Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage
Quick Guide v. 3.0
Standard
and
Advanced
Introduction
The PosiTector 200 is a hand-held Coating Thickness Gage that uses a non-destructive ultrasonic principle to measure coating thickness on a wide variety of substrates. It consists of a body (Standard or Advanced) and a probe (see Probes pg. 2).
This Quick Guide summarizes the basic functions of the Gage.
Download the full instruction manual at: www.defelsko.com/manuals
Quick Start
The PosiTector 200 powers-up when the center navigation button is pressed. To preserve battery life, the instrument powers n after approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are
retained.
1. Remove the protective rubber cap from the probe.
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Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation |
button. |
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Zero the probe. (see pg. 5) |
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Adjust to a known thickness, if necessary. (see pg. 6) |
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Measure the part. (see pg. 3) |
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Menu Operation
Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, powerup the gage, then press the center navigation button.
Navigation Button |
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Up |
To navigate, use the Up and Down buttons to |
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Center |
scroll and |
to SELECT. |
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Select Exit to exit from any menu. |
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Down |
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The center |
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Probes
To disconnect a probe from a body, power-down the instrument and slide the plastic probe connector horizontally (in the direction of the arrow) away from the body. Reverse these steps to attach a new probe.
When powered-up, the PosiTector automatically determines which probe is attached and does a self-check.
PosiTector 200 probes are available for measuring a wide variety of coating thickness applications.
B probe - 13 to 1000 microns (0.5 to 40 mils)
Ideal for polymer coatings on wood, plastic, composites, etc. C probe - 50 to 3800 microns (2 to 150 mils)
Ideal for thicker coatings on concrete, fiberglass, etc.
D probe - 50 to 7600 microns (2 to 300 mils)
Ideal for thick, soft (attenuative) coatings such as polyurea
Range limits apply to polymer coatings only.
Additionally, the PosiTector accepts a number of probe types including magnetic and eddy current coating thickness, surface profile, environmental and ultrasonic wall thickness probes.
For the latest information on probe interchangeability, see www.defelsko.com/probes
Couplant
Couplant is required to propagate ultrasound into the coating. Water is a good couplant for smooth coatings. Use the supplied glycol gel for rougher coatings. While it is unlikely that the couplant will damage the finish or leave a stain on the surface, we suggest testing the surface by using the couplant on a sample. If testing indicates that staining has occurred, a small amount of water can be used instead of couplant. Consult the Material Safety Data Sheet available on our website and your coating supplier if you suspect the couplant may damage the coating. Other liquids such as liquid soap may also be used.
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PosiTector 200 - Theory of Operation
PosiTector 200 probes emit a high frequency sound pulse that |
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travels into the coating via a coupling gel and reflects from ANY |
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surface that is different in density. Coating thickness readings are |
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obtained by measuring the time taken for the ultrasonic signal to |
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propagate from the probe to the coating/substrate interface and |
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back. The travel time is divided by two and multiplied by the |
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velocity of sound for the coating to obtain the thickness of the |
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coating. |
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Couplant |
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Probe |
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The PosiTector 200 |
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interprets the largest |
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“echo” within the |
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selected range as |
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Coating 1 |
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the coating/coating |
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or coating/substrate |
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Coating 2 |
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echo. |
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Substrate |
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How to Measure
1. Remove the protective rubber cap from probe.
2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.
3.Apply couplant (see pg. 2) to the surface of the part.
4.Place the probe FLAT on the surface and press down.
5.Lift the probe when you hear a double BEEP,
- OR - leave probe on the surface in the same location for continuous measurements.
6.When completely finished, wipe the probe clean of couplant then return the Gage to the protective pouch. There is no need to disconnect the probe from the PosiTector during storage.
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Calibration, Verification and Adjustment
Three steps ensure best accuracy…
1.Calibration - typically done by the manufacturer or a qualified lab. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration.
2.Verification of Accuracy - as done by the user on known reference standards such as the included plastic shims or optional coating thickness standards.
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 reference sample in order to improve accuracy of a gage on a specific coating. See Thickness pg. 6
4
Zero
The probe must be periodically zeroed using the Zero menu option to compensate for both extreme temperature and probe wear effects. Before using, allow the probe to reach ambient temperature. Wipe the probe clean of couplant. The icon appears after probe is zeroed.
