Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Series 5 digital force gauge, designed
for tension and compression testing applications from 0.12 to 2,000 lbF (0.5
N to 10,000 N) full scale. The Series 5 is an essential component of a force
testing system, typically also comprising a test stand, 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 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 a Series 5 force gauge should be
fully trained in appropriate operation and safety procedures.
USB driver, MESUR® Lite software, MESUR®gauge evaluation software, User’s Guide
1 OVERVIEW
1.1 Included Items
1.2 Safety / Proper Usage
Caution!
Note the force gauge’s capacity before use and ensure that the capacity 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 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 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 operation:
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
disconnected and the gauge must be powered off before the housing is opened.
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
The gauge 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 gauge (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 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.
If battery replacement is necessary, the battery may be accessed by separating the two halves of the
gauge. Refer to the Setup section for details.
In order to accommodate a variety of testing requirements, the orientation of the loading shaft may be set
up in either of the two positions shown below. In order 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. Contact between the two halves is made by the spring pins and contact pads
on the printed circuit boards. Note that models M5-1000, M5-1500, and M5-2000 do not utilize a load cell
shaft, however, the same rotation procedure applies.
Load cell shaft up Load cell shaft down
3.1.2 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. 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 be used
for load bearing purposes. Failure to use a dowel pin properly can result in a hazardous situation.
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. Other mounting adapters are
also available to prevent rotation. 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.
3.2 Installing the USB driver
Caution!
Install the USB driver before physically connecting the gauge to a PC with the USB cable.
Further instructions for configuring and using the gauge’s outputs are provided in the Communications
and Outputs section.
These indicators are used throughout the display and menu.
2
Compression
Peak
The maximum measured compression peak reading. This reading may be
reset by pressing ZERO or by powering the gauge off and on.
3
Tension Peak /
The maximum measured tension peak or static coefficient of friction (for M5-
and on.
4
Primary reading /
The current displayed force reading. See Operating Modes section for
Operating Modes section for details).
5
Load bar
Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The
details.
6
Units
The current measurement unit. Abbreviations are as follows:
N – Newton
1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11
12
3
4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
compression
indicator
Static COF
Kinetic COF
- indicates a compression (push) direction
- indicates a tension (pull) direction
2-COF gauge). May be reset by pressing ZERO or by powering the gauge off
details. For the M5-2-COF gauge, this reading represents the kinetic
coefficient of friction when the gauge is set to COF unit of measurement (see
Units indicator below) and has completed an Average sequence (see
bar increases either to the right or to the left from the midpoint of the graph.
Increasing to the right indicates compression load, increasing to the left
indicates tension 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
capacity / resolution table in the Specifications section for details.
7
Mode
The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
See Operating Modes section for details about each of these modes
8
Number of stored
data points
The number of stored data points in memory, up to 1000. Displayed only if
Memory Storage is enabled for the DATA key.
9
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.
10
Automatic data
If Auto Output has been enabled under Serial / USB Settings, this indicator
animated. See Communications and Outputs section for details.
11
High / low limit
Correspond to the programmed set points. Indicator definitions are as follows:
– the displayed value is less than the lower force limit
12
Set points
The programmed force limits. Typically used for pass/fail type testing. 1, 2, or
Set Points menu item.
mN – Millinewton
COF – Coefficient of friction (M5-2-COF gauge only)
Note: not all gauge capacities measure in all the above units. Refer to the
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression
PT – Peak Tension (static COF for M5-2-COF gauge)
A – Average Mode (kinetic COF for M5-2-COF gauge)
ET – External Trigger Mode
output indicator
indicators
is displayed. When automatic data output is occurring, the icon becomes
– the displayed value is greater than the upper force limit
– the displayed value is between the limits
no indicators may be present, depending on the configuration shown in the
Reverts one step backwards through
the menu hierarchy.
MODE
Toggles between measurement
modes.
(DOWN)
Navigates down through the menu
and sub-menus.
DATA
Stores a value to memory, transmits
data output, depending on setup.
DELETE
Enables and disables Delete mode
UNITS
Toggles between measurement
DIRECTION
Reverses the display during
menu items.
CLEAR
Zeroes the peak readings, but
retains the primary reading.
N/A
N/A
4.2 Controls
briefly to power on, press and hold
to power off. Active only when the
the current reading to an external
device, and/or initiates automatic
units.
