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Bartol Mag-Probe White Paper

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The BARTOL MAGPROBE Instantly Checks Electrically Operated Solenoid Valves and Relays. It can Sense a Magnetic field as low as 3 Gauss without the Ring Magnet, 1 Gauss with the Ring Magnet attached. You can Test Electrically Operated Solenoid Valves and Relays while the Equipment is Operational, Use it Underwater, in a Vacuum, 40 below zero, and also in explosive areas. It is non-contact and very easy to use. Typically tests can be done in seconds. It is 99% faster in a volt meter. Over eighty thousand have been sold.

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Page 1: Bartol Mag-Probe White Paper

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Page 2: Bartol Mag-Probe White Paper

This article provides general information about the Mag-Probe test instrument,. The Mag-Probe is used to test the presence, or absence, of AC or DC current in electrical solenoid valves and relays by indicating if an electrical magnetic field is detected. This is accomplished in seconds without referring to a schematic, powering down equipment, or making a direct connection. This quickly allows differentiation between mechanical and electrical problems. The basic sensitivity is 3 gauss and can be as sensitive as 1 gauss.!!

The Mag-Probe is commonly used to verify the presence of AC or DC current by detecting the magnetic field around a coil. Applicable in testing solenoids, rotary solenoids, solenoid valves, relays, reed relays, coils, and stepper switches to name a few. The Mag-Probe will also detect residual magnetism, transient current pulses, and identify north and south poles. !!

The most frequent use of the Mag-Probe is for troubleshooting malfunctioning electrical solenoid valves and relays. The electrical current within a solenoid valve may be detected by identifying the presence of a magnetic field using the Mag-Probe. If the expected magnetic field is absent, either no voltage is reaching the solenoid valve or the coil is defective. Once the faulty valve has been located, the component is replaced, the unit can be restored to service, or the next fault can be isolated. !!

The Mag-Probe can be used in the sciences, medical, engineering, and te lecommun ica t i ons i ndus t r i es fo r maintenance and trouble shooting of solenoid valves & relays. Special-purpose applications include underwater use, volatile, vacuum, and sterile environments as i t is complete ly sel f -contained, waterproof and generates no electrostatic pulses. Consequently the operation is

completely isolated from computer loading issues often seen with a voltmeter test instrument. !!

Before the advent of The Bartol Mag-Probe the cost of service in terms of time, manpower, and lost productivity was significant. Checking the electrical solenoid valves and relays using a conventional voltmeter requires shutting down the production line in order to isolate the defective part and/or shutoff computerized controls to prevent loading of the computer output drivers. Complex electrical wiring schematics must be utilized to isolate the terminal strip for voltmeter probe connection placement. Typically equipment and i n s t r u m e n t s i n v o l a t i l e o r s t e r i l e environments required removal or isolation for testing purposes as well as reinstallation or steril ization in order to continue production. !!

In contrast, the Mag-Probe can be used in ster i le, underwater, and volat i le environments within temperature ranges f r om -40F to +160F. I n add i t i on , troubleshooting with the Mag-Probe can be performed while equipment is in full operation without use of schematics as it does not require direct contact to detect the magnetic field. It requires no calibration and provides confirmation of an electro-magnetic, or conventional magnetic field immediately. !!How to measure the amount of time the pulse is applied to the electrically operated solenoid valve or relay:!This is done using a stopwatch function on a smartphone. !1. When the Mag-Probe LED turns on,

start the timer. !2. When the LED turns off, stop the timer.

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Features!Description:!The Mag-Probe, as shown in the illustration, is a self-contained device with an LED light on one end and detector probe on the other end. The probe requi res no d i rect connection.!!Size and portability:!The Bartol Mag-Probe is a lightweight, waterproof portable instrument, that is durable and compact enough to be easily carried by a single person. !!Included:!An included plastic storage tube keeps the Mag-Probe safe while not in use. Be sure to remove the white magnetic shield from the detector probe before each use and reinstall after each use. The high/low sensitivity ring is stored in the red cap on the end of the storage tube.!

SPECIFICATIONS!• Response Time - .01 Second!• Sensitivity - Variable!• High sensitivity model "HS" - sensitivity:

1 gauss with high/low sensitivity ring 3 gauss without high/low sensitivity ring (tests from sub-miniature and smaller to the largest solenoid valves and relays)!

