CK4 INSTRUMENT

AND CORRDATA CK
SOFTWARE
QUICKSTART GUIDE

CORRDATA CK Software
for CK4 CORROSOMETER instrument,
CORROSOMETER, and CORROTEMP Probes

ROHRBACK COSASCO SYSTEMS, INC.

11841 E. Smith Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Tel: (562) 949-0123
(800) 635-6898
Fax: (562) 949-3065

P/N 700901-Manual Rev D

06-20-2002

CORRDATA Corrosion Monitoring System

1992 Rohrback Cosasco Systems Inc. All rights reserved.
CORROSOMETER, CORRATER, ICMS are registered trademarks, and CORRDATA,
CORROTEMP are trademarks of Rohrback Cosasco Systems Inc.
MS, MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Laserjet, paintjet, deskjet, are registered trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company.
IBM, proprinter are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

Introduction
The CK4 CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP probe measuring instrument is designed to
simplify probe reading and data presentation. CORROTEMP probes incorporate temperature
measurement into the standard CORROSOMETER probes without any additional connections.
This additional independent data can be very helpful in correlation of corrosion rated with
operating temperature changes.

CK4 CORROSOMETER Instrument

2 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

The CK4 instrument measures CORROSOMETER and CORROTEMP probes and allows readings
to be stored for up to 26 probes. This stored data is later retrieved and entered into the
CORRDATA CK Graphical Software, which is supplied free of charge with each instrument.

Setup
1.

Load your IBM P.C. or compatible with CORRDATA CK Software.

2.

Configure the P.C. with the CORROSOMETER an CORROTEMP probes to be

monitored.

3.

Set the date and time on the CK4.

Data Collection
1.

Plug the CK4 into each CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP probe, and take the
probe reading.

2.

Store the probe reading in one of the twenty-six letter registers.

3.

At the P.C., start the CORRDATA CK software, read back the stored probe
readings from the CK4 lettered registers, and enter them into the program.

4.

Select and display the probe graphs as required.

The above steps are explained in more detail on the following pages.

Installing CORRDATA CK Software

1.

Check that your P.C. is an IBM or compatible, with EGA or VGA graphics, a hard and
floppy disk drive, and running MS DOS 3.3 or higher (MS DOS 4.01 or 5.0 is preferred
for greater graphics print screen flexibility).

2.

Choose the 3" diskette or the first 5" diskette to insert into your floppy drive. At the
DOS prompt change to the floppy drive containing the diskette, and type install.

3.

Follow the on-screen instructions. The default settings install the files in the CORRDATA
directory under the C: drive root directory.

Quickstart Guide 3
NOTE: The install program also requests selection of COM1 or
COM 2 serial port. Although the serial port is not used with manual
input readings from the CK range of portable instruments, this
program is also capable of operating with the CORRDATA Remote
Data Collectors, and Mate I and II probe reading and data transfer
units. These systems allow fully automated data collection and direct
transfer to the P.C. without the need for any manual data transfer. For
further details contact Rohrback Cosasco Systems Inc.
4.

Remove the CORRDATA Software diskette and save as a backup.

Setting the Clock on the CK4

The CK4 has its own clock so that individual probe readings are automatically date and time
stamped. To set the CK4 clock:
1.

Install the batteries in the CK4 instrument by first removing the battery
compartment cover on the back of the instrument. Ensure that the correct polarity
is observed as indicated in the battery compartment.

2.

Switch ON the CK4.

3.

Press TIME (F4). This will display the current date and time, if already set.

4.

To make changes press the MONTH (F1), DAY (F2), and YEAR (F3) keys as
required. Press once for a single change; hold down the key for scrolling; hold
down the ALPHA/NUMERIC key in addition to reverse the direction of scrolling.

5.

Use the same method to set time. When complete press Exit (F4).

4 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

Entering Probe Configuration Information
1.

In the CORRDATA sub-directory type CK to start the CORRDATA program.

2.

Press Enter to clear the logo display screen and show the main menu.

3.

From the main menu and sub-menu select SetUp, and Units. Choose the
engineering units desired from mils (0.001"), millimetres (mm), or micrometres
(m), and press Enter.

4.

