Table of Contents Introduction ......................................................... Quick Start .......................................................... Certification ......................................................... Probes ................................................................. Calibration, Verification and Adjustment ............. Menu Operation .................................................. Cal Settings Menu ............................................... Zero ...............
Accessing Stored Measurement Data ................ PosiSoft Desktop Manager (PDM) ................. PosiSoft.net .................................................... PosiSoft 3.0 .................................................... PosiSoft Mobile .............................................. Connect Menu ..................................................... Sync Now ....................................................... Auto Sync ....................................................... USB Drive .........
Introduction The PosiTector 6000 hand-held, electronic Gage non-destructively measures the thickness of coatings on all metals, quickly and accurately. It consists of a Gage body (Standard or Advanced) and probe (Built-In or Separate). 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.
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.15) stores ALL measurements into memory. Protective Cap Some PosiTector 6000 models are shipped with a protective plastic cap over the probe. Remove this cap prior to use. Replace it when the Gage is not in use to protect the probe. Wrist Strap We recommend attaching and wearing the supplied wrist strap.
PosiTector Body USB Port Advanced LCD Display Standard LCD Display Separate Probe Style Probe Connector Built-in Probe Style Advanced model Standard model Typical Screen Current Calibration Setting (Advanced Only) Substrate Current Measurement Factory Calibration in Use Unit of Measurement Battery Indicator Button Functions- Normal Operation Adjust Up Adjust Down Restore brightness after dimming (Advanced only) Access the Menu 3
Magnetic & Eddy Current Theory of Operation The PosiTector 6000 probes calculate coating thickness measurements using either the magnetic principle (F probes - ferrous models) or the eddy current principle (N probes - non-ferrous models). Combination FN probes (ferrous/non-ferrous) use both principles. FN probes first attempt a measurement using the magnetic principle and will display a reading with the letter "F" if the coating is non-magnetic over steel.
Two Probe Styles: * Built-in - sensor protrudes from bottom of probe connector * Separate - sensor is attached to the probe connector by a 1.2 meter (3 foot) cable. (Extended cables lengths available.) Availabe PosiTector 6000 Probes: “Regular” - These constant-pressure, stainless steel probes are hermetically sealed to be totally waterproof ideal for underwater use. ”Micro” - ideal for measuring small parts and hard-to-reach areas. Available in 0, 45 or 90 degree angles.
Why is Measurement Important? Dry Film Thickness (DFT) is arguably the single most important measurement made during the application and inspection of protective coatings. Coatings are designed to perform their intended function when applied within a tight DFT range as specified by the manufacturer. Correct thickness ensures optimum product performance. Even the most basic specification will require DFT to be measured.
Calibration, Verification & Adjustment PosiTector 6000 probes non-destructively measure the thickness of coatings on metals. Three steps ensure best accuracy… 1. Calibration - typically done by the manufacturer. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration. 2. Verification - typically done by the user on known reference standards such as plastic shims or coated thickness standards. 3.
A reference standard is a sample of known thickness(es) against which a user may verify probe accuracy. Reference standards may be plastic shims, coated thickness standards, or sample parts whose coating thickness has been determined using other means. Verify accuracy at the beginning and the end of each work shift. During the work shift, if the Gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings, its accuracy should be re-verified.
Menu Operation Gage functions are menu controlled. To access the Menu, power-up the Gage, then press the center navigation button. Below is a sample menu for a PosiTector 6000 Advanced Model: Memory Statistics Cal Settings Setup Connect Help Power Off Exit Current selection is displayed with darkened background Some buttons have a tick box to their right to indicate current status. An empty box indicates that feature is not active.
Cal Settings Menu 1-point Calibration Adjustment Also known as an offset or correction value, there are 4 ways to perform this adjustment: (i) 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" .
1 Pt Adjust (iv) Average Adjustment to a Known Thickness On rough or curved surfaces a preferred method to (iii) is to take several readings on the known thickness and average the result. 1 Pt Adjust (a) Select from the Cal Settings menu. (b) 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. (c) Repeatedly measure the known thickness reference.
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. Cal Lock ü When selected, the icon will appear and all calibration settings are “locked” to prevent further user adjustments. Uncheck to make further adjustments.
Calibration Memory Cal Memory (Advanced models only) It is often convenient to store a particular calibration adjustment before making another. Then, if you return to that part, the corresponding calibration setting can be restored. A “setting” is any calibration adjustment. The PosiTector 6000 always displays the current calibration setting (ex. Cal 3) in the upper right corner of the display. The setting called Cal 1 has unique features.
Setup Menu Reset Reset (soft reset) restores factory settings and returns the Gage to a known condition. The following occurs: - All batches, stored measurements, images, and batch names are erased. - The icon will appear on the display.
