DeFelsko POSITECTOR SMARTLINK User manual

Instruction Manual v. 1.0 - AndroidTM
with PosiTector
RTR-H
probe

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................. 1
Why is Measurement Important? ........................... 2
Press-O-Film Replica Tape .................................... 2
Quick Start ................................................................... 2
PosiTector App ............................................................. 3
Connect PosiTector App to PosiTector probe ........ 4
User Interface ........................................................ 4
PosiTector SmartLink ................................................... 6
Connect a Probe .................................................... 7
Power-up/Power-down ........................................... 8
Tri-Color LED Button .............................................. 8
PosiTector RTR-H Probe ............................................. 8
Factory Calibration ................................................. 8
Certification ............................................................ 9
How To Measure .......................................................... 9
Prepare the test surface ......................................... 9
Burnish the replica tape ......................................... 9
Prepare the probe .................................................. 10
Measure ................................................................. 10
Calibration and Verification of Accuracy ...................... 11
Menu Operation ........................................................... 12
Cal Settings Menu ....................................................... 13
Zero ........................................................................ 13
Reset Current Cal .................................................. 13
Tape Grade ............................................................ 13
Linearize mode ...................................................... 14
Memory Menu .............................................................. 15
New Batch .............................................................. 15
Batch Summary View ........................................ 16
Tool Bar .............................................................. 16
Delete/Ignore Reading .................................. 17
Add New Batch .............................................. 17
Add Photo ...................................................... 18
Add Image Annotaion .................................... 18
Add Notes ...................................................... 19

Share Batch .................................................. 19
Report ................................................................ 19
Export ................................................................ 19
Batch Readings View ........................................ 20
Batch Chart View ............................................... 20
Open ...................................................................... 21
Close ...................................................................... 21
Delete ..................................................................... 22
Batch Report Configuration ................................... 22
Batch Report .......................................................... 23
Statistics Menu ............................................................. 23
Clear ....................................................................... 23
Setup Menu ................................................................. 24
SmartLink Info ........................................................ 24
Change Units ......................................................... 24
SmartLink Lock ...................................................... 24
Reset (Menu Reset / LED Button Reset) ............... 25
Warranty ...................................................................... 26

1
Introduction
Introduction
PosiTector RTR Replica Tape Reader probes measure burnished
Testex Press-O-Film replica tape to produce peak-to-valley surface
profile height measurements. This instruction manual specifically
covers use with PosiTector SmartLink.
The PosiTector SmartLink and free mobile app allow you to wirelessly
connect a wide selection of PosiTector probes to your smart device.
Take full advantage of your device's keyboard, microphone, camera,
internet data connection, etc. to simplify and enhance your
measurement inspection process.
(PosiTector SmartLink with PosiTector 6000 probe shown)
The PosiTector SmartLink measurement solution consists of a
PosiTector App, PosiTector SmartLink device and compatible
PosiTector probe. In addition to the PosiTector RTR-H, compatible
probes include the PosiTector SPG (surface profile),
6000 (coating thickness) and DPM (environmental conditions).

2
Why is Measurement Important?
Steel is often abrasive blast cleaned or otherwise roughened prior
to painting. The peak-to-valley height of the resultant surface
profile is an important factor in the performance of applied
protective coatings.
Low profile may reduce coating bond strength (adhesion). Too high
and the peaks may receive insufficient coverage and possibly rust
prematurely. The costly application of more coating may be
required if the profile is too high.
For these reasons, surface profile should be measured prior to
coating application to ensure that it meets contract specifications.
Press-O-Film Replica Tape
Press-O-Film provides a simple way to obtain an impression of a
surface for analysis. It consists of a layer of crushable plastic micro
foam affixed to a 50.8 um (2 mil) incompressible polyester film.
When compressed against a roughened surface, the foam
collapses and acquires an accurate impression, or reverse replica,
of the surface. It is available in a number of grades to
accommodate measurements in different profile ranges.
Placing the compressed tape (replica) into the PosiTector RTR-H
probe gives a measure of the average maximum peak-to-valley
height of the surface roughness profile. The polyester substrate is
automatically subracted from all measurements.
Quick Start
Quick Start
The PosiTector SmartLink powers-up when the LED button is
pressed. To preserve battery life, the PosiTector SmartLink
powers-down after 5 minutes of no activity. Alternatively, press and
hold the LED button until it turns red and shuts off (approximately
5 seconds).
All probe settings and calibration adjustments are retained within
the PosiTector SmartLink, stored measurement data is retained
within the smart device (cell phone, tablet).

