26XTDL Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MODEL 26XTDL
Part No. 910-192B
July 2001
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 NDT@panametrics.com
COPYRIGHT 2001 BY PANAMETRICS, INC.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any
information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of
Panametrics, 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 at
http://www.panametrics.com.
Printed in the United States of America
July 2001
910-192B
Preface
The Model 26XTDL Ultrasonic Gage has been designed and
manufactured as a precision instrument. Under normal working
conditions it will provide long, trouble-free service.
Damage in transit - Inspect the unit thoroughly immediately upon
receipt for evidence of external or internal damage that may have
occurred during shipment. Notify the carrier making the delivery
immediately of any damage, since the carrier is normally liable for
damage in shipment. Preserve packing materials, waybills, and other
shipping documentation in order to establish damage claims. After
notifying the carrier, contact Panametrics so that we may assist in the
damage claims, and provide replacement equipment, if necessary.
Warranty
Panametrics guarantees the Model 26XTDL to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of two years (twenty-four
months) from date of shipment. The warranty only covers equipment
that has been used in a proper manner as described in this instruction
manual and has not been subjected to excessive abuse, attempt
unauthorized repair, or modification. DURING THIS WARRANTY
PERIOD, PANAMETRICS LIABILITY IS STRICTLY LIMITED
TO REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF A DEFECTIVE UNIT AT ITS
OPTION. Panametrics does not warrant the Model 26XTDL to be
suitable for intended use, and assumes no responsibility for
unsuitability for intended use. Panametrics accepts no liability for
consequential or incidental damages including damage to property
and/or personal injury.
MODEL 26XTDL
910-192B
July 2001
This warranty does not include the transducer, transducer cable,

charger or battery. The customer will pay shipping expense to the
Panametrics plant for warranty repair; Panametrics will pay for the
return 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 an
additional cost), under the same terms, at the time of purchase.
Panametrics reserves the right to modify all products without
incurring the responsibility for modifying previously manufactured
products. Panametrics does not assume liability for the results of
particular installations, as these circumstances are not within our
control.
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
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
CALIBRATION ..................................................... 3-1

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
INTRODUCTION..................................................
TRANSDUCER ZERO COMPENSATION ...........
VELOCITY AND ZERO CALIBRATION ...............
MATERIAL VELOCITY CALIBRATION ..............
3.4.1 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND
VELOCITY IS UNKNOWN ........................
3.4.2 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND
VELOCITY IS KNOWN...............................
3.5 ZERO CALIBRATION ..........................................
3-1
3-2
3-2
3-4
3-4
3-5
3-6
4 ADDITIONAL GAGING FEATURES..................... 4-1

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
BACKLIGHT .........................................................
DISPLAY BLANK OR HOLD ................................
CALIBRATION LOCK ..........................................
AUTO SHUT-OFF ................................................
DISPLAY RESOLUTION......................................
GAGE RESET ......................................................
ID# FLASH ...........................................................
UNITS (Inches or Millimeters) ..............................
MODEL 26XTDL
4-2
4-3
4-3
4-4
4-4
4-5
4-6
4-7
iii
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July 2001
4.9 FREEZE ............................................................. 4-7

4.10 FAST DISPLAY .................................................. 4-7
4.11 FAST DISPLAY MEASUREMENT RATE
WITH MINIMUM THICKNESS & FREEZE
FUNCTION .......................................................... 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 COMMUNICATION

FEATURES ............................................................ 5-1
5.1 DATA LOGGER ...................................................
5.2 DATA LOGGER OPERATION .............................
5.2.1 TO SET UP FILES FOR ORGANIZATION
OF DATA ...................................................
5.2.2 TO DISPLAY AND/OR CHANGE THE
CURRENT DATA LOGGER MEMORY
LOCATION .................................................
5.2.3 TO SAVE A THICKNESS VALUE AT A
SPECIFIED LOCATION .............................
5.2.4 TO DISPLAY THE VALUE STORED AT A
SPECIFIED LOCATION .............................
5.2.5 TO ERASE A VALUE AT A SPECIFIED
LOCATION .................................................
5.2.6 TO ERASE A RANGE OF ID#S IN THE
OPEN FILE.................................................
5.3 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN A FILE .........
5.3.1 TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN THE
DATA LOGGER.........................................
iv
5-1
5-4
5-4
5-5
5-5
5-6
5-7
5-7
5-8
5-8
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
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5.3.2 TO TRANSMIT A DISPLAYED THICKNESS

VALUE TO A CONNECTED DEVICE VIA
THE SERIAL I/O CABLE ............................ 5-9
5.3.3 TO TRANSMIT A FILE OF DATA VIA THE
SERIAL I/O CABLE .................................. 5-10
5.3.4 TO TRANSMIT A RANGE OF DATA
WITHIN A FILE VIA THE SERIAL
I/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 ..................... 5-12
5.6.2 OUTPUT PARAMETERS .......................... 5-13
5.6.3 OUTPUT DATA FORMAT ......................... 5-13
6 SPECIFICATIONS................................................. 6-1
7 THEORY OF OPERATION ................................... 7-1
8 APPLICATION NOTES ......................................... 8-1
8.1 FACTORS AFFECTING PERFORMANCE
AND ACCURACY ................................................ 8-1
8.2 TRANSDUCER SELECTION ............................... 8-4
8.3 HIGH TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS......... 8-7
9 MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING ........... 9-1

9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
ROUTINE CARE AND MAINTENANCE ..............

TRANSDUCERS ..................................................
ERROR MESSAGES ...........................................
TURN ON AND LOW BATTERY PROBLEMS.....
MEASUREMENT PROBLEMS ............................
MODEL 26XTDL
9-1
9-1
9-2
9-2
9-3
v
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9.6 REPAIR SERVICE ............................................... 9-4

9.7 REPLACEMENT PARTS AND OPTIONAL
PARTS AND EQUIPMENT.................................. 9-4
vi
APPENDIX I
SOUND VELOCITIES
APPENDIX II
SERIAL INTERFACE
APPENDIX III
DATA FORMATS
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
1 GENERAL INFORMATION
The Panametrics Model 26XTDL is a simple to operate hand-held
ultrasonic thickness gage with built in internal data logger designed
primarily for corroded metal applications. Although the Model
26XTDL has many features, it is as simple to use as a basic thickness
gage. To measure thickness with a calibrated gage, simply couple the
transducer to the surface of the material, and read the thickness.
The gage uses dual-element transducers to measure the thickness of
corroded, pitted, scaled, granular and other difficult materials from
one side only. A full line of transducers are available to measure
materials between 0.020 (0.50mm) and 20 (500mm) thickness and
between -20C and +500C in temperature.
The Model 26XTDL makes full use of its microprocessor to offer
selectable advanced measurement features. Moreover, the
microprocessor in the Model 26XTDL continuously adjusts the
receiver 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 for
recording thickness readings and labeling each point with an
Identification Code. The 26XTDL can store up to 8000 thickness
readings. This feature provides an alternative to recording data
manually.
The advanced measurement features of the Model 26XTDL include
the following:
Automatic probe recognition
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 1-1
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July 2001
Quick compensations for transducer temperature changes

Fast scan min hold mode with 20 readings/sec and freeze
function.
Freeze function instantly freezes displayed measurement
Differential mode displays the difference between the actual
thickness and a user set nominal reference value
High-Low Alarm indicates out of tolerance measurements
Gain Adjustment to help enable measurements in difficult
applications
Material Sensitivity Optimization
On-Board Data Logger for Storage of up to 8000 Thickness
Readings
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 highly
readable display under all lighting conditions
Selectable English/metric units
Selectable calibration lockout functions to prevent accidental
change to calibration
Selectable resolutions .001 (.01mm) or .01" (.1mm)
Easy calibration for unknown material velocity and/or transducer
zero.
Automatic power off
Page 1-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
BASIC OPERATION
The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how easily basic

measurements can be made with the Model 26XTDL gage. The unit
has been shipped from the factory set up with the following
conditions.
STANDARD
RESOLUTION:
0.001 in. or 0.01mm
SOUND VELOCITY:
0.2322 in/S or 5.898 mm/S.

