DeFelsko PosiTector DPM User manual

PosiTector DPM
®
Instruction Manual v. 3.1
Dew Point Meter

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................... 1
Quick Start .......................................................... 1
Operation Overview ............................................ 3
Calibration ........................................................... 5
Why is Measurement Important .......................... 6
Probes ................................................................. 7
Menu Operation .................................................. 9
Alarm Mode ......................................................... 10
Setup Menu ......................................................... 11
Reset .............................................................. 11
Gage Info ....................................................... 11
Wet Bulb Temperature ................................... 12
Trend Chart .................................................... 12
Memory Management ......................................... 13
Standard Models ........................................... 14
Advanced Models .......................................... 14
Annotate ......................................................... 15
Display ........................................................... 15
Summaries ..................................................... 16
Screen Capture .............................................. 16
Auto Log Mode .................................................... 17
Accessing Stored Measurement Data ................ 18
PosiSoft Desktop Manager (PDM) ................. 18
PosiSoft.net .................................................... 19
PosiSoft Software .......................................... 19
PosiSoft Mobile .............................................. 20

Connect Menu ..................................................... 21
Sync Now ....................................................... 21
Auto Sync ....................................................... 21
USB Drive ...................................................... 21
Bluetooth ........................................................ 23
Bluetooth Wireless Printer ............................. 24
WiFi ................................................................ 24
Updates .......................................................... 27
Power Supply / Battery Indicator ........................ 28
Rechargeable Batteries ...................................... 28
Additional Accessories ........................................ 28
Troubleshooting .................................................. 30
Technical Data .................................................... 31
Returning For Service ......................................... 32
Warranty .............................................................. 32

1
Introduction
Introduction
The PosiTector Dew Point Meter (DPM) is a hand-held,
electronic Gage that continually measures, calculates and records
climatic conditions, quickly and accurately. It consists of a body
(Standard or Advanced) and probe (Built-In or Separate).
A typical Gage screen is shown (pg. 2), consisting of RH, Ta, Ts,
Td, and Ts-Td readings. This group of readings is referred to as a
dataset.
PosiTector DPM Kit Contents
- Humidity, air and surface temperature sensors
- Protective rubber holster with belt clip
- Protective Cap for Surface Temperature Sensor
- Protective Lens Shield
- Wrist Strap
- 3 Alkaline AAA batteries
- Quick Guide Instructions
- Nylon carrying case with shoulder strap
- USB Cable
- Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
- Two (2) year warranty on Body and Probe
The PosiTector DPM powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. Readings are updated automatically each
second. To preserve battery life, the Gage powers down after
approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are retained.
Quick Start
Quick Start
1. Remove the protective rubber cap from the surface
temperature sensor.
2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.

2
USB Port
LCD Display
Probe Connector
PosiTector Body
RH - Relative Humidity (measured)
Ta - Air Temperature (measured)
Ts - Surface Temperature (measured)
Td - Dew Point (calculated)
Ts-Td - Surface minus Dew Point
Temperature (calculated)
Tw - Wet Bulb Temperature (calculated)
(Advanced Models Only)
Typical Screen

3
Operation Overview
Operation Overview
The PosiTector DPM powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. Readings are updated automatically each
second. To preserve battery life, the Gage powers down after
approximately 5 minutes of no button activity. All settings are
retained.
Button Functions- Normal Operation
The Pause/Resume (+) button stops values from automatically
updating to allow for closer examination of the relationship
between the values or to allow time to manually record the entire
dataset. Press (+) again to resume.
Scroll through
Trend Charts
(Advanced only)
Access the Menu
Pause / Resume
Restore brightness
after dimming
(Advanced only)
Wrist Strap
We recommend attaching and wearing the
supplied wrist strap.
1
2
Protective Lens Shield
The LCD is covered with a thin plastic film for protection against
fingerprints and other marks during shipment. This film, while
usually removed before using the Gage, can be left in place to
protect against paint overspray or debris. Replacements can be
purchased.
Protective Cap
The PosiTector DPM is shipped with a protective plastic cap over
the surface temperature sensor. Remove this cap prior to use.
Replace it when the Gage is not in use to protect the sensor.