3
Measure
To ensure best accuracy, the probe should be zeroed before each
use. It is therefore a good idea to clean the probe regularly with the
included cleaning card. Cleaning is best performed when the
PosiTector SmartLink is powered down.
Clean the probe with the include cleaning card1
Wirelessly connect the PosiTector probe to the smart device2
using the PosiTector App
Zero the probe (pg 13)3
Measure the included check shim to verify accuracy (pg 10)4
Measure the burnished replica tape (pg 10)5
See How to Measure (pg 9) for more detailed measuring
instructions.
PosiTector App
PosiTector App
The PosiTector App connects a PosiTector SmartLink to your Smart
device enabling you to use PosiTector 6000, DPM, SPG or RTR-H
probes on your device without the need for a conventional gage body.
Screen fonts, brightness and displayed language are inherited from
your smart device settings. Currently, the PosiTector App has language
support for English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Korean.
Screen orientation is fixed to portrait only, rotation to landscape is not
supported.
Stored batch readings, images and notes are all stored in the
PosiTector App (on your smart device). The number of stored batch
readings is only limited by the memory available on your smart device.
If the application is removed or a Menu Reset (pg 25) is performed, all
stored measurements and associated data is permanently erased.

Power-up the PosiTector SmartLink and connected RTR-H probe1
by pressing the LED button. The button will blink blue.
Select the PosiTector SmartLink App icon on your smart device.2
Select Continue. A list of available PosiTector probes (listed by3
connected probe type and serial number) will be displayed.
Select the desired PosiTector SmartLink to connect. The LED
button on the PosiTector SmartLink will illuminate solid blue
when successfully connected.
The probe model and serial number is engraved on the
backside of the plastic probe connector (i.e. RTR-H 236323).
4
The user interface was designed to combine the proven simplicity of
PosiTector gages and the advanced functionality of a smart device's
features including touch, swipe, keyboard, camera and more. The
interface will be instantly recognizable to those familiar with PosiTector
instruments.
User Interface
User Interface
Wirelessly Connecting the PosiTector App
Wirelessly Connecting the PosiTector App
to the PosiTector
to the PosiTector RTR-H RTR-H probe probe

5
Main Navigation Bar
The Main Navigation section is dynamic and may change from one
screen to another.
In the above example, Search and Menu navigation options are
available.
Search returns back to the list of available PosiTector SmartLink
devices. Menu accesses the Main Menu.
SmartLink Status Bar
Displays information about the connected PosiTector SmartLink and
associated probe.
The example above indicates that the PosiTector SmartLink battery
status is full and connected to a PosiTector RTR-H probe (serial
number: 236623).
Measurement Area
Displays measurement related information. In the measurement screen
below a reading of 70 microns has been taken in Linearize mode (HL)
using X-Coarse replica tape. The probe was Zeroed as recommended
best practice.
The measurement area will change depending on the connected probe
type and selected modes.

The PosiTector SmartLink acts as a relay between the PosiTector
probe and PosiTector App using wireless Bluetooth Smart
(BLE Bluetooth Low Energy). No pairing required! Auto-pairing
Bluetooth connection works up to 10 m (30 feet) away.
Information specific to currently selected modes and user
calibration adjustments (specific to each probe) are retained within
the PosiTector SmartLink. This allows for seamless switching
between smart devices (phone and tablet).
Measurement data is not stored within the PosiTector
SmartLink. All measurement data (readings, images, notes) is
stored within the PosiTector App on your smart device.
PosiTector
PosiTector SmartLink SmartLink
NOTE:
Modes Icons and Units
Displays icons for active modes (such as the disk icon X for Memory
mode, pg 15), current calibration adjustment type ( X Factory), and
measurement units (microns).
Carousel
The carousel is displayed when more than a single view (screen) is
present. The number of dots represent the number of available views.
Swipe your finger horizontally across the screen to switch between
views.
Tip:Some views contain interactive areas. For this reason we
recommend swiping horizontally across the Mode Icons and Units bar.
Tool Bar
Displays available
actions applicable to
current operating modes
(i.e. Memory (pg 15),
Statistics (pg 23), etc.)
6

