POSITECTOR SPG User manual

PosiTector SPG
®
Quick Guide v. 1.0
Surface Profile Gage

2
Introduction
Introduction
The PosiTector Surface Profile Gage (SPG) is a hand-held
electronic instrument that measures the peak-to-valley height of
the surface profile of abrasive blast cleaned surfaces. It consists
of a body (Standard or Advanced) and probe.
This Quick Guide summarizes the basic functions of the instru-
ment. Download the full instruction manual at:
www.defelsko.com/manuals
The PosiTector SPG powers-up when the center navigation
button is pressed. To preserve battery life, the instrument
powers down after approximately 5 minutes of no activity. All
settings are retained.
1. Remove the protective plastic cap from probe.
2. Power-up Gage by pressing the center navigation button.
3. Place the glass plate onto a stable, flat surface. Take several
measurements. If the average is greater than ±5 µm (0.2 mil),
zero the instrument (see pg. 4).
4. Place the probe FLAT on the surface to be measured such that
the tip of the probe reaches into the bottom of a profile valley.
HOLD STEADY. The Gage will BEEP twice and display the
measurement.
5. Lift the probe from the surface between measurements.
Quick Start

3
To disconnect a probe from a body, power-down the
instrument and slide the plastic probe connector
horizontally (in the direction of the arrow) away from the
body. Reverse these steps to attach a new probe.
When powered-up, the PosiTector automatically
determines which type of probe is attached and does a
self-check.
The supplied probe tip has a 60° angle to comply with most test
standards including ASTM D 4417 B. An optional 30° angle tip
with replacement tool is available for special applications or to
comply with Australian Standard AS 3894.5.
Calibration
Instrument calibration is typically done by the manufacturer or
qualified lab. All probes include a Certificate of Calibration.
Verification of Accuracy
Instrument accuracy is verified using the included metal shim and glass
zero plate. Ensure that the glass plate and shim are clean and dirt free
before use.
Place the plate onto a stable, flat surface. Take several measurements. If
the average is greater than ±5 µm (0.2 mil), zero the instrument (see
below).
Next, place the metal shim over the glass plate and measure ensuring the
probe needle touches the glass plate in the area between the shim’s “legs”.
The average of several measurements should be within the combined
tolerances of both the gage and the shim. If not, see Returning for Service
(pg. 8). Metric example: gage tolerance is ±5% or ±5 µm whichever is
greater. The 76 µm shim tolerance is ±5 µm. So the average of several
measurements should be between 66 and 86 microns. Inch example: gage
tolerance is ±5% or ±0.2 mils whichever is greater. The 3 mil shim tolerance
is ±0.2 mils. So the average of several measurements should be between
2.6 and 3.4 mils.
Probe
Zeroing the Instrument
The PosiTector SPG has only one adjustment point at zero. The
zero point can be set using one of two methods. Both methods are
found under the Zero menu option.

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-The factory zero setting may not always be precise,
particularly after a probe tip exchange. For best accuracy, the
gage should be zeroed on the included glass plate.
Reset
Reset (soft reset) restores factory settings and returns the
instrument to a known condition. The following occurs:
- All batches, stored measurements, images, and batch names
are erased.
- The zero adjustment is returned to the factory setting. Since
this may not always be a precise zero, the gage should be
checked on the glass plate.
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Memory = OFF
Statistics Mode = OFF
Hi Lo Alarm = OFF
Bluetooth = OFF
Setup Menu
Setup Menu
1.Select from the menu.
2.Press the (+) button to select the number of readings to be
used to obtain an average, typically 3.
3.Repeatedly measure the glass plate. After the last
measurement, the gage will calculate a Zero which represents
the average of all the Zero readings taken.
Glass Plate Zero
Setting the instrument to zero on the glass plate is the preferred
zero adjustment method:
Factory Zero
If a glass plate or suitable smooth, hard surface is not available,
the factory zero setting can be restored:
1. Select from the menu.
2. Press the down button to select “Reset” and press the center
navigation button. xxxx The factory calibration icon iiiii will
appear on the LCD.
Zero
NOTE:
Zero

