Elcometer Novo-Gloss 406 User manual

English
Elcometer 406
Novo-Gloss™ Mini Glossmeter
Operating Instructions
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English
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The Elcometer 406 Novo-Gloss™ Mini Glossmeter has been tested in accordance with EU
regulations governing Electro-magnetic compliance and it meets the required directives.
Note: Glossmeter 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 Instruments Ltd.
Novo-Gloss and Novo-Soft are trademarks of Rhopoint Instruments Ltd.
All other trademarks acknowledged.
© Copyright Elcometer Instruments Ltd. 2004 - 2007.
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 Instruments Ltd.
A copy of this Instruction Manual is available for download on our Website via www.elcometer.com/downloads
Doc.No. TMA-0297 Issue 04
Text with Cover No: 18505
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CONTENTS
Section Page
1 About your gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2 Getting started. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3 Taking a gloss reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4 Deleting data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
5 Analysing data. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
7 Set-up options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
8 Novo-Soft™ software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
9 Menu structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
10 Storage and transit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
11 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
12 Technical specification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
13 Spares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
14 Related equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
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Thank you for your purchase of this Elcometer 406 Novo-Gloss™ Mini 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 406 Novo-Gloss™ Mini 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 406 Novo-Gloss™ Mini Glossmeter is a handheld gauge for measuring the gloss on flat
surfaces from matt to mirror finishes. The Glossmeter is available with either single angle, 60°, or dual angle,
20/60°, optics. The gauge can perform statistical analysis of gloss readings stored in internal memory.
The Elcometer 406 contains a light source, a light detector and a system of lenses. A converging beam of
light illuminates the specimen at a set angle of incidence. The light detector is set at the same angle of
incidence and measures a small aperture area of light reflected from the specimen. Gloss is computed by
the Elcometer 406 and displayed in Gloss Units (GU).
The Glossmeter is calibrated using a certified calibration tile.
The Elcometer 406 is supported by Novo-Soft™ software. A data cable connects the gauge to a PC via the
RS232 port.
The Glossmeter is powered by internal dry cell batteries.
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1.1 Gauge Features
• Range at 60°: 0 GU to 1000 GU
• Range at 20°: 0 GU to 2000 GU
• Resolution: 0.1 GU
• Move and Read feature
• Built-in Statistical Analysis
• Upload and analyse readings using Novo-Soft™ software
• Calibrate to any gloss standard
• Automatic or Manual calibration adjustment
• Automatic standard check, if required
• Extended-life light source; over 10 years under normal operating
conditions
1.2 Standards
Your Elcometer 406 Novo-Gloss™ Mini Glossmeter can be used in
accordance with the following National and International Standards:
• AS 1580-602.2 • ASTM C 584
• ASTM D 523 • ASTM D 1455
• BS DIN EN ISO 2813 • ISO 7668
• JISZ 8741
Figure 1. Elcometer 406
Novo-Gloss™ Mini
Glossmeter
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1.3 What the box contains
• Elcometer 406 Novo-Gloss™
Mini Glossmeter
• 4 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries
• Posi-Drive screwdriver
• Certified calibration tile with
protective box and cleaning
cloth
• Calibration certificate for tile
• CD-ROM containing Novo-
Soft™ software package
• Data cable
• 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.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer 406 please take some time to read these Operating
Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer or your Elcometer supplier if you have any
questions.
Software
on CD
Glossmeter
Data cable
Calibration
tile in box
Figure 2. Elcometer 406 box contents
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2 GETTING STARTED
2.1 FITTING BATTERIES
The Elcometer 406 uses dry cell batteries only. Sealed alkaline batteries are recommended.
4 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries are supplied in the kit.
To fit or replace the batteries:
1. Locate the two Posi-Drive screws which retain the battery compartment cover at the rear of the
Glossmeter (Figure 3).
2. Use the screwdriver supplied to remove the screws and then lift off the battery compartment cover.
Figure 3. Battery compartment and Battery Polarity
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3. Place the batteries in the battery clips ensuring correct polarity (Figure 3).
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.
2.2 CHANGING DISPLAY LANGUAGE
The Elcometer 406 can display menus in the following languages; English, French, Spanish, German,
Italian and Dutch.
