Automation Dr. Nix CarCheck System PLUS User manual

User Manual
Version of this User Manual: 2.2
Version of the PC software: 2.2.0.0
Version of the gauge firmware: 12c
http://www.carchecksystem.com

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Table of content
1Preamble........................................................................................................................................3
1.1 About this User Manual.............................................................................................................3
1.2 Intended Use.............................................................................................................................3
1.3 Legal Notice..............................................................................................................................3
1.4 Type Plate.................................................................................................................................4
1.5 Version Numbers.......................................................................................................................4
1.6 Other Sources of Information....................................................................................................4
2The CarCheck System PLUS.........................................................................................................4
2.1 Scope of Supply........................................................................................................................4
2.2 Starting Up ................................................................................................................................6
3The CarCheck PLUS Gauge..........................................................................................................7
3.1 General Information ..................................................................................................................7
3.2 Controls and Display.................................................................................................................8
3.3 Inserting Batteries.....................................................................................................................9
3.4 Switching the Gauge on and off................................................................................................9
3.5 Inserting the Probe..................................................................................................................10
3.6 Changing Batteries .................................................................................................................10
4Operating the Gauge....................................................................................................................11
4.1 Display ....................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Menu Navigation.....................................................................................................................11
4.3 Basic Settings .........................................................................................................................14
5Measurements..............................................................................................................................17
5.1 General Information ................................................................................................................17
5.2 Placing the Probe....................................................................................................................17
5.3 Zero Point Reference..............................................................................................................19
5.4 Individual Measurements........................................................................................................19
5.5 Working with Jobs...................................................................................................................20
5.6 Creating Jobs with the CarCheck PLUS Software..................................................................21
5.7 Deleting Jobs / Batches / Measurements ...............................................................................22
6CarCheck System PLUS Software at a Glance...........................................................................22
6.1 Creating Jobs..........................................................................................................................22
6.2 Adding Components................................................................................................................23
6.3 Communicating with the Gauge..............................................................................................24
6.4 Transmission of Measurements..............................................................................................24
6.5 Placing Measurements on an Image ......................................................................................25
6.6 Creating Report Files..............................................................................................................27
7CarCheck PLUS Software –A Detailed View...............................................................................28
7.1 The Program Window .............................................................................................................28
7.2 The different Program Views...................................................................................................28
7.3 Button Reference List .............................................................................................................34
7.4 Menu Reference......................................................................................................................35
8Data Backup.................................................................................................................................38
8.1 Back up Data...........................................................................................................................38
8.2 Reload Data............................................................................................................................39
9Software Information....................................................................................................................39
10 Installation options .......................................................................................................................40
10.1 Updates ..............................................................................................................................40
10.2 Repairs ...............................................................................................................................40
10.3 De-installation.....................................................................................................................40
11 Appendix ......................................................................................................................................42
11.1 Errors –causes and solutions................................................................................................42
11.2 Manufacturer / service address..............................................................................................43
11.3 Technical data.........................................................................................................................44

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1 Preamble
1.1 About this User Manual
This user manual is intended for anyone operating the CarCheck system. All local regulations
regarding the handling of electrical devices must still be observed. We assume a basic knowledge of
the procedures, possibilities, and limits of coating thickness measurement. For the installation and
operation of the CarCheck PLUS software, a general knowledge of computers and the Windows
operating system is necessary.
1.2 Intended Use
The CarCheck PLUS gauge provides non-destructive coating thickness measurement of non-
magnetic coatings such as lacquer, paint, chrome, or zinc on steel or iron, as well as of electrically
insolating coatings such as lacquer, paint or aluminum oxide (anodizing) on non-iron metals.
The CarCheck PLUS software provides means to exchange documentation and measurements with
the CarCheck PLUS gauge. It does not support other devices.
The device has not been approved for any other use.
If you have questions regarding the handling of the device or the software not answered in this
manual, please contact the point of sale or write to:
Automation Dr. Nix GmbH & Co. KG
Robert-Perthel-Straße 2
D-50739 Cologne, Germany
www.carchecksystem.com
1.3 Legal Notice
Disclaimer
We guarantee that, to the best of our knowledge, this product is free of defects and works as
advertized and stated in this user manual. We do not guarantee or promise any other product
attributes or the fitness of the product for any other than its intended use. We do not accept liability if
the product is used for purposes that are not covered by the chapter Intended use of this user
manual.
Trademarks and Registered Trademarks that are used in this document are property of their
respective owners and are used without special notice.
Copyright
© Copyright Automation Dr. Nix GmbH & Co. KG Cologne, Germany. All rights reserved.
This document may not be reproduced in whole or in part without explicit permission of Automation Dr.
Nix GmbH & Co. KG. User manuals are for personal use only.
EU Directives
The coating thickness gauge meets all requirements as specified in the European directive
89/336(regarding electromagnetic compatibility).

