VALD FDMax - User Manual

ForceDecks
Instruction Manual for FDMax, FDLite (v.2), and FDMIni
Version 1.0
2022

Summary

Important Notice

F.C.C. Notification

Provides FCC compliance information, including cautions and measures to correct interference.

Introduction

Welcome to ForceDecks

Getting Started: ForceDecks Hardware

ForceDecks Components

Lists and illustrates the hardware components of the ForceDecks FDMax, FDLite (V.2), and FDMini systems.

ForceDecks Setup

Details mounting options for ForceDecks plates, including steel bases, weightlifting platforms, or flat surfaces.

Floor Considerations

Explains ideal surface requirements for ForceDecks, emphasizing rigidity and flatness, and noting unsuitable surfaces.

Space Considerations

Advises on leaving adequate space around embedded plates for cable access and to prevent contact with walls.

Preventing Crosstalk

Explains crosstalk and recommends small gaps between plates and casing to minimize interference.

Cable Configuration

Describes how interplate cable orientation defines primary and secondary plates in software.

Battery

Details battery life, approximate charge times, and recommended monthly charging for ForceDecks plates.

Charging ForceDecks

Explains the two methods for charging ForceDecks batteries using the supplied USB cable.

Battery Status

Describes the LED indicators (green, amber, red, off) on each force plate for battery status.

Turn On and Off

Guides on turning on ForceDecks, emphasizing the role of the primary plate in powering the secondary plate.

Getting Started: ForceDecks Software

Setup Your Software

Instructs users to scan a QR code or visit a website to set up the ForceDecks software.

Minimum Device Requirements

Specifies the recommended hardware and OS requirements for running ForceDecks Windows and iOS applications.

Bluetooth Connection

Provides step-by-step instructions for connecting ForceDecks plates to a laptop or iOS device via Bluetooth.

Using ForceDecks

Safety, Care and Maintenance

Care Guidelines

Recommends keeping liquids away, padding plates during transport, and avoiding dirt accumulation.

Overview

1. Hardware Components
2. Technical Specifications (Battery)
3. Setup and Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. FCC Compliance

VALD ForceDecks are a dual force plate and auto-analysis system designed to analyze an individual's balance, strength, and movement strategies across various exercises and jumps. This system is particularly useful for practitioners assessing or treating musculoskeletal, neurological, orthopedic, geriatric, performance, or sports conditions. ForceDecks allow for the collection of baseline data, monitoring of rehabilitation progress, assessment of injury risk, and improvement of performance.

Historically, force plates were largely confined to laboratories and elite sporting teams, with data analysis being a time-consuming and complex process. VALD ForceDecks aim to democratize this technology by offering portable force plates and a comprehensive software suite that provides auto-analyzed results in real-time. This enables practitioners to collect force plate data on the go and make informed decisions regarding an individual's training, performance, readiness, or rehabilitation. The system provides immediate, easy-to-interpret feedback, minimizes testing time, and makes the assessment of large groups practical, such as for sports teams or defense personnel.

Hardware Components:

The ForceDecks FDMax, FDLite (v.2), and FDMini systems consist of the following hardware:

• 2 x Force Plates: These are uni-axial force plates, meaning they primarily measure vertical force data. Each plate is equipped with four highly sensitive strain gauge sensors. When an individual interacts with the plates, these sensors detect movement within the strain gauge, which compresses proportionally to the applied force. This compression causes a change in voltage, which ForceDecks calibrates to measure the applied force over time.
• 2 x Foam Surrounds: These are likely used for cushioning or to define the testing area around the force plates.
• 1 x Interplate Cable: This cable connects the two force plates. Its orientation determines which plate is designated as the "Primary" (default Left) and "Secondary" (default Right) in the ForceDecks software.
• 1 x USB Cable: Used for connecting the system to a computer and for charging.
• 1 x Wall Adapter: Used for charging the force plates via mains power.

Technical Specifications (Battery):

Each ForceDecks plate includes a rechargeable battery.

