Mark-10 M2-20, M2-50, M2-10, M2-2, M2-100 User Manual

Series 2

DIGITAL FORCE GAUGES

User’ s Guide

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

Thank you…

Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Series 2 digital force gauge, designed
for tension and compression force testing applications from 2 to 500 lbF (10
to 2,500 N) full scale. The Series 2 is an essential component of a force
testing system, typically also comprising a test stand and grips.

With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great
service with this product. Mark-10 force gauges 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 the Series 2 force gauge should
be fully trained in appropriate operation and safety procedures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW .........................................................2

POWER ...............................................................3

MECHANICAL SETUP .......................................4

HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................6

OPERATING MODES .........................................7

CHANGING THE UNITS .....................................7

DIGITAL FILTERS ..............................................8

CALIBRATION ...................................................8

OTHER SETTINGS ...........................................13

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................15

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

1 OVERVIEW

1.1 List of included items
Qty. Description

1 Digital force gauge
1 8.4V rechargeable battery (inside the gauge)
1 Resource CD

1.2 List of optional items

Part No. Description

12-1049 Carrying case
CERT
G1038
G1039
G1029
G1026
G1025
G1027
G1024
G1035
G1037
G1036
G1033
G1032
G1034
G1031

1.3 Safety / Proper Usage

Certificate of calibration with data
Medium hook, #10-32M (requires G1039)
Coupling, #10-32F/F
Flat head, #10-32F
Cone, #10-32F
Chisel point, #10-32F
V-groove, #10-32F
Extension rod, 5”, #10-32F
Large hook, 5/16-18M (requires G1037)
Coupling, 5/16-18F/F
Flat head, 5/16-18F
Cone, 5/16-18F
Chisel point, 5/16-18F
V-groove, 5/16-18F
Extension rod, 5”, 5/16-18F

Caution!

Note the force gauge’s capacity before use and ensure that the capaci ty is not exceeded.
Producing a force greater than 200% of the gauge’s capacity can damage the internal load cell. An
overload can occur whether the gauge is powered on or off.

Typical materials suitable for testing 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 gauge 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.

The following safety checks and procedures should be performed before and during o peration:

1. Never operate the gauge if there is any visible damage to the AC adapter or the gauge itself.

2. Ensure that the gauge is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all
times.

3. The gauge should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be disconne cted and
the gauge must be powered off before the housing is opened.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

4. 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.

5. Wear eye and face protection when testing, especially when testing brittle samples that have the
potential to shatter under force. Be aware of the dangers posed by potential energy that can
accumulate in the sample during testing. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a destructive
failure of a test sample is possible.

6. In certain applications, such as the testing of brittle samples that can shatter, or other applications
that could lead to a hazardous situation, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding
system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.

7. When the gauge is not in use, ensure that the power is turned off.

2 POWER

Caution!

Do not use AC adapters other than supplied or instrument damage may occur.

The gauge is powered either by an 8.4V rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter (input jack is located
in the left side of the housing).

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 backli ght is turned on or
off), a message appears, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. An audio
tone will sound and the gauge will power off.

The gauge can be configured to automatically power off following a period of inactivity. Refer to the Other
Settings section for details.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

Battery life is approximately 24 hours with the backlight off, or 7 hours with the backlight on. To change
the battery, loosen the two captive screws on the back side of the housing and separate the two housing
halves. A foam strip separates the battery from the PCB, as shown in the illustration below:

Ensure that the foam is positioned above the battery when reassembling the housing. Exercise care whe n
reassembling the two halves of the housing, ensuring that internal wires do not interfere.

3 MECHANICAL SETUP

3.1 Loading shaft orientation

In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the loading shaft may be
oriented in either of the two positions shown below. To change the loading shaft orientation, loosen the
two captive screws on the back side of the housing, separate the two housing halves, rotate one half 180
degrees, and reassemble. Exercise care when reassembling the two halves of the housing, ensuring that
internal wires do not interfere.

Load cell shaft up Load cell shaft down

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

3.2 Mounting to a plate

Although the gauge may be used by hand, proper mounting is important if attached to a fixture or test
stand. The round steel insert with a hole in the back of the housing is provided to withstand the load
during a test. A mating dowel pin should be used (see illustration below). Mounting plates on Mark-10 test
stands include a dowel pin and clearance holes for the four threaded holes located near the corners of
the housing. An additional two holes are supplied for metric screws. These holes are designed to
accommodate screws in order to hold the gauge in place (Mark-10 test stands include a set of thumb
screws for gauge mounting). The screws must not
dowel pin properly can result in a hazardous situation.

be used for load bearing purposes. Failure to use a

3.3 Mounting attachments to the gauge

The force gauge’s threaded loading shaft is designed to accommodate common grips and attachments
with female mounting holes. To mount a grip, gently thread it onto the shaft. Ensure that the grip or fixture
is positioned to ensure axial load with respect to the loading shaft of the force gauge. When using a grip,
ensure that it secures the sample in such a way that it is prevented from slipping out during a test,
preventing a potential safety risk to the operator and others in the vicinity. If using a grip or fixture from a
supplier other than Mark-10, ensure that it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components.

