DMQ QH5 U User manual

P/N: QHDU 501 –ENG –Rev 01 –2017

I
Chapter 1
First steps
1.1
Know the QH5 U
1
1.1.1
Front panel
1
1.1.2
Connectors
2
1.2
Install or replace batteries
3
1.3
Connecting the UCI probe
5
1.4
UCI probe components
5
1.5
Using the UCI probe
6
1.5.1
UCI probe configuration
6
1.5.2
Measuring: preloading and loading
8
1.6
The “Q” key
9
1.7
Display illumination and contrast
9
1.7.1
Display backlight illumiination
9
1.7.2
Display contrast
10
1.7
Locking and unlocking the keypad
10
Chapter 2
Measuring with the QH5 U
2.1
Numerical measuring screens (Normal)
12
2.1.1
Mode-1 screen (Datalogger)
12
2.1.2
Mode-2 screen (Material)
13
2.1.3
Mode-3 screen (Statistics)
13
2.2
Key functions in numerical measuring modes
14
2.3
Graphical measuring screen (Histogram)
16
2.4
Key functions in graphical measuring modes
17
2.5
Selecting material and hardness unit
17

II
Chapter 3
Menu system and editing
3.1
Instructions on using the menu system
19
3.1.1
Text editor
20
3.2
Main menu
22
3.2.1
Change hardness unit
22
3.2.2
Alarm settings
23
3.2.3
Set histogram range
23
3.2.4
Select language
24
3.2.5
Unit information
24
3.3
General configuration options
25
3.3.1
Time and date
25
3.3.2
Time and date format
26
3.3.3
Keypad sensitivity
26
3.3.4
Auto-off time
27
3.3.5
Display display contrast
28
3.3.6
Beep activation
29
3.3.7
Introduction screen
29
3.3.8
Owner information
29
3.3.9
Lock configuration options
30
3.3.10
factory default settings
31
3.4
Measuring configuration (Hardness)
32
3.4.1
Select material
32
3.4.2
Creating user materials
33
3.4.3
The “Plus” key
37
3.4.4
Group (N) number
38
3.4.5
Indentation dwell time
38
3.4.6
Measuring filter
39
3.4.7
Measuring modes
40
3.4.8
Factory default settings
41

III
Chapter 4
Using the Datalogger
4.1
Understanding how data is organized
42
4.2
Memory menu
43
4.3
Create a new file
43
4.4
Actions over single files
44
4.4.1
View data in a single file
45
4.4.2
The “Q” key in a grid
46
4.4.3
The “Q” key in a histogram
47
4.4.4
Rename file
47
4.4.5
Send data in file
48
4.4.6
View file size
48
4.5
Actions on all files
48
4.5.1
Send all files
48
4.5.2
Erase all files
49
4.6
Quick memory menu (Mem key)
50
4.7
Connecting to a PC with DataCenter
51
4.8
Datalogger configuration
52
4.8.1
Configure communications
52
4.8.2
Capture modes
53
4.8.3
Advanced configuration
54
Tips on how to measure correctly
55
Measuring ranges and hardness units
55
Technical specifications
57
Additional information
59
Unit maintenance
59
QH5 U accesories
60
Error messages
61
Our website: www.demeq.com
62
Firmware and software updates
62
Technical support
62

IV
And thank you for purchasing a QH5 U UCI portable hardness tester.
At Demeq 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 quality
products we offer:
•Quick answers to your inquiries.
•Unlimited access to technical information as well as
application notes.
•Firmware and software upgrades at no charge.
•Attention to your inquiries and suggestions.
We hope that the QH5 U will meet and exceed your application
needs.

V
Information included in this manual applies to the QH5 U portable
hardness tester.
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 QH5 U hardness testers. 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 improper use of our instruments.
ASTM A1038
Correct use of a UCI hardness tester requires that you take all of the
following into consideration:
•Select the UCI probe that is best suited for your application.
•Know the specific requirements for the test you will be
conducting.
•Make sure that the person operating the unit has been
trained on its use.

VI
This manual provides all of the information needed to configure and
operate the QH5 U portable hardness tester. 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 portable hardness testing. Additional
information can also be found on the internet and through local
government agencies as well as in technical institutes.
The QH5 U operates on the UCI or Ultrasonic Contact Impedance
method of hardness testing where just like in conventional methods
such as Vickers, Brinell or Knoop, hardness values are obtained by
applying constant force to an indenter which generates an
indentation on the part being tested. But where as in conventional
methods further optical evaluation is required, with the QH5 U
readings are processed electronically and instant measurements are
obtained in the most common hardness units.
Figure 1: UCI probe
Figure 1 represents a UCI probe where the indentor Pis normally a
Vickers type synthetic diamond cemented to an oscilating rod Vwhich
is excited by a transmitting element Tat a frequency that changes
according to the depth of the indentation generated on part m.
Frequency changes are detected by a receiver Rand finally

