WATERPROOF

THICKNESS GAUGE

MG- 411

USER’S MANUAL
 USER’S MANUAL

WATERPROOF
THICKNESS GAUGE

MG-411

Before use, please read the instruction carefully.

 CONTENTS

1. Characteristics of the meter 1

2. What is the meter designed for 1
3. The outside view 2
4. Switching the meter on and off 4
5. Preparation to work 4
5.1. Choosing the unit 5
5.2. Choosing the Auto-Hold 6
6. Calibration 7
6.1. Entering the standard foil thickness value 7
6.2. Calibration of the meter 8
6.3. Bringing back the factory characteristic 9
7. measurement 10
7.1. Automatic freezing the reading on the display 10
8. Readout of the software version number 11
9. Recording and viewing readings 12
9.1. Recording readings 12
9.2. Viewing readings 12
9.3. Deleting readings 13
10. Power source, replacing the battery 14
11. Technical data 15
12. Equipment 16
 -1-

1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE METER

MG-411 belongs to the newest generation of easy-in-use measuring devices

with high accuracy and repeatability of readings. Electronic elements with
non-volatile memory make the meter’s information storage independent from
power supply.
Two kinds of power source - battery and power adapter enable work in field
and long-lasting measurements in the laboratory. Elements of the newest
generation provide very low power consumption of the meter what greatly
prolongs the operation time on 1 battery.
The meter is equipped with large LCD display, enabling observation of the
readings. The meter is calibrated by the manufacturer in 16 points what
enables making measurements within full measuring range without necessity
of the user’s calibration.
Waterproof housing makes working in difficult conditions possible.
Minimised size and weight make working in the field much easier.

Main features of the MG-411 thickness gauge are:

- accuracy and stability of readings;

- possibility of user’s calibration in two points: in zero and on a freely chosen
standard value;
- Auto-Hold function – automatically freezes the reading on the display;
- memory for thickness measurement readings;
- automatic switch off function.

2. WHAT IS THE METER DESIGNED FOR

The meter is used for accurate thickness measurements of nonmagnetic

coating on ferromagnetic surface (e.g. steel plate). The result is displayed in
µm or miles. The meter may measure thickness of varnish layer or isolating
coating laid on steel plate.
MG-411 may be used in the field or during long-lasting laboratory work.
Waterproof housing enables work even in difficult atmospheric conditions. The
meter is mainly used in car and ship industries, in painting and varnishing
shops, in firms which make isolating materials, scientific institutes etc.
The meter may store up to 50 thickness measurement readings.
 -2-

3. THE OUTSIDE VIEW

On the front wall of the meter there is an LCD placed which shows the results
of the thickness measurements in µm or miles.
The unit symbol is displayed next to the readout. The level of the battery
charge is signalised by the symbol.

The keyboard (Pic. 1.) is equipped with the following keys:

- switching the meter on and off;

- pressing shortly enters the mode of choosing unit, activating

or deactivating the Auto-Hold function, entering the calibration
point value and viewing the stored readings; holding returns
the meter to the measuring mode;
- pressing shortly in the measuring mode records the current
measurement reading;
- holding this button erases the current characteristics and
enters the calibration mode;

, - buttons used for entering the calibration points values.

The probe is inseparably connected with the meter by a 60-meter long cable.

The upper wall of the meter contains:

F - the thickness probe cable;
P - the power adapter input.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 -3-

Pic. 1.
 -4-

4. SWITCHING THE METER ON AND OFF

After switching it on by pressing the button (Pic. 2), the meter tests the
memory and the display by displaying all symbols.

Pic. 2

If the test ends successfully, after about 1.5 s the meter switches
automatically to the temperature measuring mode. Displaying the (help)
symbol means that the meter has lost the factory settings and requires
sending to the manufactuter’s repair service.
The meter is switched off by pressing the button. In order to save the
battery, it switches automatically off after every 10 minutes of non-use. This
function is deactivated while working with power adapter and during
calibration.

