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Dakota NDT BT2-DL Operation Manual

Ultrasonic bolt tension monitor
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OPERATION MANUAL
Dakota NDT
BT2-DL
Ultrasonic Bolt Tension Monitor
P/N P-197-0004
Rev 1.00, January 2024

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  • Page 1 OPERATION MANUAL Dakota NDT BT2-DL Ultrasonic Bolt Tension Monitor P/N P-197-0004 Rev 1.00, January 2024...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ARRANTY CHAPTER TWO ABOUT THIS MANUAL ............3  2.1 N ? ....................... 3  LTRASONICS 2.2 N ? ..................3  EW TO FASTENER MEASUREMENT 2.3 BT2-DL O ......................3  VERVIEW 2.4 T & S ....................6  UBMENU EFERENCE CHAPTER THREE QUICK START GUIDE ............9 ...
  • Page 4 ....................42  OTTOM CHAPTER FIVE THEORY OF OPERATION ............ 44  5.1 U ................44  LTRASONIC EASUREMENT OF OLTS 5.2 F BT2-DL ....................44  EATURES OF THE 5.3 U ......................45  LTRASONIC WAVES 5.4 M ...................... 45  EASUREMENT ODES CHAPTER SIX BOLT PREPARATION ............47 ...
  • Page 5 10.3 S ..................88  TRESS FACTOR CALIBRATION 10.4 T ................91  EMPERATURE ACTOR ALIBRATION CHAPTER ELEVEN LOAD MEASURMENT ........... 95  11.1 C .................... 95  ALCULATING ACTOR 11.2 C ) ............97  ALIBRATING ACTOR IELD ALIBRATION 11.3 P .................. 98  ERFORMING A IELD ALIBRATION CHAPTER TWELVE MEASUREMENT &...
  • Page 6 CHAPTER SIXTEEN SOFTWARE, FILE TRANSFER, & UPGRADES ..204  16.1 C ................204  OMPUTER YSTEM EQUIREMENTS 16.2 I ..................... 204  NSTALLING 16.3 C BT2-DL ..................204  OMMUNICATING WITH 16.4 U XFER (BT2-DL) ................. 205  SING THE MENU 16.5 S ..................205  ELECTING...

  • Page 7: Chapter One Introduction

    The coefficient of friction is difficult to determine, as it depends on the control and application of lubrication. The BT2-DL avoids the coefficient of friction entirely, using the transit time of a wave, Hooke’s law, and Young’s modulus to accurately calculate the stretch on a bolt.

  • Page 8: Warranty

    Use of the BT2-DL for any other purpose, or in any other manner than described in this manual invalidates the warranty and can result in serious electric shock, injury, and even death.

  • Page 9: Chapter Two About This Manual

    The stretch is proportional to the load while the load is less than the elastic limit of bolt. By measuring the stretch of the fastener and knowing the physical properties of the fastener, the load of the fastener can be calculated. The BT2-DL measures the fastener stretch by ultrasonically measuring the change in length.
  • Page 10 Dakota NDT In order to understand how to operate the BT2-DL, it’s best to start off with an understanding of what it is we’re looking at exactly. The BT2-DL has a lot of great features, tools, and flexibility to assist you with all of your bolting applications. Let’s have a brief look at the screens you’ll be looking at most often:...
  • Page 11 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor D. Alarm – Indicates that the alarm feature has been activated and currently in use. E. RF A-Scan Display (split screen) – Displays the radio frequency sound wave reflection returned the opposite end of the bolt being measured. The RF view displays both the positive and negative cycles.

  • Page 12: Top & Submenu Reference

    2.4 Top & Submenu Reference The following table is a quick menu reference guide. The BT2-DL has 11 top level menu titles, and multiple submenu items as illustrated below. The BT2-DL also has 4 ‘hot menu’...
  • Page 13 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor MATL GEOM DISP TUNE GATES AUTO SETUP ZERO UNITS QUANTITY VIEW PULSE POLARITY AUTO SET OPEN MODE LOAD PULSER APPROX ZERO TYPE BRIGHTNESS GATE 1 SAVE FACTOR VOLTAGE MEASURE LOAD THRESHOLD MEASURE VELOCITY COLORS DAMPING DELETE...
  • Page 14 Dakota NDT >> End DATA UTILS XFER TEMP BACKUP PROJECT MODE SETUPS OPEN ALARM COPY DATA ALARM COPY SCREENS ALARM UPGRADE EDIT HIGH GAUGE ANALOG CAPTURE CLOSE OUTPUT TO FILE DELETE CAPTURE KEY CLICK ONE FILE VIEWER DELETE SET DATE...

  • Page 15: Chapter Three Quick Start Guide

    2) Connect the transducer cable to the transducer, and plug the lemo connector into the gauge. 3) If a temperature sensor is being used, connect the sensor to the BT2-DL. 3.3 Setting up the BT2-DL Please Read: In this section the BT2-DL will be setup in its simplest form.
  • Page 16 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key to power up the BT2-DL. 2) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the SETUP menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 17: Selecting The Units

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Selecting the Units Note: The Quick Start setup, selected in the previous section, automatically defaults to English units – inches. Follow the procedure below to change the units to Metric, if needed. 1) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the MATL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
  • Page 18 Dakota NDT Note: The high-resolution options display an additional digit of resolution to the measurement. This mode is typically used when measuring very short bolts with very little elongation. Selecting the Material Type This section allows the user the ability to select a material from a list of preset material types.