4
RH - The relative humidity sensor is located inside the white plas-
tic housing. The sensor may require a longer period to stabilize in
the event of extreme humidity changes.
Ta- The air temperature sensor is also located inside the white
plastic housing. (Also known as Dry Bulb Temperature)
Ts- A surface temperature thermocouple is located on the tip of
the silver probe (built-in probe model). It is spring loaded and
designed to quickly self-align on a surface. Press it against a
Td - The dew point temperature is a function of air temperature
and relative humidity (see ISO 8502-4 Annex A). It is the temper-
ature to which a volume of air must be cooled in order to reach
saturation.
Ts- Td- The surface minus dew point temperature is important
in judging the risk of condensation, or dew, forming on a surface.
For example, ISO 8502-4 recommends that, unless otherwise
agreed, the temperature of a steel surface generally should be at
least 3°C (5°F) above the dew point when paints are applied.
surface and allow a few seconds for the value to stabilize. Do not
drag the sensor over the surface. Wet the surface for a faster
response. Cover with the included protective plastic cap when not
in use.
For surface temperature measurement on steel over an
extended of time, consider using the optional Magnetic Surface
Temperature probe (pg. 7).
NOTE:
Tw- (Advanced models only) The wet bulb temperature is the
temperature of adiabatic saturation. This is the temperature
indicated by a moistened thermometer bulb exposed to air flow.
The wet bulb temperature is calculated from Ta and RH using an
air pressure of 1.0 atmospheres (1013mbar). It approximates the
temperature indicated by a moistened thermometer bulb exposed
to airflow. Variations of Tw at other pressures could be greater than
±1°C (±2°F).
Tw can only be displayed with memory off and its value
cannot be stored in memory.
NOTE:

5
Smart Trend
Indicators
While the absence of an arrow does not necessarily signify stabil-
ity, it can be taken to mean that particular reading is undergoing lit-
tle or no change. Slow changes could therefore occur without
being noted by an indicator arrow.
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. Calibrations
are typically performed by the Gage manufacturer or by a certified
calibration laboratory in a controlled environment using a
documented process.
The PosiTector DPM is shipped with a Certificate of Calibration
showing traceability to a national standard. For organizations with
re-certification requirements, the PosiTector DPM may be
returned at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko
recommends that our customers establish Gage calibration
intervals based upon their own experience and work environment.
Based on our product knowledge, data and customer feedback, a
one year calibration interval from either the date of calibration,
date of purchase, or date of receipt is a typical starting point.
Written Calibration Procedures are available online at no charge
at www.defelsko.com.
Smart Trend
TM
Indicators - identify rising, falling or stable
readings. The Gage compares each measurement with recent
values to provide the current direction of change.
The Gage may require a period of time before the above climatic
readings stabilize. This is most noticeable when the Gage is
relocated from one extreme environment to another (i.e. from a
warm location to a cold location). A period of up to 30 minutes
should provide adequate time for stabilization.

6
Why is Measurement Important?
Why is Measurement Important?
For industrial painters, the primary reason for measuring climatic
conditions is to avoid rework and the premature failure of
protective coatings. Recommendations and requirements are
covered under various internationally recognized standards.
Temperature – It is important to measure both surface and air
temperatures as they are often different. Application at incorrect
temperatures can cause defects including: blistering, pinholing,
cratering, dry spray & mud cracking. By measuring surface
temperature it is possible to avoid potential application problems if
air or surface temperatures become too hot or too cold for
satisfactory film formation. Surface and air temperatures directly
affect the rate of cure of the applied coating or lining system and
are major factors in the formation of surface moisture or dew.
ASTM D3276 Standard Guide for Painting Inspectors (Metal
Substrates) states that the minimum air/surface temperature is
usually 5ºC (40ºF).
Relative Humidity - the amount of moisture in the air expressed
as a percent of overall volume. High relative humidity can retard
the rate of solvent evaporation. For this reason, the maximum
relative humidity at which coatings or linings can be applied and
cured is generally set at 85%. This can be set as an alarm in the
Advanced model.
Dew Point Temperature - the temperature at which moisture will
begin to form on a surface. The dew point temperature is a function
of air temperature and the relative humidity. (see ISO 8502-4
Annex A). It is the temperature to which a volume of air must be
cooled in order to reach saturation. A number of major standards
organizations call for careful dew point control. Moisture on a
freshly blasted steel substrate will cause the steel to rust. If a thin,
invisible film of moisture is trapped between the applied coating
and the substrate, the system will likely fail prematurely. To ensure
that dew point problems do not exist, ISO 8502-4 and SSPC
guidelines state that the surface temperature must be a minimum
of 3ºC or 5ºF above the dew point during the 3 critical phases of
coating preparation, application, and cure.

