Mark-10 ME-100, ME-500, ME-200 User Manual

Series E

ERGONOMICS FORCE GAUGES

User’ s Guide

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

Thank you…

Thank you for purchasing a Mark-10 Series E ergonomics force gauge, designed for tension and
compression testing applications with a range of interchangeable accessories.

With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great service with this product. Mark­10 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 E force gauge should be fully trained in
appropriate operation and safety procedures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

POWER ...............................................................4

SETUP ................................................................5

HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................7

SET POINTS .......................................................9

OPERATING MODES .......................................10

DATA MEMORY AND STATISTICS ................13

COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS .............15

CALIBRATION .................................................16

PASSWORDS ...................................................21

OTHER SETTINGS ...........................................22

SPECIFICATIONS ............................................24

www. .com

1

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

y

gaug

y

gaug

y

gaug

1 OVERVIEW

1.1 List of included items – Force Gauge Only – ME-100, ME-200, ME-500
. Part No. Description

Qt

1 12-1049 Carrying case
1 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, UK, or AUS prong
1 08-1026 Battery (inside the gauge)
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD (USB driver, user’s guides, MESURTM Lite

software, MESUR

1.2 List of included items – Basic Kits – EKE-100-1, EKE-200-1, EKE-500-1
. Model No. Description

Qt

1 ME-100 /

ME-200 /

ME-500
1 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, UK, or AUS prong
1 08-1026 Battery (inside the gauge)
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD (USB driver, user’s guides, MESURTM Lite

1 E1003 Padded attachment, rectangular
1 E1004 Padded attachment, curved
1 E1006 Hook
1 E1009 Double handle grip
1 E1000 Carrying case, small

1.3 List of included items – Advanced Kits – EKE-100-2, EKE-200-2, EKE-500-2
. Model No. Description

Qt

1 ME-100 /

ME-200 /

ME-500
1 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, UK, or AUS prong
1 08-1026 Battery (inside the gauge)
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD (USB driver, user’s guides, MESURTM Lite

1 E1002 Padded attachment, square
1 E1003 Padded attachment, rectangular
1 E1004 Padded attachment, curved
1 E1005 Padded attachment, circular
1 E1006 Hook
1 E1007 Chain / hook assembly
1 E1008 Single handle grip
1 E1009 Double handle grip
1 E1010 Pistol grip
1 E1001 Carrying case, large

Force gauge

software, MESUR

Force gauge

software, MESUR

TM

TM

TM

e software 90-day trial, User’s Guide)

e software 90-day trial, User’s Guide)

e software 90-day trial, User’s Guide)

www. .com

2

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

1.4 Safety / Proper Usage

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.

The gauge is intended for use in muscle strength measurement, job task analysis, ergonomic
assessment, and related applications. Do not use the gauge to engage any 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 d uring 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 disconne cted 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.

www. .com

3

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

y

–

2 POWER

The gauge is powered either by an 8.4V NiMH rechargeable battery or by an AC adapter. Since the
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.

USB connector

Power input jack

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:

Batter
Indicator:

At a critically low level, 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.

If battery replacement is necessary, it can be accessed by removing the battery cover in the rear of the
housing with two screws, as shown below:

Life: >75% 50

75% 25 – 50% <25% <2%

(flashing)

www. .com

4

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

3 SETUP

3.1 Mechanical Setup

3.1.1 Mounting attachments to the gauge

Attachments are mounted to the gauge’s receptacle via the Click-Lock
attachment with the receptacle, and press in until a click occurs. The attachment may be inserted in 90­or 180- degree orientations, as shown below:

TM

mechanism. Line up the

To release the attachment, pull back on the lever in the rear of the housing, as shown below:

If the E1011 grip adapter (pictured below) is used, common grips and attachments may be mounted via
the integrated 5/16-18F thread.

3.1.2 Mounting to a plate

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). Mark-10 mounti ng plates include a dowel
pin and clearance holes for the four threaded holes located near the corners of the housing. These holes

www. .com

5

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

are designed to accommodate screws in order to hold the gauge in place. The screws must not be used
for load bearing purposes. Failure to use a dowel pin properly can result in a hazardous situation.

