Extech Instruments CG304 User Manual

Extech Instruments CG304 is a portable coating thickness tester designed for accurate and non-invasive measurements on ferrous and non-ferrous metal substrates. It utilizes two measuring methods: magnetic induction for ferrous metals and eddy current for non-ferrous metals. The device's Bluetooth® capability enables wireless data transmission to PCs for further analysis and report generation.

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Coating

Thickness

Tester

With Bluetooth ®

Model CG304

USER GUIDE

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the Extech CG304 Coating Thickness Tester.

The CG304 is a portable meter designed for non ‐ invasive coating thickness measurements with automatic recognition of the material under test.

The meter uses two measurement methods: magnetic induction (for ferrous metal substrates) and eddy current (for non ‐ ferrous metal substrates).

The Bluetooth ® feature wirelessly transmits measurement data to a PC for further analysis and to generate report documentation.

Proper use and care of this meter will provide many years of reliable service .

Description

Meter Description

LCD display

Power key

Probe

ARROW buttons

Note: Battery compartment on rear of meter

Display Icon Description

NFe

AUTO

F or N

Non ‐ ferrous metals

Ferrous metals

Automatic substrate recognition

Calibration icons

DIR

GRO1…4

µm mils mm

AVG

DIRECT mode

GROUP Mode number

Micrometers unit of measure mils = millimeters * 2.54/100

Millimeters unit of measure

Average reading

MIN

MAX

SDEV

Minimum reading

Maximum reading

Standard Deviation reading

Number of data points

Low battery

Note: The unit of measure icon flashes when in the CONTINUOUS mode of operation.

The unit of measure icon is stable when in the SINGLE mode of operation.

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Quick

Start

Instructions

Meter Power

Press the power button to switch the meter ON.

The display will switch ON.

If the display does not switch ON, install or replace the batteries.

Measurements

Use the film references and zero reference metal substrates to learn how the meter operates before moving to a professional application.

The round metal substrate is the ferrous (magnetic) substrate and the rectangular shaped metal substrate is the non ‐ ferrous (non ‐ magnetic) substrate.

The meter automatically senses ferrous and non ‐ ferrous substrates.

Place a reference film (250 µ m, for example) on the round, ferrous substrate.

Place the spring ‐ loaded meter sensor against the reference film.

In the single mode the meter will emit an audible tone indicating that the measurement has been taken.

In the continuous mode the display will continually measure and update the display

The LCD will show the reading (250 µ m) at the center of the display area.

A typical display will also show the following:

 NO = 1 (reading number one) on the lower left of the LCD

 AVG = 250 µ m (running average) on the lower right

 DIR = DIR mode of operation on the upper left



Fe = Ferrous substrate on the upper right of the LCD

DIR

NO=1

250 um

AVG=250

Experiment with the remaining reference films and the substrate before using the meter professionally.

Automatic Power OFF

In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 10 minutes.

To defeat this feature use the programming menu detailed in the next section (menu parameter AUTO POWER OFF under OPTIONS).

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Programming

Calibration

Calibration Types

The meter is factory calibrated before shipment to the customer; however the customer should perform a zero calibration and a multi ‐ point calibration before any critical measurements are taken.

The calibration options are listed below.

Read the description for each and select the best match for a given application.

Zero Point Calibration: Perform before each measurement session.

One Point Calibration: Use for high accuracy with repeated tests on a constant coating thickness.

Multi ‐ Point Calibration: Use for high accuracy within a known range of coating thickness.

Calibration for shot ‐ blasted surfaces.

Calibration Considerations

The calibration sample must correspond to the product sample in the following ways:



Curvature radius



Substrate material properties



Substrate thickness



Size of measurement area

 The point at which the calibration is made on the calibration sample must always be identical with the point of measurement on the product itself, especially in the case of corners and edges of small parts.

To achieve the highest measurement accuracy, perform several calibrations in succession (for zero values and calibration film values).

Preparing for calibration

Clean the probe tip (grease, oil, metal scrap, and the slightest impurity will affect measurement and distort readings).

Switch the meter ON (at a 4” [10cm] minimum distance from any metal).

Ready the supplied metal substrate samples and necessary films (supplied calibration reference films).

The meter is now ready for calibration.

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Zero calibration

Place the meter on an uncoated section of the material to be measured or on the reference substrate provided.

Use either the Ferrous or Non ‐ Ferrous reference as required by the measurement application.

Place the probe on the uncoated substrate and watch the

LCD readings.

When the readings appear stable, lift the meter off the substrate c.

Press the LEFT button to enter menu d.

Press UP/DOWN button to select zero ‐ point calibration.

Press LEFT to enter or RIGHT to return to measurement mode.

Press LEFT button to confirm calibration.

Press and hold the DOWN button to enter zero ‐ point calibration of Fe in measuring mode.

Press and hold UP button to enter zero ‐ point calibration of Non ‐ Fe measuring mode.

Delete Fe or Non ‐ Fe zero ‐ point

Press LEFT button to enter menu

Press UP/DOWN button to select calibration

Press LEFT button to enter calibration

Press UP/DOWN to delete zero ‐ point of Fe or Non ‐ Fe

Press LEFT to select OK

Press RIGHT to return to normal operating mode.

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Statistical

Analysis

Considerations

The meter calculates statistics from a maximum of 80 readings (For Group 1 through Group 4, a maximum of 400 readings can be stored).

Note that readings cannot be stored when in DIRECT mode.

However, statistics on these readings can still be calculated.

When the meter is powered off or if the working mode is changed (in the programming menu), the DIRECT mode statistics will be lost.

The following statistical values can be calculated:



NO.: Number of readings



AVG: Average value



Sdev.