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1.4 Type Plate
For the purpose of exact information, the name and serial number of the model can be found on a type
label in the battery compartment of the gauge casing. The type label of the probe is attached to its
connecting side. It is covered while the probe is inserted.
Please take a note of this information to have it at hand in case of questions or when ordering spare
parts.
1.5 Version Numbers
You can find the version number of the firmware installed on your CarCheck PLUS gauge by
accessing the System Info submenu found under Setup → System Info.
The version numbers of the installed CarCheck PLUS software and additional system components can
be found under About → About.
Please take a note of this information to have it at hand in case of questions.
1.6 Other Sources of Information
For information and tips regarding the use of the Windows operating system and Windows
applications, refer to your Windows manual and the Windows online help.
2 The CarCheck System PLUS
2.1 Scope of Supply
CarCheck gauge
CarCheck probe Dual Fe/NFe 5mm/5mm
Product CD with CarCheck PLUS software, device driver, user manual as PDF file
Probe cable
2 zero reference plates (Fe and Al)
2 AA size batteries 1,5 V
USB adapter for wireless data transfer between gauge and computer
Printed short reference
Inspection certificate of the measuring probe
Soft pouch with belt clip
Case for transport and storage
Check the supply for completeness and damage. Inform Automation Dr. Nix GmbH & Co. KG if you
find something damaged. We will check it for you.
Functional Characteristics
CarCheck System PLUS is a system for measuring the thickness of coatings on metallic
surfaces. Its main application is the measurement of lacquer thickness on steel and aluminum.
It can, nevertheless, also be used to measure e. g. chromium on a steel substrate. The
menus in the gauge and the PC software for data archiving and report generation are
especially designed for the inspection of vehicles.
CarCheck System PLUS includes the CarCheck PLUS gauge with coating thickness probe
and the CarCheck PLUS software.

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The device uses the magnetic measuring method and the eddy current method. Thus the
simultaneous measurements of non-magnetic coatings such as lacquer, chromium, or zinc on
steel or iron as well as measurements on electrically isolated coatings such as lacquer or
anodizing on non-iron based metal are possible.
The probe identifies the base material underneath the coating and switches to the
corresponding measurement method automatically.
In addition to individual measurements as usually used, you can choose to use a semi-
automated measuring program.
A “Job” is created for each vehicle that is to be inspected. The CarCheck System PLUS gauge
can hold up to 10 jobs. The vehicle components (e. g. hood, right door...) can be combined in
any order to build an inspection procedure. Thus every inspector can plan his way around the
vehicle according to his personal preference.
CarCheck System PLUS comes with preinstalled vehicle components for common car body
designs. The user can define new components using the PC software. In the automobile
business, this could be a antiroll bar, a painted rim, or a roof railing. Thanks to the freely
selectable component names, other applications are also within reach. For the inspection of
bicycles, for example, the frame, the rims and the handle bar could be defined as
components.
The configuration of new components is especially easy when using the PC software. But if
the need arises to define new components on-site, for example, the bumpers of a vintage car
or the running board of a SUV, these definitions can also be created at the gauge without the
help of a computer.
Such parts of the vehicle that are not in their original condition any more, because they were
repainted or filled, will show increased coating thickness measurements. When such a region
has been detected, it may be of interest to determine its extent.
To achieve this, the number of measurements usually has to be increased. With the CarCheck
System PLUS, the user can take as many readings per job or per component as necessary for
the task. Of course, components can also be completely omitted from the inspection. The user
could, for example, create a standard inspection procedure that covers all possible car body
designs. If inspecting a convertible or a 2 door sports car, he can simply skip the components
that are not applicable with the push of a button.
CarCheck System PLUS can create inspection reports in Portable Document Format (*.pdf),
as Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel files (*.doc, *.xls). In the report, all relevant information is
collected on the first page: information concerning the vehicle, its owner and the inspector, a
picture of the vehicle with the measurements in place and a table containing the individual
measurements for each component including the respective average thicknesses. Additional
photos of the vehicle are optionally positioned on the following pages.The created files can
easily be integrated into other documents and processed in any way. The user can integrate a
logo into the report giving a personal touch to the documents created.
It is not possible to place all measurements that where taken on all sides of a vehicle on one
photo. Therefore, CarCheck System PLUS includes drawings of typical car body designs that
show the vehicle from all sides. The user can easily add more drawings or photos. In addition,
CarCheck System PLUS provides a tool that enables the user to compile several photos into
one picture, so that the measurements can be placed on photos of the inspected vehicle.
Transmitting the data to a computer allows it to be analyzed and completely documented. Use
the provided USB adapter to establish a wireless communication between gauge and
computer.

