Elcometer 500 User manual

User Guide
Elcometer 500
Coating Thickness Gauge
(for concrete and other similar substrates)
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Section
Page
1
Gauge Overview
en-3
2
Box Contents
en-3
3
The Display
en-4
4
Getting Started
en-5
4.1
Ensuring Your Gauge has the Latest Firmware
en-5
4.2
Fitting the Batteries
en-5
4.3
Switching the Gauge On / Off
en-5
4.4
Connecting a Probe
en-6
4.5
Fitting / Replacing a Probe Tip
en-6
4.6
Oiling the Sensor Plate
en-7
5
Taking a Reading
en-8
5.1
Before You Start
en-8
5.2
Taking a Reading in Standard Mode
en-8
5.3
Taking a Reading in Scan Mode - Model T
en-8
6
Verifying the Gauge & Probe Performance
en-9
7
Setting the Gauge Parameters
en-10
7.1
Selecting Your Language
en-10
7.2
Screen Settings
en-10
7.3
Setting Up the Reading Display
en-10
7.4
The Measurement Range
en-12
7.5
Measurement Substrates
en-12
7.6
Selecting the Measurement Units
en-13
7.7
Selecting the Measurement Resolution
en-13
8
Setting Limits - Model T
en-13
8.1
Creating Limits for Individual Readings
en-14
8.2
Creating Limits for a New Batch
en-14
8.3
Selecting Saved Limits
en-14
8.4
Renaming Limits
en-14
8.5
Amending Limits
en-15
9
Calibration Methods
en-15
10
Calibrating Your Gauge
en-16
10.1
Before You Start
en-16
10.2
Using 1 Point Calibration
en-16
10.3
Using Velocity Entry
en-18
10.4
Saving the Coating Calibration
en-19
10.5
Using Coating Material Calibration
en-19
10.6
Using Factory Calibration
en-20
10.7
Testing & Validating the Gauge Calibration
en-20
10.8
Locking the Calibration - Model T
en-21
CONTENTS
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For the avoidance of doubt, please refer to the original English language version.
Material Safety Data Sheets for the ultrasonic couplant and probe tip oil supplied by Elcometer, 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 Probe Tip Oil Material Safety Data Sheet:
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_Probe_Tip_Oil.pdf
© Elcometer Limited 2016. 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.
Hg
Pb
CONTENTS (continued)
Section
Page
11
Using the Coating Calibration Mould
en-22
12
Zeroing the Probe
en-24
12.1
Before You Start
en-24
12.2
To Zero the Probe
en-24
13
PIN Lock - Model T
en-25
14
Batching - Model T
en-25
15
Reviewing Batch Data - Model T
en-26
15.1
Batch Statistics
en-26
15.2
Batch Readings
en-27
15.3
Batch Graph
en-27
16
Menu Structure - Model B
en-28
17
Menu Structure - Model T
en-29
18
Downloading Data
en-30
18.1
®
Using ElcoMaster on a PC
en-30
18.2
®
Using ElcoMaster Mobile Apps - Model T
en-30
19
Upgrading Your Gauge
en-31
20
Spares & Accessories
en-31
20.1
Probes
en-31
20.2
Ultrasonic Couplant
en-32
20.3
Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould (CCM)
en-33
21
Warranty Statement
en-33
22
Technical Specification
en-34
23
Legal Notices & Regulatory Information
en-35

1 GAUGE OVERVIEW
1 USB Data Output Socket (below cover)
2 LED Indicators - Red (left), Green (right)
3 LCD Display
4 Softkeys
5 On/Off Key
6 Probe Socket
7 Probe Plug
8 Probe
9 Probe Tip Collar
10 Replaceable Probe Tip
11 Wrist Strap Connection
12 Battery Compartment (¼ turn open/close)
2 BOX CONTENTS

Elcometer 500 Coating
Thickness Gauge

Probe Tip Oil; 4ml (0.14fl oz Bottle)

Ultrasonic Couplant;
120ml (4fl oz Bottle)

AA Batteries; x2

Protective Case

Transit Case (Model T only)

Wrist Harness

Screen Protector; x3

®
ElcoMaster Software (Model T only)

USB Cable (Model T only)

Test Certificate

User Guide
11
12
1
3
5
2
4
6
7
1
8
10
9
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Note: The Elcometer 500 is supplied as a gauge only
without probe - probes must be ordered
separately, see Section 20.1 ‘Probes’ on
page en-31.

