GE AutoSigma 3000 DL Use and care manual

AutoSigma 3000
Technical Reference and Operation Manual
Ident No. 071-002-022
47DH01
105 952

This Issue 04, 06/2007 applies to the software version 1.0
Subject to change without notice. Rev. 02.

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 1
1.1 Important notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 2
1.2 How to use this manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 4
Operation steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 4
Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
Button Operation (Keypad) . . . . . . . . . . . 1 - 5
2 Standard package and accessories. . 2 - 1
2.1 Standard package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 2
2.2 Recommended accessories . . . . . . . . . 2 - 3
3 Preparation for operation . . . . . . . . 3 - 1
3.1 Battery installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
Power requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 2
3.2 Probe connection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 3
3.3 Probe identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 4
3.4 Entering probe code data . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 5
3.5 General parameter setting . . . . . . . . . . 3-6
3.6 Start-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 7
Normal switch on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-7
Reset switch on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 - 7
3.7 Basic measurement knowledge . . . . . . 3 - 9
4 Basic functions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 1
4.1 Measurement method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
4.2 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 2
4.3 Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 3
Key operation on standard model . . . . . . 4 - 3
Additional key operations on DL option . . 4 - 4
Content
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5 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 1
5.1 Switching on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2
Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 2
5.2 Switching off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 3
5.3 Changing working parameters . . . . . . . 5 - 3
5.4 Entering reference block values . . . . . 5 - 4
User reference blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 5
Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 5
5.5 Probe setting (SET PROBE) . . . . . . . . . 5 - 6
5.6 Taking a conductivity measurement . . 5 - 8
5.7 Data logging (internal). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 9
Clearing the entire memory . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 9
Setting the number of data files . . . . . . . 5 - 10
Data logging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 10
Logging in a reading (general). . . . . . . . 5 - 11
Selecting a file for logging . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 12
Clearing a file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 13
Accessing a file location containing
stored data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 13
5.8 Customising the operating mode. . . . 5 - 14
Storing a customised mode . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 15
Recalling a customised mode . . . . . . . . 5 - 15
Setting the operating mode to User or
Supervisor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 - 15
6 External data handling devices. . . . 6 - 1
6.1 Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 2
6.2 Sending serial data to an external
device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
Sending a single file. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 3
Sending the entire memory . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 4
Report format of transferred data. . . . . . . 6 - 5
Example of a report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 5
7 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 1
Content
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8 Maintenance and care . . . . . . . . . . . 8- 1
8.1 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 2
8.2 Care of Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 2
9 Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9- 1
9.1 EC Declaration of Conformity. . . . . . . . 9 - 2
9.2 Manufacturer / Service address . . . . . . 9 - 2
Great Britain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 3
USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 - 3
10 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 1
Content
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Introduction 1
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1.1 Important notes
GE Inspection Technologies Operating manuals pro-
vide functional information about a particular instru-
ment or group of instruments. However, proper set-
up and use of this equipment and the performance of
electromagnetic tests requires familiarity with factors
which are beyond the scope of Operating manuals.
These factors include the following:
• Selection of appropriate cables, probes, fixtures,
mechanical handling equipment and other accesso-
ries.
• Selection of proper test frequency, test mode and
other test parameters.
• Preparation of the test surface.
• Characteristics of the test material for example: con-
ductivity, hardness, permeability, geometry, magnet-
ic properties, heat treatment etc.
• Environmental factors such as temperature humid-
ity, dust and electrical interference.
• Any individual factors that will depend on the partic-
ular test object or test being performed.
It is therefore imperative that operators are properly
trained in both general procedure for electromagnetic
training testing and in the set up and execution of the
particular test to be performed. It is the responsibility
of the instrument user to ensure that test operators are
trained to a sufficiently high standard, suitable equip-
ment is used in the correct manner and that any test
variables which may affect specific tests are taken into
account. Similarly, compliance with standards such as
ASTM, ASNT, API, ASME, BS etc., as well as the ob-
servance of any test procedure specified by any gov-
ernment, manufacturer or other regulating authority is
the responsibility of the user.
Periodic calibration, cleaning and maintenance may
be necessary to ensure proper operation of the equip-
ment.
Environmental conditions and regularity of use should
be considered when determining the frequency of
such checks, then this should be observed.
Incidents such as physical shock, immersion in liquid
and exposure to damaging environments such as ex-
cessive heat, moisture, dirt or dust can adversely af-
fect equipment performance. The equipment must be
Important notes
Introduction
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Important notes
examined for damage and recalibrated after any such
incident. Do not use any product which you know or
suspect to be faulty.
Reference samples used for calibration should, ideally,
have the same material properties as the object to be
tested, or a known relationship to it, established by a
laboratory test.
Equipment calibration should be checked frequently
during testing to assure valid test measurements.
As a matter of good practice and wherever possible,
suspected defects in critical areas should be cross
checked using appropriate alternative indication tech-
niques.
Any question about the use, operation, specifications
or special considerations relative to the particular
GE Inspection Technologies product you are using
should be addressed to your local sales representative,
the distributor or GE Inspection Technologies direct.
Eddy current based instrumentation works by measur-
ing minute electromagnetic fields. Interfering signals,
even at a level satisfying CE mark requirements, may
be able to mask or distort this information. The user is
responsible for ensuring that no such effect is occur-
ring.
GE Inspection Technologies pursues a policy of con-
tinued development of its products. The company re-
serves the right to change specifications without prior
notice.
Introduction
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1.2 How to use this manual
In order to simplify this operating manual, the opera-
tional steps, information listings etc, always have the
same format. This will enable you to quickly find infor-
mation.
Operation steps
Operation steps are laid out in tables as shown in the
following example: To set the high alarm to trip at 80.5.
Step Key Display
1From “Off” select mea-
surement mode.
2Enter parameter menu.
3Step through the menu
to the “HIGH ALARM”
parameter.
4Move across to the set-
ting field.
5Increment/decrement to
required level.
6Return to normal mea-
surement mode.
Normal measure-
ment display
How to use this manual
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This action table indicates in step form:
– Switch on with a press of ON/OFF button.
– Press the MENU button.
– Press INCREMENT/DECREMENT button repeat-
edly until the required parameter is accessed.
– Press the SET button to move to the value setting
fi e l d .
The INCREMENT or DECREMENT buttons are then
used to set the required value.
– Press the MENU button to return the instrument to
its Measurement Mode ready to take readings.
Display figures in this manual may show XXXX, YYYY
or ZZZZ as numerical values etc. these indicate that
any valid number or menu item may be displayed.
How to use this manual
Lists
Lists are arranged as follows with bulleted indents.
• 101.6 % IACS. Highest reading
• 101.2 % IACS. Mean reading
• 99.8 % IACS. Lowest reading
Notes
H Note:
Under this heading you will find special recommenda-
tions concerning measurement techniques, or refer-
ences to important information in other chapters of the
manual.
Button Operation (Keypad)
• Press: Button contact then immediate release.
• Long Press: Button contact for a period of three
seconds or more then release.
Introduction
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Standard package and accessories 2
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2.1 Standard package
Product code Description Order number
AutoSigma 3000 DL 47I001DL
Probe 12.7 mm (60/500 KHz) 47P001
Cable (Probe) 47A001
Probe finger support 47A005
Curve measurement adapter 47A006
Hard plastic packall case 47A008
Calibration Certificate –
Standard package
Standard package and accessories
2 - 2 Issue 04, 06/2007 AutoSigma 3000

