MAX II Bolt Tension Monitor

return to the Group List Items menu. It may be necessary to free some
memory in the MAX II at this time.

Selecting the Starting Bolt Number

Note: Depending on the application and layout of the project, the user won’t
always want the starting bolt to be 1. This feature allows the user to define
what the starting number will be.

1) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until START BOLT
NUM is highlighted.

2) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.

3) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.

4) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the digit locations.

5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the START BOLT NUM value is correctly
displayed.

6) Press the OK key to save the START BOLT NUM and return to the Group
List Items menu, or ESC to cancel entering the START BOLT NUM.

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Note: If a value is enter that is greater than the maximum number of bolts
allowed per group (250), an error message box “VALUE IS OUT OF RANGE”
will be displayed.

7) Press the OK key to display the Digits Edit Box and re-enter the START
BOLT NUM.

8) Press the OK key to save the START BOLT NUM and return to the Group
List Items menu, or ESC to cancel entering the START BOLT NUM.

Selecting the Auto Increment Direction

The Auto Increment feature gives the user the ability to specify which direction
to advance the cursor after storing a reading.

1) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until INCR. DIR is
highlighted.

2) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to toggle the Increment direction NONE, NORTH, EAST,
SOUTH, or WEST.

3) When the correct Increment direction is displayed, continue on to the next

section “Saving the Group”.

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 MAX II Bolt Tension Monitor

Saving the Group

Once all the parameters are set, the user has the option of saving or canceling
the new group.

1) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll through the new Group List Items until CREATE
NEW GROUP? is highlighted.

2) Press the ENTER key to accept the group parameters, and activate the
confirmation screen.

3) Press the OK key to save the New Group, or the ESC key to cancel the
New Group setup and return to the DATA menu.

4) Press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen to begin

measuring reference lengths.

3.5 Setting the Approximate Length

In order to utilize the AUTO SET feature of the MAX II, when measuring reference
lengths, the MAX II has to know where to start looking for the detection. We can
accomplish this by entering an approximate length into the gauge. The MAX II will
automatically take the value entered and scan +/- 5% in both directions of the
approximate length for the detection signal. The approximate length is a very
valuable feature that can be used to pin point a specific detection area. This feature
will be further discussed later in the manual.

Setting the Approximate Length using the Hot Menus

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1) Press the MEAS key once to activate measure menu items. Press the
MEAS key multiple times to move down and the ESC key multiple times to
move up, until the ALEN cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the UP
and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.

2) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.

3) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.

4) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the digit locations.

5) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the ALEN value is correctly displayed.

6) Press the OK key to return to the measurement screen, or ESC to cancel

entering the ALEN.

The user can also access and set the approximate length from the tabbed menus.
However, this method is more tedious than making the adjustments using the Hot
Menus. The procedure using the tabbed menus is outlined below:

Setting the Approximate Length using the Tabbed Menus

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1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right, and the ESC key multiple times to tab left,
until the AUTO menu is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
Alternatively, press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times
using the left button wheel.

2) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll through the sub menu items until APPROX. LEN. is
highlighted.

3) Press the ENTER key to display the Digits Edit Box.

4) Press the UP and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the highlighted value.

5) Press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times using the left
button wheel to scroll the digit locations.

6) Repeat steps 4 & 5 until the Approx. Len. value is correctly displayed.

7) Press the OK key to set the Approx. Len. and return to the menu screen, or
ESC to cancel entering the Approx. Len..

8) Finally, press the MEAS key to return to the measurement screen and begin
measuring reference lengths.

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3.6 Measuring Reference Lengths

At this point, the MAX II is setup and ready to start measuring reference lengths.
We’ve already setup a bolt group to store the reference length data, and now need to
display the group storage locations prior to making measurements.

Storing a Reading

1) Press the MEAS key once to activate measure menu items. Press the
MEAS key multiple times to move down and the ESC key multiple times to
move up until the LOG cell is highlighted. Alternatively, press the UP
and DOWN arrow keys multiple times using the left button wheel.