5. PREPARATION TO WORK

Before starting work:

- connect the power adapter to the power adapter input (P) if work with the
power adapter is intended;
- turn the meter on by pressing the button.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 -5-

5.1. Choosing the unit

The meter enables measurement in micrometers (µm) or in 1/1000 of inch

(mils). To choose the unit:
- in the thickness measurement function mode press the button, the
symbol will appear in the lower row of the display, and in the upper
row – current unit (Pic. 3);
- choose with the button:
- measurement in micrometers,
mils – measurement in mils (1/1000 of inch).

Pic. 3

- press and hold the button until the meter returns to the
measurement mode.
 -6-
5.2. Choosing the Auto-Hold

When this function is activated, stabilisation of reading is signalised by a

sound and the reading is freezed on the display for 10 seconds from the
moment the probe is taken from the measured surface. In case of touching
the surface with the probe once again before the 10 seconds have passed,
the freezed reading is erased.

Turning the Auto-Hold on/off:

- in the thickness measurement function press and hold the button
until the symbol appears (Pic. 4);

Pic. 4

- with the or button choose:

- Auto-Hold function is on,
- Auto-Hold function is off
- return to the measurement mode by pressing the button.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 -7-

6. CALIBRATION

The meter is calibrated by the manufacturer in 16 points on the standard

basis. The factory calibration in most cases is sufficient for making accurate
measurements. However, in case of highly accurate measurements the
user’s calibration is advisable to prevent from affecting the measurement
accuracy by the kind and thickness of the measured surface as well as its
temperature. In a standard set the meter is equipped with testing foils and a
standard calibration plate. In case of significant differences, there is a
possibility to calibrate the meter before the measurement only on the
calibration plate (in the zero point) and on the standard foils of freely chosen
thickness in the range 5 ÷ 1999 µm. The values of foil thickness should be
close to the estimated measurement value.
In case of measurements on the bases 0.6 – 1.5 mm thick the measurement
is made with use of the manufacturer’s calibration. If the basis is thicker
(about 5mm) the zero calibration is recommended (on the plain surface),
otherwise the error may rise up to 5-15% for measurements of layer up to
200 µm thick and 3-8 % for measurements above 200 µm. The error is
usually negative – the meter displays the value lower than the actual one. In
order to decrease this error, calibration should be made on the same basis
on which the layer is put.

6.1. Entering the standard foil thickness value

The meter is able to store the standard thickness values in range 5 ÷ 1950
µm. In order to enter these values:
- switch the meter on pressing the button;
- in the measurement mode press the button until the symbol
appears in the lower row of the display and the upper row shows the
current standard foli thickness value;
- enter the new standard thickness value by the , buttons;
- back to the measuring mode pressing the button .

The entered value is stored in the meter‘s memory independently from the
power supply.
 -8-

6.2. Calibration of the meter

In order to calibrate the meter:
- switch it on by pressing the button;
- press and hold the button till the moment of appearing the CAL
symbol on the left. Parameters of the user‘s previous calibration are
now deleted;
- place the head with the probe perpendicularly to the ferromagnetic surface
without foil. Pressing the probe delicately will cause the measuring
element to move back into the housing. It is very important to make the
probe touch the measured surface with the whole circumference;
- press the button, the P1 symbol will appear and the adjusted value
flashes, what informs about memorising the point (Pic. 5);

Pic. 5

- calibration may be finishend at this moment by pressing the button

(the CAL symbol disappears and the meter returns to the measuring
mode automatically), or continued on the standard foil;
- place the standard foil on the ferromagnetic surface;
- place the probe perpendicularly to the surface. It is very important to make
the probe touch the standard foil with the whole circumference;
- press the button, the P2 symbol will appear and the adjusted value
flashes, what informs about memorising the point (Pic. 6);
- return to the measuring mode pressing the button.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 -9-

Pic. 6

After entering the calibration mode, it is possible to ommit the zero calibration
and to calibrate only on the standard foil (one-point calibration).