3 THE DISPLAY
Model
a
Power: Batteries - including battery life indicator
B, T
b
Bluetooth On - Grey: not connected; Orange: connected
T
c
Limits On (with Limit Index Number) - Red: limit exceeded
T
d
Probe Type Connected - C1 or C2
B, T
e
Calibration Method
B, T
f
Calibration: Sound-Velocity
B, T
g
Measurement Units - µm, mm, mils, inch
B, T
h
Signal Strength Indicator -
Green: valid and stable reading
B, T
i
Batching On
T
j
Menu Softkey
B, T
k
Display Softkey
B, T
l
Batch Softkey
T
m
Save Current Reading Value
B, T
n
Reading Value - White: valid and stable reading;
Grey: probe in free air; Red: limit exceeded
B, T
o
User Selectable Statistics - Maximum of 8
T
p
Batch Name - when in batching
T
q
Power: USB
B, T
r
Scan Mode On - icon ashes during a scan
T
s
Start / Stop Scan - when in Scan Mode
T
t
Date & Time - when enabled and not in batching
T
a
b
c
d
e
f
i
h
n
o
p
g
j
k
l
m
q
s
r
t
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4.1 ENSURING YOUR GAUGE HAS THE LATEST FIRMWARE
To ensure that your gauge has the most up-to-date gauge firmware,
allowing you to benefit from the latest features and functionality, we
®
recommend that the gauge is connected to ElcoMaster on a regular
basis and before first use.
Simply connect the gauge via USB to an internet connected computer
®
running ElcoMaster using the ‘Connect Gauge’ feature. If a later
version of the gauge firmware is available, ‘Update Gauge’ will be
displayed to the right of the gauge details. Click ‘Update Gauge’ to
install the latest firmware.
4.2 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
Note: 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.
4.3 SWITCHING THE GAUGE ON / OFF
To switch on: Press the on/off key for more than 0.5 seconds.
To switch off: Press and hold the on/off key until the screen goes
blank.
4 GETTING STARTED
+
+
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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.
4.4 CONNECTING A PROBE
Two probe options are available, C1 and C2. The probe used is
determined by the thickness of the coating being measured, see
Section 20.1 ‘Probes’ on page en-31 for further information.
To connect a probe:
1 Align the red dot on the probe
plug with the red dot on the base
of the gauge.
2 Push the probe into the gauge,
ensuring that the connector is
fully engaged.
Elcometer 500 probes will be identified
automatically by the gauge when
connected and details can be viewed at
any time via Menu/About/Probe
Information.
4.5 FITTING / REPLACING A PROBE TIP
Probes consist of a probe body, probe tip collar and probe tip (supplied
a
fitted ). Probe tips wear over time and any damage to the probe tip,
such as scratches, chips or dents, will affect the accuracy of the
readings.
The gauge will automatically check for probe tip wear each time it is
switched on and a probe is connected.
If probe tip wear is greater than 0.7mm but less than 1mm: The
user will be prompted to check the probe tip for wear or damage. After
inspection, the user can choose to continue with the current probe tip
or fit a new tip.
If probe tip wear is greater than 1mm: The user will be prompted to
replace the probe tip.
4 GETTING STARTED (continued)
a Additional probe tips and probe tip oil can be purchased from Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier,
see Section 20.1 ‘Probes’ on page en-31.
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To fit / replace the probe tip:
1 Unscrew the probe tip collar (a)
from the probe body (b).
2 Remove the worn or damaged
probe tip.
3 Fit a new probe tip (c) by sliding it
into the probe tip collar.
4 Apply a small drop of probe tip oil to
the sensor plate (d).
5 Refit the probe tip collar to the
probe body.
4.6 OILING THE SENSOR PLATE
For the probe to work correctly, there must be no air gap between the
probe tip and sensor plate. This is achieved by using a small amount
a
of probe tip oil (supplied with each gauge ). The gauge will inform the
user when oil is required.
To oil the sensor plate:
1 Unscrew the probe tip collar (a)
from the probe body (b) and
remove the probe tip (c) from the
sensor plate (d).
2 Apply a small drop of probe tip oil to
the sensor plate (d).
3 Refit the probe tip and probe tip
collar to the probe body.
Note: The use of normal oil is not recommended as it could damage the probe tip and
affect the accuracy of the gauge. Ultrasonic couplant can be used as an
alternative however, the probe tip and sensor plate will need to be cleaned more
regularly and couplant re-applied more frequently.
Note: A Material Safety Data Sheet for the probe tip oil supplied by Elcometer is
available to download via our website:
www.elcometer.com/images/stories/MSDS/Elcometer_Probe_Tip_Oil.pdf
4 GETTING STARTED (continued)
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a Additional probe tips and probe tip oil can be purchased from Elcometer or your local Elcometer supplier,
see Section 20.1 ‘Probes’ on page en-31.
a
c
b
d
a
b
d
c

