Contents

Powering the Gauge

Using the Gauge

Basic Functions

Optional Settings

Additional Force & Torque Sensors

10

Advanced Menu Options

11

AFG Specifications

30

Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Mecmesin Advanced Force Gauge (AFG) instrument. With correct
use and regular re-calibration it will give many years of accurate and reliable service.
The Mecmesin AFG is the flagship member of a series of highly versatile display units. By using
the latest integrated circuit technology it has been possible to produce an instrument which can
be used to measure tensile and compressive forces accurately, whilst being simple to use by the
operator. Information contained in this operating manual also applies to the AFG or AFTI
display when used with external Smart sensors.

Before Use
Upon receiving the unit please check that no physical damage has occurred to the packaging
material, plastic case or the instrument itself. If any damage is evident please notify Mecmesin
immediately.

Operation
The most commonly used features (such as displaying force, peak hold, zero and changing of
displayed units) can all be done by pressing a single dedicated key identified on the front
panel with grey text see page 5, Basic Functions.
For less frequently used features, a number of menu hot keys are provided, whereby the
operator simply presses and holds a menu key to access the gauge configuration see page
9, Optional Settings.
To configure the advanced features of the gauge a full menu-driven system is available by using
the keys identified on the front panel with red text see page 11, Advanced Menu Options.

page 1

POWERING THE
GAUGE
The AFG is supplied with a set of 5 Nickel Metal Hydride
AAA rechargeable batteries. For safety reasons during
transportation the batteries are shipped discharged. To obtain
maximum battery life we recommend that you charge them
with the charger/adaptor supplied for at least 14 - 16 hours
when you first receive the AFG. Do not use any other battery
charger other than that supplied with the force gauge.
Fitting and charging of
rechargeable batteries

To insert the batteries you must first remove the battery cover
on the upper part of the rear of the gauge by removing the 2
retaining screws. Fit the 5 batteries in the battery holder
ensuring that you observe polarity and the batteries are
placed on top of the release tag. To remove the batteries
simply pull the release tag and they will be freed from the
spring-loaded contacts.
Refit the battery cover and tighten the 2 retaining screws.
Connect the mains adaptor/charger to the AFG charger
socket located at the right hand side of the gauge next to the
display and charge the batteries for 14 - 16 hours. Only use
the adaptor/charger supplied. A fully charged battery pack
will provide approximately 20 hours constant use between
charges.

Low Battery Warning

A low battery symbol will appear in the display

approximately 2 minutes before the gauge powers down
automatically. See Figure 1a.
Fig.1a

Mains operation

page 2

Low battery
warning

The AFG can also be powered directly from the mains. This
can be achieved with or without the rechargeable batteries
being fitted. Connect the mains adaptor/charger to your
mains supply. Only use the adaptor/charger supplied.

If rechargeable batteries are fitted, a trickle charge will be

applied to the batteries with the display switched on.
Fitting of alkaline batteries

The AFG can also be powered by AAA 1.5V alkaline batteries

(not supplied). For the fitting of alkaline batteries, follow fitting
instructions as per rechargeable batteries above.
Warning: When alkaline batteries are fitted, the mains
adaptor/charger must NEVER be connected to the AFG due to
the risk of acid leakage which could damage the instrument.

Battery safety information

NEVER:
Short circuit
Disassemble or deform cells
Heat or incinerate
Immerse in water
Solder anything to the battery terminals
Reverse individual cell polarity
Use alternative chargers other than those supplied by Mecmesin
Use replacement parts other than those supplied by Mecmesin
Never dispose of batteries with normal refuse. Contact your
local Environmental Authority to determine the location of your
appropriate disposal facility.

USING THE GAUGE

Fitting accessories

All AFG instruments are supplied with a short extension rod

(30mm long). This fits directly onto the loadcell mounted in the
bottom of the AFG. When attaching accessories to the gauge
always use the extension rod. It comes supplied with a thumb
wheel to control the orientation of any accessory fitted.
When fitting the extension rod ensure that it is screwed fingertight only. Excessive torque can damage the loadcell. Your
chosen grip can now be fitted to the extension rod which has a
10-32UNF male thread (10-500N), 5/16UNC (10002500N).

Mounting to a test stand

On the rear of the gauge there are two M5 threaded holes,

which can be used for mounting the gauge to a Mecmesin test
stand.
Each Mecmesin test stand is supplied with a dedicated
dovetailed mounting bracket and screws for this purpose.
If you wish to mount to another type of stand, ensure that the
screws used are threaded into the gauge to a maximum depth
of 12mm. If screws are fitted beyond this depth, damage to
the internal PCB or loadcell may occur.
page 3

Powering up

As shown in Figure 1b the control panel has 5 Function keys

plus an On/Off key:Fig.1b
To power up the
gauge press the
red
key. A
short self test runs
during which the
display will show
the model and
capacity in
newtons.

Please note that an AFG

measuring very low forces may
not show zero if it is moved
during the self test routine. Once
it is properly mounted and
zeroed the reading will be stable

After the self test, providing no load has been applied to the
instrument, the display will show all zeros. This is because
the gauge re-zeros itself during the self test routine.
If a force is applied perpendicularly via the sensor probe
(bottom of AFG), the reading on the display will register the
applied force.
Forces greater than 120% of full-scale will produce an
audible beep until load is released and an OL symbol will
appear on the display for 30 seconds.

NB: All the current settings are

saved when the gauge is turned
off and the gauge will function in
the same mode when powered
up again.

Forces greater than 150% of full-scale will produce an

audible beep until load is released and an OL symbol will
appear permanently on the display. If this should occur
consult your supplier to arrange inspection and repair, if
necessary.
Should the instrument have sustained a catastrophic overload,
the symbol OL will be permanently displayed and the
instrument must be returned to Mecmesin or an approved
Mecmesin distributor for repair.
To power down the gauge press the red

page 4

key.

