PCE Instruments PCE-USC 20 User manual

PCE-USC 20
Thickness Meter
Operating Manual
PCE Americas Inc.
711 Commerce Way
Suite 8
Jupiter
FL-33458
USA
From outside US: +1
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]
www.pce-instruments.com/english
www.pce-instruments.com
PCE Instruments UK Ltd.
Units 12/13
Southpoint Business Park
Ensign way
Hampshire / Southampton
United Kingdom, SO31 4RF
From outside UK: +44
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

I
Chapter 1 Overview ......................................................................................... 1
Chapter 2 Parameters and Features ............................................................... 2
2.1 Basic Performance Parameters ................................................................... 2
Chapter 3 Structure ......................................................................................... 6
3.1 Overall Structure .......................................................................................... 6
3.2 Interfaces ..................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Waveform and Data Display ........................................................................ 9
Chapter 4 Operating Instruction .................................................................... 11
4.1 Power Supply..............................................................................................11
4.2 Operating Instruction of the AC Power Supply............................................11
4.3 Battery Power Supply .................................................................................11
4.4 Probe Connecting ...................................................................................... 12
4.5 Power On/Off ............................................................................................. 12
4.6 Software Update and Return to Factory Default Settings .......................... 12
4.7 Important Basic Setting.............................................................................. 13
Chapter 5 Menu Introduction ........................................................................ 15
5.1 Normal Menus............................................................................................ 15
5.2 Special Menus............................................................................................ 31
Chapter 6 Function Instruction ..................................................................... 32
6.1 Calibration Function ................................................................................... 32
6.2 DAC Function............................................................................................. 36
6.3 AVG Function............................................................................................. 39
6.4 Envelope Function ..................................................................................... 40
6.5 Curve Surface Amend................................................................................ 40
6.6 Welding Graphic Illustration ....................................................................... 41
6.7 Series Store Function................................................................................. 42
6.8 Peak Holding.............................................................................................. 42
6.9 Auto Gain Adjustment ................................................................................ 43
6.10 Rectification ............................................................................................. 43
6.11 Parameters Store and Recall ................................................................... 44
6.12 Data Store and Replay............................................................................. 45
Chapter 7 Communication and Printing ...................................................... 47

II
7.1 Interfaces ................................................................................................... 47
7.2 Data Communication ................................................................................. 47
7.3 Instructions................................................................................................. 48
7.4 Test Report................................................................................................. 51
Chapter 8 Flaw Evaluation and Influence Factors of the Detecction
Precision ........................................................................................................... 53
8.1 Necessary Condition for Using................................................................... 53
8.2 Training For Operators............................................................................... 53
8.3 Technical Requirements for Detection ....................................................... 53
8.4 Influence Factors of the Detection Precision.............................................. 54
Chapter 9 Maintenance and Repair ............................................................ 58
9.1 Environmental Challenge........................................................................... 58
9.2 Battery Charge........................................................................................... 58
9.3 Battery Replacement ................................................................................. 58
9.4 Trouble Elimination .................................................................................... 59
9.5 Safety Tips ................................................................................................. 59
Appendix ........................................................................................................... 61
Appendix ⅠUser Guidelines .......................................................................... 61
Appendix ⅡRange and PRF.......................................................................... 62
Appendix ⅢInterfaces.................................................................................... 62
Appendix ⅣDefinition of Measurement Point Data ........................................ 63