Caution: appearing of the symbol instead of flashing the result

indicates that the points have been entered in wrong order.

6.3. Bringing back the factory characteristic

In order to do so:
- switch the meter on pressing the button ;
- press and hold the button until the CAL symbol appears on the left,
next press the button again (do not calibrate at any point).
Instead of the user‘s calibration parameters, the manufacturer‘s calibration
characteristics are going to be provided and the meter returns to the
measuring mode .
 - 10 -

7. MEASUREMENT

When the meter is prepared to work (point 5), the measurement can be
started. The probe should be put and slightly pressed to the measured
surface with its whole circumference. After stabilisation read the result. In
case, when the Auto-Hold function is activated, stabilisation of reading is
signalised by the sound, the HOLD symbol appears and the reading is
freezed on the display for 10 seconds from the moment the probe is taken
from the measured surface. In case of touching the surface with the probe
once again before the 10 seconds have passed, the HOLD symbol and the
freezed reading are erased.

Caution: flashing 1999 symbol informs about exceeding the measuring

range. Flashing 0.0 symbol after the probe has been put on to the
clean surface informs that its thickness is different than 1.5mm or
the plate has a different chemical composition. In such case
calibration on this surface is necessary.

7.1. Automatic freezing the reading on the display

In case, when the Auto-Hold function is activated (point 5.2), stabilisation of

reading is signalised by a sound, the HOLD symbol appears and the reading
is freezed on the display for 10 seconds from the moment the probe is taken
from the measured surface. In case of touching the surface with the probe
once again before the 10 seconds have passed, the HOLD symbol and the
freezed reading is erased.

Note: the probe may be put to the surface once again at least 2 seconds
after it has been taken from it. If the break is shorter, the previously
freezed reading may be still displayed.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 - 11 -

8. READOUT OF THE SOFTWARE VERSION NUMBER

In order to check the software version number turn the meter off and next,
holding the button, turn the meter on by pressing the button.
Instead of the display test, the screen as in the picture below will appear
(Pic. 7). In the upper row the software version will appear and in the lower
row a type of internal power supply, to which the meter has been adjusted:
- internally powered by 6F22 rechargeable battery;
- internally powered by 6F22 standard battery.

Pic. 7

After about 1.5 s. the meter enters the measurement mode.

 - 12 -

9. RECORDING AND VIEWING READINGS

The meter enables storing of 50 pH readings with temperature. The readings

are stored in EEPROM memory, which is non-volatile, therefore the data is
not lost even after complete lack of power.

9.1. Recording readings

Every short press of the button in the measuring mode records a

reading under the first free number in the memory. If the user needs to record
readings starting with a chosen number, delete the readings according to the
section 9.3 and start collecting readings by pressing the button.
While recording a reading, its number will be displayed for a moment.
If after pressing the button instead of a number the symbol is
displayed, it informs that the maximal number of readings has been reached.

9.2. Viewing readings

To view stored readings, in the measuring mode press the button until
the number of the last recorded reading displays in turns with the
corresponding reading (Pic. 8).

Pic. 8

Each press of the or button results in displaying the previous or

the next reading number and the reading stored under this number. After
viewing the last stored number, pressing the button results in displaying
the symbol and if the number is 50, the symbol will appear.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 - 13 -

In the memory viewing mode the , buttons work with repetition.

Holding each of them results in changing the number with increasing rate
and stopping at the first reading number or after the highest one (on the
symbol or the symbol). Press and hold the button to quit the
memory viewing mode.

9.3. Deleting readings

To delete readings:
- in the measuring mode press the button until the last stored number
in turns with corresponding reading will be displayed (Pic. 8).

- with the , buttons choose the number, from which the storage is
to be deleted;
- press and hold the button until the symbol appears, what will
delete the stored readings starting with the chosen number to the last
recorded;
- press and hold the button to return to the measuring mode.

