Frequently Asked Questions

It should not, but you can level the unit by adjusting the feet on the base:

• Loosen the ½ inch nut on each of the feet until the unit is level.
• Tighten when the machine is level on the surface.

Please re-test to see if your results have changed.

Child Resistant and Non-Child Resistant

To assist you, Mesa has step-by-step instructions available here. For further assistance or troubleshooting, please contact us.

Calibrating the Torqo machine is done to linearize the response of the instrument’s two calibrated spring beams and rotary position encoder. Calibration is performed at the factory, using NIST-traceable standards. This factory calibration is accurate at the time the instrument is shipped for up to one year. Factory calibration uses 7 values of applied torque that span the range of the specific instrument, typically 0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90% and 100%. The instrument uses the calibration readings in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions to create two compensation tables which correct the actual readings and result in accurate torque readings traceable to standards. For examples of compensation charts and further detailed information on your Torqo instrument calibration, please view our White Paper.

Typically, a silicone-based grease, preferably food grade, should be used. We recommend cleaning the shaft thoroughly prior to application.

This is actually a common misconception. The Torqo 1600 uses Windows Embedded Standard 2009 (WES2009). WES2009 and the Windows 7 OS have similar support and license dates.

Please contact a Mesa representative for further information.

The related profile may be corrupt. There are two possible solutions:

1. Under System Options, page 2, check the “Delete Data Options” field. Make sure the option to “Delete All” is enabled.
2. If it still fails to delete all data, you may want to connect a USB keyboard/mouse, Press CTRL-ESC – this will bring up the start menu. Find the Windows Explorer, run it and navigate to drive D:. Then, find the Torqo\Data subdirectory. Create a new subfolder called Backup.

Cut the corrupt profile file and paste it in the newly created backup directory. If the file access is disabled on the operating system level, you will need to restart the PC. (Optionally run the error checking on the D: drive.)

Alternatively you can create a new profile and test/print under the newly created profile.

If these solutions do not solve the issue, please contact us. A representative can remotely troubleshoot the machine after you connect it to a LAN port that has internet access.

Standard Clamps, Parallel Clamps, Centering/Locator Bases (with or without magnetic coding), Universal Clamping Table

The Torqo cannot accept commands from an outside source unless it is connected to the internet and using a remote viewer.

The Torqo 1600 can automatically send the results at the end of a test to a serial port or printer. Batch data can also be manually transferred if you want to export to a server file location.

US manufacturers change to electronic record keeping for time saving and to meet 21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Records requirements. Sometimes, it is driven by management to tie quality information into their ERP. SPC software, such as WinSPC, Zontec, InfinityQS, etc. is often used for gage (co2/torque/weight testing equipment) calibration tracking, data analysis and record keeping.

The automatic data output can be directed to the Serial (rs232) port. USB and Ethernet options are also available – using a serial to USB adapter or a serial device server (ethernet). All data transfer options have distance limits. USB is the worst (15ft), and rs232 is second (50ft). Ethernet is the winner when it comes to speed.

The short answer is that the resolution of the analog to digital converter and the response time of the control system is limiting the accuracy of the result.

For example, a 30lbfin capacity Torqo 1600 has a measurement resolution of 0.34Ncm. (The resolution is the smallest change the system can detect/display.)

If we set the application setpoint to 160Ncm, the control system increases torque until the actual value is larger or equal than 160Ncm. Nearing the setpoint the machine registers 159.9Ncm, however this value does not yet trigger the end of test. The next increment of 160.33Ncm does, but even when 160.33Ncm is registered, by the time the CPU sends the stop signal to the motor, the value is overshot slightly so the unit would display 160.67Ncm as a test result. Again, this behavior is normal and a result of the limitation of the digitizer resolution and control system’s response time.

Being aware of this behavior, the operator can adjust the setpoint to get the results closer to the setpoint. Using the system referenced above, one can set the application setpoint to 159.5Ncm and get consistent 159.99Ncm as the result.

Each machine may differ slightly but the idea is the same, and this is why the actual measured value is slightly higher than the setpoint.

There may be a difference between the printout and the displayed value due to different rounding methods used when displaying the result on the screen vs printing on paper.

Please note, the sum of all errors (resolution, response time) should be well within the accuracy specification of the unit. To put this into perspective, +/-0.5% FS accuracy spec of the 30lbfin capacity Torqo 1600 is 0.15lbfin (0.15lbfin = 1.7Ncm). The highest error in the example above is 0.67Ncm which is well within the 1.7Ncm accuracy specification of the unit.