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.

www. .com

6

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

g

g

gaug

–

A – A

4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS

4.1 Home Screen

1

11

10

9

8

No. Name Description

Tension /

1

compression
indicator

Compression

2

Peak
3 Tension Peak
4 Primary reading The current displayed force reading.

5 Load bar

6 Units

7 Mode

- indicates a compression (push) direction

- indicates a tension (pull) direction
These indicators are used throu
The measured compression peak reading. This reading may be reset by
pressin
The measured tension peak. May be reset by pressing ZERO or by powering
the

Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The
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
details.
The current unit of measurement. Abbreviations are as follows:
lbF – Pound-force
ozF – Ounce-force
kgF – Kilogram-force
N – Newton
kN
The current measurement mode. Abbreviations are as follows:
RT – Real Time
PC – Peak Compression
PT – Peak Tension

ZERO or by powering the gauge off and on.

e off and on.

Kilonewton

verage

hout the display and menu.

6 7

2
3

4

5

www. .com

7

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

g

r

y

y

(UP)

y

(

CAPT – Data Capture

Modes section for details.

Number of

8

stored data
points
Battery / AC

9

adapter
indicato

High / low limit

10

indicators

11 Set points

4.2 Controls

See Operatin
The number of stored data points in memory, up to 5,000. Displayed only if
Memory Storage or Data Capture functions are used.

Either the AC adapter icon or battery power icon will be shown, depending on
power conditions. Refer to the Power section for details.

Correspond to the programmed set points. Indicator definitions are as follows:

– the displayed value is greater than the upper force limit
– the displayed value is between the limits

– the displayed value is less than the lower force limit
The programmed force limits. Typically used for pass/fail type testing. One,
two, or no indicators may be present, depending on the configuration shown
in the Set Points menu item.

Primary

Label Primar

Powers the gauge on and off. Press
briefly to power on, press and hold

ROTATE

ZERO
MENU Enters the main menu. N/A N/A
ESCAPE

DATA

MODE

4.3 Menu navigation basics

Most of the gauge’s various functions and parameters are configured through the main men u. To access
the menu press MENU. Use the
denoted with clear text over a dark background. Press ENTER to select a menu item, then use

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
decrement the value. Press and hold either key to auto-increment at a gradually increasing rate. When

to power off. Active only when the
home screen is displa

Reverses the orientation of the
display.

Zeroes the primary reading and
peaks.

Reverts one step backwards through
the menu hierarch

Stores a value to memory and/or
transmits the current reading to an
external device, depending on setup.

Toggles between measurement
modes.

Function

ed.

.

and keys to scroll through the items. The current selection is

Secondary

Label Secondary Function

ENTER

DIRECTION

N/A N/A

DELETE

DOWN)

Various uses, as described in the
following sections.

Reverses the display during
calibration, and toggles between
tension and compression directions
while configuring set points and other
menu items.
Navigates up through the menu and
sub-menus.

Enables and disables Delete mode
while viewing stored data / shifts
cursor to the right for certain
functions.
Navigates down through the menu
and sub-menus.

and keys to increment or

and

www. .com

8

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

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.

5 SET POINTS

5.1 General Information

Set points are useful for pass / fail testing. Two limits, high and low, may be specified. The gauge
compares the primary reading to these limits, providing “under”, “in range”, and “over” indication.

5.2 Configuration

To configure set points, select Set Points from the menu. The screen appears as follows:

SET POINTS
Upper Disabled
* Upper Enabled

50.00 lbF
Lower Disabled
* Lower Enabled

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.

35.00 lbF

– 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

limit (NO GO LOW)

www. .com

9

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

6 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. A continuous audible tone will be sounded
until the MENU key has been pressed or the load has been reduced to a safe level.

Several operating modes are possible with Series E gauges, as follows:

- Real Time (RT)

- Peak Compression (PC)

- Peak Tension (PT)

- Average Mode (AVG)

- Data Capture (CAPT)

To cycle between the modes, press MODE while in the home screen. Refer to the following sections for
details for each mode:

6.1 Real Time (RT)
The primary reading corresponds to the live measured reading.

6.2 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.

