FAQs - Video Extensometer

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If you have an ISA type video, then the 2 pcb’s for this extensometer that fit into the ISA slots in your old computer, will not be able to fit in your new computer. New computers typically only have PCI slots which are not compatible with ISA pcbs. Please contact Instron Sales for information about the upgrade options.

This will normally appear if some of the signals from the video camera are not getting back to the computer. Check all the cable connections on the camera and the video interface boards fitted in the computer. If these connections are OK then it is likely to be a hardware fault (damaged camera cable or camera). Please contact Instron Service.

A common cause of this problem is the video camera cable is not plugged in correctly to the interface board fitted in the computer. If the Video extensometer you have is the ISA video type ( see note 1 ) then there are two PCB’s, fitted in the computer that it is possible to plug the camera cable into. If it is plugged into the wrong connector then this message will appear. Please make sure it is plugged into the connector on the pcb that has a green LED on it. The connection details are detailed in the manual supplied with the video extensometer. If the Video Extensometer you have is the PCI video type (see note 1) then there is only one connector for the camera cable to plug into in the computer. Make sure that this is plugged in properly. The connection details are detailed in the manual supplied with the video extensometer. Note 1: Video extensometers supplied before 2000 were of the ISA video type which is the type of computer bus the interface boards plug into. Video extensometers supplied after 2001 were of the PCI video type, which is the type of computer bus the interface boards plug into. During 2000 you could have been supplied with either ISA video boards or PCI video boards.

If the image you are seeing then has a lot of noise it is likely that the video software is set up for the wrong type of camera. You are likely to have a PCI type video extensometer, and the camera you are using is a Adimec camera and the video software is set up for a Hitachi camera. Please contact Instron service for advice on how to correct this.

1. Make sure the correct Range Button is pressed on the Extensometer Module - usually the Low (D) or Medium Low (C). 
2. If present check the switch for the AC is selected. 
3. Make sure the correct extensometer scaling number is entered in the scaling potentiometer on the extensometer module. 
4. Make sure the standby switch is in the on position on the recorder X - axis module.

You have four options: 

1. Purchase a System Support Agreement. This provides you with priority in the call queue, remote access to our engineering staff, discounts and additional services for one full year. 
2. Sign-on to our Consultation Service line. This Fee based support provides you with priority in the call queue for those times that you just specific help. 
3. Limited Free Technical Support on a call back basis. 
4. Schedule a Field Service Engineer to visit your site.

If you have a PCI video then this will work under Windows 2000 providing you have Merlin version 4.30 or higher or Series IX version 8.09 or higher. Please contact Instron Service if you need to upgrade to a compatible version of Series IX or Merlin software. If you have the ISA version of the video extensometer, then this will only work with Windows 95 and 98. Please contact Instron Service for information about upgrade options.

If you have an ISA video then this will not work under Windows XP If you have a PCI video then this will work under Windows XP providing you have Merlin version 5.31 or higher or Series IX version 8.25 or higher. Please contact Instron Service if you need to upgrade to a compatible version of Series IX or Merlin software.