DAKOTA ULTRASONICS PVX-B User manual

OPERATION MANUAL
DAKOTA ULTRASONICS
P
PV VX X- -B B
Precision Visual Thickness Gauge
P/N P-195-0002 Rev 1.0, September 2014
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CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION......................................................................1
CHAPTER TWO QUICK STARTUP GUIDE.......................................................2
CHAPTER THREE KEYBOARD, MENU, & CONNECTOR REFERENCE.......11
CHAPTER FOUR PRINCIPALS OF ULTRASONIC MEASUREMENT ............20
CHAPTER FIVE SELECTING THE MEASUREMENT MODE..........................23
CHAPTER SIX MAKING MEASUREMENTS....................................................26
CHAPTER SEVEN USING THE DIGITS & B-SCAN DISPLAYS......................38
CHAPTER EIGHT THRU PAINT MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUE ...................51
CHAPTER NINE ADDITIONAL FEATURES OF THE PVX-B...........................52
CHAPTER TEN DATA STORAGE – SETUP, EDIT, & VIEW GRIDS...............57
CHAPTER ELEVEN SETUPS – CREATE, STORE, EDIT, & RECALL............74
CHAPTER TWELVE USING THE UTILITY SOFTWARE.................................81
APPENDIX A - VELOCITY TABLE ...................................................................82
APPENDIX B - SETUP LIBRARY.....................................................................84
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1
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
The Dakota Ultrasonics model PVX-B is a precision ultrasonic thickness gauge with a
time based B-Scan and alpha numeric data logger. Based on the same operating
principles as SONAR, the PVX-B is capable of measuring the thickness of various
materials with accuracy as high as 0.0001 inches, or 0.001 millimeters. The
principle advantage of ultrasonic measurement over traditional methods is that
ultrasonic measurements can be performed with access to only one side of the
material being measured.
Dakota Ultrasonics maintains a customer support resource in order to assist users
with questions or difficulties not covered in this manual. Customer support may be
reached at any of the following:
Dakota Ultrasonics Corporation
1.1 Disclaimer
The PVX-B is a full-featured precision thickness gauge with a great deal of features
and measurement modes allowing a great deal of control over the functionality and
electronic performance of the instrument. As this provides the user greater control
and versatility for a variety of applications, it also requires that the user be
comfortable with the operation of these features and modes when operating the
instrument. It is strongly recommended that the contents of this manual be read in its
entirety. It is also recommended that a sufficient amount of time be allocated to
working with the instrument in a test environment prior to use in the field.
Responsibility for proper use of the instrument and recognition of this phenomenon
rest solely with the user of the instrument.
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CHAPTER TWO
QUICK STARTUP GUIDE
Turn the PVX-B on and off using the switch located on the bottom right corner of the
keypad. When PVX-B is initially turned on, a flash logo and blinking lights will be
displayed prior to entering into the main measurement screen. Note: This section is
primarily written as a basic startup guide only.
2.1 Selecting the Transducer Type
The first step in using the PVX-B is to select the transducer type stored in a setup.
There are 18 factory setups containing different transducer types that can be loaded,
modified and stored in a new setup location. By selecting the transducer type from a
predefined setup list, the PVX-B can recall specific properties about the transducer,
setup the display area and predefined scope settings. Note: Once the transducer
has been selected, the PVX-B will store and recall this setup, containing the
transducer type, every time the PVX-B is powered on/off. This setup will only change
if the user physically selects another setup from the list. Therefore, if you have
previously gone through this section and selected the appropriate setup, proceed to
the next section. Use the following steps to select your setup (transducer type):
Selecting a Setup for use with a specific Transducer Type
1) Press the MULTI MODE key once to activate the load setup list containing
the transducer types and settings.
2) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the setup list until the
target setup is highlighted.
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3) Press the ENTER key to display the confirmation screen.
4) Press the OK key to select the setup and return to the measure screen, or
ESC to cancel the selecting a setup.
2.2 Calibration
The next step is to calibrate the PVX-B to the material and transducer being used. If
a sound velocity is not known, the PVX-B can be calibrated to a known thickness
sample. This demo will briefly explain each of possible calibration techniques. Read
through the various calibration techniques and select one of the following:
Known Velocity
If the material velocity is known, the user may wish to simply enter the velocity
number into the PVX-B, rather than have the PVX-B calculate the velocity value
using a know thickness. The steps for entering the velocity are outlined below:
Using a Known Material Velocity
1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right and the ESC key multiple times to tab left until
the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
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2) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub menu items
until VELOCITY is highlighted.
3) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
4) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted value.
5) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit locations.
6) Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the velocity number is correctly displayed.
7) Press the OK key to set the velocity and return to the menu screen, or ESC
to cancel entering the velocity.
8) Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
taking readings.
Known Thickness
Sometimes the sound velocity of a material is not known. In this case a sample with
a known thickness can be used to determine the sound velocity. It would be very
handy to carry a set of mechanical calipers to use in conjunction with the PVX-B for
calibration in the field:
Using a Known Thickness
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1) Physically measure an exact sample of the material or a location directly on
the material to be measured using a set of calipers or a digital micrometer.
2) Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the transducer in
steady contact with the sample or actual test material. Be sure that the
reading is stable and the repeatability indicator, in the top left corner of the
display, is fully lit and stable. Press the MENU key once to activate the
menu items tab. Press the MENU key multiple times to tab right and the
ESC key multiple times to tab left until the CAL menu is highlighted and
displaying the submenu items.
3) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub menu items
until ONE POINT is highlighted.
4) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
5) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted value.
6) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit locations.
7) Repeat steps 5 & 6 until the known thickness value is correctly displayed.
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8) Press the OK key to calculate the velocity and return to the menu screen, or
ESC to cancel entering the velocity.
9) Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
taking readings.
Note: CHECK YOUR CALIBRATION! Place the transducer back on the
calibration point. The thickness reading should now match the known
thickness. If the thickness is not correct, repeat the steps above.
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Basic Material Type
If the material velocity is unknown, and a sample thickness cannot be taken from the
material, the user may opt to choose a basic material type from a list with
approximate velocity numbers. It’s important to note that these velocities will not
always be an exact representation of the material being tested. Use these values
only if a close approximation is acceptable. Follow the steps below to select a basic
material type:
Selecting a Basic Material Type
1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right and the ESC key multiple times to tab left until
the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub menu items
until MATERIAL is highlighted.
3) Press the ENTER key to display the list of material types.
4) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the material list until
the appropriate material is highlighted.
5) Press the ENTER key to display the confirmation screen.
6) Press the OK key to select the material and return to the menu screen, or
ESC to cancel the material selection.
7) Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
taking readings.
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2.3 Measure
The PVX-B is now ready to measure. There are two different measurement view
options, each with a specific purpose. The steps below outline how to toggle
between the different view mode options:
Selecting the Measurement View Option
1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right and the ESC key multiple times to tab left until
the DISP menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
2) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub menu items
until VIEW is highlighted.
3) Use the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the view options.
4) Once the view is displayed, press the MEAS key to return to measurement
mode.
DIGITS: Is a general digital view of the thickness value using a larger font size.
BSCAN: The Time Based B-Scan provides the user with a cross sectional view of
the material being tested. This mode is useful when there is concern regarding the
profile of the blind surface.
Once the view has been selected according to the application requirements, the
BSCAN START (B-ST) and BSCAN DEPTH (B-DEP) of the screen will potentially
need to be adjusted if the view has been set to BSCAN. Use the following steps to
adjust these settings directly from the measurement screen as follows:
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Adjusting the Start (B-ST) & Depth (B-DEP)
1) Press the MEAS key once to activate the measure menu items. Press the
MEAS key multiple times to move right and the ESC key multiple times to
move left, until the either the B-ST or B-DEP cell is highlighted.
2) Use the UP, DOWN, LEFT, or RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the DELAY and
WIDTH values.
3) Repeat steps 1 & 2 until the range is correctly being displayed.
Alternatively, the B-ST and B-DEP values can be changed using the Digit Edit
Box as follows:
1) Press the MEAS key once to activate measure menu items. Press the
MEAS key multiple times to move right and the ESC key multiple times to
move left, until the either the B-ST or B-DEP cell is highlighted.
2) Press the ENTER key to display the digits edit box.
3) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted value.
4) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit locations.
5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the B-ST or B-DEP value is correctly displayed.
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6) Press the OK key to set the B-ST and B-DEP value and return to the
measure screen, or ESC to cancel entering the B-ST or B-DEP value.
7) Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
taking readings.
Note: The B-ST & B-DEP can also be adjusted from the menu tab items.
However, using the hot menu keys is the easiest method.
DIGITS B-SCAN
In the upper left corner of each of the mode photos above, is the repeatability
indicator. The repeatability indicator is represented by six vertical bars and
represents how repeatable the measurements are. In regular measurement mode,
the PVX-B makes 4 measurements a second. In scan mode, the PVX-B makes 32
measurements a second. When the PVX-B is idle, only the left vertical bar and the
underline will be displayed. However, when the PVX-B is making a measurement,
five or six of the bars should be displayed on the repeatability indicator. If fewer than
five bars are showing, the PVX-B is having difficulty achieving a stable measurement
and the thickness value displayed is potentially be unstable.