• Operating frequency - DC to 400 HZ!• Shelf life - Retains 90% of its operating

capacity after 3 years!• Operating life - 5000 five second tests!• Salt & moisture proof!• Temp range - (-40°F to +160°F)

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Aircraft Maintenance!Inspect for residual magnetism in fuel solenoid valves.!Rapid turnaround time in troubleshooting commercial aircraft solenoid valves & relays. !

Automobile!Test Relays & Fuel Injectors that are not magnetically shielded. !

Food Processing!Test electrically activated solenoid valves & relays .!

Nuclear & Conventional Power Plants!Test electrically activated solenoid valves, both liquid and gas valves.!

Chemical Processing!Test electrically operated solenoid valves & relays.!

Commercial Trucks!Fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves in braking systems. Also relays.!

Printing Companies!Test ink flow valves, electrically operated, and relays.!

Oceangoing Ships!Test electrically activated solenoid valves and engine fuel injectors. !!

Construction Equipment!Test electrically operated hydraulic valves for 15 foot scissor, 50 ton cranes, 135ft boom lift, plus heavy equipment. !

Trains!Test engine fuel injectors and electrically activated pneumatic valves for braking systems. Test for magnetized trucks.!

Hospital Equipment!Test electrically activated solenoid valves & relays, both liquid and gas.!

Sterile Environments!Sterilizable to prevent contamination while testing electrically activated solenoid valves, both liquid and gas.!

Clean Rooms!Test gas & fluid electrically activated solenoid valves. See sterile environments. !

Integrated Circuit Manufacturing!Gas & fluid control valves, electrically activated solenoid valves & relays. !

Underwater Applications!Waterproof tester for detecting magnetized ship hul ls, since the Mag-Probe is waterproof. !

Oil Exploration Equipment!Gas and oil offshore drilling platforms & refineries with gas, liquid and electrically activated solenoid valves.!

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Examples of use: !The Mag-Probe is being utilized for troubleshooting solenoid valves and relays in the following industries:

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Examples of Use (continued):Military Applications!Aircraft, Trucks, Tanks, & Ships. !

Sewage Disposal & Treatment Plants!Test electrically activated solenoid valves, gas, fluid, & hydraulic.!

Farm Machinery!Electrically operated hydraulic valves. !

Space Applications!Mag-Probe operates in a vacuum environment. Temperature range of +160ºF to -40ºF !

Scientific Experimental Applications!For magnetic testing !

Alignment of Magnets!In a Linear Particle Accelerator !

Elevator!Relays and electrically operated hydraulic valves !

Machine Shop Specifications!To check magnetism of raw materials and residual magnetism of finished product!!!!!!!!!!!

!Advantages of the Mag-Probe: !!•Portability !•Speed – isolates problem as mechanical

or electrical within seconds, provides confirmat ion of the e lect r ic fie ld immediately !

•No direct connection needed !•No need to follow schematics to isolate

terminal strip !•Salt and Moisture proof !• I n t r i n s i c a l l y s a f e i n e x p l o s i v e

environments !•Can be sterilized using cold process !•Self-contained - Waterproof !•Operates in a Vacuum !•Generates no electrostatic field !• Locates Residual Magnetism !•Detects transient pulses or momentary

loss of power !• Identifies North and South Poles !•Prevents loading of the computer output

drivers !•Operates at extreme temperature ranges

from -40F to +160F. !•Mag-Probe can be used while equipment

is in full operation!•Requires no calibration-Verify operation

by self-test with included magnet

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS!!The Bartol “Mag-Probe" is an Instrument for sensing magnetic fields.!!CAUTION: Damage may result if the "Mag-Probe" Is dropped.!

General applications!All voltages (AC & DC)!Solenoids, Solenoid valves, Relays, Reed relays, Coils, Rotary solenoids, Stepper switches, Detecting residual magnetism, Coils, Transient current pulses, Identifying North & South poles, etc.!The white magnetic shield on the “Mag-Probe’s" tip reduces the chance of magnetic fields turning it on during storage and must be removed before using. Replace the magnetic shield after using.!!DO NOT STORE THE “MAG-PROBE" NEAR A PERMANENT MAGNET OR MAGNETIC FIELD.!!A “Mag-Probe" will not detect devices enclosed in a magnetic shield. (most devices aren’t shielded.)!!You may self test the “Mag-Probe" with the High/Low sensitivity ring supplied with each unit.!!