Gage Info Displays the model number & serial number, probe type & serial number, PosiSoft.net registration key, the amount of remaining memory for storage of readings, date and time, and software packages. For security purposes, the registration key is required to add the Gage to your free PosiSoft.net account. Hi Res ü Increases the displayed Gage resolution as follows: Resolution Range 0.01 mil 0.00 - 99.00 mils 0.1 mil 100.0 - 999.9 mils 0.1 um 0.0 - 999.9 um 1.
Flip Display This option causes the display to read upside down. Ideal for use on a worktable or overhead with the resultant display conveniently pointed toward the operator. White on Black (Advanced models only) Inverts the LCD display to white on a black background to provide better readability in some surroundings. (Advanced models only) Backlight Selects display brightness (Sun, Normal or Night). All settings will dim slightly after a period of no activity to conserve battery life.
Statistics Menu Statistics ü When selected, a x icon and statistical summary will appear on the display. Mean (average) # of measurements n6 49.8 x 52 Maximum measurement ↨ Statistics Icon Standard Deviation x 1.3 σ 48 ↨ 50 Minimum measurement Last reading microns Remove the last measurement by pressing the (-) button. Press (+) to clear statistics. HiLo Alarm ü Allows the Gage to visibly and audibly alert the user when measurements exceed user-specified limits.
Memory Management The PosiTector 6000 has internal memory storage for recording measurement data. Stored measurements can be reviewed on-screen or accessed via computers, tablets and smart phones. Measurements are date and time-stamped. Button functions with Memory ON: Scroll through display modes (Advanced only) Create a new batch (Advanced only) Delete last reading Restore brightness after dimming (Advanced only) Access the Menu Standard models store up to 250 readings in one batch.
Advanced models store 100,000 readings in up to 1,000 batches. The Memory Menu includes the following options... New Batch Closes any currently opened batch and creates a new batch name using the lowest available number. For example, if only Batch 1 and Batch 3 exist, then Batch 2 would be created and made the current batch. The icon appears and basic statistics are displayed. Each measurement will be displayed and stored into this new batch.
New Sub-Batch (appears only if a batch is currently open) Creates a new sub-batch within the currently opened batch. Shortcut: When a sub-batch is open, create a new sub-batch by pressing (+) In the following example, B2s2 is a sub-batch of Batch 2. Sub-batching allows the user to group related batches so that statistics can be accumulated for them. Batch 2 contains the statistics for B2s1 and B2s2. current batch s=3 B2 1.5 σ 71.3 x statistics (see pg. 17) s3 n5 0.9 σ 72 ↨ 72.
Delete Removes a batch or sub-batch completely from memory. The name is deleted and all measurements are erased. Sub-batches can be deleted individually. To delete all related sub-batches, simply delete the top-level batch. View Scroll using the Up or Down buttons through information, statistical summary, and a list of each reading in the currently opened batch. Press to exit.
Display (appears only if a batch is currently open) The following user selectable display options are available: Chart: A real-time chart of batch readings x-y Chart for Single Layer Application Image: Batch image Notes: Instructions, descriptions or notes (see Annotate, pg.21) None: Default screen shows statistics Shortcut: When a batch is open, press Up to scroll through the above display options.
NOTES: • • • • • PosiSoft.net and PosiSoft Mobile are used to insert an Image and Notes into a batch. Remove the last reading from the current open batch by pressing (-). Calibration adjustments cannot be made if any measurements were taken with that setting and stored into a batch. 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 Mode stores ALL measurements into memory (pg. 15).
Accessing Stored Measurements Data PosiSoft solutions for viewing, analyzing and reporting data: PosiSoft USB Drive - connect the PosiTector to a PC/Mac using the supplied USB cable to access and print stored readings, graphs, photos, notes and screen captures. No software or internet connection required. USB Drive must be selected (See pg. 27). PosiSoft.net - a free web-based application offering secure centralized storage of PosiTector readings. Access your data from any web connected device. Go to: www.
PosiSoft.net: To enhance the operation of your Gage, all PosiTector users have access to the features provided by PosiSoft.net. It is a web-based application offering secure centralized management of readings.
PosiSoft Mobile: Is a Gage-based software application featured in all PosiTector Advanced instruments (serial numbers 730,000+).
Connect Menu Synchronizing (Sync) is the process whereby PosiTector stored measurement data uploads to PosiSoft.net (from both Standard and Advanced models) while images and batch notes are downloaded to the Gage (Advanced model only). This transfer occurs when the Gage is connected via USB, Bluetooth or directly through your WiFi router/hotspot via WiFi. It can be triggered either manually (USB, Bluetooth or WiFi) or automatically (USB only).
When checked, any computer can view datasets stored in memory by navigating a virtual drive labeled “PosiTector” using the included USB cable. A formatted HTML report is viewed by selecting the "index.html" or “START_HERE.html” file found in the root directory. Optionally, text ".txt" files located in each batch folder provide access to measurement values. Stored datasets and graphs can be viewed or copied using universal PC/Mac web browsers or file explorers.
