Quanix Keyless Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

QuaNix® Keyless

System Description

The dry film thickness gauge QuaNix® Keyless is a combination gauge for
a large variety of applications. Optionally it can be supplied with memory
and statistic functions.
The QuaNix® Keyless consists of the basic gauge and a miniature probe
that can be taken out of the basic gauge. The gauge has two special fea­tures. First no operating keys are required. Neither a calibration nor a zero
adjustment has to be performed by the user. The zero adjustment is auto­matically done while the probe is taken out of the basic gauge. Second, the
readings taken by the miniature probe are transmitted wirelessly to the ba­sic gauge. No troublesome and delicate cables impede the measurements.
When the basic gauge, inserted in the pouch, is fixed e.g. to an arm, one­hand operation is possible even under difficult conditions, e.g. on scaffolds
or masts.
The Fe-probe measures all non-magnetic coatings such as lacquer, plastic,
enamel, powder coating, chromium, copper, zinc etc. on steel or iron.
The NFe-probe measures all insulating coatings such as lacquer, plastic,
enamel etc. on metallic substrates, e.g. on aluminum, copper, brass or non­magnetic steel.
Via the RS232-interface, which is standard in all gauges, readings can be
transferred online to a PC or to our mini-printer PT 7.
In the gauge with memory the readings can be stored and divided into
blocks. Up to 4000 readings can be stored. For further processing, our
QuaNix® -software or the mini-printer PT 7 is optionally available.
The QuaNix® Keyless conforms to national (DIN) and international
(ISO,BS, ASTM) standards:
DIN 50981, 50984 ISO 2178, 2360, 2808
BS 5411 (3,11), 3900 (C,5) ASTM B499, D1400

General

This instrument for a large variety of measuring tasks has been designed
with the latest electronics. Despite its precision it is handy and rugged.
However do not let it drop and protect it from dirt, dust, humidity, chemicals
and aggressive vapors. After use please insert it into the pouch supplied
with the instrument.
As with all precision instruments large temperature variations can influence
the measuring result. Please avoid direct solar irradiation and temperature
shocks.

2

Due to the physical measuring principles the measurements can be influ­enced by strong electromagnetic fields. Please stay away from e.g. trans­formers, high voltage lines or discharge sources. Strong emitters in the fre­quency band used for the data transmission between miniature probe and
basic gauge can jam receiving in the basic gauge.
The housing is resistant against most solvents. Just use a soft damp cloth
to clean the housing.
Proper results can only be achieved with clean probes. Please regularly
check the probe tips and remove any dirt and paint from the rubies
If the gauge is not used for a longer period, please remove the batteries
from the basic gauge in order to prevent leakage that can damage the
gauge.
In case of a malfunction of the instrument please do not try to repair it on
your own. Our customer service will be happy to be of assistance.

Operating and Change of Batteries

The QuaNix® Keyless is powered by two 1,5 Volt AA batteries (Alkali). The
battery compartment is on the rear side of the gauge. The battery should be
exchanged when the "BAT"-sign appears on the right side of the display.
However quite a number of readings can still be taken before the gauge
shuts off. In gauges with memory stored data will not be deleted when
changing the battery.
The miniature probe is powered by an integrated Lithium battery which is
automatically charged when the probe is inserted in the basic gauge. When
the probe battery is getting weak the sign "Accu" appears in the display.
Also in this case several readings can still be taken. The probe battery
needs about 3 hours to be recharged.
Empty batteries should be disposed of properly. If possible, please use the
special services of your council.

3

Handling

To switch on the gauge the miniature probe must be taken out of the basic
gauge. To do so please turn the probe by 90 degrees and take it out of the
fixture. During this procedure both integrated probes are automatically ini­tialized. Then measurements can be started immediately. The Fe-probe
with the blue ring is used to measure on steel or iron substrates; the NFe­probe with the red ring is used for non-magnetic substrates such as alumi­num, copper etc.
Place the probe evenly on the object to be measured such that the ring
around the probe is in full contact with the surface. The display of the read­ing is accompanied by a beep. Simultaneously the display shows which
probe, Fe or NFe, has been used. The sign "Err" (error) indicates incorrect
placement of the probe or lift-off before the measurement is finished. The
sign "IΠFI" (infinite) indicates readings beyond the measuring range.

