DMQ QC Series User manual

P/N: QCD 301 –ENG –Rev. 01 –March 2014

I
Chapter 1
First steps
1.1
Know the QC3
1
1.1.1
Front panel
1
1.1.2
Connectors
2
1.2
Install and replace batteries
3
1.3
Connecting the probe
5
1.4
The “Q” key
6
1.5
Display illumination and contrast
6
1.5.1
Display backlight illumination
6
1.5.2
Display contrast
7
1.6
Locking and unlocking the keypad
7
Chapter 2
Measuring with the QC3
2.1
Measuring screen
9
2.2
Keypad functions in all measuring screens
9
2.3
Statistics screen
10
2.4
Calibration
11
2.4.1
Getting started with calibration
11
2.4.2
Base calibration
11
2.4.3
Shim calibration
13
Chapter 3
Menu system and editing
3.1
Instructions on using the menu system
15
3.2
Main menu
16
3.2.1
Change unit
16
3.2.2
Alarm settings
16
3.3
Memory menu
17
3.3.1
Connecting to a PC with DataCenter
18
3.3.2
View data (stored values)
19
3.3.3
Erase memory
19

II
3.3.4
Capture modes
20
3.3.5
Free memory
21
3.4
General configuration options
21
3.4.1
Calibration modes
22
3.4.2
Set keypad sensitivity
22
3.4.3
Group size (N) for statistics
23
3.4.4
Select language
23
3.4.5
Set auto-off time
24
3.4.6
Adjust display contrast
24
3.4.7
Beep activation
25
3.4.8
Hold last measurement
25
3.4.9
Continuous measurement mode
26
3.5
Information and license
26
3.5.1
Unit information
26
3.5.2
Probe information
27
3.5.3
Model upgrade licenses
27
Tips on how to measure correctly
28
Technical specifications
29
Additional information
31
Unit maintenance
31
QC3 accessories
32
Error messages
33
Our website: www.demeq.com
34
Software updates
34
Technical support
34

III
And thank you for purchasing a QC3 coating thickness gauge.
At dmq we develop, manufacture and distribute software and quality
control instruments offering innovation and solutions that come as a
direct result of listening to your needs as a user. We apply some of the
latest technology available in the industry to build instruments that are
robust, precise, and easy to operate.
We are convinced that our products would not be complete without
permanent technical and after sales support. So in addition to a great
product we offer:
Quick answers to your inquiries.
Unlimited access to technical information as well as
application notes.
Special offers for registered customers.
Firmware and software upgrades at no charge.
Attention to your inquiries and suggestions.
We hope that the QC3 will meet and exceed your application needs.

IV
The information included in this manual applies to all QC3 series
portable hardness testers including models F, DLF, N and DLN.
dmq is a registered trademark of Demeq S.R.L and its affiliate
companies.
The information contained in this manual is intended to educate users
on the operation of the QC3 coating thickness gauges. Failure to read
and understand this manual can lead to measurement errors. Decisions
based on measurements and or results that are erroneous can lead to
property damage, personal injury or even death. Demeq S.R.L assumes
no responsibility as a result of the improper use of our instruments.
Correct use of a coating thickness gauge requires:
Knowing your test requirements.
Having a trained operator.
This manual provides all of the information needed to configure and
operate QC3 coating thickness gauges. However there are additional
factors that can affect tests done with this instrument. Specific
information on those factors is outside the scope of this manual. When
in doubt you should always seek expert advice or refer to specific
textbooks on coating thickness testing. Additional information can also
be found on the internet and through local government agencies as

V
well as in technical institutes.
When a low frequency magnetic field is applied on a ferrous substrate,
the signal induced by the coil inside the probe is proportional to the
distance between the probe and the base.
Figure 1: Ferrous base measuring principle
Induced currents are produced on the metal surface when a high
frequency field is applied. Induced currents and the signal obtained
from the coil are proportional to the distance with the base.
Figure 2: Non-Ferrous base measuring principle
Using the physical principles described above, the QC3 converts small
signal variations produced by the probe into precise and repetitive
measurements.

VI
ISO 2178, ASTM D1186 for QC3 F; ISO 2360, ASTM D1400, ASTM B244
for QC3 N; and ASTM D7091, ASTM E376 for all QC3 models.
All QC3 series coating thickness gauges are for industrial use only. The
QC3 operates on two AA size batteries. We strongly recommend that
you use only top brand name alkaline batteries.
Disposal of your QC3 and its components must be done in compliance
with all applicable regulations.
Because of its complexity level, software is never really completely error
free. For this reason in software controlled instruments always make
sure that the operations required for your application are in correct
working order.
Demeq S.R.L provides a limited warranty for a period of 5 (five) years
on electronic units and for 6 (six) months on probes from the date of
purchase.
Every instrument undergoes thorough testing during manufacturing as
well as before shipping. In the event warranty service where to become
necessary, Demeq S.R.L and or your local distributor or representative
will make a reasonable effort to replace your defective unit with
another new or used unit, while your instrument undergoes warranty
repair.

