L9100 Series Air Column Gage with TFT Graphics Display


L9100 Column GageThe L9100 Series Column Gage with integral Colour Graphics Display  is a microprocessor-based instrument designed to provide all of the features which are required for high volume, and accurate dimensional gaging.

An easy-to-follow programming menu makes the column setup quick, and digital processing of the signal ensures a high degree of accuracy.

The L9100 includes a backlit, TFT Graphics Display in addition to the programmable 100-segment LED bar display.    It is available in either Air or LVDT versions.    

The case is a rugged 16 gauge steel with light grey finish, designed to meet harsh factory environments.


          Features:

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.  

A new 2.4" diagonal,  Backlit Colour Graphical LCD Display  is provided for  the main operating mode readout, and also for programming.   In addition to displaying  the measured part value in large characters, the operating mode screen also provides for a user-programmed 17-character part description,  3 user-programmed 'LED'  Limit annunciators, Mini-bargraphs to show the current zero & gain settings,  display of the current Setup number (1-8), and  a variety of other features described in detail in the operating manual.


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, and 100 Degree Ranges are provided, from 0.1 to 10 degrees.

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.
  
Programming Setups:  In one simple step, the operator may select from 1 to 8 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.  In programming the Setups, the unit provides the capability of copying from one setup to another, to facilitate the programming of Setups which may have only minor differences between them.   This feature can also be used to provide a 'Backup' of an existing setup for security purposes.

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.  

Total Indicating Readout (TIR):  Functions available from the TIR programming menu include Max, Min, Max-Min and ABS.  When for example, Max-Min 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.

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 setup number, 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.  

The L9100 column includes a number of  serial protocol options  which can be user-programmed to meet the requirements of most  commercially-available software.

Status Outputs:  Status Outputs include HI, OK & Lo Limits, and  Approach Hi and Approach Lo.  Outputs are normally  +5V (or relay energized) on reaching the programmed limit value.  If desired however, these can be programmed as inverted.

 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.