Do not use jam nuts or tools to tighten grips or attachments onto the shaft. Finger-tighten only

.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS

4.1 Home Screen

5

4

No. Name Description
1 Primary reading

2 Units

3 Mode

4 Battery / AC

adapter indicator

5 Tension /

compression
indicator

4.2 Controls

The current displayed force reading. See Operating Modes section for
details.
The current unit of measurement. Abbreviations are as follows:
lbF – Pound-force
kgF – Kilogram-force
N – Newton
The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression
PT – Peak Tension
See Operating Modes section for details about each of these modes
Either the AC adapter icon or battery power icon will be shown, depending on
power conditions. Refer to the Power section for details.

- indicates a compression (push) direction

- indicates a tension (pull) direction

23

1

Primary

Label Primary Function

ZERO
MENU
PEAK
Note: Units are configured through the menu. Refer to the Changing The Units section for details.

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Powers the gauge on and off. Press
briefly to power on, press and hold
to power off. Active only when the
home screen is displayed.
Zeroes the primary reading.

Enters the main menu.
Toggles between real-time and peak

measurement modes.

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Secondary

Label Secondary Function

ENTER

(UP)
ESCAPE

(DOWN)

Various uses, as described in the
following sections.

Navigates up through the menu and
sub-menus.
Reverts one step backwards through
the menu hierarchy.
Navigates down through the menu
and sub-menus.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

4.3 Menu navigation basics

Most of the gauge’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 cu rrent 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 an d parameters.

5 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.

Three operating modes are possible with Series 2 gauges. To cycle between the modes, press PEAK
while in the home screen.

5.1 Real time (RT)

The primary reading corresponds to the live measured reading.

5.2 Peak Compression (PC)

The primary reading corresponds to the peak compression reading obse rved. If the actu al force
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.

5.3 Peak Tension (PT)

Same as Peak Compression, but for tension readings.

6 CHANGING THE UNITS

Series 2 gauges display one of three measurement units. To change the unit, select Units from the
menu. The display appears as follows:

UNITS

* lbF
kgF
N

The gauge will always power on with the unit selected.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

7 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 i s 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:

DIGITAL FILTERS

(1 = Fastest)

Current Reading
8
Displayed Reading
128

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: 1,2,4,8,16,32,64,128,256,512,1024. 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
visual stability.

8 CALIBRATION

8.1 Initial Physical Setup

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

8.2 Calibration Procedure

1. Select Calibration from the menu. The display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

To invert the
display, press the
DIRECTION button,
then press ENTER

2. Press DIRECTION to invert the display, if desired. ENTER to continue. The display appears as
follows:

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

CALIBRATION

Enter # cal points

(1 to 10)

Compression:

5

Tension:

5

The gauge can be calibrated at up to 10 points in each direction. Enter the number of calibration
points for each direction (compression and tension). At least one point must be selected for each
direction.

Note: To achieve the accuracy specification of ±0.5%, it is recommended to calibrate the gauge
at 5 or more even increments in both tension and compression directions. For example, a gauge
with capacity of 10 lbF should be calibrated at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 lb loads in each direction.

3. To escape the Calibration menu at any time, press ESCAPE. The display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

NOT COMPLETE

Cancel
Exit without saving

Selecting “Cancel” will revert back to the Calibration setup. Selecting “Exit without saving” will
return to the menu without saving changes.

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

CALIBRATION

OFFSET

Place force gauge
horizontally, then
press ZERO

5. Place the force gauge horizontally on a level surface free from vibration, then press ZERO. The
gauge will calculate internal offsets, and the display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

OFFSET

Please wait…

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

CALIBRATION

OFFSET

Sensor Passed
Analog Passed

If failed:

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

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER

Attach weight fixtures (brackets, hooks, etc), as required. Do not yet attach any weights or apply
any calibration loads. Press ENTER.

7. The display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Optionally exercise
sensor, then press
ENTER

CALIBRATION

Sensor Failed
Analog Failed

OFFSET

Optionally exercise the load cell shaft several times (at full scale, if possible), then press ENTER.

8. The display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Gain adjust

Apply full scale load

10.000 lbF +/-20%,

Then press ENTER

Apply a weight equal to the full scale of the instrument, then press ENTER.

9. After displaying “Please wait…” the display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Ensure no load

Then press ZERO

Remove the load applied in Step 8, leave the fixtures in place, then press ZERO.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

10. The display appears as follows:

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Apply load

1 OF 5

Enter load:

2.000 lbF

Press ENTER

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 gauge 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.

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

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION COMPLETE
Reverse direction
for Tension
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER

Press ENTER.