From the main menu and sub-menu select Configure and New respectively. Select
Manual Co (Manual CORROSOMETER) for CORROSOMETER probe
configuration or Manual CoT (Manual CORROTEMP) for a CORROTEMP probe
configuration. In either case the entry screen is similar.
NOTE: The other selections in this sub-menu are not applicable to
use of this program with the CK4 instrument. They are part of the
CORRDATA software for the fully automated data collection that may
be achieved with Remote Data Collectors (RDC's) and either a Mate
I or Mate II data transfer unit. To see a demonstration of the capability
of this type of system, retrieve the demonstration graph DEMO.SAV
as described later in the section "Archiving and Retrieving Old Data
Files".

Quickstart Guide 5

Typical Manual CORROSOMETER Probe Configuration

4.

Complete the CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP Probe Entry screen with a

minimum of ID Number (Upper Case A to Z is recommended to match the CK4
memory labels), Probe Type and Span.
WARNING! CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP probe type
and span are designated on the probe and its package label. Probe
Span is designated in units of mils only. This probe Span must be
entered in these same units irrespective of which units have been
selected under SetUp. The program then takes care of the different
engineering units selected. In fact the display engineering units
may be changed at any time.
The 8 and 9 arrows select the individual entry field as indicated by the highlight
bar. Press the Enter key to enter the field entry box. Type in the required
information or select the required preset value. Press Enter to complete the field
entry. When complete save the complete Probe Entry screen with Save (F2).

5.

Repeat the process for each CORROSOMETER to be monitored.

6 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

Configuring CK4 with Probe Span
This procedure is only necessary if a corrosion rate calculation is required on the CK4 based on
the current and last probe reading only. Normally the probe data is best reviewed on the P.C. If
this calculation is not required on the CK4 proceed to the next section.
1.

Switch ON the CK4. Press SPAN (F3).

2.

Press the key (A-Z) corresponding to the probe label to be configured.

3.

Use the TENS (F1) key and the ONES (F2) key to change the span. Hold down
the key to scroll up through the values; hold down the ALPHA/NUMERIC key to
scroll down the values. Enter the probe span in mils as marked on the probe.
NOTE:
A corrosion rate will only be computed on the CK4
instrument display if the probe readings are more than fourteen days
apart.

Reading Probes with CK4 Instrument

1.

Switch ON the CK4 instrument, and connect to the CORROSOMETER or

CORROTEMP probe to be read.

2.

Press READ (F1), and select the probe type, WIRE (F1), T/S (F2), or SPEC (F3).
Probe types are labelled on the probes as type A for WIRE , type B or C for T/S,
and type D for SPEC respectively. Alternatively the lettered keys A, B, C, or D
may also be used directly to enter the probe type.

3.

Select and press the label (A-Z) corresponding to the configuration label used on
the P.C. against which to store the data.
NOTE: Mark the probe with label A-Z to ensure correct probe
identification for data collection and transfer to the P.C.

4.

The probe reading will take approximately 2 minutes and 45 seconds. At the end
of this time the probe data will be displayed.
NOTE: If a probe is near the end of its life a warning message will
be displayed. A warning to "Replace Soon" is displayed above 80% of
probe life, and "Replace Now" above 95% of probe life.

Quickstart Guide 7

5.

If a CORROTEMP probe is being read, press TEMP (F4) to read the probe
temperature. This reading will take approximately 45 seconds to complete, and then
be added to the data display.

6.

Again select the probe label (A-Z) against which to store the reading.

7.

To exit the data display screen either turn OFF the CK4, or press any other key
except F1 to F4.

8.

The last probe readings from any probe may be reviewed on the CK4 from the main
menu by pressing DISP (F2), and then the label (A-Z) of the required probe. To
read any other probe, press its label (A-Z)

Entering Probe Data into the P.C.

1.

From the CORRDATA main menu select File, and from the sub-menu Man Input.
This will display the listing of configured probes.

Typical Manual Input Probe List

8 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

NOTE: If this program is used as an add-in to the CORRDATA
program for Mate I or Mate II to permit additional input from a CK3
or CK4 instrument, this list will only display probes that have been
configured for manual input. This simplifies selection of manual entry
probes, and avoids confusion with fully automated data entries.
2.

For guidance on the data entry keys, see the menu bar at the base of the screen.

3.

Use the 8 and 9 keys to select the probe for which data is to be input.

4.

Switch ON the CK4 and press DISP (F2), and select the probe label corresponding
to probe selected on the P.C.

5.

On the P.C. press Enter, to bring up the data entry screen.