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Special Features
Fully automated menu-driven measuring system, including individual measurements
Detailed documentation with analysis and documentation software
Any existing record can be used as a template, when several vehicles have to be inspected
with similar conditions. For every vehicle, only the changed data has to be dealt with.
Even when creating a completely new record, existing entries in the database can be used in
an intuitive way. If, for example, an inspector often works for a specific customer, he does not
have to enter the customers data every time. Instead, CarCheck System PLUS suggests
matching database entries, including all contact data, as soon as the first letter is entered.
Measurements can automatically be placed in a previously defined pattern on the image used
for the record. Thus there is no need to treat measurements individually for inspections that
have been created with a predefined procedure. Of course, measurements can be moved on
the image afterward, or be placed by hand in the first place.
The measuring range is up to 5000µm for Fe (steel) as well as NFe (aluminum) substrates,
Compact gauge, programmable at the PC in preparation of the measuring task
No time consuming calibration
Rugged measuring system
Easy-to-use
3-year warranty - Made in Germany
At the time of this writing, CarCheck System PLUS offers about 10 different user interface languages,
including English, Russian, Chinese and Korean. Support for other languages is in preparation.
2.2 Starting Up
The CarCheck PLUS gauge is ready to work as soon as the batteries are inserted.
Installation, deinstallation and update of the CarCheck System PLUS software are described in a
separate document. You find it on the CarCheck System PLUS CD where you also found this user
manual.

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3 The CarCheck PLUS Gauge
3.1 General Information
3.1.1 Batteries and Rechargeable Batteries
Use only approved AlMn AA size batteries (1.5V) or AA size rechargeable batteries (1.2V).
Never try to charge standard batteries (1.5V).
Batteries may contain flammable material. If handled improperly, they may leak, heat, ignite, or
explode. Avoid heat and never throw batteries into a fire.
Batteries may contain toxic and corrosive material. Never disassemble or deform batteries.
Observe the polarity as indicated on the batteries (+ and –) and ensure that the batteries are inserted
into the battery compartment correctly.
Never use rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries at the same time. Never use new batteries
together with used ones. Remove empty batteries from the compartment immediately. To avoid
leakage, remove the batteries when the device is not used over a longer period.
3.1.2 Area of Application
Use the CarCheck gauge only in dry environment. The casing is not waterproof. Penetrating water
may damage the device. The ambient temperature during operation must be between 0 and +50°C
(32°F and 122°F). Do not store the device in temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F). Higher
temperatures may damage the display.
3.1.3 Operation
Only use the gauge for the kind of work specified in this manual and only in the manner described. All
additional actions may cause personal injury or damage property and device.
3.1.4 Maintenance
Never open the casings of gauge or probe. The device contains no parts you can repair or replace.
Maintenance and repair work may only be performed by the manufacturer Automation Dr. Nix GmbH
or by authorized personnel.