Basic Functions
Tensile forces are displayed on the AFG and recognised by
the symbol
(See Fig. 2a)



Display of Tension/
Compression



Compressive forces are displayed on the AFG and

recognised by the symbol
(See Fig. 2b)
When connected with an external Smart torque sensor
clockwise torque & anticlockwise torque are represented by
If the AFG has suffered a serious
overload condition, the load
indicator bar will be partially
displayed even when no load is
present. This is a warning that
the load cell is damaged and
you should immediately contact
your supplier to arrange repair.

Fig. 2a

Symbol for
tension

Unit of
measurement

Load indicator
bar

A load indicator bar alerts the operator to how much load

has been applied to the transducer. As the load approaches
the maximum rating of the transducer, the indicator bar
changes appearance when above approximately 80% of the
rated capacity. This warns the operator that steps should be
taken to prevent excessive load being applied.
For tensile forces the indicator bar is solid then dotted. For
compressive forces the indicator bar is dotted then solid see
Figure 2b.

Fig. 2b
Unit of
measurement
Symbol for
compression

Load indicator
bar

page 5

Zeroing the Gauge

During the operation of the gauge it is often necessary to

zero the display e.g. when you wish to tare out the weight
of a grip, so it does not become part of the measured
reading. Press and release the ZERO key. The display will
blink momentarily as the zero operation is carried out.

Changing the unit of

measurement

You can choose from the following units of measurement

depending on the capacity of your gauge: millinewtons,
kilonewtons, newtons, gram-force, kilogram-force, ounce-force
or pound-force.
To change the display units press and release the UNITS key.
Each successive key press will select the next available units
until the gauge returns to its original setting. The AFG
automatically converts readings as new units of measure are
selected.

"Max" mode

Press the MAX key. The display will show the word MAX
together with the highest tensile
force and the highest
compressive
force detected during the test. The current
load being applied to the transducer is also displayed see Figure 3a overleaf.

page 6



The gauge detects and stores maximum (peak) force in both

compressive and tensile directions.



Max (peak) readings

Dual Max

Fig. 3a

Max tension
reading
Max compression
reading

Load currently
applied to load
cell

Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum tensile force identified by the
symbol. (See Fig.
3b)



Max Tension

Fig. 3b
Max tension
reading

Press the MAX key again and the display will show the
maximum compressive force identified by the
symbol. (See
Fig. 3c)



Max Compression

Fig. 3c
Max compression
reading

page 7

"Normal" mode

Press the MAX key again and the word MAX has now
disappeared from the display. The display will now indicate
forces applied in both directions as they are applied to the
transducer and maintain a "running" display.
Press the RESET key to clear both maximum registers and
prepare for detecting the next maximum readings.

Data Output

(See also COMMS section of Advanced Menu Options on page 25)

Analogue output

A calibrated analogue output is available from the top D

type connector marked coms for use with chart recorders,
oscilloscopes or any other devices requiring analogue inputs.
See technical specifications on page 26 and 30 for details.

RS232 and Mitutoyo

It is possible to transmit the displayed reading to peripheral

devices (e.g. PC, printer) by pressing and releasing the TXD
key.

output signals

Displayed readings can also be requested individually from a

PC via the RS232 interface by sending a "?" (ascii D63 [3fh]
character.

PC Communication

AFG uses 9600, 19200,

57600 or 115200 Baud, 8
data bits, 1 start bit, 1 stop bit
and no parity. (See Advanced
Menu Options for setup details)

For sending a continuous data stream to a PC, press and

hold the TXD key for 2 seconds then release. TX will now
appear in the display to indicate that data is being sent, (see
figure 4). To stop sending data, simply press and release the
TXD key, at which point TX will disappear from the display.
Fig. 4
Max compression
reading

A full range of data cables are

available to connect your gauge
to peripheral devices contact
your supplier.

Please note that the continuous data stream only starts when
approximately 2% of the rated capacity of the gauge is
reached.
This default threshold can be set from 1-100% (see advanced
menu options).
page 8

Remote key press from PC

Hold down the Ctrl key on the PC keyboard and press;

a to simulate pressing the TXD key *

b to simulate pressing the UNITS key
c to simulate pressing the MAX key
d to simulate pressing the RESET key
e to simulate pressing the ZERO key
* Note that the continuous transmission mode cannot be
entered via these methods.
1 (ascii 001 [01h]): TXD
2 (ascii 002 [02h]): UNITS
3 (ascii 003 [03h]): MAX
4 (ascii 004 [04h]): RESET
5 (ascii 005 [05h]): ZERO
? (ascii 063 [3Fh]): Single reading request

Optional Settings
Backlit Display

It is possible to activate a backlight on the AFG display. Press

and hold UNITS key whilst powering up the AFG with the
key. The backlight is now operating.

Please note that battery consumption is doubled when using

the backlight. For this reason the backlight setting is not
remembered after power down.
Auto-off

To conserve battery power, it is possible to activate an Autooff function so that the gauge powers down after either 2 or
10 minutes since the last key press, OR since a load change
of more than 2% of full-scale.

Press and hold ZERO key whilst powering up the AFG with
the
key. A menu will appear with options OFF, 2 MINS,
10 MINS. Move the UP or DOWN key to desired setting
and press the ENTER key. The symbol Ao will appear in the
display to indicate if Auto-off is active. This feature is
remembered after power down.

page 9

Invert Display

For hand-held tension applications it is often desirable to

reverse the display, so that the operator can read it more
comfortably. Press and hold the MAX key whilst powering up
the AFG with the
key to invert the display. This feature is
remembered after power down.

Factory Default

The AFG may be returned to its original factory default

settings, indicated on pages 28 and 29 of the Advanced
Menu Options section of this manual.

Press and hold the RESET key whilst powering up the AFG
with the
key

Smart Force &

Torque Sensors
Smart sensors
Warning! The AFG must be
powered down when connecting
or disconnecting smart
transducers.

