The Vishay Measurements P-3500 Portable Strain Indicator is a battery-powered instrument for precision strain measurement and stress analysis. It delivers direct readings of strain, pressure, torque, load, and other engineering variables derived from strain gauge-based transducers. The unit combines 1 microstrain (µε) resolution with configurable multiplier modes, color-coded push-button controls, and support for quarter-, half-, and full-bridge circuits. Designed for laboratory and field deployment, it provides engineers and technicians with accurate, repeatable measurements across diverse structural testing applications.
Technical Specifications
Measurement Range & Resolution
• Strain resolution: 1 µε (X1 multiplier); 10 µε (X10 multiplier)
• Maximum range: ±19,999 µε at Gauge Factor 6.000
• Range increases by factor of 10 with X10 multiplier: ±199,990 µε at Gauge Factor < 6.000
Accuracy & Stability
• Overall accuracy: ±0.5% of reading ±3 µε (X1 multiplier, GF 1.000–9.900); ±0.5% of reading ±20 µε (X10 multiplier)
• Gauge Factor accuracy: ±0.02% at all settings
• Switching repeatability: Better than 1 µε
• Amplifier warm-up drift: Less than ±3 counts (GF=2.000) from cold start to 10 minutes
• Random drift (constant ambient): Less than ±1 count (GF=2.000)
• Temperature effect on zero: Less than ±1.0 µV/°C RTI
• Temperature effect on span: Less than ±0.005%/°C
Signal Conditioning
• Common-mode rejection: Greater than 90 dB at 50–60 Hz
• Input impedance: Greater than 30 MΩ (differential and common mode)
Bridge Configuration
• Supported types: Quarter-, half-, and full-bridge circuits
• Internal completion: 120/1,000 Ω and 350 Ω quarter bridges
• Half/full bridge range: 60–2,000 Ω
• Gauge Factor range: 0.500–9.900
• Gauge Factor resolution: 0.001
• Gauge Factor setting: 10-turn potentiometer with digital display
Bridge Excitation
• Voltage: 2.0 Vdc ±0.1%
• Temperature stability: Better than ±0.02% per °C
– Key Features
• Direct-reading engineering variables
• Color-coded push-button interface
• Portable, battery-powered design
• High-resolution strain measurement
• X1 and X10 multiplier modes
– Typical Applications
• Structural stress and strain analysis
• Field-based load measurement
• Laboratory transducer characterization
• Material testing and validation
– Compatibility & Integration
The P-3500 accommodates standard strain gauge bridge configurations with internal completion for common quarter-bridge impedances and support for custom half- and full-bridge circuits across 60–2,000 Ω.
