Elcometer 224 User manual

English
Elcometer 224
Digital Profile Gauge
Operating Instructions
CONFIDENTIAL
PROTOTYPE
-DRAFTINSTRUCTIONS-

English
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224 Patent Applied for.
Bluetooth SIG QDID = B014393.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited. ElcoShip®and ElcoMaster®are registered trademarks of
Elcometer Limited.
®and Bluetooth®are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG Inc and licensed to Elcometer Limited.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2010.
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.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com.
Doc.No. TMA-0437 Issue 05
Text with Cover No: 20605
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The following table associates the relevant 224 model number with its Japanese Mutual Recognition Agreement Law
identifiers.
The Top version of the product meets the Radio and Telecommunications Terminal Equipment Directive and the Standard ver-
sion of the product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
The product is Class B, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is 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.
For compliance to FCC Part 15, Radio Frequency Devices add the following three statements in the inside cover page area.
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.
E224----T R 205 WW 2009017

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3 Taking a reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4 The display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5 The menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 Gauge configuration and functions - Extended menu off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
7 Gauge configuration and functions - Extended menu on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
8 Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
9 [TOP] Batching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
10 [STANDARD] Transferring Readings to a Computer or printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
11 [TOP] Transferring readings to a computer or printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
12 Personalised welcome screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
13 Storage and transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
14 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
15 Statistics terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
16 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
17 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
18 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
19 Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of coatings inspection equipment. Our
products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application to post application
inspection.
The Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge is a world beating product. With the purchase of this gauge you
now have access to the worldwide service and support network of Elcometer. For more information visit our
website at www.elcometer.com.
1 ABOUT YOUR GAUGE
The Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge is a handheld gauge for fast and
accurate measurement of the peak-to-valley height of the surface profile of blast
cleaned surfaces.
The gauge is available in two versions; Standard and Top. This manual describes
the operation of both versions of the gauge; any differences between the function
of the two versions are highlighted in the text as [TOP] or [STANDARD].
Your gauge features an easy-to-use menu driven graphical interface which
guides the user through tasks such as zeroing and gauge configuration.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 224, please take some time
to read these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer
or your Elcometer supplier if you have any questions.

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1.1 FEATURES
• Menu-driven graphical user interface
•Statistics
• RS232 interface
• [TOP] Bluetooth® interface
• [TOP] High/low limits
• [TOP] Memory of up to 50 000 readings in up to 999 batches
• [TOP] Display backlight
1.2 STANDARDS
Your Elcometer 224 Digital Profile Gauge can be used in accordance with the following National and
International Standards, ASTM D 4417-B, SANS 5772, US Navy NSI 009-32, US Navy PPI 63101-000.
For IMO PSPCa, the surface profile of metal surfaces should be measured and recorded. Your Elcometer
224 Digital Profile Gauge can be used for this.
1.3 CHECKING THE CONTENTS OF THE BOX
• Elcometer 224 Gauge
• Glass zero plate
• Gauge carrying pouch
• Probe tip protection cap
• Batteries
• [TOP] CD containing data collection software
• Operating instructions
a. International Marine Organisation, Performance Standard for Protective Coatings

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1.4 PACKAGING
The gauge is packed in cardboard and plastic packaging. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of
in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your Local Environmental Authority for further guidance.
1.5 CONVENTIONS IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS
The Elcometer 224 is controlled using a simple menu structure which helps you get the most from your
gauge - see page 9.
As an example, the LANGUAGES option which is in SETUP from the MAIN MENU would be shown in these
instructions as MENU>SETUP>LANGUAGES.
These instructions include images of Elcometer 224 screens with units set to microns (µm). Similar screens
will be seen when the gauge is set to other units (mils or thou).
2 GETTING STARTED
Before you use your gauge for the first time, remove the paper strip from the battery compartment.
2.1 BATTERIES
Batteries are located under the cover at the rear of the gauge. Use two LR03 (AAA),
alkaline dry batteries, or rechargeable equivalent; take care to ensure correct battery
polarity.