Note: Pressing the key will automatically open the Group View Box.

2) Press the ENTER key to display the Group View Box.

3) Press the UP, DOWN, LEFT, & RIGHT arrow keys using the left button
wheel to scroll the target cell cursor to the desired storage location.

Note: The approximate lengths must always be located in the first column A for
all bolts in the group.

4) Place a small amount of couplant on the transducer and attached it to the

bolt. Make sure that the transducer is seated so that there is no couplant

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layer creating a gap between the transducer and bolt. This can be
accomplished by rotating the transducer clockwise and counter clockwise
while applying a very small amount of pressure to seat the transducer firmly
against the bolt.

Important Note: Always be sure to place the transducer in the same exact
location if it will be removed in between reference lengths and elongation
measurements. This will eliminate any potential sound path error caused by
moving the transducer to a completely different location on the bolt, thus
causing potentially erroneous measurements. Be consistent and as methodical
in your methods as possible. This will help to avoid transducer placement
errors.

5) Press the AUTO SET key, located in the bottom left corner of the keypad, to
locate the detection point, or end of the bolt.

6) Press the ENTER key to save the current approximate length in the
highlighted cell location.

Note: If the measurement was saved in error, press the CLR key at anytime to
clear the stored reading and re-measure using the steps 4 – 6 above.

Note: The Group View Box can be aborted at any time by pressing the MEAS
key.

3.7 Measuring Elongations

Now that the reference lengths have been measured and saved, we’re ready to start
measuring elongation values. We’ll start off by assuming the bolt has been stretched
or tightened, the transducer has been once again coupled to the bolt in the same
location as before, and we’re ready to measure the elongation as follows:

Measuring an Elongation

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Important Note (recap): Always be sure to place the transducer in the same
exact location if it will be removed in between reference lengths and elongation
measurements. This will eliminate any potential sound path error caused by
moving the transducer to a completely different location on the bolt, thus
causing potentially erroneous measurements. Be consistent and as methodical
in your methods as possible. This will help to avoid transducer placement
errors.

1) Press the UP, DOWN, LEFT, & RIGHT arrow keys using the left button
wheel to scroll the target cell cursor to the desired storage location.

Note: Elongation values must be stored in column B - ZZ.

Note: Do not press the AUTO SET key, while measuring elongation’s, as this
activates a high speed mode used specifically with our shut-off box. The AUTO
SET feature is only used when measuring reference lengths. If the AUTO SET
key is accidentally pressed, press it again to turn the high speed mode off.

2) Press the ENTER key to save the current elongation in the highlighted cell
location.

Note: If the measurement was saved in error, press the CLR key at anytime to
clear the stored reading and re-measure using steps 1 & 2 above.

3) Continue to repeat this process until all the elongation measurements have
been completed.

Note: The Group View Box can be aborted at any time by pressing the MEAS
key.

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CHAPTER FOUR
KEYBOARD, MENU, & CONNECTOR REFERENCE

4.1 Menu Key (Operation & Sub Menus)

The Menu key activates the primary menu structure containing 11 menu tab groups.
These tab groups then contain sub menu items, or functions. The sub menu items
have been organized in tab groups according to how closely they are related to the
individual tab group names. Let’s first get familiar with how to move around in these
tabs before continuing on to the sub menu functions. This procedure is outlined
below:

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Activating and Getting Around in the Menu Items

1) Press the MENU key once to activate the menu items tab. Press the MENU
key multiple times to tab right, and the ESC key multiple times to tab left
until the desired tab group is highlighted and displaying the submenu items.
Alternatively, press the LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys multiple times
using the left button wheel. The tab groups are illustrated above (A).

Now that you’re familiar with activating and moving amongst the tab groups, let’s
have a look at how to move around in the sub menu items as follows:

Getting Around in the Sub Menu Items

1) Use the UP and DOWN arrow keys on the left button wheel to scroll
through the sub menu items until the desired function is highlighted. The
sub menu items are illustrated in the diagram above (B).