All Advanced Force Gauges have a 15-pin Smart connector

port on the left-hand side for interface with Mecmesin external
Smart force and torque sensors. This allows you to use your
existing AFG to perform additional tests without the need for a
dedicated instrument.

Note: Connecting a new Smart

transducer causes the default
settings within Advanced Menu
Options to be installed

To connect a Smart sensor, power down the gauge and

plug in the Smart force or torque sensor to the 15-pin Smart
port. Power on the AFG. The Smart transducer will be
automatically recognised and the capacity displayed.

Loadcell Diagnostic test

If you suspect that your AFG loadcell or Smart sensor has

sustained an overload it is possible to check the status of the
sensor immediately.

An instrument showing an
overload condition cannot be
relied upon to provide accurate,
repeatable measurement
consult your supplier.

Symptoms of overload may be (a) OL in display (b) buzzer

sound (c) probe not aligned perpendicularly to gauge (d)
load indicator bar present even under zero load.
See CALIBRATION section of Advanced Menu Options on
page 28 to check load cell status.

page 10

Advanced Menu
Options

Navigating the menus

All the features and advanced menu options of the AFG are
also applicable whilst using the Smart range of peripheral
devices. (Except for the footswitch 2 option which has the
same pin requirement)
The AFG Advanced Menus are accessed using the red text
on the keys.
Press and hold the MENU key for approximately 2 seconds
to access page 1 of the main-menu, (see figure 5). Pressing
the MENU key again takes you to page 2 of the main menu.
To move between the options listed on the 2 main-menu
pages, press UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor. Press
the ENTER key to select sub-menus, activate features and
enter values. Within sub-menus the UP and DOWN keys will
also change numerical values. Press the ESC key to return to
the main-menu page and ESC again to return to the main
display.
Fig. 5

MAIN MENU
PAGE 1

ALARM

The AFG has an audible and visual alarm feature which can
be set to trigger on pass, fail or sample break criteria.

Alarms will not trigger in the first

1% of full-scale use

To set an alarm, press and hold the MENU key until page 1
of the main-menu appears.
The cursor arrow will point to ALARM. Press the ENTER key.

page 11

ALARM sub-menu 1

The display will show ALARM OFF and SET.

Press the ENTER key to change ALARM OFF to ALARM ON.
Press the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to SET and
press the ENTER key.

ALARM sub-menu 2

The display will now show the two limits LIMIT 1 (lower limit)
and LIMIT 2 (upper limit) plus the value they are set to and
whether they are in tension (TENSN) or compression
(COMPN). A diamond cursor will indicate which value is
selected. Use UP and DOWN keys to change the value,
press and hold to scroll values. When the correct value is
reached press the ENTER key to set LIMIT 1. Repeat
procedure for LIMIT 2 (see figure 6).
Note: The alarm limits are not active below 1% of the
capacity of the gauge.

Torque sensors will show

CW for clockwise and
CCW for counterclockwise

Fig. 6

ALARM sub-menu 3

The display shows AUDIBLE, LED and BOTH with the arrow
cursor indicating which feature is selected. This menu selects
how the PASS/FAIL status of a value will be indicated.
AUDIBLE - Only the audible alarm will be activated when
the value is a PASS/FAIL.
LED The green and red LEDs will indicate the PASS
/FAIL status.
BOTH Both the LED and the audible alarm will be
activated above.
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
the ENTER key to select the desired feature.

ALARM sub-menu 4

page 12

The display shows OUT BAND and IN BAND. This menu

selects which values are to be considered.

OUT BAND - Any value falling outside the set limits

LIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2
IN BAND Any value falling between the set limits LIMIT 1
and LIMIT 2
Use the UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
ENTER key to select the desired feature.
ALARM sub-menu 5

The display shows PASS or FAIL. This menu sets the OUT
BAND criteria.
PASS -

FAIL -

Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or IN BAND,

if selected), are a PASS and will cause an audible
beep, illuminate an LED or both.
Values, which fall either OUT BAND (or IN BAND,
if selected), are a FAIL and will cause an audible
beep, illuminate an LED or both.

Use UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press

ENTER key to select the desired feature.
Alarm sub-menu 6

The display shows BUZZER ON CONTINUOUS PULSE. This

menu selects length of time that the buzzer will sound, if
AUDIBLE or BOTH has been selected in sub-menu 3.
CONTINUOUS - The buzzer sounds at a pre-set alarm value
and stays on until load falls below that pre-set.
PULSE - The buzzer pulses for fixed time of one second every
time the load crosses over each of the presets.
Use UP and DOWN keys to move the cursor and press
ENTER key to select the desired feature.

Fig. 7

alarm symbol

page 13

ALARM on break

Display is showing sub-menu 1 again (= ALARM ON and

SET). Press ESC key to return to main-menu and again to
return to main display. The main display will now show an
alarm bell symbol indicating the alarm is turned on - See
Figure 7.
This feature is only activated when the % DROP feature is
used in conjunction with the ALARM function. The AFG looks
for a percentage (of full-scale) drop from peak load value, set
in the % DROP menu (see page 19). The alarm can be used
to indicate if the break point falls inside or outside the limits
LIMIT 1 and LIMIT 2 set in the alarm menu - see Examples 1
to 5 overleaf.

page 14

Example 1
Settings: -

BOTH LED and audio

alarms are active
Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
Alarm is set to FAIL
% DROP is 10% of fullscale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

Example 2
Settings: -

BOTH LED and audio

alarms are active
Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
Alarm is set to FAIL
% DROP is 10% of fullscale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

page 15

Example 3
Settings: -

BOTH LED and audio alarms

are active
Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
Alarm is set to FAIL
% DROP is 10% of full-scale
(e.g. AFG 100N must
register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

Example 4
Settings: -

BOTH LED and audio alarms

are active
Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
Alarm is set to FAIL
% DROP is 10% of full-scale
(e.g. AFG 100N must
register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

page 16

Example 5
Settings: -

BOTH LED and audio

alarms are active
Alarm triggers on OUT
BAND
Alarm is set to FAIL
% DROP is 10% of fullscale (e.g. AFG 100N
must register drop of 10N)
Main display is set to 1st
peak tension screen

PLC
(Programmable Limit
Controller)

For PLC applications, this function requires an external cable

with a built-in solid-state relay - see Specifications on page
30 for details of the signal.
To configure the signal output of the AFG, press and hold the
MENU key until page 1 of the main-menu appears. Press
the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to PLC and press
the ENTER key.
The cursor arrow points to PLC OFF.