5.1 BEFORE YOU START
1 Switch the gauge on - see Section 4.3 on page en-5.
2 Connect a probe - see Section 4.4 on page en-6.
3 Oil the sensor plate or replace the probe tip if required - see Sections
4.5 and 4.6 on pages en-6 and en-7.
 The gauge will inform the user when oil is required and when the probe tip is
worn or damaged and should be replaced.
4 Set up the gauge parameters - see Section 7 on page en-10.
5 Calibrate the gauge - see Sections 9 and 10 on pages en-15 and en-16.
5.2 TAKING A READING IN STANDARD MODE
1 Apply a small amount of couplant to the coated surface.
2 Press the probe into the couplant, ensuring that the probe is flat
against the surface.
3 The display will show a value which is constantly updating (Figure 1).
 The stability of the reading is indicated on the
signal strength indicator to the right of the
display. If the signal strength indicator is green,
it is a valid and stable reading. If not green,
ensure there is an adequate film of couplant
beneath the probe and that the probe is seated
flat against the surface. Alternatively, position
the probe nearby on a different area of the
test surface until a strong signal is received.
 '<0.15mm' or '>2.50mm' ('<6mils' or '>98mils')
indicates a reading outside the probe range
when using a C1 probe or '<0.75mm' or
'>10.00mm' ('<30mils' or '>390mils') when
using a C2 probe.
4 Press ‘Save’ to store the current reading
in the gauge or batch (Model T) memory.
5 Remove the probe from the surface .
 The reading value turns grey when the probe
is removed from the surface (Figure 2).
5.3 TAKING A READING IN SCAN MODE - MODEL T
Scan mode allows measurements to be taken quickly over a large surface
area by sliding the probe across the coated surface. In Scan Mode, the
gauge takes readings at an increased measurement rate and at the end of
each scan, the average, lowest and highest reading for the scan are
displayed and all three values are saved in the gauge or batch memory.
1 Enable ‘Scan Mode’ via Menu/Setup/Reading/Scan Mode.
2 Apply a small amount of couplant to the coated surface.
3 Press the probe into the couplant, ensuring that it is flat against the
surface.
5 TAKING A READING
Figure 1
Figure 2
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4 Press ‘Start’ to begin the scan and slide
the probe over the coated surface
(Figure 3).
5 The display will show a value which is
constantly updating.
 The stability of the reading is indicated on the
signal strength indicator to the right of the
display. If the signal strength indicator is green,
it is a valid and stable reading. If not green,
ensure there is an adequate film of couplant
beneath the probe and that the probe is seated
flat against the surface. Alternatively, position
the probe nearby on a different area of the test
surface until a strong signal is received.
 '<0.15mm' or '>2.50mm' ('<6mils' or '>98mils') indicates a reading outside the
probe range when using a C1 probe or '<0.75mm' or '>10.00mm' ('<30mils' or
'>390mils') when using a C2 probe.
6 Press ‘Stop’ to stop taking readings and complete the scan.
 If the scan is interrupted due to lack of couplant beneath the probe for example,
the scan is paused until a good signal is received or ‘Stop’ is pressed.
7 The scanned lowest, average and
highest reading will be displayed on
screen (Figure 4). Press ‘Save’ to store
the scanned readings into the gauge or
batch memory. Press ‘Clear’ to
disregard the last scan and start again.
8 Remove the probe from the surface.
Figure 4
5 TAKING A READING (continued)
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6 VERIFYING THE GAUGE & PROBE PERFORMANCE
Probe tips wear over time which can affect the accuracy of the
readings. Any damage to the probe tip such as scratches, chips or
dents will also affect the accuracy. Although the gauge will inform the
user when the probe tip requires replacement, it is good practice to
check the performance of the gauge / probe on a regular basis.
Users can verify the gauge and probe performance in the field using
the measurement foils supplied with each probe.
To verify the gauge / probe performance:
1 Press Menu/Calibration/Cal Method/Coating Material and select
the measurement foil from the ‘Generic Materials’ list.
2 When prompted, apply couplant to the measurement foil and take
a reading.
Figure 3

7.1 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.