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2.2 ON / OFF
To switch your gauge on, press .
The gauge switches off automatically after 60 seconds; to switch off manually, press and
hold .
2.3 KEYPAD
The gauge is controlled by four ‘softkeys’.
The function of these softkeys varies and is described by symbols and words on the
bottom line of the screen.
2.4 INTERFACE
A serial interface is located on the side of your gauge. Connect the optional gauge-to-
PC connection cablebbetween your gauge and your PC and then transfer readings and
statistics (see page 27) and download welcome screens into your gauge (see page 31).
[TOP] Your gauge also has a Bluetooth®interface. Connect your gauge to your PC using
Bluetooth®for quick and easy data transfer and welcome screen download (see page 28).
2.5 LANGUAGE
The Elcometer 224 has over 20 languages built-in.
Note: When the gauge is switched on for the first time after batteries have been fitted, the display will show
the language selection screen. Press Ïor Ðto locate your language, then press SEL. The gauge operates
in the new language until changed.
b. Gauge-to-PC connection cable - see “Accessories” on page 33.

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CHOOSING LANGUAGE
Either:
1. Switch gauge off.
2. Press and hold left hand softkey.
3. Press to switch on gauge.
4. Release left hand softkey.
5. Press Ïor Ðto locate your language, then press SEL. The gauge operates in the new language until
changed.
Or:
Select MENU>SETUP>LANGUAGES
2.6 ZEROING YOUR GAUGE
Before taking measurements, always zero your gauge on a hard flat surface; use the glass plate supplied
with your gauge or a similar flat surface such as window glass.
1. Press ZERO.
2. When indicated by the display, place the probe on the glass plate.
The display will show 0 (zero) and is ready to use immediately.
Note: If a glass plate is not available, use the factory zero:
Select MENU>RESET>FACTORY ZERO.

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3 TAKING A READING
3.1 BEFORE YOU START
•Have you zeroed the gauge? . . . . . . . . . . .See “Zeroing your gauge” on page 6.
•Do you require statistics? . . . . . . . . . . . . . .See “Statistics” on page 17.
•[TOP] Do you want to save readings? . . . .See “[TOP] Batching” on page 21.
•What units of measurement do you want? .See “UNITS - Select from µm, mil or thou.” on page 16.
3.2 PROCEDURE
1. Switch on the gauge.
2. Hold the gauge with the probe pressed firmlycagainst the
surface you are measuring such that the tip of the probe
reaches into the bottom of the profile valley.
3. Read the depth shown on the display.
The display also shows the measurement units (µm, mil or
thou).
c. The reading may be inaccurate if the probe is not held flat against the surface.
TEST SURFACE

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4 THE DISPLAY
The display shows measurement data, menus
and gauge settings. The display shown here is
a typical TOP reading screen.
The reading screen changes depending upon
units, [TOP] memory, softkeys locking and
whether extended menus are selected.
To maximise the size of the reading value on the
display, ensure that Softkeys Locked is
deactivated - see page 17.
• ZERO - Press to zero the gauge (using a
glass zero plate).
• [TOP] DATA - Press to access, configure
and review gauge memory (batching) - see
page 21.
• STATS - Press to view statistical analysis of readings - see page 17.
• MENU - Press to access the setup menus and configure your gauge - see page 9.
• [TOP] - If is displayed flashing next to the battery status symbol, it indicates that your gauge and
your PC have established a Bluetooth®connection - see page 29.
View readings
statistics
Battery
status
Units
Setup
menus
Zero
gauge
Peak to
valley
height
[TOP] View
readings data
(memory)

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5 THE MENUS
Gauge configuration and measurement functions are controlled using menus. Most menus contain the
following boxes and softkeys:
• TICK BOX - Indicates menu items which can be switched on or off (activated or deactivated). A tick
in the box indicates the function is on (activated).
• SEL - Selects the option displayed and in some cases toggles the status of a tick box off/on.
•Up/Down
ÏÐ- Moves the cursor up or down menus. The menus scroll up/down and a line across the
screen indicates the start and end of the menu.
• BACK - Returns the gauge to a previous screen. Holding this softkey down will exit quickly from any
menu and return to the reading screen.
Your gauge has two menu structures; Extended menu off and Extended menu on:
5.1 EXTENDED MENU OFF
The gauge is shipped from the Elcometer factory with extended menu
switched off. In this simple menu mode the gauge can be zeroed and
used to take measurements. This is the ideal setting for users who do
not require access to advanced features of the gauge.

