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Panametrics 26XT DL Instruction Manual
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July 2001 INSTRUCTION MANUAL MODEL 26XTDL Part No. 910-192B Panametrics, Inc., NDT Division 221 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA Toll Free USA (800)225-8330 Fax (781)899-1552 · Tel (781)899-2719 www.panametrics.com · e-mail [email protected]
Transcript
Page 1: 26XTDL Manual

July 2001

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL 26XTDL

Part No. 910-192B

Panametrics, Inc., NDT Division

221 Crescent Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA

Toll Free USA (800)225-8330

Fax (781)899-1552 · Tel (781)899-2719

www.panametrics.com · e-mail [email protected]

Page 2: 26XTDL Manual

COPYRIGHT � 2001 BY PANAMETRICS, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by anymeans, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by anyinformation storage and retrieval system, without the written permission ofPanametrics, except where permitted by law. For information address:Panametrics, Inc., 221 Crescent Street Waltham, Massachusetts, 02453, USA.

For details about other Panametrics’ products, visit our website athttp://www.panametrics.com.

Printed in the United States of America

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Preface

The Model 26XTDL Ultrasonic Gage has been designed andmanufactured as a precision instrument. Under normal workingconditions it will provide long, trouble-free service.

Damage in transit - Inspect the unit thoroughly immediately uponreceipt for evidence of external or internal damage that may haveoccurred during shipment. Notify the carrier making the deliveryimmediately of any damage, since the carrier is normally liable fordamage in shipment. Preserve packing materials, waybills, and othershipping documentation in order to establish damage claims. Afternotifying the carrier, contact Panametrics so that we may assist in thedamage claims, and provide replacement equipment, if necessary.

Warranty

Panametrics guarantees the Model 26XTDL to be free from defects inmaterials and workmanship for a period of two years (twenty-fourmonths) from date of shipment. The warranty only covers equipmentthat has been used in a proper manner as described in this instructionmanual and has not been subjected to excessive abuse, attemptunauthorized repair, or modification. DURING THIS WARRANTYPERIOD, PANAMETRICS LIABILITY IS STRICTLY LIMITEDTO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITSOPTION. Panametrics does not warrant the Model 26XTDL to besuitable for intended use, and assumes no responsibility forunsuitability for intended use. Panametrics accepts no liability forconsequential or incidental damages including damage to propertyand/or personal injury.

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This warranty does not include the transducer, transducer cable,charger or battery. The customer will pay shipping expense to thePanametrics plant for warranty repair; Panametrics will pay for thereturn of the repaired equipment. (For instruments not under warranty,the customer will pay shipping expenses both ways.)

Panametrics offers an optional third year warranty coverage (at anadditional cost), under the same terms, at the time of purchase.

Panametrics reserves the right to modify all products withoutincurring the responsibility for modifying previously manufacturedproducts. Panametrics does not assume liability for the results ofparticular installations, as these circumstances are not within ourcontrol.

4 MODEL 26XTDL

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Table of Contents

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 CALIBRATION..................................................... 3-1

3.1 INTRODUCTION.................................................. 3-1

3.2 TRANSDUCER ZERO COMPENSATION ........... 3-2

3.3 VELOCITY AND ZERO CALIBRATION ............... 3-2

3.4 MATERIAL VELOCITY CALIBRATION .............. 3-4

3.4.1 WHEN MATERIAL SOUNDVELOCITY IS UNKNOWN ........................ 3-4

3.4.2 WHEN MATERIAL SOUNDVELOCITY IS KNOWN............................... 3-5

3.5 ZERO CALIBRATION .......................................... 3-6

4 ADDITIONAL GAGING FEATURES..................... 4-1

4.1 BACKLIGHT......................................................... 4-2

4.2 DISPLAY BLANK OR HOLD ................................ 4-3

4.3 CALIBRATION LOCK .......................................... 4-3

4.4 AUTO SHUT-OFF ................................................ 4-4

4.5 DISPLAY RESOLUTION...................................... 4-4

4.6 GAGE RESET...................................................... 4-5

4.7 ID# FLASH ........................................................... 4-6

4.8 UNITS (Inches or Millimeters) .............................. 4-7

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4.9 FREEZE ............................................................. 4-7

4.10 FAST DISPLAY.................................................. 4-7

4.11 FAST DISPLAY MEASUREMENT RATEWITH MINIMUM THICKNESS & FREEZEFUNCTION .......................................................... 4-8

4.12 GAIN ADJUST ................................................... 4-9

4.13 MATERIAL SENSITIVITY OPTIMIZATION...... 4-10

4.14 HIGH/LOW ALARM.......................................... 4-12

4.15 DIFFERENTIAL DISPLAY ............................... 4-13

5 DATA LOGGER & DATA COMMUNICATIONFEATURES ............................................................ 5-1

5.1 DATA LOGGER ................................................... 5-1

5.2 DATA LOGGER OPERATION ............................. 5-4

5.2.1 TO SET UP FILES FOR ORGANIZATIONOF DATA................................................... 5-4

5.2.2 TO DISPLAY AND/OR CHANGE THECURRENT DATA LOGGER MEMORYLOCATION ................................................. 5-5

5.2.3 TO SAVE A THICKNESS VALUE AT ASPECIFIED LOCATION ............................. 5-5

5.2.4 TO DISPLAY THE VALUE STORED AT ASPECIFIED LOCATION ............................. 5-6

5.2.5 TO ERASE A VALUE AT A SPECIFIEDLOCATION ................................................. 5-7

5.2.6 TO ERASE A RANGE OF ID#’S IN THEOPEN FILE................................................. 5-7

5.3 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN A FILE ......... 5-8

5.3.1 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN THEDATA LOGGER......................................... 5-8

iv MODEL 26XTDL

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5.3.2 TO TRANSMIT A DISPLAYED THICKNESSVALUE TO A CONNECTED DEVICE VIATHE SERIAL I/O CABLE ............................ 5-9

5.3.3 TO TRANSMIT A FILE OF DATA VIA THESERIAL I/O CABLE .................................. 5-10

5.3.4 TO TRANSMIT A RANGE OF DATAWITHIN A FILE VIA THE SERIALI/O CABLE ................................................ 5-10

5.4 SERIAL COMMUNICATION SETUP ............... 5-11

5.5 DATA LOGGER RESET ...................................... 5-12

5.6 RS232 OPTIONS ................................................ 5-12

5.6.1 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION ..................... 5-125.6.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERS .......................... 5-135.6.3 OUTPUT DATA FORMAT ......................... 5-13

6 SPECIFICATIONS................................................. 6-1

7 THEORY OF OPERATION ................................... 7-1

8 APPLICATION NOTES......................................... 8-1

8.1 FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCEAND ACCURACY................................................ 8-1

8.2 TRANSDUCER SELECTION............................... 8-4

8.3 HIGH TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS......... 8-7

9 MAINTENANCE & 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

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9.6 REPAIR SERVICE ............................................... 9-4

9.7 REPLACEMENT PARTS AND OPTIONALPARTS AND EQUIPMENT.................................. 9-4

APPENDIX I SOUND VELOCITIES

APPENDIX II SERIAL INTERFACE

APPENDIX III DATA FORMATS

vi MODEL 26XTDL

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1 GENERAL INFORMATION

The Panametrics Model 26XTDL is a simple to operate hand-heldultrasonic thickness gage with built in internal data logger designedprimarily for corroded metal applications. Although the Model26XTDL has many features, it is as simple to use as a basic thicknessgage. To measure thickness with a calibrated gage, simply couple thetransducer to the surface of the material, and read the thickness.

The gage uses dual-element transducers to measure the thickness ofcorroded, pitted, scaled, granular and other difficult materials fromone side only. A full line of transducers are available to measurematerials between 0.020” (0.50mm) and 20” (500mm) thickness andbetween -20°C and +500°C in temperature.

The Model 26XTDL makes full use of its microprocessor to offerselectable advanced measurement features. Moreover, themicroprocessor in the Model 26XTDL continuously adjusts thereceiver setup so that every measurement is optimized for reliability,range, sensitivity, and accuracy.

The addition of a built in data logger allows a simple method forrecording thickness readings and labeling each point with anIdentification Code. The 26XTDL can store up to 8000 thicknessreadings. This feature provides an alternative to recording datamanually.

The advanced measurement features of the Model 26XTDL includethe following:

• Automatic probe recognition

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• Quick compensations for transducer temperature changes

• Fast scan min hold mode with 20 readings/sec and freezefunction.

• Freeze function instantly freezes displayed measurement

• Differential mode displays the difference between the actualthickness and a user set nominal reference value

• High-Low Alarm indicates out of tolerance measurements

• Gain Adjustment to help enable measurements in difficultapplications

• Material Sensitivity Optimization

• On-Board Data Logger for Storage of up to 8000 ThicknessReadings

• RS232 Output for computer interface

• Selectable Hold or Blank display during loss of signal (LOS)conditions

• LCD with selectable backlight or auto backlight for a highlyreadable display under all lighting conditions

• Selectable English/metric units

• Selectable calibration lockout functions to prevent accidentalchange to calibration

• Selectable resolutions .001” (.01mm) or .01" (.1mm)

• Easy calibration for unknown material velocity and/or transducerzero.