PLC sub-menu 1

The display will show:

PLC OFF AT LIMITS AT ALARM -

Indicates PLC function status

Will set PLC signal at specified
load limits
Will tie in PLC signal with the
AFG alarm settings

Select the desired function and press ENTER key.

page 17

AT LIMITS sub-menu 1

The display will show:

RESET - When the load limit is reached, the output signal
triggers the relay and the RESET key must be pressed to clear
the line before starting the next test.
CONTINUOUS - The relay will be activated every time the
load limit is reached and the output signal will remain on.
PULSE - The relay will be activated momentarily when the
load limit is reached.
Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.

AT LIMITS sub-menu 2

The display will show SET and a default load limit at which
output signal will trigger the relay. To set the required load
limit use UP and DOWN keys to adjust the value and the
ENTER key to confirm the selection.

AT ALARM sub-menu 1

The display will show:

STATE
HIGH - Will set PLC signal at AFGs high alarm setting
LOW - Will set PLC signal at AFGs low alarm setting
Select the desired function and press the ENTER key.
The display will revert back to PLC sub-menu 1 and PLC ON
will now be displayed.
Press ESC key to return to main-menu page 1.

STAND

The AFG may be used to send a signal to control the

Mecmesin range of motorised test stands via a dedicated
cable.

Contact your supplier for stand

interface cable

To configure the signal output from the AFG, press and hold
the MENU key until page 1 of the main-menu appears. Press
the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to STAND and
press the ENTER key.

page 18

STAND sub-menu 1

The display will show:STAND OFF/ON -Indicates status of stand control function.

The cycle function only refers to

the VersaTest (Quantrol TC2)
motorised test stand

REVERSE -

Reverses the stand direction of travel at

sample break (BREAK) or load-limit value
(LIMIT). The test stand will reverse back to
the start position as defined by the
physical Microswitch.

STOP -

Stops the stand at sample break (BREAK)

or load-limit value (LIMIT). The test stand
does not return to the start position.

CYCLE -

Cycles a suitable test stand between load

limits (UPPER, LOWER) for a set number of
times (CYCLE).

REVERSE sub-menu 1

Select the desired function using UP and DOWN keys and

press the ENTER key to select.

REVERSE sub-menu 2

Select UP or DOWN to tell the gauge which direction the

stand will begin to move before the load-limit is reached.

Break sub-menu 1

BREAK - Sets the gauge to reverse at sample break. Set %

break using UP/DOWN arrow keys. Press ENTER to select.
SET % of load cell capacity to indicate the value by which the
load must fall to determine a break. Use a higher percentage
for noisy samples where the load may fluctuate before the
sample finally breaks.
Press the ENTER key to confirm selection and return to stand
sub- menu 1.

Limit sub-menu 1

LIMIT - Sets the load-limit value to trigger the stand reverse

function. Press ENTER key to select.
SET load-limit using UP and DOWN keys. (UNITS key
changes the units of measurement for load-limit value). Press
ENTER key to confirm selection and return to stand sub-menu.
Negative load limits indicate compression.

page 19

STOP sub-menu 1

CYCLE sub-menu 1
Only used in conjunction with
VersaTest motorised test stand

Select BREAK or LIMIT as per Reverse sub-menu 2 (above)

and SET the appropriate value at which you require the test
stand to stop.
Select and SET UPPER load-limit, LOWER load-limit and the
number of CYCLES you wish to perform (range = 2 - 9999).
Start the test by pushing the UP or DOWN switch on your test
stand. The test stand will move to the UPPER load-limit and
then travel back to the LOWER load-limit to perform the first
cycle. Subsequent cycles will be performed and a cyclecounter is shown on the main display.
Note: a) It is assumed that starting a test in the UP direction
applies a tension force, and in the DOWN direction a
compression force is applied.
b) The total number of cycles must be completed .. e.g. if a
sample breaks during the test, the AFG will try to continue
applying load for the set number of cycles.
c) WARNING: At the end of your cycle test, the test sample
could still be under load.

Note: It is recommended to
press RESET key after each
STAND operation

When one of the stand control options (REVERSE, STOP or

CYCLE) have been set press ENTER key. The display will
revert back to STAND sub-menu 1 and STAND ON will now
be displayed. Press ESC key to return to main-menu page 1.

FREEZE

This feature is used to freeze the main-display when an

external signal is received. The AFG can be configured to
freeze when going either low 1-0 (LO) or high 0-1 (HI). This
is particularly useful for applications where an event occurs
(e.g. switch testing). To clear the main-menu display press the
RESET key.

Contact your supplier for

interface cable.

To configure this function, press and hold the MENU key until
page 1 of the main-menu appears. Press the DOWN key to
move the arrow cursor to FREEZE and press the ENTER key.
FREEZE sub-menu 1

page 20

Select the desired LO or HI function using UP or DOWN

arrow key and press ENTER key to select. When set the submenu will display FREEZE ON. To disable the FREEZE
function, press the ENTER key. FREEZE OFF will now be
displayed. Press ESC key to return to main-menu page 1.

% DROP

1st Peak facility this is used to detect the force at which a

sample breaks but is not necessarily the maximum force (e.g.
detecting the force at which a tablet first begins to crack.)
When this feature is set to ON, two additional functions can
be selected using the MAX key from the main display.

