How to Use Sylvac Digital Height Gauge: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Sylvac Digital Height Gauge is a precision measuring tool widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, engineering, and quality control. It is designed to measure the height of objects with great accuracy, providing digital readings that are easy to read and interpret. If you are new to using this tool or need a refresher, this guide will walk you through the steps to use the Sylvac Digital Height Gauge effectively.

What is a Digital Height Gauge?

A digital height gauge is a precision instrument used to measure the height or vertical distance of objects. Unlike traditional mechanical height gauges, digital height gauges feature an electronic display that provides precise measurements, often to micrometer-level accuracy. They consist of a vertical measuring column, a movable probe or measuring arm, and a digital display that shows the measurement result.

Sylvac Hi_Cal V2 Smart Height Gauge

Sylvac Hi_Cal V2 SMART height gauges are specially designed for versatile measurements, making them ideal for both production lines and QC labs. Equipped with a Bluetooth® data transmission system, the Hi_Cal V2 SMART provides better repeatability and an improved construction, ensuring reliable performance.

Technical Features of the Sylvac Digital Height Gauge

• 1D workshop motorized measuring column with Bluetooth® wireless technology.
• Intuitive and easy-to-use functions.
• Integrated battery for convenience.
• Available in 150mm, 300mm, and 450mm versions.
• Display resolution of 0.001mm.
• Multiple data outputs: Mini-USB, RS232, and Bluetooth®.
• Automatic probe pre-positioning via Sylcom software.

Description of intuitive keyboard and display:

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use the Sylvac Digital Height Gauge

A. Installation

• Remove the Hi_Cal V2 and the AC adapter from the packaging and detach any transport mechanisms.
• Insert the Ø3mm ball probe and tighten the locking lever.
• Connect the power plug to the rear panel of the instrument.

B. Start

• Press the ON/OFF button on the front panel and allow the instrument to initialize (it will move back and forth over the entire range).
• Once the zero has been set on the reference surface (either automatically after initialization or manually by pressing the Preset/Zero button), move the measurement probe using the paddles located behind the instrument.
• A green light and an audible signal will indicate that the measurement is valid.
  

C. Calibration

• Press the Probe Constant Setting button and use the setting gauge provided in the package.
• Probe one side and then the other; the constant for the measuring key will be displayed to confirm its storage.
• This step should be done each time you change the probe or its position.

Bluetooth® Configuration

The connection procedure is designed to be simple and is indicated by the following three states: 

1. Symbol Bluetooth® Off: Disconnected mode.
2. Symbol Bluetooth® blinking: Advertising mode.
3. Symbol Bluetooth® On: Connected mode.

The following options can be selected to control the Bluetooth® module.

The available Bluetooth® profiles are:

• SIMPLE Profile – No pairing required (default). 
• PAIR Profile – Paired and secured connection.
• HID Profile – Virtual keyboard mode (compatible with recent equipment without the need for driver installation).

Connection:

1. Activate Bluetooth® compatible software and hardware (Master: PC, Display Unit).
2. Turn on the instrument. By default, the Bluetooth® module is active, and the instrument is available for connection (advertising mode).
3. If no connection is established during the advertisement period, re-activate the Bluetooth® module using the bt / On menu.
4. The instrument is now ready to communicate (connected mode).

RS232 connector

The RS232-C output allows the Hi_Cal to be connected to a computer or printer for the creation of measurement protocols. Most of the Hi_Cal functions, as well as the pre-positioning of the measurement key, can be controlled by the PC using ASCII commands.

USB connector

The Hi_Cal can be connected to a personal computer using a mini USB cable. The USB driver must be installed on the computer (compatible with Windows XP and later versions).

Applications of the Sylvac Digital Height Gauge

You can easily measure groove width, distance or diameter.

FCT Key Used in Diameter Mode

In diameter measurement, the FCT key can be used instead of the rear paddles to move the probe from the first measurement point to the second. This feature is especially useful for measuring small diameters.

At the end of a diameter measurement, the FCT key will release the probe from its contact point, preparing it for other measurements. As soon as the probe loses contact with the part, the FCT key will revert to its previous setting (e.g., data output).

Measuring using Hi_Cal

Use the UP/DOWN button at the back of the instrument to move the motorized carriage up or down until the probe makes contact with the first surface.

Constant Setting

Before starting any measurements, it’s important to check and, if necessary, set the probe constant value. This is crucial for accurate shaft or diameter measurements, as the Hi_Cal will factor in the probe constant, such as the diameter of the ball probe and its deflection when measuring reversed surfaces. Use the master gauge provided with the Hi_Cal to measure the probe constant.

Steps to Set the Probe Constant:

1. Press the CST Key: This activates the constant setting mode.

2. Measure the Probe Constant:

• Place the probe on one of the flat surfaces of the cylindrical gauge.
• Release the probe, then place it on the opposite surface.

3. Display and Store the Constant: The probe constant value will appear on the display and will be automatically stored. It will remain stored until a new value is set.

4. Check the Probe Constant:

• You can view the current probe constant by pressing the CST key.
• If no changes are needed, simply press the CST key again to exit the constant setting mode.

After Setting the Probe Constant:

• To measure inverted faces, press the UP button.
• Once the probe contacts the inverted surface, a green light and an acoustic signal will confirm the measurement is valid.

Measuring Heights

Use the UP/DOWN button on the back of the instrument to move the motorized carriage until the measurement probe makes contact with the base surface (surface table). Press the SET key to set the zero or preset origin at this position. Move the probe using the UP/DOWN button to the next measurement position.

Reminder:

• The green light will turn on, and an acoustic signal will sound when the probe measurement is ready.
• The UP/DOWN button on the back of the instrument controls the movement of the motorized carriage.
• The movement of the motorized carriage will stop as soon as the measurement probe contacts the part to be measured.
  
  

Measuring Upward

Ensure that the probe constant is entered before making any upward measurements. Use the UP/DOWN button on the back to move the probe up and down until the probe makes contact with the first surface. Press the SET key to set the zero or preset origin at this position. Then, move the probe to the next measurement position using the UP/DOWN button.

Reminder:

• The green light will turn on, and an acoustic signal will sound when the probe measurement is ready.
• The UP/DOWN button on the back of the instrument controls the movement of the motorized carriage.
• The movement of the motorized carriage will stop as soon as the measurement probe contacts the part to be measured.

Measuring Diameters and Centerlines

Enter or check the probe constant value before proceeding with diameter and centerline measurements. Press the Surface/Diameter Measuring Modes key to enter diameter mode. This mode allows for measurements from a reference point as well as the measurement of the distance between two centerlines.

How to Proceed

1. Move the probe inside the bore (or onto one side of the shaft) using the UP/DOWN button on the back and start measuring at point P1, which should be well away from the summit of the curve.
2. Move the part or the Hi_Cal sideways toward the probe. The minimum/maximum point will be memorized.
3. Move the probe from P1 to P2 using the UP/DOWN button (or FCT key¹) and move the part until the display stabilizes. The measured diameter and centerline will be displayed simultaneously.

Other measurements in diameter mode:

Sylvac Distributor in Singapore

LFC PTE LTD is the authorized distributor of Sylvac in Singapore. Our expert team can assist you in selecting the ideal height gauge to meet your specific requirements.

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