• Automatic power off

Page 1-2 MODEL 26XTDL

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2 BASIC OPERATION

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how easily basicmeasurements can be made with the Model 26XTDL gage. The unithas been shipped from the factory set up with the followingconditions.

A further explanation of these default conditions can be found in latersections of this manual. They may be easily changed by the operatorafter becoming familiar with the more sophisticated features of thegage. These conditions have been selected to demonstrate how simpleit is to use the instrument.

Note: The default value for sound velocity is only anapproximation of the sound velocity in the test blockmaterial. The sound velocity of low to medium carbonalloy steel is typically 0.2322 in/µS or 5.898 mm/µS.Therefore, if you find the default value gives inaccurateresults on your material, refer to Section 3 forcalibration instructions.

STANDARDRESOLUTION:

0.001 in. or 0.01mm

SOUND VELOCITY: 0.2322 in/µS or 5.898 mm/µS.(Approximate sound velocity forthe carbon steel test bar providedwith the gage.) See Note below.

BLANK MODE: Display will blank when notmaking a measurement.

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2.1 INITIAL SETUPFollow this procedure when operating the gage for the first time.

Step 1: Plug the transducer into the connector at the top end of theModel 26XTDL case.

Note that the transducer cable connector must be orientedwith center pin up.

When unplugging a transducer, pull ONLY onmolded plug, NOT on the cable.

Step 2: Press the [ON/OFF] key to turn the gage on. (Thetransducer should NOT be coupled to the test piece.) Thedisplay will now show the message:

This means that the gage requires the following transducerZERO compensation step.

Figure 2-1: Transducer Zero Compensation

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Step 3: Wipe all couplant from the tip of the transducer.

Step 4: Press the [ZERO] key.

The display will show:

Step 5: You are now ready to make measurements. The currentunits are indicated on the right of the display. Inches (IN) ormillimeters (MM) may be changed to the alternatemeasurement units by pressing [2ndF], [FAST/MIN](IN/MM). This is also described in Section 4.

Note: This is not a substitute for doing a proper calibration.For materials other than the included test block, seeNote under Section 2.2, Step 3.

Figure 2-2: Zero Screen

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2.2 MAKING MEASUREMENTSStep 1: Apply couplant to the test block or material at the spot to be

measured. In general, the smoother the material surface, thethinner the couplant may be. Rough surfaces require moreviscous couplant such as gel or grease. Special couplants arerequired for high temperature applications (see Section 8.3).

Step 2: Press the tip of the transducer to the surface of the materialto be measured. Use moderate to firm pressure and keep thetransducer as flat as possible on the material surface. SeeSection 8.1 for further hints on transducer coupling.

Step 3: Read the material thickness on the gage display.

Note: For highest accuracy both a velocity and zerocalibration must be done. Refer to See Section 3,CALIBRATION, for this procedure.

2.3 LOW BATTERYThe gage will operate for at least 250 hours on one set of batteriesunder normal conditions (not in FAST mode and with backlight off).The battery symbol in the upper left corner of the display indicatesremaining battery life.

Page 2-4 MODEL 26XTDL

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3 CALIBRATION

3.1 INTRODUCTIONCalibration is the process of adjusting the gage so that it measuresaccurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at aparticular temperature. The Model 26XTDL calibration procedurefalls into the following three categories:

1. Transducer Zero Compensation–calibrates for the soundtransit time in each of the dual transducer delay lines, whichvaries from unit to unit and with temperature. This simple“off-block” procedure must be done when the gage is turnedon, when the transducer is changed, and whenever thetransducer temperature changes significantly.

2. Material Velocity Calibration or CAL VEL is done using athick test block of the measured material with knownthickness or by entering the previously determined materialvelocity manually. It must be performed for each new typeof material.

3. Zero Calibration or CAL ZERO is done using a thin testblock of the measured material with known thickness.Unlike the first two calibrations, this procedure is notrequired unless the best absolute accuracy is demanded(better than ±.004” or ±.10mm). If required, it need only bedone once for each new transducer and materialcombination. It does not have to be repeated when thetransducer temperature changes. Transducer ZeroCompensation will take care of it.

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3.2 TRANSDUCER ZEROCOMPENSATION

This step must be done whenever the message “do--” and the ZEROflag are displayed (do ZERO).

To do the Transducer Zero Compensation, wipe any couplant from thetransducer face, and press the [ZERO] key. The gage willmomentarily display the zero calibration value and then go to themeasure mode automatically. When measurements are being made onsurfaces that are significantly above or below room temperature, the[ZERO] key should be pressed on a regular basis.

3.3 VELOCITY AND ZEROCALIBRATION

The Material Velocity and Zero Calibration procedures may becombined using a thick and a thin calibration block of the samematerial.

Step 1: First update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wipingthe transducer face and pressing the [ZERO] key while inthe Measure mode.

Step 2: Couple the transducer to the thick calibration block.

Step 3: Press the [CAL] key.

Step 4: When the thickness reading is stable, press the [VEL] key.

Step 5: Uncouple the transducer from the block and use the [ ]or [ ] slewing key to enter the thickness of the thickblock.

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Step 6: Couple the transducer to the thin block and press the [CAL]key.

Step 7: When the reading is stable, press the [ZERO] key.

Step 8: Uncouple the transducer from the block and use the [ ]or [ ] slewing key to enter the thickness of the thinblock.

Step 9: Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and go tothe Measure mode.

Note: Cal Velocity should always be performed on the thicksample and Cal Zero should always be performed on thethin sample.

If the message “UFLO’ is displayed when attempting to calibrate onor measure a thin material, then do the following:

Step 1: Carefully repeat the calibration, making sure that the thincalibration block is within the measurement range of thetransducer. If the “UFLO” message is not corrected, thencontinue with the steps below:

Step 2: Do a Gage Reset. Press [2nd F], [SETUP] to enter into theSET mode. Use the up or down slewing key until “rSt1” ison the display and press [F1] to implement reset. Then pressthe MEAS key to reset and return to the measure mode.

Step 3: Couple to the thin calibration block. The “UFLO” messageshould be replaced by a thickness value. If the “UFLO”message is still displayed after doing a Gage Reset, then thegage should be checked at the factory.

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Step 4: The measured thickness value while coupled to the thincalibration block should be within +/- 0.010 inch or +\- 0.20mm of the correct thickness. If the indicated thickness istwo or more times the actual thickness of the thin calibrationblock with a good approximate sound velocity, the gage is“doubling”, i.e. measuring to the 2nd or 3rd multiple echo.Do not attempt to do a Zero or a Velocity and Zerocalibration under this condition. Doing so will cause the“UFLO” message to re-appear. Instead, correct the cause ofthe doubling. Either the calibration block is thinner than thespecified capability of the transducer, the transducer ismalfunctioning, or the gage is malfunctioning.

3.4 MATERIAL VELOCITYCALIBRATION

3.4.1 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY ISUNKNOWN

To do the Material Velocity Calibration, a calibration block made fromthe material to be measured must be used. The block should beapproximately as thick as the thickest section to be measured and haveflat, smooth, and parallel front and back surfaces. The thickness ofthe block must be known exactly.

Step 1: Update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping thetransducer face clean of all couplant and pressing the[ZERO] key as described in Section 3.2.

Step 2: Couple the transducer to the block.

Step 3: Press the [CAL] key.

Step 4: When the thickness reading is stable, press the [VEL] key.

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Step 5: Uncouple the transducer and use the [ ] or [ ] slewingkeys to enter the thickness of the standard.

Step 6: Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and returnto Measure mode.

If the gage double beeps and displays “OFLO” or “UFLO” beforereturning to the Measure mode, then an error has been made in thecalibration procedure and the velocity has not been changed. The mostlikely problem is that the thickness value entered was not correct.

The [VEL] key may be pressed following Velocity Calibration (or atany time from the Measure mode) in order to read and record thematerial velocity for this particular material. This velocity may beentered by means of the slewing keys in the future when measuringthis material, without using the block, as described in Section 3.4.2.

Note: Sound velocity in all materials changes with tempera-ture. For maximum accuracy the calibration blockshould be at approximately the same temperature as thesamples to be measured.

3.4.2 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY ISKNOWN

When preparing to measure a different material, of known soundvelocity, the velocity may be entered directly without doing the CALVEL procedure discussed above.

Step 1: From the Measure mode press the [VEL] key. The currentvelocity will be displayed.

Step 2: This number may then be changed to the desired value usingthe [ ] and [ ] slewing keys.

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Step 3: Press the [MEAS] key to complete the entry and return tothe Measure mode. If the gage is turned off before the[MEAS] key is pressed, the velocity will not be updated tothe new value but instead will retain the previous “current”value.

3.5 ZERO CALIBRATIONTo do the Zero Calibration, a calibration block of the material to bemeasured must be used. The block should be approximately as thin asthe thinnest section to be measured. If the surface of the material to beinspected is rough, the surface of the calibration block may beroughened to simulate the actual surface to be measured. Roughsurfaces generally reduce the accuracy of measurements butsimulating actual surface conditions on the calibration block can helpto improve results. The exact thickness of the sample must be known.