Insertion of the Probe:
The red ring of the miniature probe must be on the left side with the

red mark of the basic gauge.

Wrong insertion of the miniature probe will damage the gauge.

Special Applications:

In most cases the automatic zero adjustment of the two probes insures cor­rect measuring results. In those few applications where an individual zero
adjustment is required please proceed as follows: Place the appropriate
probe on a piece of uncoated substrate. After a reading is displayed press
the probe which is not used for measuring. A control number is displayed
and a beep sounds. Lift off the miniature probe at least 5 cm (2"). Another
control number is displayed and a beep sounds again. Now the special zero
adjustment is done. Note: The special zero adjustment is replaced by the
standard zero when the miniature probe is inserted into the basic gauge
and taken out again.

Do not take measurements on magnetized parts. Magnetic fields can af­fect the Fe-measurements. Strong electromagnetic radiation can affect the
NFe-measurements

4

Online-Measurements

All QuaNix® Keyless gauges are equipped with an RS232-interface. This
allows the transfer of all readings directly to a PC or our mini-printer PT 7.
For the online display of the data on the PC monitor, the QuaNix® -software

can be used to immediately provide a comprehensive statistical evaluation,

or standard-editing programs such as HyperTerminal found in Windows­software works as well. The instrument must be connected with the PC or
the printer via the interface cable, and it must be switched on. The interface
socket is on the right side of the basic gauge. Each reading or each statisti­cal value is immediately sent to the PC or is printed by the mini-printer.

Change of Unit µm/mil

The display of the readings by the QuaNix® Keyless is factory set to the
unit which is common for the user (generally µm). Changing the unit can be
performed with our optionally available QuaNix®–software or with the mini
printer PT 7. Regarding the procedure, please see the instruction manual of
the QuaNix®-software or the printer respectively.

Scope of Supply

The dry film thickness gauge QuaNix® Keyless is delivered with a carrying
pouch, 2 batteries AA (1.5 V), and an instruction manual. Optionally the

QuaNix® Keyless can also be supplied with data memory.

Options

- QuaNix® - Software for evaluation of the readings in the PC

- Mini-printer PT 7

- RS232-interface cable for connecting the QuaNix® Keyless to a PC or
the mini-printer PT 7

5

Data Memory (optional)

The QuaNix® Keyless can optionally be supplied with data memory, offer­ing the following features:

a) Storage of up to 4000 readings
b) Creation of up to 999 blocks
c) Display of statistics per block
d) Deletion of the last reading or the entire memory
e) Processing of the readings using the QuaNix® -software

Memory Mode

Each time the gauge is switched on by the removal of the miniature probe,
the QuaNix® Keyless is in the normal measuring mode. No readings are
stored in this mode. The memory mode is activated by pushing the slide on
the left side upward for about 1 second. Readings taken in the memory
mode are indicated by a double beep. Between two measurements the dis­play shows alternating the last reading and the number of this reading in the
memory with a leading "N" (e.g. 256 µm alternating with N 0044 means, the
last reading is 256 µm and is stored as 44th reading).
If no readings are stored the display shows alternating "b001" and "bloc".
This means all readings are automatically stored in block 1.
To switch back to the normal measuring mode push the slide up again for
about 1 second. Note: If the slide is pushed up for more than 3 seconds, a
new block is created.
Up to 4000 readings can be stored. When no space is left in the memory
the display shows "End" for about 6 seconds. Then the last reading and its
number are displayed alternatingly.

Block Segmentation in the Memory Mode

The readings can be stored in different blocks (up to 999) to distinguish be­tween different measuring tasks. A new block can be created by pushing up
the slide for about 3 seconds. The display shows "bloc", alternating with the
number of the new block (e.g. "b002" for block No. 2) – accompanied by a
beep. All new blocks are created following this procedure. The size of the
blocks can vary as they are determined by the user only. When 999 blocks
are created and a new one shall be set up, the display shows "End" for
about 6 seconds and a beep sounds repeatedly.

