Checkline TI-CMX User Manual
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01.0 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .02
02.0 Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
03.0 Keyboard, Menu and Connector Reference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
04.0 Principles of Ultrasonic Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
05.0 Selecting the Measurement Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
06.0 Making Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
07.0 Using the Digits & B-Scan Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
08.0 Thru Paint Measurement Technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
09.0 Pulse-Echo Coating & Coating Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
10.0 Additional Features TI-CMX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
11.0 Setups — Create, Store, Edit & Recall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
12.0 Using the Utility Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Appendix A — Velocity Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Warranty
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
TABLE OF CONTENTSNOTES
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Electromatic TI-CMX is an ultrasonic thickness gauge that measures with extreme versatility. It has the ability to simultaneously measure coatings and material thicknesses while
maintaining the ability to locate pits, flaws and defects in the material. Based on the same
operating principles as SONAR, the TI-CMX is capable of measuring the thickness of various
materials with accuracy as high as ± 0.001 inches, or ± 0.01 millimeters. The principle advantage of ultrasonic measurement over traditional methods is that ultrasonic measurements can
be performed with access to only one side of the material being measured.
NOTE: Inherent in ultrasonic thickness measurement is the possibility that the instrument will
use the second rather than the first echo from the back surface of the material being
measured. This may result in a thickness reading that is TWICE what it should be.
Responsibility for proper use of the instrument and recognition of this phenomenon
rest solely with the user of the instrument. Other errors may occur from measuring
coated materials where the coating is insufficiently bonded to the material surface.
Irregular and inaccurate readings may result. Again, the user is responsible for proper
use and interpretation of the measurements acquired.
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NOTES
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2.0 QUICK-STAR T GUIDE
Turn the TI-CMX on and off using the switch located on the bottom right corner of the keypad.
When TI-CMX is initially turned on, a flash logo and blinking lights are displayed. Then the
gauge attempts to identify the currently attached transducer (probe). The TI-CMX has an “Auto
Probe Recognition” feature that attempts to identify special transducers with feature built in . If
the TI-CMX doesn’t find a transducer so equipped, the user must select a transducer from the
Probe Type list. The following sections outline each scenario.
NOTE: This section is primarily written as a basic startup guide only.
2.1 TI-CMX Overview
In order to understand how to operate the TI-CMX, it’s best to start off with an understanding of what it is we’re looking at exactly. The TI-CMX has a lot of great features
and tools that will prove to be a huge benefit for the variety of applications you’re constantly facing on a continual basis. Let’s have a brief look at the screens you’ll be looking at most often:
A. Repeatability/Stability Indicator – This indicator should be commonly used in con
junction with the digital thickness values displayed. When all the vertical bars are
fully illuminated and the last digit on the digital thickness value is stable, the
TI- CMX is reliably measuring the same value 3 to 200 times per second, depending
on which measurement mode and features are enabled.
B. Battery Icon – Indicates the amount of battery life the TI-CMX has remaining.
C. Velocity – The material velocity value the TI-CMX is currently using or calibrated
for. Displayed in English or Metric units, depending on the what units the gauge is
set for.
D. Feature Status Bar – Indicates the features currently enabled and in use in the
following order:
• Measurement Mode
• Differential Mode
• High Speed Scan Mode
• Alarm Mode
• Gain Setting
E. Digital Material Thickness Value – Extra large font size for viewing ease.
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NOTES
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F. Scan Bar – Another view of material thickness in a deflection style horizontal bar.
This visual tool enables the user the ability to see thickness changes during high
speed scans from flaws and pits.
G. Units – The current measurement units being used (English, Metric).
H. Digital Material Thickness Value – Smaller font size when the B-Scan display
view is enabled.
I. Coating Thickness Value – Displays the actual thickness of any coating adhered
to a metallic material surface (PECT Mode), or a coating adhered to a non-metallic
surface (CT Mode).
J. Minimum Material Thickness – Part of the Alarm feature. Displays the minimum
thickness value found during a scan.