  • Page 19: Creating A New Group To Store Measurements

    3.4 Creating a New Group to Store Measurements Now that the BT2-DL is all setup, this section will explain how to get started measuring unloaded initial lengths. In order to do this, we need to create a group that contains bolts.
  • Page 20 Dakota NDT pressing the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the tabbed menus. Note: Pressing the key will automatically open the DATA tabbed menu. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until NEW is highlighted.
  • Page 21 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 7) Press the key to select a character and advance to the next field of the Group Name. 8) Use the key to backspace if necessary. 9) Repeat steps 6 - 8 until the Group Name is completed.
  • Page 22 Dakota NDT 3) Press the , & arrow keys using the left button wheel to highlight the appropriate alpha characters. 4) Press the key to select a character and advance to the next field of the Group Note. 5) Use the key to backspace if necessary.
  • Page 23 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 2) Press the key to display the Digits Edit Box. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the digit locations.
  • Page 24 Dakota NDT 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until NUM READS is highlighted. 2) Press the key to display the Digits Edit Box. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.
  • Page 25 “NOT ENOUGH MEMORY” will be displayed. Press the key to return to the Group List Items menu. It may be necessary to free some memory in the BT2-DL at this time. Selecting the Starting Bolt Number Note: Depending on the application and layout of the project, the user won’t always want the starting bolt to be 1.
  • Page 26 Dakota NDT 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the digit locations. 5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the START BOLT NUM value is correctly displayed. 6) Press the key to save the START BOLT NUM and return to the...
  • Page 27 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until INCR. DIR is highlighted. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to toggle the Increment direction NONE, NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, or WEST.

  • Page 28: Setting The Approximate Length

    In order to utilize the AUTO SET feature of the BT2-DL, when measuring reference lengths, the BT2-DL has to know where to start looking for the detection. We can accomplish this by entering an approximate length into the gauge. The BT2-DL will automatically take the value entered and scan +/- 5% in both directions of the approximate length for the detection signal.
  • Page 29 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key once to activate measure menu items. Press the key multiple times to move down and the key multiple times to move up, until the ALEN cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.
  • Page 30 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times to tab left, until the AUTO menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.

  • Page 31: Measuring Reference Lengths

    3.6 Measuring Reference Lengths At this point, the BT2-DL is setup and ready to start measuring reference lengths. We’ve already setup a bolt group to store the reference length data, and now need to display the group storage locations prior to making measurements.
  • Page 32 Dakota NDT 2) Press the key to display the Group View Box. 3) Press the , & arrow keys using the left button wheel to scroll the target cell cursor to the desired storage location. Note: The approximate lengths must always be located in the first column A for all bolts in the group.

  • Page 33: Measuring Elongations

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 6) Press the key to save the current approximate length in the highlighted cell location. Note: If the measurement was saved in error, press the key at anytime to clear the stored reading and re-measure using the steps 4 – 6 above.
  • Page 34 Dakota NDT 1) Press the , & arrow keys using the left button wheel to scroll the target cell cursor to the desired storage location. Note: Elongation values must be stored in column B - ZZ. Note: Do not press the key, while measuring elongation’s, as this...

  • Page 35: Chapter Four Keyboard, Menu, & Connector Reference

    CHAPTER FOUR KEYBOARD, MENU, & CONNECTOR REFERENCE 4.1 Menu Key (Operation & Sub Menus) The Menu key activates the primary menu structure containing 11 menu tab groups. These tab groups then contain sub menu items, or functions. The sub menu items have been organized in tab groups according to how closely they are related to the individual tab group names.
  • Page 36 Dakota NDT Activating and Getting Around in the Menu Items 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times to tab left until the desired tab group is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 37: Cal - Menu

    4.2 CAL – Menu ZERO MODE: The BT2-DL is zeroed in much the same way that a mechanical micrometer is zeroed. There are three zero mode options available in the BT2-DL – FIXED, ONE POINT, TWO POINT and AUTO. Selecting the proper mode is dependent on the application requirements, but the most convenient mode of preference is - AUTO.

  • Page 38: Matl (Material) - Menu

    LOAD FACTOR: The conversion factor from elongation to Load. This value is typically determined by performing a field calibration and running a regression or vector using the BT2-DL or utility software. Alternatively, the load factor can be determined using the bolt calculator in the utility software. However, if extreme...

  • Page 39: Disp (Display) - Menu

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor accuracy is required, performing a field calibration is a must. This sub menu item enables the user to edit the factor at anytime. Refer to page 95 for further info. LOAD OFFSET: Normally the Load Offset is set to zero. However, when a field calibration is performed and regression calculated a small offset (y intercept) will result.

  • Page 40: Tune - Menu

    4.6 TUNE – Menu GAIN: The BT2-DL has 100dB gain range from (-30 to 70 dB), used in conjunction with the attenuator feature above. This feature is used to increase/decrease the power or amplitude of the signal. This might easily be considered as similar to turning the volume up or down on a stereo receiver.

  • Page 41: Gates - Menu

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 4.7 GATES – Menu POLARITY: The BT2-DL operates on a zero crossing detection principal. This feature toggles which stroke of the cycle the crossing detection uses, either positive or negative. Refer to page 161 for further info.

  • Page 42: Setup - Menu

    Refer to page 200 for further info. DEFAULT SETUP: Loads a basic default setup. Use only as a last resort when the setups in the BT2-DL have been corrupted and a computer is not accessible. Refer to page 201 for further info.

  • Page 43: Util (Utilities) - Menu

    (manual, semi-auto, and auto). This feature is only available to those units purchased with the automatic temperature compensation option and probe. Note: Contact Dakota for information on upgrading the BT2-DL. Refer to page 77 for further info.

  • Page 44: Xfer (Transfer) - Menu

    CAPTURE VIEWER: Enables the user to view all the captured (.tif) files stored in the BT2-DL on the gauge display. Refer to page 171 for further info. UPGRADE GAUGE: Enables the user the ability to upgrade the BT2-DL to the most current firmware revision. Refer to page 168 for further info.

  • Page 45: On/Off Key

    4.15 SETUPS Key The SETUPS key is used to access and store custom setups in the BT2-DL. Each setup stores all the current settings for a given application, that can be recalled and loaded at any time.

  • Page 46: Clear Key

    The primary function of the OK key is confirmation of a change or selection. The OK key also toggles between full or split screen view while in the main measurement screen. If the BT2-DL is displaying a data group, the OK key toggles an advance to row number option.

  • Page 47: Navigating The Hot Menus

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 4.25 Navigating the Hot Menus The diagram above is a screenshot of all 4 “Hot Menus” in the BT2-DL. The Hot Menu’s contain all the most regularly adjusted features from each tabbed menu, in the exact order of the tabbed menus themselves. Some of the menus have been combined into a single Hot Menu in order to reduce the number of hot menus.

