The eGauge feature allows external input of specimen information from digital micrometers, calipers and barcode scanners into MTESTQuattro. The digital micrometer and caliper data, between 1 and 6 points per dimension, can be averaged and automatically entered in the specified geometry fields. The barcode feature allows entry of the specimen ID field from multiple symbologies including Code 39, Code 128 (A, B and C), EAN 8, EAN 13, UPC (A and E), ITF-14 and others. These fields can be populated while the previous test is being run to increase machine utilization.
eGauge Menu
Barcode Specimen ID
Open the eGauge feature by pressing the eGauge icon in the tool bar. A geometry type must be selected, if geometry is listed as NONE, the icon will be grayed out. Click in the Specimen Identifier field and scan the desired barcode for your specimen. If the Specimen Identifier tab is not selected the identifier will not be populated. This feature will not autofill any other field. Supported symbologies include Code 39, Code 128 (A, B and C), EAN 8, EAN 13, UPC (A and E), ITF-14, GS1, ISBN 13, ISMN, ISSN (depending on capabilities of scanner being used. All characters must be standard ASCII characters and may not include the following symbols &, “, ^, *, ?, <, >, |, :, \, /. Use of these symbols will result in an unrecognized character message. The specimen ID can accept up to 15 characters, longer barcodes will be appended to the first 15 characters. This field is accessible during testing so the next test can be setup while the current one is running.
Auto Geometry Parameters
Open the eGauge feature by pressing the eGauge icon in the tool bar. A geometry type must be selected; if geometry is listed as NONE, the icon will be grayed out. To select a geometry type go to the specimen tab of your test procedure and select a geometry from the Type drop down. To choose the number of measurements per parameter use the samples drop down and choose the desired number. Hit the green start bar in the eGauge window to begin measurements. It will begin with the first parameter and once that is accepted move on to the next parameter, additionally you may use the previous and next buttons to cycle between parameters. To populate a parameter, hit the DATA button on the digital measuring device to send the current value over to MTESTQuattro. Once all measurements have been completed for a given parameter hit accept to average the values and insert them as the final value for the parameter. To redo the most recent point press redo, to restart the measurements for the whole parameter hit reset. To move the next parameter hit next. Multiple devices may be used at the same time, whenever a DATA key is pressed on any device it will populate the current measurement. These fields are accessible during testing so the specimen for the next test may be measured while the current test is being performed. Once all of the fields are filled out enter the quick start menu and press Accept eGauge Values. Once the eGauge values have been accepted the measurements cannot be changed unless the user presses the green start bar in the eGauge menu. When the next test is started it will used the last set of accepted eGuage values for the specimen geometry.
Configure Port Settings
Setup Instructions
All connections should be labeled on both end, attach these together. If using a serial to USB converter ensure that the drivers have been installed and the device is residing on COM1 or COM2. This can be set in the advanced settings for the device in the computers Device Manager. Once all of the hardware is connected and powered open the MTESTQuattro software. Launch the eGauge portion of the software by pressing the icon . In the lower right section there will be a button labeled Configure Port, press this. In the next screen select the COM port on which the device is sitting, set the data rate to 9600, the parity to none, stop bits to 1 and data bits to 8. Press OK and the device should be ready for use.