• Approximate battery life (from full charge):
  • FDLite, FDMax: 50+ hours
  • FDMini: 20+ hours
• Approximate charge time (from empty charge):
  • FDLite, FDMax, FDMini: 24 hours
• Charging: ForceDecks can be charged by plugging the USB cable into a computer's USB port or into mains power using the supplied USB wall adapter. It is recommended to connect the plates to a power source for at least one full day every month to prevent slow discharge when not in use.
• Battery Status LED:
  • Green: Fully charged
  • Amber: Moderately charged
  • Red: Low charge
  • Not illuminated: Turned off or no charge

Setup and Usage Features:

• Plate Mounting: ForceDecks plates can be mounted on steel bases, integrated into weightlifting platforms, or used freestanding on any flat, hard surface.
• Floor Considerations: For optimal performance, ForceDecks should be placed on a surface that is as rigid and flat as possible, such as concrete floors. Sprung floors are not suitable. Rebounding vibrations or "ringing" can occur if placed on wooden sections of Olympic lifting platforms. Users can check for vibrations by examining a force-time trace or by contacting VALD support.
• Space Considerations: If embedding plates, adequate space around them is crucial to prevent contact with surrounding walls and allow cable access.
• Preventing Crosstalk: To avoid inaccurate readings due to unwanted force transfer, a small gap should be maintained between the left and right plates, and between the outer edge of any safety frame or casing.
• Turning On/Off: The Primary plate, when turned on, automatically pairs with and powers the Secondary plate. Pressing the power button on the Secondary plate first will cause it to turn on briefly and then off again.
• Software Suite: The ForceDecks software is central to the system, automating tasks like identifying movement types, key characteristic time points (e.g., start of movement, take-off), and calculating actionable summary results. The suite includes:
  • ForceDecks Windows application
  • ForceDecks iOS application
  • ForceDecks Jump
  • ForceDecks LeaderBoard
  • VALD Hub
  • Software activation is required within 7 days of installation and annually thereafter.
• Minimum Device Requirements (Windows):
  • Operating System: Windows 7 x 64 or later
  • Processor: Intel i5 / i7 / i9
  • RAM: 8 GB or greater
  • Storage: 500 MB minimum for install
  • Ports: 1 x USB 2.0 / USB 3.0
• Minimum Device Requirements (iOS):
  • Operating System: iOS (12 or later)
  • Bluetooth: BLE 5.0
  • Compatible Devices: Refer to ForceDecks iOS App Compatible Devices for specific models.
• Bluetooth Connection: FDMini, FDLite (V2), and FDMax plates can connect to a laptop or iOS device via Bluetooth. The latest ForceDecks Firmware must be installed, and only one set of plates should be turned on for Bluetooth connectivity. Connection steps involve logging into ForceDecks, navigating to Options > Settings > Platform tab, selecting ForceDecks, changing connection types to "Prefer Bluetooth Device Connection," and clicking Save.

Maintenance Features:

• No Planned Maintenance: ForceDecks do not have specific planned maintenance or servicing requirements.
• Zeroing: It is best practice to perform the zeroing process before every testing session.
• Care Guidelines:
  • Keep liquids away from the plates and cables.
  • When transporting, ensure plates are well padded to prevent forces from being exerted on them.
  • Avoid accumulation of dirt, mud, or other residues on the plates.

FCC Compliance:

The device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules for Class B digital devices. Users are cautioned that unauthorized changes or modifications could void their authority to operate the equipment. The equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used according to instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Measures to correct interference include reorienting the receiving antenna, increasing separation between equipment and receiver, connecting equipment to a different circuit, or consulting a radio/TV technician. The equipment also complies with FCC's RF radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment, and end users must follow specific operating instructions to satisfy RF exposure compliance. The transmitter must not be co-located or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

VALD FDMax Specifications

General

Brand	VALD
Model	FDMax
Category	Test Equipment
Language	English