TENSITRON ACX-Series Operating Instructions Manual

TENSITRON, INC.

733 S. Bowen Street

Longmont, CO 80501

USA

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

Web Site: www.tensitron.com

Operating Instructions

ACX-Series

Digital

Aircraft Cable Tension Meter

INDEX PAGE NO.

Accuracy, How to Check…………………12
Analog Output (Option)……….……….. 4,7
Audio………………………………………. 3

Backlighting……………………………..... 3

Batteries, Charging………………………. 2
Calibrations, Custom………………….. 4,16

Calibration, Naming……………………....4

Contrast / Backlighting….……………..…3
Data Logging…………………………..… 6
Display/Refresh Rates…………………...3
Features………………………………… 11
Flow Chart……………………………….. 8-9
Memory Function…………………...…….2
Quick Start Instructions…………………..2
Selecting Cable Size……………………..2

Serial Communications (Option)……......4

Standard Instruments…………………….7
Tension Units……………………………...2
Zeroing………………………………….…2,13

ACX-Series Operating Instructions Page 17

Step 2: Next you will be prompted ENTER WEIGHT 1. Using

the ↑ or ↓ arrows select a minimum tension value. (Do not use
zero.) Press ENTER.

Select increasing weight values for WEIGHT 2 THRU 4 (No. 4

being the maximum weight value). At each weight number se­lect your weight value using the ↑ and ↓ arrows. ENTER each
selection.

Next you will calibrate the instrument to the weight values you
just selected. To simulate tension loads for calibration, take a
sample length of your material and suspend it from above.
(See Page 12, Fig. 1) Next hang weights from your material in
the weight values you previously selected in “enter weights 1
through 4”.

Your instrument will now prompt you PLACE WEIGHT 0. With

zero tension applied to the instrument press ENTER.

Next you will be prompted PLACE WEIGHT 1. Suspend the

exact weight value from your material that you previously se­lected. Engage instrument to the tensioned material and then
press ENTER.

Next suspend weight value 2 from your material, engage the

instrument to your tensioned material and press ENTER.

Repeat procedure for steps 3 and 4. Once you have entered

the value for WEIGHT 4 you have finished the calibration and
will be returned to the Main Display. The Main Display will now
indicate the description of the calibration you just entered. This
signifies you have now selected the calibration you just per­formed.

To change calibration use the ↑ or ↓ arrows until you reach

SELECT MATERIAL. Follow procedures outlined in Section

3.6.

PERFORMING A 5-POINT, MULTILINERIZATION CALIBRATION

If you only wish to verify that the calibration you’ve selected is accu-

rate, go to the “How To Check Accuracy” section on page 12.

KEEP IT SIMPLE. Only simulate tensions using free-hanging

weights on correctly-sized cables. Never use any device that at­tempts to convert rotational torque values into tension loads, as
these types of systems are highly inaccurate.

* When calibrating instruments use lb weights values only.

Note: If your standards are in kg, convert their values into lb.
( 1 kg = 2.2046 lb )

Before beginning this procedure, verify that your cable is within
tolerance and not out of round. For optimum accuracy use
weights traceable to National Standards. (See Page 12 for in­structions.)

Step 1: From the Main Display press ↑ or ↓ arrows until you reach

Setup. Press ENTER.

Press the ↑ arrow button until you reach Cal Tension. Press
ENTER.

The screen will display: Setup, Calibrate Tension, Enter Pass­word. Press the ENTER button once, the ↑ arrow button once

and the ENTER button once more. (These three inputs = the
password.)

Now the screen will display Setup, Calibrate Tension and you

will be able to scroll down the list to select the description that
you want to use for the new calibration.* When this new de­scription is highlighted, press ENTER.

* Note: If your cable description is not in this list, press ‘ESC’ and go to

Section 4:7 for the procedure to enter a new name, then start Step 1
again.

Page 16 ACX-Series Operating Instructions

Sec 1. SAFETY.

WA

RNING

: When using cordless, electronic instruments, always follow

basic safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.

READ AND SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE. Before
use, ensure all users read and understand this manual, as well as any
labels packaged with or attached to the instrument.

1. KNOW YOUR INSTRUMENT. Read this manual carefully to learn
your tension meter’s applications and limitations, as well as the
potential hazards associated with this type of instrument.

2. AVOID DANGEROUS ENVIRONMENTS. Do not use your instrument
in the presence of explosive atmospheres (gaseous fumes, dust or
flammable materials). Do not submerge your instrument in liquids.

3. USE THE RIGHT TOOL OR INSTRUMENT. Do not use this
instrument to do a job for which it is not recommended.

4. CHECK FOR DAMAGED PARTS. Inspect instrument before use.
Check for any binding of moving parts, improper mountings, broken
parts and any other condition that may affect operation. Do not use a
damaged instrument. Tag damaged instrument “DO NOT USE” until
repaired. For repair, send instruments directly to Tensitron, Inc.

5. GUARD AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK when connecting power
supply to voltage source.

6. MAINTAIN INSTRUMENT CAREFULLY. Keep handles dry, clean
and free from oil and grease. Do not lubricate. All roller bearings are
sealed.

7. DO NOT USE INSTRUMENT IF it has received a sharp blow, been
dropped or damaged in any way. Do not disassemble. Incorrect
reassembly may result in the risk of electric shock, fire or exposure to
battery fluids. If instrument is damaged return it to Tensitron, Inc. for
repair.

8. STANDARD POWER SUPPLY IS RATED FOR 100-240 VAC and
includes several “blades” allowing use with European, US, Australian
and other plug configurations.

9. DO NOT USE INSTRUMENT WHEN TEMPERATURE is below 35°F
or above 115°F. Charging in direct sunlight or near a heat source will
not produce a full charge and may permanently damage battery pack.

10. STORE INSTRUMENT AND CHARGER in a cool, dry place. Do not
store where temperatures may exceed 120°F or fall below 35°F for
storage times less than one month. Never let LCD display or battery
pack assembly freeze.

11. WARNING: Only use battery pack assemblies provided by Tensitron,
Inc. with your meter (P/N: ACX-15-BATT). Other types of batteries
may leak or explode, causing personal or property damage if charged
in this device.

ACX-Series Operating Instructions Page 1