1st Peak Tension

Fig. 8
1st peak
tension symbol

1st Peak Compression

Fig. 9
1st peak
compression
symbol

1st Peak
Tension/Compression

Fig. 10

The dual Max

display now shows
1st peak tension
and 1st peak
compression. Load
currently applied to
instrument is also
shown (0000.0)

page 21

% DROP sub-menu 1

The display will show % DROP OFF and SET. Press the ENTER
key to change % DROP OFF to % DROP ON. Press DOWN key
to move the arrow cursor to SET % and press ENTER key.

% DROP sub-menu 2

To determine what precisely is considered a break, you must

define the % drop of full-scale value from the peak load
observed prior to the break occurring.

EXAMPLE

To set the required % drop use UP and DOWN keys to adjust

the value and press ENTER key to confirm the selection.
The % drop value selected also acts as a threshold, below
which the % drop function will not be active.
To disable the % DROP function, press the ENTER key. % DROP
OFF will now be displayed.
Example: AFG 100N has % drop of 20 (= 20N). If the peak load
before sample break is 50N, the load must drop to 30N in order for
the AFG to detect a 1st peak of 50N. If load continues to be applied
above 50N (e.g. to 75N), the AFG will return 75N as MAX and 50N
as 1st peak.

This test would produce a first

peak result
% drop set to 20%
MAX PEAK

page 22

AVERAGE/TIME
100N

x Peak

Average
75N
Start Threshold

Stop Threshold

50N

25N

0
TIME

This function allows the average load reading to be

displayed. The average starts being calculated when the
START threshold (% of full-scale) is reached and stops being
calculated when the load passes through the STOP threshold.
To set AVERAGE over TIME, press and hold the MENU key
until page 1 of the main-menu appears. Using UP and
DOWN keys move the cursor key to AVERAGE/TIME. Press
the ENTER key.
Avg/Time sub-menu 1

The display will show AV/TIME OFF and SET.

Press ENTER key to change AV/TIME OFF to AV/TIME ON.
Press the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to SET and
press ENTER key.

Avg/Time sub-menu 2

The display will now show the START % and STOP % and the
values to which they are set. Define a value of full-scale as
the threshold value for each. Any load reading above the
START threshold will be averaged over time with all the
previous readings occurring since the threshold value was
exceeded.
Averaging stops when the load readings cross through the
STOP threshold.
A diamond cursor will indicate which value is selected.

page 23

Use UP and DOWN keys to change the value, press and

hold to scroll values. When the correct value is reached
press ENTER key to set START.
Repeat procedure for STOP.
The display will revert back to AVERAGE/TIME sub-menu 1
and AV/TIME ON will now be displayed.
To disable the AVERAGE/TIME function, press the ENTER
key. AV/TIME OFF will now be displayed.
Press ESC key to return to main-menu page 1.
RATE

This function allows the selection of the gauge throughput rate,

i.e. the amount of averaging performed by the internal
electronics before the load reading is displayed. There are
three levels:
MED HI LO -

Rate sub-menu 1

Gauge default (10Hz)

Display updates quickly (2000Hz) with little
data averaging
Maximum data averaging before values are
displayed (2Hz, smoothes noisy data)

To set RATE, press and hold the MENU key until page 1 of
the main-menu appears. Using UP and DOWN keys move
the arrow key to RATE. Press ENTER key to access.
Using UP and DOWN keys select the relevant level (MED, HI
or LO) and press the ENTER key.
Press ESC key to return to page 1 of the main-menu.

MAIN-MENU PAGE 2
Fig. 11

From page 1 of main-menu press MENU key to scroll to

page 2 of the main-menu.
page 24

FOOTSWITCH 1

The AFG has two footswitch input pins on the 15-way D

connector. This allows the footswitch to be assigned to
replicate one of each of the six main key functions,ON/OFF
MAX, UNITS, TXD, ZERO and RESET.
This feature is useful when integrating the AFG into test or
production systems.
Note: A footswitch assigned to the UNITS key can allow
entry into the menu, but the gauge will not respond to further
footswitch operations from either footswitch 1 or 2 once in the
menu.
To assign the function of a key to FOOTSWITCH 1 use UP
and DOWN keys to move the arrow key to FOOTSWITCH
1. Press ENTER key to access.

Footswitch 1 sub-menu 1

Using UP and DOWN keys select the relevant key (OFF,

MAX, UNITS, TXD, ZERO or RESET) and press the ENTER
key.
Press ESC key to return to page 2 of the main-menu.

FOOTSWITCH 2

Footswitch 2 sub-menu 1

To assign the function of a key to FOOTSWITCH 2 use UP

and DOWN keys to move the arrow key to FOOTSWITCH
2.
Using UP and DOWN keys select the relevant key (MAX,
UNITS, TXD, ZERO or RESET) and press the ENTER key.
Press ESC keys to return to page 2 of the main-menu.
Note: Footswitch 2 is multiplexed with the Smart Sensor
analogue voltage out. If a Smart Sensor is attached,
Footswitch 2 functions are disabled.

COMMS

Communications settings are selected to configure interfacing

of the AFG with peripheral devices. Also used to configure
the AFG to store up to a maximum of 100 readings in the
internal memory.
To set communications first use UP and DOWN keys to move
the cursor arrow to COMMS on page 2 of the main-menu.

COMMS sub-menu 1

Using UP and DOWN keys select the relevant option (see

below) and press the ENTER key.
page 25

PORT -

Communicates with peripheral device.

Transmission of the displayed load reading
can be set to include unit of measurement
(UNITS ON or OFF) and BAUD rate can
also be set.

STORE MEM -

Stores a single load reading to the internal

memory. With this option selected, pressing
the TXD key when in the MAX modes of the
main display will send the displayed value to
memory. Up to 100 readings may be stored
in the memory. As each reading is stored, a
REC symbol appears on the main display
to indicate a reading has been stored in the
memory.

