Elcometer 204 User manual

User Guide
Elcometer 204
Steel Ultrasonic Material
Thickness Gauge
www.elcometer.com
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Section
Page
1
Gauge Overview
en-2
2
Box Contents
en-2
3
Using the Gauge
en-3
4
Getting Started
en-4
5
Setting the Zero Point
en-5
6
Taking a Reading
en-6
7
Statistics
en-7
8
Menu Structure
en-8
9
Upgrading Your Gauge
en-8
10
Spares & Accessories
en-8
11
Warranty Statement
en-12
12
Technical Specification
en-12
13
Legal Notices & Regulatory Information
en-13
14
Appendix 1: Preparing The Test Surface
en-14
For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the original English language version.
Gauge Dimensions: 145 x 73 x 37mm (5.7 x 2.87 x 1.46") - without transducer
Gauge Weight: 210g (7.4oz) - including batteries, without transducer
Material Safety Data Sheets for the ultrasonic couplant supplied with the Elcometer 204 and available as an
accessory, are available to download via our website:
Elcometer Ultrasonic Couplant Material Safety Data Sheet:
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_Ultrasonic_Couplant_Blue.pdf
Elcometer Ultrasonic Couplant (High Temperature) Material Safety Data Sheet:
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/elcometer_ultrasonic_couplant_hi_temp.pdf
© Elcometer Limited 2015-2017. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed,
stored (in a retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into any language, in any form or by any means (electronic,
mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise) without the prior written permission of Elcometer Limited.
CONTENTS
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1 GAUGE OVERVIEW
6
1
5
1 LED Indicators - Red (left), Green (right)
2 LCD Display
3 Softkeys
4 On/Off Key
5 Zero Disk
6 Transducer Connection Point
7 USB Data Output Socket (below cover)
8 Battery Compartment (¼ turn open/close)
9 Wrist Strap Connection
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2 BOX CONTENTS
7
9
8

Elcometer 204 Steel Ultrasonic Material Thickness Gauge

5MHz 1/4" Potted Right Angle Dual Element Transducer

Ultrasonic Couplant; 120ml (4fl oz Bottle)

2 x AA Batteries

Protective Case

Wrist Harness

Screen Protector

Calibration Certificate

User Guide
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3
4
2

3 USING THE GAUGE
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a
Power: Batteries or USB -
including battery life indicator
b
Measurement Mode - P-E: Pulsed Echo
c
Reading Stability Indicator
d
Measurement Units - mm, Inch
e
Menu Softkey
f
Display Softkey
g
Save Reading Softkey
h
Reading Value
i
Statistics
h
b
a
c
d
e
f
i
4.1 FITTING THE BATTERIES
Each gauge is supplied with 2 x AA alkaline
batteries.
To insert or replace the batteries:
1 Lift the latch on the battery compartment
cover and rotate anti-clockwise to remove
the cover.
2 Insert 2 batteries taking care to ensure
correct polarity.
3 Refit the cover and rotate the latch clockwise to close.
The battery condition is indicated by a symbol in the top right of the
display ( ):
 Full symbol (orange) = batteries at full capacity
 Empty symbol (red, flashing) = batteries at lowest
sustainable level
4.2 CONNECTING A TRANSDUCER
1 Align the red dot on the transducer
plug with the red dot on the base
of the gauge.
2 Push the transducer into the
gauge, ensuring that the connector
is fully engaged.
+
+
4 GETTING STARTED
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All dual element transducers which can be connected directly to the
base of the gauge - see Section 10.1 ‘Transducers’ on page en-8 - are
‘intelligent’ transducers. The transducer frequency and diameter will
be identified automatically by the gauge.
Details of the transducer connected can be viewed at any time via
Menu/About/Transducer Information.
A transducer adaptor is available which enables other Elcometer
‘non-intelligent’, dual element transducers and other manufacturers’
transducers, to be used with the gauge - see Section 10.4 ‘Transducer
Adaptor’ on page en-11.
4.3 SELECTING YOUR LANGUAGE
1 Press and hold the ON/OFF button until the Elcometer logo is
displayed.
2 Press Menu/Setup/Language and select your language using the
 softkeys.
3 Follow the on screen menus.
To access the language menu when in a foreign language:
1 Switch the gauge OFF.
2 Press and hold the left softkey and switch the gauge ON.
3 Select your language using the softkeys.