Step 1: First update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wipingthe transducer face clean of all couplant and pressing the[ZERO] key while in the Measure mode.

Step 2: Couple the transducer to the standard.

Step 3: Press the [CAL] key.

Step 4: When the thickness reading is stable, press the [ZERO] key.The [ZERO] key will not be accepted if the LOS displayflag is on.

Step 5: Uncouple the transducer and use the [ ] or [ ] slewingkey to enter the thickness of the standard.

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Step 6: Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and returnto the Measure mode. If the gage is turned off before the[MEAS] key is pressed, the Zero value will not be updatedto the new value but instead will retain the previous“current” value.

If the gage beeps and displays OFLO before returning to the Measuremode, an error has been made in the calibration procedure and theZero value has not been changed. The most likely cause is that theentered thickness was not correct.

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4 ADDITIONAL GAGINGFEATURES

The Model 26XTDL has several convenience features in addition tothose discussed in Section 2, BASIC OPERATION. The use of thesefeatures is not required for basic operation. However, they can makethe gage a more versatile instrument.

The following features are accessed directly from the keypad:

• Freeze

• Differential Mode

• High-Low Alarm

• Gain Adjust

• Material Sensitivity Optimization

• Backlight

• Fast Scan/Min Hold Mode

• Inches/Millimeters Conversion

• Data logger Features (Refer to Section 5 of this Manual)

Additional features accessed in the Setup mode include:

• Display Resolution

• Hold/Blank

• Calibration Lock

• Auto Backlight on/off

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• Auto Shut-off

• Gage Reset

• ID Flash On or Off

• Data Logger Reset (Refer to Section 5 of this Manual)

• RS232 Sending Mode (Refer to Section 5 of this Manual)

• Baud Rate Setting (Refer to Section 5 of this Manual)

• Output Format for Data Output (Refer to Section 5 of thisManual)

To access or change any of these functions in the Setup mode, press[2nd F], [F1](Setup), then use the [ ] or [ ] keys to advance tothe function of interest.

The details for using and setting all of these features are described inthe following.

4.1 BACKLIGHTThe display backlight feature internally illuminates the liquid crystaldisplay with a bright uniform light. This allows the display (whichhas excellent visibility in normal to high ambient light conditions) tobe viewed in low to zero ambient light conditions. The backlight isswitched on or off by pressing [2nd F], [CAL](Light). Additionally,when the backlight is switched on, you may select a power-savingAuto Backlight mode which turns it on only when a reading is beingmade and turns it off five seconds after LOS. To select AutoBacklight, enter the Setup mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup),then press the [ ] or [ ] slewing key until the display readseither “AUtO” for automatic or “LtOn” for light on (continuous) (seeFig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2).

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Press the [F1] key to toggle between these choices. To return to theMeasure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions press the [

] or [ ] slewing key.

4.2 DISPLAY BLANK OR HOLDThe measured thickness display may be made to continuously displaythe last measured thickness when transducer contact with the materialis lost or when there is insufficient signal to make a measurement, i.e.during loss of signal (LOS). This is called the Display Hold mode. Inthe Display Blank mode the numeric part of the thickness display isturned off during LOS.

To change to the alternate display mode from the Measure mode, enterthe Setup Mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [ ] or [

] slewing key until the display reads “HOLd”(to hold the lastreading) or “bLn”(to blank the display at LOS) (see Fig. 4-1 andFig. 4-2). To change the Blank/Hold selection press the [F1] key. Toreturn to the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functionspress the [ ] or [ ] slewing key.

4.3 CALIBRATION LOCKThe Calibration Lock feature allows the gage to be set up so that nocalibration values, i.e., velocity or zero, which affect the value of thedisplayed measurement, can be altered (with the exception oftransducer zero while the gage is displaying “do--”). However thesevalues can be viewed, and measurement modes can be changed, in theCalibration Lock condition.

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To set the Calibration Lock, enter the Setup mode by pressing [2nd F],[F1](Setup) and then [ ] or [ ] slewing key until the locksymbol flashes and the display reads either “On” or Off” (see Fig. 4-1and Fig. 4-2). Press [F1] to select the desired lock condition. To returnto the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions pressthe [ ] or [ ] slewing key.

4.4 AUTO SHUT-OFFNormally the gage turns off automatically after about six minutes if nokey has been pressed and no measurement has been made within thattime. This is to prevent the battery from running down if the gage isleft unattended for a long period of time without being turned off.This shutoff can be disabled if for any reason it presents a problem.

To disable or enable the auto shut-off mode, enter the Setup mode bypressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [ ] or [ ] slewing keyuntil the display reads “P.AUt” (Power Auto Shutoff) or “P.On”(Power Always On) (see Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2). To change to thealternate power selection, press the [F1] key. To return to the Measuremode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions, press the [ ] or[ ] key.

4.5 DISPLAY RESOLUTIONThe displayed resolution for thickness values , i.e. the number ofdigits shown to the right of the decimal point, may be changed fromthe keyboard. This may be useful in some applications in which theextra precision of the last digit is not required or where extremelyrough outside or inside surfaces make the last display digit unreliable.These two resolutions are selectable; Standard is .001 in. or .01mm,and Low is .01 in. or .1mm.

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To change the resolution while in the Measure mode, press [2nd F]and [F1](Setup) to enter the Setup Mode (see Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2).Then press [ ] or [ ] until the decimal point begins flashing, atwhich point it may be moved by pressing the [F1] key. To set theposition and return to the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To accessother functions press the [ ] or [ ] slewing key.

4.6 GAGE RESETA simple key sequence may be used to quickly restore the gage to thedefault setup shown below. This may be useful to new operators whilebecoming familiar with the individual feature setups describedelsewhere in this section. This may also be useful to experiencedoperators as an efficient short-cut to a known configuration.

The default setup established by this reset is as follows:

• Units in inches

• Measure mode with normal display update rate

• Material Velocity = 0.2322 in/µS, the approximate velocity of theincluded test blocks

• Default zero calibration.

• Default sensitivity

• Calibration keys unlocked

• Blank display when LOS

• Standard resolution (.001in.)

• Backlight off

• Auto Shut-Off on

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• Gain: standard

• Material Sensitivity Optimization off

• Alarm off

• Differential off

To perform the Gage Default Setup Reset, enter the Setup mode bypressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then the [ ] or [ ] slewingkey until the display reads “rSt1” (see Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2). Toperform the reset, press the [F1] key. After resetting, the gage willmomentarily display the word “dONE” and then will return todisplaying “rSt1”. To return to the Measure mode press [MEAS]. Toaccess other functions press the [ ] or [ ] slewing key.

4.7 ID# FLASHAfter saving a measurement to a file in the Data Logger, the currentID# may flash on the display indicating to the operator the nextlocation in the database. This feature can be disabled if for any reasonit presents a problem.

To disable or enable the ID# Flash, enter the setup mode by pressing[2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then the [ ] or [ ] slewing key untilthe display reads either “Id On” (ID# flash on), or “IdOFF” (ID# flashis off)(See Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2). To change the ID# Flash selection,press the [F1] key. To return to the Measure mode press [MEAS]. Toaccess other functions press the [ ] or [ ] slewing key.

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4.8 UNITS (Inches or Millimeters)Measured thickness may be displayed in either inches or millimeters.To change from one to the other, from the Normal Measure ModePress [2nd F], [Fast/Min](IN/MM) and the displayed units will togglebetween Inches (IN) and Millimeters (MM).

4.9 FREEZEThe Freeze function allows the operator to freeze the thickness displaywhen the [FREEZE] key is pressed. The display is returned to anactive status by pressing [FREEZE] a second time or by pressing[MEAS]. This function is useful in a situation when the user wishesto hold a displayed thickness reading. This is helpful for hightemperature thickness measurement applications to limit thetransducer contact time. The freeze can also be used in combinationwith the Fast/Min function (See “4.10 FAST DISPLAY” for moredetails.).

4.10 FAST DISPLAYThe Fast Display mode increases the measurement and display updaterate from 4 measurements per second to 20 measurements per second.This may be useful when the thickness profile of the test piece is veryirregular, at elevated temperatures or when surface conditions are sorough that thickness cannot be measured at all locations. In thissituation, a technique in which Fast Display is selected and thetransducer is scanned or rocked on the material surface may allowgood readings to be obtained more quickly.

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Note: The battery life is decreased by more than 50% whenoperating in the Fast Mode.

To select the Fast Display mode, press the [FAST/MIN] key while inthe Measure, Differential Measure, or Alarm Measure mode. The FastDisplay mode is indicated by the MEAS display flag, and the FASTdisplay flag. The DIFF or ALARM display flags may also be on.

To exit the Fast Display mode, press the [FAST/MIN] key twice.

4.11 FAST DISPLAY MEASUREMENTRATE WITH MINIMUM THICKNESS& FREEZE FUNCTION

The Fast Min Display with minimum thickness hold mode increasesthe measurement and display update rate from 4 measurements persecond to 20 measurements per second and will highlight the smallestthickness measured during a series of measurements. This is usefulwhen performing high temperature measurements or when it isimportant to determine the thinnest reading obtained while making aseries of readings on a test piece.

