Service and Support
»
Technical Support
»
Technical Service & Support Frequently Asked Questions
»
Impact Systems FAQ
Impact Systems FAQ
Find answers to common questions about Instron impact testing systems, including Dynatup and pendulum impact machine setup, operator training, Impulse Software troubleshooting, velocity reading issues, error codes, NIST verification, and guidance on moving or servicing impact equipment. For accreditation documentation and technical support coverage options that apply across all Instron products, visit our main Technical Support FAQ.
How do I know what load range to use when setting up a test using hte Dynatup Impulse Software?
ExpandWe recommend setting the load range to the highest value, do a test and see what the maximum load is. If the maximum load is much less than the load range settings select one of the lower ranges.
How do we train a new operator for our pendulum impact?
ExpandHave them read the instruction manual and if additional training is required call 800-473-7838 for a FSE to come to your site for training and machine operation.
How does the machine get mounted?
ExpandFollow the instructions in the manual - It must be mounted on a base with 5/8" or larger grade 8 J-bolt in concrete as the mounting studs at each corner. The base must then be leveled and grouted to prevent it from moving.
How does the pendulum get installed in the machine?
ExpandOnce the machine is mounted on the foundation, locate the 2 tapered pins and the pendulum. Lock the shaft and shieve with the larger hole for the pendulum to the left with the brake. Apply a small amount of grease to the top of the pendulum shaft. Pick up the pendulum with the four holes for the striker to the left and slide the pendulum into the hole in the shaft and shieve. Once it is partially inserted release the brake and slide it in until the lower tapered pin can be inserted. Tap it in place. Raise the pendulum until the other pin can be inserted and tapped in place. Lower the pendulum it should now be in the correct testing position.
How does the pendulum get installed in the machine?
ExpandOnce the machine is mounted on the foundation, locate the 2 tapered pins and the pendulum. Lock the shaft and shieve with the larger hole for the pendulum to the left with the brake. Apply a small amount of grease to the top of the pendulum shaft. Pick up the pendulum with the four holes for the striker to the left and slide the pendulum into the hole in the shaft and shieve. Once it is partially inserted release the brake and slide it in until the lower tapered pin can be inserted. Tap it in place. Raise the pendulum until the other pin can be inserted and tapped in place. Lower the pendulum it should now be in the correct testing position.
I am getting a message "failed to characterize the A/D board" while going through the steps to run a test.
Expand- A defective tup cable can cause this. Replace the tup cable.
- The Data Acquisition cable(A602-58) that goes between the signal conditioner unit and the DAQ board on the computer is not making a good connection.
I ran a velocity test on my 8250 or 9200 series tester and got no velocity readings.
ExpandIf a rebound brake is installed on the machine make sure it is turned on. If the rebound brake is off there will be no input from the velocity detector and you will not get a velocity reading.
I am not getting a velocity reading on my POE2000 pendulum tester with Impulse Software.
ExpandBefore pushing the TRG OUT button on the POE2000 control condole raise the pendulum up to the angle you are going to use. After the pendulum has been moved up press the TRG OUT button.
When I run an impact test with my Dynatup 930-I software I receive an error message of "_E0156 RunTest()". What should I do?
ExpandThis error message is probably a resource conflict with the A/D Board. Many network and sound boards can cause this conflict. Refer to the documentation provided with these devices or contact your IS department. The A/D Board is set to an interrupt of 10 and cannot be easily changed.
When I run an impact test with my Dynatup 930-I software I received an error message of "_E0092 Prepare for Test()". What should I do?
ExpandThis error message is usually due to one of the following:
- The cable labeled RS232 is not connected at the Signal Conditioner and/or the PC.
- The Signal Conditioner is not powered up, check the connection at the back of the unit.
- The COM port setting within the File menu/Configuration sub-menu of the 930 home screen is set incorrectly. It needs to be set to the same COM port on the PC where the cable labeled RS232 is connected.
- Hardware failure. Please use our Service and Technical Support Form (provide your model and serial number)
When I run an impact test with my Dynatup 930-I software I received an error message of "Time out waiting for trigger". What should I do?
ExpandThis error message is usually due to one of the following:
- The Velocity Detector/Block cable is not connected to the Signal Conditioner.
- The Velocity Detector/Block cable is not connected to the Velocity Detector/Block.
- Data was not acquired prior to the default 30 second timeout. Releasing the drop weight prior to the timeout should resolve the problem.