5
Selects the type of batteries used in the instrument from a choice
of “Alkaline”, “Lithium” or “NiMH” (Nickel-metal hydride
rechargeable). If NiMH is selected, the instrument will trickle
charge the batteries while connected via USB to a PC or optional
AC charger. The battery state indicator icon is calibrated for the
selected battery type. No damage will occur if the wrong battery
type is selected.
DeFelsko recommends the use of eneloop (NiMH)
rechargeable batteries.
Battery Type
NOTE:
Statistics Menu
Statistics Menu
A statistical summary will appear on the display. Remove the last
measurement by pressing the (-) button. Press (+) to clear
statistics.
Statistics ü
HiLo Alarm ü
x
Allows the Gage to visibly and audibly alert the user when
measurements exceed user-specified limits.
σ - Standard Deviation
↓ - Minimum Value
x - Average
↑ - Maximum Value
NOTES: - Date and Time are not affected by either Reset.
Units = microns
Flip Display = Normal
Auto Sync = OFF
White on Black = OFF
USB Drive= ON
Language = English
Battery Type = Alkaline
Backlight = Normal
Bluetooth Streaming = OFF
- Bluetooth Pairing info is cleared.
- Menu settings are returned to the following:
Perform a more thorough Hard Reset by powering down the
instrument, waiting several seconds, then simultaneously holding
both the center and (+) buttons until the Reset symbol
appears. This returns the instrument to a known, “out-of-the-box”
condition. It performs the same function as a menu Reset with
addition of:

6
Advanced models store 100,000 readings in up to 1,000
batches. “New Batch” closes any currently opened batch and
creates a new batch name using the lowest available number. The
icon appears. New batch names are date stamped when they
are created.
Scroll through dis-
play modes
(Advanced only)
Delete last reading
Access the Menu
Create a new batch
(Advanced only)
Restore brightness
after dimming
(Advanced only)
Memory Management
Memory Management
The PosiTector SPG can record readings in memory for printing
to the optional Bluetooth wireless printer, transfer to a computer
(pg. 6) or synchronizing with PosiTector.net. Readings are time-
stamped as they are taken.
Standard models store up to 250 readings in one batch.
SmartBatch™
This menu option sets-up the PosiTector SPG to comply with
various standards and test methods published by organizations
including ASTM, SSPC, ISO, IMO, US Navy, SANS and AS.
For instructions on how to use the Smart Batch™ feature, see
www.defelsko.com/smartbatch

7
Outputting Stored Readings
Outputting Stored Readings
USB mass storage - connect your PosiTector to a PC/Mac using
the supplied USB cable to access and print stored readings and
graphs. No software or internet connection required.
PosiTector.net - a free web-based application offering secure
centralized storage of thickness readings. Access your readings
from any web connected device. www.PosiTector.net
Auto SYNC ü
Allows the instrument to automatically synchronize with
PosiTector.net when initially connected to an internet connected
PC running PosiTector Desktop Manager.
Additional measurements added to memory while connected are
synchronized only when the USB cable is disconnected, then
reconnected or when Connect > Sync Now is selected.
Immediately initiates synchronization with PosiTector.net when
connected (USB or Bluetooth) to an internet connected PC
running PosiTector Desktop Manager.
Sync Now
Connect Menu
Connect Menu
The instrument uses a USB mass storage device class which
provides a simple interface to retrieve data in a manner similar to
USB flash drives, cameras or digital audio players.
USB Drive ü
When connected, power is supplied through the USB
cable. The batteries are not used and the body will not
automatically power down. If rechargeable (NiMH) batteries are
installed, the instrument will trickle charge the batteries.
NOTE:
Allows individual readings to be sent to a computer or compatible
device as they are taken using Bluetooth wireless technology.
See www.defelsko.com/bluetooth
Bluetooth (Advanced models only)

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The instrument may perform a Hard Reset (pg. 4) after
updating.
Updates
Determines if a software update is available for your instrument.
Must be connected to an internet connected PC running
PosiTector Desktop Manager. See www.defelsko.com/update
NOTE:
Returning for Service
Returning for Service
Before returning the instrument for service…
1.Install new or newly recharged batteries in the proper alignment
as shown within battery compartment.
2.Examine the probe tip for dirt or damage. The probe tip should
move up and down freely. The metal plate surrounding the
probe tip should be smooth and free from burrs and foreign
material.
3.Perform a Hard Reset (pg. 4).
4.Place the metal shim over the glass plate and attempt a
measurement.
If you must return the instrument for service, please fill out and
include the service form located at www.defelsko.com/support
with the instrument.