DeFelsko PosiTector SPG User manual

Full Guide v. 1.1
Surface Profile Gage

Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction ......................................................... 1
Quick Start .......................................................... 1
Probes ................................................................. 4
Why is Measurement Important? ........................ 5
How to Measure .................................................. 5
Calibration & Verification of Accuracy ................. 6
Menu Operation .................................................. 7
Zero Menu ........................................................... 8
Setup Menu ......................................................... 9
Reset .............................................................. 9
Gage Info ....................................................... 10
Statistics Menu .................................................... 11
HiLo Alarm ..................................................... 11
Memory Management ......................................... 12
Standard Models ........................................... 12
Advanced Models .......................................... 13
SmartBatch .................................................... 13
Annotate ......................................................... 15
Display ........................................................... 16
Summaries ..................................................... 17
Screen Capture .............................................. 17

Accessing Stored Measurement Data ................ 18
PosiSoft USB Drive ........................................ 18
PosiSoft.net .................................................... 18
PosiSoft Desktop ........................................... 18
PosiSoft App .................................................. 18
Connect Menu ..................................................... 19
WiFi ................................................................ 19
USB Drive ...................................................... 21
Sync Now ....................................................... 23
Bluetooth Smart.............................................. 23
Bluetooth ........................................................ 24
Updates .......................................................... 25
Power Supply / Battery Indicator ........................ 25
Technical Data .................................................... 26
Troubleshooting .................................................. 26
Returning For Service ......................................... 27
Warranty .............................................................. 27

1
ntroduction
ntroduction
The PosiTector Surface Profile Gage (SPG) is a hand-held
electronic Gage that measures the peak-to-valley height of the
surface profile of abrasive blast cleaned surfaces. It consists of a
body (Standard or Advanced) and probe.
PosiTector SPG Kit Contents
- PosiTector body (Standard or Advanced)
- PosiTector probe (SPG)
- Glass zero plate amd metal shim
- Protective rubber holster with belt clip
- Protective cap for probe
- Protective lens shield
- Wrist strap
- 3 AAA alkaline batteries
- Quick Guide instruction booklet
- Nylon carrying case with shoulder strap
- USB Cable
- Certificate of Calibration traceable to NIST
- PosiSoft.net account
- Two (2) year warranty on Body and Probe
1. Remove the protective plastic cap from probe.
2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.
3. Place the glass zero plate onto a stable, flat surface. Take
several measurements. If the average of several readings is
greater than ± 5 µm (0.2 mil), Zero the Gage (see pg. 8).
4. Place the probe FLAT on the surface to be measured such that
the tip of the probe reaches into the bottom of a profile valley.
HOLD ST ADY. The Gage will B P twice and display the
measurement.
5. Lift the probe from the surface between measurements.
Quick Start
Quick Start
The PosiTector SPG powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. To preserve battery life, it powers-down after
approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All settings are retained.

2
Protective Cap
PosiTector SPG models are shipped with a protective plastic
cap over the probe. Remove this cap prior to use. Replace it
when the Gage is not in use to protect the probe.
Wrist Strap
We recommend attaching and wearing the
supplied wrist strap. 1
2
Plastic 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.
Certification
All probes include a Certificate of Calibration. 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 from DeFelsko Corporation at no
charge.

3
Typical Screen
Current
Measurement
Battery Indicator
Unit of
Measurement
Factory Zero in
Use
R
Measurement
Type
USB Port
LCD Display
Probe Connector
PosiTector Body

4
To disconnect a probe from a body, power-down the
Gage and slide 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 PosiTectorautomatically
determines which probe is attached and does a
self-check.
Probes
Probes
The PosiTector body accepts a wide variety of probe types
including magnetic, eddy current and ultrasonic coating thickness,
surface profile, shore hardness durometer, salt contamination and
ultrasonic wall thickness probes. See www.defelsko.com/probes
The supplied probe tip has a 60° angle to comply with most test
standards including ASTM D 4417 B. An optional 30° angle tip
with replacement tool is available for special applications or to
comply with Australian Standard AS 3894.5.
A replacement tool is included with the purchase of either the 60°
or 30° angle tips. Insert the two legs of the replacement tool into
the probe tip and turn counter clockwise to remove the tip. Insert
the new tip and tighten clockwise. Do not over tighten. Since the
factory zero setting may not always be precise after a probe tip
exchange, the gage should be checked on the included glass
plate and zeroed if necessary.
PosiTector bodies accept all PosiTector DPM, 6000, 200, SPG,
RTR, SST, SHD and UTG probes

5
Why is Measurement mportant?
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.
How to Measure
How to Measure
1. Remove the protective rubber cap from probe.
2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation
button.
3. Place the probe FLAT on the surface and press down.
4. Lift the probe when you hear a double B P.
6. When completely finished, return the Gage to the protective
pouch. There is no need to disconnect the probe from the
PosiTector during storage.
PosiTector SPG probes include a 60˚ (ASTM D 4417 B) or 30˚
(Australian Standard AS 3894.5) angle tip (50 µm/2 mil radius) with
a measurement range of 0 to 500 µm (20 mils).
PosiTector SPG CS probes measure the profile of textured
coatings up to 1500 µm (60 mils) with a 500 µm (20 mil) radius
60˚angle tip.
PosiTector SPG TS probes measure concrete surface profile up
to 6 mm (250 mils) with a 500 µm (20 mil) radius 60˚angle tip.