12. The display appears as follows:
CALIBRATION

To invert the
display, press the
DIRECTION button,
then press ENTER

Reverse the orientation of the load cell shaft by rotating the gauge 180 degrees. Press
DIRECTION to invert the display. Then attach weight fixtures. The following screens will step
through the same procedure as with the compression direction. Proceed in the same manner.

13. At the completion of the tension calibration, the display appears as follows:
CALIBRATION

COMPLETE

Save & exit
Exit without saving

To save the calibration information, select “Save & exit”. To exit without saving the data select
“Exit without saving”.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

14. Any errors are reported by the following screens:

CALIBRATION

Units must be gF

Please try again

Press ENTER

Displayed at the start of calibration if a disallowed unit is selected.

CALIBRATION

Load not stable

Please try again

Ensure that the load is not swinging, oscillating, or vibrating in any manner. Then try again.

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Load too low

Please try again

The calibration weight does not match the set value.

CALIBRATION

TENSION

Load too close

to previous

Please try again

The entered calibration point is too close to the previous point.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

9 OTHER SETTINGS

9.1 Automatic Shutoff

The gauge 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:

AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF

* Disabled
Enabled
Set Minutes
5

Selection Description
Disabled
Enabled
Set Minutes

Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and remain powered on until
the POWER key is pressed.

9.2 Backlight

Several initial settings are available, upon powering on the gauge. To access these settings, select
Backlight from the menu. The display appears as follows:

BACKLIGHT
Off
On
* Auto
Set Minutes
1

Select Off for the backlight to be off upon powering on the gauge.
Select On for the backlight to be on upon powering on the gauge.
Select Auto for the backlight to be on upon powering gauge, but will shut off 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 gauge 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 as if the
Backlight key were pressed.

9.3 LCD Contrast

The contrast of the display may be adjusted. Select LCD Contrast from the menu. The screen appears
as follows:

Disable automatic shutoff.
Enable automatic shutoff.
The length of time of inactivity. Available settings: 5-30, in 5 minute increments.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

LCD CONTRAST

Set Contrast

10

Press ENTER to modify the contrast. Select a value from 0 to 25, 25 producing the most contrast.

9.4 Initial Mode

This section is used to configure the initial mode upon powering on the gauge. To access this para m eter,
select Initial Mode from the menu. The screen appears as follows:

INITIAL MODE

* Real Time
Peak Compression
Peak Tension

The default value is Real Time.

9.5 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:

RESTORE DEFAULT

SETTINGS?

No

Yes

9.6 Information / Welcome Screen

The following screen is displayed at power-up and can be accessed at any time by selecting Information
from the menu:

Digital Force Gauge

Series 2
Model No: M2-50
Serial No: 1234567
Version: 1.0
(c) Mark-10 Corp.

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

10 SPECIFICATIONS

10.1 General

Accuracy:
Sampling rate:
Power:

Battery life:
Safe overload:
Weight:
Included items:

Load cell deflection:
Environmental

requirements:
Warranty:

10.2 Factory Default Settings
Parameter Setting

Filters
Current 8
Displayed 128
Backlight Auto
Minutes 1
Automatic Shutoff Enabled
Minutes 5
LCD Contrast 10
Initial Mode Real Time
Units lbF

10.3 Capacity, Resolution & Load Cell Deflection

Model

M2-2
M2-5
M2-10
M2-20
M2-50
M2-100
M2-200
M2-500

2 x 0.002 1 x 0.001 10 X 0.01
5 x 0.005 2.5 x 0.002 25 x 0.02
10 x 0.01 5 x 0.0 0 5 50 x 0.05
20 x 0.02 10 x 0.01 100 x 0.1
50 x 0.05 25 x 0.02 250 x 0.2
100 x 0.1 50 x 0.05 500 x 0.5
200 x 0.2 100 x 0.1 1000 x 1
500 x 0.5 250 x 0.2 2500 x 2

±0.5% of full scale
500 Hz
AC or rechargeable battery, with multi-step low battery indicator

Backlight on:
Backlight off:

200% of full scale (display shows “OVER” at 110% and above)

M2-2 – M2-100:
M2-200 – M2-500:

Battery, quick-start guide, resource CD, certificate of conformance

0.010 in [0.25 mm]
40 - 100°F, max. 93% humidity, non-condensating
3 years (see individual statement for further details)

up to 7 hours of continuous use
up to 24 hours of continuous use

0.7 lb [0.33 kg]

0.9 lb [0.41 kg]

lbF kgF N

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

10.4 Dimensions

IN [MM]

M2-2 – M2-100
M2-200 – M2-500

Thread Flat

#10-32M UNF 5/16 [7.94]

5/16-18M UNC 5/16 [7.94]

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Series 2 Digital Force Gauges User’s Guide

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.

Force and torque measurement engineered better

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REV 0516

17

32-1168