Extech Instruments CG304 User manual

USER MANUAL

Coating Thickness Tester

With Bluetooth®

Model CG304

Additional User Manual Translations available at www.extech.com

CG304-en-GB_v2.3 5/17

Introduction

Thank you for selecting the Extech CG304 Coating Thickness Tester. The CG304 is a portable

meter designed for non-invasive coating thickness measurements with automatic recognition of

the material under test.

The meter uses two measurement methods: magnetic induction (for ferrous metal substrates)

and eddy current (for non-ferrous metal substrates).

The Bluetooth®feature wirelessly transmits measurement data to a Bluetooth receiving device

for further analysis and for generating report documentation.

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

Features

•Measured Coatings: Non-magnetic coatings (e.g. paint, zinc) on steel; Insulated Coatings (e.g.

paint, anodized coatings) on non-ferrous metals

•Intuitive menu-based programming

•Memory storage of up to 2500 readings in 50 groups (50 readings per group)

•Delete single readings or reading groups easily

•Bluetooth®data transfer to PC, phone, tablet or other device

•Auto Power OFF with disable feature

•User Zero Calibration ability

Applications

•Corrosion protection

•Paint Shops and Electroplaters

•Chemical, Automobile, Shipbuilding, and Aircraft industries

•Laboratory, Workshop, and Field use

Probe Description

The CG304 probe is spring mounted in the sensor sleeve. This ensures safe and stable positioning

of the probe and ensures constant contact pressure. A V-groove in the sleeve of the probe

facilitates reliable readings on small cylindrical parts. The hemispherical tip of the probe is made

of hard and durable material. Hold the probe by the spring mounted sleeve when applying

pressure on the measured object.

Measuring metallic coatings

This meter can measure non-magnetic metal coatings (Zinc) on a magnetic (ferrous) substance

base, and non-metal coatings on a metal base (ferrous or non-ferrous).

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Description

Meter Description

1. LCD display

2. Power button

3. Sensing Probe

4. Navigation buttons

Note: Battery compartment on rear of meter

Display Description

1. Data record memory group number

2. Record Number in current memory group

3. Bluetooth icon

4. Automatic (Auto) metal detect mode

5. Battery status icon

6. Measurement units: µm = Micrometers;

mils = millimeters * 2.54/100

7. Metal type (FE=ferrous, NFE=non-ferrous)

8. Measurement reading

9. DEL (Delete): Press the RIGHT arrow button to delete the displayed reading

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Operation

Meter Power

Install two ‘AAA’ 1.5 V batteries into the rear battery compartment. Press the power button

to switch the meter ON. The display will switch ON. If the display does not switch ON, install or

replace the batteries. When powering up, please keep the meter at least 10cm (4”) from metal

objects. Replace the batteries when the battery status icon appears low, the meter will give

inaccurate readings if the battery voltage falls very low.

Measurements

Before each measurement session please perform a Zero Calibration as described later in this

User Guide. Practice with the film and zero (round) reference metal substrates to learn how the

meter operates before moving to a professional application. The heavier metal substrate is the

ferrous (magnetic) zero substrate and the lighter metal substrate is the non-ferrous (non-

magnetic) zero substrate. The meter automatically senses ferrous and non-ferrous substrates.

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

2. Power the meter by pressing the power button if necessary.

3. Place the spring-loaded meter sensor against the reference film.

4. The meter will emit an audible tone indicating that the measurement has been taken.

5. The LCD will show the reading (250µm) at the center of the display area.

6. A typical display will also show the following:

•Group(x): Upper left; Reading Memory Group

number (0~50). Use the up/down arrow buttons to

scroll groups

•(x): Upper right; Number of readings (0~50) stored in

current group

•Battery status icon at upper right

•DEL: Press the RIGHT arrow button to delete the displayed reading

•Fe or NFE: Ferrous or Non Ferrous substrate on the lower left of the LCD

•Bluetooth icon: When Bluetooth operation is active

•Automatic Metal detect mode (dual arrows)

Experiment with the remaining reference films and the substrates before using the meter

professionally.

Automatic Power OFF

In order to conserve battery life, the meter will automatically turn off after approximately 3

minutes. To defeat this feature use the programming menu detailed in the next section (menu

parameter AUTO POWER OFF under SET).

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Programming Menu

The meter can be configured and calibrated through simple button presses in the programming

menu.

•Press the LEFT button to access the menu; refer to the menu ‘tree’ below.

•Use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll the menu

•Use the LEFT button to select the highlighted mode

•Use the RIGHT button to back out of a mode

•Other button presses are mode specific, follow on-screen prompts explained below.

In the table below the factory default settings are in bold with an asterisk. Each parameter is

explained in detail in the subsequent sections.