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 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.
following sections.
while viewing stored data.
calibration, and toggles between
tension and compression directions
while configuring set points and other
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.
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
until the MENU key has been pressed or the load has been reduced to a safe level.
Five operating modes are possible with Series 5 gauges. To cycle between the modes, press MODE
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 observed. If the actual 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 / Static Coefficient of Friction (PT)
Same as Peak Compression, but for tension readings.
In the M5-2-COF gauge, the reading in this mode represents the static coefficient of friction.
Note: The static COF is always represented in the upper right corner of the display by the peak tension
value, regardless of the operating mode.
5.4 Average Mode / Kinetic Coefficient of Friction (AVG)
Average mode is used to obtain an average force over time. This reading also represents the kinetic
coefficient of friction for the M5-2-COF gauge. Applications include measurement of peel force, COF,
muscle strength, frictional force, and other tests requiring time-averaged readings.
Before the parameters of Average Mode can be configured, it must be enabled. To do so, select Average Mode from the menu, scroll to Enable and press ENTER. The display appears as follows:
The minimum force required to start the averaging sequence. Toggle between
active.
The time delay, after the trigger force, before the averaging sequence
Available settings: 0.0 – 300.0 sec., in 0.1 sec. increments
The time duration of the averaging sequence. This setting is ignored when Stop
Available settings: 0.1 – 300.0 sec., in 0.1 sec. increments
Step
Status
Description
1
TRIG WAIT
The trigger force has not yet occurred.
2
INIT DLY
The initial delay is currently taking place.
3
AVERAGING
The gauge is collecting readings. The status will be flashing until averaging has
been completed.
4
AVRG DONE
Averaging has been completed. The average force is displayed in the primary
reading.
AVERAGE MODE SETTINGS
5.0 sec.
The averaging function operates in one of two ways:
1. Averaging occurs between the trigger force and defined time limit, as illustrated below:
2. Averaging occurs only while above the trigger force. As the force drops back down to this
trigger, averaging stops. To enable this function, scroll to Stop at Force and press ENTER.
Select Settings to configure Trigger Force, Initial Delay, and Averaging Time:
Trigger Force
Initial Delay
Averaging Time
1.00 lbF
1.0 sec.
Trigger Force
or
Start / Stop Force
Initial Delay
Averaging Time
After the parameters have been configured and the menu has been exited, press MODE until AVG is
displayed. Then press ZERO. Average mode is now armed, and the averaging sequence will commence
when the trigger force has occurred. The current status of the averaging sequence is displayed below the
primary reading, as follows:
compression and tension directions by pressing the DIRECTION key. Initial delay
follows the trigger force. If Stop at Force is enabled, this parameter is referred to
as Start / Stop Force, denoting the minimum force for which averaging will be
commences.
at Force is enabled, unless the 300 sec. limit is reached.
The display will freeze the captured reading until ZERO is pressed. Applies
to a high to low transition of the trigger signal.
Momentary Low High
The display will freeze the captured reading until ZERO is pressed. Applies
to a low to high transition of the trigger signal.
Maintained High
The display will show the captured reading only for as long as a high signal
is maintained.
Maintained Low
The display will show the captured reading only for as long as a low signal
is maintained.
EXTERNAL TRIGGER
COF
At the completion of the averaging sequence, the peak values are retained until ZERO is pressed.
Another averaging sequence may be started after ZERO has been pressed. To exit Average mode, press
MODE and select the desired measuring mode.
5.5 COF Sled Weight (for M5-2-COF gauge only)
The M5-2-COF performs COF calculations by dividing the force by the sled weight. For example, a force
of 100 gF divided by 200 g equals 0.5 COF. Although many COF testing applications require a sled
weight of 200 g, the gauge allows the user to change the sled weight to comply with other requirements.
To modify the sled weight, select COF from the menu. The display appears as follows:
* Enabled
Sled Weight Unit
g
Sled Weight
200.0
Available sled weight settings: 100 – 1000 g
5.6 External Trigger (ET)
This mode of operation is useful for measuring electrical contact activation force as well as
synchronization of multiple instruments for a “snapshot” view of applied forces. It is possible to capture
the reading with a normally open contact (high to low transition of the trigger signal) or a normally closed
contact (low to high transition).
Before the parameters of External Trigger Mode can be configured, it must be enabled. To do so, enter
the main menu, select External Trigger, scroll to one of the four available options and press ENTER.