2) Depending on which function is highlighted, use the LEFT and RIGHT

arrow keys on the right button wheel to scroll the options, or the ENTER key
to activate the Digit Edit and List Box options.

The sections to follow will provide the user with an explanation of the sub menu
functions:

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4.2 CAL – Menu

ZERO MODE: The MAX II is zeroed in much the same way that a mechanical
micrometer is zeroed. There are three zero mode options available in the MAX II –
FIXED, ONE POINT, TWO POINT and AUTO. Selecting the proper mode is
dependent on the application requirements, but the most convenient mode of
preference is - AUTO. Refer to page 48, for an explanation of this important
procedure.
ZERO VALUE: Depending on the Zero Mode selected above, the actual zero value
will be calculated and displayed in this sub menu item. The user can edit this value
at anytime from this sub menu item. Refer to page 48 for a further explanation.
MEASURE ZERO: Once the Zero Mode has been selected above, this function
displays and calculates the actual measurement screen containing the known
physical length, velocity, and temperature coefficient of the calibration standard
versus the ultrasonic length. . Refer to page 48 for a further explanation.
LOAD CAL MODE: Enables and disables the field calibration feature of the MAX II.
This is used to compare known and ultrasonic loads. Refer to page 111 for a further
explanation.
LOAD CAL CALC: This feature is used to calculate a linear regression or vector
curve, once the Load Cal Mode is enabled and known and ultrasonic loads have
been entered and ultrasonically measured. If the regression option was selected in
Load Cal Mode, a correction load offset and load factor will be calculated. If the
vector option was selected, a load factor will be calculated and the offset will be set to
zero. Refer to page 111 for a further explanation.

4.3 MATL (material) – Menu

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UNITS: Toggle between English and Metric units and multiple resolutions for each
unit ( IN - .0001, INHR - .00001, or MM - .001, MMHR - .0001 ), Using the
abbreviation HR to represent High Resolution.
TYPE: Select the bolt material type from a preset list of material types. Each type
contains a velocity, stress factor, and temperature factor. When a type is selected,
these values are displayed in the sub menu items below and can be edited by the
user at anytime.
VELOCITY: This feature allows the user to edit the material velocity at anytime.
Once a material type is selected, the velocity of the selected material type is stored in
this sub menu item and can be edited a by the user if necessary.
STRESS FACTOR: This feature allows the user to edit the stress factor at anytime.
Once a material type is selected, the stress factor of the selected material type is
stored in this sub menu item and can be edited by the user if necessary. Refer to
page 102 for further info.
TEMP COEF: This feature allows the user to edit the material temperature coefficient
at anytime. Once a material type is selected, the temperature coefficient of the
selected material is stored in this sub menu item and can be edited by the user if
necessary. Refer to page 106 for further info.

4.4 GEOM (geometry) – Menu

QUANTITY: Selectable units of measure in terms of TIME, ELONGATION, LOAD,

STRESS, and % STRAIN. Refer to page 127 for further info.
LOAD FACTOR: The conversion factor from elongation to Load. This value is
typically determined by performing a field calibration and running a regression or
vector using the MAX II or utility software. Alternatively, the load factor can be
determined using the bolt calculator in the utility software. However, if extreme
accuracy is required, performing a field calibration is a must. This sub menu item
enables the user to edit the factor at anytime. Refer to page 109 for further info.
LOAD OFFSET: Normally the Load Offset is set to zero. However, when a field
calibration is performed and regression calculated a small offset (y intercept) will
result. This value is a constant added or subtracted from the measurement, and will
result in correction to the load quantity. This sub menu item enables the user to edit
the offset value at anytime. Refer to page 109 for further info.
AREA: The cross sectional area of the fastener being measured. Used to calculate
stress. Set to zero if the user is not measuring the quantity in terms of stress. This

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sub menu item enables the user to edit the area at anytime. Refer to page 109 for
further info.
EFFECTIVE LENGTH: The length of the region of the fastener under stress (the
distance between the nut plus some amount of additional stress that occurs in the
head and nut(s) of the fastener). This sub menu item enables the user to edit the
effective length at anytime. Refer to page 109 for further info.

