Comtest v3.

CT700

Impact Test Equipment Ltd

www.impact-test.co.uk & www.impact-test.com

User Guide
User Guide
 Impact Test Equipment Ltd.
Building 21 Stevenston Ind. Est.
Stevenston
Ayrshire
KA20 3LR

T: 01294 602626
F: 01294 461168

E: [email protected]

Test Equipment Web Site

www.impact-test.co.uk

Test Sieves & Accessories Web Site

www.impact-test.com
COMTEST User Guide 2
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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION … … … … … … … … … 3
1.0 GENERAL DETAILS … … … … … … … … 4
1.1 INSTRUMENT CONNECTIONS … … … … … 5
1.2 FRONT PANEL DISPLAY … … … … … … … 4
1.3 FRONT PANEL KEYPAD … … … … … … … 6
1.4 HELP FACILITY … … … … … … … 8
1.5 OPTION SELECTION … … … … … … … 8
1.6 DATA EDITING … … … … … … … … … 9
1.7 PASSCODE ENTRY … … … … … … … … 10
2.0 USING COMTEST … … … … … … … … 10
2.1 TARE FUNCTION … … … … … … … … 12
2.2 TEST SETUP FUNCTION … … … … … … … 12
2.3 SAMPLE SETUP FUNCTION … … … … … 13
2.4 DISPLAY RESET FUNCTION … … … … … 15
2.5 REVIEW LOGS FUNCTION … … … … … … 16
2.6 PRINT TEST RESULTS FUNCTION … … … … 17
2.7 DATE & TIME CONFIGURATION … … … … … 18
2.8 CHANNEL CONFIGURATION … … … … … … 18
2.9 CHANNEL CALIBRATION … … … … … … … 19
2.10 SYSTEM DETAILS … … … … … … … … 20
2.11 PRIVATE DETAILS … … … … … … … … 21
2.12 RUNNING A TEST … … … … … … … … 21
2.13 GENERAL NOTES … … … … … … … … 21

TEST PROCEDURE 23

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INTRODUCTION

The COMTEST instrument provides:

• Data monitoring and capture of load signals for:

• Compression range 0 to 2500 KN
• Flexural range 000.00 to 100.00 KN.
• 0 ~ 200 millivolts transducer range
• +6 and -4 volts DC excitation provided

Transducer configuration, calibration and Linearisation facilities for Compression and

Flexural input ranges.

Data logging: up to 100 test results, time stamped and with all relevant test data
results.

RS232 Serial communications port for printing test results information, with options
available for full computer control or and remote monitoring

This is achieved by the micro-processor based electronics which includes:

16 bit multi-channel ADC with automatic programmable gains.

RS232-C serial port, configured as 9600 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop and no parity,
for test printout or dumping the results directly to a computer

4 rows * 20 columns LCD, dot matrix screen, with full LED backlight.

16-key pad for instrument set up, usage and control.

Built in battery backed real-time calendar/ clock device.

Non-volatile memory, for configuration and data logging purpos es, resulting in
storage for up to 100 test results.

Section 1 in this guide describes the various electrical connections that need to be
made for the instrument to operate correctly, as well as an overview of the LCD and
keypad details and general usage guidelines.

Section 2 presents instructions on operating COMTEST:

• Setting up the instrument

• Setting up Test information
• Running and collecting Test results

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1,. General Details

This section presents general purpose descriptions of functions and usage of the
COMTEST instrument, necessary to operate correctly.

1. 1 Instrument Connections.

These are all located at the back of the instrument, and are shown in detail in the
following diagrams:

To start COMTEST, simply apply power to the instrument by switching it ON. The
display should show the initial , introductory message as described in Section 2.

Connect the Compression transducer to the socket marked COMP and the FLEXURAL
transducer to the socket marked FLEX. The following pin -out is used for connections:

0V
-5V +Ve Input

+5V -Ve Input

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If a link is made to a remote PC or to a serial printer, connect the cable supplied into
the socket marked COMPUTER . The following pins are used:

1.2 Front Panel Display

This module provides the means of presenting all the information available from the
COMTEST instrument, its functions and corresponding prompts to and from user
requests.

The screen is organised so as to maintain consistency during an instrument operations.

This can be seen in the following front view of the instrument:

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The top row is used to display COMTEST's logo and current time, as well as
messages to indicate the currently accessed function.