(Approximate sound velocity for
the carbon steel test bar provided
with the gage.) See Note below.
BLANK MODE:
Display will blank when not

making a measurement.
A further explanation of these default conditions can be found in later

sections of this manual. They may be easily changed by the operator
after becoming familiar with the more sophisticated features of the
gage. These conditions have been selected to demonstrate how simple
it is to use the instrument.
Note: The default value for sound velocity is only an
approximation of the sound velocity in the test block
material. The sound velocity of low to medium carbon
alloy steel is typically 0.2322 in/S or 5.898 mm/S.
Therefore, if you find the default value gives inaccurate
results on your material, refer to Section 3 for
calibration instructions.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 2-1
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2.1
July 2001
INITIAL SETUP
Follow this procedure when operating the gage for the first time.
Step 1:
Plug the transducer into the connector at the top end of the
Model 26XTDL case.
Note that the transducer cable connector must be oriented
with center pin up.
When unplugging a transducer, pull ONLY on

molded plug, NOT on the cable.
Step 2:
Press the [ON/OFF] key to turn the gage on. (The

transducer should NOT be coupled to the test piece.) The
display will now show the message:
Figure 2-1: Transducer Zero Compensation

This means that the gage requires the following transducer
ZERO compensation step.
Page 2-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Step 3:
Wipe all couplant from the tip of the transducer.
Step 4:
Press the [ZERO] key.

The display will show:
Figure 2-2: Zero Screen

Step 5:
You are now ready to make measurements. The current

units are indicated on the right of the display. Inches (IN) or
millimeters (MM) may be changed to the alternate
measurement 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, see
Note under Section 2.2, Step 3.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 2-3
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July 2001
2.2
MAKING MEASUREMENTS
Step 1:
Apply couplant to the test block or material at the spot to be

measured. In general, the smoother the material surface, the
thinner the couplant may be. Rough surfaces require more
viscous couplant such as gel or grease. Special couplants are
required for high temperature applications (see Section 8.3).
Step 2:
Press the tip of the transducer to the surface of the material

to be measured. Use moderate to firm pressure and keep the
transducer as flat as possible on the material surface. See
Section 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 zero

calibration must be done. Refer to See Section 3,
CALIBRATION, for this procedure.
2.3
LOW BATTERY
The gage will operate for at least 250 hours on one set of batteries
under normal conditions (not in FAST mode and with backlight off).
The battery symbol in the upper left corner of the display indicates
remaining battery life.
Page 2-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
3
3.1
910-192B
CALIBRATION
INTRODUCTION
Calibration is the process of adjusting the gage so that it measures

accurately on a particular material, using a particular transducer at a
particular temperature. The Model 26XTDL calibration procedure
falls into the following three categories:
1.
Transducer Zero Compensationcalibrates for the sound

transit time in each of the dual transducer delay lines, which
varies from unit to unit and with temperature. This simple
off-block procedure must be done when the gage is turned
on, when the transducer is changed, and whenever the
transducer temperature changes significantly.
2.
Material Velocity Calibration or CAL VEL is done using a

thick test block of the measured material with known
thickness or by entering the previously determined material
velocity manually. It must be performed for each new type
of material.
3.
Zero Calibration or CAL ZERO is done using a thin test

block of the measured material with known thickness.
Unlike the first two calibrations, this procedure is not
required unless the best absolute accuracy is demanded
(better than .004 or .10mm). If required, it need only be
done once for each new transducer and material
combination. It does not have to be repeated when the
transducer temperature changes. Transducer Zero
Compensation will take care of it.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 3-1
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3.2
July 2001
TRANSDUCER ZERO
COMPENSATION
This step must be done whenever the message do-- and the ZERO
flag are displayed (do ZERO).
To do the Transducer Zero Compensation, wipe any couplant from the
transducer face, and press the [ZERO] key. The gage will
momentarily display the zero calibration value and then go to the
measure mode automatically. When measurements are being made on
surfaces that are significantly above or below room temperature, the
[ZERO] key should be pressed on a regular basis.
3.3
VELOCITY AND ZERO

CALIBRATION
The Material Velocity and Zero Calibration procedures may be

combined using a thick and a thin calibration block of the same
material.
Step 1:
First update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping

the transducer face and pressing the [ZERO] key while in
the 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 thick
block.
Page 3-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
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 thin
block.
Step 9:
Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and go to

the Measure mode.
Note: Cal Velocity should always be performed on the thick

sample and Cal Zero should always be performed on the
thin sample.
If the message UFLO is displayed when attempting to calibrate on
or measure a thin material, then do the following:
Step 1:
Carefully repeat the calibration, making sure that the thin

calibration block is within the measurement range of the
transducer. If the UFLO message is not corrected, then
continue with the steps below:
Step 2:
Do a Gage Reset. Press [2nd F], [SETUP] to enter into the

SET mode. Use the up or down slewing key until rSt1 is
on the display and press [F1] to implement reset. Then press
the MEAS key to reset and return to the measure mode.
Step 3:
Couple to the thin calibration block. The UFLO message

should be replaced by a thickness value. If the UFLO
message is still displayed after doing a Gage Reset, then the
gage should be checked at the factory.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 3-3
910-192B
July 2001
Step 4:
The measured thickness value while coupled to the thin

calibration block should be within +/- 0.010 inch or +\- 0.20
mm of the correct thickness. If the indicated thickness is
two or more times the actual thickness of the thin calibration
block 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 Zero
calibration under this condition. Doing so will cause the
UFLO message to re-appear. Instead, correct the cause of
the doubling. Either the calibration block is thinner than the
specified capability of the transducer, the transducer is
malfunctioning, or the gage is malfunctioning.
3.4
MATERIAL VELOCITY
CALIBRATION
3.4.1 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY IS

UNKNOWN
To do the Material Velocity Calibration, a calibration block made from
the material to be measured must be used. The block should be
approximately as thick as the thickest section to be measured and have
flat, smooth, and parallel front and back surfaces. The thickness of
the block must be known exactly.
Step 1:
Update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping the

transducer 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:
Step 4:
When the thickness reading is stable, press the [VEL] key.
Page 3-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Step 5:
Uncouple the transducer and use the [ ] or [

keys to enter the thickness of the standard.
] slewing
Step 6:
Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and return

to Measure mode.
If the gage double beeps and displays OFLO or UFLO before

returning to the Measure mode, then an error has been made in the
calibration procedure and the velocity has not been changed. The most
likely problem is that the thickness value entered was not correct.
The [VEL] key may be pressed following Velocity Calibration (or at
any time from the Measure mode) in order to read and record the
material velocity for this particular material. This velocity may be
entered by means of the slewing keys in the future when measuring
this material, without using the block, as described in Section 3.4.2.
Note: Sound velocity in all materials changes with temperature. For maximum accuracy the calibration block
should be at approximately the same temperature as the
samples to be measured.
3.4.2 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY IS

KNOWN
When preparing to measure a different material, of known sound
velocity, the velocity may be entered directly without doing the CAL
VEL procedure discussed above.
Step 1:
From the Measure mode press the [VEL] key. The current
velocity will be displayed.
Step 2:
This number may then be changed to the desired value using

the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 3-5
910-192B
July 2001
Step 3:
Press the [MEAS] key to complete the entry and return to

the Measure mode. If the gage is turned off before the
[MEAS] key is pressed, the velocity will not be updated to
the new value but instead will retain the previous current
value.
3.5
ZERO CALIBRATION
To do the Zero Calibration, a calibration block of the material to be

measured must be used. The block should be approximately as thin as
the thinnest section to be measured. If the surface of the material to be
inspected is rough, the surface of the calibration block may be
roughened to simulate the actual surface to be measured. Rough
surfaces generally reduce the accuracy of measurements but
simulating actual surface conditions on the calibration block can help
to improve results. The exact thickness of the sample must be known.
Step 1:
First update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping

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

The [ZERO] key will not be accepted if the LOS display
flag is on.
Step 5:
Uncouple the transducer and use the [ ] or [

key to enter the thickness of the standard.
Page 3-6
] slewing
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
Step 6:
910-192B
Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and return
to the Measure mode. If the gage is turned off before the
[MEAS] key is pressed, the Zero value will not be updated
to the new value but instead will retain the previous
current value.
If the gage beeps and displays OFLO before returning to the Measure
mode, an error has been made in the calibration procedure and the
Zero value has not been changed. The most likely cause is that the
entered thickness was not correct.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 3-7
July 2001
910-192B
ADDITIONAL GAGING
FEATURES
The Model 26XTDL has several convenience features in addition to

those discussed in Section 2, BASIC OPERATION. The use of these
features is not required for basic operation. However, they can make
the 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
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-1
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July 2001
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 this
Manual)
To access or change any of these functions in the Setup mode, press
[2nd F], [F1](Setup), then use the [
] or [
] keys to advance to
the function of interest.
The details for using and setting all of these features are described in
the following.
4.1
BACKLIGHT
The display backlight feature internally illuminates the liquid crystal

display with a bright uniform light. This allows the display (which
has excellent visibility in normal to high ambient light conditions) to
be viewed in low to zero ambient light conditions. The backlight is
switched on or off by pressing [2nd F], [CAL](Light). Additionally,
when the backlight is switched on, you may select a power-saving
Auto Backlight mode which turns it on only when a reading is being
made and turns it off five seconds after LOS. To select Auto
Backlight, enter the Setup mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup),
then press the [
] or [
] slewing key until the display reads
either AUtO for automatic or LtOn for light on (continuous) (see
Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2).
Page 4-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Press the [F1] key to toggle between these choices. To return to the
Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions press the [
] or [
] slewing key.
4.2
DISPLAY BLANK OR HOLD
The measured thickness display may be made to continuously display

the last measured thickness when transducer contact with the material
is 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. In
the Display Blank mode the numeric part of the thickness display is
turned off during LOS.
To change to the alternate display mode from the Measure mode, enter
the Setup Mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [
] or [
] slewing key until the display reads HOLd(to hold the last
reading) or bLn(to blank the display at LOS) (see Fig. 4-1 and
Fig. 4-2). To change the Blank/Hold selection press the [F1] key. To
return to the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions
press the [
] or [
] slewing key.
4.3
CALIBRATION LOCK
The Calibration Lock feature allows the gage to be set up so that no

calibration values, i.e., velocity or zero, which affect the value of the
displayed measurement, can be altered (with the exception of
transducer zero while the gage is displaying do--). However these
values can be viewed, and measurement modes can be changed, in the
Calibration Lock condition.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-3
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July 2001
To set the Calibration Lock, enter the Setup mode by pressing [2nd F],
[F1](Setup) and then [
] or [
] slewing key until the lock
symbol flashes and the display reads either On or Off (see Fig. 4-1
and Fig. 4-2). Press [F1] to select the desired lock condition. To return
to the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions press
the [
] or [
] slewing key.
4.4
AUTO SHUT-OFF
Normally the gage turns off automatically after about six minutes if no
key has been pressed and no measurement has been made within that
time. This is to prevent the battery from running down if the gage is
left 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 by
pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [
] or [
] slewing key
until 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 the
alternate power selection, press the [F1] key. To return to the Measure
mode, press [MEAS]. To access other functions, press the [ ] or
[ ] key.
4.5
DISPLAY RESOLUTION
The displayed resolution for thickness values , i.e. the number of

digits shown to the right of the decimal point, may be changed from
the keyboard. This may be useful in some applications in which the
extra precision of the last digit is not required or where extremely
rough 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.
Page 4-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
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, at
which point it may be moved by pressing the [F1] key. To set the
position and return to the Measure mode, press [MEAS]. To access
other functions press the [
] or [
] slewing key.
4.6
GAGE RESET
A simple key sequence may be used to quickly restore the gage to the
default setup shown below. This may be useful to new operators while
becoming familiar with the individual feature setups described
elsewhere in this section. This may also be useful to experienced
operators 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/S, the approximate velocity of the
included test blocks
Default zero calibration.
Default sensitivity
Calibration keys unlocked
Blank display when LOS
Standard resolution (.001in.)
Backlight off
Auto Shut-Off on
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-5
910-192B
July 2001
Gain: standard
Material Sensitivity Optimization off
Alarm off
Differential off
To perform the Gage Default Setup Reset, enter the Setup mode by
pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then the [
] or [
] slewing
key until the display reads rSt1 (see Fig. 4-1 and Fig. 4-2). To
perform the reset, press the [F1] key. After resetting, the gage will
momentarily display the word dONE and then will return to
displaying rSt1. To return to the Measure mode press [MEAS]. To
access other functions press the [
] or [
] slewing key.
4.7
ID# FLASH
After saving a measurement to a file in the Data Logger, the current

ID# may flash on the display indicating to the operator the next
location in the database. This feature can be disabled if for any reason
it 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 until
the display reads either Id On (ID# flash on), or IdOFF (ID# flash
is 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]. To
access other functions press the [
] or [
] slewing key.
Page 4-6
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
4.8
910-192B
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 Mode
Press [2nd F], [Fast/Min](IN/MM) and the displayed units will toggle
between Inches (IN) and Millimeters (MM).
4.9
FREEZE
The Freeze function allows the operator to freeze the thickness display
when the [FREEZE] key is pressed. The display is returned to an
active status by pressing [FREEZE] a second time or by pressing
[MEAS]. This function is useful in a situation when the user wishes
to hold a displayed thickness reading. This is helpful for high
temperature thickness measurement applications to limit the
transducer contact time. The freeze can also be used in combination
with the Fast/Min function (See 4.10 FAST DISPLAY for more
details.).
4.10 FAST DISPLAY

The Fast Display mode increases the measurement and display update
rate from 4 measurements per second to 20 measurements per second.
This may be useful when the thickness profile of the test piece is very
irregular, at elevated temperatures or when surface conditions are so
rough that thickness cannot be measured at all locations. In this
situation, a technique in which Fast Display is selected and the
transducer is scanned or rocked on the material surface may allow
good readings to be obtained more quickly.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-7
910-192B
July 2001
Note: The battery life is decreased by more than 50% when

operating in the Fast Mode.
To select the Fast Display mode, press the [FAST/MIN] key while in
the Measure, Differential Measure, or Alarm Measure mode. The Fast
Display mode is indicated by the MEAS display flag, and the FAST
display 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 MEASUREMENT

RATE WITH MINIMUM THICKNESS
& FREEZE FUNCTION
The Fast Min Display with minimum thickness hold mode increases
the measurement and display update rate from 4 measurements per
second to 20 measurements per second and will highlight the smallest
thickness measured during a series of measurements. This is useful
when performing high temperature measurements or when it is
important to determine the thinnest reading obtained while making a
series of readings on a test piece.
The actual measured thickness will be displayed when the transducer
is coupled. The minimum thickness will display when the transducer
is lifted from the test piece or uncoupled (LOS condition). In
addition, [FREEZE] can be useful in avoiding lift-off error due to
couplant while using the fast update rate. If you press [FREEZE]
while scanning in this mode, the display will freeze the current
thickness value. If you uncouple the transducer (LOS condition) and
press [FREEZE] a second time, the display will unfreeze and the
minimum thickness held in memory will be recalled to the display.
These features allow the benefit of real time thickness readout to be
combined with a Minimum Hold and Freeze feature.
Page 4-8
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
This may be useful when the thickness profile of the test piece is very
irregular, at elevated temperature, or when surface conditions are so
rough that thickness cannot be measured at all locations. To obtain
good readings quickly, select the Fast Min Display and scan the
transducer 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 the
LCD display. Once activated, couple the transducer to the test piece
and take desired measurements. To view the minimum thickness,
uncouple the transducer. In this mode, pressing the [FREEZE] key
will freeze the display. Pressing [FREEZE] again will unfreeze the
display and recall the minimum. Pressing [MEAS] will reset the scan.
4.12 GAIN ADJUST

The Gain Adjust allows the normal measurement sensitivity to be
increased or decreased by a fixed amount (approximately 10dB and
6dB respectively). This function is available for those applications in
which more or less than the default sensitivity is required but it is
preferred to use a fixed sensitivity increase rather than a sensitivity
proportional to the measured noise as described in Section 4.13. Use
of the Gain Adjust function is generally recommended for all high
temperature measurements.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-9
910-192B
July 2001
To adjust the gain in the 26XTDL, press [GAIN]. The display will
show either Std (for standard default gain), Lo (for low gain
setting, -6dB), or Hi (for high gain setting, +10dB). By repeatedly
pressing [GAIN], the gage will toggle between the three choices.
Once the desired setting has been selected the gage will automatically
return to the measure mode at the new selected gain.
4.13 MATERIAL SENSITIVITY

