PosiTector 200 INSTRUCTION MANUAL ver. 1.2 Ultrasonic Coating Thickness Gage Simple. Durable. Accurate.
CONTENTS Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Operation Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Gage Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 How to Measure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Menu Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Zero Menu Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction The PosiTector 200 is a hand-held Coating Thickness Gage that uses a nondestructive ultrasonic principle to measure coating thickness on a wide variety of substrates. The PosiTector 200 probe emits a high frequency sound pulse that travels into the coating via a coupling gel and reflects from ANY surface that is different in density.
Gage Features Indicator light LCD IR port Transducer Serial port Battery compartment containing 2 AA alkaline batteries Probe connector Probe 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.
Menu Operation Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, while the Gage is on press the button. Some buttons have a tick box to their right to indicate current status. A check box indicates that feature is active. To navigate, press menu. for NEXT, for SELECT. Press both at any time to exit any When there are more menu buttons than can fit onto one screen, a scroll bar will appear. The dark area indicates what portion of the total menu you are currently viewing.
Zero Menu Option 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. 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.
Gate B Gate B should be low enough to prevent total thickness measurements of the coating plus substrate. If results are much greater than the expected thickness, lower the value of Gate B. To make adjustments: 1. Measure the coated part. 2. Select the Set Gates menu option. 3. Gate A can be changed first. Adjust the value down or up Press simultaneously to accept the value and to move to Gate B. 4. Gate B can now be changed. Adjust the value down 5. Press or up . .
S toring Readings into Memory The PosiTector 200 can record up to 1000 readings for on-screen viewing, for printing to the optional IR printer (pg.12), for printing to a serial printer, or for downloading to a personal computer using the optional PosiSoft software (pg.11) . When MEMORY is selected, the following options are displayed: No. of Readings Begins recording. The icon appears and basic statistics are displayed. Readings are stored when the probe is lifted from the surface.
Downloading Readings Stored in Memory There are two ways to download readings stored in the Gage memory. 1. To a computer using the RS232 serial communication cable supplied with our optional PosiSoft software (see Options, pg.11). 2. Existing communication software providing it can capture data from a COM port. Select the PRINT menu option and the serial radio button. Readings are not erased from memory after downloading.
Setup Menu Option When SETUP is selected the following options are presented: RESET restores factory settings and returns the Gage to a known, out-of-the-box condition. It is handy when you want to “start all over”. When RESET is selected, the following screen appears: The following changes are made to the Gage: - all stored measurements are erased. - the calibration adjustment is returned to the Gage’s original factory setting for polymer.
This option causes the display to read upside down. This feature allows the Gage to be laid on a worktable with the LCD conveniently pointed toward the operator, thus freeing the operator's hands to hold the probe and part to be measured. Converts the display and all stored readings from thou/mils to microns or vice versa. Displays a list of supported languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Finish, Norwegian, Russian, Turkish, Czech and Italian.
IR Printer Battery operated infrared printer receives data from the Gage without connectors or cables. Great for use in the field or back at the office. Print Sample: Reading # MODEL 200 S/N 1234 -----------------------# 1 2 3 4 5 Gage info Reading 280 um 292 um 284 um 284 um 294 um # 5 Min Max Mean Std Dev Measurements 280 um 294 um 286.8 um 5.9 um Statistics Certified Thickness Standards Certified Thickness Standards are available. They are ideal for verifying the operation of your Gage.
Calibration, Verification and Adjustment Three steps ensure best accuracy… 1. 2. 3. Calibration - typically done by the manufacturer or a qualified lab Verification of Accuracy - as done by the user 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.
During the work shift, if the Gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings, its accuracy should be re-verified. In the event of physical damage, wear, high usage, or after an established calibration interval, the Gage should be returned to the manufacturer for repair or calibration. Temperature variations change the sound velocity of materials and transducer delay tips.
Application Notes The PosiTector 200 uses an ultrasonic principle to measure coating thickness of most coatings on most substrates. An ultrasonic signal is a very high frequency sound wave. Like the echoes you hear when you shout in a large hall or canyon the PosiTector 200 listens for echoes from acoustic boundaries within your application. The PosiTector 200 probe emits a high frequency sound pulse that travels into the coating via a coupling gel and reflects from ANY surface that is different in density.
Measurement of dense (hard) coatings. A significant echo occurs at the probe/coating interface. The relative strength of this echo compared to the coating/substrate echo requires that Gate A be increased. Measurement of total thickness in multi-layer coating applications. The echoes from multiple coating/coating/substrate interfaces causes some confusion. The user may need to adjust Gates to ignore reflections from coating/coating interfaces Measurement of a coating on a non-homogeneous substrate.
Troubleshooting Gage does not turn on Make sure the + and - battery terminals are positioned properly and that fresh Alkaline batteries are being used. Gage powers up but fails to stay on Replace batteries with fresh Alkaline batteries. If problem persists return Gage for service. Gage measurements are much lower than expected Gage may be measuring surface roughness. Raise the value of Gate A. See pg.6 Gage measurements are much higher than expected Gage may be measuring both the coating and substrate.
USE ONLY AA ALKALINE BATTERIES. Nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride rechargeable batteries will work but the low battery symbol may stay on. NOTE: To retain all user settings and stored memory readings, open the battery door only after the Gage has automatically powered down. Returning for Service Before returning the Gage for service… 1. Install new Alkaline batteries in the proper alignment shown on the door. 2. Examine the probe tip for dirt or damage. 3. Perform a RESET. (pg.
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Warranty The manufacturer fully warrants its products against defects in workmanship or materials for a period of one year from date of purchase. In the event that a Gage is found to be defective, return the product with proof of purchase to your dealer, and the defective product will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturer's option. No responsibility is assumed for incidental or consequential damages. The warranty is voided if the Gage has been opened. Data subject to change without notice.