1
Chapter 1 Overview
When ultrasonic waves transmit in test materials, acoustics properties will be
effected due to flaws existing in the material, thus these properties can be used to
demonstrate flaws within the material. According to this theory, by use of
ultrasonic waves can detect flaws like crack, cavity, inclusion when test various
media such as metal, non-metallic materials and composite materials.
Digital ultrasonic flaw detector 3&(86& is a portable industrial non-destructive
flaw detector, which can quickly and easily, without damage, accurate to a variety
of work piece defects (cracks, inclusions, cavity, etc) of the detection, location,
assessment and diagnosis. Both can be used in laboratories and project site.
PCE-USC 20 is widely operated in the field of flaw detection and quality control,
such as manufacturing industry, metallurgy of iron steel , metal processing
industry, chemical lines , as well as operated in in-service safe inspection and life
appraisal, such as aerospace, railway transportation, boiler and pressure vessel
safety check in service and life assessment.
3&(86& is a high-tech instrument which launched by PCE Instruments.
Full consideration of ergonomic
made for instrument’s appearance, its structure is strong and light, easy and
comfort to take, as well as shockproof. Scientific and rational setting of keystroke
and menu, common features can be simply operated for more efficiency and less
labor intensity. Instrument complies with European standard EN12668-1, has
more advantages like high performance, stability, functional and practical, reliable
quality, anti-interference ability and so on, also in full compliance with most
industry standards, high praise for it both from domestic and abroad, after the
software version upgrade to Ver1.10 it become more convenient for operation.
3&(86& is equipped with imported lithium batteries, no memory effect, with
high capacity, batteries service time can up to more than 8 hours, it is priority
choice for testing operations especially for field work.

2
Chapter 2 Parameters and Features
2.1 Basic Performance Parameters
●Horizontal
Linearity Error
≤0.1%
●Vertical Linearity
Error
≤3%
●Surplus Sensitivity ≥62dB
●Dynamic Range ≥40dB
●Electronic Noise
Level
≤20%
●Far-field
Resolution
≥30dB
●working Mode Single-probe or Dual-probes
●Transmit Pulse 400V negative spikes
●Operating
Frequency Range
0.5MHz~20MHz, frequency subsection option, match
probes well
●Detection Range 0.5mm~9999mm ( steel; longitudinal wave),
adjustable continuously, switchable steps
●PRF range≤125mm: 1KHz;
125mm<range≤1400mm: 250Hz;
1400mm<range≤9999mm: 40Hz
●Sampling Rate 400MHz hardware real-time sampling
●Velocity 1000m/s~15000m/s, adjustable continuously,
switchable steps
●Display Delay -10mm~1000mm, adjustable continuously, switchable
steps
●Probe Delay 0μs~199.9μs
●Damping 50Ω, 100Ω, 200Ω, 500Ω
●Gain Adjustment 0dB~110dB, step by 0.0/0.1/0.5/1.0/2.0/6.0dB
●Rectification Mode Full wave / Positive half-wave / Negative half-wave /
RF
●Display Screen 5.7" high brightness TFT color LCD screen, 640×480

3
pixels
●Measurement
Mode
flank or peak
●Store store commonly-used detection parameters and test
result data
●Alarm Hardware alarm, sound and light two methods, alarm
models including positive mode, negative mode and
DAC mode
●Communication
Interfaces
USB, Ethernet
●Operating
Temperature
-10~+50℃
●Battery Lithium battery (10.8V 5200mAh), supplying power
continuously for more than 6 hours
●Power Supply AC: 100-240V; DC: 15V/4A
●Weight about 1.4Kg (including battery)
●Language Chinese / English
●Waterproof Level IP54 standards
2.2 Features and Functions
2.2.1 Features
(1) Leading technical target, abundant applied assistant function
(2) Intelligible setting of keys and menu, easy to operate
(3) 400 MHz real-time hardware sampling, high-fidelity echo pulse
(4) Broadband and amplifying circuit with low noise, selectable damping, excellent
matching with low or high frequency probe
(5) Excellent EMI design，good EMC performance
(6) 5.7〞high resolution color LCD display
2.2.2 Main Functions
(1) DAC Making, Storing and Recalling Function
(a) Making easily
When sampling dots one by one, it will automatically draw four lines such