The actual measured thickness will be displayed when the transduceris coupled. The minimum thickness will display when the transduceris lifted from the test piece or uncoupled (LOS condition). Inaddition, [FREEZE] can be useful in avoiding lift-off error due tocouplant while using the fast update rate. If you press [FREEZE]while scanning in this mode, the display will freeze the currentthickness value. If you uncouple the transducer (LOS condition) andpress [FREEZE] a second time, the display will unfreeze and theminimum thickness held in memory will be recalled to the display.These features allow the benefit of real time thickness readout to becombined with a Minimum Hold and Freeze feature.

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This may be useful when the thickness profile of the test piece is veryirregular, at elevated temperature, or when surface conditions are sorough that thickness cannot be measured at all locations. To obtaingood readings quickly, select the Fast Min Display and scan thetransducer on the material surface.

Note: The battery charge life is decreased by more than 50%when operating in the Fast Min mode.

To select the Fast Display with Minimum Thickness Hold, press the[FAST/MIN] key twice. The Fast/Min Flag will be flashing on theLCD display. Once activated, couple the transducer to the test pieceand take desired measurements. To view the minimum thickness,uncouple the transducer. In this mode, pressing the [FREEZE] keywill freeze the display. Pressing [FREEZE] again will unfreeze thedisplay and recall the minimum. Pressing [MEAS] will reset the scan.

4.12 GAIN ADJUSTThe Gain Adjust allows the normal measurement sensitivity to beincreased or decreased by a fixed amount (approximately 10dB and6dB respectively). This function is available for those applications inwhich more or less than the default sensitivity is required but it ispreferred to use a fixed sensitivity increase rather than a sensitivityproportional to the measured noise as described in Section 4.13. Useof the Gain Adjust function is generally recommended for all hightemperature measurements.

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To adjust the gain in the 26XTDL, press [GAIN]. The display willshow either “Std” (for standard default gain), “Lo” (for low gainsetting, -6dB), or “Hi” (for high gain setting, +10dB). By repeatedlypressing [GAIN], the gage will toggle between the three choices.Once the desired setting has been selected the gage will automaticallyreturn to the measure mode at the new selected gain.

4.13 MATERIAL SENSITIVITYOPTIMIZATION

The Material Sensitivity Optimization feature allows the normalmeasurement sensitivity to be increased or decreased by an amountrelated to the measured peak noise in a specific transducer andmaterial sample combination. Normally the Model 26XTDL adjustsits receiver gain and detection level depending upon both thetransducer type and on the received echo characteristics. Also, eachtransducer type imposes its own maximum gain and detectionthreshold to prevent any transducer related or material related noisefrom being seen as a thickness echo. This works well in mostcorroded material gaging applications. However, in certain specialcases, it is advantageous to modify those fixed limits on sensitivity.

The Model 26XTDL optimizes sensitivity by using actual materialnoise level measurements rather than fixed gain boosts or fixedattenuators. While the transducer is coupled to a thick sample of thematerial of interest, the gage measures the peak noise level up to thespecified back wall thickness. Then the gain and detection thresholdvalues are adjusted to produce the minimum backwall sensitivitywithout hanging up on noise.

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Performing the sensitivity optimization procedure on differentmaterials may yield different results. In the case of grainy materialssuch as cast iron, or high surface noise materials such as aluminum,this procedure may result in a decrease in gain. In the case of hotmaterials with rough surfaces or other highly attenuating but lownoise materials, this procedure may produce an increase in sensitivity.

To Perform Automatic Material Sensitivity Optimization

Step 1: Press [2nd F], [GAIN](OPT). The gage will respond bydisplaying “-.---”, “--.--” or “--.-” depending on units andresolution.

Step 2: Enter the estimated thickness of the material to be measuredusing the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys. It is better to guesslow, if uncertain.

Step 3: Couple the transducer to the material sample and press[MEAS]. The Optimization will be performed and the gagewill return to the Measure Mode. The GAIN flag will flashto indicate that the default gain has been altered.

To Return to Default Gain

The default Gain may be restored directly by pressing [GAIN], until"Std" is displayed. The flashing flag on Gain will no longer bedisplayed indicating that the default gain has been restored.

Default gain may also be restored by turning the gage off and on andpressing [ZERO].

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4.14 HIGH/LOW ALARMThe Alarm feature allows the user to view and change the Low AlarmReference Value, and the High Alarm Reference Value, and also toswitch on or off the visual and audible alarm functions. The AlarmReference Values are thickness setpoints in the current gage units andresolution. When an Alarm Measure mode is selected, the alarmcondition occurs when any displayed reading (either actual orminimum) is either less than the Low Alarm Reference Value orgreater than the High Alarm Reference Value. The alarm condition isindicated by a flashing numeric display and a repeated audible beep.The [MEAS] key resets the alarm condition.

To view and/or change the Alarm Reference Values, press [2nd F],[VEL](ALARM) from any Measure mode. The existing Low AlarmReference Value will be displayed with the ALARM flag. This valuemay be changed using the [ ] or [ ] slewing keys or accepted asis. Press [2nd F], [VEL](ALARM) again to display the existing HighAlarm Reference Value. This value may be changed or accepted as is.If a higher value is entered first followed by a lower number, then thegage will interpret the lower number as the Low Alarm ReferenceValue and the higher value as the High Alarm Reference Value.

Press the [MEAS] key to go to the Alarm Measure Mode, Fast AlarmMeasure Mode or Minimum Alarm Measure mode. Note that if theprevious mode was a Differential Measure mode, enabling the Alarmfunction will then disable the Differential mode. If instead of pressingthe [MEAS] key, you press [2nd F], [VEL](ALARM) for the thirdtime, then the unit will go to the Measure, Fast Measure, or MinMeasure mode with the Alarm Reference Values set as displayed butwithout the Alarm function enabled.

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If the [MEAS] key is pressed immediately after the Low AlarmReference Value has been changed, then the gage will accept the newlow alarm value and the high alarm value as unchanged. The gage willenter the alarm measure mode at these setpoints.

Alarm Reference Values are internally converted to the closestequivalent value in the alternate units when the English or Metricunits are selected.

4.15 DIFFERENTIAL DISPLAYThe differential display feature allows the user to view and change aDifferential Thickness Reference Value, and also to select the displayof the Differential Thickness, defined below:

(Differential Thickness) = (Measured Thickness) - (DifferentialReference Value)

The units and resolution of the Differential Reference Value and theDifferential Thickness are the same as those selected for the thicknessmeasurement.

To view, set, or change the Differential Reference Value, press[2nd F], [ZERO](DIFF) while in the Measure, Fast Measure, MinMeasure or Alarm Measure mode. The Diff display flag will appearand the current Differential Reference Value will be displayed. Thevalue may be changed using the [ ] [ ] slewing keys. Press[MEAS] to enable the Differential Measure mode at the selectedDifferential Reference Value. Press [2nd F], [ZERO](DIFF) to exitthe Differential Measure mode and the gage will return to the normalmeasure mode.

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Note: Differential measure and Alarm Measure modes aremutually exclusive modes (i.e. they cannot co-exist in thegage).

The Differential Reference Value will be remembered, however, forlater use. Differential Reference Values are internally converted to theclosest equivalent value in the alternate units when the English orMetric units are selected.

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Figure 4-1: Setup Mode Screen

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Figure 4-2: Setup Mode Screen (con’t)

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5 DATA LOGGER & DATACOMMUNICATIONFEATURES

Two very powerful and useful features of the Model 26XTDL are theinternal data logger and the serial RS232 communications interface.The operation of the data logger and data transmission are discussedin this section. Details of the serial interface cable, the format of thetransmitted data may be found in the following appendices:

Appendix II Serial Interface

Appendix III Transmitted Data Formats

5.1 DATA LOGGERThe data logger contains a battery backed up memory. It can store upto 8000 thickness readings. Each stored reading has a unique locationor identification number (ID#) which will be explained below. Eachreading also has a set of “flags” stored with it (explained below),which completely describes the type of measurement. Furthermore,each stored reading has a “setup number” stored with it (explainedbelow), which specifies gage parameter values which are relevant tothe stored reading.

The data logger has a built in file system as a method of organizing thelocation numbers or ID#’s. The maximum # of files available is 15with file names F01, F02 ...F15. Depending on how many files arechosen to be active, the data logger will automatically divide theavailable 8000 storage locations amongst the specified number offiles.

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If only one file is selected the data logger will have ID#’s 0001-8000within file number one (F01). If two files are selected the data loggerwill have ID#’s 0001-4000 in each of the two files, F01 and F02. Ifthe maximum number of files is selected (15) the data logger will haveID#’s 0001-0533. The table below summarizes this:

Table 5-1

Number of Files ID#’s per File

F001 0001-8000

F001-F002 0001-4000

F001-F003 0001-2666

F001-F004 0001-2000

F001-F005 0001-1600

F001-F006 0001-1333

F001-F007 0001-1142

F001-F008 0001-1000

F001-F009 0001-0888

F001-F010 0001-0727

F001-F012 0001-0666

F001-F013 0001-0615

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Each individual thickness reading will have a unique identifierconsisting of the filename plus the ID#. For example: F01,0001.