SEND MEM -

Sends all load readings stored in the internal

memory to a peripheral device (e.g PC or
data logger).

CLEAR MEM Erases all load readings stored in memory.

When setting PORT you will now access sub-menu 1.
Port sub-menu 1

Transmission of the displayed load reading can be set to

include the unit of measurement (UNITS ON or OFF).
Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursor at
either UNITS OFF or ON. Press ENTER key to select.

Port sub-menu 2

Sign off or on can now be set. This will transmit a negative

sign for compression readings if set to ON.
Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursor at
either SIGN OFF or ON.
Press ENTER key to select.

Port sub-menu 3

The transmission (or Baud) rate can now be set.

Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursor at the
relevant speed (9600, 19200, 57600 or 115200).
Press ENTER key to select.

page 26

Port sub-menu 4

Transmission of the displayed load reading can now be set to

include NULL (nothing), CR, LF or CR LF.
Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursor at the
desired setting.
Press ENTER to select.

Port sub-menu 5

A LINE DELAY, if any, to be executed after each reading is

sent, can now be set.
Use the UP or DOWN key to set this value from 0 to 5
seconds in one second intervals.
Press ENTER key to select.

Port sub-menu 6

For use with continuous readings only, a % threshold for the

start of transmission can now be set.
Use the UP or DOWN key to set this value from 1% to
100%.
Press ENTER key to select.

Port sub-menu 7

Method of transmission, RS232, MITUTOYO or BOTH, can

now be set.
Use the UP or DOWN key to position the arrow cursor at the
desired setting.
Press ENTER to select.
Now return to COMMS sub-menu 1
To set STORE MEM press ENTER key from Comms sub-menu
1. This will cause a memory counter to appear in the main
display. You will now return to COMMS sub-menu 1.
Note: The CYCLE counter and memory counters cannot
appear on the main display simultaneously. The last selected
is the one which will appear.
To set SEND MEM press ENTER key from Comms sub-menu
1. This will cause a TX symbol to flash in the main display as
the memory data is now transmitted to a peripheral device.
The data is transmitted at the settings defined by PORT. After
transmission of data you will now return to COMMS submenu 1.
To set CLEAR MEM press ENTER key from Comms sub-menu
1. This now erases all the data stored in the memory. The
memory counter is now reset to zero. After clearing the
memory you will now return to COMMS sub-menu 1.
Press ESC key to return to page 2 of the main-menu.
page 27

x/CONSTANT

A constant multiplier of from 0.001 to 10.000 can be set for

a selectable base unit. Units will be replaced with an X on
the main display, and the UNITS key will have no effect on
the displayed units.
To set X CONSTANT, first use UP and DOWN keys to move
the cursor arrow to X CONSTANT on page 2 of the mainmenu and press the ENTER key.

X Constant sub-menu 1

INFORMATION

The display will show X CONSTANT OFF and SET.

Press ENTER key to change X CONSTANT OFF to X
CONSTANT ON.
Press the DOWN key to move the arrow cursor to SET and
press ENTER key.
Using the UP and DOWN keys set the X CONSTANT
multiplier to the desired value. The unit this will apply to is
shown in the lower right corner of the screen and can be
adjusted with the UNITS key.
Press ESC key to return to page 2 of the main-menu.
Displays
TCIGZ-

calibration information.
Tension span
Compression span
Initial Zero
Gravitational constant
Current zero

This is for information only and may be required for

diagnostic purposes by your distributor.
CALIBRATION

Calibration menu - displays a password menu and allows the

user to check for load cell offset if overload is suspected.
Place the gauge (or your external SMART sensor) horizontally
on a flat level surface. By using UP or DOWN keys Select
the CAL option and the display will show 0000. Press the
ENTER key four times (to enter 0000 as the password), a
screen showing the % difference between the critical zero
and current reading will appear.(See Fig 12 overleaf). This
can be used as an indication of overload and the current
condition of the loadcell.

page 28

Fig. 12

Press and hold the ESC key until you return to page 2 of
main-menu.
CONTRAST

The contrast of the display may be increased and decreased

in this menu.
From page 2 of main-menu press UP or DOWN keys to
position the arrow key on CONTRAST. Press ENTER key to
select CONTRAST menu and 1.234 will be displayed. Press
UP or DOWN key to adjust the contrast of the display and
ENTER key to confirm the setting. You will now return to page
2 of the main-menu.

page 29

AFG SPECIFICATIONS
RANGE & RESOLUTION

Model no: mN

AFG 2.5

2,500 x 0.5

AFG 5

kN

gf

kgf

ozf

lbf

2.5 x 0.0005 -

250 x 0.05

9 x 0.002

0.55 x 0.0001

5,000 x 1

5 x 0.001

500 x 0.1

0.5 x 0.0001 18 x 0.005

1.1 x 0.0002

AFG 10

10,000 x 2

10 x 0.002

1,000 x 0.2

1 x 0.0002

2.2 x 0.0005

AFG 25

25,000 x 5

25 x 0.005

2,500 x 0.5

2.5 x 0.0005 90 x 0.02

5.5 x 0.001

AFG 50

50,000 x 10

50 x 0.01

5,000 x 1

5 x 0.001

180 x 0.05

11 x 0.002

AFG 100

100 x 0.02

10,000 x 2

10 x 0.002

350 x 0.1

22 x 0.005

AFG 250

250 x 0.05

25,000 x 5

25 x 0.005

900 x 0.2

55 x 0.01

AFG 500

500 x 0.1

50,000 x 10

50 x 0.01

1,800 x 5

110 x 0.02

AFG 1000

1,000 x 0.2

1 x 0.0002

100 x 0.02

3,500 x 1

220 x 0.05

AFG 2500

2,500 x 0.5

2.5 x 0.0005 -

250 x 0.05

9,000 x 2

550 x 0.1

35 x 0.01

ACCURACY
0.1% of full-scale
Calibration temperature: 20C 2C
Operating temperature: 10C - 35C
Temperature shift at zero load: 0.01% of full-scale/C
OUTPUT
RS232-C:
Digimatic (Mitutoyo) format
Analogue:

