Answers to frequently asked questions
FAQ about our QNix® coating thickness gauges
General questions about QNix® coating thickness gauges
We generally recommend recalibration once a year – this is sufficient for many users. However, what users themselves define as their own quality features varies.
Yes, they can be repaired by our customer service team. We want to ensure that the measuring device can be used quickly and therefore rely on replaceable parts. Contact us and we will send you a replacement part. We set ourselves the target that a measuring device sent to us should leave our premises after two days.
QNix® 9500 FAQ's - Handheld device
The QNix® 9500 is available in Basic, Premium and Premium+ versions, each as an integrated and modular probe version.
In the integrated version, the probe is permanently installed in the hand-held device and cannot be removed. It is therefore not possible to change the probe or connect a probe adapter cable.
The modular version allows the probe to be removed from the hand-held device. This makes it possible to change the probe or connect the probe adapter cable. The probe program of the modular hand-held device is larger.
Tips: You can recognize the integrated version by the black probe housing and the modular version by the grey probe holder.
No, a measuring probe is an optional extra for the modular version. The modular QNix® 9500 is supplied without a measuring probe. However, a measuring probe is usually ordered at the same time. Tip: No measurement can be carried out without a measuring probe.
The QNix® 9500 Premium+ is characterized by its increased storage capacity and the ability to create up to 100 jobs with 100 areas each. The QNix® 9500 Premium only allows 1 job with up to 100 areas.
If you want to document extensive measurement tasks, the QNix® 9500 Premium+ offers a major advantage in that you can create up to 100 measurement tasks (jobs), each with 100 subcategories (areas). You can take up to 10,000 measurements in each subcategory (area). This opens up countless possibilities for documenting measurements in the hand-held device and evaluating them later on the PC.
The Premium+ also offers the following preconfigured adjustment and limit value settings:
The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not you want to document and analyze your measured values. If your answer to this question is yes, the QNix® 9500 Premium or Premium+ is the right choice.
If you want to save your measured values in different folders (jobs) on the device, we recommend the QNix® 9500 Premium+.
The scope of delivery of the QNix® 9500 differs for the integrated or modular version. The Basic, Premium and Premium+ versions have no influence on the scope of delivery.
The scope of delivery of the QNix® 9500 with integrated probe includes
– Hand-held device QNix® 9500
– PC software QN9
– Fe and NFe reference plate and two test foils
– Test certificate
– Operating instructions
– USB cable
– 2 AA batteries 1.5 V (AA) Alkaline
– Plastic case for transportation and storage
The scope of delivery of the QNix® 9500 with modular probe includes
– Hand-held device QNix® 9500
– PC software QN9
– Fe and NFe reference plate and two test foils
– Operating instructions
– USB cable
– Probe adapter cable for extending the probe
– Probe holder
– 2 AA batteries 1.5 V (AA) Alkaline
– Plastic case for transportation and storage
If you order a probe with the modular version, the scope of delivery is extended by the following components:
– Measuring probe
– Test certificate for measuring probe
QNix® 9500 FAQ's - Measuring probe
The standard probes available for the QNix® 9500 differ in terms of the measuring range and the substrate to be measured. Fe probes are suitable for measuring on steel and iron, NFe probes for measuring on non-ferrous metals and dual probes can do both.
The following Fe and dual standard probes are available for the integrated QNix® 9500:
Fe measuring ranges: 1.25 mm and 3 mm
Dual Fe/NFe measuring ranges:
Quick and easy: Turn the probe lock to the left to open it and pull the probe with the probe holder out of the hand-held device.
Insert the new probe with the probe holder or the probe adapter cable into the hand-held device. Close the probe cap again by turning it to the right.
Tip: All standard probes of the QNix® 9500 can also be used in the modular QNix® 5500.
The digital copy of the current test certificate, which is located on each probe, allows you to integrate it into a report via the QN9 software.
QNix® 9500 FAQ's - Operation
The focus frame enables quick navigation through the most important information in the measurement process.
In the lower position, you can switch between the graphical and the number-based display of statistical data.
In the middle position (measured value area), you can scroll through each measured value of the temporarily saved current measurement series or the activated area. Individual, e.g. incorrect measured values can be deleted directly.
In the upper position, you can change the individual areas of a job, depending on the device version. The respective statistical data is displayed in the lower area and the respective measured values in the middle area to match the corresponding area.
You navigate intuitively through the handset. The menu shows 4 tabs with submenu items. The video shows how easy it is to navigate the menu.