Flags are automatically entered for each stored reading to indicate thespecific mode (i.e. Measure, Differential, Minimum, Gain or Alarmconditions).

A setup number between 1 and 31 is automatically recorded with eachsaved reading. Each setup number corresponds to a unique set ofvalues for Velocity, Differential Reference Value, Low AlarmReference Value, High Alarm Reference Value, Units and TransducerType.

The data logger automatically increments the ID# every time areading is saved into memory. This allows easy saving to sequentiallocations. If desired, the ID# may also be entered manually via thekeyboard.

The data logger also allows easy review of the contents of anylocation on the gage display. Also, the contents of any individuallocation, range of locations or all locations within the open file may beerased.

F001-F014 0001-0571

F001-F015 0001-0533

Table 5-1 (cont.)

Number of Files ID#’s per File

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Most importantly, the data stored in a range of ID#’s or in all locationsmay be sent to a computer or printer on the serial I/O line. The singlereading being displayed may also be transmitted.

5.2 DATA LOGGER OPERATION

5.2.1 TO SET UP FILES FOR ORGANIZATION OFDATA

Step 1: Press [2nd F], [FILE] (File Set) and the gage will displaythe message “CLr?” This indicates that in order to reset thenumber of files the gage memory must first be erased.

Step 2: Press [2nd F], [ID#](Clr Mem) to proceed in clearing thedata logger. The gage will now display F??? prompting theuser to enter the number of files desired.

Step 3: Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys enter in the desirednumber of files. For example for 5 files the display shouldread “F005.”

Step 4: When done press [MEAS]. The gage will now sound a longbeep while displaying “F.bld”. During this time the gage isorganizing the data base. When finished the gage will stopbeeping and return to either the measure mode or “do-”depending on which mode the gage was in last.

Step 5: The gage is now ready to start storing data. The gage willautomatically default to filename F001, and ID# 0001.

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5.2.2 TO DISPLAY AND/OR CHANGE THECURRENT DATA LOGGER MEMORYLOCATION

To Display/Change the Current File

Step 1: Press [FILE] and the gage will display the current open file.

Step 2: To change to a different file, press [ ] or [ ] untildesired filename is displayed.

Note: The available filenames to select from will depend on thenumber of files chosen using the method describedabove.

Step 3: Once the desired file is selected press [MEAS]

To Display/Change the Current ID# Within the Open File

Step 1: Press [ID#] and the current active ID# will be displayed.

Step 2: Press [ ] or [ ] to change to the desired ID#.

Step 3: Once selected, press [MEAS] and the gage will return to themeasure mode ready to store data at the selected Filenameand ID#.

5.2.3 TO SAVE A THICKNESS VALUE AT ASPECIFIED LOCATION

Step 1: Change the Filename and ID# if desired using procedureabove (optional).

Step 2: Take a thickness reading

Step 3: While the thickness value is being displayed press [SAVE].

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Step 4: The display will beep indicating that the reading has beensaved. Depending on the gage setup the current ID# mayflash on the display indicating to the operator the nextlocation in the database. See Section 4.7.

Step 5: The displayed value, along with appropriate flags and setupinformation will be stored at the specified location. If thedisplay is blank when [SAVE] is pressed then “----” will besaved with the appropriate flags.

Step 6: The ID# is automatically incremented to the next location inthe database.

Note: If a thickness reading already exists at the current ID#and the [SAVE] key is pressed, the gage will replace theold measurement with a new measurement.

5.2.4 TO DISPLAY THE VALUE STORED AT ASPECIFIED LOCATION

Step 1: Press [ID#] and the current ID# will be displayed.

Step 2: Press [ ] or [ ] to change the ID# to the desired location

where you wish to view the stored data.

Step 3: Press [ID#] again and the contents stored at the specifiedlocation will be displayed.

Step 4: Continuous presses of [ID#] will go through the entiredatabase for that file.

Step 5: When finished reviewing data press [MEAS] to return to themeasure mode.

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5.2.5 TO ERASE A VALUE AT A SPECIFIEDLOCATION

Note: After data has been erased it is not possible to recover it

Step 1: Change to the desired ID# by pressing [ID#] then [ ] or[ ] slewing keys.

Step 2: With the ID# on the display press [2nd F], [ID#](Clr Mem)

Step 3: The gage will beep and the thickness reading at thespecified location will be erased.

5.2.6 TO ERASE A RANGE OF ID#’S IN THE OPENFILE

Note: After data has been erased it is not possible to recover it

Step 1: From the measure mode press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) andthe gage will display the first ID# (“0001”) in the file.

Step 2: Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys change the ID# tothe first ID# in the desired range of data to be erased. If thedesired starting ID# is 0001 then this step is not necessary.

Step 3: Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) and the gage will displaythe last ID# in the file.

Step 4: Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys change the ID# tothe last ID# in the desired range of data to be erased. If thedesired ending ID# is the last one in the file then this step isnot necessary.

Step 5: Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) to complete the eraseprocedure. Now the thickness readings associated with thespecified ID# range will be erased.

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Note: At any time before Step 5 is completed the process canbe aborted by pressing [MEAS] or [ON/OFF] and nodata will be erased.

5.3 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA INA FILE

Note: After data has been erased it is not possible to recover it

Step 1: Open the file you wish to erase by pressing [FILE] ,followed by [ ] or [ ] until the desired file name isdisplayed.

Step 2: Once the desired file is selected, press [2nd F], [ID#] (ClrMem). The gauge will display the message “CLr?”.

Step 3: Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) to clear the file. the gagewill display “CLr-” indicating that the file is being erased.The gage will display the file name when finished erasing.Use the [ ] or [ ] slewing keys to select another fileto erase or press [MEAS] to return to the measure mode.

5.3.1 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN THE DATALOGGER

Note: After data has been erased it is not possible to recover it

Option 1: Perform a Data Logger Reset (see Section 5.4)

Option 2: a) Press [2nd F], [FILE](File Set)

b) Press [2nd F], [ID#](Clr Mem)

c) Enter in a desired number of files using [ ]or [ ]

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d) Press [MEAS] and the gage will be frozen fora few seconds while reorganizing the database.

5.3.2 TO TRANSMIT A DISPLAYED THICKNESSVALUE TO A CONNECTED DEVICE VIA THESERIAL I/O CABLE

Step 1: Confirm that the receiving device is connected andconfigured properly. See Section 5.6 of this manual as wellas the operator manuals for the receiving device and for thereceiving software.

Step 2: Set up the matching communication parameters on the26XTDL. See Section 5.6 of this manual.

Step 3: Set up the desired Measure mode on the 26XTDL and makea thickness reading.

Step 4: Press [SEND] momentarily (release in less than onesecond).

Step 5: The displayed value with its appropriate measurement flagswill be transmitted (without an ID#) and the gage will returnto the original measure mode. Pressing [SEND] while thedisplay is blank, sends “--.---” and the displayedmeasurement flags.

Note: Sending a displayed reading will blank a held readingand will reset the minimum function.

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5.3.3 TO TRANSMIT A FILE OF DATA VIA THESERIAL I/O CABLE

Step 1: Confirm that the receiving device is connected andconfigured properly. See Section 5.6 of this manual as wellas the operator manuals for the receiving device and for thereceiving software.

Step 2: Set up the matching communication parameters on the26XTDL. See Section 5.6 of this manual.

Step 3: Open the file you wish to transmit by pressing [FILE],followed by [ ] or [ ] until the desired filename isdisplayed.

Step 4: Once the desired file is selected, press [SEND]. The gagewill display “Send” indicating that the file is beingtransmitted. The gage will display the file name whenfinished transmitting. Use the [ ] and [ ] slewingkeys to select another file to transmit or press [MEAS] toreturn to the Measure mode.

5.3.4 TO TRANSMIT A RANGE OF DATA WITHIN AFILE VIA THE SERIAL I/O CABLE

Step 1: Confirm that the receiving device is connected andconfigured properly. See Section 5.6 of this manual as wellas the operator manuals for the receiving device and for thereceiving software.

Step 2: Set up the matching communication parameters on the26XTDL. See Section 5.6 of this manual.

Step 3: Open the file you wish to transmit by pressing [FILE],followed by [ ] or [ ] until the desired filename isdisplayed. Once the desired file is selected, press [MEAS].

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Step 4: Press [SEND] and hold until the beep (about one second).The gage will display the first ID# (“0001”) in the file.

Step 5: Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys change the ID# tothe first ID# of the desired range of data to be transmitted.

Step 6: Press [SEND] and the gage will display the last ID# in thefile.

Step 7: Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys change the ID# tothe last ID# of the desired range of data to be transmitted.

Step 8: Press [SEND] and the gage will display “SEnd” indicatingthat the file is being transmitted. The gage will return to theMeasure mode when finished transmitting.

5.4 SERIAL COMMUNICATION SETUPIn order to enable the 26XTDL to communicate with another device,the following things must be done:

Step 1: The 26XTDL must be connected to the computer with theproper cable. Since all computers do not have the sameserial port connector, the correct cable must be ordered fromPanametrics.