PLC Signals:

page 30

8 data bits, 1 Start bit, 1 Stop bit, no parity

BCD output
0 to +4V full scale for tension (or clockwise)
0 to -4V full scale for compression (or counter-clockwise)
(calibrated to order at factory)
Relay description
The solid-state relay is mounted on a PCB,which is housed
in a 15 pin D-type connector.
Connection to the relay output is via a 5 metre length
screened cable. The end of the cable is left with bare
wires to allow appropriate termination to the peripheral
PLC device.

AFG SPECIFICATIONS
PLC Signals (continued)

Electrical
Supply voltage: The relay is powered from a 5 volt
regulator inside the AFG.
Input control: The relay state is controlled via a TTL signal
from the AFG and is in a closed position when a logic
1 input is applied.
Output characteristics
Peak relay ac voltage:

350 volts

Continuous relay load current or peak ac voltage:

120 mA

Maximum relay peak load current:

300 mA

Typical relay contact resistance at 100 mA:

17 ohms

Isolation voltage between AFG and relay output: 1500 volts ac

ADAPTOR/CHARGER UNIT
The mains adaptor/charger supplied with the AFG is a constant-current type.
Primary: 230V 50Hz (110V 60Hz version also available)
Secondary:

100mA constant current at 9V

Charger output plug: Centre = positive Outer = negative

page 31

Advanced Menu Options Flow Chart Page 1

On the following pages are flowcharts to help you navigate the menus found in the
AFG. They appear in the order they appear on the two pages of the main menu on
the Gauge.

Alarm
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

AUDIBLE

press
ESC
press
ENTER

SET

Press ENTER
to toggle
LIMIT1
ON/OFF
TENS'N

Press UP or
DOWN key to OUT BAND
select choice

0.28

press
ENTER

LED
BOTH

ALARM OFF

LIMIT2
COMPN

-0.28
lbf

Press UP or
DOWN key to PASS
select choice

IN BAND

Press ENTER to
highlight next
parameter

Press TXD/UP key to

move arrow up
Press ZERO/DOWN key
to move arrow down

press
Press UP or DOWN
to increase or
decrease value

ENTER

Press UP or
DOWN key to BUZZER ON
select choice
CONTINUOUS

FAIL
press
ENTER
to accept
and move to
next screen

press
ENTER
to accept
and move to
next screen

Press UP or DOWN
to increase or
decrease value

press
ENTER
to accept
and move to
next screen

Press UP or
DOWN key to
select choice

press
ENTER

PULSE

PLC
press
ESC
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

press
ENTER

press
ENTER
PLC OFF

RESET

AT LIMITS

CONTINUOUS

AT ALARM

press
ENTER
press
ENTER

PULSE

STATE
HIGH
LOW
Press UP or DOWN
to increase or
decrease value
press
ENTER

page 32

Press UP or
DOWN key to
select choice
press
ENTER

Press UP or DOWN
to increase or
decrease value
12.75

ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

Stand

press
ENTER

press
ESC

CYCLE

STOP

REVERSE

STAND OFF

press
ENTER

ENTER

press

press
ENTER

Press UP or
DOWN key to
select choice

-28
10

LOWER
CYCLE

lbf

0.28

UPPER

LIMIT

BREAK

DOWN

UP

SET %

LIMIT

BREAK

Repeat

Press ENTER to
highlight next
parameter

Press UP or
DOWN to
increase or
decrease value

press
ENTER

Press UP or
DOWN key
to select
choice

press
ENTER

Press UP or
DOWN key
to select
choice

press
ENTER

lbf

25

ENTER

press

press
ENTER

Press UP or
DOWN key
to select
choice
SET %

lbf

25

press
ENTER

Advanced Menu Options Flow Chart Page 1

page 33

Advanced Menu Options Flow Chart Page 1

Freeze
press
ESC
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

% Drop

FREEZE OFF
press
ENTER

LO
HI

press
ENTER

press
ESC
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

SET %

% DROP OFF

25

SET
press

press
ENTER

press
ENTER

ENTER

Average/Time
press
ESC
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

START

AV/TIME OFF
SET

press
ENTER

SET %

10

STOP

press
ENTER

SET %

Rate
press
ESC
ALARM
PLC
STAND
FREEZE
% DROP
AVERAGE/TIME
RATE
Page 1

page 34

RATE MED
HI
LOW
press
ENTER

Press DOWN key to

highlight choice. Press
ENTER to accept it

press
ESC

Press UP or
DOWN key to
select value
then press
ENTER to
confirm

Advanced Menu Options Flow Chart Page 2

Footswitch1
FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

press

Press DOWN key to

highlight choice. Press
ENTER to accept it

FOOTSWITCH1
OFF
MAX
UNITS
TXD
ZERO
RESET

ENTER

press
ESC

Footswitch2
FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

press
ENTER

Press DOWN key to

highlight choice. Press
ENTER to accept it

FOOTSWITCH2
OFF
MAX
UNITS
TXD
ZERO
RESET

press
ESC

Comms

RS232

TX THRESHOLD
SET %
3

MITUTOYO

TIME DELAY
SECONDS :

press
ENTER

0 press
ENTER

DUAL

NULL
CR
LF

press
ENTER

CR LF
Press UP or DOWN key to
highlight choice and press ENTER

Press UP/DOWN to increase or

decrease value

Press UP/DOWN to increase or

decrease value

press
ESC

FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

PORT
press
ENTER

STORE MEM

press
ENTER

UNITS OFF
ON

press
ENTER

SIGN OFF
ON

press
ENTER

9600
19200

SEND MEM

57600

CLEAR MEM

115200

ESC

page 35

press
ENTER

Advanced Menu Options Flow Chart Page 2

Constant
Press DOWN key to
select from choices.
Once choice
is made, PLC X CONST OFF
is turned ON
SET
press

FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

ENTER

SET
press

Press UP or DOWN
to increase or
decrease value

00000.1

press

ENTER

ENTER
lbf

Information
Values are for illustration only
FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

T12008

Tension span

C12011

Compression span

I32754 Z32752

I=Initial Zero

G9.80656

Gravitational constant

press

press
ENTER

Z=Current Zero

ESC

Calibration
FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

0000
press
ENTER

-0.13%
press

press and

ENTER
4 times

hold ESC
until screen
clears

Contrast
FOOTSWITCH1
FOOTSWITCH2
COMMS
X CONSTANT
INFORMATION
CALIBRATION
CONTRAST
Page 2

page 36

press
ENTER

1.234

Press and hold UP

or DOWN key to
change contrast

Dimensions

(incl. Pin-out details)

32

Front View

Side View
SMART CONNECTOR

EXTENSION ROD MALE THREAD

= 10-32UNF (10N - 500N)
= 5/16UNC (1000N - 2500N)

70

15 WAY D-TYPE
COMMUNICATION
CONNECTOR

17
22.5

INTERNAL
LOADCELL STUD
MALE THREAD
= 10-32UNF
(10N - 500N
MODELS)
= 5/16UNC
(1000N - 2500N
MODELS)

Shown with Dovetail Mounting Bracket

(supplied with Mecmesin Test Stands)

Rear View

BATTERY COVER

201

TAPPED HOLE:
THREAD M5 x 0.8 x
5.5mm DEEP

57

18

AFG Mk4 D Connector Pin Out:

1
Analogue Output
2
RS232 Transmit
3
RS232 Receive
4
Mitutoyo Clock Output
5
Mitutoyo Ready Output
6
+ 5 Volts
7
FREEZE Reading Input
8
Stand Reverse UP
9
Footswitch 2 Input/SMART -ve out
10
Ground
11
Mitutoyo Request Input
12
Mitutoyo DATA Output
13
Footswitch 1 input
14
PLC Output
15
Stand reverse DOWN

Allocation for the pins on the

Male 15 way D Type
Communication Connector

page 37

Optional Extras
Universal Expansion Module shown for
connecting up to a maximum of 5 cables
simultaneously.

CABLES
Cable AFG to Mitutoyo Printer/DigiCon-X Interface
Cable AFG to RS 232 - 9 way
Cable AFG Analogue cable
Footswitch for AFG
Universal Expansion Module for AFG
Cable AFG to Versatest/UltraTest/M5KNE/MultiTest
Cable AFG to PLC

PART NO.
351 - 058
351 - 059
351 - 060
351 - 061/V01/V02
432 - 185
351 - 062
351 - 063

DataPlot
WINDOWS SOFTWARE FOR LOGGING, PLOTTING AND ANALYSING FORCE/TORQUE DATA

DataPlot enables a PC to communicate with

Mecmesin digital force gauges, torque gauges
and display units, by means of the bidirectional RS232 interface which is a standard
feature of all instruments. The PC functions as a
virtual chart recorder with the following
features:

Auto-ranging

Zooming/re-scaling

Overlaying of test traces

Printout of tabular data

Smart-linked preference settings

Start/stop triggers

Data export to spreadsheets

If you have any feedback regarding Mecmesin, its products and services, which you
would like to share with us, please contact us at f e e d b a c k @ m e c m e s i n . c o m
page 38

page 39

Additional products available from Mecmesin

MultiTest
The MultiTest 1 is a budget-priced, potentiometercontrolled test stand with 1000 newton capacity.
When used with a Mecmesin force gauge and
appropriate fixtures this system is ideal for relatively
straightforward testing applications; the force gauge
captures maximum tensile and compressive loads.
(Also available in a 2500 newton capacity)

MultiTest-x
The MultiTest 2.5-x is a console-controlled 2500
newton stand, which can carry out simple test
procedures and data analyses. Features include:
cycling, load-holding, remote and running to a
precise load, displacement, time or break. (Also
available in a 1000, 5000, 10,000 and 25,000
newton capacity)

MultiTest-i
The MultiTest 5-i is a fully computer-controlled
5000 newton testing machine. Mecmesins
Emperor software enables users to develop
sophisticated program routines and analyses to
meet precise requirements for testing particular
products. (Also available in a 1000, 2500, 10,000
and 25,000 newton capacity)

page 40

Vortex-i
The Vortex-i is a fully computercontrolled motorised torque
testing system.
A Vortex
improves reproducibility by
allowing constant speed testing.
However, a Vortex-i will enable
complete control of the test
procedure, analysis and reporting by using a new
torque version of Mecmesins powerful, flexible and
user-friendly Emperor software.

Interface Cables
AFG to RS232 9-way for PC, dataloggers - part no: 351-059
AFG to digimatic 10-way for Mitutoyo printer - part no: 351-058
AFG to analogue - part no: 351-060

AFG to digimatic 10-way for Mitutoyo printer

AFG to RS232 9-way for

PC, dataloggers

AFG to analogue

To view our range of accessories please request our brochure by

calling +44 (0) 1403 799979 or visit our website and download the
brochure under Literature & FAQs.
page 41

Newton House
Spring Copse Business Park
Slinfold
West Sussex
RH13 0SZ
England
General Enquiries:

431-213-02

Service & Calibration

DISTRIBUTOR STAMP

t:
f:
t:
f:
i:
e:

+44 (0) 1403 799979

+44 (0) 1403 799975
+44 (0) 1403 799920
+44 (0) 1403 799925
www.mecmesin.com
info@mecmesin.com