4
as “Assess Line”, “RATINE Line”, “GENERATRIX Line” and “Void Line”.
(b) Compiling conveniently
It can automatically modify each sampling dot and adjust the curve offset(to
fit all kinds of standards).
(2) AVG Making, Storing and Recalling Function
(a) Making easily
It can draw curve by sampling one dot in “>3N” area automatically, or by
sampling dots one by one in “<3N” area, which ensures the practicality.
(b) Applying conveniently
It can automatically adjust the curve equivalent and calculate the flaw
equivalent sizeΦautomatically.
(3) RF Displaying Function
It can display the real original waveform, which is convenient for the user to
analyze the details of the echo and help to analyze the flaw qualitatively.
(4) Curve Surface Amending Function
It can amend the test result of the arc surface automatically.
(5) Peak Holding Function
Assist to record the maximum echo.
(6) Envelope Function
Record the changing profile of the echo.
(7) Automatically Testing Echo Spectrum Function
It is used to test the center frequency and its spectral characteristics of the
probe echo.
(8) Auto Gain Adjusting Function
The adjustable Auto Gain can be used to set echo amplitude conveniently.

5
(9) Weld Graph Displaying Function
The graph displaying is intuitional, which makes the flaw position legible. The
graphs can be stored in the flaw detection report, which is convenient to be
replayed and printed.
(10) Intelligent Calibrating Procedures
It is used to calibrate the material sound velocity rapidly, measure the probe
delay automatically, calibrate the refraction angleβautomatically, and
calibrate the probe easily.
(11) Setting Quick Channels Function
It has 30 quick channels which can store 30 groups of detect parameters in
all, which makes the storing and recalling easily.
(12) Automatically Generating Reports Function
It generates detection reports based on detecting parameters and data
automatically. The detection reports contain detailed detecting parameters,
waveform graphs and detailed echo data, which can be directly printed by the
connected printer or stored in the computer.
(13) Continuously Storing and Replaying Function
It can record the dynamic waveform while detecting, which makes the
recorded data more detailed. The menu settings are analogous to the video
function, which is easy to be understood and operated. The stored
documents can be re-stored to the U disk or other storage devices directly at
any time.
(14) Waveform Display Area Zoom Function
The waveform display area can be zoomed in to full screen, which can
efficiently prevent misuse in field testing.
(15) Gate Area Zoom-in Function
The Gate area can be zoomed in to the whole display area, which is
convenient to observe the waveform details.

6
Chapter 3 Structure
This chapter focuses on three aspects, including “Overall Structure”, “Interfaces”
and “Waveform and Data Display”.
3.1 Overall Structure
It mainly contains three aspects, including “Panel Keys”, “Main Menus” and
“Submenus”. Refer to Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1 Overall Structure
3.1.1 Panel Keys
(1) Power Key
:it is used to turn on/off the power supply by long press for about 2s.
(Represented by [Power] below.)
(2) Gain Adjusting Keys
It displays the gain value and the gain-step value in the upper left corner of the
Gain
Adjusting
Keys
Main Menu
Paging Keys
Submenus
Main Menus
Main Menu
Selecting Keys
Submenu
Selecting Keys
Parameter
Adjusting Keys
Power Key
Freeze Key

7
screen. Refer to Figure 3-1.
:gain-step adjusting key. Press it for switching gain-step value cyclically by
one of the step values in the array of 0.0/0.1/0.5/2.0/6.0dB. (Represented by
[↔] below.)
:gain increasing key. Press it each time for increasing gain value, by which the
increment is the current step value. (Represented by [dB+] below.)
:gain decreasing key. Press it each time for decreasing gain value, by which
the decrement is the current step value. (Represented by [dB-] below.)
Note: when the step value is "0.0dB", it means that the gain is unadjustable,
which is convenient for the user to prevent misoperation in detecting.
(3) Main Menu Paging Keys
:main menu page-up key. Press it for entering the up-page of the main menu.
(Represented by [PgUp] below.)
:main menu page-down key. Press it for entering the down-page of the main
menu. (Represented by [PgDn] below.)
(4) Submenu Selecting Keys
: it has two functions as follows. (Represented by [◄] below.)
(a) Select submenus (first press for the submenu being selected).
(b) Switch parameter step value or submenu optional selections (need to press for
the submenu being selected first).
(5) Parameter Adjusting Keys
:parameter increasing key. Press it to increase the parameter value of the
selected submenu or switch submenu optional selections. (Represented by
[+] below.)
:parameter decreasing key. Press it to decrease the parameter value of the
selected submenu or switch submenu optional selections. (Represented by
[-] below.)
(6) Freeze Key

