Operating Instructins ACX-1 Series Digital Aircraft Cable Tensin Meter ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. WARRANTY POLICY... 3 2. SPECIFICATIONS... 4 3. SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE... 5 4. INSTRUMENT OPTIONS... 6 Standard Instruments... 6 Add-On Optins... 7 - A Analg Output ptin... 7 - E RS-232 Serial Output ptin... 7 Features f all Instruments... 7 5. BASIC OPERATION... 8 Charging Instrument Batteries... 8 Quick Start Instructins... 8 Engaging Instrument nt Cable... 9 6. DISPLAY SCREENS... 11 SETUP Screen... 11 LCD Refresh Rate... 11 Data Averaging... 11 Custm Names... 11 Re-Cal Tensin: See descriptin at the end f this bklet.... 11 Audi... 11 Backlight... 11 Set-Pint Menu... 12 Versin... 12 DATA LOGGING Screen... 12 View Data Stats... 12 View Data Lg... 12 Clear Single Pint Lg... 12 TENSION UNITS Screen... 13 SELECT MATERIAL Screen... 13 ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 2
7. ADVANCED OPERATION... 13 General Calibratin Precautins... 13 Check Accuracy... 13 Calibrate Instrument... 14 Prprietary Ntice This dcument cntains prprietary infrmatin which may nt be reprduced in whle r in part withut the written permissin f Tensitrn, 733 Suth Bwen Street, Lngmnt, CO 80503. Tensitrn reserves the right t make instrument changes and imprvements which may nt be reflected in this dcument. Prtins f this dcument may have been updated t include the latest hardware r firmware versin, if applicable. We recmmend that this dcument be read in its entirety befre any attempt is made t perate the instrument. Thank Yu... Fr purchasing anther fine prduct frm Tensitrn If yu have any questins r need assistance, please call us at 303-702-1980 r find us nline at www.tensitrn.cm 1. WARRANTY POLICY STANDARD EQUIPMENT WARRANTY Tensitrn warrants that all Tensitrn-manufactured equipment will be free f any defect in materials r wrkmanship fr the perid f (1) year. Warranty begins frm the date f shipment frm a Tensitrn facility. The warranty is extended t custmers and applies t all Tensitrn-manufactured equipment purchased, installed, and used fr the purpse fr which such equipment was riginally designed. The abve warranties cver nly defects arising under nrmal use and d nt include malfunctins r failures resulting frm misuse, abuse, neglect, alteratin, prblems with electrical pwer, usage nt in accrdance with prduct instructins, acts f nature, r imprper installatin r repairs made by anyne ther than Tensitrn r a Tensitrnauthrized, third-party service prvider. Shipping csts t and frm Tensitrn are nt included in the warranty cverage. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 3
2. SPECIFICATIONS Figure 1: ACX-1 Dimensins Full Scale Accuracy Fr all mdels up thrugh 500 lb.: 2% Fr ACX-1200-1: 3% Accuracy fr custm calibratins is material specific Pwer Requirements Fr Instrument Input: 9 VDC 2.2A Fr AC Adapter: 100-240V~50-60Hz 0.48A Pwer Supply perates with input vltages frm 100 240V and includes several interchangeable adapters allwing use with Eurpean, U.S., Australian, English and ther plug cnfiguratins. Battery: Rechargeable NiMH, custm prprietary design Battery Life Apprximately 12 hurs depending upn backlighting intensity. Operating Temperature 32º F t 120 º F. If these values are exceeded, battery charge/discharge rates will decline. Hwever, this culd be ffset by using the pwer supply. Charging in direct sunlight r near a heat surce will nt prduce a full charge and may permanently damage battery pack. Strage Temperature 20º F t 158º F. (Instrument and Charger) Ambient Humidity 10% t 90% nn-cndensing Dimensins All mdels except 500 and 1200: 3.37 x 8.14 x 1.39 ACX-500 and 1200: 5.20 x 8.14 x 1.39 (See Figure 1) Weight 1.5 lb. (depending upn instrument cnfiguratin). Envirnment: Indr r utdr use, dust-free envirnment. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 4
3. SAFETY AND MAINTENANCE WARNING: When using crdless, electrnic instruments, always fllw basic safety precautins t reduce the risk f fire, electric shck and persnal injury READ AND SAVE ALL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE. Befre use, ensure all users read and understand this manual, as well as any labels packaged with r attached t the instrument. Knw yur instrument. Read this manual carefully t learn yur tensin meter s applicatins and limitatins, as well as the ptential hazards assciated with this type f instrument. Avid dangerus envirnments. D nt use yur instrument in the presence f explsive atmspheres (gaseus fumes, dust r flammable materials). D nt submerge yur instrument in liquids. Use