  • Page 48: Top & Bottom End Caps

    Hot Menus. 4.26 Top & Bottom End Caps The top & bottom end panels are where all connections are made to the BT2-DL. The diagram above shows the layout and description of the connectors: Transducer Connector Refer to Diagram: The transducer connector is a board mounted and shielded LEMO “00”.
  • Page 49 Refer to Diagram: The RS-232 connector is a 5 pin female Lemo 1 connector. It is designed to connect directly from the BT2-DL to a standard AT serial port on a PC, and will be used in conjunction with our proprietary java application software called “Remote Commander”.

  • Page 50: Chapter Five Theory Of Operation

    While the concept is comparatively simple and ultrasonic measurement can produce astoundingly accurate results, the selection of the optimum bolt and transducer, and their coupling can be difficult. The BT2-DL minimizes these difficulties to the greatest extent possible:  The variable width pulser system can send the maximum amount of energy to the ultrasonic transducer, allowing the broadest possible range of transducers for a given application.

  • Page 51: Ultrasonic Waves

    5.4 Measurement Modes In this section we will discuss the different measurements modes the BT2-DL is capable of operating in, the transducers required, and the reasons for using specific modes:...
  • Page 52 Dakota NDT Echo-Echo Mode (E-E) Multi echo mode that measures from the first to the second return echo, and blocks the initial pulse. This mode can slightly improve user transducer placement errors, coated fasteners, and coated fasteners with changes in temperature. Because two return echoes are required, generally not suitable for long fasteners applications.

  • Page 53: Chapter Six Bolt Preparation

    6.1 Use of Ultrasonic Couplant Sonic energy at the frequency range used by the BT2-DL travels well through solid materials and most liquids. It does not travel well through air. This variable resistance to the passage of sonic energy is called sonic impedance.
  • Page 54 Dakota NDT Figure 1 Sound path in a good bolt Smooth, even surfaced bolt ends that seat the entire active surface of the transducer with minimum gap are required for accurate signal transmission. Bolt ends may need to be cleaned, ground, etc. to achieve the required surface.

  • Page 55: Bolt End Reflectors

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Figure 3 Effect of lowered and raised grade marks 6.3 Bolt End Reflectors Smooth, flat reflecting bolt ends that are perpendicular to the axis of the bolt are required for accurate echo reception. Bolt ends may need to be cleaned, ground, etc.
  • Page 56 Dakota NDT Figure 6 Reflection in a bending bolt...

  • Page 57: Chapter Seven Transducer Selection

    CHAPTER SEVEN TRANSDUCER SELECTION 7.1 Selecting the Transducer Transducer selection is a very import part of getting the best results from the BT2- DL. The frequency and diameter of transducer should be carefully selected using the following information:  Select the largest diameter transducer that will seat completely on the end of the bolt.

  • Page 58: Chapter Eight Measuring System Zero (Calibration)

    In this chapter will be focused on establishing a system zero to enable the group data to be portable between different hardware devices with limited measuring error. Data created using one BT2-DL, can send the data file to another operator for use in another BT2-DL, transducer (diameter or frequency), or cable (length or type). The BT2-DL offers a few selectable calibration options for flexibility based on preference, or the type of calibration standard used.

  • Page 59: Creating A Group To Document Zero (Calibration) Data

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor The BT2-DL should be sent in for calibration by Dakota NDT, or other authorized service representative, on a periodic basis to verify proper operation of the instrument. Check in with your quality department to verify their duration requirement for “Test &...

  • Page 60: Auto - Zero/Calibration

    Moving the transducer to the edge of the cylinder will often times eliminate the noise by shooting down the edge of the standard and allowing the BT2-DL to acquire a stable echo. We’re ready to get started with the automatic zero/calibration process. The first thing to note is the procedures in this section demonstrate an automatic ‘two-point’...
  • Page 61 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Caution: A very small amount of “WATER”, or other non-intrusive fluid with a similar viscosity, should be used as the couplant between the transducer and calibration standard selected. This will avoid creating a couplant film layer between them and cause an “out of tolerance”...
  • Page 62 Dakota NDT 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until MEASURE ZERO is highlighted. 5) Press the key to display the Digits Edit Box and adjust the physical length of the cal bar.

  • Page 63: One & Two Point Zero Calibration

    BT2-DL. To reiterate, a data group will automatically be created following the completion of either of these two zero calibration methods. For additional information on the group data file refer to section 8.3.
  • Page 64 Dakota NDT 1. 3” Steel (type 4140 pt# X-000-0011) – Used for one or two point zero calibration options, using the first, and or the second (i.e. 3” & 6”) multiple echo. 2. 3” & 6” Steel (type 4140 pt# X-000-0010) – Used for one or two point zero calibration options in a number of configurations (individual or paired).
  • Page 65 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the sub menu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.
  • Page 66 Dakota NDT 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until MEASURE ZERO is highlighted. 5) Press the key to display the Zero Calibration menu items. 6) Press the...
  • Page 67 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Note: PHY LEN 1 is the actual physical length of the calibration standard noted on the calibration certificate. 9) Press the key to save PHY LEN 1 and display the Zero Calibration menu items. 10) Repeat steps 6 – 9, if using the TWO POINT zero calibration method, to enter and save PHY LEN 2.
  • Page 68 Dakota NDT 13) Press the key to save VELOCITY and display the Zero Calibration menu items. 14) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until TEMP COEF is highlighted.
  • Page 69 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 16) Press the , & arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value until the desired TEMP COEF is correctly displayed. 17) Press the key to save the TEMP COEF and display the Zero Calibration menu items.
  • Page 70 Dakota NDT 20) Clean both the cal bar and transducer surface and apply a small drop of couplant to the surface of the cal bar. Attached the transducer and rotate it clockwise and counter clockwise to force out the excess couplant. Center the transducer.
  • Page 71 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 25) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until CALC ZERO is highlighted. 26) Press the key to calculate the zero and display the PROBE DIAMETER list box.