Chapter 1 1
Figure 1.1: Front of the unit
1. Graphic LCD display with LED backlight illumination
2. Move Left key
3. Move Up key / Manually store a value (Store)
4. Move Right key
5. Menu key / Enter and exit measure screen / Exit and return to
menus (Home)
6. Move Down key / Create new file in the Datalogger (Batch)

2 Chapter 1
7. Change backlight illumination key (On, Off, Auto)
8. Enter key / Edit values on the measure screen (Edit)
9. The key: Power On and Shutdown (touch and hold for 2
seconds) / Make quick and short touches to activate special
features
10. Calibration key
11. Horizontal scrolling center point (lock and unlock keypad on
measure screen)
12. Vertical scrolling center point (adjust LCD contrast)
Figure 1.2: Unit connectors
1. Probe connector type Lemo 0B
2. USB mini connector to connect to PC using a USB cable

Chapter 1 3
The QC3 is powered by 2 (two) AA batteries that are placed in the
battery compartment located in the back of the unit. To gain access to
the battery compartment slide the cover as shown in figure 1.3-1 and
gently push the extraction ribbon upward and slightly towards the
right to release the batteries (figure 1.3-2).
When you install new batteries, first insert the positive end of each
battery so that it coincides with the positive pole inside the battery
compartment as you see in figure 1.4-1.
Always leave the extraction ribbon underneath the batteries.
Figure 1.3: Removing batteries

4 Chapter 1
Figure 1.4: Replace / Insert batteries
Notes
Always use new alkaline top brand batteries for
extended battery life.
Do not mix new and old batteries. Always replace both
batteries.
Rechargeable batteries type NiMH can be used but will
result in less time of continuous operation.

Chapter 1 5
Important
Do not remove batteries while the unit is powered as
this may affect the Datalogger (See Appendix:
“Additional information, Error Messages”)
The QC3 uses a type Lemo 0B 4-pin connector located on top of the
unit. All dmq probes are provided with Cal-Tag technology allowing
you to easily switch or replace probes.
To connect the probe simply align the
red dot on the male connector with the
red dot on the female connector located
on the unit and press gently until
connected (see figure 1.5)
To release the probe hold the knurled
section on the male connector and
gently pull out.
Never remove the connector pushing
the cable.
Figure 1.5: Connecting the probe

6 Chapter 1
The has three functions:
1. When the unit is off, touch for 2 seconds to power on
the unit.
2. When the unit is on, touch for 2 seconds to shutdown
the unit.
3. With the unit on, making short touches to the will
activate special functions described in each chapter of this
manual.
Backlight illumination and contrast options can be changed from any
screen in the unit.
Touch to change the backlight illumination.
Figure 1.6: Backlight illumination options

Chapter 1 7
The display contrast on all dmq units is digital.
Touch the white dot located in the center of the
vertical scrolling bar between the -
keys and a contrast window will open. Move
your finger towards the top and or bottom of
the dotted line to adjust the contrast on your
display.
Figure 1.7: Display contrast adjustment
To lock the keypad place your finger on the white dot located in the
center of the horizontal scrolling bar between the - keys.
Move your finger to the right following the dotted line and a window
on the unit display will open with the message Lock (see figure 1.8).
Continue moving your finger in the same direction until you enter
blocked mode. The window on the display will close and the blocked
keypad indicator will show on the top right of the unit screen.
Figure 1.8: Locking the keypad

8 Chapter 1
Sliding the finger to the left will unlock the keypad.
Figure 1.9: Unlocking the keypad
Important
The keypad can only be locked and unlocked in the
measuring screens.

Chapter 2 9
The QC3 measuring screen looks like this:
Figure 2.1: Measuring screen
1. Number of (N) values counter / indicates number of values for
real time group statistics
2. Average within group
3. Coating thickness value in the selected unit
4. Probe measuring icon (probe on sample)
5. Type of base icon: FE or NF depending on model
6. User selected unit
7. Active calibration mode (Page 11)
8. Battery level indicator
Keys in the measuring screen have the following functions:
: Touch to manually store a measurement in the memory.
: Touch to exit the measure screen and enter the main menu.

10 Chapter 2
: Touch to create a new file or batch in the Datalogger.
: Enter calibration mode (Page 11).
: Changes the backlight illumination.
: A short touch allows you to see statistics. Touch for 2 or more
seconds to shutdown the unit.
: Set display contrast.
: Lock and unlock keypad.
When you are in the measuring screen, give the key a short touch
to view a statistics screen like the one below.
To exit and return to the measuring screen
simply take an actual measurement or touch
any key on the unit front panel.
Figure 2.2: Statistics screen
The statistics included in the screen are:
Minimum
Maximum
Range (Max - Min)
Standard deviation
Last measurement
Position in grid (only DL)

Chapter 2 11
The QC3 offers 3 modes of calibration that are explained in detail in
this section of the user manual. The following table summarizes all 3
calibration modes:
Abbreviation
Name
Base
PT1
Samples
Base & 1-Pt


1 a 9
1-Point


1 a 9
Base only


1 a 9
To begin the calibration process make sure you are in the measuring
screen and then touch the key.
If the calibration mode you selected requires base calibration
(measuring an uncoated base), this is the first screen that will appear
on the unit:
Figure 2.3: Base calibration screen
1. Indicates the type of base as well as its uniformity
2. “Probe action” requested (lower, raise, or wait)
3. Probe status
4. Type of “sample request” (Base, Shim)

12 Chapter 2
5. Text indicating required action
6. Calibration mode
When base measurements are taken, the screen will show the number
of measurements. Then, depending on the calibration mode you are in,
the unit will give you the option to move on to the following step.
The first line shows the number of
measurements followed by the value of the
last measurement. The second line shows the
average for the number of measurements
that you already took.
Figure 2.4: Number of samples in base calibration screen
The graphic representation of the type of base, is also indicative of the
base condition. When dirt, corrosion and or other surface irregularities
are present on the base material, the graphic will turn less uniform.
Sharper “teeth” mean less uniformity of the base material .
Figure 2.5: Base material condition indicator
Touch to end the base calibration and continue the calibration
procedure using one or more shims of a known thickness values. The
shim option will not appear in the “Base Only” calibration mode.