the right tl r instrument. D nt use this instrument t d a jb fr which it is nt recmmended. Check fr damaged parts. Inspect instrument befre use. Check fr any binding f mving parts, imprper muntings, brken parts and any ther cnditin that may affect peratin. D nt use a damaged instrument. Tag damaged instrument DO NOT USE until repaired. Fr repair, send instruments directly t Tensitrn. Guard against electric shck. Maintain instrument carefully. Prtect meter frm expsure t water. Keep instrument dry, clean and free frm il and grease. D nt lubricate. All rller bearings are sealed. D nt use instrument if it has received a sharp blw, been drpped r damaged in any way. D nt disassemble. Incrrect reassembly may result in damage t the instrument and risk f electric shck and fire. If instrument is damaged return it t Tensitrn fr repair. Unplug charger when nt in use. WARNING: Only use battery pack assemblies prvided by Tensitrn with yur meter (P/N: BATTERY, ACX). Other types f batteries might explde, causing persnal injury and damage. T check this meter s accuracy, see Check Accuracy n page 13. If meter is ut f calibratin, return it t Tensitrn fr repair. Tensitrn recmmends calibratin by the manufacturer at ne-year intervals, r sner if the meter is wrn, damaged, r reading incrrectly. Hwever, it is the respnsibility f the user t establish a suitable calibratin interval, cnsidering such factrs as the user s accuracy requirements, requirements set by cntract r regulatin, and envirnmental factrs such as frequency and cnditins f the meter s use. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 5
4. INSTRUMENT OPTIONS Standard Instruments Mdel Cable Selectin Reslutin (punds) Range (punds) ACX-100-1 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32 0.5 5-100 ACX-100-M-1 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm 0.5 5-100 ACX-100-FM-1 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm 0.5 5-100 ACX-250-1 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16 0.5 20-250 ACX-250-M-1 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm 0.5 20-250 ACX-250-FM-1 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.0mm 0.5 20-250 ACX-CWT-1 5, 10, 15, 20 & 25 CWT cables 0.5 20-250 ACX-CMB-1 1/16, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 CWT 0.5 20-250 ACX-500-1 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16. 1/4" 1 40-500 ACX-500-M-1 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5mm 1 40-500 ACX-500-FM-1 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 1/4", 2.5, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5mm 1 40-500 ACX-1200- SCB-1 3/16 5 100-1200 ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 6
Add-On Optins Instruments can be cnfigured with either f these ptins, but nt bth: - A Analg Output ptin Data utput at 40 Hz. 0-5 VDC r 4-20 ma with Sftware-definable ending sequences. Prvided with 10 cable. - E RS-232 Serial Output ptin Select data sampling rate frm 1, 2 r 5 Hz. Prvided with 10 cable t Interface with yur receiving device. Features f all Instruments Clr graphic display: Large and easy t read, with adjustable backlighting. Shws Tensin, Battery Charge Level, and Cable Size Selected. Includes user-definable tensin set pints. Stre Functin: Stre and display up t five separate tensin readings plus the minimum/maximum and average value f these stred readings. Data Statistics: Mnitr yur prcess by viewing cunt, average, minimum/maximum, and standard deviatin values f yur lgged data. Selectable Tensin Units: Chse t display tensin in Lb, Kg r dan. Up t ten calibratins can be prgrammed int the instrument. (Passwrdprtected t prvide due diligence against unauthrized changes.) Adjustable LCD refresh rates allw fr stable digital readings. Autmatic shutff after several minutes f nn-use. All mdels are typically available frm stck. All mdels are factry calibrated and ready fr use. All calibratin values are traceable t Natinal Standards. Calibratin certificate is included. Cntinuus peratin while cnnected t pwer supply. Durable, lightweight carrying case with prtective fam inserts included. (See Figure 2) Cable diameter gauge included, t easily and accurately measure cable size. (See Figure 3) Figure 2: Carrying Case with Instrument, Calibratin Recrd, charger, adapters and Operating Instructins. Figure 3: Cable Diameter Gauge ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 7