  • Page 72: Verification Of System Zero Calibration

    Dakota NDT recording all three sides of the glass block, make a note of the velocity value calculated prior to exiting the calibration menu. The material velocity in the MATL menu will be edited to match the calculated calibration velocity later in section 8.6, and in order to obtain/record an accurate measurement...
  • Page 73 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the MATL menu is highlighted and displaying the sub menu items. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until VELOCITY is highlighted.
  • Page 74 Dakota NDT 5) Press the key to save the VELOCITY and display the material menu items. 6) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the AUTO menu is highlighted and displaying the sub menu items.
  • Page 75 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 9) Press the , & arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value until the desired APPROX LEN is correctly displayed. 10) Press the key to save the APPROX LEN and display the AUTO menu items.
  • Page 76 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the DATA menu is highlighted and displaying the sub menu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.
  • Page 77 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 5) Press the key to display the Confirmation screen, followed by pressing key to change the project folder. 6) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the menu items until OPEN is highlighted.
  • Page 78 Dakota NDT CALZERO211202_132519 Date(yr/month/day)_Time(hr/min/sec) 8) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the log files until the appropriate log file is highlighted. 9) Press the key to display the highlighted CALZERO group log file.
  • Page 79 2” side and attach the transducer to the Glass Block. 2) Press the key to find the 2” echo and optimize the BT2-DL setup. Note: Review the waveform and length displayed for a tolerance 0.0005”. Rotate, maneuver, and vary pressure on the transducer, while searching for a length that’s inside of allowable tolerance.

  • Page 80: Using A 'Set Aside' Bolt

    The primary objective is to establish a zero, verify a zero value prior to measuring, and avoid measurement errors if the BT2-DL, transducer, or cable has been replaced. While this sounds like an economic way to go, the operator...
  • Page 81 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the MATL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
  • Page 82 Dakota NDT Note: Make note of the VELOCITY & TEMP COEF values of the material selected. These values will be entered in the ONE POINT calibration section. 7) Proceed to section 8.5 and perform a ONE POINT zero calibration, or...

  • Page 83: Chapter Nine Temperature Compensation

    CHAPTER NINE TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION 9.1 Purpose The temperature of a fastener affects the overall physical length, as well as the velocity of a fastener. As the temperature of a fastener increases, the ultrasonic length increases at a rate greater than the physical change in length. If the user intends to measure the same fastener at different time intervals over the service life of the bolt, temperature compensation is very important to produce accurate results.
  • Page 84 Dakota NDT items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until TEMP MODE is highlighted. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the temperature mode options.

  • Page 85: Semi Automatic Mode

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 5) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 6) Alternatively, press the key to display the Digits Edit Box. 7) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.
  • Page 86 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times to tab left, until the UTIL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.

  • Page 87: Automatic Mode

    9.4 Automatic Mode The automatic mode constantly monitors and compensates for temperature when the accessory temperature sensor is attached to the BT2-DL and placed on the joint or fastener being measured. While this mode eliminates the need to manually insert or...
  • Page 88 Dakota NDT 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until TEMP MODE is highlighted. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the temperature mode options. Once the AUTO temperature mode is displayed.

  • Page 89: Chapter Ten Bolt Material Calibration

    BOLT MATERIAL CALIBRATION 10.1 Why Calibrate? The preset bolt types in the BT2-DL contain average factors for the material type. These are approximate values only. In a tightly controlled application where extreme accuracy is required, it is necessary to obtain all the information possible about the fasteners being measured.
  • Page 90 Dakota NDT 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until QUANTITY is highlighted. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the quantity until ELONG is displayed.
  • Page 91 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Note: If the material type is not in the list of types, select a similar type. This step is only to get the velocity value in a close proximity – not critical. Write down the velocity of the material type selected. This will be considered the Current Velocity.
  • Page 92 Dakota NDT 13) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 14) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the digit locations.
  • Page 93 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 19) Press the key and the Ultrasonic Length of the bolt will be displayed. Note: Alternatively, the key can be pressed to activate the AUTO SET routine. 20) Calculate the correct velocity using the following equation:...

  • Page 94: Stress Factor Calibration

    Dakota NDT 24) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 25) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll to scroll the digit locations.
  • Page 95 Sonic Stress Factor is to be determined. NOTES:  The Dakota NDT BT2-DL must be calibrated, or zeroed, as described in the Zero Calibration procedure section Error! Reference source not found..  The Velocity Calibration should be performed prior to determining the Stress ...
  • Page 96 Note: The following steps assume that the user has performed the steps in the previous section and calibrated the velocity. Therefore, the velocity has been adjusted, approximate length already entered, and the BT2-DL is currently setup and ready to measure in elongation mode.

  • Page 97: Temperature Factor Calibration

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor mechanical measuring device, measure and record the Mechanical Length at Load 2 “L ” for the current sample bolt. 8) Apply a drop of couplant to the bolt or transducer, and attach it to one end of the bolt.
  • Page 98 The BT2-DL always measures a fastener at 68  F. If the temperature of the fastener is currently being measured at 108  F, the BT2- DL will compensate, or correct, the measurement back to 68 ...
  • Page 99 Note: The following steps assume that the user has performed the steps in the previous section and calibrated the velocity. Therefore, the velocity has been adjusted, approximate length already entered, and the BT2-DL is currently setup and ready to measure in elongation mode.
  • Page 100 Dakota NDT 4) Repeat step 1 - 3 at the target temperatures (T through T ) – 48, 68, 88, and 108 F (other similar range with 5 temperatures), measuring the ultrasonic lengths (L through L ) respectively. This process must be done for each of the sample bolts in the experiment.

  • Page 101: Chapter Eleven Load Measurment

    The cross sectional area of the bolt is defined as the average area of a fastener under stress. This factor is only used in the BT2-DL’s calculation of load. It has no effect on stress or elongation, time, or strain, and is directly proportional to the load measured ultrasonically.
  • Page 102 Dakota NDT For bolts with complex geometry, the areas should be estimated by averaging each individual area and length. In the case of a hollow fastener, the area of the hole must be subtracted from the overall area. The area of a fastener with complex geometry can be estimated as follows: ...