The options are as follows:
* Disabled
Momentary Hi->Lo
Momentary Lo->Hi
Maintained High
Maintained Low
After the selection has been made and the menu has been exited, press MODE until ET is displayed.
External Trigger mode is now armed. Refer to the pin diagram in the Communications and Outputs
section for connection information.
To exit External Trigger mode, press MODE and select the desired measuring mode.
Note: As long as external trigger has been enabled, it is still active even if the gauge is in Real Time
mode. After the display freezes, any programmed set points will be active. However, if the gauge is in
External Trigger mode, any programmed set points will be inactive.
5.6.1 External Trigger Schematic Diagram
Note: Custom cabling is required to connect to a switch, or to connect a switch and a Mark-10 test stand
simultaneously.
6 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:
(1 = Fastest)
Current Reading 1
Displayed Reading
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
stability.
Set points are useful for tolerance checking (pass/fail), triggering an external device such as a motorized
test stand, or alarm indication in process control applications. 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.
The results of the comparisons are indicated through the three outputs provided on the 15-pin connector,
thus providing “under”, “in range”, and “over” signaling. These outputs can be connected to indicators,
buzzers, or relays as required for the application.
7.2 Configuration
To configure set points, select Set Points from the menu. The screen appears as follows:
Upper Disabled
* Upper Enabled
5.000
Lower Disabled
* Lower Enabled
Either one, two, or none of the set points may be enabled. To toggle between the tension and
compression 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 and outputs reference the displayed reading, not necessarily the current live
load.
– the displayed value is greater than the upper
force limit (NO GO HIGH)
– the displayed value is between the limits (GO)
– the displayed value is less than the lower force
7.4 Using Set Points to Control a Mark-10 Test Stand
When using set points to stop/cycle Mark-10 motorized test stands, the upper and lower set points must
be set to opposite measuring directions. Both set points must be set, even if the intended application is
to stop/cycle at only one of the set points. The opposite set point should be a value sufficiently large that it
does not get triggered during the course of the test.
For certain Mark-10 test stands, the upper and lower set point directions are reversed.
Series 5 gauges have storage capacity of 1,000 data points. Readings may be stored, viewed, and output
to an external device. Individual, or all, data points may be deleted. Statistics are calculated for the data
presently in memory.
To enable memory storage, select DATA Key from the menu, then scroll to Memory Storage and press
ENTER. Then exit the menu. In the home screen, the data record number 0000 appears below the
primary reading. Press DATA at any time to save the displayed reading. The record number will
increment each time DATA is pressed. If DATA is pressed when memory is full the message “MEMORY
FULL” will be flashed at the bottom of the display and a double audio tone will be sounded.
To view, edit, and output stored readings and statistics, select Memory from the menu. The screen
appears as follows:
View Data
View Statistics
Output Data
Output Statistics
Output Data & Stats
8.1 View Data
All the saved data points may be viewed. The record number is displayed, along with the corresponding
value and presently set unit of measurement. Any readings may be deleted individually. To do so, scroll
to the desired reading and press DELETE. The letter “D” appears to the left of the record number,
indicating that the gauge is in Delete mode, as follows:
Press ENTER to delete the value. To exit Delete mode, press DELETE again. Any number of readings
may be individually deleted, however, all readings may also be cleared simultaneously. Refer to the Clear
All Data section for details.
8.2 Statistics
Statistical calculations are performed for the saved values. Calculations include number of readings,
minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation.
8.3 Output Data
Press ENTER to output data to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING DATA…”, then
“DATA SENT”. If there was a problem with communication, the display will show, “DATA NOT SENT”.
Saved data can be downloaded by some Mark-10 data collection programs. Refer to their respective
user’s guides for details.
8.4 Output Statistics
Press ENTER to output statistics to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING STATS…”, then
“STATS SENT”. If there was a problem with communication, the display will show, “STATS NOT SENT”.
Press ENTER to output data and statistics to an external device. The display will show, “SENDING
DATA”, then “SENDING STATS…”, then “DATA SENT”, then “STATS SENT”. If there was a problem with
communication, the display will show, “DATA NOT SENT” and/or “STATS NOT SENT”.
8.6 Clear All Data
Press ENTER to clear all data from the memory. A prompt will be shown, “CLEAR ALL DATA?”. Select
Yes to clear all the data, or No to return to the sub-menu.
