Microprocessor Controller – Directions for Use

w+b
F0 $ DI
7 8 9
kN
kN # SET "
s 4 5 6

mm DE ! EX
1 2 3

FNC MA ESC
. 0 DEL

PO W ER PEA K R ES Z ER O C A LC D A TA S TO P S TA R T
%
Contents

Overview 3
Type of Device 3
Selecting the Machines 3
Operation 3
Specimen Configuration 3
How to Carry out a Test 3
Computer Interface 3
Specimen Memory (Option) 3
Description of the Keyboard 4
Description of the LCD Display 6
Main Menu 8
Report Menu 9
Test Menu 10
Test Parameter Submenu 11
Test, Cycles Submenu 12
Steps Submenu 13
E-Modul Submenu 13
Set Up Menu 14
Specimen Configuration Menu 15
Specimen Configuration Submenu 16
W ork Calibration Menu 17
Calibration Submenu 18
Calibration Menu Item 19
Linearisation Menu item 20
Calibration Table Menu Item 21
Calibration Values Menu Item 22
Control Calibration Menu Item 22
Machine Settings Submenu 23
Gain Set Submenu 24
Manual Up Down Submenu 25
LCD Settings Menu 26
Vernier Balance Menu 26

Page 2
Overview
Type of Device

True digital controller developed for all types of test machines. Can be extended into a
completely automatic test system connected to a balance, a vernier, a measuring bench
and a computer.

Selecting the Machines

The system includes up to 4 machines. All settings can apply to each machine
separately.
Exceptions: Specimen configuration and Report settings.

Operation

First select the machine that will be used, then perform all settings from the main
menu. The settings are conserved in the non volatile memory after the machine has
been turned off. To ensure that the machine always operates correctly, both factory
settings and calibration are protected by a code.

Specimen Configuration

The 30 types of specimens which are most often used can be stored with their
dimensions and the loading speed under the “Specimen config” menu item.

How to Carry out a Test

Select the desired type of specimen with the CALC key and start the machine.
If the specimen to be tested is not already programmed, it has to be specified with the
“Test program” menu item. The load in kN is displayed during the test. Certain system
versions can also display the displacement and deformation.
Test programs allow programming automated test sequences.

Computer Interface

The serial computer interface of the DIGICON 2000 system is fully compatible with the
complete programs for testing building materials P93 and PROTEUS. All operations
carried out from the computer, support in the selection of test methods, graphical
recording of measurements, these are just a few of the possibilities offered by this test
system.

Specimen Memory (Option)

Allows testing with DIGICON 2000 and later transferring test data to the connected
computer.

Page 3
Description of the Keyboard

System on / off
P O W ER

Peak measurement on / off

PEA K

Peak value reset

R ES

Taring (set to zero without saving)

Z ER O

Selection of specimens with strength conversion

C A LC
Up to 30 specimens can be freely programmed
(Factory: 20 cm cylinder, 15 cm cube, 16 cm² prism)

Switches display from N/mm² to kN for selected specimen FNC

Resets display .

Triggers output of data to computer or printer

D A TA

Calls main menu SET

5

Test start – stop

S TA R T

Unload specimen
S TO P
Stop – start sink time

Page 4
Selection of measurement parameters in the case of a double display with onscreen
status display.
This also applies to switching from zero to selected parameter, etc.

FO = Force F0
7

DI = Displacement DI
9

DE = Deformation DE
1

EX = External EX
3

Machine selection (max. 4 machines) MA

0

Cursor key (control of menu) $

8

Cursor key (control of menu) !

2

Cursor key (control of menu) #

4

Cursor key (control of menu) "

6

For leaving the menu ESC

DEL

Enter key (menu selection)

Printer’s form feed %

Page 5
Description of the LCD Display
Measurement display:

Measuring range Selected machine

Sign of current Display of force unit

value
kN
kN Pacemaker.
Indicates the charge
s increase per time
unit.

Histogram Controller status line.

Displays Start, Load,
Stop, Relieve, etc.

Status line for functions

PK: Peak active
ZB: Zero band active
BD: Break detection active
BR: Break detection triggered
LD: Limit detection active
MAX/MIN: Max/Min limit triggered

$
8
Switching from Force display to Strength display without loss of value.