8
: press it to freeze the screen waveform and data, and then press again to
unfreeze. (Represented by [Freeze] below.)
3.1.2 Main Menus
Each page of the main menus has five selections and each selection has its
relative selecting key (Represented by [] below.). The words of the current
selected main menu are yellow and the background is deep blue, while the words
of the un-selected menu are white and the background is light blue. Refer to
Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2 Main Menu
3.1.3 Submenus
The displaying group of the submenus is subordinated to the current selected
main menu. The function of the submenus is either parameter adjusting (for
setting parameters) or function controlling. Each page of the submenus has four
selections and each selection has its relative selecting key [◄]. The words of the
current selected submenu are yellow and the background is deep blue, while the
words of the un-selected menu are white and the background is light blue.
3.2 Interfaces
The instruction of the instrument interfaces is as follows. Refer to Figure 3-3.
①: two standard Lemo-01 probe sockets. The left one (T) means “Transmitter”
and the right one (R) means “Receiver”.
②: Ethernet interface. It is used for long-distance controlling and data
transmitting.
③, ④: one USB-B interface (③) and two USB-A interfaces (④). They are used for
the computer communicating, which can directly copy and store data to
the U disk or any other storing devices.
⑤: standard LEMO DC power socket. It is used for DC power supplying and

9
battery charging.
:⑥buckle. There are four buckles distributed in the two sides of instrument.
: b⑦attery cover. There are two quick screws which are used for quickly locking
and opening the battery cover.
: i⑧nstrument back bracket. It is used for supporting the instrument in a sloping
way, which is available in opening and closing.
Figure 3-3 Interfaces
3.3 Waveform and Data Display
The instruction of the waveform and data display is as follows. Refer to Figure 3-4.
②
③
④
⑤
⑥
⑦⑧
①

10
Figure 3-4 Echo and Data Display
(1) Current gain value. It means the current signal magnified grade.
(2) Gain-step value. It has six values in the array of 0.0/0.1/0.5/2.0/6.0dB.
(3) Measurement point data. It is displayed the measurement data, including “Sa”,
“Ha”, “Sb” and “Hb” etc.. The four data can be set if necessary. Please refer to
appendix Ⅳfor their detailed definition.
(4) Gate
(a) There are two gates which are Gate A and Gate B. It is only one gate used
in the common testing task and usually the default gate is Gate A.
(b) The function of the gates is to test the selected echo signal or alarm. In the
testing task, there may appear many echo signals in the instrument screen
at the same time. You can move Gate A to select the echo signal you
required.
Current
Gain Value
Gain-step
Value
Gate A
Measurement
Point Data
Gate B
Highlight

11
Chapter 4 Operating Instruction
4.1 Power Supply
Digital ultrasonic flaw detector 3&(86& can be operated by use plug-in unit
(AC adapter) or batteries. Put battery into instrument, connect the instrument to
adapter for power supply also charge battery.
4.2 Operating Instruction of the AC Power Supply
The instrument can use the AC power to supply power by being connected to the
special AC adapter.
Note: in the condition of the instrument using the AC adapter for power
supply without loading the battery, if shut it off forcibly, the
instrument is under abnormal shutdown state and the parameter
previous settings may not be saved. The correct way to shutdown is
to long press the power key for about 2s.
4.3 Battery Power Supply
Using battery for power supply, please use batteries manufactured for matching
instrument from factory.
(1) Insert battery: battery compartment is in the back side of instrument, use
screwdriver to loosen the cover of battery compartment, put battery into
compartment, close the battery compartment then screw down bolts.
(2) Battery power indicator: there are five grids at lower right corner of display
screen to show power supply condition, if these grids are less then two, stop
flaw detection immediately, save test parameters and data, replace battery or
charge battery promptly.
(3) Charge battery: please use power adapter manufactured for matching
instrument from factory. Before use adapter, please read instruction carefully. 5
hours required for battery continual charging.
Note: if long-time detecting is needed on site, please bring the reserve
battery with you. You should pay more attention to it especially in
winter when the temperature is low outside and the efficiency of
battery discharging decreases.