6.3 Peak Tension (PT)
This is the same as Peak Compression, but for tension readings.

6.4 Average Mode (AVG)
Calculates the average force reading over a period of time. Before the parameters of Average Mode can
be configured, it must be enabled. To do so, select Average Mode from the menu, scroll to Enabled and
press ENTER. The display appears as follows:

AVERAGE MODE
Disabled
* Enabled
Stop at Force
+ Settings

The averaging function operates in one of two ways:

1. Averaging occurs between the trigger force and defined time limit, as illustrated below:

www. .com

10

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

r

–

i

g

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:

AVERAGE MODE SETTINGS

Trigger Force

Initial Delay
Averaging Time

5.0 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:

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

4 AVRG DONE Averaging has been completed. The average force is displayed in the primary

1.00 lbF

1.0 sec.

Paramete

Description

The minimum force required to start the averaging sequence. Toggle between
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
active.
The time delay, after the trigger force, before the averaging sequence
commences.

Available settings: 0.0

The time duration of the averaging sequence. This setting is ignored when Stop
at Force is enabled, unless the 300 sec. limit is reached.

Available sett

been completed.
readin

ngs: 0.1 – 300.0 sec., in 0.1 sec. increments

.

300.0 sec., in 0.1 sec. increments

www. .com

11

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

-

y

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.

6.5 Data Capture (CAPT)

This mode of operation is used to capture and store continuous data in the gauge’s memory. The capture
frequency can be adjusted to accommodate quick-action as well as longer duration tests. Sav ed data can
be downloaded in bulk via USB.

6.5.1 Configuration

After Data Capture has been enabled, it may be selected by pressing the MODE key until CAPT is
displayed. The display appears as follows:

DATA CAPTURE
* Enabled
Period (H:M:S.x)
00 :00 :00 .00007
+ Start Condition
+ Stop Condition

Function Description

Enabled If enabled, CAPT appears as one of the operating modes.
Period

Start Condition See following sub-section for details.

6.5.2 Start Condition

Data capture is initiated when the Start Condition has been triggered. Several triggers are available, as
shown below:

START CONDITION
Start Force

* DATA Key

Start Force The desired trigger force is reached. Toggle between compression and tension
DATA Key The DATA key is manually pressed.

6.5.3 Stop Condition

Data capture is automatically terminated when the Stop Condition has been reached. Several conditions
are available, as shown below:

3.50 lbF

Function Data capture is initiated when:

The capture period may be adjusted by pressing the
the value of the hours (H), minutes (M), seconds (S), and fractions of seconds (x)
fields. Press the DATA key to advance to the next field.
Available settings: Hours: 0-24, Minutes: 0-59, Seconds: 0-59,

Fraction of Seconds: 0.00007

directions b

and keys to change

0.99995, in 0.00007 (70 μS) increments.

pressing the DIRECTION key.

www. .com

12

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

Clea

ata

STOP CONDITION

* Samples: 10
Stop Force

100.00 lbF
Memory Full
DATA Key

Function Data capture terminates when:

Samples The desired number of samples (data points) has been captured.
Stop Force The desired force has been reached.
Memory Full 5,000 data points have been captured.
DATA Key The DATA key is manually pressed.

Note 1: If the Stop Condition does not occur, data capture stops automatically when the memory

is full.
Note 2: Data capture may be manually stopped at any time by pressing the ZERO key. A

message will appear at the bottom of the screen: “CAPTURE CANCELLED”.

The first or subsequent Data Capture sequences cannot occur until the ZERO key is pressed to arm data
capture, or until the gauge is automatically re-armed (see the following sub-section for details). If another
Data Capture sequence is initiated before the memory is cleared, these data points are append ed to the
existing data stored in memory.

7 DATA MEMORY AND STATISTICS

Series E gauges have storage capacity of 5,000 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 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:

MEMORY

View Data

View Statistics
Output Data
Output Statistics
Output Data & Stats

r All D

7.1 View Data

All the saved data points may be viewed. The record number is displayed, along with the corresponding
value and currently set unit of measurement. Any readings may be deleted individually. To do so, scroll to

www. .com

13

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

the desired reading and press DELETE. The letter “D” appears to the left of the record number, indicatin g
that the gauge is in Delete mode, as follows:

0001 24.58 lbF
0002 22.24 lbF
0003 24.46 lbF
0004 18.90 lbF
D 0005 20.98 lbF
0006 19.98 lbF
0007 20.42 lbF

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.

