DC/AC Gaussmeter Model GM2

Manufactured in the USA by AlphaLab, Inc.

One-axis laboratory gaussmeter reads up to 29,999 gauss; with alarm, peak hold and AC functions.

Model GM2 is designed to measure strong and moderate magnetic fields, such as from magnets and solenoids. It is fast and intuitive to use, with an extremely high dynamic range, measuring from 0.0 to 19,999.9 gauss in 0.1 gauss steps. Above 20000 gauss the range automatically changes, reading 20.000 to 29.999 kilogauss (20000 to 29999 gauss) in 1 gauss steps. Therefore a change as small as 0.1 gauss could be measured, for example, in a 14,000 gauss field (typical of the strongest possible field from a permanent magnet). With an optional high-stability probe, it has 0.01 gauss resolution. (High-stability probe range is +/- 799.99 gauss). The GM2 also measures AC field up to 10,000 gauss. A fast peak hold function (2 millisecond window) captures and displays any transients, whether positive or negative. In addition, either of two fast (2 millisecond) alarm functions can be selected when required. The alarm can sound either when the field exceeds a value that you set, or if the field is ever between two values you set. GM2 instructions.

The meter is shipped ready-to-use and includes a 9-volt battery, AC adapter, analog output jack and calibration certificate. Price is $490 (USD). (Click here for a simpler meter, that only measures DC field, for $295.) Manufactured and calibrated in USA by AlphaLab, Inc., the model GM2 is usually shipped the same day ordered.

Features

• Immediately displays the DC or AC magnetic field.
  Warm-up time is only 1/2 second, and there are no initial calibrations or adjustments required. Operates on a 9V battery or AC adapter (110-240 VAC), so the meter can be left permanently on if required.
• Can be rapidly scanned across a part to check magnetization.
  An alarm sounds only where the field magnitude exceeds the level that you set or where the field is between two levels you set. The alarm response time is 2 milliseconds, so it can be scanned quickly. The alarm can be used either to check for any residual magnetism or to sound if a magnet is out-of-spec (by setting the upper level just below the minimum acceptable field).
• When set to the Peak/Hold mode, it displays the maximum field encountered since the last time "Reset" was pressed.
  The Peak/Hold response time is also 2 milliseconds, so after scanning a surface, the meter can detect and display any very brief peak (spike) that was encountered as well as a slow one. The peak displayed includes the polarity sign, and the value will be held in memory until you reset it or turn off the meter.
• Offset, if required, is manually adjustable.
  There is also a "Relative Zero" function. Several interchangeable probe types are available, and the meter automatically detects the probe type.

There are two series of probes: ST (standard; 0.1 gauss resolution below 20 kilogauss, but with 30 kilogauss maximum range), and HS (high-stability; 0.01 gauss resolution with 799.99 gauss range). Each series is available in three shapes: universal, axial, and transverse. The universal can be bent (thousands of times if needed) between an axial shape (which measures the field component parallel to the cable direction) and a transverse shape (which measures the component parallel to the thin dimension of the probe). The standard universal probe (whose tip is shown in the illustration) is included with the meter, but another series/shape can be substituted at no extra cost. Each probe is at the end of a 100cm flexible cable. Other shapes and cable lengths can be easily made.

Specifications: DC, in the 0.0 to +/- 19,999.9 gauss range; accuracy is +/- 1% of the reading at room temperature (16C to 29C or 61F to 84F), and +/-2% of reading in the full temperature range of -4C to 65C (25F to 149F). Add +/- 1% to the error above 20.00 kilogauss. Offset drift is less than 0.1 gauss/deg C at room temperature with the standard probe series. Offset can be adjusted by the user at any time. AC; maximum 10 kilogauss (pseudo-RMS), +/-3% of reading +/-10 counts, from 45 to 800 Hz; 3 dB corners are at 11 to 1500 Hz. Peak Hold; 2 millisec to 90%, 4 millisec to 99%. The probes are interchangeable, including an optional high-stability probe (+/-799.99 gauss range--specifications are included with the high-stability probe, if that probe was ordered). Standard universal probe is 1.1 mm thick x 4.3 mm wide, with the sensitive area 1.5 mm from the probe tip. Magnetic sensitivity direction is parallel to the 1.1 mm thickness direction. The thinnest standard probe is "transverse", which is a rigid version of the universal probe. The transverse probe is 0.62mm thick (for measuring inside gaps). It is 3.3mm wide and 75mm long. The included standard 9-volt battery lasts about 50 hours of "on" time (drain = 6 ma). LOW BATTERY indicator shows when about one hour of battery life remains. Weight is 260 grams (0.6 lb.) Meter dimensions are 14cm x 9cm x 4.5cm thick (5.5" x 3.5" x 2.75"). The model GM-2 is warranted for one year. (During that time, AlphaLab Inc. will pay for standard shipping back to us and for return shipping to you. The warranty time is then extended by the amount of time the meter was not in your possession.) A calibration certificate is included. Recalibration is normally not required within 10 years, but we can perform a recalibration on this meter if required (fee applies).

SKU: GM2 $490

Interchangable Probes (Interchangeable for GM2) $105 each