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3.2 Controls and Display
1 Display
shows measurements and operation menus
2 Buttons
for operating the device
3 LED
flashes red during active wireless connection and data transmission and green after a
successful measurement
4 Measuring probe
5 Battery compartment
6 Latch
for releasing the locking of the inserted probe or the probe cable
7 Recessed grips
for a safe positioning of the measuring probe

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3.3 Inserting Batteries
You can power the device with 2 AlMn AA size batteries (1.5V) or 2 AA size rechargeable batteries
(1.2V). Only use leak proof batteries.
Press the latch of the lid to open the battery compartment at the back of the gauge and
remove the lid.
Observe polarity as indicated on the batteries (+ and –) and insert the batteries
correspondingly into the compartment.
Reinsert the lid with its upper end first and take care that the latch snaps in when closing the
lid.
The gauge is now operational.
Caution!
Leaking batteries can destroy the device! Remove the batteries from the device it you do not use it for
a longer period.
3.4 Switching the Gauge on and off
The device has no power switch.
It activates automatically when placing the measuring probe on a surface. You can switch the gauge
on by pressing one of its four buttons. If the gauge or the probe is not used for more than 30 seconds,
it will switch off.
Note:
If you switch the device on by placing the probe onto a surface, it will automatically take a
measurement. If you use one of the buttons, the last measurement taken appears in the display.

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3.5 Inserting the Probe
The CarCheck measuring gauge is supplied with the appropriate probe. You can connect probe and
gauge alternatively using the probe cable provided. This increases your mobility when measuring on
difficult-to-observe locations.
Take the gauge in one hand and press the probe latch at the back of the gauge.
Hold the probe with the recessed grips (7) and pull it straight down and out of the gauge.
Hold the bigger gauge plug of the probe cable correctly (with the nib facing towards the
gauge’s back) and insert the plug completely.
Hold the smaller probe plug with the nib of the plug fitting into the dent in the probe’s
connector. Insert the plug completely.
Fasten the probe plug by turning the latch clockwise.
3.6 Changing Batteries
If the batteries are running low, the gauge will switch off. Menu settings and measurements remain
saved. A three step battery-warning symbol appears in the display:
Changing the batteries will soon be necessary. Numerous measurements can still be taken until
the gauge switches off. The display is still lit.
Symbol to the right of the measurement: measurements still possible. The display is no longer lit.
Symbol in the middle of the display: no measurements possible.
Attention!
If changing the batteries takes more than two minutes, date and time settings are lost.

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4 Operating the Gauge
4.1 Display
The display shows the measurements in large numbers next to the unit selected (µm/mm or mil). The
display also shows the menu structure and instructions when working on jobs.
4.1.1 Special Symbols
A few special signs and symbols provide additional information on the measurement and the state of
the gauge:
Measurement on ferromagnetic base material (iron or steel)
Measurement on non-magnetic base material (e. g. aluminum)
measurement recalled from the gauges memory (during measuring tasks with jobs)
Measuring error, improper base material, incorrect zero reference
Measuring mode, automated identification of base material
Active wireless connection
Acoustic signal deactivated
4.2 Menu Navigation
Most of the settings and operation features of the gauge are accessible via the menu structure
appearing on the display. Using the four buttons, you can navigate through the menu, select
parameters and activate functions.
The buttons usually have the following functions:
►Switch to next menu level, activate feature, navigate to next Batch
◄Back, cancel, navigate to previous Batch
▼ Open Main Menu
▲▼ Menu item, select parameter or option (dark background)
Placing the probe or pressing its tip briefly will close the menu. The last measurement will then
reappear in the display.
Note:
The gauge of the CarCheck System PLUS measuring system can operate in 2 different modes. The
memory mode is activated when a job is started. With no active job, the gauge is in standard mode.
The menus slightly differ in the 2 modes.