7.2 SCREEN SETTINGS
A number of screen settings can be defined by the user via
Menu/Setup/Screen Settings including:
 This can be set to ‘Manual’ or ‘Auto’ - the Screen Brightness;
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.
7.3 SETTING UP THE READING DISPLAY
The colour LCD display is split into two halves; Top Display and Bottom
Display. The user can define what information is displayed in each half
including: Readings, Statistics, Run Chart, Bar Graph and Readings &
c
Differential .
7 SETTING THE GAUGE PARAMETERS
3 Compare the reading with the measurement foil thickness value
as printed on the foil label.
b
The reading should be within ±2% or 10µm (0.4mils) of the
measurement foil thickness value. If outside this range, zero the
probe (see Section 12 ‘Zeroing the Probe’ on page en-24) and repeat
the process. If the gauge is still outside specification - contact
Elcometer or your local supplier for further advice.
6 VERIFYING THE GAUGE & PROBE PERFORMANCE (continued)
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b Whichever is the greater
c Not available in ‘Scan Mode’ - see Section 5.3 ‘Taking a Reading in Scan Mode - Model T’ on page en-8.

 None; No information is displayed.
 Readings (Figure 5); The reading value
is displayed using the resolution as
defined by the user, see Section 7.7 on
page en-13.
 Statistics - Model B (Figure 6); The
following statistical values are displayed
as each measurement is taken:
Number of Readings, Mean, Lowest Reading,
Highest Reading, Standard Deviation,
Coefficient of Variation.
To clear the current statistical values,
press Display\Clear Statistics.
Selected Statistics - Model T (Figure 7);
Up to 8 statistical values can be
displayed as defined by the user via
Display/ Statistics/ Select Statistics.
Select from:
Number of Readings, Mean, Lowest Reading,
Highest Reading, Standard Deviation,
Coefficient of Variation, Low Limit Value,
Number Below Low Limit, High Limit Value,
Number Above High Limit, Range, NDFT
(Nominal Dry Film Thickness) Value.
To view the current statistical values,
press Display/Statistics/View Selected or
View All.
To clear the current statistical values,
press Display/Statistics/Clear Statistics.
 Run Chart - Model T (Figure 8); A line
trend graph of the last 20 measurements
which is updated automatically after each
reading.
 Bar Graph - Model T (Figure 9);
An analogue representation of the
current measurement value together
with the highest (Hi), lowes dt (Lo) an
average (X) reading. The graph is
updated automatically when each
reading is taken.
7 SETTING THE GAUGE PARAMETERS (continued)
Figure 7: Selected Statistics
& Readings (Model T)
Figure 6: Statistics
& Readings (Model B)
Figure 5: Readings
Figure 8: Run Chart &
Readings
Figure 9: Readings &
Bar Graph
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c
 Readings & Differential(Δ) - Model T
(Figure 10); T he last reading is displayed
together with the variation from the NDFT
(Nominal Dry Film Thickness) value set via
Menu/Limit Memories/Create Limit Memory/
Set NDFT.
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’.
Note: If ‘None’ is selected for one half and ‘Readings’ or ‘ Run Chart’ for the other half, t he
readings or run c hart will fill the whole screen. If any other c ombination of o ptions
is selected; the data will b e shown in the top or bottom display as s pecified.
7.4 THE MEASUREMENT RANGE
The Elcometer 500 uses the ‘Pulse-Echo’ measurement technique (the
total thickness from the base of the probe to the material density
boundary is measured), to non-destructively measure coatings up to
10mm (390mils) thick on concrete and other similar substrates.
Whilst the Elcometer 500 can measure up to 10mm (390mils) of a typical
epoxy coating, depending on the probe used, more sound absorbent
coatings such as rubber may reduce the measurement range of the
gauge. Contact Elcometer for further information.
7.5 MEASUREMENT SUBSTRATES
The Elcometer 500 has been designed to measure coatings on concrete
and other similar substrates. These include drywall, plasterboard,
concrete block, brick, stone, cinder block and other cementitious
materials.
The Elcometer 500 is ideally suited for measuring coatings on rough and
smooth substrates alike. Due to the nature of ultrasonic technology,
however, as the roughness increases the stability of the reading - as
indicated by the signal strength indicator to the right of the display - may
deteriorate. If the signal strength indicator is green, it is a valid and
stable reading otherwise position the probe nearby on a different area of
the test surface until a strong signal is received.
c Not available in ‘Scan Mode’ - see Section 5.3 ‘Taking a Reading in Scan Mode - Model T’ on page en-8.
Figure 10: Readings &
Differential
7 SETTING THE GAUGE PARAMETERS (continued)
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Limits are acceptable tolerance levels as defined by the user, allowing
readings to be compared with pre-defined values. The Elcometer 500
Model T can store up to 40 pre-programmed limits.
®
Limits can be created on the gauge or via PC using ElcoMaster , and
®
saved into the gauge memory for future selection. Using ElcoMaster ,
saved limits can be transferred to other gauges.
Each Limit can consist of an NDFT (Nominal Dry Film Thickness)
value (x:) - required for 'Readings & Differential' - a low ( ) and / or
high ( ) limit value.
If a measurement is taken which falls
outside set limits, the appropriate limit icon
and the reading value turn red, the red LED
flashes and the alarm beeps (Figure 11).
Limits can either be created for individual
readings or when a new batch is opened,
see Sections 8.1 and 8.2. Different batches
can have different limit values.
When created, limits are stored in the gauge limit memory and are
available for future selection, see Section 8.3.
Saved limits can be renamed and the values can be amended at any
time, see Sections 8.4 and 8.5.
Figure 11
8 SETTING LIMITS - MODEL T
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7 SETTING THE GAUGE PARAMETERS (continued)
7.6 SELECTING THE MEASUREMENT UNITS
The Elcometer 500 can take measurements in µm, mm, mils and inch.
To select the measurement units, press Menu/Setup/Units.
7.7 SELECTING THE MEASUREMENT RESOLUTION
The Elcometer 500 has a user selectable measurement resolution of:
 Low: 10µm, 0.01mm, 1mils or 0.001"
 High: 1µm, 0.001mm, 0.1mils or 0.0001"
(for more precise readings when measuring thinner coatings.)
To select the resolution, press Menu/Setup/Reading/Resolution and
select ‘Low’ or ‘High’ as required.