TESTING AC & DC DEVICES WITHOUT!USING THE HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING!

1. Hold the “Mag-Probe" as shown in figure 2.!

2. Place the tip close to or on the shaft that projects through the device’s coil.!

3. Observe the LED in the “Mag-Probe’s" handle.!

4. If the LED is on,the solenoid or relay is energized.!

5. If the LED is off, the solenoid or relay is de-energized.!

6. If the LED turns on and off, and flow through the solenoid valve under test is not interrupted, or power through a relay’s contacts don’t turn on and off, a mechanical failure has occurred. !

7. If the LED remains off during machine operation, two possible problems exist:!A. No power to the solenoid or relay.!B. An open coil

To locate the problem, first test the power source, then the solenoid or relay coil.!

8. If transit pulses are suspected, hold the Probe tip close to or on the solenoid or relay and observe the LED during a machine cycle. If transit pulses are present during the time the solenoid or relay should be off, the LED will flash on and off.!

With a little practice, you’ll know when to use the high/low sensitivity ring in order to test sub-miniature and smaller devices.!!If you need the added sensitivity, install the high/low sensitivity ring according to the following instructions.!

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INSTALLING THE!HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING!!Note - When testing extremely small magnetic fields such as sub-miniature solenoids and relays, the high sensitivity ring must be used.!!!1. Hold the high sensitivity ring between the

index finger and thumb with the white dot on the ring toward the palm of your left hand. (see figure 3)

!2. Slide the ring onto the tip toward the

body of the “Mag-Probe" until the red LED goes out the first time. (see figure 4)

!3. Continue sliding the ring toward the

“Mag-Probe” body until the LED turns on and then off for the second time (See figure 5). Now the “Mag-Probe” is adjusted for high sensitivity. To be sure you have the highest sensi t iv i ty obtainable, slide the ring back until the light immediately turns on. Then with the tip of the index finger and thumb pressed against the ring (figure 3), use a slight pinching motion to move the ring toward the body of the “Mag-Probe”. Release immediately as soon as the LED turns off. Remember, figure 5 is the correct position.!!

!Note: Any movement of the ring after the LED goes out will decrease the sensitivity.!

Caution:!To avoid false indications when using the high sensitivity ring, the ring must not touch a metal surface, but you may touch a metal surface with the mag probes tip.!

Remember:!First try your “Mag-Probe" without the high sensitivity ring. Then, if you need the high sensitivity to detect the device under test, slip on the ring. !!!TESTING AC POWERED DEVICES WITH THE

HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING INSTALLED!!You won't have any problems testing any AC powered device regardless of which end or side you test just as long as the field strength is within the “Mag-Probe’s" sensitivity range. !!!!!

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TESTING DC POWERED DEVICES WITH THE HIGH/LOW SENSITIVITY RING INSTALLED !!

When using the high/low sensitivity ring, the “Mag-probe” becomes sensitive to north and south poles. White dot toward the “Mag- Probe’s” tip detects North. When the ring is removed and installed with the white dot on the ring towards the “Mag-Probe’s” LED, you'll detect only south poles. !!DC powered devices can be connected to a power source two ways.!(See figure 6A and 6B) !

!In figure 6A, assume that a north pole occurs at the coils upper end when a DC voltage is applied as shown. If the polarity of the applied voltage is reversed as shown in figure 6B, A South Pole is generated at the upper end. Try both ends of an operating solenoid, relay, reed relay, or DC device. Once you establish which end of the relay or DC device causes the “Mag-Probe” to operate, the other relays or DC devices installed in the instrument under test should respond at the same end. (See figure 7)!!!!!!!!!

!!!As shown in figure 8, reed relays are DC powered, you must follow the instructions for testing DC powered devices.!!If a reed relay is mounted in such a way that you are unable to reach the normally tested end, reverse the high/low sensitivity ring and test the accessible end “opposite”.!(see fig. 8) !

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Notes:!

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BARTOL BARTOL RESEARCH

!!

Work: 208 - 321 - 7566!Fax: 208 - 378 - 1282!!!!

[email protected]!!!

WWW.BARTOLRESEARCH.COM!