5. BASIC OPERATION Charging Instrument Batteries 1. Use nly a Tensitrn pwer supply t avid damage t instrument. Cnnect pwer supply cable t instrument. 2. Plug the pwer supply int a pwer surce with input vltages between 100 240 VAC. 3. A full charge f the battery assembly requires several hurs f charging. 4. Battery pack assembly cannt be vercharged. 5. Instrument will remain n while cnnected t its pwer supply. 6. Battery charge level is indicated in the upper, right-hand crner f the display. Quick Start Instructins 1. Pwer unit n by pressing ON buttn. Main display will indicate: Tensin, Material, five stred tensin readings and their average, and ther infrmatin. (See Figure 4.) 2. Select a screen: a. Mve between screens by using the up ( ) and dwn ( ) buttns. b. Make r enter a selectin by pressing the Enter/Zer buttn. c. Exit a setting by pressing the Escape (ESC) buttn. Instrument Operatin Panel Main Display Operatin Buttns: Off / Escape On / Enter / Zer Arrw Up Arrw Dwn Stre Battery Charge Level Main Display Selectable Units in Kg, dan, Lbs. Select Cable Size Instrument autmatically adjusts calibratin Set Pint Display Figure 4: Instrument Operatin Panel and Display Stre and Display up t 5 separate tensin measurements and their Average. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 8
3. Lg Data: a. Press the STORE buttn t stre and display up t five separate tensin readings alng with the average f these values. b. Clear the data displayed n the Main Screen by pressing and hlding the STORE buttn, r pwer the instrument ff. c. Fr additinal infrmatin n lgging and viewing data, refer t Sec 6 Display Screens - Data Lgging. 4. Read Tensin: Variatins in materials and cable diameters affect tensin readings. It is essential t select the crrect material and size befre use, r tensin values may be incrrect. 5. Select Tensin Units: a. Using the up r dwn arrws, scrll t TENSION UNITS, then press ENTER. b. Next, select frm: Kilgrams, DecaNewtns, r LBS, and then press ENTER. 6. Select Material: a. Using either the up r dwn arrws, scrll t SELECT MATERIAL, then press ENTER. b. Next scrll thrugh the cable descriptins until the crrect cable size is highlighted, then press ENTER. Yur main display will indicate the cable size selected. (See Figure 5) c. If yur specific material is nt listed, add it t the menu by fllwing the calibratin instructins included at the end f these instructins. Or, send a 15 sample f yur material/cable and the instrument t Tensitrn and ask t have it added t the menu. Select Cable Size Instrument autmatically adjusts calibratin Figure 5: Select Material Screen 7. Zer Instrument: Hld the instrument in the attitude yur reading will be taken befre yu engage it t the tensined material/cable. Then, press ZERO. Engaging Instrument nt Cable WARNING: DO NOT OVER TORQUE THE ENGAGEMENT LEVER OR YOU WILL DAMAGE THE INSTRUMENT! ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 9
DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM TENSION RANGE OF THE INSTRUMENT OR DAMAGE WILL OCCUR. T engage the instrument n the cable, first rtate the engagement lever away frm the instrument, raising the uter cable cntact guides. Next, psitin yur cable beneath the uter cable cntact guides and abve the center cntact pint. (See Figure 6) Once the cable is in place, squeeze the engagement lever shut until it lcks int psitin parallel with the instrument handle. Nte: If it takes a lt f frce t clse the lever, STOP!, smething is binding r the cable is t large in diameter. Clsing the lever in this situatin will damage the instrument. Nte the tensin reading n the display. (See Figure 7) Nte the ruting f the Cable. Ready the instrument t accept cable by rtating engagement lever away frm handle. Figure 6: Instrument ready t engage Nte the ruting f the Cable. Once cable is prperly ruted, gently squeeze the engagement lever back tward the handle until it lcks int the engaged psitin, parallel t the instrument handle. Dn t ver trque! Figure 7: Instrument engaged nt cable ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 10
6. DISPLAY SCREENS SETUP Screen LCD Refresh Rate T either speed up r slw dwn the instrument s LCD refresh rates: Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Scrll t LCD REFRESH RATE and press ENTER. Select yur preference: 1, 2 r 5 Hz and press ENTER. Nte: This feature is unrelated t Data Averaging Data Averaging Nte: This feature is primarily used in prcesses where the material t be checked is cnstantly mving, such as cil winding, and textiles, and likely des nt apply t use n Aircraft cables. Custm Names Custm calibratins, listed as Custm 0 9, can be renamed s yur material appears as a selectin n the Main Display. T rename a Custm Calibratin: Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Scrll t CUSTOM