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CHAPTER THREE
KEYBOARD, MENU, & CONNECTOR REFERENCE
3.1 Menu Key (Operation & Sub Menus )
The Menu key activates the primary menu structure containing 9 menu tab groups.
These tab groups then contain sub menu items, or functions. The sub menu items
have been organized in tab groups according to how closely they are related to the
individual tab group names. Let’s first get familiar with how to move around in these
tabs before continuing on to the sub menu functions. This procedure is outlined
below:
Activating and Getting Around in the Menu Items
1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right, and the ESC key multiple times to tab left
until the desired tab group is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
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Now that your familiar with activating and moving amongst the tab groups, let’s have
a look at how to move around in the sub menu items as follows:
Getting Around in the Sub Menu Items
1) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll through the sub menu items
until the desired function is highlighted.
2) Depending on which function is highlighted, use the LEFT, RIGHT, and
Enter keys to scroll the options or activate the Digit Edit and List Box
options.
The sections to follow will provide the user with an explanation of the sub menu
functions:
3.2 Probe – Menu
Zero: The PVX-B is zeroed in much the same way that a mechanical micrometer is
zeroed. If the PVX-B is not zeroed correctly, all of the measurements made using
the PVX-B may be in error by some fixed value. Refer to the section on page 29, for
an explanation of this important procedure.
Note: This function is only used when using a contact style transducer with a pulse-
echo contact setup selected. All the other transducer types use multiple echo
modes, and the zero function is not needed.
Gain: Increases or decreases the overall amplitude of the signal. Much like turning
the volume up or down on a stereo receiver. Refer to page 48 for further info.
AGC: The PVX-B is equipped with an automatic gain control when operating in
interface-echo and echo-echo modes only. This is much like turning the volume up
or down on a stereo receiver. However, the PVX-B will automatically control how
much the volume is turned up or down. Alternatively, the AGC can be manually
controlled using the same procedures as GAIN described above. Refer to page 48
for further info.
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Measure Mode: Used to select the measurement mode for different application
requirements. The modes are P-E (pulse-echo), P-E GT(pulse-echo w/gate), and E-
E(echo-echo). Note: I-E or Interface echo mode is also a multiple echo mode that
uses two gates like E-E mode(echo-echo). Refer to page 21 for further info.
3.3 CAL – Menu
Units: Toggle between English or Metric units and low and hi resolutions. The
readout will change from inches to millimeters (IN, IN HR, MM, MM HR). The high
resolution options are indicated with HR following the units, and offer an additional
decimal place of overall resolution (i.e. IN = .001” and IN HR = .0001”).
Velocity: Function to calibrate the PVX-B by setting the velocity to a known material
velocity. Refer to page 31 for further info.
One Point: Performs a single point calibration. This option allows the user to
automatically calculate the velocity by entering a known sample thickness. Refer to
page 33 for further info.
Two Point: Performs a two-point calibration. This option allows the user to
automatically calculate the velocity by entering a second known sample thickness.
Refer to page 34 for further info.
Material: Select the material velocity from a chart of basic material types, when a
known sample thickness or material velocity cannot be obtained. Refer to page 37 for
further info.
3.4 DISP (display) – Menu
View: Selectable BSCAN (cross section), and DIGITS (large digits) views. Refer to
page 39 for further info.
Backlight: Selectable OFF, ON, AUTO, or INVERT backlight option. The INVERT
option is actually a screen inversion that toggles background and foreground colors.
Contrast: Adjustable display contrast for variable light conditions.
B-ST: Provides the user the ability to change the start position of the B-SCAN view.
Refer to page 41 for further info.
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B-DEP: Provides the user the ability to change the overall depth of the viewable
measurement area. It functions a lot like a zoom on a camera. Refer to page 41 for
further info.
3.5 SETUP – Menu
Open: Displays a list of factory and user defined setups currently stored in memory.
These setups can be recalled and used at any time. Refer to page 74 for further info.
Save: Provides the user with the ability to save a custom setup that has been
modified or created by the user. Refer to page 76 for further info.
Default Setup: Loads a basic default setup. Use only as a last resort when the
setups in the PVX-B have been corrupted and a computer is not accessible. Refer to
page 79 for further info.
Language: Provides the user with three different language options: English,
German, and Spanish. Refer to page 52 for further info.
3.6 DATA – Menu
New: Allows the user the ability to create a new alpha numeric grid with custom
parameters, rows, and columns depending on their application reporting
requirements. Refer to page 57 for further info.
Edit: Gives the user the ability to change parameters of grid that have been
previously saved. Note: Pre-defined coordinates cannot be changed once they have
been created. Refer to page 69 for further info.
Open: This function provides the user with the ability to recall grids that currently
exist in memory from a list of grids. Refer to page 71 for further info.