4.5 DISP (display) – Menu

VIEW: Selectable RF wave, RECT (rectified), and DIGITS (large digits) views. Refer
to page 128 for further info.
BRIGHTNESS: Blanview high speed color display. An arbitrary scale of 1-20 has
been implemented, with the brightest setting at 20. Refer to page 157 for further info.
COLORS: Provides the user with 12 different color schemes to select from. There
are two schemes for each main color option. Refer to page 158 for further info.
DIM: Allows the user to conserve battery life by diming the display after idle for a
specific amount of time – OFF, 30, 60, 90, 120 seconds. Once dimmed, a single
press of any key will restore the screen brightness. Refer to page 160 for further info.
DELAY: Provides the user the ability to change where the left side of the display
window starts according to time which is convert to a length, in english or metric
units. Refer to section 12.3 for further info.
WIDTH: Provides the user the ability to change the overall size of the viewable
measurement area. It functions a lot like a zoom on a camera. Refer to section 12.3
for further info.
RECT WAVE: This option provides the user an outlined or filled view option when
the display setting is in RECT (rectified) wave mode only. Refer to page 128 for
further info.
DETECT MARK: Selectable graphics option for the point of detection on the
waveform: Line, Box, Dots, None. Offers the user a graphics preference on how
they prefer to view the detection on the waveform.

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4.6 TUNE – Menu

GAIN: The MAX II has 100dB gain range from (-30 to 70 dB), used in conjunction
with the attenuator feature above. This feature is used to increase/decrease the
power or amplitude of the signal. This might easily be considered as similar to
turning the volume up or down on a stereo receiver. Refer to page 139 for further
info.
PULSE: The DFX-8 has an adjustable pulse width for both high penetration and
resolution applications. The pulse width refers to the duration of time the pulser is
on. There are three different types of pulsers built into the MAX II – Spike, Square
Wave, and Tone Burst with adjustable voltage options of 100-400 volts and select
settings of Spike, Thin, Wide, HV Spike, HV Thin, HV Wide, TB 10MHz, TB 5MHz,
TB 2MHz, and TB 1MHz. Refer to page 171 for a further explanation.
PULSER VOLTAGE: Adjustable voltage of 100-400 volts, depending on the pulser
option selected. The standard setting is 150 volts. This enables the MAX II to offer
greater penetration for difficult material types, or increased resolution on noisy
materials. Refer to page 163 for a further explanation.
DAMPING: Provides the user with multiple input impedances to match the
impedance of the transducer, and optimized overall transducer performance. Refer
to page 165 for further info.
DIGITIZER: Increases the measurement resolution by 2x or 4x by increasing the
number of shots/samples. The higher the sample digitizer rate, the better the
resolution, but the slower the update rate/speed and visa versa. Refer to page 163
for a further explanation.

4.7 GATES – Menu

POLARITY: The MAX II operates on a zero crossing detection principal. This

feature toggles which stroke of the cycle the crossing detection uses, either positive
or negative. Refer to 13.10 for further info.

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GATE 1: Gates allow the user to view a specific measurement range, or sections of
the waveform, and ignore others. The Gate1 feature adjusts the start of the gate,
according to time/distance. Gate 1 can be used in all pulse-echo and echo-echo
measurement modes. Refer to page 143 for further info.
THRESHOLD1: Enables the user to set the sensitivity level of Gate1. The amplitude
of the signal must reach or exceed the threshold level before a measurement is
detected. Refer to page 143 for further info.
GATE 2: Provides the user with the ability to delay the starting point of Gate2, a
specific distance from the first detection point found inside of the boundaries of the
Gate 1 settings. If no detection is found, the Gate1 width value is used as a starting
value for Gate2. Refer to page 143 for further info.
THRESHOLD2: Enables the user to set the sensitivity level of Gate2. The amplitude
of the signal must reach or exceed the threshold level before a measurement is
detected. Refer to page 143 for further info.
GATE 3: Provides the user with the ability to delay the starting point of Gate3, a
specific distance from the first detection point found inside of the boundaries of the
Gate 2 settings. If no detection is found, the Gate2 width value is used as a starting
value for Gate3. Refer to page 143 for further info.
THRESHOLD3: Enables the user to set the sensitivity level of Gate3. The amplitude
of the signal must reach or exceed the threshold level before a measurement is
detected. Refer to page 143 for further info.