12
4.4 Probe Connecting
Connectors of Instrument are standard Lemo-01. Operating in single element
method, both sockets of connector are applicable (parallel connection inside).
When connecting the double elements probes or two probes for receive-transmit
work, please make sure to connect the transmitter probe to the right socket (“ ”
mark on the instrument crust), and the receiver probe to the left one (“ ” mark
on the instrument crust). Wrong connection may cause unsatisfied test effects.
4.5 Power On/Off
The basic operation for powering on/off is as follows.
(1) Powering on: long press [Power] key to start up the instrument.
(2) Self-checking after Start-up: the instrument will complete the Self-checking
automatically after start-up, then it will enter the previous state with the same
parameters keeping when normally powered off.
(3) Checking battery voltage: please check the power monitor icon in the lower
right corner of the screen at times. If the power is insufficient, the instrument
will power off automatically after alarming for one minute.
(4) Working: set the instrument parameters or do the testing.
(5) Powering off: press [Power] key for some time to shutdown the instrument
normally, the current settings are saved.
Note: it is in the abnormal shutdown state when the power is cut off
suddenly while testing, the current settings may be not saved.
4.6 Software Update and Return to Factory Default Settings
The instrument has many updating methods as follows, which are convenient for
on site detection.
(1) Software update: in the condition of start-up, long time press [PgUp] and
[PgDn] keys at the same time and keep still, according to kind reminders on
screen, inset USB disk with new edition process, press [] key which is
corresponded to the red words "Ver 1.10", then software update prompt will
display on screen , after finishing, press [PgUp] and [PgDn] keys at the same
time once, instrument returns to the normal detection condition (but it will not
change the stored data which has been saved in the STORE menu).
(2) Parameters being returned to factory settings: press [Power] key to start

13
up the instrument, and continuously press [↔] key in the self-checking process,
then the instrument’s parameters will be returned to the default settings of
factory release (but it will not change the stored data which has been saved in
the STORE menu).
(3) Return to the state of factory release: under power off, press [PgUp] and
[PgDn] keys at the same time and keep still. Meantime press [Power] key, then
the instrument’s parameters and the stored data will be returned to the default
settings of factory release. At this time, it will delete all the parameters and
data stored after factory release. So you should pay more attention to it.
Note: after start up instrument it will make automatically Self-checking then
enter regular working condition, if Self-checking shows irregular, turn
off instrument then start up again, if it still can not pass the
Self-checking ( means software halted ), return to state of factory
release and update the system to reach regular working condition.
4.7 Important Basic Setting
4.7.1 Working Mode Setting
Set working mode of the instrument: single element or double elements.
Operating: press [PgUp] or [PgDn] or [] key for PULS main menu, press [◄]
key to select DUAL submenu，press [+] or [-] key to set DUAL “on” or
“off”. “on” means double mode and “off” means single mode.
4.7.2 Language Setting
Languages for man-machine conversation: Chinese/English.
Operating: press [PgUp] or [PgDn] or [] key for CONFIG 1 main menu, press
[◄] key to select language submenu, press [+] or [-] key to set
language.
4.7.3 Unit Setting
Set unit for instrument’s displayed parameter: “mm” or “inch”
Operating: press [PgUp] or [PgDn] or [] key for CONFIG 1 main menu, press
[◄] key to select UNIT submenu, press [+] or [-] key to set unit for the
parameters.