OPTIMIZATION
The Material Sensitivity Optimization feature allows the normal
measurement sensitivity to be increased or decreased by an amount
related to the measured peak noise in a specific transducer and
material sample combination. Normally the Model 26XTDL adjusts
its receiver gain and detection level depending upon both the
transducer type and on the received echo characteristics. Also, each
transducer type imposes its own maximum gain and detection
threshold to prevent any transducer related or material related noise
from being seen as a thickness echo. This works well in most
corroded material gaging applications. However, in certain special
cases, it is advantageous to modify those fixed limits on sensitivity.
The Model 26XTDL optimizes sensitivity by using actual material
noise level measurements rather than fixed gain boosts or fixed
attenuators. While the transducer is coupled to a thick sample of the
material of interest, the gage measures the peak noise level up to the
specified back wall thickness. Then the gain and detection threshold
values are adjusted to produce the minimum backwall sensitivity
without hanging up on noise.
Page 4-10
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
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Performing the sensitivity optimization procedure on different

materials may yield different results. In the case of grainy materials
such as cast iron, or high surface noise materials such as aluminum,
this procedure may result in a decrease in gain. In the case of hot
materials with rough surfaces or other highly attenuating but low
noise 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 by

displaying -.---, --.-- or --.- depending on units and
resolution.
Step 2:
Enter the estimated thickness of the material to be measured

using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys. It is better to guess
low, if uncertain.
Step 3:
Couple the transducer to the material sample and press

[MEAS]. The Optimization will be performed and the gage
will return to the Measure Mode. The GAIN flag will flash
to 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 be
displayed indicating that the default gain has been restored.
Default gain may also be restored by turning the gage off and on and
pressing [ZERO].
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-11
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July 2001
4.14 HIGH/LOW ALARM

The Alarm feature allows the user to view and change the Low Alarm
Reference Value, and the High Alarm Reference Value, and also to
switch on or off the visual and audible alarm functions. The Alarm
Reference Values are thickness setpoints in the current gage units and
resolution. When an Alarm Measure mode is selected, the alarm
condition occurs when any displayed reading (either actual or
minimum) is either less than the Low Alarm Reference Value or
greater than the High Alarm Reference Value. The alarm condition is
indicated 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 Alarm
Reference Value will be displayed with the ALARM flag. This value
may be changed using the [
] or [ ] slewing keys or accepted as
is. Press [2nd F], [VEL](ALARM) again to display the existing High
Alarm Reference Value. This value may be changed or accepted as is.
If a higher value is entered first followed by a lower number, then the
gage will interpret the lower number as the Low Alarm Reference
Value and the higher value as the High Alarm Reference Value.
Press the [MEAS] key to go to the Alarm Measure Mode, Fast Alarm
Measure Mode or Minimum Alarm Measure mode. Note that if the
previous mode was a Differential Measure mode, enabling the Alarm
function will then disable the Differential mode. If instead of pressing
the [MEAS] key, you press [2nd F], [VEL](ALARM) for the third
time, then the unit will go to the Measure, Fast Measure, or Min
Measure mode with the Alarm Reference Values set as displayed but
without the Alarm function enabled.
Page 4-12
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
If the [MEAS] key is pressed immediately after the Low Alarm

Reference Value has been changed, then the gage will accept the new
low alarm value and the high alarm value as unchanged. The gage will
enter the alarm measure mode at these setpoints.
Alarm Reference Values are internally converted to the closest
equivalent value in the alternate units when the English or Metric
units are selected.
4.15 DIFFERENTIAL DISPLAY

The differential display feature allows the user to view and change a
Differential Thickness Reference Value, and also to select the display
of the Differential Thickness, defined below:
(Differential Thickness) = (Measured Thickness) - (Differential
Reference Value)
The units and resolution of the Differential Reference Value and the
Differential Thickness are the same as those selected for the thickness
measurement.
To view, set, or change the Differential Reference Value, press
[2nd F], [ZERO](DIFF) while in the Measure, Fast Measure, Min
Measure or Alarm Measure mode. The Diff display flag will appear
and the current Differential Reference Value will be displayed. The
value may be changed using the [
][
] slewing keys. Press
[MEAS] to enable the Differential Measure mode at the selected
Differential Reference Value. Press [2nd F], [ZERO](DIFF) to exit
the Differential Measure mode and the gage will return to the normal
measure mode.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-13
910-192B
July 2001
Note: Differential measure and Alarm Measure modes are

mutually exclusive modes (i.e. they cannot co-exist in the
gage).
The Differential Reference Value will be remembered, however, for
later use. Differential Reference Values are internally converted to the
closest equivalent value in the alternate units when the English or
Metric units are selected.
Page 4-14
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Figure 4-1: Setup Mode Screen
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 4-15
910-192B
July 2001
Figure 4-2: Setup Mode Screen (cont)
Page 4-16
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
DATA LOGGER & DATA

COMMUNICATION
FEATURES
Two very powerful and useful features of the Model 26XTDL are the
internal data logger and the serial RS232 communications interface.
The operation of the data logger and data transmission are discussed
in this section. Details of the serial interface cable, the format of the
transmitted data may be found in the following appendices:
5.1
Appendix II
Serial Interface
Appendix III
Transmitted Data Formats
DATA LOGGER
The data logger contains a battery backed up memory. It can store up

to 8000 thickness readings. Each stored reading has a unique location
or identification number (ID#) which will be explained below. Each
reading 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 (explained
below), which specifies gage parameter values which are relevant to
the stored reading.
The data logger has a built in file system as a method of organizing the
location numbers or ID#s. The maximum # of files available is 15
with file names F01, F02 ...F15. Depending on how many files are
chosen to be active, the data logger will automatically divide the
available 8000 storage locations amongst the specified number of
files.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-1
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July 2001
If only one file is selected the data logger will have ID#s 0001-8000
within file number one (F01). If two files are selected the data logger
will have ID#s 0001-4000 in each of the two files, F01 and F02. If
the maximum number of files is selected (15) the data logger will have
ID#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
Page 5-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Table 5-1 (cont.)

Number of Files
ID#s per File
F001-F014
0001-0571
F001-F015
0001-0533
Each individual thickness reading will have a unique identifier

consisting of the filename plus the ID#. For example: F01,0001.
Flags are automatically entered for each stored reading to indicate the
specific mode (i.e. Measure, Differential, Minimum, Gain or Alarm
conditions).
A setup number between 1 and 31 is automatically recorded with each
saved reading. Each setup number corresponds to a unique set of
values for Velocity, Differential Reference Value, Low Alarm
Reference Value, High Alarm Reference Value, Units and Transducer
Type.
The data logger automatically increments the ID# every time a
reading is saved into memory. This allows easy saving to sequential
locations. If desired, the ID# may also be entered manually via the
keyboard.
The data logger also allows easy review of the contents of any
location on the gage display. Also, the contents of any individual
location, range of locations or all locations within the open file may be
erased.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-3
910-192B
July 2001
Most importantly, the data stored in a range of ID#s or in all locations

may be sent to a computer or printer on the serial I/O line. The single
reading being displayed may also be transmitted.
5.2
DATA LOGGER OPERATION
5.2.1
TO SET UP FILES FOR ORGANIZATION OF

DATA
Step 1:
Press [2nd F], [FILE] (File Set) and the gage will display
the message CLr? This indicates that in order to reset the
number of files the gage memory must first be erased.
Step 2:
Press [2nd F], [ID#](Clr Mem) to proceed in clearing the

data logger. The gage will now display F??? prompting the
user to enter the number of files desired.
Step 3:
Using the [ ] and [ ] slewing keys enter in the desired

number of files. For example for 5 files the display should
read F005.
Step 4:
When done press [MEAS]. The gage will now sound a long
beep while displaying F.bld. During this time the gage is
organizing the data base. When finished the gage will stop
beeping 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 will
automatically default to filename F001, and ID# 0001.
Page 5-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
5.2.2
910-192B
TO DISPLAY AND/OR CHANGE THE

CURRENT DATA LOGGER MEMORY
LOCATION
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 [

desired filename is displayed.
] or [
] until
Note: The available filenames to select from will depend on the

number of files chosen using the method described
above.
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 [
Step 3:
Once selected, press [MEAS] and the gage will return to the
measure mode ready to store data at the selected Filename
and ID#.
5.2.3
TO SAVE A THICKNESS VALUE AT A

SPECIFIED LOCATION
Step 1:
Change the Filename and ID# if desired using procedure

above (optional).
Step 2:
Take a thickness reading
Step 3:
While the thickness value is being displayed press [SAVE].
MODEL 26XTDL
] or [
] to change to the desired ID#.
Page 5-5
910-192B
July 2001
Step 4:
The display will beep indicating that the reading has been
saved. Depending on the gage setup the current ID# may
flash on the display indicating to the operator the next
location in the database. See Section 4.7.
Step 5:
The displayed value, along with appropriate flags and setup

information will be stored at the specified location. If the
display is blank when [SAVE] is pressed then ---- will be
saved with the appropriate flags.
Step 6:
The ID# is automatically incremented to the next location in

the database.
Note: If a thickness reading already exists at the current ID#

and the [SAVE] key is pressed, the gage will replace the
old measurement with a new measurement.
5.2.4
TO DISPLAY THE VALUE STORED AT A