Typical CORROSOMETER Probe Data Input Screen

6.

For a CORROSOMETER probe, the input fields are Date, Time, Check reading,
and Measure reading. Use the 8 and 9 keys to select the required field, and the
Enter key to enter and leave each data entry box. At initial entry the cursor is set
to the overwrite mode as indicated by the thick cursor. On a CORROTEMP probe
an additional data entry box for temperature will also appear.

Quickstart Guide 9
7.

In the Date field type the month, day, year from the CK4 screen in the form
indicated on the P.C. screen. When complete press Enter again to leave that data
entry box.

8.

The Time entry box is set to a default of 12:00 mid-day. This may be left
unchanged if the time of day that readings were taken are not significant, such as
for low corrosion rates. Otherwise type the time from the CK4 screen in the format
indicated.

9.

Type the probe Check reading from the CK4 screen. The very first probe entry is
the most critical as it is the one against which all the others will be compared, to
determine if the check reading has gone bad. This is based on 20 divisions from
the initial reading, and is indicated by a thinner graph line than the normal.
WARNING! Once the first reading has been saved with the F2
key the initial check reading cannot be reset without first deleting
the probe in the Configure menu. This applies even if the Edit
command is used to change the check reading as displayed.

10.

Type the probe Measure reading from the CK4 screen.

11.

For a CORROTEMP probe type the Temperature reading from the CK4 screen.
When satisfied with all the entries for that probe reading pres F2 to save the data.
NOTE: At least two probe readings must be entered to be able to
display a graph.

12.

From the manual probe list summary, or the individual probe data list, the graphical
display may be viewed by the shortcut key F3. Esc will then return back to the
same place. The full display features are available under Display on the main
menu.

13.

When one probe entry has been completed, press Esc return to the manual probe
summary list, and select the next probe for data entry. When all the probes have
been completed press Esc as required to return to the main menu.

14.

To edit any probe data from the manual probe summary list, use the Insert key
instead of the Enter key. To remove a line of probe data use the Delete key.
NOTE: The date of a probe reading may only be edited to within the
range of dates of the readings on either side of it, otherwise the graph
will "turn back" on itself when viewed. It is not possible to delete the

10 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

last two probe readings. If this is required, the whole probe must be
deleted from the Configure menu.

Displaying CORROSOMETER Probe Graph

1.

From the CORRDATA Main Menu select Display and then List to show a
complete list of probes on the system.

2.

Use the 8 and 9 arrows to move the highlight bar to the selected entry.

3.

Press Esc and View to display the probe graph.

4.

To select any other probe press Esc and List. Repeat steps 2 and 3.

Displaying CORROTEMP Probe Graphs

Displaying CORROTEMP probe graphs is the same as for CORROSOMETER probes as
far as metal loss data is concerned. To display the probe temperature readings, press "T"
on the keyboard. Press "T" again to toggle back to metal loss.
NOTE: With CORROTEMP probes only one parameter of metal loss
or temperature may be zoomed at a time in the y-axis. Zooming in the
x-axis always is applied to both measured parameters to provide
accurate correlation.

Zooming Probe Graphs

1.

Graphs initially show all the probe data up to 1131 points for CORROSOMETER
probes. The range of interest may be zoomed in by using X-Select and Y-Select
from the Ranges sub-menu.

2.

To zoom in on Y-axis range press Esc, select Range, and Y-Select.

3.

Move the selection cursors with the 8 and 9 arrows. Use the Space bar to toggle
between the cursors (Note the cursors initially start on the top and bottom edges of
the graph, and the initial selection is the bottom cursor).

4.

When satisfied with the selected range press Esc.

Quickstart Guide 11
5.

To zoom in on the X-axis select X-Select. The graph will reappear with vertical
cursor lines. Move these cursors using the 6 or 7 arrow keys, and use the Space
bar to toggle between the two cursors (Note the cursors start initially at the sides
of the graph and the initial selection is the left cursor).

6.

When satisfied with the selected range press Esc twice and then View to display the
zoomed in graph.

Typical CORROSOMETER Probe Graph

Automatic Calculation of Corrosion Rates

1.

In the View mode with a CORROSOMETER or CORROTEMP probe metal loss

graph, any part of the graph may be selected for automatic computation of
corrosion rate. Move the cursors with the 6 and 7 keys and use the Space bar to
toggle between cursors. Select the area of interest and press the Enter key. After
a short period the corrosion rate will be displayed based on linear regression of all
the data points between the cursors.
NOTE: The left hand cursor is selected initially. No corrosion rate
is calculated until the Enter key is pressed.