6
Calibration
Instrument calibration is typically done by the manufacturer or
qualified lab. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration showing
traceability to a national standard. For organizations with
re-certification requirements, the PosiTector SPG 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.
Verification of Accuracy
Instrument accuracy is verified using the included metal shim and
glass zero plate.
Place the plate onto a stable, flat surface. Take several
measurements. If the average is greater than ±5 µm (0.2 mil), Zero
the Gage (pg. 8).
Next, place the metal shim over the glass plate and measure
ensuring the probe needle touches the glass plate in the area
between the shim’s “legs”. The average of several measurements
should be within the combined tolerances of both the shim and the
gage (±10%). For example, measuring a 75 µm (3 mil) shim should
result in values between 67.5 µm (2.7 mils) and 82.5 µm (3.3 mils).
If not, see Returning for Service (pg. 31).
To guard against measuring with an improperly adjusted Gage,
verify the Gage at the beginning and the end of each work shift.
During the work shift, if the Gage is dropped or suspected of giving
erroneous readings, its accuracy should be re-verified.
In the event of physical damage, wear, high usage, or after an
established calibration interval, the gage should be returned to the
manufacturer for repair or calibration.
Calibration & Verification of Accuracy
Calibration & Verification of Accuracy

7
Memory
Statistics
Zero
Setup
Connect
Help
Power Off
xit
Menu Operation
Menu Operation
Instrument 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 SPG 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
Updates
xit
The center button is purposely recessed to help
eliminate unintentional powering-up of the gage.
NOT :

8
Zero Menu
Zero Menu
ThePosiTector SPGhas only one adjustment point at zero. The
zero point can be set using one of two methods. Both methods are
found under the Zero menu option.
-The factory zero setting is restored during a RST
(below)
-The factory zero setting may not always be precise,
particularly after a probe tip exchange. For best
accuracy, the gage should be zeroed on the included
1.Select from the menu.
2.Press the (+)button to select the number of readings to be
used to obtain an average, typically 3.
3.Repeatedly measure the glass plate. After the last
measurement the gage will calculate a Zero which represents the
average of all the Zero readings taken.
Zero
Glass Plate Zero
Setting the Gage to zero on the glass plate is the preferred zero
adjustment method:
Factory Zero
If a glass plate or suitable smooth, hard surface is not available,
the factory zero setting can be restored:
1. Select from the menu.
2. Press the down button to select “Reset” and press the center
navigation button . The factory calibration icon will appear
on the LCD.
Zero
NOT :

9
It performs the same function as a menu Reset plus:
• Bluetooth Pairing info is cleared.
• Alarm values are set to default.
• Menu settings are returned to the following:
Setup Menu
Setup Menu
Reset
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
Trend Chart = None
Auto Dim = ON
Bluetooth & Stream = OFF
WiFi & Access Point = OFF
Display = None
NOT : Date, Time and WiFi are not affected by either Reset.
Units = Microns
Flip Display = Normal
Auto Sync .net = ON
Alarms = OFF
Alarm Sound = OFF
Language = nglish
Battery Type = Alkaline
Backlight = Normal
Bluetooth Smart = OFF
USB Drive= ON
Sound = ON
Perform a more thorough Hard Reset as follows:
1 Power down the Gage and wait 5 seconds.
2 Simultaneously press and hold the (+) and center
buttons until the Reset symbol appears.
This returns the Gage to a known, “out-of-the-box” condition.
Converts displayed and printed words to the selected language.
Language

10
Converts the display from inch to metric or vice versa. Stored
measurements in memory are not converted.
Units
Switching units will turn off Statistics, HiLo Alarm, and
closes Memory.
NOT :
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 readings 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 data and time
can also be viewed in Gage nfo (pg. 9).
Set Clock
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.
Battery Type
NOT :
Flip Display
This option causes the display to rotate 180°. Ideal for right-side-
up viewing when the sensors are pointed away from the user.
Gage nfo
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 PosiSo t.net account.

11
When selected, a icon and statistical summary will appear on
the display.
Remove the last measurement by pressing the (-) button. Press
(+) to clear statistics.
Statistics Menu
Statistics Menu
Mean
(average)
Standard
Deviation # of
measurements
Minimum
measurement
Statistics
Icon
Last
reading
Statistics ü
50
microns
R
49.8
52 48
↨
σ
↨
1.3
Maximum
measurement
n6
Measurement
Type
Battery Indicator
Allows the Gage to visibly and audibly alert the user when
measurements exceed user-specified limits.
When HiLo Alarm is selected, the current Lo setting is displayed.
Adjust down (-) or up (+). Alternatively, measure a coating with a
thickness close to the required value and make final adjustments
with the buttons. Select NEXT to accept this value. The current Hi
setting is now displayed. Follow the same procedure to adjust the
Hi setting.
HiLo Alarm ü
The icon will appear on the display.
Measurements will be compared to your defined HiLo limits. The
Gage beeps if results are within those limits. A single low tone will
sound if the reading is below the Lo limit, and a high tone if it is
above the Hi limit. Press (+) to clear HiLo readings.
Clear
Clears all on-screen Statistics and HiLo tabulations.