7
Optionally, the Magnetic Surface Temperature Probe can be
disconnected from the K-Type thermocouple connector (separate
probe models only) and replaced with one of the following
accessories:
Hand-held Surface Temperature Probe
- for spot checking hard-to-reach surfaces
Self-adhering Surface Temperature Probe
- sticks to solid materials including aluminum, wood, concrete,
etc. Ideal for unattended monitoring.
Liquid Temperature Probe
- general purpose probe with stainless steel shaft
The PosiTector DPM consists of a body and a probe. Two probe
models (Built-In and Separate) are offered, as pictured below. All
bodies accept all probes. See Gage Info (pg. 11) to find your body
and probe type. More information is available at:
www.defelsko.com/dewmeter.htm
To disconnect a probe from a body, power-down the
Gage and pull the plastic probe connector horizontally (in
the direction of the arrow) away from the body. Reverse
these steps to attach a new probe.
When powered-up the PosiTector automatically
determines what type of probe is attached and does a
self-check.
Probes
Probes
Air temperature
and humidity
sensors
Separate probe
with magnetic
surface
temperature
sensor
Surface
temperature
sensor

8
To ensure optimal performance of your PosiTector DPM, do not
obstruct the airflow near the air temperature and humidity sensors.
Keep fingers away from the sensor, as body heat can cause
incorrect readings. Allow time for the Gage to acclimate and for the
readings to stabilize when moving the Gage between different
environments.
When using the surface temperature probe, do not use excessive
downward force, and do not drag it sideways. When the Gage is
not in use, place the plastic cap over the surface temperature
sensor to prevent damage.
Additionally, the PosiTector accepts a number of probe
types including magnetic and eddy current coating thickness,
ultrasonic coating thickness, surface profile, environmental and
ultrasonic wall thickness probes. For best accuracy, ensure your
Gage has the latest software Updates (pg. 27) before measuring
with a new probe. For the latest information about probe
interchangeability, visit www.defelsko.com/probes.
CAUTION:
NOTE:

9
Memory
Auto Log
Alarm
Setup
Connect
Help
Power Off
Exit
Menu Operation
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 DPM Advanced Model:
Up
Down
Center
To navigate, use the Up and Down buttons to
scroll and to SELECT.
Select Exit to exit from any menu.
Navigation Button
Some buttons have a tick box to their
right to indicate current status. An empty
box indicates that feature is not active.
Current selection is displayed
with darkened background
ü
Sync Now
USB Drive
Auto SYNC
Bluetooth
WiFi
Powder Probes
Updates
Exit
The center button is purposely recessed to help
eliminate unintentional powering-up of the Gage.
NOTE:

10
Advanced models allow the user to set up
custom alarm conditions for each reading in a
dataset. Use the Up and Down buttons to
scroll through each value and corresponding
operator.
For each reading, select between XX (off), ≥
(greater than or equal to), and ≤ (less than or
equal to) using the (-) and (+) buttons. Press
the down button and set the value using the
(-) and (+) buttons.
For example, at upper right, the Gage will
alarm if the Ts-Td value is less than or equal to
3.0.
In alarm mode, if an alarm condition is met, the
relevant reading is displayed in red, and the
Alarm icon is displayed beside it (see image
at right). If the “Sound” checkbox was selected
in the Alarm Mode setup screen, an audio tone
will also be emitted.
Standard models have one, fixed alarm.
When selected, the Gage will alert the user
when the surface temperature is less than
3°C (5°F) above the dew point temperature.
Enable by selecting the tick box. The Gage
will alert the user with an audio tone and the
LCD screen will reverse (see right) when
conditions may be unsuitable for painting.
The PosiTector DPM can automatically alert the user when cur-
rent climatic conditions exceed pre-set values. When selected, the
Alarm icon is displayed at the top of the screen. According to
ISO 8502-4 and ASTM D3276, steel surfaces should generally be
3°C (5°F) above the dew point when painting. The Alarm mode
can be used in conjunction with Memory and Auto Log modes.
Alarm Mode
Alarm Mode