Top level

Sub level 1

Sub level 2

Description

WORKING MODE

Group 1…50 Shows Memory Groups and the number

of readings in each group

MEASURE MODE

NFE, FE, Auto*Non-Ferrous, Ferrous, or Auto

(Automatic) Metal selection

SET

Unit settings µm* Micrometers

Mil Mils = mm * 2.54 / 100

Backlight

Increase/decrease backlight using a up/down arrows

Auto Power

OFF

Enable* Allows Auto Power OFF

Disable Defeats Auto Power OFF feature

Bluetooth Enable Bluetooth communication enabled

Disable*

Bluetooth communication disabled

Contrast Increase/decrease contrast using up/down arrows

Info Shows firmware version number and meter Serial Number

MEASURE VIEW

View or delete stored data in all groups or selected groups

CALIBRATION

CAL Zero of FE

Perform Fe Zero Calibration (refer to Calibration section)

CAL Zero of NFE Perform nFe Zero Calibration (refer to Calibration section)

Delete Zero Delete Fe Zero Calibration data

Delete Zero Delete nFe Zero Calibration data

NOTE: Disable the Auto Power OFF feature before lengthy programming to avoid inconvenient automatic

power down while programming.

WORKING MODE MENU

1. Press the LEFT button to access the menu.

2. Scroll to WORKING MODE (if necessary) using up/down buttons.

3. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to open WORKING MODE.

4. Use the UP and DOWN buttons to scroll through the groups and to see the number of saved

readings in each group.

5. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to return to the main menu or press the RIGHT button

(BACK) twice to return to the normal operating mode.

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MEASURE MODE MENU

1. Press the LEFT button to access the programming menu

2. Use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll to the Measure Mode

3. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to select the Measure Mode

4. Use the UP/DOWN buttons to scroll to Auto, FE, or NFE. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to

make a selection.

In the AUTO mode, the meter automatically recognizes the metal that is being measured.

In the Ferrous (FE) Mode the Magnetic induction measurement mode is used.

In the Non-Ferrous (NFE) Mode the eddy current measurement mode is used.

5. Press the RIGHT button (BACK) to return to the normal operating mode.

SET MENU

1. Press the LEFT arrow to enter the menu.

2. Use the UP/DOWN arrows to scroll to SET.

3. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to open the SET menu.

a. Units of measure selections

From the SET menu, scroll to the UNITS selection if necessary. Press the LEFT button

(SELECT) to open UNITS. Select µm or mil using the arrow buttons (µm = micrometers;

mils = mm*2.54/100). Press the LEFT button (SELECT) button to confirm and to return to

the SET menu (otherwise press the right button [BACK] to abort the edit and return to

the SET menu).

b. Backlight

From the SET menu, scroll to the BACKLIGHT selection. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to

open BACKLIGHT. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to adjust the brightness of the backlight.

Press the RIGHT button (Back) to confirm and return to the SET menu.

c. Auto Power OFF

From the SET menu, scroll to the Auto Power OFF selection. Press the LEFT button

(SELECT) to open Auto Power OFF. Select ENABLE or DISABLE using the arrow buttons.

When enabled, the meter automatically switches OFF after 3 minutes of inactivity. When

disabled, the meter will only switch OFF with a power button press or when the battery

power is weak. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) button to confirm and to return to the SET

menu (otherwise press the right button [BACK] to abort the edit and return to the SET

menu).

d. Bluetooth

From the SET menu, scroll to the BLUETOOTH selection. Press the LEFT button (SELECT)

to open BLUETOOTH. Select DISABLE or ENABLE using the arrow buttons. If Disable is

selected the Bluetooth will be switched OFF. When Bluetooth is enabled, data will be

automatically sent to PC, phone, or other Bluetooth receiving device.

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

case enter code 0000.

CG304-en-GB_v2.3 5/17

Note: Turn on Bluetooth only when necessary as the battery will drain more quickly with

Bluetooth powered ON.

Press the LEFT button (SELECT) button to confirm and to return to the SET menu

(otherwise press the right button [BACK] to abort the edit and return to the SET menu).

e. Contrast

From the SET menu, scroll to the CONTRAST selection. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to

open CONTRAST. Use the UP and DOWN arrow buttons to adjust the contrast. Press OK

to return to the main menu or select BACK to return to the SET menu.

f. Info

From the SET menu, scroll to the INFO selection. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) to open

INFO. View the firmware version and serial number of the meter.

Use the RIGHT button (BACK) to move back through the menu items all the way to the

normal measurement mode if desired.

MEASURE VIEW MENU

The Measure View menu allows for scrolling through the readings in all of the groups. Readings

can be viewed or deleted in this mode.