If measurements will be made in extreme hot or cold temperatures, it is recommended to Zero the probe in the working environment. If measurements will be made on rough substrates, it is recommended to periodically Zero the probe to compensate for wear.
Set Range
The measuring range of each probe can be changed depending on the specific application or the expected thickness range of the coating system.
For most applications, the default range values do not have to be adjusted. But some conditions, like surface roughness, may cause the Gage to display very low or non-repeatable readings. In this case, the low range may be increased to cause the Gage to only display readings above the Lo value set by the user.
To adjust Set Range values...
1. Select or .
2. Use the (-)(+) buttons to decrease/increase the displayed value.
IMPORTANT:
The PosiTector 200 interprets the largest “echo” or “echoes” within the selected range as the coating/coating or coating/substrate echo. If the coating thickness is outside this range, incorrect or dashed readings may occur.
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Here are some typical Range settings...
Expected paint thickness |
Lo |
Hi |
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500µm (20 mils) on concrete |
130µm (5 mils) |
1000µm (40 mils) |
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50µm (2 mils) on wood |
25µm (1 mil) |
250µm (10 mils) |
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Thickness |
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The PosiTector 200 measures most polymer coatings accurately |
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out-of-box with no adjustment required. |
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To determine if an adjustment is necessary, select a coating sample of known thickness as close as possible in composition to the intended application. For best results, the thickness of the sample should be equal to or slightly greater than the maximum expected thickness of the coating to be measured.
Measure the coated sample. If the average of a series of |
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measurements on the sample is not close to the known |
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thickness... |
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1. Select the Thickness menu option. |
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2. Use |
(-) or (+) to decrease/increase the displayed measurement |
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thickness value to match the known thickness of the sample. |
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3. For |
Advanced models with multiple layers selected, use the |
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Down |
navigation button to select the next layer and adjust as |
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necessary. |
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4. To save adjustments, use Down navigation button to highlight |
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OK and press the center navigation |
button. |
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Polyurea |
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(PosiTector 200 D probes only) |
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When checked, the Gage loads a pre-programmed calibration |
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adjustment optimized for measurement of polyurea coatings. |
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Cal Lock |
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When checked, the |
icon appears and the current calibration |
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adjustment is “locke |
to prevent further user adjustments. |
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Cal Reset |
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Restores the gage back to factory calibration and range settings. |
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icon will appear on the display. |
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6 |
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Reset |
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Reset (soft reset) restores factory settings and returns the Gage to |
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a known condition. The following occurs: |
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All batches, stored measurements, images, batch names and |
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screen captures are erased. |
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All calibration and range adjustments are cleared and returned |
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to the Gage’s factory settings. |
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Menu settings are returned to the following: |
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Memory = OFF |
Bluetooth = OFF |
Layers = 1 |
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Graphics |
= ON |
Display = None |
Layer Name = Layer 1 |
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Cal Lock |
= OFF |
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Layer Color = blue |
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Perform a more thorough Hard Reset |
by powering down the |
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Gage, waiting several seconds, then simultaneously holding both |
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the center |
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and (+) |
buttons until the Reset symbol |
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appears. This |
urns the instrument to a known, “out-of-the-box” |
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condition. It performs the same function as a menu Reset with the |
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addition of: |
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Bluetooth Pairing info is cleared. |
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Menu settings are returned to the following: |
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Units = microns |
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Battery Type = Alkaline |
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Flip Display = Normal |
Backlight = Normal |
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White on Black = OFF |
USB Drive= ON |
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Language = English |
Auto Sync = OFF |
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Date, Time and WiFi are not affected by either Reset. |
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Battery Type
Selects the type of batteries used in the Gage from a choice of
“Alkaline”, “Lithium” or “NiMH” (Nickel-metal hydride rechargeable). If NiMH is selected, the Gage will trickle charge the batteries while connected via USB to a PC or optional AC charger. The battery state indicator icon is calibrated for the selected battery type. No damage will occur if the wrong battery type is selected.
DeFelsko recommends the use of eneloop (NiMH) rechargeable batteries.
