4.1  Measurement method
The instrument uses a probe which is excited by an 
AC signal (60 kHz “L” or 500 kHz “H”) from the main 
unit. This AC signal uses the material to be measured 
as a coupling medium to a detector coil also in the 
probe. From the phase and amplitude of the detected 
signal the instrument calculates the conductivity of the 
coupling medium.
Only conductivity of non-magnetic metallic materi-
als can be measured using this system. Conductivity 
changes considerably with  temperature so the probe is 
fi tted with a thermistor. It’s temperature is monitored in 
order to display a mathematically adjusted conductivity 
reading relative to 20 °C. The instrument will indicate 
the necessity for a  Probe Reset after a temperature 
change of +/–3 °C. The set routine should be carried 
out just before a measurement if absolute accuracy is 
required.
A certain amount of surface unevenness and nonmetallic 
coatings up to 0.020" (0.5 mm) are allowed for in the 
measurement system (0.010" (0.25 mm) only with the 
8 mm probe). When the probe has exceeded this “lift-
off” distance, PROBE OFF METAL will be displayed.
4.2  Display
The  display is a back lit LCD, the back light can be set 
ON or OFF. When in Measurement Mode the display 
will indicate the numerical value of the material being 
measured in %  IACS (I) or MegaSiemens/meter (S) 
depending on the units selected. PROBE OFF METAL 
is displayed if the probe is in air and not in close prox-
imity to a measurable material.
Other display modes can be selected which are used 
for setting up operational parameters, or logging fi les 
(see chapter 5). In these Modes the display will high-
light the parameter being set and its current status. In 
the measurement mode  Alarm States are indicated 
by icons at the bottom of the display. The frequency, 
probe code selected, measurement units and state of 
charge of the  battery are also shown at the bottom of 
the display.
Measurement method
Basic functions
4 - 2
  Issue 04, 06/2007  AutoSigma 3000