TA280 Shock Indicators
SKU: TA280

TA280 Shock Indicators

Description

TA280 Drawing

Ordering Information

The TA280 shock indicators part numbers consist of a basic number, followed by a series of dash numbers, designating configuration, nominal G-rating, and certified tolerance.

Example: TA280-018-015-C5 is an equal-G, front mounting Shockmaster set for 15 G's with a ±5% tolerance, certified.

Shock Indicators Ordering Information Chart

Shock Indicators Overview

Shockmaster is a low cost, compact mechanical device which can be installed on delicate equipment to detect excessive shock and vibration, thereby assisting in the detection of hidden damage. When a container is opened, following shipment, there may appear to be no damage. However, if the shock indicators are found to be in a "tripped" condition (with bright red signal band exposed in the dome), it is evident that excessive shock has been experienced. Accordingly, a thorough inspection should be made before accepting the shipment.

Instructions for Use

TOLERANCE

Since the springs in the Shockmaster are never elongated, it will remain in tolerance indefinitely, provided it is not subjected to continuous motion of the moving parts and is not contaminated internally with foreign particles. The Shockmaster may be reset and used over and over hundreds of times with no change to its G-rating. Some Shockmasters have been returned for recalibration after 10 years of use, and the units were still within the original factory tolerance.

AREA OF RESPONSE

The Shockmaster has a hemispheric response: it indicates shocks from all directions radial to the unit, axial shocks to the base from beneath, and shocks from all directions between these planes. It will not register axial shocks applied to the dome from above. Models are also available with axial (base) response only. Two shock indicators are usually sufficient for even the largest of packaged items, and one may be adequate if there is no possibility of the equipment being shocked from above.

Box indicating where to place shock indicators

REUSABILITY

Shockmasters may be used over and over again. After tripping, the Shock Indicator is reset by removing the screw from the threaded hole in the side of the dome, inserting a stiff wire or straightened paper clip in the hole and pushing the back sleeve back to its armed position. For Shockmasters with ratings of 25 G's or more, a plunger in the dome is depressed while the sleeve is pushed back as far as possible. The plunger is then released and the sleeve is allowed to return gently to its armed position.

ACCURACY

Standard Shockmasters trip within ±10% of their settings. On units set for 10 G's or higher, tolerances of ±5% are available at an extra cost. They operate from -80°F to 160°F and are resistant to high humidity.

TAMPER-PROOF

To prevent tampering with the Shock Indicator after it has been tripped, a safety wire with an inspector's seal attached can be placed through the resetting hole screws in the plastic dome. Or, inspector's decals may be affixed over the reset holes. Shockmasters with ratings of 25 G's or more are made tamper-proof by re-inserting one screw, threading safety wire through holes in plunger and screw head and securing with an inspector's seal.

SHIPPING & HANDLING COSTS

Shockmasters can help cut shipping and handling costs in three ways:

  1. Shockmasters can be used to detect rough handling of a product on assembly lines or in other areas of your plant. Corrective measures may then be initiated to improve material handling procedures.
  2. The Shockmaster is an invaluable tool for shock tests to determine proper packaging design and materials. A row of indicators, each set for tripping at a different G-rating, may be used in container drop tests, thereby detecting both over packaging and under packaging of a product.
  3. Terminal inspection time can be reduced substantially, as only those shipments with tripped indicators need be re-inspected in detail.

INSTALLATION

Shockmasters may be mounted on the inside of the container or directly on the packaged item. There are four mounting holes in the base for rear mounting, or a mounting plate is available for front mounting of the units.

TA280 Shockmaster Front Mounting Model TA280 Shockmaster Rear Mounting Model

WEIGHT

Approximately 0.3 lbs. (136 grams), depending upon model.

MATERIALS

The body is aluminum, clear anodized.  The dome is transparent polycarbonate.

INSPECTION

Inspection may be accomplished by looking at the indicator through a hole with a removable cover in the container. Or, a Shockmaster with electrical contacts may be used. This model can be inspected by placing the leads of an ohmmeter, or a battery and light bulb, on the contacts of a terminal board mounted on the outside of the container. If the Shockmaster is tripped, the ohmmeter will indicate that the circuit is closed, or the light bulb will glow.

SETTINGS

Shock Indicators are available from stock in nomial ratings of 5, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 G's. Other settings are available upon request. The standard equal-G models respond equally to shocks along the longitudinal axis and in the transverse plane. The standard long axis models respond to longitudinal axis shock only - side or transverse shocks have no effect.

RATINGS

Independent test facilities have compared various mechanical shock-monitoring devices. Each time Shockmaster was rated the most accurate and easiest to use! Details available upon request.

RESETTING THE AGM SHOCKMASTER

To reset the Shockmaster, follow the steps listed below:

  1. Using a small flat blade screwdriver or other appropriate tool, remove both MS35265-12 fillister head slotted screws from the clear polycarbonate dome.  One screw is located in the top of the dome and one screw is located in the side of the dome.  Shockmasters with a setting of 25G and greater only have one screw in the side of the dome
  2. Insert a .075” or smaller diameter probe through the hole in the top of the dome and push the weight down approximately .10” or until it stops.  For Shockmasters of 25G and greater, push down on the spring loaded plunger.
  3. While continuing to hold the weight down, insert another .075” diameter or smaller probe through the hole in the side of the dome and push the black plastic slider until it stops.  Compress the spring behind the slider fully.
  4. While holding the slider in place, release the weight by removing the probe from the top hole in the dome (or releasing the spring loaded plunger from the 25G or higher versions).
  5. After the weight has been released, release the black plastic slider.  The front face of the slider should now be resting on the side of the nub located on the top of the weight.
  6. Replace the MS35265-12 screws and tighten until snug.  If the Shockmaster is to be used in an outdoor environment AGM recommends adding a small amount of sealant to the screw threads prior to insertion in the polycarbonate dome to prevent any water from getting inside.
  7. If necessary, apply safety wire and security seals.

 

The Shockmaster is now set and ready for use.

Additional Information

Body Finish

Anodized, Clear

Configuration

Equal-G, Front Mounting, Equal-G, Front Mounting Electrical (Normally Open), Equal-G, Rear Mounting, Equal-G, Rear Mounting, Electrical (Normally Open), Long Axis, Front Mounting, Long Axis, Front Mounting Electrical (Normally Open), Long Axis, Rear Mounting, Long Axis, Rear Mounting Electrical (Normally Open)

Body Material

Aluminum

Nominal G-Rating

10 G, 15 G, 20 G, 25 G, 30 G, 35 G, 40 G, 5 G, 50 G

Dome Material

Transparent Polycarbonate

Certification Tolerance

± 10% tolerance-certified (Standard), ± 5% tolerance-certified

Tech Sheets