Diagnostic LEDs
The Q446 has three diagnostic LEDs. The green LED, labeled RUN, is used for diagnostics to indicate that power is on, and it will flash quickly if the input signal is above the configured range or slowly if the input signal is below range. The RUN LED is continuously on when the unit is functioning within the configured range.

The yellow IN LED is on while calibrating the input and the red OUT LED is on while calibrating the output.

This flexibility, combined with an adjustable (1 to 10VDC) bridge excitation source, provides the user a reliable, accurate instrument to isolate and condition virtually any bridge or strain-gage input.

Application
The ActionI/Q Q446 field configurable, bridge input signal conditioner is useful in isolating ground loops and interfacing bridge sensors to data acquisition and control systems.

Three way isolation completely eliminates ground loops from any source. Isolation protects expensive SCADA systems from ground faults and provides filtering for noise reduction which can be a significant problem with small, millivolt, bridge signals.

Wide ranging flexibility allows the user to easily zero out dead-loads in weighing systems or configure bipolar input ranges for tension-compression or vacuum-pressure bridge applications.

High density DIN rail mounting offers an extremely compact solution for saving valuable panel space.

Configuration
A major advantage of the Q446 is its wide ranging capabilities and ease of configuration. The Q446 can be configured for input ranges from 10mV to +/-200mV, with 90% input offset or it will adjust down to 10% of fullscale input span (except on 10mV, +/- 5mV range where maximum offset or gain adjustment is 50%).

Unless otherwise specified, the factory presets the Model Q446 as follows:

Regarding other I/O ranges, refer to Table 1 for input range (SW1) switch settings, Table 2 for input direction settings, Table 3 for excitation level and Table 4 for output ranges (SW2). For quick and easy calibration mode reference, see the step-by-step flow chart in Figure 1

1. With power off, snap off the face plate by lifting the right edge, away from the heat sink. Slide off the metal heatsink.
2. Note, the module has two eight position switch blocks, one for input and one for output.
3. Change Dip switches for desired ranges using Tables 1-4. Slide metal piece into original position. Attach face plate before beginning calibration.

Calibration
For best results, calibration should be performed in the operating installation, allowing at least one hour for thermal stability of the system. If pre-calibration on a test bench is preferred, then an output load equal to the input impedance of the device(s) connected to the Q446 output is recommended, along with a 1 hour warm up period.

1. For best results install the module on to a piece of DIN rail or the I/Q Rail mounting accessory if desired. See the I/Q Rail data sheet for details.
2. Connect the input to a calibrated DC source and the output to a voltage or current meter. Apply power and allow the system to reach thermal equilibrium (approx.1 hour ).
3. Adjust the input signal to the desired maximum and observe that the green LED is on or flashing. Push the CAL button and hold it down for six flashes of the yellow LED, until the yellow and green LEDs are flashing, then release the button.
4. The yellow and red LEDs should be on. Push the CAL button. Apply the exact maximum input signal level desired, if not already applied, then push the CAL button to store. The yellow LED should now be on.
5. The yellow and red LEDs should be on. Push the CAL button. Apply the exact maximum input signal level desired, if not already applied, then push the CAL button to store. The yellow LED should now be on.
6. Adjust the input signal up, until the output is precisely at the desired maximum level (e.g. 20.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The red LED should now be on.
7. Adjust the input signal level down, until the output is precisely at the desired minimum level (e.g. 4.00mA), then push the CAL button to store. The yellow, green and red LEDs should now be on.
8. To finish calibration, push the CAL button one final time. The green LED should be on if the input is within the calibrated range.