8.1 CREATING LIMITS FOR INDIVIDUAL READINGS
1 Press Menu/Limit Memories/Create Limit Memory/Set Upper
Limit (or ‘Set Lower Limit’).

2 Use the softkeys to set the required value and press ‘Set’.

3 If required, repeat Step 2 for ‘Set Lower Limit’ (or ‘Set Upper
Limit’) and ‘Set NDFT’. 
4 When all values have been set, use the softkeys to highlight

‘Save Limit Memory n’ and press ‘Select’ to save.
8.2 CREATING LIMITS FOR A NEW BATCH
1 Press Batch/New Batch/Batch Limits/Create Limit Memory/
Set Upper Limit (or ‘Set Lower Limit’).

2 Use the softkeys to set the required value and press ‘Set’.

3 If required, repeat Step 2 for ‘Set Lower Limit’ (or ‘Set Upper
Limit’) and ‘Set NDFT’. 
4 When all values have been set, use the softkeys to

highlight ‘Save Limit Memory n’ and press ‘Select’ to save.
Batch limits can be viewed at any time via Batch/Review Batch/Batch
Information.
8.3 SELECTING SAVED LIMITS
1 Press Menu/Limit Memories/Select Limit Memory or when in
Batching, press Batch/New Batch/Batch Limits/Select Limit
Memory.
2 Use the softkeys to highlight the limit memory required and

press ‘Select’.
When a limit memory is in use, is displayed to the right of the
measurement screen, where n = the limit memory index number.
8.4 RENAMING LIMITS
1 Press Menu/Limit Memories/Edit Limit Memory/Rename Limit
Memory.
2 Use the softkeys to highlight the limit memory to be renamed

and press ‘Select’.
3 Use the  softkeys to rename the limit memory.
4 Select ‘Ok’ to save the changes or ‘Escape’ to exit and disregard
any amendments made.
8 SETTING LIMITS - MODEL T (continued)
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8.5 AMENDING LIMITS
1 Press Menu/Limit Memories/Edit Limit Memory/Amend Limit
Memory.
2 Use the softkeys to highlight the limit memory to be

amended and press ‘Select’.