In case of filling up the memory capacity, further readings will not be stored.
To store new readings it is necessary to delete the previous ones acting as it
is described above. In case of necessity to empty the memory, it should be
started from the first number.
 - 14 -

10. POWER SOURCE, REPLACING THE BATTERY

The meter is powered by 9V battery or 12V stabilised power adapter. The

adapter should be connected to the P connector (Pic. 1.). Connecting the
power adapter disconnects the battery and is sygnalised by the symbol.
The symbol informs about the battery condition. Flashing of the
symbol informs that the battery should be changed. In order to do so, it is
necessary to undo two screws in the lower wall of the meter, pull out the
whole wall and replace the battery.
The next thing is to put the new battery into the meter and mount the wall.
The wall has a sealing ring on the edge. While closing the meter, it is very
important to pay attention if the ring is put inside the housing in the whole
circumference. Next, do the screws till the moment of resistance (not too
hard). Leaving the wall improperly screwed may cause the meter’s
inundation, which is not repaired under the warranty conditions.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 - 15 -

11. TECHNICAL DATA

THICKNESS MEASUREMENT:

accuracy
range resolution
(±1 digit)
±2 % ±2µm
0 ÷ 1999 µm 1 µm
0 ÷ 19.99 mils 0.01 mils ±2% ±0.08 mils
÷ 80.0 mils 0.1 mils ±2 %

Probe calibration: two-point

Calibration points:
the first: constant 0 µm / 0 mils
the second: freely chosen from 5 ÷ 1999 µm
0.20 ÷ 78.7 mils

EXTRA FEATURES:

• Freezing the result (Auto-Hold function),

• Information about discharging of the battery.

OTHER:

MEMORY CAPACITY: 50 readings

o
OPERATING TEMPERATURE: -5 do 45 C
POWER SUPPLY: 9V battery type 6F22
12V stabilised power adapter
POWER CONSUMPTION: 50 mW
DISPLAY: LCD 55 x 45 mm
DIMENSIONS: 149 x 82 x 22 mm
WEIGHT: 280 g
 - 16 -

12. EQUIPMENT

Standard set:
1. The meter with thickness sensor;
2. Calibration or controlling foils;
3. Standard plate for calibration;
4. Plastic container for the meter with sensor;
5. User’s manual with warranty.

12V/100mA stabilised power adapter may be ordered as the additional

equipment.

User‘s manual for MG-411 thickness gauge v6.0x

 WARRANTY

The “ELMETRON” company provides 24 months of warranty for

the MG-411 thickness gauge number

.........................................

In case of damage the producer will repair the meter within 14

days from the day of delivery.
The warranty does not cover the damage caused by usage not in
conformity with the users manual, using inappropriate power
adapter, mechanical damage and damage caused by repair
service provided by unauthorised individuals.

NOTICE: Before sending the meter to us please contact the firm

by phone or email.

We also provide after-warranty repair service.

Date of production...........................
Date of sale.....................................
Date of expiry..................................
Correct Disposal of This Product (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment)
(Applicable in countries with separate collection systems)

This marking on the product, accessories or literature indicates that the product and its electronic
accessories should not be disposed of with other household waste at the end of their working life. To
prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, please
separate these items from other types of waste and recycle them responsibly to promote the
sustainable reuse of material resources.

Household users should contact either the retailer where they purchased this product, or their local
government office, for details of where and how they can take these items for environmentally safe
recycling.
Business users should contact their supplier and check the terms and conditions of the purchase
contract. This product and its electronic accessories should not be mixed with other commercial wastes
for disposal.
 
Sp. j.
41-814 Zabrze - Grzybowice ul. Witosa 10
tel. (+48) 32 2738106 fax (+48) 32 2738114
www.elmetron.com.pl
e-mail: info@elmetron.com.pl