7.2 Statistics

Statistical calculations are performed for the saved values. Calculations include number of readings,
minimum, maximum, mean, and standard deviation.

7.3 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”.

7.4 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”.

7.5 Output Data & Stats *
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”.

* When using Mark-10 data collection programs MESUR
transferred only by clicking the appropriate button within the program, not by initiating the transfer from
the gauge via these functions. These functions are designed for third party applications.

7.6 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.

Shortcut for clearing all data: In the main menu, highlight Memory and press DELETE. The same
prompt will be shown as above.

Note: Data is not retained while the gauge is powered off. However, the gauge protects against
accidental data loss by displaying the following prompt when attempting to power off:

*** WARNING ***

DATA IN MEMORY

WILL BE LOST

CANCEL

POWER OFF

TM

Lite and MESURTMgauge, bulk data may be

www. .com

14

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

y

y

If no option is selected, this screen will be displayed continuously until battery power has been depleted.
The Automatic Shutoff setting is ignored if there is data in the memory.

8 COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS

Communication with Series E gauges is achieved through the micro USB port, 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).

8.1 USB Settings

To configure USB settings, select USB Settings from the menu. The display appears as follows:

USB SETTINGS
+ Baud Rate
+ Data Format

Communication settings are permanently set to the following:

Data Bits: 8
Stop Bits: 1
Parity: None

Other settings are configured as follows:

8.1.1 Baud Rate

Select the baud rate as required for the application. It must be set to the same value as the receiving
device.

8.1.2 Data Format

Select the desired data format. The display appears as follows:

DATA FORMAT
* Numeric + Units
Numeric Only
Invert Polarity
Omit Polarity

Selection Description

Numeric + Units Output format includes the value and unit of measure.
Numeric Only Output format includes the value only.
Invert Polarity Compression values have negative polarity, tension values have positive polarity.

Ma

Omit Polarity Both directions are formatted with positive polarity. May be selected in addition to

the Numeric + Units / Numeric Onl

8.1.3 Data Communication

Individual data points may be transmitted by pressing DATA. Individual data points and continuou s data
may be requested from Mark-10 MESUR

be selected in addition to the Numeric + Units / Numeric Only selection.

selection.

TM

Lite and MESURTMgauge software.

15

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

g

The gauge may also be controlled by an external device. 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 the displayed reading
MEM Transmit all stored readings
STA Transmit statistics
CLRMEM Delete all stored readings from memory

8.1.4 Command Responses

In response to the reading request command ‘?’ the tester will return a string wit h the load data, followed
by a space, then the load unit (if enabled, as described above). It will be terminated by a CR-LF pair.

Example return strings:

-18.78 lbF<CR><LF> 18.78 lbF of tension force

172.40 N<CR><LF> 172.40 N of compression force

The number of digits after the decimal point is dependent of the gauge’s resolution.
Any detected errors are reported back by means of error code *10 (illegal command).

8.2 DATA Key Functions

The DATA key can be configured to perform two functions when pressed. To configure the DATA key,
select DATA Key from the menu. The display appears as follows:

DATA KEY

* USB Output
Memory Storage

Selection Function when pressin

USB Output Outputs the current displayed value via the USB port
Memory Storage Stores a reading to memory (refer to the Memory section for details)

DATA

9 CALIBRATION

9.1 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 su ch
equipment.

9.2 Calibration Procedure

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

16

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

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:

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 ±0.2%, 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 100 lbF should be calibrated at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 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 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:

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:

17

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

CALIBRATION

OFFSET

Please wait…

CALIBRATION

OFFSET

Sensor passed
Analog passed

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

OFFSET

Sensor failed
Analog failed

If failed:

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

100.00 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:

www. .com

18

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

p

CALIBRATION

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:

CALIBRATION

COMPRESSION

Apply load

1 OF 5

Enter load:

20.00 lbF

Press ENTER.

Use the
increments, as indicated by the previously entered number of data points (even increments are
recommended for best results). For example, if a 100 lbF capacity gauge is calibrated, and 5 data
points were selected, the load values will default to 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 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,
then

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:

and keys to adjust the load value as required. The load values default to even

CALIBRATION

ress ENTER.