  • Page 103: Calibrating Load Factor (Field Calibration)

    A field calibration is accomplished using a tensile tester, load cell, or other calibrated load device to compare known loads against ultrasonic elongations. The BT2-DL is equipped with a self- calibrating feature that uses a linear regression or vector equation to produce a best-fit line through the known loads, minimizing error.

  • Page 104: Performing A Field Calibration

    Dakota NDT zero and produces only a load factor. Why are both options needed? In applications where a small amount of load is applied to the fastener, thus producing very little elongation, the regression option can potentially produce non-linear results. In cases such as these, a vector may sometimes produce better results as the offset is set at zero.
  • Page 105 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Note: Select a name that references this group to Field Calibration Data. 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times...
  • Page 106 Dakota NDT 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until NAME is highlighted. 5) Press the key to activate the Alpha Edit Box. 6) Press the , &...
  • Page 107 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Note: Be sure to include a note that describes and references the Field Calibration data and bolt. 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until NOTE is highlighted.
  • Page 108 Dakota NDT 7) Press the key to save the Group Note and return to the Group List Items menu, or to cancel entering the Group Note. Selecting the Number of Bolts in the Group Note: In this example the minimum requirement of 3 sample bolts will be used.
  • Page 109 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 6) Press the key to save the NUM BOLTS and return to the Group List Items menu, or to cancel entering the NUM BOLTS. Selecting the Number of Readings Per Bolt Note: In this example 3 loads will be applied to each sample bolt.
  • Page 110 “NOT ENOUGH MEMORY“ will be displayed. Press the key to return to the Group List Items menu. It may be necessary to free some memory in the BT2-DL at this time. Selecting the Starting Bolt Number Note: Depending on the application and layout of the project, the user won’t always want the starting bolt to be 1.
  • Page 111 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until START BOLT NUM is highlighted. 2) Press the key to display the Digits Edit Box.
  • Page 112 Dakota NDT Selecting the Auto Increment Direction The Auto Increment feature gives the user the ability to specify which direction to advance the cursor after storing a reading. 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until INCR. DIR is highlighted.
  • Page 113 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Saving the Group Once all the parameters are set, the user has the option of saving or canceling the new group. 1) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until CREATE NEW GROUP? is highlighted.
  • Page 114 Dakota NDT Storing the Reference Length 1) Press the key once to activate measure menu items. Press the key multiple times to move down and the key multiple times to move up until the LOG cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.
  • Page 115 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key multiple times to tab right and the multiple times to tab left until the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.
  • Page 116 Note: The following steps assume that the user has previously selected a similar material type for the list of materials and the approximate length of the bolt has been entered. Therefore, the BT2-DL is currently setup and ready to measure in elongation mode.
  • Page 117 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 8) Repeat steps 6 & 7 until the Known Load value is correctly displayed. 9) Press the key to store the Known Load and return to the measurement screen, or to cancel entering the Known Load.
  • Page 118 Dakota NDT 18) Enter the Known Load value by pressing the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 19) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the digit locations.
  • Page 119 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until LOAD CAL CALC is highlighted. 3) Press the key to run the calculation and display the confirmation screen.

  • Page 120: Chapter Twelve Measurement & Waveform Display

    MEASUREMENT & WAVEFORM DISPLAY 12.1 Quantities of Measurement The BT2-DL has the ability to measure in a number of measurement quantities: Time (nanoseconds), Elongation, Load, Stress, and Strain (in terms of %). While there are a number of quantity options available, the easiest and most fail safe quantities to consider are Time and Elongation.

  • Page 121: Display View Options

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 12.2 Display View Options A key feature of the BT2-DL is the versatility of the display views available to the user. The waveform views are a graphical representation of the actual sound reflections traveling through a fastener and returning back to the transducer. The waveform display shows the amplitude of the signal received on the vertical (Y) axis and time (displayed in terms of length) on the horizontal (X) axis.

  • Page 122: Changing Display Options

    Dakota NDT Large Digits (Alarm) RECT (Split Screen) Changing Display Options 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times to tab left, until the DISP menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
  • Page 123 A) Stability of Reading Indicator – Indicates the stability of the return echo on a scale of 1 to 6 – the solid bars displayed in the figure above indicate a repeatable signal. If the BT2-DL is displaying a reading from memory, the repeatability indicator will be replaced by the text “MEM”.
  • Page 124 Dakota NDT D) Detect Indicator – The broken vertical line displays the zero crossing detection point on the waveform where the measurement has been obtained. Notice that the digital quantity readout is the same as the location of the detect indicator according to the measurement labels F, also in the diagram.
  • Page 125 A) Stability of Reading Indicator – Indicates the stability of the return echo on a scale of 1 to 6 – the solid bars displayed in the figure above indicate a repeatable signal. If the BT2-DL is displaying a reading from memory, the repeatability indicator will be replaced by the text “MEM”.
  • Page 126 A) Stability of Reading Indicator – Indicates the stability of the return echo on a scale of 1 to 6 – the solid bars displayed in the figure above indicate a repeatable signal. If the BT2-DL is displaying a reading from memory, the repeatability indicator will be replaced by the text “MEM”.

  • Page 127: Adjusting The Display

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor adjustments needed to control the display settings, measurement modes, and group memory control. All of these fields can be adjusted without having to activate the tabbed menu items and searching through a variety of menus to make adjustments.
  • Page 128 Dakota NDT 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 5) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the digit locations. 6) Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the WIDTH value is correctly displayed.
  • Page 129 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until WIDTH is highlighted.
  • Page 130 Dakota NDT Note: Once the range is set, it will remain the same for all the views respectively. The procedures to adjust the Delay are outlined below: Adjusting the Delay using the Hot Menus 1) Press the key once to activate measure menu items. Press the...
  • Page 131 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 6) Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the DELAY value is correctly displayed. Press the key to return to the measurement screen, or cancel entering the DELAY. The user can also access and adjust the delay from the tabbed menus. However, this method is more tedious than making the adjustments using the Hot Menus.