Strength display:

Strength display for

selected specimen
N/mm2
N/mm2 Pacemaker
s

Page 6
Double display:

Force or resistance
display
kN
Pacemaker for force,
kN displacement,
s deformation or
external

mm Displacement,
deformation or
external display

Second selected measurement

parameter e.g. Deformation DE

Page 7
Main Menu

$ !
8 2 Selection

% ENTER

Report: Entry of printout data (date, specimen number, order, etc.),

according to printer type and mode of operation
Test: Entry of a freely programmable test sequence according to the
equipment of the machine.
Set up: Locking / unlocking and programming of machine and test settings
according to selected options.
Specimen config: The dimensions and test speed of up to 30 types of available
specimens, such as cube, prism, cylinder, plate, bar and stone can
be freely programmed.
This menu item is protected with a code (Code 1204).
W ork Calib.: Provides menu items protected with a code for calibration and
manufacturer’s parameterisation of the system.
Displays the software version
LCD settings: Setting the contrast of the display and turning it off.
Save dec. point: To select in the test mask the parameter you want displayed (FO
Force, DI Displacement, DE Deformation, EX External). To set the
desired display format with the arrow keys.
Confirm by pressing the Enter key in the “Save dec. point” menu.
Reset Zero: The taring that was set with the ZERO key is reset. Select the
displayed parameter according to the description under “Save dec.
point”.
Confirm by pressing the Enter key in the “Reset Zero” menu.
Vernier Balance: Settings of vernier, balance and/or height measurement.

Page 8
Report Menu

All order-related data are entered in the Report menu.

The report can be started manually or by break detection.

Ident: The identity number can have up to nine digits

Tester: Number of the tester
Order: Order number
Age: Age of specimen in days

Day/Month/Year: The day, month and year are entered with two digits each. Press
the ENTER key after each entry. (The date is neither stored nor
automatically corrected. It must be entered every day.)

Page 9
Test Menu

Entry of a freely programmable test sequence according to the equipment of the

machine.

Test parameter Menu for selecting the operating mode, the type of test and the
storage of peak value.
Test, Cycles Menu for programming ramps and cycles.
Univers Menu for Universal test (only with SU Software)
Steps Menu for programming steps.
E-Modul Menu for E-Modul tests.

Page 10
Test Parameter Submenu

% Transfer

MA
0
Selection

Prepare: Selection of operating mode.

Test: Selection of test type (Ramp, Cycles / Steps / E-Modul).
The “Test” menu item of the SU software version also contains
the Universal test.
Peak: This item can be switched off for tests without peak value
measurement.

with SU software
Auto Test: ON: Test runs without interruption.
OFF: Test held at zero compensation when the contact occurs.
Auto Start: ON: The controller immediately goes into the preparation mode
when the contact of the pump closes.
OFF: The controller must be manually started.
Reli: Entry of speed for displacement-controlled relief of the specimen
Vel: Entry of speed for displacement-controlled start of the specimen

Page 11
Test, Cycles Submenu

Only with double

display.

% Transfer

Allows to program a universal test, but only in kN (not in N/mm²)

Control: The selection of the control parameter allows force tests, but also
displacement, deformation or external ones to be performed. The
specimen always starts at contact, except in preparation mode.
Measurem: The selection of the measurement parameter allows the force, but also
the displacement, the deformation or external measurement signals to
be displayed.
Cycles: Specifies how many times the specimen is loaded and relieved. 0
means that the load is applied up to a specified maximum force. The
force then remains stationary. STOP triggers a relief.
Hold time: Specifies the holding time at the maximum and minimum loading
points.
Vel: Specifies how fast the specimen is loaded or relieved.
Max: Upper limit of the ramp.
Min: Lover limit of the ramp.

If the displacement, the deformation or the external control parameter is selected, it

replaces the load as control parameter (option).

F Maximum force F
Hold Hold
Stays if cycle time time Max.
Relief

Load
Min.
Hold

Load

Start Start Cycle 1 Cycle 2

t t

Page 12
Steps Submenu

% Transfer

Allows to program force steps, but only for a test in kN

E-Modul Submenu

% Transfer

Allows to program E-Modul tests.