For output of data and/or statistics, RS-232 or USB output must be enabled. Data formatting is
<CR><LF> following each value. Units can be either included or excluded. Output of data via the Mitutoyo
output is possible, however, output of statistics is not. Refer to the Communications and Outputs
section for details.
Note: Data is not retained while the gauge is powered off. However, the gauge protects against
accidental or automatic power-off. If manually powering the instrument off, or if the inactivity time limit for
the Automatic Shutoff function has been reached, the following warning message appears:
DATA IN MEMORY
WILL BE LOST
CANCEL
POWER OFF
If no option is selected, this screen will be displayed indefinitely, or until battery power has been depleted.
Communication with Series 5 force gauges is achieved through the micro USB or 15-pin serial ports
located at the bottom of the instrument, as shown in the illustration in the Power section. Communication
is possible only when the gauge is in the main operating screen (i.e. not in a menu or configuration area).
9.1 Serial / USB
To set up RS-232 and USB communication, select Serial/USB Settings from the menu. The screen
appears as follows:
* RS232 Selected
USB Selected
+ Baud Rate
+ Data Format
+ Auto Output
Select either RS-232 or USB input (output is always simultaneous through both the USB and RS-232
ports). RS-232 must be selected when communicating through a Mark-10 test stand controller. When
communicating from the gauge directly to a PC or data collector, either RS-232 or USB can be selected
as required. Press DATA to transmit individual data points or to commence an automatic output
sequence (see Automatic Output sub-section for details). Single point or continuous data may also be
requested via ASCII commands from an external device (see Command Set sub-section for details).
Communication settings are permanently set to the following:
Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None
Other settings are configured as follows:
9.1.1 Baud Rate
Select the baud rate as required for the application. It must be set to the same value as the receiving
device. When communicating with a Mark-10 test stand controller, the baud rate must be set to 115,200.
Output format includes the value and unit of measure. Compression values have
positive polarity, tension values have negative polarity.
Numeric Only
Output format includes the value only. Polarity same as above.
Invert Polarity
Compression values have negative polarity, tension 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.
AUTO OUTPUT
DATA FORMAT
9.1.2 Data Format
Select the desired data format. The screen appears as follows:
* Numeric + Units
Numeric Only
Invert Polarity
Omit Polarity
9.1.3 Automatic Output
The gauge has the ability to output data continuously via RS-232 or USB. To enable automatic output,
select Auto Output from the Serial/USB Settings sub-menu. The screen appears as follows:
* Disabled
Enabled
Outputs per Sec.
10
Select Enabled to activate automatic output. The number of outputs per second can be set to 1, 2, 5, 10,
25, 50, 125, or 250. The capabilities of the receiving device should be considered when selecting the data
output rate.
After the settings have been saved, revert to the home screen. An icon appears in the lower left corner of
the display, as follows:
of data may be initiated by pressing DATA or by sending the appropriate ASCII command from an
external device (see Command Set sub-section for details). The icon will become animated, signaling
that automatic output is occurring. Press DATA again to end the data transmission.
This indicates that automatic data output has been armed. Automatic output
Outputs data via Mitutoyo (Digimatic) through the serial port
Memory Storage
Stores a reading to memory (refer to the Memory section for details)
DATA KEY
MITUTOYO BCD
9.2 Mitutoyo BCD settings
This output is useful for connection to data collectors, printers, multiplexers, or any other device capable
of accepting Mitutoyo BCD data. Individual data points may be transmitted by pressing DATA or by
requesting it from the Mitutoyo communication device (if available). To enable Mitutoyo output, select the
desired format – either with polarity or without polarity. The screen appears as follows:
* Disabled
Enabled
* Without Polarity
With Polarity
9.3 Analog Output
This output can be used for chart recorders, oscilloscopes, data acquisition systems, or any other
compatible devices with analog inputs. The output produces ±1 volt at full scale of the instrument. The
polarity of the signal is positive for compression and negative for tension.
9.4 DATA Key Functions
The DATA key can be configured to perform several functions. To configure the DATA key, select DATA
Key from the menu. The display appears as follows:
* RS232/USB Output
Mitutoyo Output
Memory Storage
Three options are available:
Any combination of the above functions may be selected.
