand…………………………………… 5
Powering up………………………………………………………… 5
Basic Functions…………………………………………………… 6

Main Menus……………………………………… ………………… 10
AUTO-OFF………………………………………………… 10
PASS-FAIL………………………………………………… 11
MEMORY…………………………………………………… 12
CALIBRATION…………………………………………… 13
DIAGNOSTIC…………………………………………… 13
ABOUT……………………………………………………… 14
Measurement Practice………………………………………… 15
GS Specifications……….………………………………………………… 16
Conversion Factor…………………………………………………………… 17

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Introduction

Thank you for choosing the Dillon GS series instrument. With

correct use and regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate
and reliable service.
The GS can measure tensile and compressive forces accurately,
while being simple to use by the operator. It may be used handheld or
mounted top a fixture or test stand.
Software and accessories are available to make your force gauge
even more versatile. Ask your distributor for additional information.

Before Use

Upon receiving the unit please check that no physical damage
has occurred to the packaging material, plastic case or the instrument
itself. If any damage is evident please notify Nextech immediately.

Operation Overview

The most commonly used features (such as displaying force,
peak hold, zero and changing of displayed units) can all be done by
pressing a single dedicated key identified on the font panel-see the Basic
Functions section.
You can press a menu key to access the gauge configuration- see
the Main Menu section.

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Powering the first time

The GS is supplied with a set of 4 Nickel Metal Hydride AA
rechargeable batteries. For safety reasons during transportation the
batteries are shipped discharged. To obtain maximum battery life we
recommend that you charge them with the charger/adaptor supplied for
at least 14-16 hours when you first receive the instrument.

Battery Indicator

Battery level > 5.0 V

5.0 V > Battery level > 4.9 V

4.9 V > Battery level > 4.8 V

4.8 V > Battery level > 4.7 V
Battery level < 4.7 V

If battery level is less than 4.6 V, The “ battery empty” message
will be displayed and the gauge will power down automatically.

Important: Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.

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Using the GS

Fitting Accessories

Couple fittings directly to the load cell stem or use an extension
rod. The threads are 5mm and have capacities up to 2500 N.

Ensure that fixturing does nor contact the force gauge case.

Ensure that anything coupled to the gauge is screwed finger-tight
only. Excessive torque can damage the load cell and is not covered by
warranty.

Mounting to a Fixture or Test Stand

Use the two 10-32 threaded holes. The distance between the
holes is 2.5 inch. Or fours 3mm thread holes on the rear of the gauge
can be used for mounting the gauge. A versatile stand mounting plate is
available to couple the force gauge to many brands of test stands.

Powering up

As show in Figure 1 the control panel has eight keys.

Figure 1 GS control panel

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To power up the gauge press the ON/OFF key. A short self-test
runs during which the display will show the capacity in Newton.
After the self test, providing no load has been applied to the
instrument, the display will show all zeroes. This is because the gauge
re-zeroes itself during the self-test routine.

*If a force is applied via the load cell probe (hole at bottom of

GS), the reading on display will register the applied force.

*Forces may not show zero if it is moved during the self test
routine. Once it is properly mounted and zeroed the reading will be
stable.

*Do not overload the load sensor. This will cause irreparable
damage. Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an audibl e
beep and OL symbol will blink on the display until load is release and
RESET key is pressed.
To power down the gauge press the ON/OFF key.

*All the current settings are saved when the gauge is turned off
and the gauge will function in the same mode when powered up again.

Basic Functions

Tensile forces are displayed on the GS and recognized by the
symbol
by the symbol

Display of Tension/Compression

Tension
symbol
Load indicator
bar of tension

Compression
Load indicator symbol
bar of
compression

, Compressive forces are displayed on the GS and recognized

Figure 2 Tension and compression displays

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