  • Page 132: Gain

    Dakota NDT 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the value. When the correct Delay is being displayed, proceed to step 8. 4) Alternatively, press the key to display the Digits Edit Box.
  • Page 133 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Adjusting the Gain Quickly 1) Press the arrow keys using the right button wheel to increase/decrease the gain value at any time. The user can also access and adjust the gain from the tabbed menus. However, this method is more tedious than making the adjustments using the right button wheel approach.
  • Page 134 Dakota NDT 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until Gain is highlighted. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the value. When the correct Gain is being displayed, proceed to step 8.
  • Page 135 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Setting the Gain Step Size Quickly 1) Press the Gain key multiple times to increment the Step Size. Note: the Step Size options will advance from low to high which each key press and wrap back around to the beginning option.
  • Page 136 Dakota NDT items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until Step Size is highlighted. 3) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the value.

  • Page 137: Gates

    4” and using the AUTO SET feature to automatically configure the gate parameters, the BT2-DL will select a Gate 1 start position to the right of the 3” reflection. Nevertheless, the purpose of this section is to demonstrate that the...
  • Page 138 Measurement Modes & Gates As stated above, the BT2-DL has a total of three gates depending on the measurement mode selected. The photo above illustrates the mode and number of gates needed for each measurement mode.
  • Page 139 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor times to move up until the GATE cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.
  • Page 140 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the AUTO menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.

  • Page 141: Thresholds

    The BT2-DL is equipped with three gates and thresholds, depending on the measurement mode used. The standard measurement mode is pulse-echo (P-E) uses a single gate and threshold. The BT2-DL also has optional multiple echo modes that use two or three gates depending on the multiple echo mode selected, echo-echo (E-E) or echo-echo verify (E-EV).
  • Page 142 Dakota NDT 1) Press the key once to activate measure menu items. Press the key multiple times to move down and the key multiple times to move up, until the desired Threshold cell is highlighted. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.
  • Page 143 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor The user can also access and adjust the Threshold from the tabbed menus. However, this method is more tedious than making the adjustments using the Hot Menus. The procedure using the tabbed menus is outlined below:...

  • Page 144: Interpreting The Waveform

    When this occurs, the decrease in amplitude can cause the BT2-DL to lose the first cycle altogether. If the fist cycle is lost, the BT2-DL will “peak Jump” to another cycle later in time with greater amplitude. Often times the transducers have a very slow ramp up time in their construction.
  • Page 145 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor The AUTO SET feature built into the BT2-DL will do a lot of this work for you. However, it’s always a good idea to understand how to interpret the waveform. The following diagrams offer a brief explanation: Correct Phase (Polarity) –...

  • Page 146: Manually Locating The Echo

    The echo can be manually located by simply adjusting the delay and width values of the BT2-DL. While this is process is very tedious and will most often not be used because of the AUTO SET feature, it should be explained for general control of the instrument.
  • Page 147 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value. 3) Alternatively, press the key to display the Digits Edit Box. 4) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left or right button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.

  • Page 148: Automatic Echo Optimization

    WIDTH. 12.9 Automatic Echo Optimization The BT2-DL is equipped with a built in AUTO SET feature for echo optimization. The AUTO SET uses a variety of algorithms, evaluating the positive and negative and negative cycles, and selects the best phase (polarity) to use for measurement. It also optimizes the gain, sets the delay and width, and activates and sets the gate accordingly.
  • Page 149 BT2-DL. The approximate length tells the BT2-DL where to start looking for the echo. The BT2-DL will search +/- 5% from the value entered. The following procedures outline the AUTO SET feature.
  • Page 150 Dakota NDT The user can also access and set the approximate length from the tabbed menus. However, this method is more tedious than making the adjustments using the Hot Menus. The procedure using the tabbed menus is outlined below: Setting the Approximate Length using the Tabbed Menus 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab.

  • Page 151: Using Auto Set

    Approx. Len. Using Auto Set Note: If the Approximate length has been entered into the BT2-DL, the AUTO SET feature can be run simply by pressing the key on the left side of the keypad.

  • Page 152: Unloaded Length And Elongation Measurements

    Dakota NDT items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until AUTO SET is highlighted. 3) Apply a drop of couplant to the bolt or transducer, and attach it to one end of the bolt.

  • Page 153: Chapter Thirteen Additional Features

    ADDITIONAL FEATURES 13.1 Quality/Correlation (Transducer Placement) The auto correlation feature in the BT2-DL is a handy feature to assist the user with returning the transducer back to the original position/location where it was during the initial reference length measurement. Since the sound path is changing, in terms of material consistency, returning the transducer to the same location increases the accuracy of the BT2-DL, reducing what is referred to as the “placement error”.
  • Page 154 Dakota NDT Lock Sys Zero 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the CAL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 155: Adjusting Brightness

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 13.3 Brightness The BT2-DL is equipped with a brightness feature to adjust the display visibility and optimize battery life. It has an arbitrary scale with a values from 1-20, with 20 representing the brightest setting. The procedures for adjusting the brightness are...

  • Page 156: Color

    13.4 Color The BT2-DL has a variety of display color options to select from. These will change the look and feel of the according to the users preference. The procedures for changing the COLOR, are outlined below:...

  • Page 157: Dim

    However, if the gauge is turned on, set for a DIM of 120sec, and then left idle for 5 minutes, the BT2-DL will dim in 2 minutes, then power off in 5 minutes. The procedures for adjusting the DIM time are outlined below:...

  • Page 158: Graphics Options (Look & Feel)

    13.6 Graphics Options (look & feel) We’ve added a couple of graphic interface features to the BT2-DL , accommodate customer requests we’ve received in the past. These features only serve as cosmetic items, and do not change the functionality of the BT2-DL in any way.
  • Page 159 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor RECT Wave: The rectified wave feature, is only functional when using RECT wave view, and provides the user the following display options: Outline – Draws the unfilled outline of the waveform. Filled – Draws a filled version of the waveform.
  • Page 160 Dakota NDT Graticule: The graticule options are another way to change the overall look and feel of the A- Scan display area (Lines, Dots, Mix, Point).

  • Page 161: Pulse

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 13.7 Pulse The BT2-DL has a very powerful 400 volt square wave and 400 volt tone burst pulser that can be adjusted using the pulse width option. Pulse width, refers to the duration of time the pulser is left on. This time results in increased energy sent into the test material.
  • Page 162 Dakota NDT perhaps a 50’ press bar, the high voltage (HV) and tone burst (TB) options are available. The procedure to change the pulse width is outlined below: For quick access and editing, refer to navigating the Hot Menus page 41.