Step 2: The communication parameters of the 26XTDL must be setto match the configuration of the computer. See Section 5.6of this manual. To change the baud rate of the 26XTDL,enter the setup mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) andthen [ ] or [ ] slewing key until the display readseither “9600” or “1200”. To change the baud rate, press the[F1] key.

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5.5 DATA LOGGER RESETTo perform the data logger reset, enter the setup mode by pressing[2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [ ] or [ ] slewing key until thedisplay reads “rSt 2”. To perform the reset, press the [F1] key. Afterresetting, the gage will display “CLr?” along with the Mem flag,followed by “dONE” and then will return to displaying “rSt 2”. Toreturn to the Measure mode press [MEAS]. To access other functionspress the [ ] or [ ] slewing keys.

5.6 RS232 OPTIONSThe 26XTDL can transmit measurements over its RS232 cable tomost devices with an RS232 serial interface. The gage can beconfigured to send measurement readings continuously at the displayupdate rate, to single send by pressing the [SEND] key, or to send acomplete File or a range of a file from its memory.

5.6.1 OUTPUT CONFIGURATION

To change the output configuration, enter the setup mode by pressing[2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [ ] or [ ] slewing key until thedisplay reads either “SOFF” for continuous send off, “SOn” forcontinuous send on, or “SSnd” for single send. To change theconfiguration, press the [F1] key.

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5.6.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERSThe RS232 port is half duplex (transmit only) and its communicationparameters contain the following options:

BAUD: 9600 or 1200 (selectable)

WORD LENGTH: 8 (fixed)

STOP BITS 1 (fixed)

PARITY N [none] (fixed)

5.6.3 OUTPUT DATA FORMATThe output data format is as follows:

F-1 Thickness table (ID#, thickness value, units, mode flags)Setup table (Calibration values and transducer type)

F-2 ID# and thickness value only

For examples, refer to Appendix III.

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6 SPECIFICATIONS

THICKNESSMEASUREMENTRANGE:

0.020 to 19.999 inches or0.50 to 500.0mm (typical in steel)

THICKNESS DISPLAYRESOLUTION:

Standard LowMillimeters: .01mm .1mmInches: .001” .01”

MEASUREMENTRATE:

Standard Mode - 4 measurementsper secondFast Min Mode - 20 measurementsper second

MATERIAL VELOCITYRANGE:

0.0300 - 0.5511 in/uS0.762 - 13.999mm/uS

TRANSDUCER ZEROCOMPENSATION:

This provides zero andtemperature compensation fordifferent transducers.

DISPLAY: 4 1/2 digit (19999 counts) LiquidCrystal Display (LCD). 0.4” (10mm) numerals.

NOTE: Thickness range depends on material, transducer type,surface condition, surface preparation, and temperature.

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DISPLAY UNITS,SYMBOLS & FLAGS:

IN or MM (Thickness)IN/uS or MM/uS (Velocity)Low Battery IndicatorKeyboard LockLOS Flag (Loss of Signal orCoupling)CAL Flag (Calibration Mode)ZERO Flag (Zero CalibrationMode)VEL Flag (Velocity CalibrationMode)MEAS Flag (Measure Mode)2nd F Flag (Second Function)Alarm Flag (High-Low AlarmMode)Gain Flag (Adjusted Gain)Fast/Min Flag (Fast Mode 20Meas/Sec and Fast with MinimumHold Mode)Diff Flag (Differential Mode)Mem Flag (Memory Mode)

RECEIVERBANDWIDTH:

1 - 15MHz (-3dB)

MEASUREMENTMODE:

Time interval from a precisiondelay after the excitation to thefirst echo using dual elementtransducer.

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METRIC / ENGLISHMODES:

Allows selection between Englishand Metric units via the keypad.

POWERREQUIREMENTS:

3VDC (supplied from internalbatteries)

BATTERY: Two AA Alkaline Batteries

BATTERY LIFE: 250 hours minimum (MeasureMode)30 hours minimum (Backlight On)

OPERATING TEMP.RANGE(ELECTRONICS):

-10 C to +50 C

SIZE: 5.05” L x 2.55” W x 1.14” H128.3mm L x 64.8mm W x29.0mm H

WEIGHT: 8.5 oz. (0.24Kg)

TRANSDUCERS: D790, D790-SM, D791, D791-RM, D792, D793, D794, D795,D797, D797-SM, D798, D7226,D799, and MTD705

DATA LOGGER

STORAGE CAPACITY: 8000 Thickness Measurements

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INFORMATIONSTORED:

ID Number, File Number,Thickness Value, Units, LOSCondition, Differential Mode,Differential Reference Value,Alarm Mode, High AlarmSetpoint, Low Alarm Setpoint,Minimum Reading Flag, GainMode Velocity Value, TransducerType.

DATA LOGGER FILES 1 - 15 Files

IDENTIFICATIONNUMBERS:

4 numeric characters, Character set0 - 9

OUTPUT FORMATS: Two selectable ASCII outputformats:

F-1 includes Thickness Table(ID#, Thickness Value, units,mode flags), Setup Table(Calibration values and transducertype)F-2 includes ID# and ThicknessValue Only

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FEATURES: Save Reading at ID#Review Stored Contents of DataLoggerErase a File or FilesPrint Stored DataSend Data to a PCMove to specific ID#’s in thedatabase

COMMUNICATION

BAUD RATE Selectable: 1200, 9600

PROTOCOL: Serial RS232 with +/-4V signallevels.

SIGNALS: Data out of gageDSR into gage

SOFTWARE FLOWCONTROL:

XON and XOFF charactersutilized to control the flow oftransmitted data.

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7 THEORY OF OPERATION

The Panametrics Model 26XTDL Ultrasonic Thickness Gage operateson the dual transducer "pulse-echo" principal, timing the reflection ofhigh frequency sound waves from the far wall of the test piece. Thistechnique, derived from sonar, has been widely applied tonondestructive testing.The frequency range used by the 26XTDL doesnot travel well through air, so a coupling liquid such as glycerine orgel is used between the face of the transducer and the test piece. Thesound waves generated by the transmit side of the transducer arecoupled into the test piece, travel through it, and are reflected backfrom the opposite side. The reflected sound waves or echos arecoupled into the receive side of the transducer where they areconverted back into electrical signals. The gage precisely measuresthe time interval t between the excitation pulse and the first echosignal and subtracts a zero offset value representing transducer delay.The result is multiplied by the velocity of sound in the test material, V,and divided by two to compensate for the two-way sound path. Thefinal result, X, is the thickness of the test material.

The microprocessor performs the arithmetic described above toproduce the thickness value. This value along with various gagestatus indicators is sent to the LCD display.

The microprocessor also directs the Receiver/Detector to identify thetransducer type using the I.D. pin of the transducer. Calibrationvalues and gage setups are saved in non-volatile RAM (RandomAccess Memory). The keyboard informs the microprocessor of userentered changes of mode, values, etc.

Xt( )V2

----------=

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8 APPLICATION NOTES

8.1 FACTORS AFFECTINGPERFORMANCE AND ACCURACY

a. Surface Condition

Severe pitting on the outside surface of a pipe or tank can be aproblem. On some rough surfaces, the use of a gel or grease ratherthan a liquid couplant will help transmit sound energy into the testpiece. In extreme cases it will be necessary to file or grind the surfacesufficiently flat to permit contact with the face of the transducer. Inapplications where deep pitting occurs on the outside of a pipe or tankit is usually necessary to measure remaining metal thickness from thebase of the pits to the inside wall. The conventional technique is tomeasure unpitted metal thickness ultrasonically, measure pit depthmechanically, and subtract the pit depth from the measured wallthickness. Alternately, one can file or grind the surface down to thebase of the pits and measure normally. As with any difficultapplication, experimentation with actual product samples is the bestway to determine the limits of a particular gage/transducercombination on a given surface.

b. Transducer Positioning/Alignment

For proper sound coupling the transducer must be pressed firmlyagainst the test surface. On small diameter cylindrical surfaces suchas pipes, hold the transducer so that the sound barrier material visibleon the probe face is aligned perpendicular to the center axis of thepipe. See the illustration below.

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It is possible that on some severely corroded or pitted materials therewill be spots where readings cannot be obtained. This can happenwhen the inside surface of the material is so irregular that the soundenergy is scattered rather than being reflected back to the transducer.The lack of a reading may also indicate a thickness outside the rangeof the transducer and instrument being used. Generally, an inability toobtain a valid thickness reading at a particular point on a test specimencould be a sign of a seriously degraded wall which may warrantinvestigation by other means.

c. Calibration

The accuracy of measurements are only as good as the accuracy andcare with which the gage has been calibrated. It is essential that thevelocity and zero calibrations described in Section 3 be performedwhenever the test material or transducer is changed. Periodic checkswith samples of known thicknesses are recommended to verify thatthe gage is operating properly.