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4.2.1 Menu Structure in Standard Mode
Main Menu
Job
◄►
new Job
◄►
(edit name)
▼▲
Job 001...
Measuring Mode
◄►
Fe
NFe
▼▲
FE/NFe
Memory
◄►
Delete All
◄►
OK
▼▲
Cancel
▼▲
Delete Values
◄►
OK
▼▲
Cancel
Info
Setup
◄►
Display
◄►
Unit
◄►
µm
▼▲
mil
Backlight
◄►
Auto
▼▲
▼▲
Off
Orientation
◄►
Normal
Flipped
Wireless
◄►
On
Off
▼▲
Energy Save
System Info
▼▲
Buzzer
◄►
On
▼▲
Off
Date/Time
◄►
Set Time
◄►
time
▼▲
Set Date
◄►
date
Language
◄►
English
Français
Deutsch

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4.2.2 Menu Structure in Memory Mode
Delete Last
OK
▼▲
Cancel
Job
◄►
Finish
▼▲
Info
Measuring Mode
◄►
Fe
NFe
▼▲
FE/NFe
Memory
◄►
[new block]
◄►
(edit name)
B 0001
◄►
Select
▼▲
B 0002
Show Values
...
Rename
◄►
(edit name)
Info
Setup
◄►
Display
◄►
Unit
◄►
µm
▼▲
mil
Backlight
◄►
Auto
▼▲
▼▲
Off
Orientation
◄►
Normal
Flipped
Wireless
◄►
On
Off
▼▲
Energy Save
System Info
▼▲
Buzzer
◄►
On
▼▲
Off
Date/Time
◄►
Set Time
◄►
time
▼▲
Set Date
◄►
date
Language
◄►
English
Français
Deutsch

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4.3 Basic Settings
4.3.1 Measuring Mode
You can set the measuring mode depending on the base material as a fix setting or you can have the
probe determine the measuring mode automatically.
If you know the base material and it is not changed, select Fe (ferromagnetic base material, e. g. steel
or iron) or NFe (non-ferromagnetic base material, e. g. aluminum or zinc).
If you have to switch between ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic base material frequently, activate
the automatic FE/NFe mode. The device uses the measuring mode last selected when switched on. If
you place the probe on different base material, the message “no NFe –Repeat!” (or “no Fe –
Repeat!”) appears in the display. Place the probe on the same spot again and the probe switches
modes automatically. You can continue with your measurements.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Measuring Mode
To open the Main menu, press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on. Then switch to the
Measuring Mode submenu.
Select the desired measuring mode using the ▼ or ▲ buttons.
Press the ► button to activate the selected option. A dot (•) indicates the activated option.
Note:
You can access the Measuring Mode submenu using one of two ways: either follow the procedure as
described above via the main menu or directly by pressing the ◄ button. However, in memory mode,
the ◄ and ► buttons are used to navigate between batches. Thus you can reach the Measuring
Mode submenu only via the main menu.
4.3.2 Units
You can select the unit in which measurements are displayed: µm or mil. The initial setting is µm.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Display ▼ Unit
Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the Unit
submenu.
Select the required unit using the ▼ or ▲ buttons.
To activate the selected option, press ►. A dot (•) indicates the option activated.
4.3.3 Date and Time
The internal calendar and watch of the CarCheck PLUS gauge save date and time with each
measurement. Take care that date and time are correct, especially concerning the documentation of
your measurements. You should check the settings each time you are about to start a measurement
task.
Setting date and time may be required:
if changing the batteries took longer than 2 minutes,
after switching to daylight saving time,
when measuring in another time zone.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Date/ Time

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Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to enter the Main menu. Then access the
Date/Time submenu.
Select the Set Time option using the ▼ or ▲ buttons and press ►. The Set Hours option appears.
Use the ▼ or ▲ buttons to set the hour.
Press ► once to select Ok, press ► again to save the hour setting. The Set Minutes option appears.
Follow the instructions as described for setting the hour.
If you wish to cancel, press the ◄ to select Cancel and press ◄ again for confirmation.
Select the Set Time option in the Date/Time submenu using the ▼ or ▲ button and press ►. The
Set Day option appears.
Set the day, month, and year as when setting the time as described above.
4.3.4 Acoustic Signal
The gauge confirms various actions, for example entries via the buttons or measurements, with an
acoustic signal. You can switch off this signal if desired. If the signal is switched off, the symbol
appears in the bottom left of the display.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Buzzer
Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the
Buzzer. submenu.
Select the desired option using the ▼ or ▲ buttons.
Press ► to activate the option selected. A dot (•) indicates the activated option.
4.3.5 Orientation
You can adjust the orientation of the display to facilitate the handling of the gauge. If, for example, you
connected probe and gauge using the adapter cable and the gauge is lying on a table you can read
the display better if it is rotated by 180°.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Display ▼ Orientation
Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the
Orientation submenu.
Select the desired orientation using the ▼ or ▲button.
Press ► to activate the selected option. A dot (•) indicates the option activated.
Note:
In the flipped setting, the function of all four buttons is rotated as well to keep their functions in
accordance with the display.
4.3.6 Display Light
The display light is turned on for about 7 seconds each time a measurement is taken. You can switch
of the automated display light to save energy.
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Display ▼ Backlight
Press the ▼button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the
Backlight submenu.
Select the desired option using the ▼ or ▲button.