The remaining 3 lines show a list of available options, for display, selection and/or
editing purposes, as well as for presenting results (loading, errors, etc). The text of the
list of options is always given on the left hand side. When applicable, data is displayed
next to each option, on the right hand side, followed by the appropriate units. The
middle of the 3 rows are the Active rows, and contains the option that can be selected,
or the data that can be edited: e.g.

Load : KN
Length: mm
Area: mm2
Stress MPa

1.3 Front Panel Keypad

All data-entry, editing and function selections - in fact., any COMTEST options, are
available via the 16-key membrane keypad at the front. Please refer to the diagram in
the previous section.

Each key has a multiple function, corresponding to the current display mode. E ach one
of these is described in more detail in the following sections.

Each time a key is pressed, you will hear a short bleep, indicating that the key press
has been recognised. You must press and release the key for the action to take place.

Select Next Item UP Test RUN

Select Next Item Down Test Stop

Current Selection Accept Change

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Save & Log Test

View & Select Exit (No Change)

Help Help

Tare Function

Test Function

Sample Definition

Clock Set-up

Display Logged Data

Print Logged Data

Set-up Instrument

Calibrate Function

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Configuration

Reserved Functions

1.4 HELP Facility

The top row on the LCD is used on the left to display the instruments
name “COMTEST” and the right hand side for displaying a brief
description or reminder indicating the currently selected function..

The help key when pressed displays a simple 4 line message describing that function.
To get help, press the HELP key once then press any other key you want help on.
Each key has its own help screen for simple reminders of it’s function. To exit the help
mode, press the HELP key again to return to the normal display mode

1.5 Option Selection

Many of the COMTEST functions require you to select one of a number of options
available, e.g. configuring ranges, viewing logs, etc.

In these cases, a list of options will be displayed. The list may include 1, 2 or more
items, but only up to 3 can be seen at a time. In this case, it can be scrolled to bri ng up
further options.. Each item includes a description of the option that can be selected

On the Active row in the screen you will see a “<” cursor appear down the right hand
side, and COMTEST is waiting for your key presses. Each key has a special f unction
while selecting options:

Scroll the list up, bringing the “<” cursor to next item above ready for
selection.

Scroll the list down, bringing the “<” cursor to the next item ready

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for selection.

Select the option in the indicated by the “<” cursor. Please refer to
Section 2 for a complete description of actions taken at particular
display and function modes.

Aborts and changes made to the selected item Ends the option
selection process (without selecting anything). The display will
normally return to the main screen, (described in Section 2).

Activates the Help screen

These keys are all function as numeric values only

1.6 Data Editing

Many of the COMTEST functions require you to enter numeric values, e.g. setting a
Pace rate, sample dimensions, etc.

In these cases, a list of editable fields will be displayed. The list may include 1, 2 or
more items, but only up to 3 can be seen at a time. In this case, it can be scrolled to
bring up further options. Each item includes:-

• a description of the parameter that can be edited

• its value
• where applicable, any units associated with it

On the Active row in the screen you will see a “<” cursor appear, and COMTEST is
waiting for your key presses. A parameter value is always edited in a copy in a buffer,
so you have the opportunity to reject any changes made. To save any changes, use
the ENTER key. Each key has a special function while editing

Scroll the list up, making the item above the Active row ready for
editing. The parameter in the previous Active row is restored to its
original value, so any changes made since it was last saved will be lost.

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Scroll the list down, making the item below the Active row ready for
editing. The parameter in the previous Active row is restored to its
original value, so any changes made since it was last saved will be lost

Accept any changes made to the parameter in the current Active row.
The value is stored in Non-volatile memory, and retained by COMTEST
even after power is switched Off.

Ends the editing process. The parameter in the current Active row is
restored to its original value, so any changes made since it was last
saved will be lost.

All the 0 to 9 keys, when pressed, will insert their numeric value into the positi on where
the ”<” cursor is. The contents of the edit fields will be updated in the display.

1.7 Passcode Entry

Of all the COMTEST functions, calibration and configuration are protected by a pass
code entry against misuse or unauthorised operation.

Pass codes are entered in a manner identical to Data Editing – See Section 1.6 -but
any numeric keys pressed will be displayed.

A valid pass code will have been provided with COMTEST. It is intended to be used
only by authorised personnel to carry out important tasks, and should not be freely
disclosed. Please keep this pass code in a safe place.

This option needs a special pass code available only to Service and
Maintenance personnel. Please contact your agent for further support.

2. USING COMTEST

This section describes each of the functions provided by the COMTEST instrument via
its own LCD screen and membrane keypad.

On power-up, COMTEST first displays a presentation logo for a few seconds.