11
- Bluetooth Pairing info is cleared.
- Alarm values are set to default.
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Setup Menu
Setup Menu
Reset
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.
Reset (soft reset) restores factory settings and returns the Gage
to a known condition. The following occurs:
- All batches, stored datasets, images and batch names are
erased.
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Memory = OFF
Auto Log = OFF
Bluetooth = OFF
Trend Chart = None
NOTE: - Date, Time and WiFi are not affected by either Reset.
Units = Celsius
Flip Display = Normal
Auto Sync = OFF
Alarms = OFF
Alarm Sound = OFF
Wet Bulb = OFF
White on Black = OFF
Language = English
Battery Type = Alkaline
Backlight = Normal
Auto Log Interval = 5 min
Bluetooth Streaming = OFF
USB Drive= ON
Perform a more thorough Hard Reset by powering down the
Gage, waiting several seconds, then simultaneously holding both
the center and (+) buttons until the Reset symbol
appears. This returns the Gage to a known, “out-of-the-box”
condition. It performs the same function as a menu Reset with the
addition of:

12
Selects display brightness (Sun, Normal or Night). All settings will
dim slightly after a period of no activity to conserve battery life.
Press the Down button to brighten the display.
Backlight (Advanced models only)
All batches are date-stamped when created, and all datasets are
time-stamped (24 hour format) when stored into memory. It is
therefore important to keep both the date and time current using
this menu option. Use the Up and Down buttons to scroll, and the
(-) and (+) buttons to adjust a value. The Gage’s date and time
can also be viewed in Gage Info (pg. 11).
Set Clock
White on Black
Inverts the LCD display to white on a black background to provide
better readability in some surroundings.
(Advanced models only)
This option causes the display to rotate 180°. Ideal for right-side-
up viewing when the sensors are pointed away from the user.
Flip Display
Wet Bulb
Displays the wet bulb temperature (Tw) on the main screen. It is
calculated from Ta and RH using an air pressure of 1.0
atmospheres (1013 mbar). Variations of Tw at other pressures
could be greater than ±1°C (±2°F).
This menu item only appears when all memory functions
are turned off. Wet Bulb readings cannot be stored in memory.
NOTE:
(Advanced models only)
Displays a real-time graph of the readings over
the last three minutes. Use Trend Charts to
monitor short-term environmental changes and
spot trends.
Press the Up button to scroll through
the trend charts from the main screen.
Trend charts can only be displayed
when memory is off.
Trend Chart
Shortcut:
(Advanced models only)
NOTE:

13
Memory Management
Memory Management
Scroll through
display modes
(Advanced only)
Delete last dataset
Access the Menu
Store a dataset in
memory
Restore brightness
after dimming
(Advanced only)
The PosiTector DPM has internal memory storage for recording
measurement datasets. Stored datasets can be reviewed
on-screen or accessed via computers, tablets and smart phones.
Datasets are date and time-stamped. Datasets can be stored
manually (using the (+) button), or automatically using the
Auto Log mode (pg. 17).
Selects the type of batteries used in the Gage from a choice of
“Alkaline”, “Lithium” or “NiMH” (Nickel-metal hydride
rechargeable). If NiMH is selected, the Gage will trickle charge the
batteries while connected via USB to a PC or optional AC charger.
The battery state indicator icon is calibrated for the selected
battery type. No damage will occur if the wrong battery type is
selected.
DeFelsko recommends the use of eneloop (NiMH)
rechargeable batteries. It may take as long as 12 hours to charge
dead batteries.
Converts the display from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F) or vice
versa. Stored measurements in memory are not converted.
Units
Battery Type
NOTE:
Converts displayed and printed words to the selected language.
Language
- Switching units will close any open memory batch.
- Alarm values do not have units.
NOTE:
Button functions with Memory ON:

