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Introduction
Introduction
Principles of Operation
F probes use the magnetic principle to measure the thickness
of non-magnetic coatings on ferrous metals.
N probes use the eddy current principle to measure the
thickness of non-conductive coatings on non-ferrous metals.
FN probes combine the full abilities of both the "F" and "N"
probes.
Throughout this manual, the symbol indicates more
information about the particular topic or feature is available on our
website. Go to: www.defelsko.com/manuals
NOTE:
Certification
All probes include a Certificate of Calibration. For organizations
with re-certification requirements, gages may be returned at
regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that
customers establish gage calibration intervals based upon their
own experience and work environment. Based on our product
knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one year calibration
interval from either the date of calibration, date of purchase, or
date of receipt is a typical starting point.
The PosiTector 6000 hand-held, electronic Gage non-
destructively measures the thickness of coatings on all metals,
quickly and accurately. A PosiTector 6000 consists of a Gage
body and probe (see pg.19).
Plastic Lens Shield
The LCD is covered with a thin plastic film for protection against
fingerprints and other marks during shipment. This film, while
usually removed before using the instrument, can be left in place
to protect against paint overspray. Replacements can be
purchased.
Wrist Strap
We recommend attaching and wearing the
supplied wrist strap.
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1.Remove red protective rubber cap (if supplied) from probe.
2.Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.
3.Place the probe FLAT on the surface to be measured. HOLD
STEADY. When a valid measurement is calculated, the Gage
BEEPS twice and the measurement is displayed.
4.Lift probe AT LEAST 2 INCHES (5cm) from the surface between
measurements - OR - leave probe on the surface in the same
location for continuous measurements.
Golden Rule
Golden Rule
Measure your uncoated part first! This quick zero-check
determines if a calibration adjustment is needed for your
substrate. (see pg.5)
Next, lay the included plastic shims onto a bare surface and
measure them individually to ensure the Gage measures a known
thickness within tolerance.
Operation Overview
Operation Overview
The PosiTector 6000 powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. To preserve battery life, the Gage powers-down
after approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are
retained.
If memory is ON while continuous measurements are
being taken, only the last value on the display (when the probe is
lifted) is stored into memory. Scan (pg.17) stores ALL
measurements into memory.
NOTE:
Substrate
Current
Measurement
Battery Indicator
Typical Screen
Unit of
Measurement
Microns
F
56
4
Memory
Statistics
Cal Settings
Setup
Connect
Sync Now
USB
Auto Sync
Updates
Menu Operation
Menu Operation
Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, turn the
Gage on, then press the center navigation button.
Some buttons have a tick box to their
right to indicate current status. An empty
box indicates that feature is not active.
Current selection is displayed
with darkened background
Up
Down
Center
To navigate, use the Up and Down buttons to
scroll and to SELECT.
Select Exit to exit from any menu.
ü
Navigation Button
PosiTector.net
PosiTector.net
To enhance the operation of their Gage, all PosiTector users have
access to the features provided by PosiTector.net. It is a free web-
based application offering secure centralized management of
thickness readings.
PosiTector Desktop Manager (PDM) is a small Windows based
application which allows automatic two-way communication
(synchronization) between the Gage and PosiTector.net (internet
connection required). When installed, PDM runs as a start-up
application and resides in the Windows notification area (system
tray) of a PC. PDM is available as a free download within your
PosiTector.net account.
Register your Gage on PosiTector.net to take full advantage of
your gage’s capabilities. Visit: www.PosiTector.net
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Calibration, Verification & Adjustment
Calibration, Verification & Adjustment
Three steps ensure best accuracy…
1. Calibration: typically done by the manufacturer or qualified lab
2. Verification of Accuracy: as done by the user
3. Adjustment: to a known thickness
Calibration
Calibration is the controlled and documented process of
measuring traceable calibration standards and verifying that the
results are within the stated accuracy of the Gage. Calibrations
are typically performed by the Gage manufacturer or by a certified
calibration laboratory in a controlled environment using a
documented process.
Verification
Verification is an accuracy check performed by the user using
known reference standards. A successful verification requires the
Gage to read within the combined accuracy of the Gage and the
reference standards.
Adjustment
Adjustment, or Calibration Adjustment is the act of aligning the
Gage's thickness readings to match that of a known sample in
order to improve the effectiveness of the Gage on a specific
surface or in a specific portion of its measurement range. 1-point
or 2-point calibration adjustments are possible.
The symbol disappears whenever a calibration
adjustment is made to the Gage.