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Graphics |
(Advanced models only) |
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When selected, the Gage displays a |
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graphical representation of the ultrason- |
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ic pulse as it travels through the coating |
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system. |
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As the probe is depressed and the |
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ultrasonic pulse travels through the |
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coating system, the pulse encounters |
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changes in density at the interfaces |
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between coating layers and between the |
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coating and the substrate. |
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These interfaces are depicted by a "peak". The greater the change |
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in density, the higher the peak. The more gradual the change in |
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density, the greater the width of the peak. For example, two coating |
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layers made of essentially the same material and "blended" would |
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result in a low, wide peak. Two materials of very different density |
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and a well-defined interface would result in a high, narrow peak. |
The PosiTector 200 chooses the highest peak (single layer) or peaks (multi-layer) within the Set Range. For example, if the number of layers is set to 3, the three highest peaks would be identified with small red triangles. The peak values are also displayed numerically as thickness measurements.
The Graphics display can also be accessed using the Set Range menu option.
Use the navigation Up (move left) and Down (move right) buttons to highlight icons on the graphic display.
Zoom - Visually magnifies the waveform of the displayed peaks for more visibility. Pressing the (+) or (-) button repeatedly will increase/decrease the zoom.
Set Range - Press the (-) or (+) buttons to adjust the ge Lo or Hi measuring range. (see pg. 5)
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Cursor - The Cursor allows for further analysis of displayed |
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veform. Use the |
(-)(+) buttons to move the green cursor line left |
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or right over the waveform. The thickness value is displayed at the |
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top right |
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cursor line. This feature is particularly |
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useful in |
multi-layer applications |
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3 distinct layers. |
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Screen Capture - Press |
to capture and save an image |
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y of the current display. The last 10 screen captures are stored |
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in memory and can be accessed when connected to a computer. |
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(see PosiSoft USB Drive pg. 10) |
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Press and hold the (-)(+) buttons simultaneously to |
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capture any screen. |
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Menu - Press |
to access the Gage’s main menu. |
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Exit - Press |
to close the Graphics display. Press the Up |
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on to return to |
Graphics display. |
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Layers |
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Advanced models of the PosiTector 200 are capable of |
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numerically displaying up to 3 individual layer thicknesses in a |
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multi-layer system. |
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Select the Layers menu option to:
- Choose up to 3 individual layer thickness values.
- Edit layer names and Batch Chart colors.
• Before setting up the Gage for multi-layer measurement, it is recommended that you first take measurements in single layer mode and interpret the results using the Graphics option. (see pg. 8)
• When a batch is Open, press the Up button to view the
Batch Chart.
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Memory Management |
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The PosiTector 200 |
has internal memory storage for recording |
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measurement data. Stored measurements can be reviewed |
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on-screen or accessed via computers, tablets and smart phones. |
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Measurements are date and time-stamped. |
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Standard models store up to 250 readings in one batch. |
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Advanced models store 100,000 readings in up to 1,000 |
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batches. “New Batch” closes any currently opened batch and |
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creates a new batch name using the lowest available number. The |
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icon appears. New batch names are date stamped when they |
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created. |
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Scroll through display |
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Create a new batch |
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modes (Advanced only) |
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Delete last reading |
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Restore brightness |
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Access the Menu |
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after dimming |
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(Advanced only) |
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This |
Quick |
Guide |
summarizes the basic functions |
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of |
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Gage. |
Download |
the full instruction manual at: |
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www.defelsko.com/manuals |
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Accessing Stored Measurements Data |
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PosiSoft solutions for viewing, analyzing and reporting data: |
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PosiSoft USB Drive - connect the PosiTector to a PC/Mac using |
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the supplied USB cable to access and print stored readings, graphs, |
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photos, notes and screen captures. No software or internet |
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connection required. USB Drive must be selected. (see pg.11) |
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PosiSoft.net |
- a free web-based application offering secure |
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centralized storage of |
PosiTector readings. Access your data from |
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any web connected device. Go to: www.PosiSoft.net |
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PosiSoft Software - Desktop Software for downloading, viewing |
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and printing your measurement data. |
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PosiSoft Mobile |
(Advanced models only) - access readings, graphs, |
capture photos and update annotations through WiFi enabled devices, such as tablets, smart phones and computers.
