Panametrics MG2 User manual

USER’S MANUAL
MG2, MG2-XT, MG2-DL
Ultrasonic Thickness Gages
Part No. 910-257C

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Table of Contents
Preface and Warranty
1 General Information...................................................... 1-1
2 Basic Operation.............................................................. 2-1
2.1 Initial Setup......................................................... 2-2
2.2 Making Measurements........................................ 2-4
2.3 Low Battery......................................................... 2-4
3 Standard Calibration Measurement............................ 3-1
3.1 Introduction......................................................... 3-1
3.2 Transducer Zero Compensation.......................... 3-2
3.3 Velocity and Zero Calibration............................. 3-3
3.4 Material Velocity Calibration ............................. 3-4
3.4.1 Material Sound Velocity Unknown..... 3-4
3.4.2 Material Sound Velocity Known......... 3-6
3.5 Zero Calibration.................................................. 3-7
3.6 THRU-COAT®Calibration (MG2-XT and DL) 3-8
3.6.1 THRU-COAT Calibration (Material).. 3-9
3.6.2 THRU-COAT Calibration................... 3-9
3.7 Echo-to-Echo Calibration.................................... 3-11
4 Additional MG2 Gaging Features................................ 4-1
4.1 Back Light........................................................... 4-2
4.2 Freeze Mode........................................................ 4-4
4.3 Gain Adjust ......................................................... 4-4
4.4 Material Gain Sensitivity Optimization .............. 4-5
4.5 Measurement Set................................................. 4-6
4.5.1 Meas Option ........................................ 4-7
4.5.2 Units .................................................... 4-8

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4.5.3 Resolution............................................ 4-8
4.5.4 Min/Max.............................................. 4-9
4.5.5 Hold/Blank .......................................... 4-10
4.5.6 Measure Rate....................................... 4-10
4.5.7 CAL Lock............................................ 4-11
4.5.8 ID Overwrite........................................ 4-12
4.6 System Setup....................................................... 4-12
4.6.1 Beeper.................................................. 4-13
4.6.2 Inactive Time....................................... 4-13
4.6.3 Radix.................................................... 4-14
4.6.4 Backlight Mode ................................... 4-15
4.6.5 36DLP Output ..................................... 4-15
4.7 High/Low Alarms................................................ 4-16
4.8 Diff Mode............................................................ 4-17
4.9 Clock Setup......................................................... 4-18
4.10 Resets ................................................................ 4-19
4.10.1 Measurement Reset ........................... 4-19
4.10.2 Master Reset ...................................... 4-21
4.10.3 Database Reset................................... 4-22
4.11 Activating Waveform Option............................ 4-22
4.12 Optional Waveform........................................... 4-24
4.13 Waveform Adjust Mode.................................... 4-27
4.13.1 Manual Gain Adjust .......................... 4-28
4.13.2 Extended Blank ................................. 4-30
4.13.3 Database ResetE1 (Echo 1) Blank..... 4-31
4.13.4 Range................................................. 4-33
4.13.5 Delay.................................................. 4-35
4.14 B-Scan............................................................... 4-36
4.14.1 Using the B-scan Function ................ 4-38
4.14.2 B-scan Freeze .................................... 4-40
4.14.3 Saving B-scan.................................... 4-41
4.15 DB Grid (DL Models Only).............................. 4-42