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Press ► to activate the selected option. A dot (•) indicates the option activated.
4.3.7 Wireless Connection
The CarCheck PLUS gauge is provided with an integrated wireless interface. When the wireless
connection is active, the gauge is ready to establish a connection with a computer to exchange data
with the CarCheck software. For more detailed instructions, please see the section on p. 22 ff.
While the wireless connection is active, the Antenna symbol appears in the bottom left of the
display. Additionally, the red LED of the keypad flashes once every 7 seconds (it will continue to do so
for about 30 minutes after the gauge has been switched off). The red LED also flashes during data
transfer.
You can disable the wireless connection to save energy. If you select the Energysave option, the
wireless connection is turned off every time the display is turned off (after about 30 seconds).
▼ Main Menu ▼ Setup ► Wireless
Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the
Wireless submenu.
Select the desired option using the ▼ or ▲ buttons.
Press ► to activate the option selected. A dot (•) indicates the option activated.

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5 Measurements
5.1 General Information
5.1.1 Batteries
Depending on the operating conditions, a new set of batteries will allow far more than 20,000
measurements to be taken. However, we recommend having a set of spare batteries at hand. Please
keep in mind that rechargeable batteries may have less capacity then standard batteries.
5.1.2 Base Material and Coating
Make sure that the measuring surface is clean, dry, and free of dust before placing the probe on it.
CAUTION!
Only measure on dry and completely hardened surfaces. Only place the probe on one spot, do not
move it after placing it. Otherwise the coating may be damaged.
Coating thickness measurements are possible on nearly all kinds of metal base material. The initial
settings allow the gauge to identify the base material automatically and use the corresponding
measuring mode. You can change the measuring mode if required (see the section on p. 14).
Coating
Paint (*)
Paint (*)
Paint (*)
Paint (*)
Zinc
Aluminum
Any
Steel
Aluminum
Steel
Steel
Plastic
Measuring mode
Fe
NFe
Fe
Fe
--
Note
Complete
coating
measured
paint + zinc
Complete coating
measured
paint + aluminum
Measurements only
possible on metal base
material
(*) Paint refers here to the complete coating composition, which might consist of bonderizing, primer, base coat and top coat.
The exact coating compositions as well as metallic or other effects are of no consequence.
The gauge starts in the measuring mode last used. If you change to another base material, the
message „No NFe –Repeat!“ (or „No Fe –Repeat!“) appears in the display. After placing the probe
again, it automatically switches to the required measuring mode and you can continue measuring.
Attention!
If you want to measure aluminum on steel or zinc on steel, for example, you must select the Fe
measuring mode.
5.2 Placing the Probe
Placing the measuring probe will automatically switch on the CarCheck gauge. You can also switch on
the gauge by pressing one of the four buttons. If you do not use gauge and probe for more the 30
seconds, the gauge will automatically switch off again.

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Note:
If you switch on the gauge by placing it, a measurement is taken automatically. If you use one of the
buttons, the last measurement taken appears in the display.
Take care that the bearing ring lies plainly on to the measuring surface. Hold the gauge on the
recessed grip of the probe between thump and forefinger when measuring.
If the display shows the message Infi after placing the probe, it was unable to identify any metal base
material. In such a case, the coating thickness is either larger than the measuring range of the probe
or the base material underneath the coating is no metal.
5.2.1 Measuring Areas
The measuring surface must have an edge length of at least 20 × 20 mm. Avoid measuring near the
edges of objects because it could distort the result. If in doubt, measure several times.
On curved surfaces, the V-grooves of the probe must be adjusted as parallel to the axis of curvature
as possible. This ensures a vertical position of the measuring head in relation to the measuring
surface.