Greater than or equal to upper set point, in compression
Off
On
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Greater than or equal to lower set point, in tension
On
Off
Off
Greater than or equal to upper set point, in tension
Off
On
Off
Between upper and lower set points
Off
Off
On
Greater than or equal to lower set point, in compression
On
Off
Off
1
Signal Ground
---
2 *
Tension Overload *
Output
3
RS-232 Receive
Input
4
RS-232 Transmit
Output
5
+12V DC
Input / Output
6
Analog Output
Output
7 *
Compression Overload *
Output
8
Mitutoyo Clock
Output Bit 2
Output
9
Mitutoyo Data
Output Bit 0
Output
10
Mitutoyo Request
Input Bit 3
Input
11 **
Set Point Pin 1 **
Output **
12 **
Set Point Pin 2 **
Output **
13 **
Set Point Pin 3 **
Output **
14
External Trigger
Input
15
Mitutoyo Ready
Output Bit 1
Output
9.5 I/O Connector Pin Diagram (DB-15HD female)
Pin No. Description Input / Output
* Maximum voltage: 40V.
** The output assignments depend on several factors described in the table below. Output functions
always reference the primary reading on the display, regardless of the current mode.
Force Pin 11 Pin 12 Pin 13
Upper and Lower Set Points are Compression
Upper and Lower Set Points are Tension
Upper Set Point is Compression, Lower Set Point is Tension
Upper Set Point is Tension, Lower Set Point is Compression
Series 5 force gauges may be controlled by an external device through the RS-232 or USB channels. The
following is a list of supported commands and their explanations. All commands 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.
Request Readings? Request the displayed reading (dependent on operating mode)
?C Request the current (real time) reading
?PT Request the peak tension reading
?PC Request the peak compression reading
?ET Request the reading obtained during the External trigger mode
?A Request the average reading obtained during the Average mode
UnitsLB Switch units to pound-force
OZ Switch units to ounce-force
KG Switch units to kilogram-force
G Switch units to gram-force
N Switch units to Newtons
MN Switch units to Milli-Newtons
KN Switch units to Kilo-Newtons
Basic Functions
CUR Current mode (real time mode) for primary reading
PT Peak Tension mode for primary reading
PC Peak Compression mode for primary reading
CLR Clear peaks
Z Zero display and perform the CLR function
Filters
FLTPn Digital filter for displayed readings
FLTCn Digital filter for current readings
n= 0-10, filter = 2
Memory & Statistics
MEM Transmit all stored readings
STA Transmit statistics
CLRMEM Clear all stored readings from memory
Set Points
SPHD Disable high set point
SPLD Disable low set point
SPHn High set point. n=value (+ for compression, - for tension)
SPLn Low set point. n=value (+ for compression, - for tension)
USB/RS-232 Communication
FULL USB/RS-232 transmission with units
NUM USB/RS-232 transmission without units (only numeric values)
AOUTn Auto-transmit n times per second n=1,2,5,10,25,50,125,250. 0=disabled
Note: n = 1 = yields 50 times per second. This is provided for backward
compatibility with legacy gauges.
IPOLn Invert polarity of output. n=1=invert polarity. n=0=normal (default)
Note: Normal polarity is positive for compression and negative for tension.
OPOLn Omit polarity of output. n=1=omit polarity. n=0=include polarity (default)
Note: The “+” sign is always omitted. A “–“ sign is sent when polarity is enabled.
Mitutoyo CommunicationMIT Enable Mitutoyo output
MITD Disable Mitutoyo output
POL Mitutoyo output with polarity (+ for compression, - for tension)
NPOL Mitutoyo output without polarity (absolute value)
PM Print/send data to a Mitutoyo-compatible device
Averaging
A Enable Average mode
AD Disable Average mode
AM Select Average mode (if enabled) for primary reading
ATn Average time. n=0.1-300.0 seconds
DELn Initial delay. n=0.1-300.0 seconds
TRFn Trigger force. n=value (+ for compression, - for tension)
External TriggerETH Enable high level-triggered External trigger mode
ETL Enable low level-triggered External trigger mode
ETHL Enable reading captured on a high to low transition
ETLH Enable reading captured on a low to high transition
ETD Disable External trigger mode
Input / Output BitsSn Set output bit (open drain, pull to ground). n=0,1,2
Cn Clear output bit. n=0,1,2
Rn Read current status of output bit or level of input pin. n=0,1,2,3
Personality
RN Read product name
RM Read model number
RV Read firmware version number
RS Read serial number
Other Commands
AOFFn Auto-shutoff. n=0-30 minutes. 0=auto shutoff disabled
SAVE Save current settings in nonvolatile memory
LIST List current settings and status
9.7 Command Responses
In response to a reading request command (those which begin with ‘?’) the gauge will return a string with
the load data, followed by a space, then the load unit (if enabled under the Serial/USB SettingsData format sub-menu). It will be terminated by a CR-LF pair.
