Dillon GTX Plus Force Gauge User Manual
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual
Table of Contents
Table of Contents………………………………………………………… 2
Introduction………………………………………………………………… 3
Before Use………………………………………………………. 3
Operation Overview………………………………………… 3
Powering the GTX…………………………………………… 4
Charging the Batteries……………………………………. 4
Using the GTX…………………………………………………. 5
Fitting Accessories…………………………………………… 5
Mounting to a Test Stand………………………………… 5
Powering up…………………………………………………….. 5
Basic Functions………………………………………………… 6
Main Menu……………………………………………………… 10
SETUP………………………………………………….. 10
AUTO-OFF………………………………… 11
PASS-FAIL………………………………… 11
DROP LEVEL…………………………….. 13
FILTERING………………………………… 15
CUSTOM UNIT………………………….. 15
AUTO AVERAGING……………………. 16
LOAD DEFAULT………………………… 18
DATABASE…………………………………………… 19
VIEW…………………………………………. 19
DELETE LAST…………………………… 19
DELETE ALL……………………………… 20
STATISTICS……………………………… 20
CALIBRATION………………………………………. 21
DATE & TIME………………………………………… 21
DIAGNOSTIC………………………………………… 22
ABOUT………………………………………………….. 23
GTX Specifications………………………………………………………. 24
Conversion Factor……………………………………………………….. 25
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
2
Introduction
correct use and regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate
and reliable service.
The GTX can measure tensile and compressive forces accurately ,
while being simple to use by the operator.
Nextech offers software and accessories to make your force
gauge even more versatile. Ask your Nextech distributor for additional
information or visit our website at www.forcetorque.com
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.
Thank you for choosing the Nextech GTX series instrument. With
3
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
Powering the GTX for the first time
The GTX is supplied with a set of 4 Nickel Metal Hydride AAA
rechargeable batteries pack. 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. Only use the
adaptor/charger supplied.
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 less than 4.6 V, The “battery empty” massage
will be displayed and the gauge will be powered down automatically.
Important: Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
4
Using the GTX
Fitting Accessories
Couple fittings directly to the load cell stem or use an extension
rod. The threads are 10-32 in capacities up to 1000 N, and 5/16-18 in
the 2500 N capacity.
Ensure that fixturing does not 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 Test Stand
The two 10-32 threaded holes on the rear of the gauge can be
used for mounting the gauge. The distance between the holes is 2.25
inch. 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 GTX control panel
To power up the gauge press the ON/OFF key. A short self-test
runs during which the display will show the capacity in Newtons.
5
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
After the self test, providing no load has been applied to the
instrument, the display will show all zeroes. This is because the gauge
rezeroes itself during the self-test routine.
If a force is applied via the load cell probe (hole at bottom of
GTX), 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 GTX and recognized by the
symbol Compressive forces are displayed on the GTX and recognized
by the symbol
Display of Tension/Compression
Tension
symbol
Load indicator
bar of tension
Compression
Load indicator Symbol
bar of
compression
Figure 2 Tension and compression displays
A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how much load has been
applied to the load sensor.
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
6
For tensile force the indicator bar move from right to left. For
compressive forces the indicator bar move from left to right.
Zeroing the gauge During the operation of the gauge it is often
necessary to zero the display – e.g. when you wish to tare out the weight
of a grip, so it does not become part of the measured reading. Press and
release the ZERO key.
Changing the unit of measure You can choose from the following
units of measure depending on the capacity of your gauge:
MilliNewton, kiloNewton, Newton, gram-force, kilogram force, ounceforce or pound-force.
To change the display units press the UNITS key. Each successive
key press will select the next available units until the gauge returns to its
original setting. The GTX automatically converts readings as new unit of
measure are selected.
*Note: All units may not be displayed depending on gauge capacity.
Changing the mode of measure You can choose from the following
modes of measure: Track, Peak-Tension, Peak-Compression, Dual-Peak.
To change the display modes press MODES key. Each successive
key press will select the next available modes until the gauge returns to
its original setting.
Track mode Press MODES key until the
appeared
on the display. The display will now indicate forces applied in both
directions as they are applied to the load sensor and maintain the live
display. See Figure 3a
Track symbol
Figure 3a Track
Peak-Tension mode Press MODES key until the
appeared on the display. The display will show the maximum tensile
force. See Figure 3b
7
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
Peak Tension
symbol
Figure 3b Peak Tension
Peak-Compression mode Press MODES key until
appeared on the display. The display will show the maximum
compressive force. See Figure 3c
Peak Compression
symbol
Figure 3c Peak Compression
Dual-Peak mode Press MODES key until
appeared on
the display. The display will show the highest tensile force and the
highest compressive force. The current load being applied to the load
sensor is also displayed. See Figure 3d
Peak tension
reading
Dual symbol
Peak compression
reading
Load currently
applied to load
sensor
Figure 3d Dual Peak
Resetting the gauge Press RESET key to clear both maximum
registers and prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.
Backlit Display When you press any key or applied forces to load
sensor greater then 0.5 % of full scale the backlight will go on for 6
seconds.
GTX-Plus Series User’s Manual REV 2.1
8
Loading...