Introduction The PosiTector® PC Powder Checker® is a hand-held, non-contact Coating Thickness Gage that uses an airborne high frequency ultrasound to analyze coating powder applied to rigid substrates to calculate and display a predicted cured thickness. The instrument consists of a base unit and a probe that communicate with each other via Bluetooth wireless technology. They must stay within 10 meters (30 feet) of each other while measuring.
Operation Overview 1. 2. 3. 4. POWER UP both units. ZERO the probe (see pg. 6) ADJUST to the specific powder if necessary (see pg. 8) MEASURE the applied powder (see below) How to Measure 1. Power-up both units. Bring the probe to within 5 cm (2 inches) of the coating powder. 2. Press and hold the button. Bring the probe closer to the powder. While watching the probe display, align the Distance Paddle with the Distance Target Bar. (see pg. 3) 3.
Displays Base Unit Display: Current Calibration Setting Solid indicates good wireless connection to probe. Flashing indicates no probe connection. Last Measurement Unit of Measurement Factory Calibration Symbol (pg. 8) Probe Display (button not pressed): Probe Batteries Status (pg.
Bluetooth Function Indicator: The symbol indicates the base unit and wireless probe are communicating properly. Results Indicator: When the probe is in the proper position and good samples are being taken, a solid DOT blinks on the probe display, the base unit LED blinks green and emits a high beep. When samples are inconclusive, an "X" blinks on the probe display, the base unit LED blinks red and emits a low beep. Distance Paddle: Graphically represents the distance to the target.
Menu Operation Instrument functions on the base unit are menu controlled. To access the full Menu, power-up both the probe and base unit. Then press the (.:::.button. If the probe is not powered-up a condensed menu is displayed. Memory Statistics* Zero* Cal Settings Setup Exit * Appears when probe is ON Reset Flip Display Gage Info Units Set Clock Language USB Drive Exit Current selection is displayed with darkened background To navigate, press (-) to scroll DOWN, (+) to scroll UP and (.:::.
Verification of Accuracy Before first use on a new powder and periodically thereafter, the user should perform an accuracy check. This ensures the gage is working properly by comparing predicted thickness values with actual cured thickness values. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Zero the probe (pg. 6). Electrostatically spray powder onto a flat, smooth metal sample. Measure the uncured powder with the PosiTector PC. Cure the powder.
Calibration and Adjustment Cal Settings The PosiTector PC is factory calibrated and performs an automatic self-check each time it calculates a measurement. For many powder measurement applications no further adjustment is necessary. Simply Zero at the beginning of each shift, then measure. Sometimes gage measurement calculations can be influenced by the composition of the coating powder. A calibration adjustment improves accuracy in these circumstances.
Factory Calibration Symbol This symbol indicates the instrument is measuring with factory calibration settings. It appears whenever a Reset (pg. 13) is performed or whenever a new calibration setting (pg. 10) is created. It disappears whenever a calibration adjustment is made (pg. 8) or when a user calibration is loaded from cal memory (pg. 10). A probe Zero (pg. 6) does not change the status of the symbol.
2 Pt Adjust 1. Zero the probe (pg. 6). 2. Electrostatically spray powder onto 2 flat, smooth metal samples. Place approximately 40 microns (1.5 mils) on one and 75 microns (3 mils) on the other. 3. Open a New CAL setting (optional - pg. 10). 4. Select New Batch (pg. 11) 5. Take at least 3 uncured powder measurements on the thin powder panel with the PosiTector PC. Results will be stored in the Batch. 6. Open a second new Batch. 7.
Calibration Memory Cal Memory When measuring a particular part with a specific powder, it is often convenient to be able to store any unique calibration adjustments made for that application. Then, if you return to that part, the corresponding Cal setting can be conveniently and quickly restored. A Cal setting is any of the three calibration adjustments (pg. 8). The PosiTector PC always displays the current calibration setting (ex. Cal 3) in the upper right corner of the display.
Memory Mode Memory The PosiTector PC can record 1,000 measurements in up to 100 groups (batches) for on-screen statistical purposes, for printing to an optional IR printer, or for downloading to a computer using the included USB cable. Readings are time-stamped as they are taken. New Batch (This menu option appears only when the probe is powered-up) -Closes any currently opened batch and creates a new batch name using the next higher number.
Close -Stops the recording process, closes the current batch, and removes the statistics from the display. Delete -Removes the selected batch completely from memory. The name is deleted and all measurements are erased. View -Lists all readings on the display from the currently selected batch. The last batch is viewed if no batch is currently open. Upon selection, the last 10 measurement values are initially shown. Scroll using the (-) or (+) buttons. Hold for 1 second to scroll a page at a time.
Setup Menu Setup Reset Reset restores factory settings and returns the gage to a known, out-ofthe-box condition. It is handy when you want to "start all over". The following occurs: - All batches are closed and stored measurements are erased. - Calibration adjustments are cleared and the instrument is returned to the gage's factory calibration settings as CAL 1.
USB Drive USB Drive - Selected The PosiTector PC uses a USB mass storage device class which provides a simple interface to retrieve data in a manner similar to USB flash drives, cameras, or digital audio players. When the "USB Drive" option is selected with a tick mark ü , any computer can view and download measurements stored in memory (in batches) by navigating a virtual drive labeled POWDER using the included USB cable. New drive A formatted HTML report is viewed by selecting the "index.
USB Drive - Un-Selected When this option is not selected with a tick mark , measurement values can be downloaded, as they are taken, to a computer, data collector, or powder controller using a serial gadget driver. Note: When the USB Drive option is changed (selected or de-selected), the instrument must be powered-down, then powered-up to undertake the change. Note: When a USB cable is connected to the base unit, power is supplied through the USB cable.
Returning for Service Before returning the instrument for service… 1. Install new alkaline batteries in the proper alignment shown within battery compartments. 2. Examine the probe screen for dirt or damage. 3. Perform a Reset (pg. 13) and a Zero (pg. 6) If you must return the instrument for service, describe the problem fully and include measurement results, if any. Be sure to also include the base unit, probe, your company name, company contact, telephone number and fax number or email address.
Warning: The PosiTector PC Powder Checker contains a very powerful magnetic mount for attaching the protective rubber holster to nearby steel structures. As with all magnets, avoid contact with electronic instruments or devices sensitive to magnetic fields such as pace makers and coating thickness gages. Care should also be given to the storing and shipping of any strong magnet to prevent contact with sensitive devices.