When I run an impact test with my Dynatup 930-I software I received an error message of "Yield calculation error (code = -8)". What should I do?
ExpandThis error message is usually due to one of the following:
- A test was initiated without a specimen loaded into the support fixture.
- The Velocity Detector/Block is approx. 3/4" too low. The Detector should be set so the second leading edge of the Detector Flag, found to the right of the lower crosshead, is at the middle of the Velocity Detector/Block at the point of impact. Refer to your systems manual for the procedure to make this adjustment.
When I run an impact test with my Dynatup 930-I software I received an error message of "Yield calculation error (code = -2)". What should I do?
ExpandThis error message is usually due to one of the following:
- The A/D Board address within the File menu/ Configuration sub-menu of the 930 home screen is set incorrectly. Version 1.17 and below should be set to the default address setting of 200. Version 1 .18 and above should be set to 0 to prompt the 930-I to check the address from an associated .ini file.
- The Velocity Detector/Block is approx. 1/2" too low. The Detector should be set so the second leading edge of the Detector Flag, found to the right of the lower crosshead, is at the middle of the Velocity Detector/Block at the point of impact. Refer to your systems manual for the procedure to make this adjustment.
Impulse Software does not collect data
ExpandMake sure the time range is set for 7ms or above if using the standard DAQ card. If the optional high speed DAQ board is used ranges 2, 4 and 5ms can be selected.
It takes a longer time than before to shut down the Impulse Software.
ExpandThe data file may be getting very large. Archive the samples in the data explorer and delete the samples in the data explorer.
My Impulse Software is not working correctly. What should I do?
Expand- Make sure there are no virus programs running
- Remove or turn off sound card
- Turn off any program that may be running in the background such as RealPlayer, QuickTime, ScanRegistry, Task Monitor that load automatically
- Turn off network card if installed
- Delete temp files
My mahcine did not pass NIST Verification. What can be done?
ExpandCheck the NIST reply for the problem, most times replacing the worn anvils or strikers with new ones will allow the machine to pass the NIST specimens. Call 800-473-7378 for a FSE to inspect the machine for other problems.
The pointer on my SI 1 Series Impact machine is not reading correctly, what can be done?
ExpandCheck the pointer pusher screw located in the center of the front of the dial. If the screw is loose the pointer pusher can slip or be out of adjustment. Install a standard specimen in the anvils and bring the pendulum striker firmly against the specimen. Loosen the screw and set the pointer and pusher to read full on the dial scale and tighten the screw. The pusher may need tapped lightly to allow the exact full scale reading. Remove the specimen and try a zero swing test.
My pointer on the dial of my SI 1 Series Impact machine does not swing to Zero what can be done?
ExpandUsually this is caused by a misadjusted pointer - place a standard specimen in the anvils and hold the pendulum firmly against it. Now set the dial pointer and pusher to read full scale, remove the specimen and check the zero swing.
Rebound velocity readings are extremely high (approximately 5000 Ft/s) on my rebound test with a Dynatup machine.
ExpandThe rebound velocity is the velocity measured after striking the specimen and passing through the velocity sensor the second time. If the rebound is too low and the flag is moving too slowly by the time it gets into the detector on the bounce up, it could be given very large rebound velocity readings. Check the velocity detector and make sure it is not set too high. If it is set correctly see how high the crosshead is rebounding. Unless you can visually see that the flag is clearing the detector on the rebound, it is probably moving too slowly, causing the error described above.
The load curve is starting at a point higher than zero
ExpandMake sure the detector is adjusted so the flag goes through the detector before it hits the specimen.
The timer keeps counting down and cannot activate the fire mode.
ExpandMake sure the correct frame is selected in both the method and the configurator.
What should I do if there is a communications error between my computer and the machine frame?
ExpandMost communication errors can be solved by powering down all equipment, including machine frame, control tower and computer. They should then be powered back on in the following sequence: machine frame, control tower and computer. This should result in communication being re-established. If not, check all cables and connections and perform the restart that was described above. If this does not fix your problem, then please call Instron Tech Support at 1-800-473-7838. Please make sure that you have all relevant serial and model numbers at hand when calling.
What steps need to be taken to move my impact machine?
ExpandMake sure the machine manual is available, remove the pendulum and the mounting bolts. Pick up the machine by the eyebolt or sling under the casting "do not lift under the rotating shaft". Follow the instructions in the manual for preparing a new foundation and mounting of the machine. The machine will not pass the NIST verification if the machine is not properly installed.