This is probably due to the batch size. After accumulating hundreds/thousands of records in a batch, it becomes increasingly difficult for the Torqo software to parse the data file. It is the best practice to clear/delete the batch file after testing 2-300 bottles (or every week).

Please enable the delete data field function in the test profile/view/print screen. Should the tester slow down, this will allow operators to delete the test data file causing the slow-down. Coupled with the automatic backup test data function (last page in system options), data can be backed up automatically.

Even with the delete function enabled and using automatic data backup, you have to consider the capacity of the hard drive. Depending on the frequency of your testing, after years of operation the CF card can run out of memory. If this unit has the 8GB CF card as a HDD, it is a good idea to backup/delete the unused data files from the D:\Torqo folder.

Enabling this function must be done by editing the file D:\Torqo\SYSTEM\mesa.txt and adding the following text (for this example, we will use Peak 3):

Peak 3 Enabled = YES

Peak 3 Threshold = 0.65

Peak 3 Width = 5

Peak 3 Autodetect Start = 25

Peak 3 Autodetect End = 96

Peak 3 Peak Offset = 20

Please contact us for further information or help support.

There could be a major leak in the platform air lines, incorrect platform timer settings on the setup screen, or the flow controller is closed.

This type of issue indicates that the CMOS battery charge is low.

Short-Term Solution (works for one startup):

1. Connect a USB keyboard to the Torqo 1600.
2. Restart the computer.
3. When the checksum error message is displayed, press the DEL key to enter in the BIOS configuration menu.
4. Select the “Load the AHP-1801 Defaults” line, then press Enter.
5. Select Yes, then press Enter.
6. Select “Save and Exit Setup”, then press Enter.
7. Select Yes, then press Enter. At this point the PC should automatically reboot, the screen resolution should return to normal and the Checksum error message should not show up on the screen.

Please note, the above process does not resolve the issue with the battery charge, but it eliminates the symptom for one startup.

Long-Term Solution:

Please contact the Mesa Torque Technical Support / Sales Team for more information on available battery replacement options.

This could be a mother board or power supply issue. Please contact customer service.

It could be a bad transducer or bad load cell amplifier, or the slipring stator arms are not aligned with conductive motor bands.

Before shipping, we secure the counterbalance weight inside the column. The security screw is tightened from the bottom and it must be removed before operating the machine.

For step-by-step guidelines, please view our instructional document here. This document will walk you through how to download the firmware to your PLC, in addition to the steps you should take if your Operating System (OS) requires an update prior to initiating the download. Please contact us for further assistance.

The ST-S3 and ST-120S models have a servo motor driven chuck and requires more current to apply up to 88 lbfin torque. Therefore, the servo motor based models include a 5-amp fuse.

On the other hand, the older ST-Lab and ST-120 models are equipped with a pneumatic rotary actuator (not an electric motor), so the current consumption is low, and they ship with a 1A fuse.

The fuse sizes are the same and the type is not critical (fast acting vs slow-blow). Temporarily, you can run the ST-120 using a 5A fuse, but the ST-120S will blow the 1A fuse at relatively low torque levels (probably even during the startup sequence).

Torqo uses an incremental encoder to measure the deflection of a beam. The angle of rotation is then calibrated using dead weights and a pulley. The calibration is done at multiple torque references. Suretorque uses strain gage-based torque transducers. Due to the high linearity of the strain gage based measurement, calibration is only done at a single point. Linearity can be compared at any number torque references.

Operating a Torqo is less automated. The bottle is clamped manually, and the chuck is engaged manually.

Yolk Chuck, Serrated Chuck, Universal EDM Chuck, 4-Post Chuck

Topload Chuck, Floating Chuck, Standard Chuck, High Duty Cycle Chuck, Universal 4-Post Chuck

Quick Clamps Vise, Standard Vise, Beverage Clamp, Petaloid Base Support

Typically, they are used for testing the release torque of CR Closures. This is typical in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.

Measuring TEB break torque, applying a loose closure to a torque setpoint over 45+ degrees of rotation, or other jobs that require 45+ degrees of rotation.

Manual shaft locking and rotation by hand in Calibration mode. Or, B. Automated testing if you have purchased change parts.

If the torque readout does not change at all, the problem is with the encoder. If the readout changes, but is out of spec, the problem is with the alignment. If the chuck and the clamping table/beverage clamp centers are not aligned properly, the Gold Bottle readouts may be inconsistent.

This can sometimes happen with the universal/tapered chuck if the chuck is not lowered all the way down into the cap. This causes the cap to slip and the “teeth” inside the universal chuck will damage the serration on the closure.