Tip: The handset remembers your position in the submenu of the respective tab when you switch between several tabs. These shortcuts allow settings to be made more quickly.
- Open the menu on the handset
- Switch to the red tab for limit values and averaging
- Select the type of limit value:
- “No limits” (limit values and averaging are deactivated)
- “Simple limit values” (maximum, minimum, averaging, automatic range)
- “Individual” (Like simple limit value + maximum and minimum per spot)
- Limit values according to standard ISO 19840, IMO PSPC or SSPC PA2 Level 1-5 (Premium+)
- Activate Minimum, for example, and set the value for the minimum permissible layer thickness
1. open the menu on the handset
2. select “New job
3. select “New empty job” to create a new job
Tip: You can use the QN9 software to create job templates and save them on the device. With job templates, you can predefine and freely name areas and define limit values for the job or each individual area within a job.
- Open the menu on the handset
- Switch to the blue tab for jobs
- Select a job
- Select “New area”
- The area is created immediately
- Select “Activate area” to save measured values in the area or go back one level to create additional areas.
- Open the menu on the handset
- Switch to the blue tab for jobs
- Select a job
- Select “New area”
- The area is created immediately
- Select “Activate area” to save measured values in the area or go back one level to create additional areas.
Areas are files in which your measured values and limit value settings are saved on the device.
Jobs correspond to folders on the device in which areas are saved
You can use jobs to organize your measuring tasks, e.g:
- Series testing in production
- One area in this job per tested component
- One job per batch
- Shipbuilding
- One job per order
- One area in this job per test area
- Multilayer systems
- One job per object
- One area per shift
- Open the menu on the handset
- Switch to the green tab for settings
- Select system
- Select “Set softkey”
- Select your preferred assignment of the Q button there
QNix® 9500 FAQ's - Functions
If you have set limit values, the integrated LED limit value display immediately shows any deviation: red LEDs light up on the probe. Green illuminated LEDs indicate a measurement within the limit values.
You therefore have full control over whether a measurement is within your limit values without having to look at the device.
It is best to clean the probe and device with a damp cloth. The QNix® 9500 and the standard probes are chemically resistant to acetone (except for soft rubber parts such as the keypad and surrounding bumper), nitro thinner and ethanol.
The measurement technology is built into the fully digital probe. The accuracy of a measurement result is therefore independent of the respective hand-held device. QNix® has been using fully digital probes for 3 generations of probes. With the QNix® 9500, we have also succeeded in developing a particularly small digital probe.
Tip: All standard probes of the modular version can also be used in the QNix® 5500 hand-held device.
QNix® 9500 FAQ's - Software
Connect the QNix® 9500 to your PC using the USB cable supplied. The device is recognized as a mass storage device like a USB stick. An additional drive with the name “QNix® 9500” is added in the file manager (file explorer). Open the drive and copy the file “QN9500_Software” to your PC. Execute the file. There is no installation, the file is simply unpacked. Execute the file “setFirewallRole4QN9” to register the software with your virus scanner. Press “Start_QNix9500” to start the application.
First you need to start the QN9 software on your PC, connect your handset and synchronize it with the software using the “File Sync” button. Then click on the “Creation” tab in the quick menu and the following screen will open:
- Select the appropriate job
- Select a report template
- Click on create & save
The creation of a report template works via drag-and-drop and is therefore almost self-explanatory
QNix® 4600 FAQ's - Handheld device
The scope of delivery of the QNix® 4600 includes
- Coating thickness gauge QNix® 4600
- Fe and NFe reference plate
- Calibration certificate
- Operating instructions
- 2 AA batteries 1.5 V (AA) Alkaline
- Plastic case for transportation and storage
The available variants of the QNix® 4600 differ in terms of the measuring range and the substrate on which measurements are taken. The Fe model variant is suitable for measuring on ferromagnetic metals (e.g. steel or iron), the dual variants can also measure on electrically conductive, non-ferrous metals (e.g. aluminum or zinc).
Fe/dual measuring ranges:
QNix® 4600 FAQ's - Operation
To carry out a zero point adjustment with the QNix® 4600, simply press the Q button briefly and, when prompted, place the device on the corresponding uncoated substrate.
QNix® 4600 FAQ's - Functions
The device must be switched off before cleaning. Always use a damp, soft and lint-free cloth. For heavier soiling, if cleaning with water is not sufficient, please use mild cleaning agents.