NAMES and press ENTER. Scrll t the descriptin t rename and press ENTER. Input yur custm name by using the up and dwn arrws t select each number, letter, r character, fllwed each time by ENTER. Cntinue pressing ENTER until all spaces in the descriptin have values, including blank spaces. Once yur new name has been entered yu will autmatically be returned t the SETUP screen. Re-Cal Tensin: See descriptin at the end f this bklet. ONLY PERFORM THIS IF YOU ARE A QUALIFIED CALIBRATION HOUSE USING NIST-CERTIFIED CALIBRATION WEIGHTS. NOT USED FOR CHECKING ACCURACY. TO CHECK ACCURACY, REFER TO SEC. 7: CHECK ACCURACY. Audi T turn the Beep ON r OFF: Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Scrll t AUDIO and press ENTER. Select ON r OFF and press ENTER. Backlight T adjust the visual intensity f the LCD screen. Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Scrll t BACKLIGHT and press ENTER Select Lw, Medium r Full intensity and press ENTER. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 11
Set-Pint Menu This feature displays tensin as a clred bar n the main display. The clred bar advances as tensin increases, and retracts as tensin decreases. Yu can define a safe perating tensin range. Fr tensin measurements within this range, the bar is green. Belw the range, the bar is amber. Abve the range, the bar is red. T adjust the Set Pint Menu: Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Scrll t SETPOINT MENU and press ENTER. Fllw and enter the prmpts t turn this feature n r ff, r t edit yur high and lw values. (See Figure 8) Set Pint Setup Screen See High and Lw threshld values Settings: On / Off Edit High Pint Threshld Edit High Pint Threshld Figure 8: Setpint Setup Versin Press this buttn t determine what Mdel the instrument is set at in the firmware as well as t see what level f firmware is dwnladed t the Instrument. DATA LOGGING Screen Each time the instrument s STORE buttn is pressed, a lg f that cable tensin will be stred int memry fr later review. View Data Stats This feature allws the peratr t view the basic statistics f the lgged data (Cunt, Average, Minimum/Maximum, and Standard Deviatin). View Data Lg When data is lgged t the instrument memry, that data and the statistics f that data lg (Cunt, Average, Minimum/Maximum, and Standard Deviatin) can be seen under the Data Lgging / View Data Stats screen. T view this lgged data: Scrll t DATA LOGGING and press ENTER. Scrll t VIEW DATA LOG and press ENTER. Clear Single Pint Lg T clear stred data, scrll t CLEAR SINGLE PT LOG, press ENTER, and fllw the prmpts. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 12
TENSION UNITS Screen T change the unit f measure in which tensin readings are lgged: Scrll t Tensin Units and press ENTER. Use the Up and Dwn arrws t select Kilgrams, DecaNewtns r Punds and press ENTER. SELECT MATERIAL Screen Press ENTER while this display is shwn t shw the available ptins fr the material types. Use the up r dwn arrw t scrll t the ptin yu want and press ENTER t select it. 7. ADVANCED OPERATION General Calibratin Precautins 1. T verify the accuracy f yur instrument, check the tensin n a sample length f cable by suspending knwn weights frm the ppsite end. 2. When perfrming this test, use a micrmeter t measure yur cable diameter and ensure it is dimensinally within tlerance, +/-.003 f size, and nt ut f rund. CABLE DIMENSIONS Standard Aircraft Cables CWT Aircraft Cables 1/16 =.0625 5-CWT =.076 3/32 =.0938 10-CWT =.106 1/8 =.1250 15-CWT =.141 5/32 =.1562 20-CWT =.155 3/16 =.1875 25-CWT =.170 7/32 =.2188 1/4 =.2500 3. Only use free-hanging weights which are traceable t Natinal Standards n crrectly-sized cables. (See Figure 9.) 4. Never use any tensining device that attempts t cnvert rtatinal trque values int tensin lads, as these types f systems are highly inaccurate. Als, any lad cell system must be rutinely checked fr accuracy using traceable weights as these types f systems are als highly inaccurate and generally d nt meet the minimum repeatable accuracy standards required by ISO-17025. 5. NEVER SIMULATE TENSION LOADS ON THESE INSTRUMENTS BY USING A CALIBRATION BAR! Check Accuracy 1. Cnfirm that the size cable yu re wrking with is the same size selected in yur ACX s display. 2. Befre engaging the ACX instrument nt the cable, zer the instrument by hlding it in the same attitude yu ll be taking the readings and press the Enter r Zer buttn. This will eliminate any small tare effects. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 13