4.4 SCREEN SETTINGS
A number of screen settings can be defined by the user via
Menu/Setup/Screen Settings including:
 Screen Brightness; This can be set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Auto’ - the
brightness is adjusted automatically using the gauge’s ambient
light sensor.
 Screen Timeout; The display will dim if inactive for more than
15 seconds and will go ‘black’ if inactive for the period defined.
Press any key or tap the gauge to awaken it. The gauge can
also be set to switch off automatically after a user defined
period of inactivity via Menu/Setup/Gauge Auto Off. The
default setting is 5 minutes.
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4 GETTING STARTED (continued)
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4.5 SETTING UP THE READING DISPLAY
The colour LCD display is split into two halves;
Top Display and Bottom Display. The user can
choose to view readings only, statistics only or
both.
To setup the display:
1 Press Display/Setup Display/Top Display
(or Bottom Display as required).

2 Use the softkeys to highlight the

required option and press ‘Select’.
4.6 THE MEASUREMENT MODE
The Elcometer 204 has a single measurement
mode, ‘Pulsed Echo’; the total thickness from
the base of the transducer to the material
density boundary (typically the back-wall) is
measured.
‘Pulsed Echo’ is suitable for measurement of materials between
a
0.63mm and 500mm (0.025" to 20") thick.
4.7 SELECTING THE MEASUREMENT UNITS
Rea measurement dings can be displayed in mm or Inch. To select the
units, press Menu/Setup/Units.
4 GETTING STARTED (continued)
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Readings & Statistics
Readings Only
a Thickness range is dependent on the material being measured and the transducer used.
5 SETTING THE ZERO POINT
Setting the zero point for the transducer is important. If the zero point
is not set correctly, all measurements will be inaccurate.
The gauge will remember the last zero point. It is generally a good
idea however, to set the zero point whenever the gauge is switched
on, and when a different transducer is used. This will ensure that the
zero point is correct.

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5 SETTING THE ZERO POINT (continued)
To set the zero point:
1 Plug the transducer into the gauge
ensuring that the connector is fully
engaged.
 The wearface of the transducer should
be clean and free of any debris.
2 Press the On/Off button to switch the
gauge on.
3 Press Menu/Calibration/Zero Set and
apply couplant to the zero disk.
4 When prompted, press the
transducer on to the zero disk,
making sure it is flat against the
surface.
 The display will show a thickness value
which is constantly updating. The
stability of the reading is indicated on the
stability bar to the right of the display. A
valid reading has a stability of 5 or more.
5 Remove the transducer from the zero
disk. The last reading is held on
screen. If not representative, repeat
Step 4.
 Excessive use of couplant can result in a
distorted reading when the transducer is
removed from the surface.
6 Press ‘Zero’ to set the zero point.
6 TAKING A READING
6.1 BEFORE YOU START
1 Press the On/Off button to switch the gauge on.
2 Connect a transducer to the gauge.
 All dual element transducers which can be connected directly to the base
of the gauge - see Section 10.1 ‘Transducers’ on page en-8 - are
‘intelligent’ transducers and will be identified automatically by the gauge.
If using other Elcometer ‘non-intelligent’ dual element transducers or other
manufacturers’ transducers, a transducer adaptor is required - see
Section 10.4 ‘Transducer Adaptor’ on page en-11.
3 Set the zero point of the transducer - see Section 5 on page en-5.
4 Prepare the test surface - see Appendix 1 on page en-14.

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6 TAKING A READING (continued)
6.2 TAKING A READING
1 Apply a small amount of couplant to the test surface.
2 Press the transducer into the couplant, making sure it is flat
against the surface.
 Moderate pressure on the top of the transducer using the thumb or index
finger is sufficient; it is only necessary to keep the transducer stationary
and seated flat against the surface of the material.
3 The display will show a value which is constantly updating. The
gauge will take 4 readings per second when the transducer is in
contact with the surface of the material.
 The stability of the reading is indicated on the stability bar to the right of
the display. A valid reading has a stability of 5 or more. If the stability
indicator has fewer than 5 bars showing or the numbers on the display
seem erratic, make sure there is an adequate film of couplant beneath the
transducer, and that the transducer is seated flat against the material. If
the condition persists, it may be necessary to select a different transducer
(size or frequency) for the material being measured.
4 Press ‘Save’ to include the current reading in the statistics
calculations. The last reading is held on screen when the
transducer is removed from the surface.
 The last saved reading can be deleted and removed from the statistics
calculations by pressing Menu/Delete Last Reading.
7 STATISTICS
The Elcometer 204 calculates and displays the following statistical
values:
 Number of Readings (n:)
 Mean (X:)
 Lowest Reading (Lo:)
 Highest Reading (Hi:)
 Standard Deviation (σ:)
 Coefficient of Variation (cv%:)
To display the statistics, press Display/Setup Display/Top Display (or
Bottom Display as required).
To clear the current statistical values, press Display/Clear Statistics.