7
Connect a Probe
To connect a probe, slide the plastic probe connector in the direction
of the arrow (shown above) until it locks in place. Reverse for
detaching the probe.
The PosiTector App features probe hot-swap. During the
measurement process, probes can be interchanged without the need
to go back to the Search screen. Simply swap probes (PosiTector
SmartLink will power-down) and then power-up the PosiTector
SmartLink. The PosiTector App will automatically recognize the probe
and be ready to measure.
NOTE:
When powered-up, the PosiTector SmartLink automatically determines
what type of probe is attached and does a self-check. The probe type,
model and serial number are displayed when found within the app's
Search screen.

8
PosiTector
PosiTector RTR-H RTR-H Probe Probe
The PosiTector RTR-H probe measures burnished
Testex Press-O-Film replica tape to produce peak-to-valley
surface profile height measurements.
More probe information is available at www.defelsko.com/rtr
Power-up / Power-down
The PosiTector SmartLink powers-up when the LED button is pressed.
To preserve battery life, the PosiTector SmartLink powers-down after
5 minutes of no activity. Alternatively, press and hold the LED button
until it turns red and shuts off (approximately 5 seconds).
All probe settings and calibration adjustments are retained, stored
measurement data is retained within the smart device.
Tri-Color LED Button
The LED visually provides connection and measurement status.
LED Color Status:
Blue Blink = Not Connected to PosiTector App
Blue Solid = Connected to PosiTector App
Green Blink = Successful Reading
Factory Calibration
Every PosiTector RTR probe is factory calibrated and includes a
Certificate of Calibration. This factory calibration information is
permanently stored within the probe and cannot be overwritten by the
user. The icon indicates factory zero. For best accuracy, it is
recommended that a Zero Cal Adjustment be performed.

9
Certification
PosiTector RTR probes include a Certificate of Calibration showing
traceability to a National Metrology Institution. For organizations with
re-certification requirements, instruments may be returned at regular
intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that customers
establish 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.
http://www.defelsko.com/quality/calibration_procedures.htm
How to Measure
How to Measure
Prepare the test surface (pg 9)1
Burnish the replica tape (pg 9)2
Prepare the probe (pg 10)3
Measure (pg 10)4
Prepare the test surface
Locate a representative site for
measurement. Clean the surface to be
tested.
DeFelsko recommends the use of the
included putty to remove dust, debris, or
residual blast media from the surface.
Firmly press the putty onto the surface
using your fingers, and remove.
Burnish the replica tape (create a replica)
Select the appropriate grade of replica tape based on the target profile.
See tape instructions for assistance.
Pull a single adhesive-backed replica tape free of its release paper.
A "bull's eye" circle of paper should remain on the release paper (it is
not used for measurement). Apply replica tape to blasted surface.
Press the adhesive-backed ends of the paper to hold it firmly in place
during the burnishing process.