3. Take readings alng the cable. FOR BEST RESULTS ALWAYS TAKE SEVERAL READINGS OF THE CABLE TENSION BY DISENGAGING AND THEN RE-ENGAGING THE INSTRUMENT ONTO THE CABLE. 4. Verify that the tensin value is crrect within the accuracy specificatin fr yur instrument: Accuracy Specificatin Mdel 2% full-scale accuracy: ACX-100-1 +/- 2 lb. ACX-250-1 +/- 5 lb. ACX-500-1 +/- 10 lb. Fr example, if yu are using an ACX-250-1, and suspended weight is 40.0 lb. yur instrument shuld indicate 40.0 lb. +/- 5.0 lb. nce prperly engaged t the cable. This prcedure cnfirms the instrument s accuracy, and it is nw ready fr use. Calibrate Instrument *IMPORTANT: THIS FEATURE SHOULD ONLY BE USED BY A CALIBRATION FACILITY USING CERTIFIED AND TRACEABLE DEAD WEIGHTS. DO NOT USE THIS FEATURE FOR A SIMPLE ACCURACY CHECK. If yu want t verify r check the accuracy f a cable g t: Check Accuracy in Sectin 7: Advanced Operatin. When calibrating these instruments tensin values must be entered in Lbs. Nte: If yur dead weight standards are in Kilgrams, cnvert their values int Lbs: 1 KG = 2.2046 Lbs Figure 9: Free Hanging Weight simulating cable tensin. 1. Scrll t SETUP and press ENTER. Next, scrll t RE-CAL TENSION and press ENTER. The screen will nw display: SETUP, RE-CALIBRATE TENSION, ENTER PASSWORD, CAL DATA WILL BE LOST! ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 14
2. Passwrd. T prceed with calibratin yu must enter the fllwing sequence: Press ENTER, then press the UP arrw, and then press ENTER buttn. These three inputs: ENTER, UP, ENTER are the passwrd. It cannt be changed. 3. The display nw indicates: SETUP RE-CALIBRATE TENSION with a list f the calibratin names and custm names prgrammed int the instrument. Scrll t the descriptin yu wish t recalibrate, highlight it and then press ENTER. 4. The next screen will indicate: CALIBRATE TENSION, NUMBER OF POINTS. Using the up and dwn arrws select the number f calibratin pints t which yu will be tensining the cable. The minimum is 5 pints. Zer is a calibratin pint already set, s yu will need t define a minimum f 4 increasing tensin values such as: 50, 100, 150 and 200. If desired yu can define mre than 5 weight pints, with a maximum f 10 pints ttal. If 10 calibratin pints were selected the entries culd lk smething like this: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90. 5. ENTER WEIGHT. After selecting the number f calibratin pints, yu need t define these weight values. Using the up r dwn arrws select yur first tensin, r weight calibratin pint and press ENTER. D nt use 0 (zer) as this value is already prgrammed int the instrument. Next, use the up r dwn arrws t select yur weight 2 value, making sure the value entered is greater than the entry in weight 1. Next, select increasing weight values fr the additinal weight pints, withut exceeding the maximum tensin range f the instrument. 6. CALIBRATE TENSION. Next yu will calibrate the instrument using the weight values yu previusly selected. T prperly simulate these tensins, suspend a single length f yur cable frm abve and suspend knwn weights nt the cable in the values yu ve previusly selected, when prmpted. (See Figure 9.) a. CALIBRATE TENSION, NUMBER OF POINTS, ZERO UNIT. Withut any cable engaged t the instrument, hld it in the attitude yu will be taking the reading in and press ENTER t calibrate zer weight. Next the display will prmpt yu t suspend the weight value yu previusly selected in step 5. If, fr example yu selected 50 lb. fr yur first weight value the instrument will indicate: PLACE WEIGHT 50. b. Suspend the exact weight value frm yur cable that yu ve previusly selected (In this example it wuld be 50 lb.) c. Next, engage the instrument t yur tensined cable, then press ENTER nce the reading has stabilized. d. Repeat steps b. and c. fr the remaining weight pints by suspending additinal weights nt yur cable in the values previusly selected and entering these readings. e. Once the last weight value is entered, the instrument will return t the SETUP menu. Press the ESCAPE buttn t return t the main display. f. The main display will nw indicate the cable/material descriptin yu just finished calibrating. If the material name n the display is nt the material yu just recalibrated, yu have re-prgrammed the incrrect descriptin. If this happens, yu will need t recalibrate bth the material indicated n the display alng with the material yu thught yu were calibrating. g. After cmpleting a calibratin always recheck the values. Refer t Check Accuracy in Sectin 7. ACX-1 Series Instrument www.tensitrn.cm pg. 15
733 S. Bwen Street Lngmnt, CO 80501 USA Phne: (303) 702-1980 Fax: (303) 702-1982 E-mail: sales@tensitrn.cm Web Site: www.tensitrn.cm