1. Press the LEFT button to access the main menu.

2. Use the DOWN ARROW button to scroll down to MEASURE VIEW.

3. Press LEFT (SELECT) to open the MEASURE VIEW parameter.

4. Use the UP/DOWN ARROW buttons to scroll through the groups of stored readings.

5. When a group is highlighted that contains stored readings, use the LEFT arrow button to

open the readings list. Now use the UP/DOWN arrows to view the readings. Press the LEFT

button (Delete Group) to delete all readings in this Group or press the RIGHT button (BACK)

to return to the main Group list.

6. Highlight ‘Delete All’ and press the LEFT button (SELECT) to delete all of the readings in all

groups. Otherwise press the RIGHT button (BACK) to return to the previous menu.

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CALIBRATION MENU

The Calibration menu allows the user to perform a ferrous (Zero F) or non-ferrous (Zero N)

ZERO Calibration. The Calibration menu also allows the user to delete ZERO calibration data for

both ferrous (Zero F) and non-ferrous (Zero N) modes.

1. Press the LEFT button to access the main menu.

2. Use the DOWN button to scroll to CALIBRATION.

3. Press LEFT (SELECT) to open the CALIBRATION parameter.

4. To perform a ZERO Calibration, refer to Zero Calibration in the next section.

5. To delete ZERO Calibration data, scroll to DEL Zero of FE or DEL Zero of NFE and then press

the LEFT button (SELECT). This executes the Zero delete function and returns the meter to

the SET menu.

6. Press the RIGHT button (BACK) to return to the normal operating mode.

7. Note that the user can access the ZERO Calibration modes from the normal measurement

mode by pressing and holding the DOWN arrow button (for Ferrous) or the UP arrow

button (for Non-Ferrous).

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ZERO Calibration

Calibration Introduction

The meter is factory calibrated before shipment to the customer; however the customer should

perform a Zero Calibration before any critical measurements are taken.

Preparing for ZERO Calibration

1. Clean the probe tip (grease, oil, metal scrap, and the slightest impurity will affect

measurement and will distort readings).

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

3. Ready the supplied metal substrate.

4. The meter is now ready for calibration.

Zero Calibration

The user can access the ZERO Calibration utility from the normal measurement mode or from

the Programming Menu.

ZERO Calibration from the normal measurement mode

1. Press and hold the UP arrow button to access the NFE (non-ferrous) Zero Calibration

screen

2. Press and hold the DOWN arrow button to access the FE (ferrous) Calibration screen.

3. At the desired calibration screen press the sensor against the FE or NFE zero reference

substrate.

4. Press the LEFT button (OK) to accept the calibration value or press the RIGHT button

(CANCEL) to abort the calibration.

ZERO Calibration screens from the Programming Mode

1. From the normal measurement mode, press the LEFT button to access the menu.

2. Use the DOWN button to scroll to the CALIBRATION mode.

3. Press LEFT (SELECT) to open the CALIBRATION parameter.

4. Scroll to ‘CAL ZERO OF FE’ or ‘CAL ZERO OF NFE’

5. Press the LEFT button (SELECT) and ‘CAL FE’ or ‘CAL NFE’ should be displayed on the

LCD’s lower right.

6. Press the sensor against the FE or NFE zero reference substrate.

7. Press the LEFT button (OK) to accept the calibration value or press the RIGHT button

(CANCEL) to abort the calibration.

8. Note that the user can delete ZERO Calibration data by selecting ‘Del ZERO of FE’ or ‘Del

ZERO of NFE’ from the CALIBRATION mode in the Programming menu.

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Record Readings in Memory Groups

The CG304 offers 50 memory storage groups, Group ‘0’ through ‘50’.

Group ‘0’ does not allow data to be stored; it is simply a group that can be selected if readings are

to be taken without being stored.

Use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to scroll to a particular group. When a reading is taken it is

automatically stored in the selected group (except if Group ‘0’ is selected). Each Group can store

up to 50 readings (for a total of 2500 for the 50 groups).

To delete all groups, or an individual group, use the MEASURE VIEW mode as explained in the

programming menu section of this User Guide.

In GROUP mode, if the storage capacity is exceeded. The meter’s display will show ‘Data Full’.

Bluetooth®

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

data, enter the SET Menu and switch on Bluetooth as explained below and the Programming

Menu section earlier in this guide. Measurement data will be sent automatically by way of the

Bluetooth utility.

Select ENABLE or DISABLE under Bluetooth in the SET Menu using the arrow buttons. If disable is

selected the Bluetooth will be completely disabled. When Bluetooth is enabled data will be

automatically sent to PC, phone, or other Bluetooth receiving device.

When the first connection is made the device may prompt for a PIN number. In this case enter

code 0000.

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

powered ON.

Check the software download page of the website www.extech.com for the latest version of the

PC software and its operating system compatibility.

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