12
Memory Management
Memory Management
The PosiTector SPG has internal memory storage for recording
measurement data. Stored measurements can be reviewed
on-screen or accessed via computers, tablets and smart phones.
Measurements are date and time-stamped.
Button functions with Memory ON:
Scroll through display
modes (Advanced only)
Delete last reading
Access the Menu
Create a new batch
(Advanced only)
Restore brightness
after dimming
(Advanced only)
Standard models store up to 250 readings in one batch.
The Memory Menu includes the following options...
On:turns memory on and begins recording
O : stops recording (stored readings remain in memory)
Clear:removes all readings from memory
View: lists group statistics and all stored readings 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
readings. Press to exit.
Mean
(average)
Standard Deviation
# of readings
in memory
Minimum
measurement
Last
reading
Maximum
measurement
Standard Model display with Memory ON shows measurement
statistics:

13
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 icon appears and basic statistics are
displayed. ach measurement will be displayed and stored into
this new batch. On screen statistics are immediately updated with
each measurement. New batches are date stamped when they are
created. ach reading is also data/time stamped.
Shortcut: When a batch is open, press (+) to create a new batch.
current batch
current sub-batch
statistics
(see pg. 11)
current reading
# of sub-batches in
current batch
microns
B2
71.3 1.5
s=3
s3 n5
72.4
74 72
↨
σ
↨
72
0.9
σ
# readings in current
sub-batch
When a sub-batch is open, create a new sub-batch by
pressing (+).
Shortcut:
In the following example, B2s2 is a sub-batch of Batch 2. Sub-
batching allows the user to group related batches so that statistics
can be accumulated for them. Batch 2 contains the statistics for
B2s1 and B2s2.
New Sub-Batch (appears only i a batch is currently open)
Creates a new sub-batch within the currently opened batch.
The PosiTector SPG measures the depth of a single valley in
relation to the height of the surrounding peaks using a pointed,
cone-shaped probe.
A single depth measurement generally does not adequately
characterize the surface profile of an abrasive blast cleaned
surface. Repeated gage readings often differ due to surface
irregularities even at points close together.
SmartBatch
Advanced models store 100,000 readings in up to 1,000
batches. The Memory Menu includes the following options...

14
Delete
Removes a batch or sub-batch completely from memory. The
name is deleted and all measurements are erased. Sub-batches
can be deleted individually. To delete all related sub-batches,
simply delete the top-level batch.
View
Scroll using the Up or Down buttons through information,
statistical summary, and a list of each reading in the currently
opened batch. Press to exit.
Open
Selects a previously created batch or sub-batch name to open and
make current. If it contains measurements, on-screen statistics will
immediately reflect values calculated from this batch. The
calibration setting (i.e. Cal 2) associated with this batch is also
opened.
A solid triangle is displayed to the right of the batch
name when sub-batches are present. Press to view sub-
batches. This also applies to the Delete, View and Print options.
NOT :
Close
Stops the recording process, closes the current batch, and
removes batch information from the display.
Therefore most organizations and contract specifications require
multiple measurements be taken and analyzed to produce a final
result that better characterizes the surface.
The Smart Batch menu option sets-up the PosiTector SPG to
comply with the statistical approaches defined in various standards
and test methods published by organizations such as ASTM,
SSPC, ISO, IMO, US Navy, SANS and AS.
For instructions on how to use the Smart Batch™ feature, see
www.defelsko.com/smartbatch

15
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.netand are included in all
PosiSoft reports (see Accessing
Stored Measurement Data, pg. 18).
Annotations can also be created using PosiSoft.net
(pg. 19) or PosiSoft Mobile (pg. 20).
(Advanced models only)
Sends a statistical summary and individual measurements to the
optional Bluetooth wireless printer.
Print
To cancel printing, press and hold the (-) and (+) buttons
simultaneously
NOT :
NOT :

16
The following user selectable display options are available:
Display(appears only i a batch is currently open)
When a batch is open, press Up to scroll through the above
display options.
Shortcut:
Chart:A real-time chart of batch or sub-batch readings
-y Chart
Notes: Instructions, descriptions or notes (see Annotate,
pg.15)
None: Default screen shows statistics
PosiSoft.net (pg. 19) and PosiSoft Mobile (pg. 20) are used to
insert an Image and Notes into a batch.
NOT :

17
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).
Sample Screen Captures
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.
Remove the last reading from the current open batch by
pressing (-).
Calibration adjustments cannot be made if any measurements
were taken with that Cal setting and stored into a batch.
ach batch can contain a maximum of 10,000 readings.
NOT S: