Precision Digital Corporation ProtEX-MAX PD8-6100, Instruction Manual

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ProtEX-MAX PD8-6100 Strain Gauge, Load Cell, and mV Meter
Instruction Manual
10
Easy Programming Methods
The ProtEX-MAX can be programmed in a hazardous
area with the through-glass SafeTouch buttons
without removing the cover, in a safe area with the
front panel push buttons with the cover removed, or in
a safe area with free, PC-based MeterView Pro
software. MeterView Pro is resident on the
ProtEX-MAX and is accessed by a provided USB
cable, so it is by far the easiest way to program the
ProtEX-MAX. The ProtEX-MAX can be calibrated
either by applying a known signal or scaled by
entering a desired value with the front panel buttons
or MeterView Pro software. Most customers will use
the scaling method because it is simpler and does not
require a calibrated signal source. Selecting the input
to be current or voltage is done with the front panel
buttons or MeterView Pro software. Once
programming is completed it can be locked with a
password.
The ProtEX-MAX comes preloaded with free
MeterView Pro programming software that connects
and installs directly to your PC with a standard USB
cable, also provided free with each instrument. This
eliminates the need to insert CDs, install drivers, or
download software from the internet. When you
connect your ProtEX-MAX to your PC, MeterView Pro
is downloaded to your PC, the software automatically
selects the model you are programming, and you’re
ready to start programming immediately. Further
simplifying the programming process, the
ProtEX-MAX can be powered from the USB port, so
no need to apply external power while programming
your meter. In addition to programming, the software
will also allow you to monitor, and datalog a
ProtEX-MAX using your PC. You can also generate
and save programming files for later use.
Feature Rich and Flexible
Zero the Meter
The zero function zeroes out the display. In the case
where there has been drift in the strain gauge output
over time, zero is used to eliminate this drift and
provide a true zero reading. For example, if an empty
scale were to display a value other than zero, the zero
function would tell the meter to show zero regardless
of the current input signal.
Capture Tare
The tare function also zeroes out the display. In the
case of scale weight, tare is used to eliminate
container weight and provide net weight readings. If
the tare value is a known constant, such as a
container weight, this may be programmed in
manually. The captured tare may be reset manually
with any function key or digital input.
Before Tare After capture tare After reset tare
Automatic Unit Conversion
In addition to entering a custom unit or tag,
pre-defined engineering units may be selected:
lb, kg, ounce, gram, ton (short), tonne (metric ton).
Automatic unit conversions are done when switching
between pre-defined units, without the need for
additional scaling. The meter converts the reading
according to the unit selected.
(e.g. 100.00 lb = 45.36 kg = 45359.2 g = 1600 oz).
Auto-Zero
The auto-zero feature corrects for drift that can occur
over time that causes the input signal to slowly
change. The meter will continue to read zero despite
slow and small changes to the input signal around
zero. The auto-zero sensitivity is set by the user as a
percent of full scale.
Shunt Calibration Check
The PD8-6100 is equipped with a means of simulating
strain in a strain gauge bridge circuit, via an included
shunt resistor in the meter. This technique can be
used as a means of verifying the meter setup and
output behavior by simulating a physical input. With
no load connected, the enabling of the shunt resistor
will simulate a 70% full scale load in the case of a
350
Ω Strain Bridge.
Ratiometric Compensation
This feature compensates for changes in the strain
gauge input signal that are due to variations in the
internal or external excitation voltage. The
compensation is effective for up to ±5% variation in
the excitation power supply.