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Sync Now |
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Gage immediately synchronizes stored |
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When selected, |
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measurement data via USB, Bluetooth or WiFi to PosiSoft.net. |
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(PosiSoft Desktop Manager and an |
internet connection are |
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required when using USB or Bluetooth.) |
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Auto SYNC |
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Allows the Gage to automatically synchronize with PosiSoft.net |
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when initially connected to the internet via a PC running |
PosiSoft |
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Desktop Manager or a local WiFi network. |
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Additional measurements added to memory while connected are |
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synchronized only when the USB cable is disconnected, then |
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reconnected or when the Sync Now option is selected. |
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USB Drive |
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The Gage uses a USB mass storage device class which provides |
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a simple interface to retrieve data in a manner similar to USB flash |
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drives, cameras or digital audio players. |
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When connected, power is supplied through the USB |
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cable. |
The batteries are not used and the body will not |
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automatically power down. If rechargeable (NiMH) batteries are |
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installed, the Gage will trickle charge the batteries. |
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Bluetooth |
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(Advanced models only) |
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Allows individual readings to be sent to a computer, printer or |
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compatible device as they are taken using Bluetooth wireless |
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technology. See www.defelsko.com/bluetooth |
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(Advanced models only) |
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WiFi |
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Allows wireless |
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smart phones and computers connected to your local wireless |
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network or portable mobile hot spot. See www.defelsko.com/WiFi |
Updates |
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Determines if a software update is available for your Gage. |
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See www.defelsko.com/update |
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The Gage may perform a Hard Reset after an |
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update. (see pg. 7) |
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Returning for Service
Before returning the Gage for service…
1.Install new or newly recharged batteries in the proper alignment as shown within battery compartment.
2.Examine the probe tip for dirt or damage.
3.Perform a Hard Reset (pg. 7) and a Zero (pg. 5).
4.Place a plastic shim onto a hard surface (i.e. glass) and attempt a measurement. (pg. 3)
If you must return the Gage for service, describe the problem fully and include measurement results, if any. Be sure to also include the probe, your company name, company contact, telephone number and fax number or email address.
Website: www.defelsko.com/support
Limited Warranty, Sole Remedy
and Limited Liability
DeFelsko's sole warranty, remedy, and liability are the express limited warranty, remedy, and limited liability that are set forth on its website: www.defelsko.com/terms
www.defelsko.com
© DeFelsko Corporation USA 2012
All Rights Reserved
This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved and may not be reproduced or transmitted, in whole or part, by any means, without written permission from DeFelsko Corporation.
DeFelsko and PosiTector are trademarks of DeFelsko Corporation registered in the U.S. and in other countries. Other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate. DeFelsko is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.
12
Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage |
Guia rápida v. 3.0 |
Estándar y |
Avanzado |
Introducción
El PosiTector 200 es un medidor de espesor de recubrimientos portátil que utiliza un principio ultrasónico no destructivo para medir el espesor de recubrimientos en una amplia variedad de sustratos. Consta de un cuerpo (Standard o Advanced) y una sonda (consulte Sondas Pág. 2).
Esta guía rápida es un resumen de las funciones básicas del medidor. Descargue el manual de instrucciones completo en: www.defelsko.com/manuals
Inicio Rápido
El PosiTector 200 se encenderá al pulsar el botón central
Para ahorrar energía, el equipo se apagará tras unos 5 min de inactividad. Se conservarán todas las configuraciones.
1. Retire el tapón protector de goma de la sonda.
2.Encienda el medidor pulsando el botón central .
3.Ajuste a cero la sonda. (consulte Pág. 5)
4.Ajuste a un espesor conocido de ser necesario. (consulte Pág. 6)
5.Mida la pieza. (consulte Pág. 4)
Menú de Operación
Las funciones del medidor se controlan con un menú. Para acceder al menú encienda el medidor y pulse el botón central.
Arriba
Centro
Abajo
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Para desplazarse utilice los botones Arriba y |
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Seleccione Salir para salir de cualquier menú. |
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apagar de manera involuntaria el |
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Sondas
Para separar la sonda del cuerpo, apague el equipo y deslice la base de plástico del conector de la sonda en el plano horizontal (en la dirección indicada por la flecha), separándola del cuerpo. Invierta los pasos para conectar una nueva sonda.
