The PIKE Technologies Digital Force Adapter is an accessory designed for use with PIKE Technologies' MIRacle or GladiATR ATR (Attenuated Total Reflectance) accessories. Its primary function is to provide a real-time measurement of the force applied to a sample during ATR analysis, which is crucial for applications requiring controlled pressure capabilities and consistent results.
Function Description:
The Digital Force Adapter integrates an embedded load cell into the High-Pressure Clamp of either the MIRacle or GladiATR. This load cell is engineered to provide high linearity and exceptional reproducibility in force measurement. The magnitude of the applied force is displayed on an external, easy-to-read LCD monitor in units of kilogram-force (kgf). This real-time feedback allows users to precisely control the pressure exerted on the sample, ensuring optimal contact between the sample and the ATR crystal, which is critical for obtaining high-quality and reproducible spectra.
The adapter is designed to accommodate various sample types by accepting all press tips originally shipped with the High-Pressure Clamp. These include flat, swivel, and concave press tips, each suited for different sample geometries and properties. The installation process is designed to be straightforward, allowing the accessory user to easily integrate it into their existing MIRacle or GladiATR setup.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Display Range: 0.5 - 40 kgf
- Operating Voltage: 9V/2A
- Operating Power Consumption: 0.5 VA
- Input Voltage: 90-264 V, auto-setting external power supply
- Load Cell: Embedded, exhibiting high linearity and exceptional reproducibility.
- Display: External LCD monitor.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for PIKE Technologies' MIRacle and GladiATR High-Pressure Clamps. Not compatible with the MIRacle micrometer clamp.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Due to the sensitivity to temperature of the load cell assembly, it is not recommended for heated ATR accessories.
Usage Features:
- Real-time Force Measurement: Provides immediate feedback on the applied force, displayed on an LCD monitor.
- Press Tip Versatility: Compatible with flat, swivel, and concave press tips, allowing for optimal contact with a wide range of sample types (e.g., powders, films, irregularly shaped samples, beads, polymer pellets).
- Swivel Tip: Features an end cap on a small ball joint, allowing the pressure tip to adjust to the sample's shape and maintain parallel contact with the crystal surface. Ideal for irregularly shaped samples, films, and semi-rigid polymers.
- Flat Tip: A straight metal barrel suitable for powdered samples, rubber samples, and other elastic polymers.
- Concave Tip: Developed for large beads and polymer pellets, featuring a concave surface to prevent sample escape and ensure centering on the crystal.
- Specific Tip Requirement: When using the Digital Force Adapter with the Three-Reflection ATR MIRacle plate, the 7.8 mm nylon press tip must be used to prevent damage to the crystal.
- Clamp Operation: The MIRacle and GladiATR High-Pressure Clamps incorporate a slip clutch mechanism to control the maximum allowable pressure. Users select the appropriate press tip, position the sample, and then lower the pressure clamp by turning the control knob clockwise until the desired force is displayed on the LCD monitor.
- Easy Installation: The adapter is designed for user-friendly installation, attaching directly to the High-Pressure Clamp.
- Cord Management: Includes plastic hooks and cord clips to secure the load cell cord along the clamp arm, minimizing twisting and ensuring a tidy setup.
Maintenance Features:
- Zero Adjustment: The Digital Force Adapter assembly is factory-calibrated, but electrical drift over time or changes in ambient temperatures may necessitate periodic zero adjustment. This is performed by positioning the clamp in a non-contact state and turning the "zero adjust" knob (located on the right side of the LCD monitor) clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the reading until 0.0 kgf is displayed.
- Stabilization Time: A 24-hour stabilization time is recommended after initially connecting the LCD monitor to an electrical outlet. This allows the system to reach equilibrium and minimize drift, ensuring accurate readings. It is recommended to leave the Digital Force Adapter assembly powered up to maintain stability.
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual provides a comprehensive troubleshooting section for common issues such as an unilluminated display, no force change, erroneous readings (e.g., -50), or fluctuating/non-zero readings, along with corresponding solutions.
- Service and Repairs: For service and repairs, users are instructed to contact PIKE Technologies, Inc. to obtain a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Both the load cell assembly and the LCD display must be sent together for service.
- Replacement Parts: A list of replacement parts is provided, including various press tips (Concave, Swivel, 7.8 ATR, Flat Press Tip) for both MIRacle and GladiATR High-Pressure Clamps.
The Digital Force Adapter enhances the analytical capabilities of ATR spectroscopy by providing precise control over applied pressure, leading to improved consistency and reproducibility in sample analysis, particularly for applications where contact quality is paramount.
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