Display language can only be changed by the Novo-Soft™ package included with the Elcometer 406.
1. Install and run Novo-Soft™ package. See “Novo-Soft™ software” on page 26.
2. Connect Elcometer 406 to PC and switch gauge on. See “Interfacing to your PC” on page 26.
3. Select required display language. See “Changing settings using Novo-Soft™” on page 28.
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2.3 THE CONTROLS
Figure 4. Elcometer 406 control panel
Note: The Glossmeter is supplied with a protective film over the display. This film may be removed before
first use.
The Elcometer 406 is a menu-operated Glossmeter and it has three control keys (Figure 4).
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READ/SELECT
This button has three functions:
1. Power: This key is used to switch the gauge on.
It is not possible to manually switch off the Elcometer 406. The unit will automatically switch
off (power down) approximately one minute after the last key press.
2. Read: In the measurement mode, pressing this key initiates a new gloss measurement.
3. Select: When navigating the set-up menus this key selects an item or confirms a previous
selection.
SCROLL UP/DOWN
This key is used to navigate the set-up and operation menus.
It is also used to change the calibration values in the calibration set-up menu.
ANGLE CHANGE/CANCEL
Dual angle Glossmeter:
• Switches between 60°and 20°measurement angles.
• Cancels calibration process and reverts to the previously stored calibration constants.
Single angle Glossmeter:
• Cancels calibration process and reverts to the previously stored calibration constants.
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3 TAKING A GLOSS READING
3.1 Check calibration
Before first use the gauge must be calibrated (see “Calibration” on page 15).
If the gauge has not been used for some time, it is advisable to check the calibration before taking readings:
• Place the gauge on the certified calibration tile
• Press the READ/SELECT key to obtain a reading
• Check the reading against the value assigned to the tile
• Adjust calibration if necessary (see “Calibration value” on page 23)
3.2 Position the Glossmeter
When the gauge is placed on the surface to be measured the aperture is hidden, but its position can be
determined from the intersection of the arrows marked on the front and side of the case.
3.3 Initiate a single reading
To take a single reading press and release the READ/SELECT key.
The gauge will now start to take a reading. A line of arrows (>>>) will move across the screen while the
gauge takes the measurement (Figure 5).
Figure 5. The display during measurement
ANGLE Value No
20° >>>
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Once the measurement has been taken the value shown in the display is the gloss value for the surface
within the aperture. This value is stored in the memory and the number of stored readings will increase by
one (Figure 6).
Figure 6. The display after measurement
3.4 Using the Move and Read feature
The Elcometer 406 has a special feature to assess quickly large surfaces for gloss variation.
1. Press and hold the READ/SELECT key.
The gauge will start to take a measurement.
2. Continue to hold the READ/SELECT key and carefully slide the Glossmeter to the next area to be
measured.
The display updates in real time to show the gloss value under the aperture.
3. When the READ/SELECT key is released the last reading will be displayed. This will be the value
stored in the memory.
Note: Sliding the gauge across a product may cause damage to the surface unless care is taken.
ANGLE Value No
20° 57.6 2
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3.5 Taking subsequent readings
Repeat the procedure in section 3.3 or section 3.4 to take further measurements. Each time a measurement
is taken the number of readings stored increases by one. If an erroneous reading is taken it can be deleted.
See “Deleting data” on page 11.
Measurements can be taken using both angles of the Dual Angle Gauge, as the data is stored separately
in the gauge.
4 DELETING DATA
4.1 Deleting a single reading
1. Press the SCROLL UP/DOWN key until the following message is displayed:
2. Press the READ/SELECT key.
The display will read:
3. Press the READ/SELECT key to confirm. The last reading will be deleted and the display will read:
Delete Sample
60° 94.2 10
Are You Sure?
Press Read Key
Delete Sample
60° 96.1 9
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4.2 Deleting all readings
1. Press the SCROLL UP/DOWN key until the following message is displayed:
2. Press the READ/SELECT key for more than 2 seconds, the gauge will prompt:
3. Press the READ/SELECT key to delete all values. Pressing any other key will exit the Delete mode.
Note: Stored data can also be cleared from the gauge using the Delete Data function in Novo-Soft™ when
the gauge is connected to the PC. See “Novo-Soft™ software” on page 26.