SPECIFIED 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 specified

location will be displayed.
Step 4:
Continuous presses of [ID#] will go through the entire

database for that file.
Step 5:
When finished reviewing data press [MEAS] to return to the

measure mode.
Page 5-6
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
5.2.5
910-192B
TO ERASE A VALUE AT A SPECIFIED

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

Step 1:
Change to the desired ID# by pressing [ID#] then [

[
] slewing keys.
] or
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 the

specified location will be erased.
5.2.6
TO ERASE A RANGE OF ID#S IN THE OPEN

FILE

Step 1:
From the measure mode press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) and
the gage will display the first ID# (0001) in the file.
Step 2:
Using the [
] and [
] slewing keys change the ID# to
the first ID# in the desired range of data to be erased. If the
desired starting ID# is 0001 then this step is not necessary.
Step 3:
Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) and the gage will display
the last ID# in the file.
Step 4:
Using the [
] and [
the last ID# in the desired range of data to be erased. If the
desired ending ID# is the last one in the file then this step is
not necessary.
Step 5:
Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) to complete the erase

procedure. Now the thickness readings associated with the
specified ID# range will be erased.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-7
910-192B
July 2001
Note: At any time before Step 5 is completed the process can

be aborted by pressing [MEAS] or [ON/OFF] and no
data will be erased.
5.3
TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN

A FILE

Step 1:
Open the file you wish to erase by pressing [FILE] ,

followed by [
] or [
] until the desired file name is
displayed.
Step 2:
Once the desired file is selected, press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr
Mem). The gauge will display the message CLr?.
Step 3:
Press [2nd F], [ID#] (Clr Mem) to clear the file. the gage
will 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 file
to erase or press [MEAS] to return to the measure mode.
5.3.1
TO ERASE ALL STORED DATA IN THE DATA

LOGGER

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 [
]
Page 5-8
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
d) Press [MEAS] and the gage will be frozen for
a few seconds while reorganizing the data
base.
5.3.2
TO TRANSMIT A DISPLAYED THICKNESS

VALUE TO A CONNECTED DEVICE VIA THE
SERIAL I/O CABLE
Step 1:
Confirm that the receiving device is connected and

configured properly. See Section 5.6 of this manual as well
as the operator manuals for the receiving device and for the
receiving software.
Step 2:
Set up the matching communication parameters on the

26XTDL. See Section 5.6 of this manual.
Step 3:
Set up the desired Measure mode on the 26XTDL and make

a thickness reading.
Step 4:
Press [SEND] momentarily (release in less than one

second).
Step 5:
The displayed value with its appropriate measurement flags

will be transmitted (without an ID#) and the gage will return
to the original measure mode. Pressing [SEND] while the
display is blank, sends --.--- and the displayed
measurement flags.
Note: Sending a displayed reading will blank a held reading

and will reset the minimum function.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-9
910-192B
July 2001
5.3.3
TO TRANSMIT A FILE OF DATA VIA THE

SERIAL I/O CABLE
Step 1:

receiving software.
Step 2:

Step 3:
Open the file you wish to transmit by pressing [FILE],

followed by [
] or [
] until the desired filename is
displayed.
Step 4:
Once the desired file is selected, press [SEND]. The gage

will display Send indicating that the file is being
transmitted. The gage will display the file name when
finished transmitting. Use the [
] and [
] slewing
keys to select another file to transmit or press [MEAS] to
return to the Measure mode.
5.3.4
TO TRANSMIT A RANGE OF DATA WITHIN A

FILE VIA THE SERIAL I/O CABLE
Step 1:

receiving software.
Step 2:

Step 3:
Open the file you wish to transmit by pressing [FILE],

followed by [
] or [
] until the desired filename is
displayed. Once the desired file is selected, press [MEAS].
Page 5-10
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
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 [
the first ID# of the desired range of data to be transmitted.
Step 6:
Press [SEND] and the gage will display the last ID# in the
file.
Step 7:
Using the [
] and [
the last ID# of the desired range of data to be transmitted.
Step 8:
Press [SEND] and the gage will display SEnd indicating

that the file is being transmitted. The gage will return to the
Measure mode when finished transmitting.
5.4
SERIAL COMMUNICATION SETUP
In 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 the

proper cable. Since all computers do not have the same
serial port connector, the correct cable must be ordered from
Panametrics.
Step 2:
The communication parameters of the 26XTDL must be set

to match the configuration of the computer. See Section 5.6
of this manual. To change the baud rate of the 26XTDL,
enter the setup mode by pressing [2nd F], [F1](Setup) and
then [
] or [
] slewing key until the display reads
either 9600 or 1200. To change the baud rate, press the
[F1] key.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-11
910-192B
5.5
July 2001
DATA LOGGER RESET
To perform the data logger reset, enter the setup mode by pressing
[2nd F], [F1](Setup) and then [
] or [
] slewing key until the
display reads rSt 2. To perform the reset, press the [F1] key. After
resetting, the gage will display CLr? along with the Mem flag,
followed by dONE and then will return to displaying rSt 2. To
return to the Measure mode press [MEAS]. To access other functions
press the [
] or [
] slewing keys.
5.6
RS232 OPTIONS
The 26XTDL can transmit measurements over its RS232 cable to

most devices with an RS232 serial interface. The gage can be
configured to send measurement readings continuously at the display
update rate, to single send by pressing the [SEND] key, or to send a
complete 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 the
display reads either SOFF for continuous send off, SOn for
continuous send on, or SSnd for single send. To change the
configuration, press the [F1] key.
Page 5-12
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
5.6.2
910-192B
OUTPUT PARAMETERS
The RS232 port is half duplex (transmit only) and its communication
parameters contain the following options:
5.6.3
BAUD:
9600 or 1200 (selectable)
WORD LENGTH:
8 (fixed)
STOP BITS
1 (fixed)
PARITY
N [none] (fixed)
OUTPUT DATA FORMAT
The 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.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 5-13
July 2001
910-192B
6 SPECIFICATIONS
THICKNESS
MEASUREMENT
RANGE:
0.020 to 19.999 inches or

0.50 to 500.0mm (typical in steel)
NOTE: Thickness range depends on material, transducer type,

surface condition, surface preparation, and temperature.
THICKNESS DISPLAY
Standard
RESOLUTION:
Millimeters: .01mm
Inches:
.001
MEASUREMENT
RATE:
Low
.1mm
.01
Standard Mode - 4 measurements

per second
Fast Min Mode - 20 measurements
per second
MATERIAL VELOCITY 0.0300 - 0.5511 in/uS

RANGE:
0.762 - 13.999mm/uS
TRANSDUCER ZERO
COMPENSATION:
This provides zero and

temperature compensation for
different transducers.
DISPLAY:
4 1/2 digit (19999 counts) Liquid

Crystal Display (LCD). 0.4 (10
mm) numerals.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 6-1
910-192B
July 2001
DISPLAY UNITS,
SYMBOLS & FLAGS:
IN or MM (Thickness)
IN/uS or MM/uS (Velocity)
Low Battery Indicator
Keyboard Lock
LOS Flag (Loss of Signal or
Coupling)
CAL Flag (Calibration Mode)
ZERO Flag (Zero Calibration
Mode)
VEL Flag (Velocity Calibration
Mode)
MEAS Flag (Measure Mode)
2nd F Flag (Second Function)
Alarm Flag (High-Low Alarm
Mode)
Gain Flag (Adjusted Gain)
Fast/Min Flag (Fast Mode 20
Meas/Sec and Fast with Minimum
Hold Mode)
Diff Flag (Differential Mode)
Mem Flag (Memory Mode)
RECEIVER
BANDWIDTH:
1 - 15MHz (-3dB)
MEASUREMENT
MODE:
Time interval from a precision

delay after the excitation to the
first echo using dual element
transducer.
Page 6-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
METRIC / ENGLISH
MODES:
Allows selection between English

and Metric units via the keypad.
POWER
REQUIREMENTS:
3VDC (supplied from internal

batteries)
BATTERY:
Two AA Alkaline Batteries
BATTERY LIFE:
250 hours minimum (Measure