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8 MENU STRUCTURE
Regulatory
Menu
Delete Last Reading
Calibration
Setup
About
Reset
Emergency Light
Calibration
Zero Set
Setup
Units
Language
Beep Volume
Screen Settings
Gauge Auto Off
Units
mm
Inch ○
○
Screen Settings
Screen Brightness
Screen Timeout
Opening Screen ○
About
Gauge Information
Transducer Information
Contact
Legal Legal
Legal Notices
Regulatory
Display
Clear Statistics
Setup Display
Display Information Setup Display
Top Display
Bottom Display
Bottom Display
None
Statistics
Readings
○
○
○
Top Display
None
Statistics
Readings
○
○
○
10.1 TRANSDUCERS
Each gauge is supplied complete with 5MHz 1/4" Potted Right Angle
Dual Element Transducer. Other transducers are available to order as
accessories - see Table 1 ‘Transducers’ on page en-9.
Transducers are potted - the transducer cable is permanently fixed to
the transducer head - right angle, dual element, ‘intelligent’
transducers. When connected, the transducer frequency and diameter
will be automatically identified by the gauge.
When choosing a transducer, the frequency, diameter and material
under test should be considered. As the Elcometer 204 is pre-
calibrated for steel, only transducers suitable for measuring on steel
should be used with this gauge.
Details of the transducer connected can be viewed at any time via
Menu/About/Transducer Information.
10 SPARES & ACCESSORIES
Gauge firmware can be upgraded to the latest version by the user via
® ®
ElcoMaster , as it becomes available. ElcoMaster will inform the user
of any updates when the gauge is connected to the PC with an
internet connection.
9 UPGRADING YOUR GAUGE

10 SPARES & ACCESSORIES (continued)
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# High temperature transducer, suitable for measuring hot surfaces up to 343°C (650°F).
‡ Extra resolution transducer with increased near surface resolution, ideal for use on thin substrates.
TABLE 1: TRANSDUCERS
Part Number
Frequency
Diameter
TXC5M00BP-4
5.0MHz
3/16"
TXC5M00EP-3
5.0MHz
1/2"
TXC5M00EP-4
5.0MHz
1/2"
TXC5M00CP-4
5.0MHz
1/4"
TXC5M00CP-6
5.0MHz
1/4"
#
TXC5M00CP-8
5.0MHz
1/4"
TXC7M50BP-3
7.5MHz
3/16"
‡
TXC7M50CP-4
7.5MHz
1/4"
TXC7M50CP-5
7.5MHz
1/4"
TXC10M0BP-1
10.0MHz
3/16"
TXC10M0CP-4
10.0MHz
1/4"
Other transducers are available which can be connected to the gauge
using a transducer adaptor - see Section 10.4 ‘Transducer Adaptor’ on
page en-11. For a complete list of transducers, visit
elcometerndt.com.
10.2 CALIBRATION STANDARDS
Available as a set or individually, allowing
users to select the most appropriate
thicknesses for their application, Elcometer
calibration standards are manufactured
b
from 4340 steel to a tolerance of ±0.1% of
the nominal thickness.
Calibration standard sets and individual standards are supplied
complete with calibration certificate.
b Calibration standards manufactured in other materials are available on request. Contact Elcometer for
further information.

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Description Sales Part Number
Calibration Standard Set; T920CALSTD-SET1
c
Nominal Thickness: 2 - 30mm (0.08 - 1.18")
Comprising of nominal thicknesses; 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 & 30mm
c
(0.08, 0.20, 0.39, 0.59, 0.79, 0.98 & 1.18") , complete with holder
and calibration certificate.
Calibration Standard Set; T920CALSTD-SET2
c
Nominal Thickness: 40 - 100mm (1.57 - 3.94")
Comprising of nominal thicknesses; 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 & 100mm
c
(1.57, 1.97, 2.36, 2.76, 3.15, 3.54 & 3.94") , complete with holder
and calibration certificate.
Calibration Standard Holder T920CALSTD-HLD
c
for thicknesses up to 100mm (3.94")
c Imperial values for information purposes only. Calibration standards are manufactured and measured in
millimetres.
10 SPARES & ACCESSORIES (continued)
Note: Elcometer recommends that Calibration Standards are wrapped in anti-
corrosion film when not in use.
INDIVIDUAL CALIBRATION STANDARDS
Part Number
Nominal
Thickness
Part Number
Nominal
Thickness
mm
c
inch
mm
c
inch
T920CALSTD-2
2
0.08
T920CALSTD-40
40
1.57
T920CALSTD-5
5
0.20
T920CALSTD-50
50
1.97
T920CALSTD-10
10
0.39
T920CALSTD-60
60
2.36
T920CALSTD-15
15
0.59
T920CALSTD-70
70
2.76
T920CALSTD-20
20
0.79
T920CALSTD-80
80
3.15
T920CALSTD-25
25
0.98
T920CALSTD-90
90
3.54
T920CALSTD-30
30
1.18
T920CALSTD-100
100
3.94