4.8 AUTO – Menu

AUTO SET: Automatically locates the detection point if the measurement is out of the
viewable display area. Used when measuring reference lengths only. Refer to
section 12.9 for further info.
APPROX LEN: In order for the user to use the Auto Set feature, an approximate
length of the fastener must be entered. The approximate length gives the MAX II
some idea of where to turn on the receiver and look for the detection, or end of the
bolt. This sub menu item enables the user to edit the effective length at anytime.
Refer to section 12.9 for further info.
MEASURE MODE: Used to select the measurement mode for different application
requirements. The mode options are P-E (pulse-echo), E-E (echo-echo), or E-EV
(echo-echo-echo). Refer to page 143 for further info.

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4.9 SETUP – Menu

OPEN: Displays a list of factory and user defined setups currently stored in memory.
These setups can be recalled and used at any time. Refer to page 191 for further
info.
SAVE: Provides the user with the ability to save a custom setup that has been
modified or created by the user. Refer to page 192 for further info.
DELETE: Provides the user with the ability to delete specific setups previously save
in memory. Refer to page 195 for further info.
DEFAULT SETUP: Loads a basic default setup. Use only as a last resort when the
setups in the MAX II have been corrupted and a computer is not accessible. Refer to
page 197 for further info.
LANGUAGE: Provides the user the ability to select different languages for the MAX
II. Refer to page 198 for further info.

4.10 DATA – Menu

NEW: Allows the user the ability to create a new alpha numeric grid, or sequential
log file with auto identifiers. It is equipped with custom parameters, rows, and
columns depending on the user’s application reporting requirements. Refer to page
177 for further info.
EDIT: Gives the user the ability to change parameters of grid or sequential file
previously saved. Note: Pre-defined coordinates cannot be changed once they have
been created. Refer to page 186 for further info.
OPEN: This function provides the user with the ability to recall grids or sequential log
files that currently exist in memory, from a list of grids. Refer to page 188 for further
info.
CLOSE: Provides the user the ability to close a currently opened grid or sequential
log file. Refer to page 190 for further info.

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DELETE ONE FILE: This function provides the user with the ability to delete one
individual grid or sequential log file from a list of multiple grids/files previously saved
in memory. Refer to page 183 for further info.
DELETE ALL DATA: This function provides the user with the ability to delete all files
currently stored in memory. Refer to page 184 for further info.
SUMMARY: Provides the user with an overall summary of the current data group
open/active. Refer to page 184 for further info.

4.11 UTIL (utilities) – Menu

TEMP MODE: This sub menu item enables the user to select the automatic
temperature compensation mode (manual, semi-auto, and auto). This feature is only
available to those units purchased with the automatic temperature compensation
option and probe. Note: Contact Dakota for information on upgrading the MAX II.
Refer to Error! Reference source not found. for further info.
ALARM: Toggles alarm mode on, off, or audible. Refer to page 168 for further info.
ALARM LOW: Gives the user the ability to set the LO limit parameter. If the
measurement falls below this value, a red light will illuminate and sound the internal
beeper. Refer to page 168 for further info.
ALARM HIGH: Gives the user the ability to set the HI limit parameter. If the
measurement exceeds this value, a red light will illuminate and sound the internal
beeper. Refer to page 168 for further info.
ANALOG OUTPUT: Proportional outputs (amplitude or distance), 0-10 volts. Speed
is determined by the PRF setting. Refer to page 170 for further info.
KEY CLICK: Gives the user the ability to set the level of the key press beeper OFF,
QUIET, or LOUD. Refer to page 171 for further info.
SET DATE: Gives the user the ability to set the internal date and time stamp in the
MAX II. Refer to page 172 for further info.
SHOW DATE: Gives the user the ability display the time, date or both in the main
measurement screen. Refer to page 172 for further info.