Mode)
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 H

128.3mm L x 64.8mm W x
29.0mm H
WEIGHT:
8.5 oz. (0.24Kg)
TRANSDUCERS:
D790, D790-SM, D791, D791RM, D792, D793, D794, D795,

D797, D797-SM, D798, D7226,
D799, and MTD705
DATA LOGGER
STORAGE CAPACITY: 8000 Thickness Measurements
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 6-3
910-192B
July 2001
INFORMATION
STORED:
ID Number, File Number,

Thickness Value, Units, LOS
Condition, Differential Mode,
Differential Reference Value,
Alarm Mode, High Alarm
Setpoint, Low Alarm Setpoint,
Minimum Reading Flag, Gain
Mode Velocity Value, Transducer
Type.
DATA LOGGER FILES
1 - 15 Files
IDENTIFICATION
NUMBERS:
4 numeric characters, Character set

0-9
OUTPUT FORMATS:
Two selectable ASCII output

formats:
F-1 includes Thickness Table
(ID#, Thickness Value, units,
mode flags), Setup Table
(Calibration values and transducer
type)
F-2 includes ID# and Thickness
Value Only
Page 6-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
FEATURES:
910-192B
Save Reading at ID#

Review Stored Contents of Data
Logger
Erase a File or Files
Print Stored Data
Send Data to a PC
Move to specific ID#s in the
database
COMMUNICATION
BAUD RATE
Selectable: 1200, 9600
PROTOCOL:
Serial RS232 with +/-4V signal

levels.
SIGNALS:
Data out of gage

DSR into gage
SOFTWARE FLOW
CONTROL:
XON and XOFF characters

utilized to control the flow of
transmitted data.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 6-5
July 2001
910-192B
THEORY OF OPERATION
The Panametrics Model 26XTDL Ultrasonic Thickness Gage operates

on the dual transducer "pulse-echo" principal, timing the reflection of
high frequency sound waves from the far wall of the test piece. This
technique, derived from sonar, has been widely applied to
nondestructive testing.The frequency range used by the 26XTDL does
not travel well through air, so a coupling liquid such as glycerine or
gel is used between the face of the transducer and the test piece. The
sound waves generated by the transmit side of the transducer are
coupled into the test piece, travel through it, and are reflected back
from the opposite side. The reflected sound waves or echos are
coupled into the receive side of the transducer where they are
converted back into electrical signals. The gage precisely measures
the time interval t between the excitation pulse and the first echo
signal 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. The
final result, X, is the thickness of the test material.
( t )V
X = ---------2
The microprocessor performs the arithmetic described above to
produce the thickness value. This value along with various gage
status indicators is sent to the LCD display.
The microprocessor also directs the Receiver/Detector to identify the
transducer type using the I.D. pin of the transducer. Calibration
values and gage setups are saved in non-volatile RAM (Random
Access Memory). The keyboard informs the microprocessor of user
entered changes of mode, values, etc.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 7-1
July 2001
910-192B
APPLICATION NOTES
8.1
FACTORS AFFECTING
PERFORMANCE AND ACCURACY
a.
Surface Condition
Severe pitting on the outside surface of a pipe or tank can be a

problem. On some rough surfaces, the use of a gel or grease rather
than a liquid couplant will help transmit sound energy into the test
piece. In extreme cases it will be necessary to file or grind the surface
sufficiently flat to permit contact with the face of the transducer. In
applications where deep pitting occurs on the outside of a pipe or tank
it is usually necessary to measure remaining metal thickness from the
base of the pits to the inside wall. The conventional technique is to
measure unpitted metal thickness ultrasonically, measure pit depth
mechanically, and subtract the pit depth from the measured wall
thickness. Alternately, one can file or grind the surface down to the
base of the pits and measure normally. As with any difficult
application, experimentation with actual product samples is the best
way to determine the limits of a particular gage/transducer
combination on a given surface.
b.
Transducer Positioning/Alignment
For proper sound coupling the transducer must be pressed firmly

against the test surface. On small diameter cylindrical surfaces such
as pipes, hold the transducer so that the sound barrier material visible
on the probe face is aligned perpendicular to the center axis of the
pipe. See the illustration below.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 8-1
910-192B
July 2001
It is possible that on some severely corroded or pitted materials there

will be spots where readings cannot be obtained. This can happen
when the inside surface of the material is so irregular that the sound
energy is scattered rather than being reflected back to the transducer.
The lack of a reading may also indicate a thickness outside the range
of the transducer and instrument being used. Generally, an inability to
obtain a valid thickness reading at a particular point on a test specimen
could be a sign of a seriously degraded wall which may warrant
investigation by other means.
c.
Calibration
The accuracy of measurements are only as good as the accuracy and

care with which the gage has been calibrated. It is essential that the
velocity and zero calibrations described in Section 3 be performed
whenever the test material or transducer is changed. Periodic checks
with samples of known thicknesses are recommended to verify that
the gage is operating properly.
Page 8-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
d.
910-192B
Taper or Eccentricity
If the contact surface and the back surface are tapered or eccentric
with respect to each other, the return echo again becomes distorted
and the accuracy of measurement is diminished.
e.
Acoustic Properties of the Material
There are several conditions found in engineering materials that can

severely limit the accuracy and thickness range that can be measured.
1.
Sound Scattering
Sound Scattering in some materials, notably certain types of cast

stainless steel, cast irons, and composites, the sound energy is
scattered from individual crystallites in the casting or from
dissimilar materials within the composite. This effect reduces
the ability to discriminate a valid return echo from the back side
of the material and limits the ability to gauge the material
ultrasonically.
2.
Velocity Variations
A number of materials exhibit significant variations in sound

velocity from point-to-point within the material. Certain types of
cast stainless steels and brass exhibit this effect due to a
relatively large grain size and the anisotropy of sound velocity
with respect to grain orientation. Other materials show a rapid
change in sound velocity with temperature. This is characteristic
of plastic materials where temperature must be controlled in
order to obtain maximum precision in the measurement.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 8-3
910-192B
3.
July 2001
Sound Attenuation
Sound Attenuation or Absorption in many organic materials,

such as low density plastics and rubber, sound is attenuated very
rapidly at the frequencies used in normal ultrasonic thickness
gauging. Therefore, the maximum thickness that can be
measured in these materials is often limited by sound attenuation.
8.2
TRANSDUCER SELECTION
For any ultrasonic measurement system (transducer plus thickness

gage) there will be a minimum material thickness below which valid
measurements will not be possible.
Normally this minimum range will be specified in the manufacturer's
literature. As transducer frequency increases, the minimum
measurable thickness decreases. In corrosion applications, where
minimum remaining wall thickness is normally the parameter to be
measured, it is particularly important to be aware of the specified
range of the transducer being used. If a dual is used to measure a test
piece that is below its designed minimum range, the gage may detect
invalid echoes and display an incorrectly high thickness reading. The
table below lists approximate minimum measurable thicknesses in
steel for the standard transducers used with the Panametrics Model
26XTDL gage. Note that these numbers are approximate. The exact
measurable minimum in a given application depends on material
velocity, surface condition, temperature and geometry, and it should
be determined experimentally by the user.
Page 8-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Transducer Selection
XDCR
Part No.
Freq.
(MHz)
Tip
Diameter
Potted Cable
Connector
Style
D790
5.0
.434"
11.0mm
Straight
Potted
D790S
M
5.0
.434"
11.0mm
D791
5.0
.434"
11.0mm
D791RM
5.0
.434"
11.0mm
D792
10
.283"
7.2mm
Straight
Potted
+32 to
+122F
0 to +50C
0.020 in
0.5mm
D793
10
.283"
7.2mm
Rt. Angle
Potted
+32 to
+122F
0 to +50C
0.020 in
0.5mm
D794
5.0
.283"
7.2mm
Straight
Potted
+32 to
+122F
0 to +50C
0.030 in
0.75mm
MODEL 26XTDL
Temp.
Range
Min.
Xness
-5 to +932F 0.040 in
1.0mm
-20 to
+500C
Straight
-5 to +932F 0.040 in
1.0mm
Replaceable
-20 to
+500C
Rt. Angle
Potted
-5 to +932F 0.040 in
1.0mm
-20 to
+500C
Rt Angle
-5 to +932F 0.040 in
1.0mm
Replaceable
-20 to
+500C
Page 8-5
910-192B
July 2001
Transducer Selection(cont)
XDCR
Part No.
Freq.
(MHz)
Tip
Diameter
Potted Cable
Connector
Style
D795
5.0
.283"
7.2mm
Rt. Angle
Potted
D797
5.0
.900"
22.9mm
Rt. Angle
Potted
-5 to +752F 0.100 in
2.5mm
-20 to
+400C
D798
7.5
.290"
7.4mm
Straight
Rt. Angle
-5 to +300F 0.028 in
0.7mm
-20 to
+150C
D799
5.0
.434"
11.0mm
Rt. Angle
Potted
-5 to +300F 0.040 in
1.0mm
-20 to
+150C
MTD
705
5.0
.200"
5.1mm
Rt. Angle
Replaceable
Temp.
Range
Min.
Xness
+32 to
+122F
0 to +50C
0.030 in
0.75mm
+32 to
+122F
0 to 50C
.040"
1.00mm
In selecting a transducer for a corrosion application it is also necessary