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10.3 ULTRASONIC COUPLANT
For the gauge to work correctly, there must
be no air gap between the transducer and the
surface of the material being measured. This
is achieved by using a couplant.
A 120ml (4fl oz) bottle of couplant is supplied
as standard with each gauge, other sizes are
available to purchase separately.
Description Sales Part Number
120ml (4fl oz) T92015701
120ml (4fl oz) - pack of 5 T92015701-5
300ml (10fl oz) T92024034-7
500ml (17fl oz) T92024034-8
3.8l (1 US Gallon) T92024034-3
High Temperature; 60ml (2fl oz) T92024034-9
High Temperature; 60ml (2fl oz) - pack of 2 T92024034-10
For use with high temperature transducers up to 398°C (750°F) - see
Section 10.1 ‘Transducers’ on page en-8.
10.4 TRANSDUCER ADAPTOR
This adaptor allows dual element,
‘non-intelligent’ transducers from
Elcometer - see Section 10.1
‘Transducers’ on page en-8 - and other
manufacturers’ transducers with Lemo
connectors, to be used with the gauge.
Simply plug the adaptor into the transducer connection point at the
base of the gauge to connect any ‘non-intelligent’, dual element
transducer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Description Sales Part Number
Dual Element Transducer Adaptor T92024911
10 SPARES & ACCESSORIES (continued)

Gauges are supplied with a 12 month warranty against manufacturing
defects, excluding contamination and wear. The warranty can be
extended to two years within 60 days of purchase via
www.elcometer.com.
Transducers are supplied with a 90 day warranty.
11 WARRANTY STATEMENT
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12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
a
Thickness Range
0.63 - 500mm (0.025 - 20")
Accuracy
(whichever is the greater)
±1% or 0.1mm
Resolution
0.1mm (0.01")
Measurement Rate
4 Hz (4 readings per second)
Operating
Temperature
-10 to 50°C (14 to 122°F)
Power Supply
2 x AA batteries
d
Battery Life
Alkaline: Approximately 15 hours
Lithium: Approximately 28 hours
Gauge Weight
210g (7.4oz)
including batteries, without transducer
Gauge Dimensions
145 x 73 x 37mm (5.7 x 2.87 x 1.46")
without transducer
Can be used in accordance with: ASTM E 797, EN 14127, EN 15317
a Thickness range is dependent on the material being measured and the transducer used.
d When in continuous reading mode at a reading rate of 4 Hz. Rechargeable batteries may differ.