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5.2 EXTENDED MENU ON
When the extended menu is switched on, additional items are added
to the menu which give access to more advanced functions, and the
STATS softkey is activated.
[TOP] When the extended menu is switched on the DATA softkey is
also activated.
To toggle extended menu on/off, press MENU>EXTENDED MENU.

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5.3 [STANDARD] MENU
STATS
Enlarge Stats
Stats on LCD
Clear Stats
Select Stats


ZERO
Zero gauge
RESET
Factory zero
ABOUT
Gauge information
Contact
Help
DELETE
Last reading
SETUP
Statistics
Output
z
z
z



Units
Auto switch off 1
Beep volume 3
Languages
Large fonts
Softkeys locked
Opening screen
STATISTICS
Select stats
Softkey enabled
z

SELECT STATS
No. of readings
Mean





Std deviation
Highest reading
Lowest reading
UNITS
µm
mil
thou



MENU
Backlight
Zero locked



z
z
z
z
z
Extended menu
Print/Output
Delete
Setup
About
Reset
PRINT/OUTPUT
Current statistics
OUTPUT
Baud rate
RS232 bit image
RS232 plain text
z


BAUD RATE
1200
2400






4800
9600
14400
19200

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5.4 [TOP] MENU
STATS
Enlarge stats
Stats on LCD
Clear Stats
Select Stats


DATA
Exit batching
Open new batch
Open existing batch
Review batches
Set limits
Free memory
ZERO
Zero gauge
MENU
Backlight
Zero locked



z
z
z
z
z
Extended menu
Print/Output
Delete
Setup
About
Reset
RESET
Factory zero
ABOUT
Gauge information
Contact
Help
PRINT/OUTPUT
Single batch
All batches
Current statistics
DELETE
Last reading
Single batch
All batches
SETUP
Statistics
Data
z
z
z
z



Units
Auto switch off 1
Output
Beep volume 3
Languages
Large fonts
Softkeys locked
Opening screen
OUTPUT
Bluetooth PC reply
Baud rate
RS232 bit image
RS232 plain text

z


UNITS
µm
mil
thou



DATA
Softkey enabled
Deleted reading

z
STATISTICS
Select stats
Softkey enabled
z

SELECT STATS
No. of readings
Mean





Std deviation
Highest reading
Lowest reading
DELETED READING
Tag
Delete


BAUD RATE
1200
2400






4800
9600
14400
19200

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6 GAUGE CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTIONS - EXTENDED MENU OFF
When extended menu is switched off, the following items are displayed on the screen:
6.1 BACKLIGHT
Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, the display backlight switches on while the gauge is
being used and switches off during periods of inactivity.
Note: Battery life is reduced by about one third when the backlight is activated.
6.2 ZERO LOCKED
Protects against inadvertent adjustment of zero. Toggle the tick box to activate/deactivate. If ZERO softkey
is pressed while ZERO LOCKED is activated the gauge displays ZERO LOCKED USE MENU TO
UNLOCK. The message disappears after 3 seconds.
6.3 EXTENDED MENU
Provides access to additional features. Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate.
6.4 ABOUT
Provides information on Gauge, Probe, Contact information and Help:
• GAUGE INFORMATION - Elcometer 224 model, software versions, [TOP] Bluetooth®PIN code, etc.
• CONTACT - Details of Elcometer offices worldwide and, if programmed, the contact details for the
Supplier or Local Distributor.
• HELP - Explains symbols used on the display.

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7 GAUGE CONFIGURATION AND FUNCTIONS - EXTENDED MENU ON
When extended menu is switched on, the following additional items are displayed on the screen:
7.1 RESET
Resets the gauge to factory settings:
• FACTORY ZERO - Returns gauge to zero setting created at time of manufacture of the probe.
Factory zero will not necessarily restore a precise zero. The gauge should always be zeroed before
use using the glass plate supplied.
7.2 PRINT/OUTPUT
Outputs statistics ([TOP] and batch data) to the optional Elcometer miniprinterdvia the RS232 interface.
Note: To use this function, first setup using MENU>SETUP>OUTPUT - see page 16. If no printers have
been setup (Bit image or Plain text), PRINT/OUTPUT will display a NOT AVAILABLE message.
• [TOP] SINGLE BATCH - Outputs a single batch of readings. Use the Right/Left softkeys ÍÎto locate
the batch to be output and then press OK.
• [TOP] ALL BATCHES - Outputs all batches of readings. If there is no data stored in the memory the
gauge displays NOT AVAILABLE DATA MEMORY EMPTY.
• CURRENT STATISTICS - Outputs the current statistics.
d. Elcometer Miniprinter - see “Accessories” on page 33.