Delete Sample
60° 94.2 10
Del All Results?
Are You Sure?
Press Read Key
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5 ANALYSING DATA
5.1 To enter Statistics Mode
1. Turn the gauge on and press the SCROLL UP/DOWN key.
The gauge displays the measurement angle with the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) values for
the stored data.
2. Press the READ/SELECT key to switch the display to show the other statistical values for the data.
These are the mean (MEAN), the Coefficient of Variation (CV) and the Standard Deviation (SD).
These terms are defined below.
5.2 To exit statistics mode
Press the SCROLL/DOWN key once.
STATS MIN MAX
60° 42.8 60.7
MEAN CV SD
51.8 0.244 12.6
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Definition of terms used in statistics mode
For this purpose the individual readings are defined as values x
1
, x
2
, --- x
n
and x
i
is any reading in the data
set.
• Statistical sample population, n: The current number of stored readings (STORE), on which the
statistical calculations are based.
• Maximum (MAX): The highest reading in the data set.
• Minimum (MIN): The lowest reading in the data set.
• Mean (MEAN): The average value for the data set. The sum of all the individual readings divided by
the total number of readings.
• Standard Deviation (SD): Square root of the sum of squared deviations from the mean.
• Coefficient of variation (CV): Standard deviation divided by the mean; a measure of the data scatter
that can be compared for different mean values.
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6 CALIBRATION
6.1 CERTIFIED CALIBRATION TILE
Before taking readings it is necessary to adjust the calibration of the Glossmeter using the certified
calibration tile.
Figure 7. Certified calibration tile
The calibration tile is supplied certified in a clean and defect-free condition. A visual inspection for smears
or damage is recommended before each subsequent calibration as dirty or defective tiles may lead to
Foam Lid -
Zero Gloss
Value
Gloss Standard
Tile - High Gloss
Value
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inaccurate measurements. If necessary the tile can be cleaned using warm soapy water and dried with a
soft lint-free cloth.
The calibration tile consists of a black glass tile mounted in matt foam in a protective case (Figure 7). The
tile is certified with traceability to the BAM standards.
6.2 CALIBRATION MODES
The Elcometer 406 has two calibration adjustment modes; Automatic or Manual.
Automatic calibration sets the Glossmeter to the value of the tile pre-programmed in the memory of the
unit.
Manual calibration allows the reading value displayed on the screen to be adjusted up or down to the value
given on the gloss standard label.
The gauge is supplied in the default automatic calibration adjustment mode. The mode can be switched by
connecting to a PC and altering the setting in the preference file in Novo-Soft™ software (see “Changing
settings using Novo-Soft™” on page 28).
6.3 AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION MODE
AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION MODE - 60°ANGLE
The automatic calibration procedure is as follows:
1. Press the POWER button to switch the gauge on.
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The display will show the following screen for 2 seconds:
The display will then revert to measurement mode.
2. Press and hold the ANGLE CHANGE/CANCEL button for two seconds or use the SCROLL UP/DOWN
button to select:
3. Press the READ/SELECT button to start the procedure.
4. Press the READ/SELECT key to confirm the selection. The display will read:
5. Place the gauge carefully on the zero value foam, which is located in the lid of the calibration standard
(Figure 7).
6. Press the READ/SELECT key to set the zero value.
Elcometer 406
Mini Glossmeter
ANGLE Value No.
60° 0 0
TO CALIBRATE
Press Read Key
ARE YOU SURE?
Press Read Key
CALIBRATE
Sample Zero Ref
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The gauge will then prompt:
7. Place the gauge on the calibration tile, aligning the gauge base-plate with the top right hand corner of
the tile. (This will ensure consistent reading of the tile value.)
8. Press the READ/SELECT key when it is in position.
The gauge will display:
The gauge will then return to the measurement mode.
AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION MODE – DUAL ANGLE 20/60°
Both measurement geometries need to be calibrated before use.
1. First calibrate for the 60°angle by following the procedure “Automatic calibration mode - 60°angle” on
page 16.
Now calibrate for the 20°angle:
2. Press the ANGLE CHANGE/CANCEL key, the gauge will display:
CALIBRATE
Sample High Ref
60°Angle
Completed
ANGLE Value No
20° 0 0
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