Here are some of the frequently asked questions encountered at Gilchrist-Pearson Technology. Learn more here about what our eddy probe testing equipment can do for you.

Q: How long will the dynamic calibrator run before the battery needs recharging?

A: Typically, the dynamic calibrator will operate for 10 hours on a full charge. That way, you can use it all day and then recharge overnight.

Q: Can the battery be charged while it is running?

A: No, the battery cannot be charged while the dynamic calibrator is running.

Q: Can the battery be damaged if the charger continues charging even after the battery is fully charged?

A: If the motor is not on, the dynamic calibrator battery will not be damaged. The charger will automatically shut down when the battery is fully charged.

Q: What is the life of the battery under normal use?

A: When used in a regular manner, including regular charging, the battery will last for many years, similar to the battery in a car.

Q: What is mechanical runout, and how does it affect my eddy probe measurements?

A: Mechanical runout refers to the parallel alignment between the surface of the eddy probe and the surface of the target material. Any deviation in that parallel alignment while doing the test will give an inaccurate reading. Mechanical runout is eliminated by using non-rotating target material. Read more about how we prevent mechanical runout.

Q: What is electrical runout, and how does it affect my eddy probe measurements?

A: Most material used in rotating shafts are a mixture of various metals. Each material may be measured slightly differently by the eddy probe. Electrical runout refers to the variations in the alloy being measured at any point of the rotation of the micrometer. Therefore when the target material rotates on the shaft of the micrometer, the distance measurement can be inconsistent. This is why we use a non-rotating target material on our static calibrator.

Q: Is it better to use an analog or a digital micrometer when doing the static calibration test?

A: A digital micrometer is much superior, as the analog micrometer is greatly affected by the actions and care taken by the person doing the testing.