Display:  The L9100 includes a 100-segment bar display consisting of rectangular high-intensity tricolour LED's  digitally programmable as either red, green or amber.  The bar display also includes 3 digitally programmable marker LED's.  An 8-digit 0.2" high alpha-numeric display is also included, and is used for both programming and part dimension display.

Ranges:  A total of 100 inch ranges are provided, from 1 Thou  to 100 Thou;  100 Metric Ranges are provided from 20 to 2000 microns.

Security:  When engaged, a 5-digit Primary Security Code prevents unauthorized access to the programming menus;  a Secondary Security Code when engaged, prevents access to both the Part Selection and Automastering functions.
  
Dual Part Operation:  In one simple step, the operator may select from 1 of 2 available part configurations.  Each setup has independent calibration settings, ranges, and limit and mastering setups which are stored in the column.  No re-mastering is required when changing between setup fixtures.

Automastering:  Once Min and Max master values have been programmed, the operator needs only to press the <Enter> button as prompted by the display readout.  The column will automatically calibrate itself.  If an error occurs in this process (ie incorrect masters etc.), then an error message will be displayed and the column will maintain its original calibration settings.  A master automaster pushbutton connection (for multiple columns) is also available on the column rear.  In addition to Min/Max mastering,  the column can also be set up for Mean mastering.

Total Indicating Readout (TIR):  When TIR mode is selected, the column will display the difference between the maximum and minimum signals, and will hold that position on the display until the values are exceeded, or a reset is performed.  This feature is often used when measuring a parameter such as 'out-of-round' , when a part is rotated in a fixture.  TIR may be set to ON either via the programming menu, or an optional front-panel mounted switch with reset pushbutton.  TIR may also be reset via a remote pushbutton, connected to the rear of the unit.  The Auto-Reset feature, when engaged, will trigger a TIR reset each time a new part is placed in the gaging fixture;  the reset is based on the display position as a result of part replacment, and incorporates a programmable time delay.

Actual Value Display:  L9100 columns can be programmed to display measured values either as a tolerance, or as actual part size, on the digital display.  To display actual part size, the nominal value of the part measurement is programmed into the column, and it is digitally added to the tolerance measurement before being sent to the digital display.

Data Communication:  The L9100 Column Gages have a standard RS232 communications port for interface to another device.  The most common application of this is for the transfer and storage of data readings to a computer.   A 9-pin subminerature 'D' connector on the rear of the column allows connection to a  PC using a standard serial cable.  

When a reading is taken, the column station number, column number, and gaged reading are sent to the serial port according to an established protocol.  A connector on the rear of the column provides the interface for connection to either a 'Read' button, or to relay contacts in an automated system.  When the contacts are closed, a reading is transmitted from the serial port.  

When multiple columns are used at a gaging station, they may be 'daisy-chained' together for serial communications.  Short jumper cables interconnect the columns at the rear.  The serial cable connects to only the first column in the chain.  When a reading is taken, all of the columns transmit their data, one after another in sequence through the serial port, thereby requiring only one cable from the column gaging station to the PC.  

A software package is available which can be installed on a PC and receives incoming data from the columns (up to 4 stations, and 32 columns/station).  The gaged values are stored in a database along with column and station numbers and time and date of readings.  The package enables the user to produce statistical graphs such as x-bar & R plots and histograms, and has a menu driven routine for doing Repeatability & Reproducibility evaluations.

The L9100 column includes several options of serial protocols which can be selected to provide interface to other commercially-available software.

Status Outputs:  In the standard configuration, 3 hard-wired output connections are available on the column rear for limit status, where the output is normally 0 volts, and goes to +5 volts when the status is reached.  Three programmable limit output types are available for these outputs.

Output type 1 provides the normal spec limits of HI, OK and LO through the three output lines.  Output type 2 provides Approach LO, OK, and Approach HI through the same three output lines.  Output type 3 provides Approach HI or LO, OK, and Spec Limit HI or LO.  These are all provided as standard on the L9100.

As an option & special order, all 5 status outputs can be brought individually.  These include spec HI, Approach HI, OK, Approach LO, and Spec LO.

Relay Outputs:  Customers may optionally order L9100 Columns with relay outputs.  When relays are included, the status connectors on the rear of the column which are normally used for the voltage outputs described above, are instead used for the relay contact outputs.  Relays are normally open/normally closed contact.  Contact ratings are 2 amps max @ 30Vdc or 0.6 amps max @ 120 Vac.

Step Gaging:  Step Gaging may be performed with the L9100 columns when data is being sent to a computer (sing the L9100 Column Data Acquisition Software, or other custom software).  Step gaging allows groups of columns at a station to transmit their data at different times during a gaging cycle, and yet requires only one serial connection to the computer from that station.  Each group of columns are connected by the optional LC0710 Step Gaging Module