10
Measure the included check shim to verify accuracy. Ensure the correct
grade of replica tape, Coarse or X-Coarse, is displayed in the upper left
corner of the measurement area.
Prepare the probe
With the PosiTector SmartLink powered-down, clean the measurement
anvils using the included cleaning card. Swipe the card through the
opening a few times while firmly pressing both probe buttons to remove
dust particles and residual tape adhesive.
Power-up the PosiTector SmartLink by pressing the LED button.
Zero the probe (pg 13) by simultaneously pressing and holding both
probe buttons firmly until the arrows point outward. Do not place
anything in the measurement opening during this procedure.
Firmly compress replica film using the
rounded end of the included stainless steel
burnishing tool. Apply sufficient pressure in
a circular and x-y rubbing motion to
produce a replica with a uniform pebble
grain appearance. It normally takes 30 to
60 seconds to fully compress all parts of
the film on most surfaces. In general, too
much compression is safer than too little.
After burnishing is complete, remove the replica tape from the surface.
Measure
Insert the burnished replica tape
into the measurement opening.
Ensure the tape is properly
positioned so that the burnished
region is centered within the
opening in the probe with the
adhesive (sticky) side down.

11
To position the tape, move the TestexTM Press-O-FilmTM replica tape to
the back of the probe and align the two dots (printed on replica tape)
with arrows on both sides of the measurement opening.
If you are using older TestexTM Press-O-FilmTM replica tape that does
not have the printed dots, simply align by centering the tape within the
measurement opening.
Once positioned, firmly press both probe buttons simultaneously and
hold until the the measurement is displayed. During measurement,
a constant anvil pressure is applied to the replica tape regardless of
how hard the two buttons are pressed.
The PosiTector RTR-H probe automatically subtracts the 50.8 um
(2 mil) of incompressible polyester film. No further adjustments are
required.
Calibration, Verification & Adjustment
Calibration, Verification & Adjustment
Calibration
Calibration is the high-level, controlled and documented process of
measuring traceable calibration standards over the full operating range
of the probe, and verifying that the results are within the stated
accuracy of the probe. Calibrations are performed by the manufacturer,
their authorized agent, or by an accredited calibration laboratory in a
controlled environment using a documented process.
PosiTector RTR probes ship with a Certificate of Calibration showing
traceability to a National Metrology Institution. For organizations with
re-certification requirements, probes may be returned at regular
intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends that customers
establish calibration intervals based upon their own experience and
work environment. Based on DeFelsko’s product knowledge, data and
customer feedback, a one year calibration interval from either the last
date of calibration, date of purchase, or date of receipt is a typical
starting point.
Written Calibration Procedures are available online at no charge.
http://www.defelsko.com/quality/calibration_procedures.htm

12
Menu Operation
Menu Operation
PosiTector RTR-H functions are menu controlled. Access them by
selecting Menu in the upper right of the PosiTector App display.
The Main Menu contains the following sub-menus...
Memory (pg 15)•
Statistics (pg 23)•
Cal Settings (pg 13)•
Setup (pg 24)•
Select Exit to close the menu.
Verification
Accuracy is verified using the included check shim. Ensure that the
probe has been cleaned with the included cleaning card and that the
probe has been zeroed.
Place the check shim into the measurement opening. The average of
several readings should be within the combined tolerance of both the
probe and the shim. If not, the probe may need to be returned to your
dealer for service.
The check shim is specifically intended for the PosiTector RTR-H. The
probe is designed to measure burnished replica tape within a limited
measuring range and automatically subtracts 50.8 um (2 mil) from
height measurements to account for the incompressible polyester film.
Therefore plastic shims intended for other instruments such as coating
thickness gages will not be measured properly.

13
Select Zero from the Cal Settings menu1
Simultaneously press and hold both probe buttons firmly until the2
arrows point outward. Do not place anything in the measurement
opening during this procedure.
Simultaneously press and hold both probe buttons firmly
until “0” displays (arrows do not display as in above). This can be
performed from the main measurement screen without having to
access the menu.
Reset Current Cal
Restores factory zero.
Tape Grade
Selects a replica tape grade. Required when Linearize mode (HL) is
ON.
Coarse•
X-Coarse (default)•
Coarse Minus and X-Coarse Plus grades are not supported
in Linearize mode since the only function of these two grades is to
improve upon the accuracy of Coarse tape at its low end and
X-Coarse tape at its high end, something the PosiTector RTR-H probe
will automatically do when measuring HL. When Linearize mode is
OFF, the PosiTector RTR-H probe will measure all four grades of
replica tape just like a conventional spring micrometer.
Shortcut:
NOTE:
Cal Settings Menu
Cal Settings Menu
Zero
The probe should be zeroed regularly to ensure best accuracy. It is
particularly useful during long measurement sessions. Clean the
probe with the included cleaning card before performing a probe Zero.