Retrieving stored screen captures The last 10 screen captures (pg. 23) stored in memory can be accessed by navigating to the “screen_capture” directory within the “PosiTector” virtual drive. Bluetooth (Advanced models only) PosiTector Advanced models have Bluetooth functionality to: - Communicate with the PosiSoft Desktop Manager (PDM) in lieu of a USB cable. - Stream individual datasets to a computer or Bluetooth wireless printer as they are taken.
Bluetooth Wireless Printer PosiTector Advanced models can output to the optional battery powered Bluetooth wireless printer one of two ways: • Stream individual readings as they are taken. • Print stored batch readings and summaries. Begin by entering the Connect > Bluetooth menu. Turn Bluetooth ON and “Pair” the PosiTector to the printer. See: www.defelsko.com/bluetooth Streaming: In the Connect > Bluetooth menu, select the Stream tick box.
Securing your Access Point To ensure the PosiTector is only accessible to authorized devices, it is important that you enter a passphrase (password) for the Access Point. The default Passphrase is password. In the Connect > WiFi > Setup menu, select AP Passphrase. Press button to display on-screen keyboard. Enter a Passphrase for the Access Point. The Passphrase will be required for all devices connecting to the PosiTector’s Access Point. The PosiTector is now visible to all WiFi enabled devices.
Accessing your PosiTector PosiSoft Mobile (pg. 26) For use on Apple iOS and Android devices: PosiSoft Mobile Manager apps exist for Apple iOS and Android users. Simply download the App from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once your smart device/computer has been connected to the PosiTector Access Point, open the PosiSoft Mobile Manager app. Select your PosiTector from the list to open PosiSoft Mobile.
Setup: Allows user to setup a WiFi connection • IP Settings: enter the IP information as follows... IP Type (DHCP or Static), IP Address, Gateway, Netmask, DNS1, DNS2. • Server Enable: enables a connection between the network and the Gage. • Gage Name: enter a name for the Gage (up to 14 Characters). • WiFi Reset: erases all WiFi settings. Updates Determines if a software update is available for your Gage.
Temperature Operating Range: +32° to +120°F (0 to +50°C) The PosiTector 6000 compensates automatically for temperature. Allow a few minutes for the probe to reach ambient temperature before measuring. Discard the first measurement taken in a notably different temperature condition. When measuring surfaces much hotter or colder than ambient, lift the probe at least 6 inches (15cm) and allow 1 second off the surface between measurements.
Additional Accessories Rechargeable Battery Pack - 4 AAA eneloop batteries The PosiTector can operate on rechargeable batteries and DeFelsko recommends the use of eneloop (NiMH) rechargeables. eneloop batteries combine the advantages of regular rechargeable batteries and disposable (Alkaline) batteries. They discharge very slowly and can be stored for long periods without having self discharge concerns. Eneloop batteries come pre-charged and ready to use immediately. See: www.eneloop.
Nylon Case Convenient soft shell nylon case for carrying a PosiTector. Case has compartments for Certificates of Calibration, instruction manuals and other accessories. PosiTector Case Convenient hard shell plastic case for carrying a PosiTector and multiple probes - including any of the PosiTector 6000 - Coating Thickness, PosiTector 200 - Ultrasonic Coating Thickness, DPM - Dew Point Meter, SPG - Surface Profile, RTR - Replica Tape Reader, or UTG - Ultrasonic Wall Thickness probes.
There are 5 types of coating thickness standards available: Certified Coated Metal Plates are the best solution for verifying the calibration, accuracy and operation of most magnetic, eddy current or ultrasonic coating thickness gages including magnetic pull-off gages as well as many competitive models. They fulfill both ISO and in-house quality control requirements. At ±0.43µm (±0.017 mil) Certified Coated Metal Plates are the most accurate solution.
Troubleshooting Most conditions can be cleared with a Hard Reset (see pg. 14). If not, visit our Service & Support page for information on sending your Gage to us for a no charge evaluation. See: http://www.defelsko.com/service Probe attempts a measurement even while held in the air: The probe may have been left near metal, including jewelry, during power up or at rest. Possibly a finger was held over the probe. Try measuring on an uncoated object. Otherwise turn the Gage off, and then on again.
Technical Data Measuring Range: varies depending probe model Gage Size: 137 x 61 x 28 mm 5.4” x 2.4” x 1.1” Accuracy: varies depending on probe model Weight: (without batteries) 140 g 4.9 oz Resolution: varies depending on probe model Temperature Range: +32° to +120°F 0 to +50°C Conforms to: ISO 2178/2360/2808, ISO 19840, ASTMB499/D1186/D1400/D7091/E376/ G12, BS3900-C5, SSPC-PA2 and others This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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. The probe should move up and down freely. 3.Perform a Hard Reset (pg. 14) 4.Place a plastic shim onto bare metal (steel or non-steel, depending upon whether you have an "F" or "N" probe) and attempt a measurement.
Simple. Durable. Accurate. 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, PosiTector and PosiSoft 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.