******************** COMTEST 12:30:23

IMPACT TEST Pace: 002.0kN/S
EQUIPMENT LTD Load: -01.5kN
IMPACT******************** IDEL -_____0_____+
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After all internal checks are completed, the first screen you see is referred to in this
manual as the Main-Screen (above right). This is the display from where you will
monitor the development of a test, and where you will see its results:

For configuration of all the parameter displayed in this screen, select the TEST function
- See Section 2.2

The PaceRate shown (KN/ sec) is the last one configured. It refers to the rate of
change in manual loading required from a test.

Whilst the current load reading is below a LoadPoint level and is in IDLE mode, the
display will update as the load changes. At this point, you can choose any of the
instrument functions described in the next sections.

Furthermore, if the load is below a MaxZero threshold, you can select the function as
described in Section 2.1

As soon as the load increases above the LoadPoint level and is in “RUN” mode, the
actual test is assumed to have started, and all other functions are disabled until the test
is finished.

In compression mode the load is displayed from 000.0 to 399.9 t hen 400 to 2000 kN
and in Flexural mode the load is displayed from 000.00 to 100.00 Kn.

When the test runs, internally the instrument generates a target ramp using the
configured PacePate. Five times a second, the current loading is compared against
this target ramp, and any differences between them - PaceError - are continuously
updated.

The PaceError is displayed on the bottom LCD row as follows:

As a bar-graph. This has its starting point, represented by >0< fixed on an LCD
co-ordinate.
• Negative errors are represented by a bar |||||||||0 growing leftwards
• Positive errors are represented by a bar 0||||||||| growing rightwards

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Every ||| (three) symbols represent a percentage error equivalent to a parameter
ErrorBand also configured as described in Section 2.2

Whilst a test is running, COMTEST will always store and display the largest load it has
measured so far. This feature, known here as Maximum Hold, allows you to monitor a
test result long after it has finished, i.e. sample failure occurred. To release the
display, and start a new test, you need to use the CLEAR/ABORT function key.

This function also creates a new log for the recent test results - See Section 2.4.
Logged results are held in non-volatile memory. This means that they are not lost even
when power to COMTEST is switched OFF. See Sections 2.5 and 2.6 for details on
access to these logged results.

Most of the time, the information given above will be all you need to use COMTEST.
However, to make more use of the instrument, you need to set-up not only Test but
also Sample characteristics, date and time, configure and calibrate the ranges, etc.
The rest of this manual shows you how to do this.

To access a function from the Main Display, press the key indicated in ea ch case. To
choose a function, follow the instructions given in Section 1.5 To cancel any unwanted
selection, use the CLEAR /ABORT key.

2.1 Tare Function

Use this function to remove any unwanted loading. This may occur
after platen or other equipment is installed on your test arrangement.

The function is available as long as the current load is below the MaxZero level. To
configure this, use the TEST function as described in Section 2.2

The displayed load value will be made 0. You can choose thi s function as many times
as needed. The amount currently tared from a true 0 load level can be viewed or
changed as described in Section 2.2

The Tare function is NOT a substitute for proper channel configuration and calibration.
When these are used as described in Sections 2.8 and 2.9, you set up the transducers
to produce correct and true Full-Scale and Zero signal levels.

2.2 Test Set-up Function

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This function provides you with all means, to select and configure the
appropriate values for all parameters used in a Test. Please refer to
Section 1.6 for details on data editing.

COMTEST Test
Mode: 0 (Comp)
Reference: 000001
Pace: 005.0kN/S
LoadPoint: 010.0kN
Max.Zero: 003.0kN
Tare: 001.2kN
ErrorBand: 01%

Mode Select the desired mode, 0 for Compression and 1 for Flex range.

Reference Enter a 6-digit string used for test identification purposes only. You
may choose your own numbering scheme.

PaceRate Enter the required load ramp or rate of change (KN/sec). This will be
used for error calculation, as described in Section 2.

LoadPoint Enter the loading level that defines the threshold above which Pacing
and Maximum Hold occur automatically.

MaxZero Enter the loading level that defines the threshold below which the
Tare function is allowed - See section 2.1

Tare View and change if necessary the load level currently subtracted from a
true 0 transducer input signal - See Section 2.1

ErrorBand Enter the percentage value for each of the + or - symbols used in the
PaceError display - See section 2

2.3 Sample Setup Function

This functions allows you to enter the sample type description and
corresponding dimensions. These are used in calculating the Stress
value (N/mm2) at sample failure. All dimensions are in mm.