K. Maximum Material Thickness – Part of the Alarm feature. Displays the maximum
thickness value found during a scan.
L. B-Scan Display – Cross section view of the material. Provides the user with
graphical view of the opposite/blind surface (i.e. inside pipe wall surface), to give the
user some idea of the condition, or integrity of the material being tested.
2.2 Auto Probe Recognition
When the TI-CMX is initially powered up, the gauge will automatically check to see if
the transducer plugged into the gauge can be recognized. The steps that follow assume
the TI-CMX recognized the probe type:
1. Press the OK key once to use the identified probe,
or ESC to display a list of optional transducers.
NOTE: If the TI-CMX recognizes a specific
transducer, the user should always select OK
to use the identified probe. The only time an
alternative probe should be selected from a
list is if the user switched probes following
initial power up and recognition.
2. Assuming the TI-CMX recognized the probe and
the OK key was pressed, the TI-CMX will advance
to a Zero Probe menu. If the transducer was
identified as a special transducer capable of
measuring coating thickness, a menu will be
displayed allowing the user the ability to toggle
the coating thicknessdisplay on/off as follows:
3. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to toggle
the coating option on/off.
4. Wipe all couplant from the transducer face
and advance to the Probe Zero & Calibration
section, 6.0.
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NOTES
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2.3 Selecting the Transducer Type
If the TI-CMX does not identify a specific transducer type on initial power up, the user
will be required to select a type from a predefined list of types by diameter and frequency. By selecting a transducer type from a predefined list, the TI-CMX can recall specific
properties about the transducer.
NOTE: Once the transducer has been selected, the TI-CMX will store and recall this
transducer type every time the TI-CMX is powered on/off. The type will only change if
the user physically selects another transducer type from the list, or selects a previously
saved setup. However, the TI-CMX will continue to take you through these steps each
time the gauge is powered up. You’ll notice that the probe type previously selected will
be highlighted every time the probe type screen is displayed. Use the following steps to
select your transducer type:
1. Press the OK or ESC keys to display the factory list of
transducer types (by diameter and frequency).
2. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
transducer list until the appropriate type is highlighted.
3. Press the ENTER key to select the transducer type and display
over write existing probe screen.
4. Press the OK key to overwrite the existing probe type with the
newly selected probe type. The zero probe screen will be
displayed. Proceed to the zero probe section that follows.
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WARRANTY
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ELECTROMATIC Equipment Co., Inc. (ELECTROMATIC) warrants to the
original purchaser that this product is of merchantable quality and confirms
in kind and quality with the descriptions and specifications thereof. Product
failure or malfunction arising out of any defect in workmanship or material in the
product existing at the time of delivery thereof which manifests itself within one
year from the sale of such product, shall be remedied by repair or replacement of
such product, at ELECTROMATIC’s option, except where unauthorized repair,
disassembly, tampering, abuse or misapplication has taken place, as determined by
ELECTROMATIC. All returns for warranty or non-warranty repairs and/or replacement must be authorized by ELECTROMATIC, in advance, with all repacking and
shipping expenses to the address below to be borne by the purchaser.
THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOTLIMITED TO, THE
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR APPLICATION. ELECTROMATIC SHALL NOT BE
RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGE, OF
ANY KIND OR NATURE, RESULTING FROM THE USE OF SUPPLIED
EQUIPMENT, WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE OCCURS OR IS DISCOVERED
BEFORE, UPON OR AFTER REPLACEMENT OR REPAIR, AND WHETHER
OR NOT SUCH DAMAGE IS CAUSED BY MANUFACTURER’S OR SUPPLIER’S NEGLIGENCE WITHIN ONE YEAR FROM INVOICE DATE.
Some State jurisdictions or States do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation may not apply to you. The
duration of any implied warranty, including, without limitation, fitness for any particular purpose and merchantability with respect to this product, is limited to the
duration of the foregoing warranty. Some states do not allow limitations on how
long an implied warranty lasts but, not withstanding, this warranty, in the absence of
such limitations, shall extend for one year from the date of invoice.