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When choosing the measuring area, keep the minimal radius of curvature in mind (convex min. 5 mm,
concave min. 30 mm). Measuring on surfaces with higher curvature may produce wrong results due to
the laws of physics.
5.2.2 Magnetic and Electromagnetic Fields
Magnetic and electromagnetic fields may distort the measurement results due to their interfere with the
corresponding measuring mode.
Do not measure on magnetic surfaces. Look out for sources of interference near the measuring area
(for example door speakers in the car, transformers, electric motors or electrical welding equipment).
Usually non-magnetic base material can also be magnetized.
5.3 Zero Point Reference
The zero point reference is necessary to achieve correct measuring results. Carry out a zero point
reference:
when preparing the gauge for first use
after changing the batteries,
when changing measurement tasks,
regularly.
Attention:
A zero point reference in the wrong measuring mode, i. e. if the measuring mode selected does not
correspond with the reference plate, leads to wrong measuring results and to errors with the
automated selection of measurement modes.
Select the appropriate measuring mode in the menu (Fe for the Fe reference plate, NFe for the AI
reference plate).
Press the ▲ button while the gauge is switched on and place the probe on one of the provided
reference plates or a corresponding Fe or NFe metal part (you can find the reference plates in the
case included in the scope of supply). Acontrol number appears in the display.
Lift the probe at least 5 cm from the surface.After a short time, a second control number appears and
the zero point reference is complete.
5.4 Individual Measurements
As long as no job is active (see the following sections), you can take individual measurements at any
time and read the result directly from the display.
Press any button to switch on the gauge. Observe the information regarding the measuring mode
appearing in the display (Fe or NFe).
Press ◄ to change the measuring mode if necessary.
Place the probe vertically on the surface. You will hear an acoustic signal and the LED will briefly flash
green. The measurement appears in the display.
Take further individual measurements in the same manner.

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5.5 Working with Jobs
Concerning the CarCheck system, a job refers to the complete measurement of a vehicle.
Note:
You can create jobs and transmit them to the gauge using the provided software. For more detailed
information on how to do this see p. 22.
The gauge allows measurements to be stored in groups called batches. Each batch is named by the
user as required. You can create batches named „Drivers Door“, „Left Sill“ or „Engine Hood“ for
example. This allows measurements to be identified with certain car parts of the measuring objects.
If you have finished measuring one car and you wish to measure another one, start a new job. You can
save the measurements of the new job in the same batches you used to save measurements from
other jobs. The measurements of one ore more jobs already stored within the gauge remain there.
However, you cannot save additional measurements in a job used previously if you already saved
measurements in a subsequent job.
5.5.1 Creating a new Job
You can create up to 10 jobs and complete them. You can name each job (for example the name of a
client or a license plate number). That way, you can later identify a particular job and allocate it
properly. When creating a job, only the name is saved. This does not influence the order in which the
jobs are completed.
Press the ▼ button while the gauge is switched on to access the Main menu. Then access the Job
submenu.
Select the New job option using the ▼ or ▲ buttons and press ►.
The default name of the new job appears. You can change this name at this point if desired.
Press the ▼ or ▲ buttons to change the first selected character.
Press the ► to switch to the next character. Enter the desired text this way. The maximum length is 18
characters.
Keep pressing the ► button until Ok is selected.
Press the ► button to save the new job. You can create another job immediately or press the ◄
button to close the menu.
5.5.2 Activate and edit Jobs
You can activate and edit jobs that have been saved at any given time as long as no subsequent jobs
have already been saved. You can edit only one job at a time, not several simultaneously. Ajob stays
activated until it is completed.
Note:
If measurements are saved to a job, all other jobs to which measurements have already been saved
are locked. This is due to the fact that measurements of a job have to be saved in continuous order.
In addition to the job name, the Job menu may also show a symbol to indicate whether a job has not
been started yet or has already been completed: