Header banner
Revain logoHome Page
Chad Judex photo
1 Level
1311 Review
43 Karma

Review on Mxmoonfree Digital Portable Power Off ZMF 500N by Chad Judex

Revainrating 4 out of 5

Neat, simple force sensor

I ordered this product to support my work from home (I'm an engineer). There are often times when I need to quantify small or large forces with prototype parts and this seemed like the perfect solution. I ordered the 300N (60lb) version because I figured the extra cargo capacity might come in handy - and it already has. Before I write a review, I recently took it to the office to quickly compare the force readings I got from this device to the calibrated force sensor we keep there. For this review, I set both gauges to Newtons and found that over the range of 0 to about 60 Newtons (about 15 pounds), both read within 1 Newton (0.22 pounds). That's the precision I need for my application, so I'm happy with that. I didn't use the full force of 300N (approx. 67lbs) for this review as it was difficult to hold both and apply that much force. automatic backlight, which turns off automatically after a certain time (however, the display continues to show the force value). When the sensor detects another applied force, the backlight turns on again. There are also user-customizable settings for some features (e.g. don't show small values - "shield" as it's called manually) and calibration options, which I haven't tried (and currently don't intend to). It also includes a plastic housing and several different tips/adapters that connect to the threaded end of the load's "inlet". An extension and hook are also provided and I like that the hook can rotate independently of the threaded nut portion of the hook. A small bag of screws/nuts/washers is also included and it took me a while to figure out what they were for - the small socket head screws and washers are used to attach the gauge to the bracket with threaded inserts on the back of the gauge. There are also some larger nuts that fit the threads on the gauge's load port. My only complaint (and the reason for deducting 1 star) is that the battery cover on my meter is not secure. It's very easy to accidentally knock off the cover during operation if you wrap your hands around the back of the meter. I tried flexing the latch a bit to get a better grip on the case when it latches and that helped a bit, but it's still pretty loose. I even tried to CAD it myself and print out a replacement, but that didn't bring much improvement either. I don't want to risk breaking the tab on the original battery cover, so I'm hesitant to bend it too aggressively. Functionally, I am very satisfied with this device. I just want the lid to stay in place without putting a piece of tape on the back to hold it there. Right now I'm using the original cover on it and putting the printed part in the case as a backup.

Pros
  • Check, measure and test
Cons
  • Questionable purchase for the elderly