Automation Dr. Nix QNix 7500 Instruction Manual

Introduction
The QNix® 7500 coating thickness measuring gauge is part
of the product line of non-destructive measurement gauges.
Designed for the future, this modular system gauge is cha-
racterized by a wide application range and a robust build,
already well known from our other gauges. It is possible for
example to use the QNix® 7500 with an integrated probe as
a one-hand operated gauge, or by using a connecting ca-
ble, as a gauge with an external probe. Using the respective
probe, the gauge will measure coatings on steel and iron or
coatings on a non-magnetic, metallic substrate such as
aluminium.
Please read these instructions carefully before operating
the gauge for the first time. It will help you to make use of all
advantages and conveniences the QNix® 7500 has to offer.
Would you like to know more about the other coating thick-
ness gauges of our product line? Or do you have any ques-
tions concerning coating thickness measuring? Please do
not hesitate to contact us. Our specialists with their long-
standing experience will be glad to assist you.
System Description
The QNix® 7500 coating thickness measuring gauge is a
combination gauge with a wide range of applications. Op-
tionally, it is available with memory and statistical functions
(QNix® 7500 M).
The basic gauge can be combined with an integrated Fe-,
NFe- or dual-probe. If the gauge shall be used with an ex-
ternal probe, just pull the probe out of the gauge and con-
nect the probe with the optionally available adapter cable.
The Fe-probe measures all non-magnetic coatings such as
lacquer, powder coatings, plastic, enamel, chromium, cop-
per, zinc, etc. on steel or iron.
The NFe-probe measures all insulating coatings such as
lacquer, plastic, enamel, etc. on non-magnetic substrates
such as aluminium, copper, brass or stainless steel.
With the integrated interface readings can be transferred
online to a computer (serial-port or USB-port).
The QNix® 7500 M coating thickness measuring gauge can
be supplied with memory to store readings and even subdi-
vide them into blocks. Up to 3900 readings can be stored.
As a further option, an evaluation software for statistical
evaluation and documentation can be supplied.
The QNix® 7500 complies to national and international
(DIN, ISO, BS, ASTM) standards and regulations:
DIN 50981, 50984
ISO 2178, 2360, 2808
BS 5411 (3 & 11), 3900-C5
ASTM B499, D 7091
Maintenance
The QNix® 7500 incorporates the latest electronic technol-
ogy in order to fulfill different measuring tasks. This high
precision instrument covers a wide range of applications,
yet it is robust and easy-to-use in every-day practice. If op-
erated and treated with care, it will serve you many years
producing accurate and reliable readings.
Do not let it drop and protect it from dirt, dust and other
substances. Protect the gauge from moisture, chemically
aggressive substances and/or gases.
After use, the gauge should be stored in its protective carry-
ing case.
Substantial changes in temperature can influence the read-
ings, as is the case with all precision gauges. Do not ex-
pose the gauge to strong, direct sunlight or to other sources
of energy causing temperature shocks.
The housing is resistant against most solvents. However a
resistance against all chemical substances cannot be guar-
anteed. Use only a damp, soft cloth to clean the housing.
Accurate readings can only be obtained, if the measuring
probe is clean. Check the probe regularly and remove resi-
dues such as lacquer etc. from the ruby tip.
If the gauge will not be used for a longer period, remove the
battery in order to prevent leakage and therefore destruc-
tion of the gauge.
In case of malfunction, please do not try to repair the gauge
yourself. Our repair service will be glad to assist at any
time.
Measuring Range
and Resolution
The standard probes have a measuring range of
0-2000 µm or 0-80 mil (1 mil = 25.4 µm)
Optionally probes with a measuring range of up to 5000 µm
(200 mil) and right-angle-probes are also available.
The QNix® 7500 is operating either in µm or in mil only.
The unit is preset before shipping depending on the desti-
nation country. Gauges with memory QNix® 7500 M can be
switched from µm to mil using the optionally available soft-
ware.
The resolution depends on the thickness of the coating and
is as follows:
0.1 µm in the range of 0.0 - 99.9 µm
1 µm in the range of 100 - 999 µm
0.01 mm in the range of 1.00 - 2.00 (5.00) mm
or
0.01 mil in the range of 0.00 - 9.99 mil
0.1 mil in the range of 10.0 - 80 (100) mil
(1 mil in the range of 100 - 200 mil)
Temperature Range
Storage: -10°C - 60°C (14°F - 140 °F)
Operating: 0°C - 50°C (32°F - 122 °F)
Operation and
Battery Exchange
The QNix® 7500 is powered by a 9V alkaline battery. The
battery is located at the bottom end of the gauge. If the
blinking sign "BAT" appears in the display, it is advisable to
change the battery. However it is still possible to measure
for some time. Stored data will not be deleted when the bat-
tery is empty or while changing the battery.
Zero-Adjustment
A new zero-adjustment is required when using the gauge
for the first time, working with different materials, and after
inserting a new battery.
Place the probe of the QNix® 7500 on one of the zero
plates enclosed in the case. For measurements on ferrous
substrates use the steel zero plate, for non-ferrous applica-
tions use the aluminium plate or a respective uncoated
substrate.