  • Page 163: Pulser Voltage

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 13.8 Pulser Voltage The BT2-DL has a 400 volt square wave pulser that can be adjusted for specific bolt lengths, geometries, materials and transducer size and frequencies. The Pulser Voltage feature offers various voltage settings of 100 to 400 volts, based on the pulse width setting.

  • Page 164: Damping

    13.9 Damping The BT2-DL has a built-in damping feature to control the impedance input of the receiver. This enables the user the ability to match and optimize the transducer for better signal quality at various frequencies. The available settings are 50, 75, 100, 300, 600 and 1500 ohms.

  • Page 165: Digitizer

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right, and the key multiple times to tab left, until the TUNE menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
  • Page 166 Dakota NDT For quick access and editing, refer to navigating the Hot Menus page 41. Setting the Digitizer 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the TUNE menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 167: Polarity

    Refer to section 12.7, interpreting the Waveform, for a detailed explanation on how to select the proper polarity. It’s also important to note that the BT2-DL AUTO SET feature will automatically select and set the polarity, but it’s important to review, understand, and check that BT2-DL selected the proper polarity.

  • Page 168: Alarm Mode

    There are two limits, or alarm values, that can be setup in the BT2-DL – ALARM LOW and ALARM HIGH limits. However, the user may choose to activate and utilize only one of the limit values, depending on their specific application requirements.
  • Page 169 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Use the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until ALARM is highlighted.

  • Page 170: Analog Output

    ALARM HIGH limit. 13.13 Analog Output The BT2-DL is also equipped with an analog output to send a 0-10 volt electrical signal to an external device to control a system process to respond in a different manner considering the voltage measured.

  • Page 171: Key Click

    13.14 Key Click When a key is pressed on the BT2-DL keypad, the user can control whether or not an audible beep is sounded and at what volume level, if any. The procedure for this...

  • Page 172: Setting The Key Click

    13.15 Date & Time The BT2-DL is equipped with an internal clock to time and date stamp the log, setup and screen capture files for reporting/documentation purposes. The procedures for setting the time and date are outlined below:...

  • Page 173: Setting Date And Time

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor Setting Date & Time 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the UTIL menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 174: Upgrade Gauge

    13.16 Upgrade Gauge The BT2-DL can be upgraded very conveniently at your desk or in the field. The latest version of firmware can be found on the Dakota website, which can be compared to the current version loaded in the BT2-DL. The version is displayed to the right of the ABOUT menu item in the XFER menu.

  • Page 175: Freeze & Capture

    & green alarm lights periodically flashing. When the upgrade is completed, the BT2-DL will automatically reboot. DO NOT LOSE POWER! Be sure the BT2-DL has plenty of battery life prior to upgrading, or the AC adaptor is connect to the gauge.

  • Page 176: Capturing Screen Shots

    .tif (tagged image) file format that can be opened using any graphics viewer. With the storage capacity of the BT2-DL, and additional external SD card reader, the user can store as many screens shots as needed. It should also be...

  • Page 177: Capture Viewer

    The capture viewer enables a user to view any of the saved screen captures on the SD card, using the BT2-DL. This is handy if a PC isn’t available, but the user has a need to review the screen shots captured.
  • Page 178 Dakota NDT to tab left until the XFER menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Use the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until CAPTURE VIEWER is highlighted.

  • Page 179: Storage

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 13.19 Storage The BT2-DL has a 4 GB internal SD memory card installed on the board. There is also an external SD slot located in the battery lithium ion battery compartment located on the bottom end cap of the gauge. The external slot will accept all SD cards up to 64 GB in size.
  • Page 180 Dakota NDT Note: If there is no SD card inserted into the external slot, the BT2-DL will only offer Internal as an option. 4) Press the key to return to the measurement screen.

  • Page 181: Chapter Fourteen Data Storage - Setup, Edit, & View Files

    The BT2-DL always contains one “default” project that can contain as many groups as needed. In other words, if a project was never created, the BT2-DL will automatically continue to store all data groups in the “default” project folder.
  • Page 182 Dakota NDT submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Use the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until NEW is highlighted. 3) Press the key to display the new Group List Items.

  • Page 183: Viewing & Opening A Project Folder

    Project Name. Note: New project folders can additionally be created using a PC. Simply connect the BT2-DL to the PC, navigate to the USB drive, or SD card and create new folders. 14.3 Viewing & Opening a Project Folder...
  • Page 184 Dakota NDT submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Use the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until PROJECT is highlighted. 3) Press the key to display the list of projects.

  • Page 185: Introduction To Group (Spreadsheet) Format

    14.4 Introduction to Group (spreadsheet) format Data is stored in the BT2-DL in a spreadsheet like format called a GRID. A GRID is simply a table of readings. In the case of the BT2-DL they will be discussed in terms of a GROUP.
  • Page 186 Dakota NDT In order to eliminate too much redundancy with multiple pass of the same exact steps for each of the group list items, the following procedure will be listed once below. This process can be repeated for the name, note, number of bolts, number of reads,...
  • Page 187 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 3) Press the key to display the new Group List Items. 4) Use the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until NAME, NOTE, NUM. BOLTS, NUM. READS, START BOLT, or INCR DIR is highlighted.

  • Page 188: Storing A Reading

    Dakota NDT 8) Repeat steps 6 - 7 until the NAME, NOTE, NUM. BOLTS, NUM. READS, START BOLT, or INCR DIR is completed. 9) Press the key to return to the Group List Items menu, or to cancel entering the Group Name.
  • Page 189 This section assumes the group was just created. Refer to the section on “opening a group” if the file was created at another time. Key Feature: When the BT2-DL is displaying a “group”, pressing the key will initiate an advance to row number option screen. Use the...