3 Use the softkeys to highlight ‘Set Upper Limit’ (or ‘Set Lower

Limit’) and press ‘Select’.

4 Use the softkeys to set the required value and press ‘Set’.

5 If required, repeat Steps 3-4 for ‘Set Lower Limit’ (or ‘Set Upper
Limit’) and ‘Set NDFT’. 
6 When all values have been amended as required, use the

softkeys to highlight ‘Save Limit Memory n’ and press ‘Select’ to
save the changes.
8 SETTING LIMITS - MODEL T (continued)
9 CALIBRATION METHODS
Calibration is the process of setting the gauge to known coating
thickness values to ensure accurate and repeatable readings on
different coating materials.
A choice of calibration methods is available, see Table 2: Calibration
Methods. To select the calibration method, press Menu/Calibration/Cal
Method.
The calibration method currently selected is indicated by the
calibration method icon on the right of the measurement screen.
TABLE 2: CALIBRATION METHODS
Calibration
Method
Icon
Description
1 Point
A reading is taken on a substrate with a coating
of known thickness and adjusted accordingly.
See Section 10.2 ‘Using 1 Point Calibration’ on
page en-16 and Section 11 ‘Using the Coating
Calibration Mould’ on page en-22.
Coating
Material
The coating material is selected from a
pre-defined list of generic or user defined coating
materials, stored in the gauge memory. See
Section 10.5 ‘Using Coating Material Calibration’
on page en-19 and Section 11 ‘Using the Coating
Calibration Mould’ on page en-22.
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The gauge should be calibrated each time a different probe is used or a
different type of coating is measured.
10.1 BEFORE YOU START
1 Switch the gauge on - see Section 4.3 on page 5.
2 Connect a probe - see Section 4.4 on page en-6.
3 Oil the sensor plate or replace the probe tip if required - see
Sections 4.5 and 4.6 on pages en-6 and en-7.
 The gauge will inform the user when oil is required and when the probe tip is
worn or damaged and should be replaced.
10.2 USING 1 POINT CALIBRATION
This procedure requires a sample of the coating with a known thickness,
measured by some other means such as a dry film thickness gauge.
If a sample is not readily available, one can be created using the
Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould (CCM), see Section 11 on
page en-22.
1 Press Menu/Calibration/Cal Method and select ‘1 Point’. If ‘1 Point’ is
already selected, simply press Menu/Calibration/Calibrate.
 The calibration method currently selected is indicated by the icon to the right
of the display.
2 To ensure accurate and repeatable readings and to check for probe
wear, the user will be prompted to zero the probe; clean the probe
surface, hold the probe in free air and press ‘Zero’.
 The ‘Zero Probe’ procedure is not only part of the calibration process, it can
also be performed at any time to check that there is sufficient probe tip oil on
the sensor plate and the condition of the probe tip. See Section 12 ‘ Zeroing
the Probe’ on page en-24 for further information.
3 When prompted, apply couplant to the coated sample.
 If a sample with a coating of known thickness is not readily available, one can
be created using the Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould (CCM), see
Section 11 on page en-22.
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9 CALIBRATION METHODS (continued)
TABLE 2: CALIBRATION METHODS (continued)
Calibration
Method
Icon
Description
Velocity Entry
If the sound-velocity of the coating is known,
simply enter the value. See Section 10.3 ‘Using
Velocity Entry’ on page en-18 and Section 11
‘Using the Coating Calibration Mould’ on
page en-22.

4 Place the probe on to the coated
sample, ensuring that it is flat against
the surface (Figure 12). The display will
show a thickness value which is
constantly updating.
 The stability of the reading is indicated on the
signal strength indicator to the right of the
display. If the signal strength indicator is
green, it is a valid and stable reading. If not
green, ensure there is an adequate film of
couplant beneath the probe and that the
probe is seated flat against the surface.
Alternatively, position the probe nearby on a
different area of the test surface until a strong
signal is received.
5 Remove the probe from the surface.
The last reading is held on screen
(Figure 13). If not representative,
repeat Steps 3-4.
 Excessive use of couplant can result in a
distorted reading when the probe is removed
from the surface. If this occurs, clean the
probe tip and coated surface, then repeat
Steps 3-4.
6 
Press ‘Adjust’ and using the

softkeys, adjust the reading to the
known thickness value, then press ‘Set’
to set the value (Figure 14).
At the end of the calibration procedure, the user is given the option to
save the coating calibration in the gauge memory for future use, see
Section 10.4 ‘Saving the Coating Calibration’ on page en-19 for further
information.
The gauge is calibrated using the coating
thickness value entered and the derived
sound-velocity is displayed to the right of the
measurement screen, below the calibration
method icon (Figure 15).
Pressing ‘Escape’ at any time will exit the
calibration procedure without calibrating the
gauge.
10 CALIBRATING YOUR GAUGE (continued)
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Figure 15
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10.3 USING VELOCITY ENTRY
To calibrate the gauge using this method, the user must know the
sound-velocity of the coating material. If the sound-velocity is not
known, ‘1 Point’ or ‘Coating Material’ Calibration can be used or
alternatively, the sound-velocity can be determined by using the
Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould (CCM), see Section 11 on
page en-22.
1 Press Menu/Calibration/Cal Method and select ‘Velocity Entry’. If
‘Velocity Entry’ is already selected, simply press
Menu/Calibration/Calibrate.
 The calibration method currently selected is indicated by the icon to the right
of the display.
2 Enter the known sound-velocity using

the softkeys to select 0 to 9 and the

 softkey to move to the next digit,
followed by ‘Set’ to use the value
entered (Figure 16).
 If the sound-velocity of the test coating is not
known, it can be determined by using the
Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould
(CCM), see Section 11 on page en-22.
3 To ensure accurate and repeatable readings and check for probe
wear, the user will be prompted to zero the probe; clean the
probe surface, hold the probe in free air and press ‘Zero’.
 The ‘Zero Probe’ procedure is not only part of the calibration process, it can
also be performed at any time to check that there is sufficient probe tip oil on
the sensor plate and the condition of the probe tip. See Section 12 ‘Zeroing
the Probe’ on page en-24 for further information
At the end of the calibration procedure, the user is given the option to
save the coating calibration in the gauge memory for future use, see
Section 10.4 ‘Saving the Coating Calibration’ on page en-19 for further
information.
The gauge is calibrated using the sound-
velocity entered which is then displayed to
the right of the measurement screen, below
the calibration method icon (Figure 17).
Pressing ‘Escape’ at any time will exit the
calibration procedure without calibrating the
gauge.
10 CALIBRATING YOUR GAUGE (continued)
Figure 16
Figure 17
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10.4 SAVING THE COATING CALIBRATION
At the end of ‘1 Point’ and ‘Velocity Entry’ calibration, the user is given
the option to save the coating calibration in the gauge memory for
future use.
When prompted, select ‘Yes’ (Figure 18) to
save and name the calibration as
appropriate for the specific coating or job for
example.
The coating calibration is then saved in the
‘User Materials’ list for future selection using
the ‘Coating Material’ calibration method,
see Section 10.5 ‘Using Coating Material
Calibration’.
®
Using ElcoMaster , saved ‘User Materials’ lists can be transferred to
other Elcometer 500 gauges, at any time.
10.5 USING COATING MATERIAL CALIBRATION
The gauge is calibrated using the known sound-velocity of a coating
material as selected by the user from one of two pre-defined lists
stored in the gauge.
‘Generic Materials’: Choose from Epoxy, PVC, Rubber,
Polyurethane, Bitumen.
‘User Materials’: A list of up to 64 user defined coating materials
with unique sound-velocities and names, created by either:
Saving ‘1 Point’ or ‘Velocity Entry’ calibrations - see Section
10.2 ‘Using 1-Point Calibration’ on page en-16 and Section
10.3 ‘Using Velocity Entry’ on page en-18;
Using the Elcometer 500 Coating Calibration Mould (CCM) to
determine the sound-velocity of the coating material - see
Section 11 on page en-22 for further information.
®
Using ElcoMaster , saved ‘User Materials’ lists can be transferred to
other Elcometer 500 gauges, at any time.
Note: CAUTION - different colours of the same material may have different sound-
velocities.
Figure 18
10 CALIBRATING YOUR GAUGE (continued)
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