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d. Taper or Eccentricity

If the contact surface and the back surface are tapered or eccentricwith respect to each other, the return echo again becomes distortedand the accuracy of measurement is diminished.

e. Acoustic Properties of the Material

There are several conditions found in engineering materials that canseverely limit the accuracy and thickness range that can be measured.

1. Sound Scattering

Sound Scattering in some materials, notably certain types of caststainless steel, cast irons, and composites, the sound energy isscattered from individual crystallites in the casting or fromdissimilar materials within the composite. This effect reducesthe ability to discriminate a valid return echo from the back sideof the material and limits the ability to gauge the materialultrasonically.

2. Velocity Variations

A number of materials exhibit significant variations in soundvelocity from point-to-point within the material. Certain types ofcast stainless steels and brass exhibit this effect due to arelatively large grain size and the anisotropy of sound velocitywith respect to grain orientation. Other materials show a rapidchange in sound velocity with temperature. This is characteristicof plastic materials where temperature must be controlled inorder to obtain maximum precision in the measurement.

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3. Sound Attenuation

Sound Attenuation or Absorption in many organic materials,such as low density plastics and rubber, sound is attenuated veryrapidly at the frequencies used in normal ultrasonic thicknessgauging. Therefore, the maximum thickness that can bemeasured in these materials is often limited by sound attenuation.

8.2 TRANSDUCER SELECTIONFor any ultrasonic measurement system (transducer plus thicknessgage) there will be a minimum material thickness below which validmeasurements will not be possible.

Normally this minimum range will be specified in the manufacturer'sliterature. As transducer frequency increases, the minimummeasurable thickness decreases. In corrosion applications, whereminimum remaining wall thickness is normally the parameter to bemeasured, it is particularly important to be aware of the specifiedrange of the transducer being used. If a dual is used to measure a testpiece that is below its designed minimum range, the gage may detectinvalid echoes and display an incorrectly high thickness reading. Thetable below lists approximate minimum measurable thicknesses insteel for the standard transducers used with the Panametrics Model26XTDL gage. Note that these numbers are approximate. The exactmeasurable minimum in a given application depends on materialvelocity, surface condition, temperature and geometry, and it shouldbe determined experimentally by the user.

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Transducer Selection

XDCRPart No.

Freq.(MHz)

TipDiameter

Potted CableConnector

Style

Temp.Range

Min.Xness

D790 5.0 .434"11.0mm

StraightPotted

-5º to +932ºF-20º to+500ºC

0.040 in1.0mm

D790SM

5.0 .434"11.0mm

StraightReplaceable

-5º to +932ºF-20º to+500ºC

0.040 in1.0mm

D791 5.0 .434"11.0mm

Rt. AnglePotted

-5º to +932ºF-20º to+500ºC

0.040 in1.0mm

D791-RM

5.0 .434"11.0mm

Rt AngleReplaceable

-5º to +932ºF-20º to+500ºC

0.040 in1.0mm

D792 10 .283"7.2mm

StraightPotted

+32º to+122ºF

0 to +50ºC

0.020 in0.5mm

D793 10 .283"7.2mm

Rt. AnglePotted

+32º to+122ºF

0º to +50ºC

0.020 in0.5mm

D794 5.0 .283"7.2mm

StraightPotted

+32º to+122ºF

0º to +50ºC

0.030 in0.75mm

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In selecting a transducer for a corrosion application it is also necessaryto consider the temperature of the material to be measured. Not allduals are designed for high temperature measurements. The chartabove lists recommended temperature ranges for the Panametricsduals used with the Model 26XTDL gage. For other transducers,consult the manufacturer's catalogue or data sheets. Using atransducer on materials whose temperature is beyond the specifiedrange can damage or destroy the transducer.

D795 5.0 .283"7.2mm

Rt. AnglePotted

+32º to+122ºF

0º to +50ºC

0.030 in0.75mm

D797 5.0 .900"22.9mm

Rt. AnglePotted

-5º to +752ºF-20º to+400ºC

0.100 in2.5mm

D798 7.5 .290"7.4mm

StraightRt. Angle

-5º to +300ºF-20º to+150ºC

0.028 in0.7mm

D799 5.0 .434"11.0mm

Rt. AnglePotted

-5º to +300ºF-20º to+150ºC

0.040 in1.0mm

MTD705

5.0 .200"5.1mm

Rt. AngleReplaceable

+32º to+122ºF

0º to 50ºC

.040"1.00mm

Transducer Selection(cont)

XDCRPart No.

Freq.(MHz)

TipDiameter

Potted CableConnector

Style

Temp.Range

Min.Xness

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8.3 HIGH TEMPERATUREMEASUREMENTS

Corrosion measurements at elevated temperatures require specialconsideration. Keep in mind the following points:

a. Be sure that the surface temperature of the test piece doesnot exceed the maximum specified temperature for thetransducer and couplant that you are using. Some duals aredesigned for room temperature measurements only.

b. Use a couplant rated for the temperature where you will beworking. All high temperature couplants will boil off atsome temperature, leaving a hard residue that is not able totransmit sound energy. Panametrics Couplant E(Ultratherm) can be used at temperatures up to 1000ºF/540ºC, although it will boil as the upper limit is reached.Maximum recommended temperatures for Panametricscouplants are as follows:

Couplant Selection

Couplant TypeMaximum

RecommendedTemperature

A Propylene Glycol 300ºF/150ºC

B Glycerine 200ºF/90ºC

C Gel 200ºF/90ºC

E High Temperature 1000ºF/540ºC

F Medium Temperature 500ºF/260ºC

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c. Make measurements quickly and allow the transducer bodyto cool between readings. High temperature duals havedelay lines made of thermally tolerant material, but withcontinuous exposure to very high temperatures the inside ofthe probe will heat to a point where the transducer will bepermanently damaged.

d. Remember that both material sound velocity and transducerzero offset will change with temperature. For maximumaccuracy at high temperatures, velocity calibration shouldbe performed using a section of the test bar of knownthickness heated to the temperature where measurementsare to be performed. The Panametrics Model 26XTDL gagehas a semiautomatic zero function that can be employed toadjust zero setting at high temperatures. See Section 3 fordetails.

e. Using the Fast mode with the Freeze function may help inobtaining measurements as quickly as possible. Refer toSection 4.10 of this manual for details.

f. Note that a corrosion gage is not designed for flaw or crackdetection, and cannot be relied upon to detect materialdiscontinuities. A proper evaluation of materialdiscontinuities requires an ultrasonic flaw detector such asthe Panametrics Epoch series used by a properly trainedoperator. In general, any unexplained readings by acorrosion gage merit further testing with a flaw detector.

g. For further information on the use of dual elementtransducers in corrosion gaging, or for information on anyaspect of ultrasonic testing, contact Panametrics.

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h. Often, performance on hot, corroded materials will beconsiderably improved by the use of the Gain Adjustprocedure described in Section 4.11 or the MaterialSensitivity Optimization procedure described in Section4.12. High temperature couplants are generally lessefficient than those used at lower temperatures, so theModel 26XTDL will work better when sensitivity isadjusted or optimized to accomodate high temperatureconditions.

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9 MAINTENANCE &TROUBLESHOOTING

9.1 ROUTINE CARE ANDMAINTENANCE

The Model 26XTDL case is sealed to prevent intrusion ofenvironmental liquids and dust. However, it is not completelywaterproof. Therefore, the unit should never be immersed in anyfluid.

The case, keypad and display window may be cleaned with a dampcloth and mild detergent if necessary. Do not use strong solvents orabrasives.

9.2 TRANSDUCERSThe ultrasonic transducers or probes used with the Model 26XTDLare rugged devices which need little care. They are not indestructible,however, and a little attention to the following items will result in thelongest transducer life:

The cables can be damaged by cutting, pinching, or pulling. Caremust be taken to prevent mechanical abuse to the cables. Never leavea transducer where a heavy object can be placed on the cable. Neverremove a transducer from the gage by pulling on the cable. Pull onthe molded connector housing only. Never tie a knot in a transducercable.

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Do not twist or pull the cable at the point where it connects to thetransducer. These precautions are particularly important for alltransducers other than the models which have field-replaceablecables. Other transducers must be returned to Panametrics for repair.

Transducer performance will be degraded by excessive wear at the tip.To minimize wear, do not scrape or drag the transducer across roughsurfaces. When a transducer tip becomes too rough, concave, orotherwise non-flat, operation may become erratic or impossible.Although some wear is normal in corrosion gaging applications,severe wear will limit transducer life. A transducer resurfacingprocedure can be performed to improve performance of worntransducers. Contact Panametrics for details.

9.3 ERROR MESSAGESDuring the normal operation of the gage, certain special errormessages may be displayed. Usually these indicate a problem with theoperating procedure but some may indicate a physical problem withthe gage itself. Consult Panametrics for further information.

9.4 TURN ON AND LOW BATTERYPROBLEMS

The battery symbol will flash when there are only a few hours ofbattery operating time remaining. If the gage turns off immediatelyafter turn-on, or if it does not turn on at all, then the battery is probablycompletely discharged. The battery should be replaced. If, afterreplacing the battery, the unit will still not turn on, there has probablybeen a component failure within the gage and it should be serviced.