The PosiTector 6000 is factory calibrated and performs an
automatic self-check each time it takes a measurement. For
many applications, no further adjustment is necessary after a
Reset (pg.16). Just check ZERO on the uncoated substrate, then
measure.
NOTE:
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Sometimes Gage readings can be influenced by changes in substrate shape, composition, surface roughness or by measuring in
a different location on the part. This is why Calibration
Adjustments are made possible.
1- or 2-point Calibration Adjustments may be performed if
readings are not falling within the expected range of thickness for
the application being measured.
If a calibration adjustment method has not been specified, use a
1-point method first. If measuring the included shims reveals
inaccuracies, use the 2-point method. Factory Calibration
settings can be restored at any time by performing a Reset
(pg.16), creating a NEW calibration setting (pg.9), or by
DELETING the adjustments made to the Cal 1 calibration setting
(pg.9). The symbol appears on the display whenever factory
calibration settings are in use.
With “FN” probes, calibration adjustments for “F” and “N” prin-
ciples are stored independent of one another.
Once adjusted, you may “lock” the current calibration
adjustment to prevent further modification. (See “Cal Lock” on pg.8)
1-point Calibration Adjustment
Also known as an offset or correction value, there are 4 ways to
perform this adjustment:
(1) Simple
Zero Calibration Adjustment
Measure your uncoated part. If the Gage does not read "0" within the
tolerance of the probe being used, lift the probe from the surface and
adjust the display down (-) or up (+) until it reads "0". Measure and
adjust until the average of a series of readings on the uncoated surface
is within tolerance of "0" .
(2) Average
Zero Calibration Adjustment
To establish “0” on a rough or curved surface a preferred method
is to take several readings on the uncoated part and average the
result.
NOTE:
NOTE:
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1.Select the Zero menu option.
2.Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to obtain
an average, typically 3 to 10 readings. The greater the variation
between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain
an average.
3.Repeatedly measure the uncoated part. The Gage will wait 2
seconds between readings to allow the user to correctly position
the probe on the surface. After the last measurement the Gage
will calculate and display "0" which represents the average of all
the Zero readings taken.
(3) Simple Adjustment to a Known Thickness
It is sometimes desirable to adjust the Gage to a known thickness,
such as a shim, rather than adjusting it to zero.
Measure the object. If the expected reading is not obtained (within
tolerance), lift the probe from the surface and adjust the displayed
reading down (-) or up (+) to the expected thickness. Hold the
button down to increase the rate of adjustment.
(4) Average Adjustment to a Known Thickness
On rough or curved surfaces a preferred method is to take several
readings on the known thickness and average the result.
1.Select 1 Pt Adjust from the Cal Settings menu.
2.Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to obtain
an average, typically 3 to 10 readings. The greater the variation
between readings, the more readings should be taken to obtain
an average.
3.Repeatedly measure the known thickness reference. The Gage
will wait 2 seconds between readings to allow the user to
correctly position the probe on the surface. After the last
measurement the Gage will calculate and display the reading
which represents the average of all the measurements taken. If
the expected reading is not obtained (within tolerance) lift the
probe from the surface and adjust the reading down (-) or up (+)
to the expected thickness and press .
Zero
1 Pt Adjust
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2-point Calibration Adjustment
Preferred method for very unusual substrate materials, shapes or
conditions. Provides greater accuracy within a limited, defined
range.
This method requires taking two readings at known thickness
values: a thin value (often zero) and a thicker value. These values
should be on either side of the thickness range to be measured.
1.Select 2 Pt Adjust from the Cal Settings menu.
2.Press (+) to select the number of readings to be used to obtain
an average on the thinner item, typically 3 to 10 readings. The
greater the variation between readings, the more readings
should be taken to obtain an average.
3.Repeatedly measure the thinner item. The Gage will wait for 2
seconds on the surface to allow the user to correctly position the
probe on the surface. After the last measurement the Gage will
calculate and display a thickness value which represents the
average of all the readings taken using the factory calibration
settings.
4. Lift the probe from the surface and adjust the displayed reading
down (-) or up (+) to the known thickness value of the thin item.
Press to accept this value.
5.Repeat steps 2 - 4 for the thicker item.
When selected, the icon will appear and all calibration settings
are “locked” to prevent further user adjustments.
2 Pt Adjust
Cal Lock
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Select Non-Ferrous Lock (N Lock) when operating regularly on
non-ferrous substrates. The icon will appear and the probe will
only use the eddy current principle when measuring. N Lock is
useful when measuring coatings on plated steel.
N Lock
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(FN ferrous/non-ferrous combination probes only)
C
N
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