Delete One File: This function provides the user with the ability to delete one
individual grid from a list of multiple grids previously saved in memory. Refer to page
67 for further info.
Delete All Files: This function provides the user with the ability to delete all grids
currently stored in memory. Refer to page 67 for further info.
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3.7 UTIL (utilities) – Menu
Scan Mode: This function enables a high speed scan mode that increases the
overall sample rate from the standard 4 measurements a second to 32
measurements a second. Refer to page 52 for further info.
Alarm Status: Toggles alarm mode on or off. Refer to page 54 for further info.
Alarm LO Limit: Gives the user the ability to set the LO limit parameter. If the
measurement falls below this value, a red light will illuminate and sound the internal
beeper. Refer to page 55 for further info.
Alarm HI Limit: Gives the user the ability to set the HI limit parameter. If the
measurement exceeds this value, a red light will illuminate and sound the internal
beeper. Refer to page 56 for further info.
3.8 XFER (transfer) – Menu
Backup Setups: Enables the user the ability to backup the setups currently stored
in the PVX-B to a PC via RS232 port. Refer the help section of the DakView
software for a complete electronic manual.
Restore Setups: Enables the user the ability to restore the setups currently saved
on a PC to an PVX-B via RS232 port. Refer the help section of the DakView
software for a complete electronic manual.
Backup File: Enables the user the ability to backup grids currently stored in the
PVX-B to a PC via RS232 port. Refer the help section of the DakView software for a
complete electronic manual.
Restore File: Enables the user the ability to restore grids currently saved on a PC to
an PVX-B via RS232 port. Refer the help section of the DakView software for a
complete electronic manual.
About: Provides the user with Dakota Ultrasonics contact information and the PVX-
Bsoftware version. Refer the help section of the DakView software for a complete
electronic manual.
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3.9 CLR (clear) Key
The primary functions of the CLR key, is to clear a measurement from a grid cell
location or set obstruct, and backspace in an Alpha Edit Box. If a user has already
saved a measurement and waveform to a cell location, use this key to clear the
measurement at any time.
3.10 MEAS (measurement mode) Key
The MEAS key puts the PVX-B into it’s primary mode of operation. In this mode, the
user has a complete view of the LCD, as well as control of the Hot Menu Functions.
These hot functions provide the user with the ability to make crucial adjustments to
the display, waveform settings, and grid storage locations without having to search
through the menu and sub menu items. It’s important to first get familiar with moving
around in the hot functions as follows:
Getting Around in the Hot Menus
1) Press the MEAS key at any time to return to the primarily measurement
mode.
2) Press the MEAS key multiple times to tab right through the menu fields, and
the ESC key multiple times to tab left through the menu fields, until the
desired hot function is highlighted.
Now that you’re familiar with activating and moving amongst the hot function fields,
let’s have a look at how to adjust or change the values of these fields:
Adjusting the Values of the Hot Menus
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1) Use the UP, DOWN, LEFT, and RIGHT arrow keys to increase and
decrease the values of the hot function fields.
2) Repeat step 1 until the desired value has been achieved.
Alternatively, the B-ST and B-DEP hot function fields can be changed using
the Digit Edit Box as follows:
1) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.
2) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys to scroll the highlighted value.
3) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to scroll the digit locations.
4) Repeat steps 2 & 3 to adjust the other hot menu values.
5) Press the OK key to set and return to the measure screen, or ESC to cancel
entering the B-ST or B-DEP values.
3.11 OK Key
The primary function of the OK key is confirmation of a change or selection. It also
toggles the view from B-SCAN to DIGITS in previously saved grid location.
3.12 ESC Key
The ESC key is used in the MENU, MEAS, and EDIT functions as a back or escape
function. It also toggles the view from B-SCAN to DIGITS in previously saved grid
location.
3.13 Arrow Keys
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The Arrow Keys are used to navigate through the menus, increase/decrease values,
and toggle specific function keys.
3.14 ENTER key
The ENTER key is used in the overall menu selection process, to activate list and
edit boxes, and save measurements to grid locations.
3.15 MULTI MODE Key
The MULTI MODE key activates the Load Setup List to select a factory or
previously saved user setup for a variety of different transducer types and settings.
This is a quick automatic preset mode that enables the user to change modes and
basic settings from the tabbed menus. The factory setups serve as the perfect
starting point for immediate use or further fine-tuning.
3.16 ON/OFF Key
The ON/OFF key simply powers the unit either ON or OFF. Note: Unit will
automatically power off when idle for 5 minutes. All current settings are saved prior
to powering off.
3.17 Top & Bottom End Caps
The top & bottom end panels are where all connections are made to the PVX-B. The
diagram above shows the layout and description of the connectors:
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