Recommended accessories
2.2 Recommended accessories
Product code Description Order number
Soft Case with Shoulder Strap 47A009
Probe 8 mm (500 KHz) 47P002
Cable (Printer) 33A145
Cable (Data Logger) 47A003
Computer Interface Cable (PC) 33A146
Computer Interface Instructions –
Operator Reference Block Plate and 44A016
set of five Operator Reference Blocks
See Data Sheet for details
Standard package and accessories
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Preparation for operation 3
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3.1 Battery installation
Power requirements
The AutoSigma 3000 can only be operated by battery,
using three AA size cells, Alkaline (preferred), Dry
Cell, or Ni-Cad.
H Note:
If Ni-Cad batteries are used the battery level indica-
tion will not be correct, and they should be removed
for charging when the level indicator shows about
25 %. The AutoSigma 3000 has no provision for in situ
charging.
– Undo Battery Cover Screws and lift off the cover
(the screws are captive in the lid).
– Insert three AA alkaline cells as shown.
Alternative cells may be used if alkaline batteries are
not available, but unit operating time may be reduced
and battery level indication inaccurate.
If the batteries are installed incorrectly with the polarity
reversed, no damage to the AutoSigma 3000 will oc-
cur, but the instrument will not function.
– After the batteries have been installed, replace the
battery cover and refit the screws. The Icon on the
display shows the battery charge.
Battery installation
Preparation for operation
3 - 2 Issue 04, 06/2007 AutoSigma 3000

Probe connection
H Note:
When the battery empty state is displayed, the batter-
ies should be replaced at once.
The AutoSigma 3000 automatically turns off when
the batteries become too weak for reliable operation.
When using the equipment in remote locations it is ad-
visable to carry spare batteries. Discharged or faulty
batteries are classified as Special Waste and must be
disposed of accordingly.
3.2 Probe connection
The connecting cable for the probe is a 5 way LEMO
to 5 way LEMO and may be used either way round.
– Align the red dots of the LEMO plug and the socket
of the cable and plug together, they are polarised
and will therefore not engage unless correctly mat-
ed.
– Similarly attach the cable to the instrument.
The connectors are self locking and will not become
detached without being released by pulling the serrat-
ed section of the plug.
H Note:
Before a probe can be used to take accurate measure-
ments, its Code Number (if not already contained in
the probe file) must be entered into the instruments
operational memory – see section 3.3. Instruments
supplied from the factory with a probe will already
have the code number entered. 12.7 mm diameter
probes have a 4 digit code and 8 mm diameter probes
a 2 digit code.
Preparation for operation
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If an instrument reset is carried out the Probe data will
be returned to “5555” or “55” thus requiring the probe
code number/s to be re-entered.
3.3 Probe identification
12.7 mm Probe: Dual Frequency 60 and 500 kHz
(L/H) has a four-digit code (see below).
Probe code shown here on the display.
8 mm Probe: Single Frequency 500 kHz (H) only, has
a two-digit code.
Probe code shown here on the display.
Probe identification
Preparation for operation
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