Model DFG-RS3
Digital Force / Torque Indicator
Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
Thank you…
Thank you for purchasing an Omega Model DFG-RS3 digital force / torque indicator, designed for use
with interchangeable remote force and torque sensors.
With proper usage, we are confident that you will get many years of great service with this product.
Omega instruments 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 Model DFG-RS3 indicator should be fully trained in
appropriate operation and safety procedures.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW .........................................................3
POWER ...............................................................5
MECHANICAL SETUP .......................................6
HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS ...................7
DIGITAL FILTERS ..............................................9
SET POINT INDICATORS ................................10
OPERATING MODES .......................................10
CHANGING THE UNITS ...................................11
COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTPUTS .............11
CALIBRATION .................................................13
OTHER SETTINGS ...........................................17
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................20
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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1 OVERVIEW
1.1 List of included items
. Part No. Description
Qt
1 12-1049 Carrying Case
1 08-1022 AC adapter body with US, EU, or UK prong
1 08-1026 Battery (inside the indicator)
1 - Certificate of conformance
1 09-1165 USB cable
1 - Resource CD (USB driver, user’s guide)
1.2 General Overview
The DFG-RS3 is a universal indicator designed for displaying measurements from interchangeable
Omega Series RLC and RTQ sensors. These sensors can be handheld or mounted to a fixture or test
stand for more sophisticated testing requirements.
These sensors may be used with the DFG-RS3 or DFG-RS5 indicators. They may be disconnected from
one indicator and connected to another without the need for re-calibration or re-configuration. All such
data is saved within a PCB located inside the smart connector.
The model number, serial number, and capacity of the sensor are identified in the rectangular label
located on the sensor connector. The model and serial numbers are also identified in the Information
screen of the indicator.
1.3 Accuracy and Resolution
Indicator accuracy must be combined with sensor accuracy to determine the total accuracy of the system.
Since sensors may be used with the DFG-RS5 or DFG-RS3 indicators, the accuracy of the indicato r
being used must be identified and taken into account, as follows:
Indicator Model Accurac
DFG-RS3 ±0.2% of full scale
DFG-RS5 ±0.1% of full scale
The total system accuracy can be calculated by adding the sensor accuracy and indicator accuracy.
Refer to the following examples:
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
Example 1
Model RTQ50-50Z sensor with Model DFG-RS3 Indicator
RTQ50-50Z
±0.35% of full scale
This translates into a fixed error of up to:
0.55% x 50 ozFin = 0.275 ozFin
Example 2
Model MR01-100 sensor with Model DFG-RS5 Indicator
RLC01-100
±0.15% of full scale
This translates into a fixed error of up to:
0.25% x 100 lbF = 0.25 lbF
Because accuracy is defined as a percentage of full scale, the fixed error is possible anywhere on the
scale from 0 to the capacity. As such, this value represents an increasingly large error as percentage of
reading towards the low end of the scale. It is, therefore, recommended that a sensor is selected with
capacity as close as possible to the expected load.
The resolution may be different for some sensors depending on whether the DFG-RS5 or DFG-RS3
indicator is used. For example, a Series RLC01 force sensor will display finer resolution when connected
to a DFG-RS5 indicator than when connected to a DFG-RS3 indicator. Resolution information is shown in
the sensors’ user’s guide.
1.4 Safety / Proper Usage
Read through the following safety instructions thoroughly before using the DFG-RS3 with a sensor:
1. Note the sensor’s capacity before use and ensure that the capacity is not exceeded. Producing a
load greater than the indicated safe overload value can damage the sensor. An overload
can occur whether the sensor’s indicator is powered on or off.
2. In order to extend the life of the sensor, avoid repetitive shock and impact loading.
3. When moving the sensor to another location, never lift from the cable or strain relief. This can
cause damage to the sensor. Always lift the sensor housing itself.
4. Always ensure that load is applied axially with respect to the sensor.
5. Ensure that the sensor is kept away from water or any other electrically conductive liquids at all
times.
6. The sensor and indicator should be serviced by a trained technician only. AC power must be
disconnected and the indicator must be powered off before the housing is opened.
7. 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.
+
+
DFG-RS3
±0.2% of full scale
DFG-RS5
±0.1% of full scale
=
=
Total
±0.55% of full scale
Total
±0.25% of full scale
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
8. 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 sensor 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. Always wear eye and face protection whe n
testing, especially in aforementioned hazardous cases. Extra bodily protection should be worn if a
destructive failure of a test sample is possible.
9. In aforementioned hazardous situations, it is strongly recommended that a machine guarding
system be employed to protect the operator and others in the vicinity from shards or debris.
10. Sensors have threaded holes or chucks, designed for the mounting of grips, fixtures, or
attachments. If any such accessories are used, ensure they are mounted firmly to prevent a
potential safety risk to the operator and others in the vicinity. If using an accessory from a supplier
other than Omega, ensure that it is constructed of suitably rugged materials and components.
Similar precautions should be taken when mounting the sensor to a test stand, work bench, or
other piece of equipment.
2 POWER
The DFG-RS3 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 indicator (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:
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
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
off), a message appears, “BATTERY VOLTAGE TOO LOW. POWERING OFF”. A 4-tone
audio indicator will sound and the indicator will power off.
The indicator 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 loosening the two captive screws in
the rear half of the housing and separating the two halves of the housing.
3 SETUP
3.1 Connecting a sensor
Insert the connector into the receptacle in the indicator, as shown in Fig. 3.1 below. When fully inserted,
the connector will lock into place with a “click”.
Fig. 3.1
Appropriate orientation of the connector.
To release the connector, press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the sensor,
as shown in Fig. 3.2 below. Pull the connector completely out of the indicator by holding the curved
aluminum section. DO NOT pull on the cable or strain relief.
Fig. 3.2
Press both buttons on either side of the indicator housing to release the connector.
3.2 Mounting to a plate
The DFG-RS3 can be mounted to a plate with four thumb screws fastened into the appropriate holes in
the rear half of the housing. Refer to the Dimensions section for detailed hole information and locations.
3.4 Installing the USB driver
If communicating via USB, install the USB driver provided on the Resource CD.
Caution!
Install the USB driver before physically connecting the indicator to a PC with the USB cable.
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Model DFG-RS3 Digital Force/Torque Indicator User’s Guide
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Further instructions for configuring and using the indicator’s outputs are provided in the Communications
and Outputs section.
4 HOME SCREEN AND CONTROLS
4.1 Home Screen
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No. Name Description
1 Measurement
2 Peaks The maximum measured compression/tension or clockwise/counter-clockwi se
3 Primary reading The current displayed load reading. See Operating Modes section for
4 Load bar Analog indicator to help identify when an overload condition is imminent. The
5 Units The current measurement unit. Abbreviations are as follows:
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direction
indicator
– indicates compression direction (for force sensors)
– indicates tension direction (for force sensors)
– indicates clockwise direction (for torque sensors)
– indicates counter-clockwise direction (for torque sensors)
These indicators are used throu
readings. These readings are reset by pressing ZERO or by powering the
indicator off and on.
details. If a sensor is not plugged in, this value will be replaced by a message,
as follows: SENSOR NOT CONNECTED
bar increases either to the right or to the left from the midpoint of the graph.
Increasing to the right indicates compression or clockwise load, increasing to
the left indicates tension or counter-clockwise 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
Operatin
Force units:
lbF – Pound-force
ozF – Ounce-force
k
Modes section for details.
Kilogram-force
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hout the display and menu.
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