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7.3 DELETE
Deletes readings. If there is no reading to delete, the gauge displays LAST READING NOT AVAILABLE.
• LAST READING - Deletes last reading only. Gauge displays ARE YOU SURE? Select YES to confirm
or NO to cancel.
• [TOP] SINGLE BATCH - Deletes the batch data. Use the Right/Left softkeys ÍÎto locate the batch
to be deleted and then press OK. Gauge displays ARE YOU SURE? Select YES to confirm or NO to
cancel.
• [TOP] ALL BATCHES - Deletes all batches. Gauge displays ARE YOU SURE? Select YES to confirm
or NO to cancel.
7.4 SETUP
Selects, changes or activates the following gauge features:
• STATISTICS - Configures statistical analysis of readings - see “Statistics” on page 17:
• SELECT STATS - Choose which statistics are shown on the display.
• SOFTKEY ENABLED - Allows STATS softkey to be turned off when EXTENDED MENU is active.
• [TOP] DATA - Activates DATA softkey and selects the DELETED READING menu.
• [TOP] SOFTKEY ENABLED - Allows DATA softkey to be turned off when EXTENDED MENU is
active.
• [TOP] DELETED READING - Allows readings to be tagged or deleted:
[TOP] TAG - Readings still appear in the batch (with a tag-deleted symbol ), but they are not
included in statistical calculations.
[TOP] DELETE - Readings are deleted permanently.

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• UNITS - Select from µm, mil or thou.
• AUTO SWITCH OFF - Changes delay before gauge switches off.
Minimum = 1 minute (default); Maximum = 10 minutes; ‘Off’ = disabled
• OUTPUT - Selects [TOP] Bluetooth®PC Reply option, baud rate and activates data output via the
interface - see “Interface” on page 5.
• [TOP] BLUETOOTH PC REPLY - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, and a
Bluetooth®connection is established between your gauge and a PC, the gauge will expect a reply
from the PC after each reading is taken. See page 30 for further information.
• BAUD RATE - Sets baud rate between 1200 and 19200. The default value is 9600 baud.
• RS232 BIT IMAGE - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, readings are sent to the
RS232 interface as they are taken. All images and characters are output as bit-maps.
• RS232 PLAIN TEXT - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, readings are sent to
the RS232 interface as they are taken. The gauge sends standard ASCII characters from the Courier
New font sete. This allows printing on devices such as RS 232 printers or PC via Elcometer software
(page 28) or via HyperTerminal (or similar programs).
• BEEP VOLUME - Changes volume. 0 = off; 5 = loudest; Default = 3.
• LANGUAGES - Selects menu language.
• LARGE FONTS - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, all menus and screens are
displayed using double height, single width fonts (for improved legibility, if needed).
e. When RS232 Plain Text is selected the following languages will be output as English: Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Jap-
anese, Korean, Russian, Lithuanian, Farsi.

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• SOFTKEYS LOCKED - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate.
When activated, the softkey functions will always be displayed on
the screen.
When deactivated, the softkey functions disappear automatically
from the reading screen and the reading value is expanded to
maximum size as shown in the illustration. To view the functions
again, press any of the softkeys.
Note: Softkey functions are always visible in menus.
• OPENING SCREEN - Toggle tick box to activate/deactivate. When activated, an opening (welcome)
screen is displayedfwhen the gauge is switched on.
8 STATISTICS
The Elcometer 224 has a Statistics feature (STATS) which calculates and displays a statistical analysis of
readings as they are taken. [TOP] The statistical calculations are also applied to the readings stored within
a single batch in memory.
f. The welcome screen will only be displayed if it has been downloaded into the gauge (see page 31).