13 LEGAL NOTICES & REGULATORY INFORMATION
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This product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
The Elcometer 204 is Class B, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there are intentionally generated and/or used conductively
coupled radio-frequency energy which is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class B product are suitable for use in domestic establishments and in establishments directly
connected to a low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
The USB is for data transfer only and is not to be connected to the mains via a USB mains adapter.
The ACMA compliance mark can be accessed via: Menu/About/Legal/Regulatory
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected
-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Modifications not expressly approved by Elcometer Limited could void the user's authority to operate
the equipment under FCC rules.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
®
and ElcoMaster are registered trademarks of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane,
Manchester, M43 6BU. United Kingdom
All other trademarks acknowledged.
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The shape and roughness of the test surface are of paramount
importance when carrying out ultrasonic thickness testing. Rough,
uneven surfaces may limit the penetration of ultrasound through the
material and result in unstable, and therefore unreliable
measurements.
The surface being measured should be clean, and free of any small
particles, rust or scale. The presence of such obstructions will prevent
the transducer from seating properly against the surface.
Often, a wire brush or scraper will be helpful in cleaning surfaces. In
more extreme cases, a rotary sander or grinding wheels may be used,
though care must be taken to prevent surface gouging, which will
inhibit proper transducer coupling.
Extremely rough surfaces, such as the pebble-like finish of some cast
iron, will prove most difficult to measure. These kinds of surfaces act
on the sound beam like frosted glass acts on light, the beam becomes
diffused and scattered in all directions.
In addition to posing obstacles to measurement, rough surfaces
contribute to excessive wear of the transducer, particularly in situations
where the transducer is ‘scrubbed’ along the surface.
14 APPENDIX 1: PREPARING THE TEST SURFACE
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TMA-0615 Issue 03 - Text with cover 25838
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Guide d'utilisation
Elcometer 204
Jauge de mesure d'épaisseur
d'acier par ultrasons
www.elcometer.com
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Section
Page
1
Présentation générale
fr-2
2
Colisage
fr-2
3
Utiliser la jauge
fr-3
4
Premières démarches
fr-4
5
Définir le point zéro
fr-5
6
Prendre une mesure
fr-6
7
Statistiques
fr-7
8
Structure du menu
fr-8
9
Actualiser votre jauge
fr-8
10
Pièces détachées et accessoires
fr-8
11
Déclaration de garantie
fr-12
12
Caractéristiques techniques
fr-12
13
Mentions légales et règlementaires
fr-13
14
Annexe 1 : Préparer la surface à tester
fr-14
En cas de doute, merci de vous référer à la version originale en Anglais du présent manuel.
Dimensions de la jauge : 145 x 73 x 37 mm (5.7 x 2.87 x 1.46") - sans sonde
Poids de la jauge : 210 g (7.4oz) - avec piles, sans sonde
Des Fiches Techniques de Sécurité de Produit pour le couplant ultrasonique vendu avec l’Elcometer 204 sont
disponible en téléchargement sur notre site Internet via le lien suivant :
Fiche Technique de Sécurité du Couplant Ultrasonique d'Elcometer :
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_Ultrasonic_Couplant_Blue.pdf
Fiche Technique de Sécurité du Couplant Ultrasonique (Haute Température) d'Elcometer :
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/elcometer_ultrasonic_couplant_hi_temp.pdf
© Elcometer Limited 2015-2017. Tous droits réservés. Aucune partie de ce document ne peut être reproduite,
transmise, transcrite, stockée (dans un système documentaire ou autre) ou traduite dans quelque langue que
ce soit, sous quelque forme que ce soit ou par n'importe quel moyen (électronique, mécanique, magnétique,
optique, manuel ou autre) sans la permission écrite préalable d’Elcometer Limited.
SOMMAIRE
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1 PRÉSENTATION GÉNÉRALE
6
1
5
1 Indicateurs LED - Rouge (gauche), Vert (droite)
2 Ecran LCD
3 Touches
4 Touche marche/Arrêt
5 Disque zéro
6 Point de connexion de la sonde
7 Sortie de données USB (sous le capot)
8 Compartiment piles (tournez ¼ de tour pour ouvrir/fermer)
9 Fixation dragonne
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2 COLISAGE
7
9
8

Elcometer 204 Jauge de mesure d'épaisseur d'acier par ultrasons

Sonde bi-composants 5MHz 1/4" intégrale angle droit

Flacon de gel de couplage ultrasonique; 120ml (4fl oz)

2 x piles AA

Etui de protection

Dragonne

Protection d'écran

Certificat de calibration

Guide d'utilisation
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3
4
2

3 UTILISER LA JAUGE
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a
Alimentation : piles ou USB -
indicateur de durée de vie des piles
b
Mode de mesure - P-E: Écho Pulsé
c
Témoin de stabilité de la mesure
d
Unités de mesure - mm, Inch
e
Touche Menu
f
Touche Afcha
g
Touche 'Enregistrement des mesures’
h
Valeur lue
i
Statistiques
h
b
a
c
d
e
f
i
4.1 MISE EN PLACE DES PILES
Chaque jauge est livrée avec 2 piles Alcaline AA
Pour insérer ou remplacer les piles :
1 Soulevez le verrou du compartiment piles, et
tournez-le dans le sens inverse des aiguilles
d'une montre pour retirer le couvercle.
2 Insérez les deux piles en respectant la polarité.
3 Replacez le couvercle et tournez le verrou
dans le sens des aiguilles d'une montre
pour le fermer.
Le niveau de vie des piles est indiqué par un symbole dans le coin en
haut à droite de l'écran ( ):
 Symbole plein (orange) : capacité des piles optimale
 Symbole vide (rouge, clignotant) = niveau des piles insuffisant
4.2 CONNECTER UNE SONDE
(TRANSDUCTEUR)
1 Alignez le point rouge situé sur le
connecteur de la sonde avec celui
situé sur la base de la jauge.
2 Insérez la sonde dans la jauge en
poussant; vérifiez que le
connecteur est entièrement
engagé.
+
+
4 PREMIÈRES DÉMARCHES
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