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First select a sample type from the available list:

COMTEST Sample
Standard Cube
Standard Cylinder
Non-Standard Cube
NonStandard Cylinder
Beam Block

Choose the description that fits the sample you will be testing. Please refer to Section
1.5 for details on choosing a list item.

After selection you will need to enter the appropriate dimensions.

COMTEST Sample
50 mm Cube
75 mm Cube
100 mm Cube
150 mm Cube
200 mm Cube

Standard Cube
Choose one of the available dimensions. See Section 1.5

COMTEST Sample
50 mm Cylinder
75 mm Cylinder
100 mm Cylinder
150 mm Cylinder
200 mm Cylinder

Standard Cylinder
Choose one of the available diameter sizes. See Section 1.5

COMTEST Sample
Diameter 100mm
Height 100mm

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Non-standard Cylinder
Enter the sample height and diameter sizes. See Section 1.6

COMTEST Sample
Height 100mm
Width 100mm
Depth 100mm

Non-Standard Cube
Enter the sample height, width and depth dimensions. See
Section 1.6

COMTEST Sample
Length 100mm
Width 100mm
Depth 100mm

Beam Block
Enter the sample length, width and depth dimensions. See Section 1.6

2.4 Display Reset Function

This function achieves 2 objectives:

• It stores current test set-up and results information into a special log space in non -
volatile memory. This allows COMTEST to remember previous test results as new
ones are carried out. In order to calculate Stress, COMTEST requires that data be
logged first.

• Releases the Maximum Hold lock on the display. This results from capturing the
load level at the point of sample failure - Section 2.

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The function can only be selected if.

• The current load level is below the LoadPoint threshold. This parameter is
configured as described in Section 2.2

• the display is currently in a Maximum Hold state.

When selected, a warning is displayed:

COMTEST Reset
Test Save Confirm
NO=Abort YES=Enter

Press MODE/ABORT if you do not want to save the results.

Press ENTER/SELECT if you do want to log the results.

Please refer to Section 2.5 for details on logged data. While this is being logged, you
will see a display for a few seconds:

COMTEST
Working
Please Wait

In both cases, the display is unlocked.

2.5 Review Logs Function

This function allows you to inspect results from up to 100 tests carried
out and logged previously.

COMTEST Logs
Number: 001
Date : 25/07/01
Time : 10:30:45
Ref : 000001
Fail : 135.7
Pace : 005.0kN/S
Cube : 100mm
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Each set of results is identified by a log number: 00 (most recent) to 99 (oldest). Use
the ENTER and RESET keys to bring up older or newer sets respectively. Within a
set, use UP and DOWN keys to scroll the list.

Each Test results set contains:

Number identifies the set's position in the log.

Date when the test was carried out.
Time when the test was carried out.
Reference the Test identifier - See section 2.2
Fail the load at the point of sample failure.
Pace the rate used when the test was carried out - Section 2.2
Sample a description of the selected type - Section 2.3
X Area cross sectional area of the selected sample. This is obtained from the

type and dimensions described in Section 2.3

Stress the stress level (Load/XArea) at the point of sample failure.

2.6 Print Test Results Function

This function allows you to produce a permanent hard -copy of test

results, either directly on a printer, or a PC in text -capture mode.

Remember to set your device baud rate as 9600 and 8bits,1Stop no parity.

You will be presented with 3 options

COMTEST Print
All Stored Logs
Last Log Only
Today’s Logs

All Logs Dumps the whole non-volatile memory contents. Only valid test results
will be printed.

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Last Log Dumps only the most recently saved test results. This has a similar
format as shown above.

Today Log Dumps all test results stored on the same date currently held in
COMTEST. See Section 2.7

A header is printed first, followed by the test results. Each set of results occupy 2 lines
in the page format shown below :-

Test Date Time Ref NoFail Pace Area Stress

No kN kN/S mm2 N/mm2
01 25/08/97 12:30:45 000001 0756.0 003.0 2500 302.40
Std. Cube : Height= 050 mm Width= 050 mm Depth= 050 mm

02 25/08/97 14:30:45 000002 0676.5 003.0 2500 270.60

Std. Cube : Height= 050 mm Width= 050 mm Depth= 050 mm

2.7 Date & Time Configuration

COMTEST contains a battery-powered crystal controlled accurate

calendar/clock device. It maintains date and time from the moment you
set it. If for any reason you need to change this, enter new values as
described in Section 1.6

COMTEST Clock
Time 12:30:45
Date 24/05/97

Simply enter the time and/or date as above then press the Enter Key or Abort to leave
the date or time without changing

The calendar/ clock device will start counting from the data entered, and you will not
need to modify these settings even if mains power to COMTEST is removed.