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4.15.1 Using the DB Grid Function.............. 4-43
4.15.2 Saving Data ....................................... 4-44
4.15.3 Reviewing Stored Thickness Data..... 4-45
4.15.4 Editing and Moving Directly............. 4-46
4.15.5 Inserted ID# Location in Grid Files... 4-47
5 Datalogger........................................................................ 5-1
5.1 Datalogger Overview.......................................... 5-1
5.2 Organizing the Datalogger.................................. 5-3
5.2.1 File Name Structure............................. 5-3
5.2.2 Identifier Structure............................... 5-3
5.3 Creating Data Files.............................................. 5-4
5.3.1 Standard Editing Commands............... 5-4
5.3.2 Creating Files From a Computer......... 5-6
5.3.3 Creating Files From the MG2-DL....... 5-6
5.4 Opening a File..................................................... 5-15
5.5 Saving Data......................................................... 5-16
5.6 Using the Review ID Mode................................. 5-17
5.7 Using Edit ID Mode............................................ 5-18
5.8 Delete .................................................................. 5-19
5.8.1 Deleting a Range of ID#s in a File...... 5-19
5.8.2 Deleting Selected Files........................ 5-20
5.8.3 Deleting Stored Value ......................... 5-22
5.9 Receiving Files and Using GageViewTM............. 5-23
5.9.1 Receiving Files From a Computer....... 5-23
5.9.2 Using GageView ................................. 5-24
5.10 Statistics Reports............................................... 5-24
6 Specifications.................................................................. 6-1
7 Theory of Operation...................................................... 7-1

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8 Application Notes........................................................... 8-1
8.1 Performance and Accuracy Factors .................... 8-1
8.2 Transducer Selection........................................... 8-4
8.3 High Temperature Measurements....................... 8-6
9 Maintenance and Troubleshooting .............................. 9-1
9.1 Routine Care and Maintenance ........................... 9-1
9.2 Transducers ......................................................... 9-1
9.3 Error Messages.................................................... 9-2
9.4 Turn On and Low Battery Problems................... 9-2
9.5 Measurement Problems....................................... 9-3
9.6 Self Diagnostics .................................................. 9-4
9.7 Tests .................................................................... 9-7
9.8 Repair Service..................................................... 9-10
9.9 Replacement Parts and Options .......................... 9-10
Appendix I: Sound Velocities

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Preface
MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages (MG2, MG2-XT, MG2-DL) are
designed and manufactured as precision instruments. Under normal
working conditions, they will provide long, trouble-free service.
Damage in transit - Inspect the unit thoroughly immediately upon
receipt for evidence of external or internal damage that may have
occurred during shipment. Notify the carrier making the delivery
immediately of any damage, since the carrier is normally liable for
damage in shipment. Preserve packing materials, waybills, and other
shipping documentation in order to establish damage claims. After
notifying the carrier, contact Olympus NDTTM so that we may assist
you in the damage claims, and provide replacement equipment, if
necessary.
Warranty
Olympus NDT guarantees MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages to be free
from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years
(twenty-four months) from date of shipment. The warranty covers
only equipment that has been used in a proper manner as described in
this instruction manual and has not been subject to excessive abuse,
unauthorized repair, or modification. DURING THIS WARRANTY
PERIOD, Olympus NDT LIABILITY IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITS
OPTION. Olympus NDT does not warrant MG2 Series Ultrasonic
Gages to be suitable for intended use, and assumes no responsibility
for unsuitability for intended use. Olympus NDT accepts no liability
for consequential or incidental damages including damage to property
and/or personal injury.
This warranty does not include the transducer, transducer cable,

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charger or battery. The customer will pay shipping expense to the
Olympus NDTTM plant for warranty repair; Olympus NDT will pay
for the return of the repaired equipment. For instruments not under
warranty, the customer will pay shipping expenses both ways.
Olympus NDT offers an optional third year warranty coverage (at an
additional cost), under the same terms, at the time of purchase.
Olympus NDT reserves the right to modify all products without
incurring responsibility for modifying previously manufactured
products. Olympus NDT does not assume liability for the results of
particular installations, as these circumstances are not within our
control.