Page 13
Set Up Menu

% Transfer

MA
0
Selection

Sink time: Sink time ON allows to free the specimen without having to lower
the piston into its initial position
Time: The piston is lowered during the indicated time provided “Sink
time” is ON.
Auto Zero: Auto Zero automatically resets the display when the test is
started.
Disp.measur: There three available display modes!
ACT: Synchronised displacement display that continuously
displays the current measured displacement.
HLD: The displacement display is held at the maximal force,
i.e. measurement are only performed when the force is
increasing. PEAK must be ON.
MAX: The displacement display is held at the maximal value,
i.e. the maximal displacement is measured. PEAK must
be ON.
Pacemaker: In the double display, the pacemaker can be set permanently to
force or else can be selected (FO, DI, DE, EX). permanent
setting on force: FO, Selection: SEL.
Zeroband: The zeroband can be switched off for calibration.
Break detect: Break detection must be disabled for tests that are not carried
out to the breaking point or where the ramp is travelled
backward.
Level: This level in ‰ of the machine range indicates the load decrease
that is necessary for triggering the break detection.
Max: 103% The maximum limit of 103 % can be permanently switched on
and off.
Min: - 3 % The minimum limit of - 3 % can be permanently switched on and
off.

Page 14
Specimen Configuration Menu

$ !
8 2 Selection

% ENTER

Specimen config: For defining specimens with test sequence

with SPECIMEN MEMORY additional software

The Specimen Memory is backed up by a battery.
(Type of battery: Lithium button cell, type CR 2450 N; made by Renata 0,5 W / 3V)
Report entries, type of specimen, measurement results and computed strength are
stored for each specimen
Storage capacity 75 – 100 specimens according to type of specimen and test.
The format corresponds to the printout

Read Memory: For outputting the test specimens through the interface.
The memory must be cleared after data have been read to re-
enable the machine for the following test.
Clear Memory: All specimens are cleared and the address of the memory is reset
Free %: Display of available memory in % :
100 % memory is empty.
0 % memory is full, additional specimens
are not stored any more.

Page 15
Specimen Configuration Submenu

Up to 30 types of specimens are freely programmable according to dimensions and test

speed. Cubes, prisms, cylinders, plates, bars and stones are available.
The Specimen Configuration menu is protected with a code (Code 1204).

$ !
8 2
Selection of the specimen to configure (max. 30)
MA
0
Selection of specimen type (e.g. cube, prism, cylinder, plate, bar and
stone are available)
SET
5
The numerical keys are activated by pressing the SET key.
It is then possible to enter the dimensions and test parameters.

% Press ENTER key to terminate entry.

ESC
DEL
Exit and save changes

Page 16
Work Calibration Menu

$ !
8 2 Selection

% ENTER

Provides menu items protected with a code for calibration and manufacturer’s
parameterisation of the system.
Displays the software version

Calibration: Provides menu items protected with a code for calibration and
linearisation of the system.
W ork Config.: Provides menu items protected with a code for manufacturer’s
configuration of the system.
Machine set.: Code protected menu for configuring the device.
Gain set: Code protected menu for adjusting the controller’s gain.
Manual Up Down: Code protected menu for configuring manual operation.

Version: Data on the controller type and the running software version
Height measur.: Height measurement ON/OFF (double display only).

Page 17
Calibration Submenu

$ !
8 2 Selection

% ENTER

Provides menu items protected with a code for calibration and linearisation of the
system.

Machine: Select desired machine (1 – 4)

Calibration: Menu item for calibrating the force.
Delete calib.: Delete current calibration values.
Linearisation: Menu item for linearisation.
Calib. table: Table containing the values obtained during calibration /
linearisation.
Delete table: Delete current calibration table.
Print cal. table: Print current calibration table.
Calibr. values: Calibration values to be used for testing the calibration.
Control calibration: Automatically runs trough the specified calibration values.
Machine typ: This menu displays the selected control mode (FO. DI, DE or
EX).

Page 18
Calibration Menu Item

kN
kN
s

Delete table (only with first calibration)

Z ER O
Setting the display to zero. (W ith first calibration: reset to zero with
trimmer Z of the corresponding measurement transducer.)