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2.8 Channel Configuration

This function allows you to determine the loads (in kN) for which the
transducers you use return a calibrated Full-Scale signal. COMTEST
assumes the calibrated 0 divisions correspond to ZERO signal -Please
refer to Section 2.1 Tare for additional facilities available to
compensate for small changes.

COMTEST Config
1. COMP Range
2. FLEX Range

First of all select the channel COMP or FLEX range you want to configure. See
Section 1.5 for details on selecting a List item.

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COMTEST Config
Comp Range
FSD (Eng): 2000kN

Comp. Range
is only a label that reminds you which channel has been selected for configuration.

FSD
Enter the loading that the transducer should signal under full load conditions for that
range.

The values normally entered 0 to 2000 KN for the HIGH range and 0 to 100.00 KN fo r
the Flex range

Press ABORT to return to the main display.

2.9 Channel Calibration

This function requires pass code access ~ See Section 1.7

COMTEST
Enter Pass Code
****

If entered correctly, this function allows you to set the COMTEST display to read the
transducer signals in Engineering unit. - See Section 2.8

First of all select Compression mode or Flexural range you want to calibrate. See
Section 1.5 for details on selecting a List item.

COMTEST Config
1. Comp Range
2. Flex Range

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The COMTEST display will then change as shown here:

COMTEST Calib
Comp Range
Load +002.5kN
0=Zero 1=FSD

Range an indication of which channel is being calibrated

Load an indication of the current reading for that channel.

You have 3 options available by pressing one of the buttons below:

Choose this option to re-calibrate the ZERO set on the transducer.

Choose this option to re-calibrate the transducer to the FSD value set.

Choose this option to exit the calibration routine

In all cases, the new calibration data is saved in non -volatile memory as soon as the
option is selected. The linearity correction system is disabled during calibration

2. 10 System Details

This function simply displays manufacturing information concerning

your COMTEST instrument:

COMTEST System
Serial No. 1000
Model No. R604
Software V2.0

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Serial No is the factory set code given to your instrument. Use this numb er
always in any communication regarding repair or servicing.

Model No is the factory set code that identifies your instrument.

Software Version is the factory-set code that identifies the program your COMTEST
instrument uses.

2. 1 1 Private Details

This function requires special pass code entry. See Section 1.7

The facilities available here include setting the MaxLoad, and Default parameters

These are NOT available for general use. Please contact your agent if you require
assistance in modifying any of these parameters.

2.12 Running A Test

At this point you must already have configured and calibrated all transducer inputs.

Select test configuration menu ( press 1 ) and set all functions as required.

Press RUN key ( up arrow) to initiate the test, this is indicated by RUN on the status
display.

Now start loading the specimen until failure, when the sample is failed ( i.e. the load
falling below LoadPoint as entered in the Test configuration menu) the display will
automatically hold the maximum load and indicate HOLD on the status line.

At this point press RESET key to save the results this is indicated by status display
changing from HOLD to IDLE.

You may at any time press STOP key ( down arrow) to abort the test.

General Notes

1. If at any time the load exceeds the pre-set MaxLoad value in either Run or Idle
conditions, a warning series of beebs will be heard.

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2. The “Computer” port connections may need clarification. In the diagram shown on
page 4, TX is for data coming out of the Comtest, and RX for data going in. This
means that when connecting the Comtest to a computer etc. a cross over cable
must be used.
3. Call your agent for details of the full RS232 computer communications option and
for the automated option.

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Test Procedure (images refer to CT315 & CT415 compression machines)

The valve lever is labelled Load and Unload.

The load control is labelled Decrease, Increase and 0(zero).

• At the beginning of the test move the valve lever fully to the Load position.

• Turn the Load Rate control clockwise and then press TARE on the Comtest keypad.

• To close the daylight continue to increase the load rate and bring the sample into contact with
the ball seat platen.

• When you see the machine start to load press the RUN button on the Comtest keypad.

• Manipulate the load rate with the control and keep it within the limits shown on the Comtest
display, known as the pace rate.

• Once the sample has failed move the lever to the Unload position and turn the load rate
control anti-clockwise as far as it will go.

• The Comtest will show HOLD on the display and will hold the failure point.

• Remove the failed sample.

• Load the next sample.

• Press Reset on the Comtest.

• It will ask if you wish to save or not.

• Press ENT to save the test.

• To test the next sample move the valve lever to the Load position and start again.

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