12 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

2.

If the cursors are positioned between data points, the CORRDATA program
calculates the point at the cursor based on the straight line connecting the data
points on either side. This point is then used in the linear regression formula.

3.

With CORROTEMP probes displaying temperature, the cursors calculate the

average temperature between the cursors.

Printing Corrosion Graphs

1.

The MS DOS graphics file must be loaded BEFORE graphs can be printed from
the CORRDATA program. If the program has already been loaded without the
DOS graphics file and a graph print-out is required, quit the program, load the
graphics file as described below and restart the CORRDATA program.

2.

With MS DOS 4.01 or 5.0, loading the appropriate graphics file from the DOS
prompt before running CORRDATA software, enables Shift + Print Screen for
printing.

2.

MS DOS 5.0 provides the widest range of printer compatibility, including laserjet,
and inkjet. The common commands are as follows:
graphics/r
graphics laserjet/r
graphics laserjetii/r
graphics paintjet/r
graphics deskjet/r

- IBM Proprinter, Epson FX and

compatibles
- HP Laserjet and compatibles
- HP Laserjet II and compatibles
- HP Paintjet
- HP Deskjet

NOTE: The "/r" prints the screen as it appears on the P.C. monitor
screen with a white background. If "/r" is omitted the background will
be black, thereby increasing ribbon, toner, or ink consumption.
For other options or more detail see the MS-DOS Manual.

Quickstart Guide 13
Archiving and Retrieving Old Data Files
The basic CORRDATA software provides for saving of files one at a time for archiving
purposes, and for retrieving files for viewing one at a time. Any files saved are
automatically given the extension .SAV to avoid any overwriting of data files even if they
are saved to the CORRDATA directory. For archiving purposes, set up sub-directories for
the required time periods (such as CD_MAR93) and save the archive data to this subdirectory. Each file will store up to 9,000 data points.
To save the current data to a sub-directory, first create the sub-directory in DOS at the
required location before entering the CORRDATA program. Start the CORRDATA
program and select Save, and press Enter to display the following screen.

Fig 5. CORRDATA Software File Saving Sequence

The .DAT files are the data files in the current program directory. Press the Tab key to
switch from the cursor in the pathname box to a highlight bar in the file list below. Use
the 8 or 9 keys to make the required selection, and press the Tab key. This will display
the selected file into the "Save to" box with the cursor and a .SAV file extension, and leave
a gray highlight bar at the selected probe in the file box above. Modify the pathname as
necessary for the destination sub-directory (such as c:\CORRDATA\MAR 93\ID__1.SAV)
already created in DOS. Press Enter to save the file , or use Esc to leave this screen
without saving.

14 CK4 Instrument and CORRDATA CK Software

NOTE: Data files can only be saved to an archive directory one at
a time.
Archived data files may also be retrieved for the full viewing and analysis capability of the
CORRDATA program from the Display menu. Only one data file at a time may be viewed
from the archive files. Range zooming and rate calculations on graphs are fully
operational on the retrieved file until exiting back to the probe list summary. Exiting the
View or Range on the Display sub-menu to List or back to the main menu will
automatically cancel the archived data file selection.
NOTE: A retrieved file is never added to the probe list in the current
CORRDATA program directory. This may only be achieved by
changing the filename outside the program to an unused ID number,
installing the file in the CORRDATA program directory, and then
selecting this ID number only through the NEW entry screen in the
Configure mode, and View in the Display mode.
To Retrieve an archived file, select File from the main menu, and Retrieve from the submenu. The box that appears will show a pathname box with a cursor present, and a blank
file box. Modify the pathname as required to select the required directory and files using
wildcards and extensions as convenient to simplify the displayed list of files (example:
C:\CORRDATA\CD_MAR93\*.SAV). This will produce a display similar to the
following.

Quickstart Guide 15

Fig 6. CORRDATA Software File Retrieval Sequence

Press Tab to switch from the pathname box to a highlight bar in the file list box. Use the
8 or 9 arrows to select the required RDC and press Enter. Press Display and View to
display the graph. The graph may be zoomed as required, and corrosion rates displayed
with the cursor keys and Enter. To return to the current operating probe list, press Esc and
List.