CALIBRATION

www. .com

19

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

CALIBRATION

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”.

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.

www. .com

20

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

(

10 PASSWORDS

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:

PASSWORDS
Calibration
MENU Key
MODE Key

ZERO Key
DATA Key
POWER Key

10.1 Calibration Password

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

CALIBRATION

PASSWORD

* Disabled
Enabled
Set Password

0000 – 9999)

To set the password, select Enabled , then Set Password. Use the
decrement the value, from 0 to 9999. When the desired value has been selected, press ENTER, then

ESCAPE to exit the sub-menu.

10.2 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 above.

10.3 Locking Out Other Keys

Other keys may be locked out individually. Pressing a locked key will prompt the message “KEY
PROTECTED” and then revert to the previous screen.

10.4 Password Prompts

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

and keys to increment and

Use the
If the incorrect password has been entered, the display appears as follows:

and keys to select the correct password, then press ENTER to continue.

www. .com

21

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

INCORRECT

PASSWORD

Reset password

Request code:

XXXX

To re-enter the password, press ESCAPE 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 correspondin g
authorization code. Enter the activation code to disable the password.

11 OTHER SETTINGS

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

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

11.2 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:

BACKLIGHT

Off
On
* Auto
Set Minutes
1

22

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

g

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

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 settin

Note: If the AC adapter is plugged in, the gauge will ignore these settings and keep the backlight on.

11.3 LCD Contrast

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

LCD CONTRAST

Set Contrast

10

s: 1-10, in 1 minute increments.

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

11.4 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:

TONES

Keys
* Alerts
Set Points
* Momentary
Continuous

11.5 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:

INITIAL SETTINGS

Units
lbF
Mode
Real Time

www. .com

23

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

11.6 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

11.7 Information / Welcome Screen

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

Digital Force Gauge

Series E
Model No: ME-100
Serial No: 1234567
Version: 1.0
(c) Mark-10 Corp.

12 SPECIFICATIONS

12.1 General

Accuracy: ±0.2% of full scale
Sampling rate: 7,000 Hz

Power:

Battery life:
Measurement units:

USB output:
Safe overload:
Weight:
Environmental

requirements:
Warranty:

12.2 Factory Default Settings

Parameter Setting

Set points
Upper Disabled (defaults to 80% of full scale, compression, when enabled)
Lower Disabled (defaults to 40% of full scale, compression, when enabled)
Average mode Disabled
Initial Delay 0
Trigger Force 10% of full scale
Averaging Time (sec.) 5.0

AC or rechargeable battery. Low battery indicator appears when battery level is low,
and gauge powers off automatically when power reaches critical stage.

Backlight on:
Backlight off:

lbF, ozF, gF, kgF, N, kN (depending on model)
Configurable up to 115,200 baud

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

1.7 lb [0.8 kg]
40 - 100°F, max. 93% humidity, non-condensing
3 years (see individual statement for further details)

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

24

www. .com

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187

Series E Ergonomics Force Gauges User’s Guide

DATA Key Functions
USB Output Enabled
Memory Storage Enabled
USB Settings
Baud Rate 115,200
Data Format Numeric + Units
Data Capture Disabled
Period 00:00:01:00000
Start Condition Start force of 10% of full scale
Stop Condition Stop force of 20% of full scale
Auto Settings All disabled
Tones
Keys Enabled
Alerts Enabled
Set Points Momentary
Automatic Shutoff Enabled
Set Minutes 5
Backlight Auto
Set Minutes 1
Initial Settings
Units lbF
Mode Real Time
Passwords All disabled

12.3 Capacity x Resolution

Model lbF ozF kgF gF N kN

ME-100 100 x 0.05 1600 x 1 50 x 0.02 50000 x 20 500 x 0.2 -
ME-200 200 x 0.05 3200 x 1 100 x 0.02 - 1000 x 0.2 1 x 0.0002
ME-500 500 x 0.1 8000 x 2 250 x 0.05 - 2500 x 0.5 2.5 x 0.0005

12.4 Dimensions

IN [MM]

www. .com

25

[e-mail]1.800.561.8187