Example return strings:
-0.486 lbF<CR><LF> 0.486 lbF of tension force
1.724 N<CR><LF> 1.724 N of compression force
The number of digits after the decimal point is dependent of the gauge’s capacity and resolution.
By default, the minus sign (-) indicates tension, and the absence of a sign indicates compression.
However, positive / negative polarity may be inverted or omitted under the Serial/USB Settings Format sub-menu.
Following is an example LIST output:
V1.00;LBF;CUR;FLTC8;FLTP1;AOUT00;AOFF5;FULL;IPOL0;OPOL0;MIT;POL;B0
All fields are separated by “;”. The first field shows the firmware version, the last field shows the remaining
battery power (B0=full charge, B3=minimum power). All other fields show the status of settings and
features using the same abbreviations as the commands to set them.
Any detected errors are reported back by means of the following error codes:
*10 Illegal command
*11 Not applicable
*21 Invalid specifier
*22 Value too large
*51 Command string too long (25 characters maximum)
10 CALIBRATION
10.1 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.
10.2 Calibration Procedure
1. Select Calibration from the menu. The display appears as follows:
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:
Enter # cal points
(1 to 10)
Compression:
5
Tension:
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 ±0.1%, 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:
NOT COMPLETE
Cancel
Exit w/o saving
Selecting “Cancel” will revert back to the Calibration setup. Selecting “Exit w/o 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:
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:
OFFSET
Please wait…
OFFSET
Sensor passed
Analog passed
If failed:
6. The following screen appears after the offsets have been calculated:
COMPRESSION
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
then press ENTER.
Attach weight fixtures (brackets, hooks, etc), as required. Do not yet attach any weights or apply
Optionally exercise the load cell shaft several times (at full scale, if possible), then press ENTER.
8. The display appears as follows:
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:
COMPRESSION
Ensure no load,
then press ZERO.
Remove the load applied in Step 8, leave the fixtures in place, then press ZERO.
10. The display appears as follows:
COMPRESSION
Apply load
1 OF 5
Enter load:
2.000 lbF
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:
COMPRESSION COMPLETE
Reverse direction
for tension.
Attach necessary
weight fixtures,
Press ENTER.
12. The display appears as follows:
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:
COMPLETE
Save & exit
Exit w/o saving
To save the calibration information, select “Save & exit”. To exit without saving the data select
“Exit without saving”.
Two separate passwords may be set to control access to the Calibration section and to the menu and
other keys. To access the passwords setup screen, select Passwords from the menu. The display
appears as follows:
Calibration
MENU Key
UNITS Key
MODE Key
ZERO Key
Select “+ More” for additional options:
DATA Key
CLEAR Key
POWER Key
11.1 Calibration Password
Select Calibration from the sub-menu. The display appears as follows:
* Disabled
Enabled
Set Password
(0000 – 9999)
5000
To set the password, select Enabled, then Set Password. Use the UP and DOWN keys to increment and
decrement the value, from 0 to 9999. When the desired value has been selected, press ENTER, then
ESC to exit the sub-menu.
11.2 Menu Key Password
If enabled, every time the MENU key is selected, a password must be provided. Select Menu Key from
the sub-menu. Follow the same procedure as described in the previous sub-section.
11.3 Locking Out Other Keys
Other keys may be locked out individually. Select any combination of keys (UNITS, MODE, ZERO,
DATA, CLEAR, POWER) by pressing ENTER in the Passwords sub-menu. Pressing a locked key will
prompt the message “KEY PROTECTED” instead of performing the key’s function.
If passwords have been enabled, the following will be displayed when pressing the MENU key or
accessing the Calibration section:
ENTER PASSWORD
(0000 – 9999)
5000
Use the UP and DOWN keys to select the correct password, then press ENTER to continue.
If the incorrect password has been entered, the display appears as follows:
Reset password
Request code:
XXXX
To re-enter the password, press ESC to exit to the home screen. Then, access the desired function and
enter the password again when prompted.