ELECTROMATIC Equipment Co., Inc.
600 Oakland Ave. Cedarhurst, NY 11516—USA
Tel: 1-800-645-4330/ Tel: 516-295-4300/ Fax: 516-295-4399
Every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this manual. Electromatic Equipment Co., Inc.,
assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting
from the use of information contained herein. Any brand or product names mentioned herein are used for
identification purposes only, and are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
2.4 Probe Zero & One Point Calibration
The next steps are to perform a probe zero and calibrate the TI-CMX to the material and
transducer being used. If the sound velocity is unknown, the TI-CMX can be calibrated
to a known thickness sample. This demo will briefly explain both of these techniques.
The TI-CMX is equipped with two zero options:
• Off Block Zero (Automatic Probe Zero) – When this feature is enabled the TI-
CMX will do an electronic zero automatically, eliminating the need for a zero disk or
block.
• On Block Zero (Manual Probe Zero) – When this feature is enabled the transducer
must be placed on the probe zero disk (battery cover located on the top of the unit.
Both zero procedures are outlined as
follows:
Off Block Zero (Automatic Probe
Zero)
1. Be sure all couplant has been
removed from the face of the
transducer.
2. Press the OK key to perform the
automatic probe zero, or ESC key
to cancel the zero operation.
3. The screens illustrated at the right
will be briefly displayed followed
by the main measurement screen.
The TI-CMX is ready to be
calibrated.
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Coating Probe
Identified
Coating Probe
Not Identified
Coating Probe
Identified
Coating Probe
Not Identified
Performing a Manual Probe Zero (On Block)
NOTE: When the zero probe option is set to manual, the probe
zero disk (battery cap) located on the top of the gauge, will be
used as a zero standard and the warning screen illustrated above
will be displayed.
1. Press the OK or ESC keys to enter the main measurement
screen and begin the manual zero process.
2. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the
transducer in steady contact with the probe zero disk, and
obtain a steady reading.
APPENDIX A: VELOCITY TABLE
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Material sound velocity sound velocity
in/us m/s
Aluminum 0.2510 6375
Beryllium 0.5080 12903
Brass 0.1730 4394
Bronze 0.1390 3531
Cadmium 0.1090 2769
Columbium 0.1940 4928
Copper 0.1830 4648
Glass (plate) 0.2270 5766
Glycerine 0.0760 1930
Gold 0.1280 3251
Inconel 0.2290 5817
Iron 0.2320 5893
Cast Iron 0.1800 (approx) 4572
Lead 0.0850 2159
Magnesium 0.2300 5842
Mercury 0.0570 1448
Molybdenum 0.2460 6248
Monel 0.2110 5359
Nickel 0.2220 5639
Nylon 0.1060 (approx) 2692
Platinum 0.1560 3962
Plexiglas 0.1060 2692
Polystyrene 0.0920 2337
PVC 0.0940 2388
Quartz glass 0.2260 5740
Rubber vulcanized 0.0910 2311
Silver 0.1420 3607
Steel (1020) 0.2320 5893
Steel (4340) 0.2330 5918
Steel Stainless" 0.2230 5664
Teflon 0.0540 1372
Tin 0.1310 3327
Titanium 0.2400 6096
Tungsten 0.2040 5182
Uranium 0.1330 3378
Water 0.0580 1473
Zinc 0.1660 4216
Zirconium 0.1830 4648
3. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab.
Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the PRB menu is
highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
4. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until ZERO PROBE is highlighted.
5. Press the ENTER key to display the confirmation screen.
6. If a coating transducer was identified use the UP and
DOWN arrow keys to toggle coating on/off.
7. Press the OK key to complete the probe zero function, or
ESC key to cancel the probe zero function.
8. Remove the transducer from the probe zero disk, and
proceed to the calibration section.