  • Page 190: Viewing Stored Readings

    14.7 Viewing stored readings It is sometimes necessary to go back and view the stored readings and waveforms using the BT2-DL without a PC. The following procedures outline this process: Viewing Stored Readings 1) Press the key once to activate measure menu items.
  • Page 191 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor times to move up until the LOG cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the arrow keys on the left button wheel multiple times to scroll through the hot menus and the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll up/down the cells.

  • Page 192: Deleting Groups (Files)

    Dakota NDT reading, take a new measurement, and press the key to save the new reading. 4) Hide the Group View at any time by pressing the key. 14.8 Deleting Groups (Files) Deleting One or All Files from Memory Deleting One File 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab.

  • Page 193: Deleting All Data

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 3) Press the key to display the File List Box. 4) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll through the stored Files until the target File to delete is highlighted. 5) Press the key to delete the File.

  • Page 194: Editing A Group (File)

    Dakota NDT 2) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until DELETE ALL DATA is highlighted. 3) Press the key to activate the confirmation screen. 4) Press the key to delete All Files from memory, or the key to abort.
  • Page 195 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the DATA menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
  • Page 196 Dakota NDT 5) Press the key to activate the Alpha Edit box – Only used when editing the NOTE. 6) Use the , & arrow keys on the left or right button wheel to highlight the appropriate alpha characters. 7) Press the key to select a character and advance to the next field of the Comments.

  • Page 197: Changing The Active File - Open

    The user may have transferred grid/seq templates from a PC to the BT2-DL, or setup grids/seq using the BT2-DL at an earlier time. The name of the currently active file is always displayed at the top of the Grid/Seq Box in measurement mode (refer to photo below).
  • Page 198 Dakota NDT submenu items. Alternatively, press the arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel. 2) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until OPEN is highlighted. 3) Press the key to display the Grid/Seq List Box.

  • Page 199: Closing An Active File - Close

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 5) Press the key to activate the confirmation screen. 6) Press the key to load the file from memory. 7) Press the key to return to the measure screen. 14.11 Closing an active File - Close A user might not have a current requirement to store measurements, but a file is currently open or active and needs to be closed.
  • Page 200 Dakota NDT 2) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until CLOSE is highlighted. 3) Press the key to close the active file. Note: Following the key press, the CLOSE text will be grayed out indicating the file has been closed and is...

  • Page 201: Chapter Fifteen Setups - Create, Store, Edit, & Recall

    The BT2-DL has a setup feature that allows up to 64 custom setups that can be backed up to a PC and restored as needed.

  • Page 202: Saving A Setup

    15.3 Saving a Setup Once the BT2-DL parameters and features have be adjusted for an application, the user may elect to save these setting to a specific setup location for future use. This...
  • Page 203 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor It is sometimes necessary to rename a previously saved setup, or add additional comments about a particular setup. The setup name may have been entered incorrectly, or the user needs to use the setup for a completely different project. An inspector’s name or other comments about the project may also be required for...
  • Page 204 Dakota NDT 3) Press the key to display the Save Setup Parameters List Box. 4) Press the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll the Name and Note parameters. 5) When the parameter to edit is highlighted, press the key to activate the Alpha Edit Box.
  • Page 205 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 9) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll to and highlight SAVE SETUP. 10) Press the key to activate the Setup List Box. 11) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll through the setups until the target location to save the Setup is highlighted.

  • Page 206: Deleting A Saved Setup

    Dakota NDT Note: The Name and Comments of the Setup can be edited at any time by simply repeating the Save Setup routine described above. Therefore, the Save Setup function can also be considered an Edit Function. 15.4 Deleting a Saved Setup This option allows a user to delete setup files that were previously saved and no longer needed.

  • Page 207: Using The Default Setup

    15.5 Using the Default Setup The default setup feature was added to the BT2-DL to use, as a last resort, if there are no setups stored in the gauge –factory or otherwise. The only time this might...

  • Page 208: Selecting A Language

    15.6 Selecting a Language The BT2-DL is equipped with a language option. Currently, only a few languages supported. However, be sure to update your gauge firmware often, to check for language additions. The steps to select a language are outlined as follows:...
  • Page 209 BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 1) Press the key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the key multiple times to tab right and the key multiple times to tab left until the SETUP menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.

  • Page 210: Chapter Sixteen Software, File Transfer, & Upgrades

    16.3 Communicating with BT2-DL DakView will not directly communicate with the BT2-DL series gauges. The BT2-DL is equipped with USB, acting as a Thumb Drive (external storage device) when connected to a computer and powered on. Therefore, the SD memory card(s) can be opened as a drive with directory structure, similar to the C: on your computer.

  • Page 211: Using The Xfer Menu (Bt2-Dl)

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 16.4 Using the XFER menu (BT2-DL) The XFER menu of the BT2-DL will be used in conjunction with the DakView PC software. The steps below outline the procedure for accessing the XFER menu and basic operation as follows:...
  • Page 212 Dakota NDT in conjunction with all the copy utilities found in the XFER menu. For example; if the storage switch is set to internal as the primary storage device, all the copy routines will copy from the internal to the external reader, or visa versa. The procedure to set...

  • Page 213: Copying Files (Setups, Data, & Screenshots)

    BT2-DL Bolt Tension Monitor 16.6 Copying Files (Setups, Data, & Screenshots) The BT2-DL can store a number of setup, data and screenshot files to either the internal or external SD memory cards. All the copy routines will copy files from the currently selected storage device to the other.
  • Page 214 Dakota NDT 3) Press the key to display the Setups/Data/Screens List. 4) Use the arrow keys on the left button wheel to highlight the desired List Box option. 5) Press the key to either transfer ALL files, or display the Individual List of files.

  • Page 215: Upgrading The Bt2-Dl

    16.7 Upgrading the BT2-DL The BT2-DL can be upgraded to the latest revision of firmware at any time. Simply download the latest version posted on the Dakota NDT website, copy the upgrade file to the main drive directory BT2-DL, and use the upgrade utility located in the XFER menu.
  • Page 216 Dakota NDT...

  • Page 217: Warranty Information

     Warranty Statement  Dakota NDT warrants the BT2-DL against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years from receipt by the end user. Additionally, Dakota NDT warrants transducers and accessories against such defects for a period of 90 days from receipt by the end user.

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