Calibration at selectable points of the measuring range (10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or
100%). Default value 80%.
DI
9
Shift up calibration point.
DE
1
Shift down calibration point.
S TA R T
Manually run through the selected calibration value according to the
calibration instrument. The display might show deviations.

% Machine relieved. The calibration value is computed again.

Page 19
Linearisation Menu item

kN

Linearisation allows to increase the accuracy of a test machine. Should the table be
empty, it is necessary to go through all the points. This is not necessary for adjusting
single points.

Procedure:

% (State is: no force is being applied.)

The 0 % calibration value is read. Display set to zero, calibration
value on 2 %.

% 2 % calibration value read and increased to 4 %. Start machine

according to 4 % calibration value.

% 4 % calibration value read and increased to 6 %. Same procedure as

with steps 2 and 4 %, and so on for the next steps: 10, 20, 40, 60, 80
and 100 %.

It is necessary to run through every point to record the linearisation values for the first
time. If the measured value that has been read is invalid, return to the former position
with the DE key and press the ENTER key once more with the correct calibration value.
The “Table inserted” message appears after the last entry (100 %).

ESC
D A TA
DEL
Abort with storage of linearisation values.
ESC ESC
DEL DEL
Abort without storing.

Page 20
Calibration Table Menu Item

% Selection

Table containing the values obtained during calibration / linearisation. Corrections for
singles values can be entered.

!! Caution: If the table has not been printed out, it is recommended to write down
its content before proceeding any further.

Select the line to be corrected with the ENTER key. Overwrite the previous value.

!! Caution: The keyboard is already in numerical mode. If an entry is made at the

wrong place, it means that the corresponding calibration value is
lost. To avoid it, leave the table with ESC, which however renders all
changes invalid. To restore the previous values, switch the machine
off and on.

Page 21
Calibration Values Menu Item

% Selection

To test the calibration of a machine, it is necessary to run through a sequence of

calibration values.

Calibr. values: Entry of max. 10 load steps and of the process speed. The entries can
be stored.

Control Calibration Menu Item

kN
kN
s

Allows to run automatically up and then down through the calibration values. Each
calibration value must be confirmed before the next one is processed.

Pressing the START key calls the first calibration step. (The zero is automatically set at
start-up time.)

Page 22
Machine Settings Submenu

% Transfer

MA
0
Selection

Provides menu items protected with a code for configuring the machine.

Pl-susp: Entry of the preload delay in seconds.

B-Test: Factory test
Load: Entry of preload in ‰
Start: Entry of valve stream value at start.
Preload: Entry of valve stream value with preload.
Relieve: Entry of valve stream value when relieving.
B-Susp.: Entry of break delay in seconds.
P-Reset: Peak Reset ON/OFF at preload.
Stop:

Page 23
Gain Set Submenu

% Transfer

MA
0
Selection

Menu for adjusting the controller’s gain

The controller’s gain must be adapted to the inertia of the machine.

Page 24
Manual Up Down Submenu

% Transfer

MA
0
Selection

Speed: 4 speed steps adjustable with arrow keys for manual

operation
Handwheel: Handwheel ON/OFF
FO / DI: Entry of pitch factor for the demultiplication of the hand wheel
signal. The larger this factor, the slower the motion of the
machine. The entry must be such that the machine does not
perform any tracking. The values can be entered separately for
the force FO and the displacement DI.
Prepare: ON: the hand wheel is switched off after the adjustment.
OFF: the hand wheel can also be used on Manual Stop during
the test.
Max: Entry of the force that will stop the hand wheel in the load
direction. An additional increase of the load cannot be excluded
since the machine is controlled through the displacement.
LD: Entry of safety limit that stops the machine if the force is still
increasing.
Important: Safety is only guaranteed if the hydraulic
pressure is switched off.

Page 25
LCD Settings Menu

The arrow keys ↑ and ↓ allow to adjust the contrast of the LCD display in 8 steps to
compensate the strong temperature fluctuations.

brighter

darker

Vernier Balance Menu

Vernier: Manual entry of dimensions ON/OFF

Balance: Manual entry of weight ON/OFF
Height measur.: Height measurement ON/OFF (double display only)

Page 26