14
New Batch
Closes any currently opened batch and
creates a new batch name using the lowest
available number. For example, if only Batch
1and Batch 3 exist, then Batch 2 would be
created and made the current batch. The
icon appears. New batch names are date
stamped at the time they are created.
Standard models store up to 2,500 datasets in one batch. The
following appears within the Memory menu:
On: turns memory on
Off: turns memory off (stored datasets remain in memory)
Clear: removes all datasets from memory
View: lists group statistics and all stored datasets on the
display. It will begin by showing statistics based on all readings
in memory. Use the Up and Down buttons to scroll through all
datasets. Press to exit.
Advanced models store 20,000 datasets in up to 1,000 batches
(groups).
The following appears within the Memory menu:
Delete
Removes a batch completely from memory. Use the (+) and (-)
buttons to scroll through pages of saved batches. The name is
deleted and all datasets are erased.
Close
Stops the recording process, closes the current batch, and
removes batch information from the display.
Open
Selects a previously created batch name to open and make
current. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to scroll through pages of
saved batches. When selected, the batch name and number of
stored datasets will be displayed.

15
When a batch is open, press Up to scroll through the
above display options.
Shortcut:
Display options for the currently open batch are:
Display
Td, Ts, Ta, Ts-Td, %RH:A chart of batch readings
Image: An image downloaded from PosiSoft.net during
synchronization
Notes: Instructions or notes downloaded from PosiSoft.net
during synchronization.
None: default screen showing current dataset
View
Scroll using the Up or Down buttons through information,
statistical summary, and a list of each dataset in the currently
opened batch. Press to exit.
Sends a statistical summary and individual datasets to the
optional Bluetooth Wireless Printer (pg. 24).
Print
To cancel printing, press and hold the (-) and (+) buttons
simultaneously
σ - Standard Deviation
↓ - Minimum Value
x - Average
↑ - Maximum Value
NOTE:
Annotate
Create meaningful batch names and
enter notes directly on the Gage using a
familiar onscreen QWERTY
keyboard.
Use the Gages navigation and (-)(+)
buttons to enter annotations.
Annotations can be synchronized with
PosiSoft.net, PosiSoft Mobile and are
included in PosiSoft USB Drive reports.
(Advanced models only)

16
- Remove the last dataset from the current open batch by
pressing (-).
- Batches can be renamed in the Gage using PosiSoft.net
NOTES:
Below is a PosiTector DPM sample screen with:
- Memory mode on with one batch
containing nine saved datasets
- Chart of saved Ta, Ts, and Td
readings displayed
- White on Black mode (pg. 12)
- Readings in Celsius (°C)
- Full Battery
S c r e e n C a p t u r e
Press both (-)(+) buttons at any time to capture and save an
image copy of the current display. The last 10 screen captures
are stored in memory and can be accessed when connected to
a computer (see PosiSoft USB Drive pg. 21).
Summaries
(Advanced models only)
Displays a summary of all stored
batches including the name, probe
type, number of readings and type.
In the following example, Batch 3
(B3) indicates an “F” 6000 coating
thickness probe was used to record a
total of “6” readings in “PA2” mode.

17
The PosiTector DPM can automatically record datasets into
memory at user selected time intervals. When selected, the Auto
Log icon will appear on the display with a timer counting down
until the next dataset is stored. Readings on the display are only
updated when a dataset is stored. Connect the Gage to a USB
power source for long-term use using the included USB cable.
Auto Log Mode
Auto Log Mode
Standard models remain powered-up while in auto log mode.
The Gage will store datasets for 40-50 hours on a set of fresh
alkaline batteries depending on the frequency of measurements.
Advanced models power down between measurements to
conserve batteries. At each interval, the Gage will wake up, take a
reading, sync to PosiSoft.net (if selected) and power down. The
Gage can record approximately 8,000 datasets while in this mode
using fresh alkaline batteries, or approximately one reading every
hour for eight months.
- Auto Log continues recording until memory is full, the Gage
loses power, or the user turns off Auto Log mode. Stored datasets
will remain in memory.
- To conserve battery life, readings update only at the Log Interval.
The last recorded readings will remain “frozen” on the display until
the next dataset has been stored.
- It is recommended that fresh alkaline batteries or newly
recharged batteries be installed prior to an extended Auto Log.
NOTES:
Turn on Gage/
Cancel Auto Log
mode
Scroll through dis-
play modes
(Advanced only)