6

Display of Statistics

In the last active block the following statistical values can be displayed:
average, maximum, minimum and standard deviation.
The gauge must be switched on and set to the memory mode. The statisti­cal values can be called by pulling down the slide repeatedly.
When pulling down the slide for about 1 second "Ae" (= average ), the aver­age value of all readings in the block and the unit (µm, mm or mil) are dis­played, alternating with "N" and the number of readings stored in the block
(Example: Ae 265 µm alternating with N 0033 means, the average is 265
µm and was calculated from 33 readings).
Each time the slide is pulled again maximum (sign ∩), minimum (sign ∪)
and the standard deviation (sign d) is displayed subsequently.
The statistic mode can be left anytime by taking a new reading with the
miniature probe.

Deleting Stored Readings or Blocks

Data stored in the QuaNix® Keyless can be deleted individually or as a
whole. The gauge must be in the memory mode. The slide must be pulled
down for about 3 seconds. This allows to delete the last value directly, e.g.
because it was taken in error and it would falsify the statistics.
When all readings in a block are deleted, the next deleting process will de­lete the empty block, followed by the display of the last reading of the previ­ous block.
The entire memory content can be deleted by holding the slide pulled down
for another 3 seconds after the last reading was deleted. The display shows
alternating "dEL" and "ALL", accompanied by a beep. If the slide is not re­leased within the 3 seconds, the entire memory is deleted.
The entire memory can also be deleted using the optionally available Qua-

Nix®–software or our mini-printer PT 7.

Processing of Stored Readings

For further processing of the readings in a PC we can supply the QuaNix® ­software. Fast and direct evaluation can also be performed with our mini­printer PT 7.
For further information regarding data evaluation please refer to the instruc­tion manuals of the software or the mini-printer respectively.

7

Technical Data

Substrate
Steel and iron Fe-probe
Non-magnetic metals,
e.g. aluminum, copper, brass NFe-probe
Measuring Range standard 0 – 2000 µm (0 – 80 mil)
optional 0 – 5000 µm (0 – 200 mil)
Display of Readings from 0 – 999 in µm
from 1.00 in mm

resp. 0.00 – 80 (200) in mil
Accuracy standard ± (1.5µm+2%*) for 0–2000 µm
optional ± (1.5µm+2%*) for 0–999 µm
± 3.5%* for 1.00 – 5.00 mm
(* of reading)
Minimum Object Size 10 x 10 mm (0.4" x 0.4")
Minimum Curvature 5 mm (0.2") convex
25 mm (1") concave
Minimum Substrate Thickness Fe: 0,2 mm (0.04")
NFe: 0,05 mm (0.002")
Temperature Range Storage -10°C to 60°C (14°F to 140°F)
Operation 0°C to 60°C (32°F to 140°F)
Display Digital (LCD)
Interface RS232
Probes One-point, integrated
Power Supply Basic Gauge 2 x 1.5 V Battery AA (alkaline)
Power Supply Miniature Probe Li-Akku, recharged by basic gauge
Capacity of Miniature Probe ca. 4000 measurements
Frequency Band 868 MHz ( USA/Japan 315 MHz)
Transmission Range max. 20 m (60 ft)
Dimensions 110 x 64 x 23 mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 0.9")
Weight ca. 130 g (4.6 oz) incl. batteries
Memory Capacity (optional) 4000 readings
Blocks (optional) up to 999
Statistics (optional) average, maximum, minimum,

standard deviation

8

Display Messages

1. Fe = for measurements on steel and iron substrates

2. NFe = for measurements on non-Fe substrates

3. Err = incorrect handling

4. IΠFI = wrong substrate or reading beyond measuring range

5. BAT = batteries in basic gauge getting weak, please ex­change

6. Accu = battery in the miniature probe getting weak, please
insert in basic gauge for recharging

7. bloc = displayed alternating with the number of the new
block

8. End = memory or block capacity out of space

9. Ae = average value of the readings in the active block

10. a) N = total number of readings in the memory

b) (Ae)N = number of readings in the active block

11. no = no readings in the active block, average can not be
calculated

12. ∩ = maximum reading in active block

13. ∪ = minimum reading in active block

14. d = standard deviation of average value in active block

Robert-Perthel-Str. 2 • D – 50739 Köln
Tel. ++49 (0) 221 917 455 – 0
Fax ++49 (0) 221 917 455 – 99
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Internet: www.automation.de

P.O. Box 563 Westminster
MD 21158-0563, USA
Tel. ++1 410 857 3819
Fax ++1 410 857 3818
E-Mail: [e-mail]

08/2000 Internet: www.automation-usa.com