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4.12 XFER (transfer) – Menu

BACKUP SETUPS: Copies setup files from either the internal or external SD
memory card to the other memory card, depending on the current internal/external
setting of Storage (current device being used to store data), located in the XFER
menu. Refer to page 202 for further info.
COPY DATA: Enables the user to copy all, or individual grid/log files from either the
internal or external SD memory card to the other memory card, depending on the
current internal/external setting of Storage (current device being used to store data),
located in the XFER menu. Refer to page 202 for further info.
COPY SCREENS: Copies screen capture (.tif’s) files from either the internal or
external SD memory card to the other memory card, depending on the current
internal/external setting of Storage (current device being used to store data), located
in the XFER menu. Refer to page 202 for further info.
CAPTURE TO FILE: Enables the user the ability to enable screen captures to .tiff
files, and used in conjunction with the FREEZE key. Refer to page 174 for further
info.
UPGRADE GAUGE: Enables the user the ability to upgrade the MAX II to the most
current firmware revision. Refer to page 173 for further info.
STORAGE: Enables the user to select which SD memory card to use for storage.
Note: if no card exists in the external reader slot, this option will be grayed out and
inactive. Refer to page 201 for further info.
ABOUT: Provides the user with Dakota Ultrasonics contact information and the
MAX II software version. Refer the Dakota Ultrasonics web site for information on
the latest firmware versions available for download.

4.13 ON/OFF Key

The ON/OFF key simply powers the unit either ON or OFF. Note: Unit will
automatically power off when idle for 5 minutes. All current settings are automatically
saved prior to powering off.

4.14 FREEZE Key

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 MAX II Bolt Tension Monitor

The FREEZE key is used to freeze the display for evaluation/review of what’s
currently on the display. It is also used in conjunction with the CAPTURE feature to
save the current display to a .tif (tagged image) graphic file that can be opened using
any graphics viewer.

4.15 SETUPS Key

The PEAK key is a feature used in the flaw detector portion of the MAX II, and is not
used in the thickness gauge.

4.16 AUTO SET Key

The AUTO SET is an automatic measurement routine that attempts to locate the
detection and set all the scope parameters of the MAX II.

4.17 DATA Key

The DATA key opens the tabbed data menu, allowing a user to efficiently create a
new group file of bolts for storage.

4.18 STORE Key

The STORE key displays the current group opened in split screen mode. If no group
file is currently open, pressing this key will open the tabbed data menu in order create
a new, or open an existing group file for storage.

4.19 CLEAR Key

The primary functions of the CLR key, is to clear a measurement from a group file
cell location, and backspace in an Alpha Edit Box.

4.20 MEAS (measurement mode) Key

The MEAS key puts the MAX II into its primary mode of operation. In this mode, the
user has a complete view of the waveform, hot menu items, and measurement.

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4.21 OK Key
The primary function of the OK key is confirmation of a change or selection. The OK
key also toggles between full or split screen view while in the main measurement
screen. If the MAX II is displaying a data group, the OK key toggles an advance to
row number option.

4.22 ESC Key

The ESC key is used in the MENU, MEAS, and EDIT functions as a back or escape
function. If the MAX II is displaying a group file, the OK key toggles the display view
options: Digits, RF, RECT views.

4.23 Wheel Keys

The Wheel Keys are used to navigate through the menus, increase/decrease values,
and toggle specific function keys.

4.24 ENTER key

The ENTER key is used in the overall menu selection process, to activate list and
edit boxes, display and save measurements to a group file location.

4.25 Navigating the Hot Menus

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