14
Linearize mode HL
When toggled ON (default), "HL" appears on the display and
subsequent measurements are linearized.
An undesirable characteristic of replica tape is that measurements
made with analog spring micrometers are most accurate near the
middle of each grade's range and least accurate at the outer ends of
each grade's range. That is why two other grades, Coarse Minus and
X-Coarse Plus, are used to check and, if necessary, adjust
measurements at the lower and upper ends of the primary range of
20 - 115 um (0.8 - 4.5 mils).
Inside the primary range, the upper end of Coarse grade’s range and
the lower end of X-Coarse grade’s range share a 38 - 64 um
(1.5 - 2.5 mil) "overlap" region. Current Testex instructions describe a
relatively complicated and time consuming procedure (the average of
one reading using Coarse grade and one reading using X-Coarse
grade) that is used to knit the Coarse and X-Coarse sub-ranges
together to achieve reasonably accurate readings over the primary
range. This method is a compromise between accuracy and ease of
use.
When the Linearize box is NOT ticked, the PosiTector RTR-H
displays a height value of H comparable to the value an analog spring
micrometer would display after the 50.8 um (2 mil) of incompressible
polyester substrate has been subtracted. In other words, it is the
average of the maximum peak-to-valley distances obtained by
measuring the thickness of the replica tape without any correction.
When the Linearize box IS ticked, the PosiTector RTR-H displays a
more accurate peak-to-valley height measurement HLthat has been
adjusted for the non-linearity of replica tape. There is no need to
average 2 or more replicas from different grades of tape AND there is
no need to subtract the 50.8 um (2 mil) of incompressible polyester
substrate. Ensure the proper tape grade, Coarse or X-Coarse, has
been selected and appears in the upper left corner of the display.
During measurement, if the linearized measurement falls outside of the
selected tape grade's range, a more suitable tape grade will be
suggested to perform the measurement.

15
Memory Menu
Memory Menu
The PosiTector App uses your smart device's storage for recording
measurement data. Stored measurements can be reviewed
on-screen or shared via email (PDF, CSV). Measurements are date
and time-stamped (using date/time from smart device).
The following options appear within the Memory menu.
Additional options may appear depending on the connected
PosiTector SmartLink and probe type.
New Batch
Closes any currently opened batch and creates a new batch name
using the lowest available number. For example, if only Batch 1 and
Batch 3 exist, then Batch 2 would be created and made the current
batch.
The X icon appears and basic statistics are displayed. Each
measurement will be displayed and stored into this new batch.
On screen statistics are immediately updated with each measurement.
New batch names are date-stamped at the time they are created.
When a batch is open, press the LED button on the
PosiTector SmartLink or X icon on the display to create a new batch.
Shortcut:
The following 3 screen views are available when a batch is open
(Memory ON). Swipe your finger horizontally across the screen to
switch between views.

16
Use the Tool bar icons to add notes and change the batch name
(pg 19), add new batch (pg 17) and add an image (pg 18).
Batch Summary View
In the PosiTector RTR-H memory example below, the batch name
is B9 and contains 5 measurements.

17
Delete or Ignore last reading
from the current open batch.
When selected, the following menu
appears.
Ignore Readings are retained within
the batch but are excluded from the
report's statistical summaries and
charts.
The ignored readings are highlighted
within the Batch Readings View
(Shown here. See also pg 20.)
By default Ignored Readings are not
included on reports. For inclusion,
toggle the Hide Ignored Readings
within the Batch Report Configuration
(pg 22). Ignored Readings will display
has highlighted within the readings
section of the report, but are excluded
from the statistical summary and chart.
Delete Reading permanently
removes the selected measurement
from the current batch.
Cancel exits the menu.
X New Batch
Closes any open batch and creates a new batch name using the
lowest available number.