SETUP ( "do--") PROBLEMS

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If the message "do--" will not go away when the [ZERO] key ispressed, make sure a Panametrics transducer is plugged in (seeSection 3.2). If so, the transducer may be defective -- try another oneif possible, or try a different cable if it is one of the types that usesreplaceable cables. If no transducers will permit the "do--" message tobe removed, there is probably a problem in the Pulser/Receiverassembly of the gage.

9.5 MEASUREMENT PROBLEMSIf measurements cannot be made and the "MEAS" and "LOS" flagsare on, there is either a problem with the transducer, the pulser/receiver assembly, or there is not a large enough echo being returnedfrom the far wall of the material. In order to further diagnose theproblem, perform the following procedure (1-6).

Step 1: Wipe off any couplant from the transducer and press[ZERO]. If a number between 3000 and 7500 is displayedalong with the "Zero" flag, both the transducer and pulser/receiver assembly are working. Go to step 2. Otherwise goto step 6.

Step 2: Make sure you have sufficient couplant especially on roughor curved surfaces. See Section 7.

Step 3: Try the same transducer on a smooth, flat surfaced testsample.

Step 4: If test a, b, and c above all pass, but measurements stillcannot be made, try Gain Adjust, Section 4.12 or MaterialSensitivity Optimizations, Section 4.13. If measurementsstill cannot be made, try a different type of transducer whichhas greater sensitivity in the thickness range in which youare working.

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Step 5: If another transducer of the same type is available, use it tomake measurements and to do step 1. If this works, then theoriginal transducer is defective. Otherwise the pulser/receiver assembly is probably defective.

Step 6: If the above tests indicate that there is a problem with thegage or transducer, then the unit(s) may be returned toPanametrics for repair or replacement. If the above testsindicate that the gage and transducer are o.k., the testmaterial itself probably cannot be measured due to:

• Extreme near side or far side surface roughness,

• Extremely high sound attenuation or scattering due tograininess, inclusions, voids or, other materialproperties

• Extreme non-parallelism

• Excessively sharp curvature.

9.6 REPAIR SERVICEPanametrics will repair any Model 26XTDL gage at its Waltham,Massachusetts, USA factory. In addition, some local Panametricsdealers will be able to do repairs at customer sites or at their ownfacilities.

9.7 REPLACEMENT PARTS ANDOPTIONAL PARTS ANDEQUIPMENT.

Replacement parts for the Model 26XTDL as well as additionalrelated equipment is available from Panametrics.

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APPENDIX I

SOUND VELOCITIESThe following is a tabulation of the ultrasonic velocity in a variety ofcommon materials. It is provided only as a guide. The actual velocityin these materials may vary significantly due to a variety of causes,such as, composition, preferred crystallographic orientation, porosity,and temperature. Therefore, for maximum accuracy, establish thesound velocity in a given material by first testing a sample of thematerial.

Table I - 1Sound Velocities of Various Materials

(Longitudinal Wave Velocity)

MATERIAL V(in./msec) V(mm/msec) REF

Alumina, Al203 99.5% 0.4013 10.19 2

Aluminum, rolled 0.253 6.420 1

Aluminum,6061T6 0.251 6.383 2

Beryllium 0.5073 12.89 1

Brass, yellow 70 Cu, 30 Zn 0.1850 4.700 1

Brass, yellow 70 Cu, 30 Zn 0.1726 4.385 2

Copper, rolled 0.1972 5.010 1

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Duraluminum, 17S 0.2487 6.320 1

Fused Silica 0.2349 5.968 1

Fused Silica 0.2335 5.932 2

Glass, crown 0.2008 5.100 5

Glass, flint 0.1567 3.980 5

Glass, pyrex 0.2220 5.640 1

Iron, Armco 0.2345 5.960 1

Lead, rolled 0.0771 1.960 1

Lucite 0.1055 2.680 1

Magnesium, drawnannealed

0.2270 5.770 1

Molybdenum 0.247 6.25 3

Monel 0.2105 5.350 1

Nickel 0.2377 6.040 1

Nylon 0.1031 2.735 2

Polyethylene 0.0705 1.950 1

Polystyrene 0.0925 2.350 1

Table I - 1 (cont.)Sound Velocities of Various Materials

(Longitudinal Wave Velocity)

MATERIAL V(in./msec) V(mm/msec) REF

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References1. W.P. Mason, Physical Acoustics and the Properties of Solids, D.

Van Nostrand Co., New York, 1958.

2. E.P. Papadakis, Panametrics - unpublished notes, 1972.

3. J.R. Fredericks, Ultrasonic Engineering, John Wiley & Sons,Inc., New York, 1965.

Silicone Rubber RTV 0.0373 0.948 4

Steel, low alloy 0.2259 5.734 2

Steel, mild 0.2346 5.960 5

Steel, 1% C 0.2339 5.940 5

Steel, 1% C hardened 0.2305 5.854 5

Stainless Steel #347 0.2278 5.790 1

Titanium 0.237 5.99 3

Tungsten, drawn 0.2129 5.410 1

Uranium 0.133 3.37 3

Water 0.0590 1.498 5

Zinc, rolled 0.1657 4.210 1

Zinc, extruded 0.1756 4.460 2

Table I - 1 (cont.)Sound Velocities of Various Materials

(Longitudinal Wave Velocity)

MATERIAL V(in./msec) V(mm/msec) REF

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4. D. L. Folds, "Experimental Determination of Ultrasonic WaveVelocities in Plastics, Elastomers, and Syntactic Foam as aFunction of Temperature", Naval Research and DevelopmentLaboratory, Panama City, Florida, 1971.

5. "Handbook of Chemistry of Physics", Chemical Rubber Co.,Cleveland, Ohio, 1963.

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APPENDIX II

SERIAL INTERFACE - DETAILEDDESCRIPTION

MECHANICAL DESCRIPTIONThe Input-Output (I/O) connector is located on the left of the top ofthe Model 26XTDL case. It is a four position circular LEMO stylereceptacle. the mating connector should be inserted with the red dotdownward and pushed straight in until it snaps into place. It should bewithdrawn by pulling the collet to release the latch and pulling straightout.

Panametrics provides complete cables to directly connect the26XTDL to devices with the IBM PC-AT 9 male pin serial I/Oconnector. The information in the following table will allowverification of compatibility with particular equipment and will aid inconstructing a custom cable if necessary.

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Custom Cables with a user specified terminal connector may beordered from Panametrics.

ELECTRICAL DEFINITION AND DATAFORMATData is transmitted on one line (Data Out of Gage). Transfer isasynchronous serial. Baud rate is selectable from the keyboard. Dataconsists of ASCII coded character strings, word length, stop bits, andsecond parity are fixed.

Signal levels are RS-232 C/D compatible. Mark is less than -2.5volts.Space is greater than +2.5volts. The maximum output signal is +20volts.

Table II - 1

Model 26XTDLConnector(LEMO)

WireName

SignalName

External DeviceConnector

(9 PinFemale "D")

1 White Data to Gage 3

2 Black Data from Gage 2

3 Red DSR to Gage 4

4 Green Ground 5

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The following hardware handshake line is included:

DSR: A high (>>+2.5V) supplied by the external device (or bybeing connected to the DTR line) will enable the gage to transmitdata. A low (<<-2.5V) supplied by the external device (or bybeing connected to the RTS line) will prevent the gage fromtransmitting data.

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APPENDIX III

DATA OUTPUT FORMATThere are two data formats that the 26XTDL is capable of sending.

• F-1: In this format, the complete information is transmitted tothe host. With File or Range send, this includes the 26XTDLTHICKNESS TABLE and the SETUP TABLE. A single line ofthe thickness table, without an identifier field or a setup table, istransmitted by single send.

FILE: 0005ID # THICKNESS UNITS FLAGS SU #

0001 0.476 IN M--- 040002 0.476 IN ML-- 050003 0.476 IN M--G 060004 --.--- IN L-mG 060005 -0.015 IN MDmG 070006 -0.37 MM MD-G 080007 0.477 IN M--- 090008 --.--- IN L--- 090009 0.476 IN M--- 090010 --.--- IN L--- 01

OKSU# VEL(/uS) DIFF LO-ALM HI-ALM UNITS TRANSDUCER GAIN01 0.2322 0.000 0.000 19.999 IN D798 104 0.2152 0.432 0.519 0.574 IN D790/791 105 0.2152 0.432 0.480 0.574 IN D790/791 106 0.2152 0.432 0.480 0.574 IN D790/791 207 0.2152 0.490 0.480 0.574 IN D790/791 208 5.466 12.45 12.19 14.58 MM D790/791 009 0.2152 0.490 0.480 0.574 IN D790/791 1

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• F-2: In this format, only the ID# and the thickness value aretransmitted by Range or File send. A single line of thicknessdata without the identifier is transmitted by single send.

FILE: 0005ID # THICKNESS UNITS FLAGS SU #

0001 0.476 IN0002 0.476 IN0003 0.476 IN0004 --.--- IN0005 -0.015 IN0006 -0.37 MM0007 0.477 IN0008 --.--- IN0009 0.476 IN0010 --.--- IN

OK

Page III-2 MODEL 26XTDL


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