Elcometer 406L User manual

English
Elcometer 406L
Statistical Glossmeter
Operating Instructions

English
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The Elcometer 406L Statistical Glossmeter has been tested in accordance with EU regulations
governing Electro-magnetic compliance and it meets the required directives.
Note: Readings may be affected if the unit is operated within a radio frequency electromagnetic strength of
greater than 3 V/m.
is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited.
Novo-Soft is a trademark of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Limited. 2009.
All rights reserved. Nopart 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/
downloads. Doc.No. TMA-0412 Issue 03
Text with Cover No: 20120

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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Taking a reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 Deleting data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5 Viewing measurement statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7 System Set-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
8 Novo-Soft™ software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
9 Storage and transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
10 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
11 Statistics terminology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
12 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
13 Spare parts and accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
14 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 406L Statistical Glossmeter. Welcome to Elcometer.
Elcometer are world leaders in the design, manufacture and supply of inspection equipment for coatings
and concrete. Our products cover all aspects of coating inspection, from development through application
to post application inspection.
Your Elcometer 406L Statistical Glossmeter is a world beating product. With the purchase of this product
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 406L Statistical Glossmeter is a handheld gauge for measuring the gloss on flat surfaces
from matt to mirror finishes. The gauge is available in two versions; single angle measurement (60°) or dual
angle measurement (20°/60°).
The gauge can perform statistical analysis of gloss readings stored in internal memory.
The Elcometer 406L contains an LED light source, a light detector and a system of lenses. A parallel beam
of light illuminates the specimen at a set angle of incidence. The light detector is set at the opposite angle
and measures the light reflected from the specimen. Gloss is computed and displayed in Gloss Units (GU).
The gauge is calibrated using a certified calibration tile.
The Elcometer 406L is supported by Novo-Soft™ software - a data cable connects the gauge to a PC via
an USB connection.
The gauge is powered by internal dry cell batteries.

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1.1 GAUGE FEATURES
• Measures at 20°and 60°angles (dual angle
models only)
• Simultaneous reading of both angles (dual angle models
only)
• Simultaneous calibration of both angles (dual angle models
only)
• Auto-ranging - measures matt to mirror finish.
• Move-and-read feature for checking large surfaces quickly
• Statistical analysis gives an instant indication of batch
quality
• RS232 output to PC
• Download, analyse and store readings in Novo-Soft
• Calibrate to any gloss standard
• Extended-life light source; over 10 years under normal
operating conditions
• Accurate and reliable
1.2 STANDARDS
Your Elcometer 406L Statistical Glossmeter can be used in accordance with the following National and
International Standards, AS/NZS 1580.602.2, ASTM C 584, ASTM D 523, ASTM D 1455, ASTM D 2457,
EN 12373-11, EN 13523-2 supersedes ECCA T2, ISO 2813, ISO 7668, JIS Z 8741, TAPPI T 653.

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1.3 WHAT THE BOX CONTAINS
• Elcometer 406L Statistical Glossmeter (single angle model or dual angle model)
• Certified calibration tile in case
• Tile cleaning cloth
• Calibration certificate for tile
• CD-ROM containing Novo-Soft™ software package
• USB cable
• 5 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries
• Posi-Drive screwdriver
• Carrying case
• Operating instructions
The gauge is packed in a cardboard and foam package. Please ensure that this packaging is disposed of
in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your local Environmental Authority for further guidance.
The display is covered with a protective film on dispatch from the factory. This film may be removed and
discarded before first use.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 406L 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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2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 FITTING BATTERIES
The Elcometer 406L uses dry cell batteries only. Sealed alkaline batteries are recommended.
5 x LR03 (AAA) alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
To fit or replace the batteries:
1. Locate the two screws which retain the battery compartment cover at the rear
of the gauge.
2. Use the screwdriver supplied to remove the screws and then lift off the battery
compartment cover.
3. Place the batteries in the battery holders ensuring correct polarity.
4. Replace the battery compartment cover and tighten the retaining screws.
Note: Remove the batteries from the gauge if it is to remain unused for a long period
of time. This will prevent damage to the gauge in the event of malfunction of the
batteries.
Note: Alkaline batteries must be disposed of carefully to avoid environmental
contamination. Please consult your local Environmental Authority for information on
disposal in your region.
Do not dispose of any batteries in fire.

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2.2 SWITCHING ON/OFF
To switch on, press . The display will show:
It is not possible to switch off the Elcometer 406L manually. The unit will
automatically switch off XX seconds after the last key press, where XX is user-defined between 30 and 120
seconds (see “Changing settings using Novo-Soft™” on page 21).
2.3 CHANGING DISPLAY LANGUAGE
The Elcometer 406L can display menus in the following languages; English, French, Spanish, German,
Italian and Dutch.
To select language using the keypad, see “Language - Selecting” on page 19.
Display language can also be changed by the Novo-Soft™ package included with your gauge.
1. Install and run Novo-Soft™ package. See “Novo-Soft™ software” on page 19.
2. Connect Elcometer 406L to PC and switch gauge on. See “Interfacing to your PC” on page 20.
3. Select required display language. See “Changing settings using Novo-Soft™” on page 21.
Last Certified:
24/10/2006

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2.4 THE CONTROLS
The Elcometer 406L is a menu-operated gauge and it has three control keys:
READ/SELECT
This key has three functions:
Power: This key is used to switch the gauge on.
Read: In the measurement mode, press and release to take a single measurement or press and
hold for continuous measurement.
Select: When navigating the set-up menus this key selects an item or confirms a previous
selection.
SCROLL UP/DOWN
This key has four functions:
View statistics: In single angle measurement mode, press the UP key to view the statistics for
the selected angle.
Delete: In single angle measurement mode press the DOWN key to enter the delete mode.
Scroll Up/Down: In the set up menu use the UP/DOWN key to scroll through the available
options.
Set Calibration value: In Set Calibration Mode press the UP/DOWN key to adjust the
calibration value.

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CHANGE ANGLE/CALIBRATE/CANCEL
This key has two (single angle models) or three (dual angle models) functions;
Change Angle (dual angle models only): In measurement mode press the C key to toggle
between the measurement angles 20°> 60°> 20°/60°.
Calibrate: In measurement mode press the C key for 2 seconds to initiate the calibration
process.
Cancel: During calibration press the C key to cancel the process and revert to previously stored
calibration constants.
2.5 WHICH ANGLE SHOULD I USE? (DUAL ANGLE MODELS ONLY)
Each angle is suitable for different situations:
Angle Used for measurement of Suggested range
20° High gloss surfaces Surfaces that measure more th an 70GU when measured at 60°
such as automotive paint finish, polished metals and plastics
60° All gloss levels Initial investigation of any sur face