GAUSSMETERS

Gaussmeter Selection Factors

• Accuracy
• Repeatability
• Ranges and limits
• Resolution
• Units
• External Interfaces
• Hall Probes
  

Hall Probe thickness

One of the most significant aspects of selecting a gaussmeter is the dimensions of the Hall probe. For transverse probes, this usually this means the thickness .  If you want to measure the magnetic flux density in a loudspeaker magnet assembly air gap,  thick probes womt do! Hirst's  standard Hall probe is 1mm thick and offers a very robust probe for its thickness.

Some applications will require thinner probes or probes of different arrangements. As well as offering a wide range of standard "special" probes Hirst also offers a custom Hall probe service. All probes are interchangable with Hirst instruments without the need for re-calibration.

Accuracy

The accuracy of an instrument is the tolerance between what the instrument displays and the actual value.   All Hirst Gaussmeters are better than 1% accuracy, which is the quoted figure.

Repeatability

The repeatability of an instrument is how repeatable a measured value will be.  If you were to measure the same magnetic flux density multiple times the reading would not vary by more than the repeatability.

Ranges and limits

It is important to ensure that for your desired application the Gaussmeter has an appropriate range and resolution for your requirements.

Each range will have a maximum value and a resolution.

Resolution

This is the smallest unit of magnetic flux density that the unit can display.  Typically each range has its own minimum resolution.

Units

All Hirst Gaussmeters can display measurements in both SI and CGS units of magnetic flux density and magnetic field strength. These units are Tesla, kA/m, Gauss and Oersted.

This provides the user with the ability to measure both magnetic field strength and magnetic flux density in the units they prefer.

External Interfaces

If you wish your Gaussmeter to interact with external hardware or with PC software then you should select a model with external interfaces.  Possible interfaces include RS232 and USB.

RS232 is a slow protocol but allows the capture of data and control from the instrument from a PC (using supplied software) or via some other external system.

USB is a fast protocol that allows measurements to be captured at a much faster rate.   Full control of the instrument is also available.

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