NOTE: The value that is displayed will change depending on
the current velocity setting in the TI-CMX. Disregard the number
that is displayed. It is not important. What is important is
accurately performing the steps outlined above to insure
reliability of the probe zero calculation.
One Point Material Calibration
For the purposes of this quick start section, we’ll only be covering the most common
one point calibration option to determine the sound velocity of the test material. It would
be very handy to carry a set of mechanical calipers to use in conjunction with the
TI-CMX for calibration in the field:
NOTE: Be sure that the probe zero procedure has been
performed prior to performing this calibration procedure.
1. Physically measure an exact sample of the material or a
location directly on the material to be measured using a
set of calipers or a digital micrometer.
2. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the
transducer in steady contact with the sample or actual test
material. Be sure that the reading is stable and the repeatability indicator, in the top left corner of the display, is fully
lit and stable. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu
items tab. Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right
and the ESC key multiple times to tab left until the CAL
menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
3. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until MATL 1PT is highlighted.
4. Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
5. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted
value.
6. Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit
locations.
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Coating Probe
Identified
Coating Probe
Not Identified
12.0 USING THE UTILITY SOFTWARE
12.1 Computer System Requirements
Datacomm will run on many different operating systems: Windows 98 (1st or 2nd
edition), Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 5, Windows ME, Windows XP, Windows
2000 Professional, Windows 2000 Server, or Windows 2000 Advanced Server operating
systems running on Intel or AMD hardware.
A Pentium 166MHz or faster processor with at least 32 megabytes of physical RAM is
required. You should have 40 megabytes of free disk space before attempting to install
Datacomm.
Datacomm requires an available communications port in order to transfer data to and
from the TI-CMX. Datacomm supports COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4.
USB to Serial Converter
Some newer laptop computers do not have standard serial ports. In this case it is possible to use a USB to Serial converter. If a serial to USB cable is needed, contact
Electromatic
12.2 Installing Datacomm
Datacomm comes on a CD-ROM with an automatic installer program. Place the CD in
your computer’s CD tray and close the door. Open the CD-ROM by double clicking on
the My Computer ICON, then double click on the CD. Finally, double click on the
SETUP icon to begin the installation.
Refer to the help section in Datacomm software for the complete operating manual,
setup, and operation.
12.3 Using the XFER menu (TI-CMX)
The XFER menu of the TI-CMX will be used in conjunction with
the Datacomm PC software. The steps below outline the procedure
for accessing the XFER menu and basic operation as follows:
1. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press
the MENU key multiple times to tab right, and the ESC key
multiple times to tab left, until the XFER menu is highlighted
and displaying the submenu items.
2. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until the desire option is highlighted.
3. Press the ENTER key to activate the option selected.
4. Once the Backup or Restore function has been completed, press the MEAS key once
to return to the menu items, or twice to return to the measurement mode.
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7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 until the known thickness value is correctly displayed.
8. Press the OK key to calculate the velocity and return to the menu screen,
or ESC to cancel the one point calibration.
9. Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
taking readings.
NOTE: CHECK YOUR CALIBRATION! Place the transducer back on the calibration
point. The thickness reading should now match the known thickness. If the thickness is
not correct, repeat the steps above.
2.5 Coating Calibration
The TI-CMX has been preset to a default coating velocity of 0.0850 in/µsec (2159
m/sec). This will be very close to the most common coating material velocities used in
the field. If the velocity of the coating is known, and different than the above default setting, the user can simply enter the coating velocity into the TI-CMX. However, if the
velocity is unknown, the TI-CMX can also be calibrated to a specific coating
sample/type using the 1pt calibration option in PECT (pulse-echo coating) mode, or a
two point calibration is CT (coating only) mode. For the purpose of this quick start section only the 1pt option PECT (pulse-echo coating) mode will be covered. Refer to the
calibration section of the manual for a complete explanation on the coating calibration
options. The following steps below outline the necessary steps to either set the velocity
of the coating, or perform a one point calibration to calculate the coating velocity:
Known Coating Velocity
If the coating velocity is known, the user may wish to simply
enter the velocity number into the TI-CMX, rather than have the
TI-CMX calculate the velocity value using a known thickness on
a coating sample. The steps for entering the velocity are outlined
below:
1. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab.
Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the CAL menu is
highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub
menu items until COATING VEL is highlighted.
3. Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
4. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted value.
5. Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit locations.
6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the velocity number is correctly displayed.
7. Press the OK key to set the coating velocity and return to the menu screen,
or ESC to cancel entering the coating velocity.
8. Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin taking
readings
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11.5 Using the Default Setup
The default setup feature was added to the CMX to use, as a last resort, if there are no
setups stored in the gauge –factory or otherwise. The only time this might possibly
occur is if the setup file in the CMX was somehow corrupted, and the user does not have
access to a computer to re-load the factory setups back into the CMX. This gives the
user the ability to load and modify a basic setup as follows:
1. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab.
Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the SETUP menu
is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until DEFAULT SETUP is highlighted.
11.6 Selecting a Language
The CMX is equipped with a language option. Currently, the
only languages supported are English, Spanish, and German.
The steps to select one of these languages are outlined as
follows:
1. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab.
Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the SETUP menu is
highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until LANGUAGE is highlighted.
3. Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to toggle the
language options.
4. Once the desired language is displayed, press the MEAS
key to return to the measurement screen.
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Known Coating Thickness
When the exact velocity of a coating is unknown, the user has
the option of performing a one point calibration on a sample of
the coating with a known thickness to determine the sound
velocity. It would be very handy to carry a set of mechanical
calipers to use in conjunction with the TI-CMX for calibration in
the field:
1. Physically measure a location on a coating sample using a set
of calipers or a digital micrometer.
IMPORTANT NOTE: In PECT (pulse-echo coating) mode, the
coating sample must be coupled to metal in order to calibrate
successfully. Simply place a drop of couplant on a piece of
metal, lay the coating sample over the couplant on the metal and
proceed to step 2.
2. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the transducer in steady contact
with the coating (on metal) sample or actual test material. Be sure that the reading is
stable and the repeatability indicator, in the top left corner of the display, is fully lit
and stable. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the
MENU key multiple times to tab right and the ESC key multiple times to tab left
until the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the sub
menu items.
3. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until COATING 1PT is highlighted.
4. Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
5. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the
highlighted value.
6. Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit
locations.
7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 until the known thickness value is
correctly displayed.
8. Press the OK key to calculate the coating velocity and return to
the menu screen, or ESC to cancel the one point calibration.
9. Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin taking
readings.
NOTE: CHECK YOUR CALIBRATION! Place the transducer back on the calibration
point. The coating thickness reading should now match the known coating thickness
sample. If the thickness is not correct, repeat the steps above.
2.6 Measure
The TI-CMX is now ready to measure. There are two different measurement view
options, each with a specific purpose – Digits & B-Scan. The steps below outline how to
toggle between the different view mode options:
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10. Press the ENTER key to activate the Setup List Box.
11. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
setups until the target location to save the Setup is
highlighted.
12. Press the OK key to activate the confirmation screen.
13. Press the OK key to save the Setup, or ESC to cancel saving
the Setup.
14. Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement
screen.
NOTE: The Name and Comments of the Setup can be edited at
any time by simply repeating the Save Setup routine described
above. Therefore, the Save Setup function can also be considered an Edit Function.
11.4 Deleting a Saved Setup
This option allows a user to delete setup files that were previously saved and no longer
needed. It’s a simple feature to allow the user to do a bit of
“house cleaning”.
1. Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab.
Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the SETUP menu
is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2. Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the
sub menu items until DELETE is highlighted.
3. Press the ENTER key to display the Setups List.
4. Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll to the
Setup Name.
5. When the Setup Name is highlighted, press the ENTER key
to display the confirmation
screen.
6. Press the OK key to delete the
Setup File.
7. Finally, press the MEAS key to
return to the measurement
screen.
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