to consider the temperature of the material to be measured. Not all
duals are designed for high temperature measurements. The chart
above lists recommended temperature ranges for the Panametrics
duals used with the Model 26XTDL gage. For other transducers,
consult the manufacturer's catalogue or data sheets. Using a
transducer on materials whose temperature is beyond the specified
range can damage or destroy the transducer.
Page 8-6
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
8.3
910-192B
HIGH TEMPERATURE
MEASUREMENTS
Corrosion measurements at elevated temperatures require special

consideration. Keep in mind the following points:
a.
Be sure that the surface temperature of the test piece does

not exceed the maximum specified temperature for the
transducer and couplant that you are using. Some duals are
designed for room temperature measurements only.
b.
Use a couplant rated for the temperature where you will be

working. All high temperature couplants will boil off at
some temperature, leaving a hard residue that is not able to
transmit sound energy. Panametrics Couplant E
(Ultratherm) can be used at temperatures up to 1000F/
540C, although it will boil as the upper limit is reached.
Maximum recommended temperatures for Panametrics
couplants are as follows:
Couplant Selection
Couplant
Type
Maximum
Recommended
Temperature
Propylene Glycol
300F/150C
Glycerine
200F/90C
Gel
200F/90C
High Temperature
1000F/540C
Medium Temperature
500F/260C
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 8-7
910-192B
July 2001
c.
Make measurements quickly and allow the transducer body

to cool between readings. High temperature duals have
delay lines made of thermally tolerant material, but with
continuous exposure to very high temperatures the inside of
the probe will heat to a point where the transducer will be
permanently damaged.
d.
Remember that both material sound velocity and transducer

zero offset will change with temperature. For maximum
accuracy at high temperatures, velocity calibration should
be performed using a section of the test bar of known
thickness heated to the temperature where measurements
are to be performed. The Panametrics Model 26XTDL gage
has a semiautomatic zero function that can be employed to
adjust zero setting at high temperatures. See Section 3 for
details.
e.
Using the Fast mode with the Freeze function may help in
obtaining measurements as quickly as possible. Refer to
Section 4.10 of this manual for details.
f.
Note that a corrosion gage is not designed for flaw or crack

detection, and cannot be relied upon to detect material
discontinuities. A proper evaluation of material
discontinuities requires an ultrasonic flaw detector such as
the Panametrics Epoch series used by a properly trained
operator. In general, any unexplained readings by a
corrosion gage merit further testing with a flaw detector.
g.
For further information on the use of dual element

transducers in corrosion gaging, or for information on any
aspect of ultrasonic testing, contact Panametrics.
Page 8-8
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
h.
910-192B
Often, performance on hot, corroded materials will be
considerably improved by the use of the Gain Adjust
procedure described in Section 4.11 or the Material
Sensitivity Optimization procedure described in Section
4.12. High temperature couplants are generally less
efficient than those used at lower temperatures, so the
Model 26XTDL will work better when sensitivity is
adjusted or optimized to accomodate high temperature
conditions.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 8-9
July 2001
9.1
910-192B
MAINTENANCE &
TROUBLESHOOTING
ROUTINE CARE AND
MAINTENANCE
The Model 26XTDL case is sealed to prevent intrusion of

environmental liquids and dust. However, it is not completely
waterproof. Therefore, the unit should never be immersed in any
fluid.
The case, keypad and display window may be cleaned with a damp
cloth and mild detergent if necessary. Do not use strong solvents or
abrasives.
9.2
TRANSDUCERS
The ultrasonic transducers or probes used with the Model 26XTDL

are rugged devices which need little care. They are not indestructible,
however, and a little attention to the following items will result in the
longest transducer life:
The cables can be damaged by cutting, pinching, or pulling. Care
must be taken to prevent mechanical abuse to the cables. Never leave
a transducer where a heavy object can be placed on the cable. Never
remove a transducer from the gage by pulling on the cable. Pull on
the molded connector housing only. Never tie a knot in a transducer
cable.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 9-1
910-192B
July 2001
Do not twist or pull the cable at the point where it connects to the
transducer. These precautions are particularly important for all
transducers other than the models which have field-replaceable
cables. 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 rough
surfaces. When a transducer tip becomes too rough, concave, or
otherwise 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 resurfacing
procedure can be performed to improve performance of worn
transducers. Contact Panametrics for details.
9.3
ERROR MESSAGES
During the normal operation of the gage, certain special error

messages may be displayed. Usually these indicate a problem with the
operating procedure but some may indicate a physical problem with
the gage itself. Consult Panametrics for further information.
9.4
TURN ON AND LOW BATTERY

PROBLEMS
The battery symbol will flash when there are only a few hours of
battery operating time remaining. If the gage turns off immediately
after turn-on, or if it does not turn on at all, then the battery is probably
completely discharged. The battery should be replaced. If, after
replacing the battery, the unit will still not turn on, there has probably
been a component failure within the gage and it should be serviced.
SETUP ( "do--") PROBLEMS
Page 9-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
If the message "do--" will not go away when the [ZERO] key is
pressed, make sure a Panametrics transducer is plugged in (see
Section 3.2). If so, the transducer may be defective -- try another one
if possible, or try a different cable if it is one of the types that uses
replaceable cables. If no transducers will permit the "do--" message to
be removed, there is probably a problem in the Pulser/Receiver
assembly of the gage.
9.5
MEASUREMENT PROBLEMS
If measurements cannot be made and the "MEAS" and "LOS" flags

are on, there is either a problem with the transducer, the pulser/
receiver assembly, or there is not a large enough echo being returned
from the far wall of the material. In order to further diagnose the
problem, 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 displayed
along with the "Zero" flag, both the transducer and pulser/
receiver assembly are working. Go to step 2. Otherwise go
to step 6.
Step 2:
Make sure you have sufficient couplant especially on rough

or curved surfaces. See Section 7.
Step 3:
Try the same transducer on a smooth, flat surfaced test

sample.
Step 4:
If test a, b, and c above all pass, but measurements still

cannot be made, try Gain Adjust, Section 4.12 or Material
Sensitivity Optimizations, Section 4.13. If measurements
still cannot be made, try a different type of transducer which
has greater sensitivity in the thickness range in which you
are working.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page 9-3
910-192B
July 2001
Step 5:
If another transducer of the same type is available, use it to

make measurements and to do step 1. If this works, then the
original transducer is defective. Otherwise the pulser/
receiver assembly is probably defective.
Step 6:
If the above tests indicate that there is a problem with the

gage or transducer, then the unit(s) may be returned to
Panametrics for repair or replacement. If the above tests
indicate that the gage and transducer are o.k., the test
material itself probably cannot be measured due to:
Extreme near side or far side surface roughness,
Extremely high sound attenuation or scattering due to
graininess, inclusions, voids or, other material
properties
Extreme non-parallelism
Excessively sharp curvature.
9.6
REPAIR SERVICE
Panametrics will repair any Model 26XTDL gage at its Waltham,

Massachusetts, USA factory. In addition, some local Panametrics
dealers will be able to do repairs at customer sites or at their own
facilities.
9.7
REPLACEMENT PARTS AND

