Cygnus Ultrasonic Tool – How to use and useful tips

Fitting the batteries

The gauge requires 3 x AA/LR6/UM3 Batteries
You can locate the batteries behind a cover on the rear of the gauge.
The battery cover is removed by pressing in with your thumb at the base to release the clip.

Note: The gauge can be fitted with NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries but this may alter the specified operating time.

Measurement Modes

Although either of the 2 modes outlined below can be used, we have found that Single echo tends to perform better in the environment of Undercarriage measurement.

Multiple Echo

Multiple Echo measurement mode is by far the most reliable and quickest method for thickness measurements.
It works by looking for three matched echoes it can verify the thickness measurement is valid.
Multiple echo mode will ignore surface coatings.
However because it requires three echoes to take a measurement in heavily corroded steels there is often an insufficient number of echoes to take a measurement.
Not normally used during inspections.

Single Echo

Single Echo measurement mode is most useful on heavily corroded metals where Multiple Echo fails. Because it only needs the first return echo to take a measurement it performs well on virtually all steel conditions.
Single echo mode will not ignore surface coatings.
Single echo measurements use a twin element (twin crystal) probe, which require ‘zeroing’ at regular intervals especially if the ambient temperature is changing.

Because components on the undercarriage do not have surface coatings and are made of steel, this is the measurement mode that is used during inspections.

Gauge Controls

Measurement Screen Views

Basic Screen

Displays a large thickness measurement value.

A-Scan Screen

Displays the thickness measurement and a live A-Scan display of the ultrasound signals received.

Status Bar Summary

At the top of the display is an area that shows information about the gauge’s status;

Battery
Measurement Mode – ME (Multiple Echo), SE (Single Echo), EE (Echo-Echo)
Deep Coat Function
Velocity of Sound Value/Calibration Status
Probe Type (Background is green when connected and grey when disconnected)

Zero the Probe

Before you begin taking measurements you must first zero the probe.

Taking thickness measurements

Taking ultrasonic thickness measurements is a straight forward process that involves first making sure the surface is clean and prepared, applying an ultrasonic couplant gel then placing the probe on the surface and observing the display for the measurement.

Measurement stability Indication

To help indicate when a Single Echo or Echo-Echo measurement is stable – and thus probably reliable – the gauge changes the thickness measurement number colour from Red to Green when the measurement has been stable for 2 consecutive seconds.

Battery level

A battery level graphic is displayed at the top left position of the display

The gauge will periodically flash a red Low Battery warning sign when the batteries have approximately 1 hour of use remaining.

Switching Bluetooth On to communicate with TrackTreads Mobile App.

Press the menu button and

Select Setup

Navigate with Arrows to the right screen and select Bluetooth

Select the BLE (Blue Tooth Low Energy Mode which is the method of communicating with the Mobile App.

Turn on Vibrate Mode

Having the device vibrate when the ultrasonic signal is useful especially when the inspector is contorted under a machine trying to capture readings for Track Rollers. The vibration is quite audible, and the vibration can be felt easily. To switch on or off, select Setup from the Main Menu, then select Vibrate in the right hand menu

Troubleshooting

The Gauge will not switch on

Are the batteries exhausted?
Check the batteries are inserted correctly.

Difficulty obtaining a Reading

• Check that the Probe lead is properly connected to both Probe and Gauge.

• Check the gauge is set for the probe connected.

• Check the condition of the lead, replace if necessary.

• Check the Probe and its membrane are properly assembled (if a single element probe).

• On heavily corroded areas this is often a problem, try and take measurements in adjacent areas of the same material.

• Check the Gauge and Probe together on a test block, if there is still no reading the Gauge may require servicing.

If Readings are Erratic or Unstable

• Check that the Probe-lead is properly connected to both Probe and Gauge.

• Check that the Probe and its membrane are correctly assembled with sufficient couplant between the probe face and membrane (if a single element probe).

• Check the Probe Type is suitable for the probable minimum thickness of the material being measured. Probe frequencies too low cause doubling and tripling of the actual thickness.

Tips for Optimising Battery Life

• Couplant left on the probe face will stop the gauge entering low power saving mode – so wipe couplant off the probe face between measurement sessions.

• Turning down the backlight brightness will extend battery life.

• Turn Bluetooth off if you are not using it.

Connecting with the Tracktreads Mobile Application

First time connection

After installing the mobile application for the first time and accessing a screen that allows you to connect to the UT Tool the following prompt will appear. Please select “ALLOW” to permit connection to the Cygnus UT Tool.