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Curlin AIR, particular attention has been paid to minimizing the number of menus and simplifying
the process of locating desired functions. To some extent, once the operator is familiar with the
operation, digitally controlled instruments are easier, more intuitive to operate than analog types.
6.7 Curlin AIR Display Characteristics
A difference noticed by experienced operators of analog-type instruments is in the "stair-step"
appearance of the display on instruments having digitally derived pixel-type displays, especially
at relatively short ranges of the time base. There are two aspects of this type of display that
should be considered:
1.
The effect on determining vertical linearity, and
2.
The effect on the appearance of horizontal linearity.
Horizontally, the Curlin AIR A-Trace area, exclusive of the menu area is 170 pixels wide.
However, because of the way a smoothly curved analog waveform is sampled by analog-to-
digital circuitry, "stair-stepping" can produce the appearance of being less smoothly shaped.
This effect is visual only, being more pronounced when the time-base is at short range.
However, the determining factor regarding horizontal linearity is in the digital sampling rate, not in
the actual visible appearance. Because distance/thickness readouts in Curlin AIR are
determined from a Hi-Speed sampling or “digitizing” rate, the digital readout has inherent
accuracy and resolution far superior to that which can be measured visually from a conventional
CRT. Even at modestly short ranges, measurements made visually from Curlin AIR’s display are
essentially equivalent to those made from CRTs. Curlin AIR’s thickness readouts are precise,
regardless of the range or stair-stepped appearance of the A-trace display.
Within a short time of familiarization with Curlin AIR’s display and alarm systems, the operator
will adapt to the display and will especially appreciate the large area and visibility of the A-trace.
Most experienced operators of analog-type instruments can effectively operate the Curlin AIR
without reference to the Operator's Manual. However, some of the procedures outlined below
will guide the operator in quickly setting up and using the many features incorporated in Curlin
AIR that are not found in many "standard" ultrasonic instruments. The versatility of Curlin AIR
will be readily evident by following the procedures described below.
6.8 Factory Setup Variables
When the Curlin AIR is turned on by pressing the ON/OFF control, the LOGO screen is
displayed automatically. When the gage is operated for the first time, or if FACTORY DEFAULT
is selected from memory, all the control variables "default" to specific values (After that they will
display the last previous setup parameters). For many common thickness gaging applications, it
is only necessary to "fine tune" a few variables. Some applications can be started without any
adjustments. The FACTORY setup variables have values that match or nearly match a variety of
the most commonly used transducers for thickness gaging. By pressing any key to continue, then
by depressing and holding the MENU key the FACTORY setup default variables are displayed.