: Standard deviation (square root of a data set’s variance)

 MAX: Maximum reading

 MIN: Minimum reading

Statistical Terms

Average value (

x   x / n x

) is the sum of readings divided by the number of readings.

Standard Deviation (Sdev)

The sample standard deviation is a statistic that measures how the sample value is distributed around the sample mean.

The standard deviation of a set of numbers is the root mean square of the variance S

The variance of a list is the square of the standard deviation of the list, that is, the average of the squares of the deviations of the numbers in the list from their mean divided by

the(number of readings ‐ 1 )

Variance: S



( x  x )

/( n  1 )

Standard deviation: S=

S 2

NOTE:

Use the DELETE parameter from the programming menu immediately after an outlier or erratic reading has been taken.

Refer to the Delete function in Programming Menu.

Storage Capacity Overflow

In GROUP mode, if the storage capacity is exceeded, statistics will not be updated, although measurements can still be made.

If the memory is full, subsequent readings will not be included in the statistics.

The meter’s display will show “FULL” (in the SINGLE measurement mode).

In DIRECT mode, when the memory is full, the newest reading will replace the oldest reading and the statistics will be updated.

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Bluetooth

This meter has the capability to connect to and communicate with a PC via Bluetooth.

To transfer data, enter the OPTIONS Menu and switch on Bluetooth as explained below.

Measurement data will be sent automatically by way of the Bluetooth utility.

Select ON or OFF under Bluetooth in the OPTIONS Menu using the arrow buttons.

If OFF is selected the Bluetooth will be completely disabled.

When Bluetooth is ON data will be automatically sent to

PC, phone, or other Bluetooth receiving device.

When the first connection is made the device may prompt for a PIN number.

In this case enter code 0000.

Note: Use Bluetooth only when necessary as the battery will drain more quickly with Bluetooth powered ON.

Check the software download page of the website www.extech.com

for the latest version of the PC software and its operating system compatibility.

FCC COMPLIANCE

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.

Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.

This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy harmful interference to radio communications.

However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: FCC Radiation Exposure Statement

This transmitter must not be co ‐ located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

This equipment complies with FCC RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna during transmission.

WARNING: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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INDUSTRY CANADA (IC) COMPLIANCE

This device complies with Industry Canada license ‐ exempt RSS standard(s).

Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

CAUTION: IC Radiation Exposure Statement

This transmitter must not be co ‐ located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

This equipment complies with RSS 102 RF radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.

To maintain compliance with RSS 102 RF exposure compliance requirements avoid direct contact to the transmitting antenna during transmission.

Error

Messages

The following error messages will appear on the meter’s LCD if a problem arises.

Err1: Eddy current probe error

Err2: Magnetic induction probe error

Err3: Eddy current and Magnetic induction errors

Err4, 5, 6: Unused error displays

Err7: Thickness error

Please contact Extech Instruments if a problem exists.

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Maintenance

Cleaning and Storage

Periodically wipe the meter housing with a damp cloth and mild detergent; do not use abrasives or solvents.

If the meter is not to be used for 60 days or more, remove the batteries and store them separately.

Battery Replacement/Installation instructions

Remove the Phillips head screw that secures the rear battery door

Open the battery compartment

Replace/install the two 1.5V

‘AAA’ batteries

Secure the battery compartment

Never dispose of used batteries or rechargeable batteries in household waste.

As consumers, users are legally required to take used batteries to appropriate collection sites, the retail store where the batteries were purchased, or wherever batteries are sold.

Disposal: Do not dispose of this instrument in household waste.

The user is obligated to take end ‐ of ‐ life devices to a designated collection point for the disposal of electrical and electronic equipment.

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Specifications

Sensor probe

Measurement principle

Ferrous

Magnetic induction

Non ‐ Ferrous

Eddy current principle

Measuring

Accuracy

(% of

range reading)

Resolution

0~2000 μ m

0~78.7mils

0~1000 μ m: ±(2% + 2 μ m)

1000 μ m ~2000 μ m: (±3.5%)

0~39.3mils: ±(2% + 0.08mils)

39.3mils

~78.7mils: (±3.5%)

0~100 μ m: (0.1

μ m)

100 μ m ~1000 μ m: (1 μ m)

1000 μ m ~2000 μ m: (0.01

μ m)

0~10mils: (0.01mils)

10mils~78.7mil:s (0.1mils)

0~2000 μ m

0~78.7mils

0~1000 μ m: ±(2% + 2 μ m)

1000 μ m ~2000 μ m: (±3.5%)

0~39.3mils: ±(2% + 0.08mils)

39.3mils

~78.7mils: (±3.5%)

0~100 μ m: (0.1

μ m)

100 μ m ~1000 μ m: (1 μ m)

1000 μ m ~1000 μ m: (0.01

μ m)

0~10mils: (0.01mils)

10mils~78.7mils: (0.1mils)

Min.

Basic

curvature

Diameter

Industrial

of critical

radius

Min.

area thickness standards

59.06mils

(1.5mm)

275.6mils

(7mm)

118.1mils

(3mm)

196.9mils

(5mm)

19.69mils

(0.5mm) 11.81mils

(0.3mm)

Conforms to GB/T 4956 ‐ 1985, GB/T 4957 ‐ 1985, JB/T 8393 ‐ 1996, JJG

889 ‐ 95, and JJG 818 ‐ 93

0°C~40°C (32°F~104°F) Operating Temperature

Operating Relative

Humidity (R.H.)

Dimensions

20%~90% Relative Humidity

120 x 62 x 32 mm (4.7

x 2.4

x 1.25”)

Weight 175g (6.17

oz.)

Accuracy note: Accuracy statement applies to use on a flat surface, with a zero and a calibration performed near the thickness of the film to be measured, with an identical base metal and with the meter stabilized at ambient temperature.

The accuracy of the reference films or any reference standards should be added to measurement results.

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