VII
the QH5 U converts those frequency changes into hardness units using
a curve such as the one shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2: Relationship between hardness and frequency
We offer 2 UCI probes with the QH5 U that differ in the test loads.
UCI probe part no. QHS010 with a 10N / 1Kgf load
This probe is ideal for surface hardness measurements as well as parts
with low roughness and polished surfaces. Recommended for
bearings, gear flanges, small die-stamp parts and moulds, etc.
UCI probe part no. QHS050 with a 50N / 5Kgf load
The 50N probe is used to measure hardness on rougher surfaces,
cemented parts, pipes, welds, gears, crankshafts and much more.

VIII
Minimum test piece conditions in order to obtain correct
measurements with the QH5 U for each type of probe are:
UCI probe 10N /
1kgf
UCI probe 50N / 5kgf
Roughness (Ra)
1,5 µm
2,5 µm
Curvature radio
>5 mm
Weight
>0,1 Kg
Thickness
<1 mm
Important
Always clean the surface of the test piece being
measured to make sure it is free from oil and grease.
To obtain better results always use the UCI probe
perpendicular to the test piece surface.
The QH5 U portable hardness tester is for industrial use only and
cannot be used in medical applications.
The QH5 operates with two alkaline “AA”size batteries. Use only top
brand name batteries.
Disposal of your QH5 or any of its components must be done in
compliance with your local applicable regulations.

IX
Because software is complex in nature and errors may eventually
appear you should check that functions required for your application
are working correctly.
Demeq provides a limited 5 (five) year warranty on electronic units
and 6 (six) months on probes from the date of purchase. Please
remember to register your unit at:
http://www.demeq.com/Contact.html
Every instrument undergoes thorough testing during manufacturing
as well as before shipping. In the event that warranty service becomes
necessary, Demeq or your local distributor will make a reasonable
effort to replace your defective unit with another new or used unit
while your instrument undergoes warranty repair. In all circumstances
shipping charges are the end users responsibility.

1 Chapter 1
Figure 1.1: Front of the unit
1. Graphic LCD display with LED backlight illumination
2. Move Left key / View partial statistics (Stat)
3. Move Up key / Manually store a value (Store)
4. Move Right key / Switch to graphical measure mode screen
(Graph)
5. Menu key / Enter and exit measure screen / Exit and return
to menus (Home)

Chapter 1 2
6. Move Down key / Quick access to memory menu screen
options (Mem)
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
functions
10. The key: Direct measure screen access from any menu
screens / User selectable functions
11. Horizontal scrolling center point (lock and unlock keypad on
measuring screen)
12. Vertical scrolling center point (adjust LCD contrast)
Figure 1.2: Unit connectors
1. UCI probe connector type Lemo 00
2. USB mini connector to connect to PC using a USB cable

3 Chapter 1
The QH5 U is powered by 2 (two) “AA”batteries that go in the battery
compartment located in back of the unit. To open the battery
compartment slide the cover as shown in Figure 1.3-1 and gently push
the extraction ribbon upward and 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 can see in Figure 1.4-1.
Always leave the extraction ribbon underneath the batteries.
Figure 1.3: Battery compartment / battery removal

Chapter 1 4
Figure 1.4: Replace / Insert batteries
Important
Do not remove batteries while the unit is turned on
as this may affect the Datalogger (See Appendix:
“Additional information, Error Messages”)
Notes
Always use new alkaline top brand batteries for
extended battery life, rechargeable NiMH batteries
can be used but will result in less time of operation.
Do not mix new and old batteries. Always replace
both batteries.

5 Chapter 1
When the UCI probe is connected to the QH5 U a
message is displayed indicating that the probe has
been recognized. At this time do not try to measure
as the unit will briefly auto-calibrate and in order
for the unit calibration to proceed normally the UCI
probe needs to be “left alone”.
Figure 1.5: Message indicating probe has been connected
This section briefly explains all of the basic UCI probe components and
their intended use.
Figure 1.6: UCI probe components
1. Area where force is applied
2. Cable connector for cable that goes to the QH5 U
3. UCI probe body

Chapter 1 6
4. Probe holding area (knurled)
5. Bottom end of the probe
6. Vickers indentor (synthetic diamond)
7. Holding accesory
8. Holding area for accesory
9. Adapting ring with 2 sides (flat and “V” cut)
The holding accesory and the adapter are threaded to the UCI probe
body (accesory 7is threaded to the probe and the adapting ring 9is
threaded to accesory 7). In Figure 3 threading directions are shown
[A] to mount and [B] to remove.
Configure the UCI probe according to the surface of the part being
tested. Choose to use one side of the ring or you can remove the ring
all together.
Figure 1.7: UCI probe configurations