OPTIONAL PARTS AND
EQUIPMENT.
Replacement parts for the Model 26XTDL as well as additional

related equipment is available from Panametrics.
Page 9-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
APPENDIX I
SOUND VELOCITIES
The following is a tabulation of the ultrasonic velocity in a variety of
common materials. It is provided only as a guide. The actual velocity
in 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 the
sound velocity in a given material by first testing a sample of the
material.
Table I - 1
Sound Velocities of Various Materials
(Longitudinal Wave Velocity)
MATERIAL
V(in./msec)
V(mm/msec)
REF
Alumina, Al203 99.5%
0.4013
10.19
Aluminum, rolled
0.253
6.420
Aluminum,6061T6
0.251
6.383
Beryllium
0.5073
12.89
Brass, yellow 70 Cu, 30 Zn
0.1850
4.700
Brass, yellow 70 Cu, 30 Zn
0.1726
4.385
Copper, rolled
0.1972
5.010
MODEL 26XTDL
Page I-1
910-192B
July 2001
Table I - 1 (cont.)
MATERIAL
V(in./msec)
V(mm/msec)
REF
Duraluminum, 17S
0.2487
6.320
Fused Silica
0.2349
5.968
Fused Silica
0.2335
5.932
Glass, crown
0.2008
5.100
Glass, flint
0.1567
3.980
Glass, pyrex
0.2220
5.640
Iron, Armco
0.2345
5.960
Lead, rolled
0.0771
1.960
Lucite
0.1055
2.680
Magnesium, drawn
annealed
0.2270
5.770
Molybdenum
0.247
6.25
Monel
0.2105
5.350
Nickel
0.2377
6.040
Nylon
0.1031
2.735
Polyethylene
0.0705
1.950
Polystyrene
0.0925
2.350
Page I-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
Table I - 1 (cont.)
MATERIAL
V(in./msec)
V(mm/msec)
REF
Silicone Rubber RTV
0.0373
0.948
Steel, low alloy
0.2259
5.734
Steel, mild
0.2346
5.960
Steel, 1% C
0.2339
5.940
Steel, 1% C hardened
0.2305
5.854
Stainless Steel #347
0.2278
5.790
Titanium
0.237
5.99
Tungsten, drawn
0.2129
5.410
Uranium
0.133
3.37
Water
0.0590
1.498
Zinc, rolled
0.1657
4.210
Zinc, extruded
0.1756
4.460
References
1. 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.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page I-3
910-192B
July 2001
4. D. L. Folds, "Experimental Determination of Ultrasonic Wave

Velocities in Plastics, Elastomers, and Syntactic Foam as a
Function of Temperature", Naval Research and Development
Laboratory, Panama City, Florida, 1971.
5. "Handbook of Chemistry of Physics", Chemical Rubber Co.,
Cleveland, Ohio, 1963.
Page I-4
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
APPENDIX II
SERIAL INTERFACE - DETAILED
DESCRIPTION
MECHANICAL DESCRIPTION
The Input-Output (I/O) connector is located on the left of the top of
the Model 26XTDL case. It is a four position circular LEMO style
receptacle. the mating connector should be inserted with the red dot
downward and pushed straight in until it snaps into place. It should be
withdrawn by pulling the collet to release the latch and pulling straight
out.
Panametrics provides complete cables to directly connect the
26XTDL to devices with the IBM PC-AT 9 male pin serial I/O
connector. The information in the following table will allow
verification of compatibility with particular equipment and will aid in
constructing a custom cable if necessary.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page II-1
910-192B
July 2001
Table II - 1
Model 26XTDL
Connector
(LEMO)
Wire
Name
Signal
Name
External Device
Connector
(9 Pin
Female "D")
White
Data to Gage
Black
Data from Gage
Red
DSR to Gage
Green
Ground
Custom Cables with a user specified terminal connector may be

ordered from Panametrics.
ELECTRICAL DEFINITION AND DATA

FORMAT
Data is transmitted on one line (Data Out of Gage). Transfer is
asynchronous serial. Baud rate is selectable from the keyboard. Data
consists of ASCII coded character strings, word length, stop bits, and
second 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.
Page II-2
MODEL 26XTDL
July 2001
910-192B
The following hardware handshake line is included:

DSR: A high (>>+2.5V) supplied by the external device (or by
being connected to the DTR line) will enable the gage to transmit
data. A low (<<-2.5V) supplied by the external device (or by
being connected to the RTS line) will prevent the gage from
transmitting data.
MODEL 26XTDL
Page II-3
July 2001
910-192B
APPENDIX III
DATA OUTPUT FORMAT
There are two data formats that the 26XTDL is capable of sending.
F-1: In this format, the complete information is transmitted to

the host. With File or Range send, this includes the 26XTDL
THICKNESS TABLE and the SETUP TABLE. A single line of
the thickness table, without an identifier field or a setup table, is
transmitted by single send.
FILE: 0005
ID # THICKNESS
UNITS
FLAGS
SU #
0001
0.476
IN
M--04
0002
0.476
IN
ML-05
0003
0.476
IN
M--G
06
0004
--.--IN
L-mG
06
0005
-0.015
IN
MDmG
07
0006
-0.37
MM
MD-G
08
0007
0.477
IN
M--09
0008
--.--IN
L--09
0009
0.476
IN
M--09
0010
--.--IN
L--01
OK
SU# VEL(/uS) DIFF LO-ALM HI-ALM UNITS TRANSDUCER GAIN
01 0.2322 0.000 0.000 19.999 IN
D798
1
04 0.2152 0.432 0.519
0.574 IN
D790/791 1
05 0.2152 0.432 0.480
0.574 IN
D790/791 1
06 0.2152 0.432 0.480
0.574 IN
D790/791 2
07 0.2152 0.490 0.480
0.574 IN
D790/791 2
08 5.466
12.45 12.19
14.58 MM
D790/791 0
09 0.2152 0.490 0.480
0.574 IN
D790/791 1
MODEL 26XTDL
Page III-1
910-192B
July 2001
F-2: In this format, only the ID# and the thickness value are
transmitted by Range or File send. A single line of thickness
data without the identifier is transmitted by single send.
FILE: 0005
ID # THICKNESS
0001
0.476
0002
0.476
0003
0.476
0004
--.--0005
-0.015
0006
-0.37
0007
0.477
0008
--.--0009
0.476
0010
--.--OK
Page III-2
UNITS
IN
IN
IN
IN
IN
MM
IN
IN
IN
IN
FLAGS
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MODEL 26XTDL

26XTDL Manual

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26XTDL Manual

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INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Panametrics, Inc., NDT Division

COPYRIGHT 2001 BY PANAMETRICS, INC.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any

This warranty does not include the transducer, transducer cable,

GENERAL INFORMATION.................................. 1-1

2 BASIC OPERATION ............................................. 2-1

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

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

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

5 DATA LOGGER & DATA COMMUNICATION

5.3.2 TO TRANSMIT A DISPLAYED THICKNESS

9 MAINTENANCE & TROUBLESHOOTING ........... 9-1

ROUTINE CARE AND MAINTENANCE ..............

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

Quick compensations for transducer temperature changes

The purpose of this section is to demonstrate how easily basic

0.001 in. or 0.01mm

0.2322 in/S or 5.898 mm/S.

Display will blank when not

A further explanation of these default conditions can be found in later

When unplugging a transducer, pull ONLY on

Press the [ON/OFF] key to turn the gage on. (The

Figure 2-1: Transducer Zero Compensation

Wipe all couplant from the tip of the transducer.

Press the [ZERO] key.

Figure 2-2: Zero Screen

You are now ready to make measurements. The current

Note: This is not a substitute for doing a proper calibration.

Apply couplant to the test block or material at the spot to be

Press the tip of the transducer to the surface of the material

Read the material thickness on the gage display.

Note: For highest accuracy both a velocity and zero

Calibration is the process of adjusting the gage so that it measures

Transducer Zero Compensationcalibrates for the sound

Material Velocity Calibration or CAL VEL is done using a

Zero Calibration or CAL ZERO is done using a thin test

VELOCITY AND ZERO

The Material Velocity and Zero Calibration procedures may be

First update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping

Couple the transducer to the thick calibration block.

Press the [CAL] key.

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

Uncouple the transducer from the block and use the [

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

Uncouple the transducer from the block and use the [

Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and go to

Note: Cal Velocity should always be performed on the thick

Carefully repeat the calibration, making sure that the thin

Do a Gage Reset. Press [2nd F], [SETUP] to enter into the

Couple to the thin calibration block. The UFLO message

The measured thickness value while coupled to the thin

3.4.1 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY IS

Update the Transducer Zero Compensation by wiping the

Couple the transducer to the block.

Press the [CAL] key.

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

Uncouple the transducer and use the [ ] or [

Press the [MEAS] key to complete the calibration and return

If the gage double beeps and displays OFLO or UFLO before

3.4.2 WHEN MATERIAL SOUND VELOCITY IS

This number may then be changed to the desired value using

Press the [MEAS] key to complete the entry and return to

To do the Zero Calibration, a calibration block of the material to be