14
4.7.4 Brightness Setting
Adjust display brightness of screen, three grades for choices: low, middle, high.
“low” means the least brightness, and “high” means the most brightness.
Note: the more bright the backlight is set, the more power consumes, and
the battery working time will be shortened. So it is set as the lowest
grade in case of high brightness being unnecessary.
Operating: enter LCD main menu, and select LIGHT submenu, then you can
press [+] or [-] key for brightness.
4.7.5 Restraint Setting
Restraint function for reject clutter and promote signal to noise ratio. Height of
restraint level will be displayed by percentage from total screen height, meantime,
any wave signals lower than restraint level height will be shielded and can not be
displayed. For instance, adjust restraint level to 20%, the screen only display
signals with height more than 20%. 0% means instrument under non- restraint
condition.
Instruction: if restraint level be higher the dynamic range of instrument will be
smaller, the echo lower than restraint level will be not displayed, so it may have
omission factor for tiny signals, after use restraint function the instrument should
return to non-restraint condition.
Note: RESTRAINT >0%, right side of screen will display red “RJ” to avoid
misoperation.
Operating: enter CONFIG 1 main menu, and select RESTRAINT submenu, then
you can press [+] or [-] key to set restraint level.

15
Chapter 5 Menu Introduction
5.1 Normal Menus
PCE-USC 20 contains 17 main menus (in 4 pages), each main menu contains
several submenus, and the specific structure, parameter setting and basic
operations are as follows.
5.1.1 BASE Menu
The Main Menu "BASE" contains one-page’s submenus. Refer to Table 5-1.
Table 5-1 BASE Menu
NO Submenus Details
1-1 RANGE
“Detection Range”: 0.500~9999mm (steel
longitudinal wave); the default is “100mm”.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
1-2 MTLVEL
“Material Velocity”: 1000~15000m/s; the
default is 5920m/s.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
1-3 D-DELAY
“Display Delay”: -10~2000mm; the default
is 0.00mm.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
1-4 THICKNESS
“Thickness Range”: 1~9999mm.
It is invalid if the normal probe N is
selected.
It is used to set the workpiece thickness of
the detection surface vertically if the angle
probe A is selected, and the default is
100mm.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.

16
5.1.2 PULS Menu
The main menu "PULS" contains one-page’s submenus. Refer to Table 5-2.
Table 5-2 PULS Menu
NO Submenus Details
1-1 DAMPING
50Ω/100Ω/200Ω/500Ω; the default is “50Ω”.
Change the amplitude/width/resolution of
echo by adjusting damping.
When damping is “high”, you will get higher
amplitude and wider echo width, but lower
resolution; and vice versa.
Press corresponding submenu selection key
or [+/-] key to switch damping value.
1-2 POWER
high/low; the default is “low”.
Adjust transmit power, chose "low" when
higher resolution is needed, while ''high" is
suitable for huge workpiece or through
transmission technique.
Press corresponding submenu selection key
or [+/-] key to switch between high and low.
1-3 DUAL
off/on; the default is “off”.
off: single element mode; on: double
elements mode.
Press corresponding submenu selection key
or [+/-] key to select working mode.
1-4 FREQ BAND
0.5~22 /1~6 / 3~22MHz.
Chose appropriate frequency range of
amplifier according to probe frequency.
Press corresponding submenu selection key
or [+/-] key to select frequency band.

17
5.1.3 PROBE Menu
The main menu "PROBE” contains one-page’s submenus. Refer to Table 5-3.
Table 5-3 PROBE Menu
NO Submenus Details
1-1 TYPE SPEC
Input specifications of probe: probe type+
frequency + crystal material+ element
size.
“Probe Type”: N (normal probe) / A (angle
probe)
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to change the background into yellow
among the submenus; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
1-2 P-DELAY
0.00~199.9μs; the default is “0.00μs”.
Set the zero point of probe.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
1-3 ANGLE
Refraction angle: 0-85°.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
Note: it is invalid when the normal
probe is selected.
1-4 X-VALUE
Distance between front edge of angle
probe and incidence point.
0.0~100.0mm; step by 0.1mm.
Press corresponding submenu selection
key to switch between rough adjustment
and fine adjustment; press [+] key to
increase or [-] key to decrease the value.
Note: it is invalid when the normal
probe is selected.
5.1.4 CAL Menu
The main menu "CAL” contains two-pages’ submenus. Refer to Table 5-4.