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1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Panametrics-NDTTM MG2 Series Ultrasonic Gages are designed for a
wide range of applications including quick spot measurements to
determine wall thickness of various structures and measurement of
corroded metal. The MG2 series includes:
• MG2 - Features include: Automatic probe recognition, quick
compensations for transducer temperature changes, fast scan min
hold mode with 20 readings/sec and freeze function, selectable
Hold or Blank display during loss of signal (LOS) conditions,
LCD with selectable backlight or auto backlight for a highly
readable display under all lighting conditions, selectable English/
metric units, selectable calibration lockout functions to prevent
accidental change to calibration, selectable resolutions .001"
(.01mm) or .01" (.1mm), easy calibration for unknown material
velocity and/or transducer zero, and automatic power off.
• MG2-XT - Features include: Automatic probe recognition, quick
compensations for transducer temperature changes, fast scan min
hold mode with 20-readings/sec and freeze function, freeze func-
tion that instantly freezes displayed measurement, differential
mode that displays the difference between the actual thickness
and a user set nominal reference value, THRU-COAT®that dis-
plays the thickness of the coating and the true metal thickness
using a single backwall echo, Echo-to-Echo that displays the true
metal thickness and ignores the thickness of the coating layer,
High-Low Alarm that indicates out of tolerance measurements,
Gain Adjustment to help enable measurements in difficult appli-
cations, Material Sensitivity Optimization, selectable Hold or
Blank display during loss of signal (LOS) conditions, LCD with
selectable backlight or auto backlight for a highly readable dis-

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play under all lighting conditions, selectable calibration lockout
functions to prevent accidental change to calibration, selectable
resolutions .001" (.01mm) or .01" (.1mm), and easy calibration
for unknown material velocity and/or transducer zero.
• MG2-DL - Features include: Quick compensations for transducer
temperature changes, fast scan min hold mode with 20 readings/
sec and freeze function, freeze function that instantly freezes dis-
played measurement, differential mode that displays the differ-
ence between the actual thickness and a user set nominal
reference value, THRU-COAT®that displays the thickness of the
coating and the true metal thickness using a single backwall
echo, Echo-to-Echo that displays the true metal thickness and
ignores the thickness of the coating layer, High-Low Alarm that
indicates out of tolerance measurements, Gain Adjustment to
help enable measurements in difficult applications, Material Sen-
sitivity Optimization, On-Board Datalogger for storage of up to
8000 thickness readings, and USB output for computer interface.
Table 1 below lists MG2 Series features:
Table 1: MG2 Series Features
MG2 Series Features MG2 MG2-XT MG2-DL
Thickness Range 0.020"-25.00"
(0.50-635.0 mm) •••
Compatible with Complete Line of
Dual Element Transducers •••
Thickness Display Resolution up
to 0.001" (0.01 mm) •••

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Electroluminescent Display Back
Lighting •••
Automatic Probe Recognition •••
High Temperature Capabilities •••
Fast Measurement Rate of 20 per
second •••
Fast Minimum Mode •••
Freeze Mode •••
Zero Compensation Mode •••
Display Hold/Blank •••
Inches/millimeter Mode •••
Low Battery Indicator •••
150-Hour Battery Operating Time •••
Battery Saver •••
Two Year Limited Warranty •••
Hazardous Area Operation as per
MIL-STD 810E Method 511.3 •••
Table 1: MG2 Series Features
MG2 Series Features MG2 MG2-XT MG2-DL

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The gages employ a full range of user-controlled display functions to
measure the thickness of corroded, pitted, scaled, granular, and other
difficult materials from one side only. A full line of transducers is
available to measure materials between 0.020” (0.50mm) and 25”
(635mm) thickness and between -20°C and +500°C in temperature.
The MG2 series makes full use of its microprocessor to offer
selectable, advanced measurement features. Moreover, the MG2
Series continuously adjusts the receiver setup so that every
Gain Adjust ••
Auto Sensitivity Gain Optimiza-
tion ••
Differential Mode ••
THRU-COAT®••
Echo-to-Echo ••
Hi-Low Alarm ••
Internal Datalogger •
Live Waveform Option ••
USB
Note: The USB port on the MG2 and MG2-
XT is used for internal software upgrade
only.
•••
Table 1: MG2 Series Features
MG2 Series Features MG2 MG2-XT MG2-DL

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measurement is optimized for reliability, range, sensitivity, and
accuracy.
The MG2-DL built-in datalogger allows a simple method for
recording thickness readings and for labeling each point with an
identification code, and can store up to 8000 thickness readings,
providing an alternative to recording data manually.