Make sure the probe is placed rectangularly and evenly on
the surface of the zero plate or on your uncoated substrate.
If the value indicated is not within the basic tolerance, the
gauge should be adjusted (gauges with memory QNix®
7500 M must not be in the Memory Mode). Press the lower
red button C of the gauge while the probe is placed on the
zero plate, i.e. the substrate. You will hear a "beep" and a
control number will appear on the display. Lift the gauge or
the probe at least 10 cm (4 inches) from the zero plate. The
gauge will "beep" again and another number will be dis-
played. Now the QNix® 7500 is adjusted.
When repeating measurements on the same spot, the read-
ings may not always be 0.00 µm/mil, as the surface rough-
ness, dirt, scratches etc. might cause differences.
Handling
Place the probe evenly on the object to be measured. Place
the thumb directly above the probe. This ensures best han-
dling. The reading is immediately indicated on the display,
accompanied by a "beep". Simultaneously you will also re-
ceive the information, which probe, Fe or NFe, is presently
used in the gauge.
The most obvious advantage of the modular system QNix®
7500 is the universal application. Fe-, NFe-, and Dual-
Probes can be plugged firmly into the housing (internal
probe) or attached to it by an QNix® 7500 adapter cable
(external probe). In order to measure with a separate, ex-
ternal probe, the internal probe can be pulled out of the
housing. An optionally available QNix® 7500 adapter cable
with plug is inserted into the opening. Connect the probe to
the plug of the cable. This versatile coating thickness gauge
allows measurements even on hard-to-reach spots or on
difficult geometries. A special probe recognition system will
automatically tell you, which probe you are presently using.
If the QNix® 7500 or its probe is placed incorrectly, the dis-
play shows "Err" (error). The same message appears when
the probe is lifted before the measurement has been com-
pleted or when the probe is zeroed on a non-metallic sub-
strate.
If the measurements are out of range, the display shows
"InFi" (infinite). The same will be displayed, if measure-
ments on non-metallic substrates are taken.
The gauge automatically turns on, when the probe is placed
on the surface, and shuts off after approx. 10 sec, if it is not
used. The last reading is stored and appears again on the
display, when the upper right button M is pressed shortly.
When measuring on rod materials align the "V"-groove in
the ring of the probe with the rod.
Do not take measurements on magnetized parts!
Magnetic fields are likely to influence the readings of the
Fe-probe, strong electro-magnetic fields may influence all
measurements.
Measurements
with the Dual Probe
When using the Dual Probe, switching from Fe- to NFe-
measurements or vice versa is done as follows:
Switch on the QNix® 7500. The actual measuring method
Fe or NFe is displayed on the left side (e.g. Fe). Then press
the lower left button C for at least 3 seconds. A "beep" will
sound and the new measuring method is shown on the left
side of the display (e.g. NFe). To switch back to the other
method just press C again for 3 seconds.
Data Output with Interface
In order to transfer data, the gauge has to be connected
through the optionally available interface cable with the
serial-port or the USB-port of a computer. To show the data
®
online, our QNix software can be used or standard editing
programs.
Storing
Measured Values
Gauges with memory QNix® 7500 M are offering the follow-
ing features:
a) Storing up to 3900 readings
b) Block segmentation
c) Display of the mean value for each block
d) Display of the maximum value of each block
e) Display of the minimum of each block
f) Deleting the last reading or entire memory
g) Processing of the readings using the software
Memory Mode (optional)
When the QNix® 7500 M is switched on, the gauge is in the
Normal Mode where no readings are stored.
To activate the Memory Mode, press the upper right button
M for approx. 1 second. Measurements in the Memory
Mode are accompanied by a double "beep". Approx. 2
seconds after the last reading has been taken the display
starts alternating to show the reading and the number "N" of
the reading, e.g. the display shows 125 µm (last reading)
and N 0014 (number of reading).
If no readings are stored in the memory the display alternat-
ing shows b001 and the sign "bloc", indicating that the read-
ings will automatically be stored in block 1.
To leave the Memory Mode, press the upper right button M
again. Notice: If pressed longer than 3 seconds, a new
block will be created.
The built-in memory can store up to 3900 readings. If the
gauge is out of memory, the display shows "End" for ap-
prox. 6 seconds. Then the last reading alternating with the
number of this reading is shown.
If no measurements are taken within 30 seconds, the gauge
switches off. The gauge automatically returns to the Normal
Mode if started again.
Block Segmentation
in the Memory Mode
In the Memory Mode the readings can be stored in different
blocks, in order to distinguish the different tasks. Up to 999
blocks are available. In order to create a new block, press
the upper right button M while the gauge is in the Memory
Mode. Wait until the gauge beeps and the word "bloc" is
shown, alternating with the number of the new block (e.g.
"b002" for block no. 2). Other blocks can be created using
the same procedure. The size of the blocks may vary as
they are determined by the user only. If all 999 blocks have
been used, the display shows "End" for approx. 6 seconds
and a beeping alarm sounds.