If the password has been misplaced, it can be reset. Press ENTER to generate a request code. The
request code must be supplied to Mark-10 or a distributor, who will then provide a corresponding
authorization code. Enter the activation code to disable the password.
The length of time of inactivity. Available settings: 5-30, in 5 minute increments.
Selection
Description
Off
Backlight to be off upon powering on the gauge.
On
Backlight to be on upon powering on the gauge.
Auto
Backlight to be on upon powering gauge, but will shut off after a period of inactivity (as
Minutes parameter. Available settings: 1-10, in 1 minute increments.
BACKLIGHT
1
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF
12 OTHER SETTINGS
12.1 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:
Disabled
* Enabled
Set Minutes
5
Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and remain powered on until
the POWER key is pressed.
12.2 Backlight
Although the backlight may be turned on and off at any time by pressing the BACKLIGHT key, there are
several available initial settings (applicable upon powering on the gauge). To access these settings,
select Backlight from the menu. The display appears as follows:
Off
On
* Auto
Set Minutes
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
Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and keep the backlight on.
The contrast of the display may be adjusted. Select LCD Contrast from the menu. The screen appears
as follows:
Set Contrast
10
Press ENTER to modify the contrast. Select a value from 0 to 25, 25 producing the most contrast.
12.4 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:
Keys
* Alerts
Set Points
* Momentary
Continuous
12.5 Initial settings
This section is used to configure the initial settings upon powering on the gauge. The initial units of
measurement and the primary reading measurement mode may be configured. To access these settings,
select Initial Settings from the menu. The screen appears as follows:
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:
SETTINGS?
No
Yes
12.7 Information / Welcome Screen
The following screen is displayed at power-up and can be accessed at any time by selecting Information
from the menu:
Series 5
Model No: M5-50
Serial No: 1234567
Version: 1.0
(c) Mark-10 Corp.
3 years (see individual statement for further details)
Literature & Software:
13 SPECIFICATIONS
13.1 General
gauge powers off automatically when power reaches critical stage.
Battery life:
Outputs:
Weight:
Included accessories:
requirements:
Backlight off: up to 24 hours of continuous use
2 for full computer control.
Mitutoyo (Digimatic): Serial BCD suitable for all Mitutoyo SPC-compatible devices.
Analog: ±1 VDC, ±0.25% of full scale at capacity,
General purpose: Three open drain outputs, one input.
M5-012 0.12 x 0.000022 x 0.0005 - 50 x 0.01 0.5 x 0.0001 - 500 x 0.1
0.25 x 0.00005 4 x 0.001 - 100 x 0.02 1 x 0.0002 - 1000 x 0.2
M5-05 0.5 x 0.00018 x 0.002 - 250 x 0.05 2.5 x 0.0005 - 2500 x 0.5
M5-2* 2 x 0.000532 x 0.01 1 x 0.0002 1000 x 0.2 10 x 0.002 - -
M5-5 5 x 0.00180 x 0.02 2.5 x 0.0005 2500 x 0.5 25 x 0.005 - -
10 x 0.002 160 x 0.05 5 x 0.001 5000 x 1 50 x 0.01 - -
M5-20 20 x 0.005 320 x 0.1 10 x 0.002 10000 x 2 100 x 0.02 - -
50 x 0.01 800 x 0.2 25 x 0.005 25000 x 5 250 x 0.05 - -
M5-100 100 x 0.021600 x 0.5 50 x 0.01 50000 x 10 500 x 0.1 - -
M5-200 200 x 0.053200 x 1 100 x 0.02 - 1000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002 -
M5-300 300 x 0.14800 x 2 150 x 0.05 - 1500 x 0.5 1.5 x 0.0005 -
500 x 0.1 8000 x 2 250 x 0.05 - 2500 x 0.5 2.5 x 0.0005 -
M5-750 750 x 0.5
1000 x 0.5 16000 x 5 500 x 0.2 - 500 x 10 5 x 0.002 -
M5-1500 1500 x 124000 x 20 750 x 0.5 - 7500 x 5 7.5 x 0.005 -
M5-2000 2000 x 132000 x 20 1000 x 0.5 - 1000 x 0.5 10 x 0.005 -
375 x 0.2 - 3750 x 2 3.75 x 0.002 -
* Model M5-2-COF also includes the COF unit, with capacity of 5 and resolution of 0.001. The capacity is
variable, depending on sled weight. The value of 5 represents the capacity based on the default sled
weight of 200 g.