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2 BASIC OPERATION
This section demonstrates basic MG2 measurement techniques. The
unit has been shipped from the factory set up with the following
conditions.
These conditions have been selected to demonstrate the instrument’s
ease of use. A further explanation of these default conditions can be
found in later sections of this manual. These conditions may be
changed after the operator becomes familiar with the advanced
features of the gage.
Note: The default value for sound velocity is only an
approximation of the sound velocity in the test block
material. The sound velocity of low to medium carbon
alloy steel is typically 0.2260 in/µS or 5.740 mm/µS.
Therefore, if you find the default value gives inaccurate
results on your material, refer to calibration
instructions.
STANDARD
RESOLUTION: 0.001 in. or 0.01mm
SOUND VELOCITY: 0.2260 in/µS or 5.740 mm/µS.
(Approximate sound velocity for
the carbon steel test bar provided
with the gage.) See note below.
BLANK MODE: Display is blank when not making
a measurement.

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2.1 Initial Setup
Follow this procedure when operating the gage for the first time.
Step 1: Plug the transducer into the connector at the top end of the
MG2 case.
Note: When unplugging a transducer, pull ONLY on the
molded plug, NOT on the cable.
Step 2: Press the [ON/OFF] key to turn the gage on. The transducer
should NOT be coupled to the test piece. After a power up
screen, the display screen displays:
This means that the gage requires the following transducer
ZERO compensation step.
Figure 2-1: Transducer ZERO Compensation

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Step 3: Wipe couplant from the tip of the transducer.
Step 4: Press [2ndF], [Cal Zero] (Do-Zero).
The gage displays a zero value and then displays the
measurement screen.:
Step 5: You are now ready to make measurements. The current
units are indicated on the right of the display. Inches (IN) or
millimeters (MM) may be changed to the alternate
measurement units by pressing [2ndF], [ ](Setup), then
pressing [ ] to highlight units and using [ , ] to
select English (inches) or metric units.
Step 6: Press the [Meas] key.
Note: This is not a substitute for doing a standard calibration.
Figure 2-2: Zero Screen

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2.2 Making Measurements
Step 1: Apply couplant to the test block or material at the spot to be
measured. In general, the smoother the material surface, the
thinner the couplant may be. Rough surfaces require more
viscous couplant such as gel or grease. Special couplants are
required for high temperature applications.
Step 2: Press the tip of the transducer to the surface of the material
to be measured. Use moderate to firm pressure and keep the
transducer as flat as possible on the material surface.
Step 3: Read the material thickness on the gage display.
Note: For highest accuracy both a velocity and zero
calibration must be done.
2.3 Low Battery
The gage will operate for at least 150 hours on one set of batteries
under normal conditions (not in FAST mode and with backlight off).
The battery symbol in the bottom right corner of the display indicates
remaining battery life.

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3 STANDARD CALIBRATION
MEASUREMENT
3.1 Introduction
The MG2 calibration procedure adjusts the gage so that it measures
accurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at a
particular temperature. Calibration procedures include:
1. Transducer Zero Compensation–Calibrates for the sound
transit time in each of the dual transducer delay lines, which
varies from unit to unit and with temperature. This simple
“off-block” procedure must be done when the gage is turned
on, when the transducer is changed, and whenever the
transducer temperature changes significantly.
2. Material Velocity Calibration or CAL VEL–Done using
a thick test block of the measured material with known
thickness or by entering the previously determined material
velocity manually. It must be performed for each new type
of material.
3. Zero Calibration or CAL ZERO–Done using a thin test
block of the measured material with known thickness.
Unlike the first two calibrations, this procedure is not
required unless the best absolute accuracy is demanded
(better than ±0.004” or ±0.10mm). If required, it need only
be done once for each new transducer and material
combination. It does not have to be repeated when the
transducer temperature changes. Transducer Zero

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Compensation will adjust for temperature changes in the
transducer.
3.2 Transducer Zero Compensation
This step must be done whenever the message “Do--” and the ZERO
flag are displayed (do ZERO).
Figure 3-1: Do Screen
To do the Transducer Zero Compensation, wipe any couplant from the
transducer face, and press [2ndF], [Cal Zero](Do Zero). The gage will
momentarily display the zero calibration value and then go to the
measure mode automatically. When measurements are being made on
surfaces that are significantly above or below room temperature,