Cuando se enciende, el PosiTector determina automáticamente el modelo de sonda está conectada y realiza una auto-verificación.
Están disponibles sondas PosiTector 200 para medir una amplia variedad de aplicaciones de espesor de recubrimiento.
Sonda B - 13 a 1000 micras (0,5 a 40 milésimas)
Ideal para revestimientos de polímero en madera, plástico, composite, etc.
Sonda C - 50 a 3800 micras (2 a 150 milésimas)
Ideal para recubrimientos más gruesos de hormigón, fibra de vidrio, etc.
Sonda D - 50 a 7600 micras (2 to 300 milésimas)
Ideal para revestimientos gruesos y suaves (atenuantes) como la poliurea
Los rangos anteriores solo aplican para revestimientos de polímero.
Adicionalmente, el PosiTector acepta otros tipos de sonda incluyendo sondas magnéticas y sondas por corrientes de Foucault para medir espesores de recubrimiento, sonda para obtener perfil de superficie, ultrasónicas para espesores de pared y ambientales.
Para obtener la información más reciente sobre la compatibilidad de la sonda consulte www.defelsko.com/probes
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Acoplante
El acoplante es necesario para propagar el ultrasonido en el recubrimiento. El agua es un buen acoplante para revestimientos lisos. Utilice el gel de glicol suministrado para revestimientos más ásperos. Si bien es improbable que el acoplador dañe el acabado o deje mancha en la superficie, le sugerimos que realice una prueba sobre una muestra. Si la prueba indica daño en la superficie, puede utilizar una pequeña cantidad de agua en lugar del acoplante. Consulte la hoja de datos de seguridad del material disponible en nuestro sitio Web. Contacte a su proveedor de recubrimiento si sospecha que el acoplante puede dañar el revestimiento. También pueden utilizarse otros líquidos como el jabón líquido.
PosiTector 200 - Fundamento de Operación
Las sondas PosiTector 200 emiten un pulso de sonido de alta frecuencia que viaja por el revestimiento a través de un gel acoplante y se refleja en CUALQUIER superficie que tenga densidad diferente. Las lecturas de espesor de recubrimiento se obtienen midiendo el tiempo que necesita la señal ultrasónica para propagarse desde la sonda a la superficie de recubrimiento o sustrato y regresar. El tiempo de transmisión se divide en dos y se multiplica por la velocidad del sonido en el recubrimiento y así obtener el espesor del recubrimiento.
Sonda Acoplante
Recubrimiento 1
Recubrimiento 2
Substrato
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Cómo Medir |
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Retire la tapa de protección de la sonda. |
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Encienda el medidor pulsando el botón central |
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Aplique el acoplante (véase Pág. 3) a la |
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superficie de la pieza. |
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Coloque la sonda PERPENDICULAR sobre |
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la superficie y presione hacia abajo. |
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Levante la sonda cuando oiga un doble |
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pitido, O deje la sonda en la superficie en la misma posición para |
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mediciones continuas. |
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Cuando haya terminado completamente, limpie la sonda de |
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acoplante y coloque de nuevo el medidor en la bolsa protectora. |
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No requiere separar la sonda del PosiTector para almacenar. |
Calibración, Verificación y Ajuste
Para garantizar la mayor exactitud, siga estos tres pasos...
1.Calibración - realizada por el fabricante o por un laboratorio cualificado. Todas las sondas incluyen Certificado de
Calibración.
2.Verificación de precisión - es realizada por el usuario midiendo sobre patrones de referencia de espesor como las laminillas de plástico incluidas o los patrones de espesor de recubrimiento opcionales.
3.Adjuste - a un espesor conocido.
Calibración
La calibración es el proceso controlado y documentado de medición de patrones de calibración trazables y la verificación de los resultados para confirmar que estos se encuentran dentro del nivel de precisión establecido del medidor. El proceso de calibración generalmente lo realiza el fabricante del medidor o un laboratorio de calibración certificado en un entorno controlado y siguiendo un proceso documentado.
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