Original Dakota probe cables guarantee signal integrity and connector compatibility with every Dakota instrument. Available in different lengths and connector types.
- Connectors: LEMO 00 BNC Microdot ODU
- Lengths: from 1 to 10 metres
- Shielding: double or triple for EMI immunity
- Configurations: straight and angled
- Compatibility: every Dakota instrument
- Replacement: interchangeable without tools
- Materials: industrial PVC and polyurethane
The cable that connects the probe to the instrument is a component that is often overlooked but critical: its integrity directly affects the quality of the ultrasonic signal. Damaged cables, compromised shielding and worn connectors introduce noise and attenuation that can spoil the whole measurement, even with a perfect instrument and probe.
RODER SRL supplies the full range of genuine Dakota transducer cables, immediately available from our warehouses in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. Our technical team is at your disposal to help you choose the right cable according to the connectors on your instrument and probe, the length required and the working environment.
Typical applications include replacing cables damaged in the field, extensions for measurements in difficult positions, and multi-cable configurations for multi-probe inspections. The Dakota range covers LEMO 00 (the thickness gauge standard), BNC (flaw detectors), Microdot (precision probes) and ODU Smart Port (CMX10-DL).
Need help choosing the right product?
The importance of the cable in the measurement chain
The ultrasonic measurement chain is made up of four elements: instrument, cable, probe, material (with couplant). Each element contributes to the overall quality of the signal: impairing even one of them reduces sensitivity and accuracy.
The cable is often the element most exposed to wear and mechanical damage (repeated bending, crushing, broken connectors). A damaged cable:
- introduces signal attenuation (loss of sensitivity)
- picks up electromagnetic noise from the environment (motors, inverters, radios)
- can cause intermittent readings or completely wrong ones
- shortens the service life of the instrument through stress on the connectors
Types of Dakota connector
LEMO 00 (thickness gauge standard)
The LEMO 00 connector is the de facto standard of Dakota corrosion and precision thickness gauges. It has a push-pull bayonet coupling, excellent mechanical retention and gold-plated contacts that resist oxidation. You will find it on the CX, ZX, CMX, MX, PMX, PCX, PZX and BT models.
BNC (flaw detectors)
The bayonet BNC connector is the historical NDT standard in flaw detection. Bulkier than the LEMO 00 but extremely rugged, it is fitted to the Dakota FX70-DL, FX71-DL and FX81-DL flaw detectors.
Microdot (probe side)
The Microdot connector is minimal in size and is the universal choice on the probe side of every Dakota dual element and single element transducer. Its screw thread guarantees a stable contact even in intensive use.
ODU Smart Port (CMX10-DL)
The ODU Smart Port connector is specific to the CMX10-DL: it incorporates contacts for automatic probe recognition (dual, single, delay, angular). The instrument recognises the configuration automatically and applies the optimal measurement parameters.
Lengths and configurations available
- 1 metre: the minimum length, for bench measurements
- 2 metres: the standard length, covering most field inspections
- 5-10 metres: configurations for inspections in difficult positions (at height, in confined spaces)
- Angled cables: inclined connector for restricted lateral access
- Twin cables: separate TX-RX configuration for dual element probes
Representative models from the catalogue
The Dakota catalogue comprises 30 probe cable codes. A selection of representative models:
N-104-0020
Transducer cable 1.2 m (4′), single, Lemo 00 – Microdot.
N-104-0000
Transducer cable 1.2 m (4′), single, Lemo 00 – Lemo 00.
N-106-0000
Transducer cable 2 m (6′), single, Lemo 00 – Lemo 00.
N-110-0020
Transducer cable 3 m (10′), single, Lemo – Microdot.
N-120-0020
Transducer cable 6 m (20′), single, Lemo – Microdot.
N-204-0020
Transducer cable 1.2 m (4′), dual, Lemo – Microdot.
N-206-0000
Transducer cable 2 m (6′), dual, Lemo 00 – Lemo 00.
N-704-0090
Transducer cable 1.2 m (4′), single, Lemo 00 – spring-loaded 2-pin fixture (1/4″ pin spacing), for bolt tension monitors.
Compatibility with Dakota instruments
- Corrosion thickness gauges (CX, ZX, CMX, MX, MX2-DL): LEMO 00 – Microdot cables N-104, N-106, N-204
- Precision thickness gauges (PMX, PCX, PZX): LEMO 00 – Microdot cables
- Bolt tension (BT1-DL, BT2-DL): dedicated LEMO 00 cables to BT specifications
- Flaw detectors (FX70-DL, FX71-DL, FX81-DL): the instruments have two Lemo 00 connectors; Lemo – Microdot cables, N-104, N-110 and N-120 series depending on length
- CMX10-DL: ODU – Lemo (T92024911) and ODU – Microdot (T92025657) adapters
- Sonic testers (R9, RX8-DL): dedicated LEMO 00 configurations
When to replace a cable
- Intermittent readings with the probe confirmed as working
- Reduced sensitivity compared with historical measurements on the same part
- Background noise in environments with motors, inverters or radios
- Visibly deformed connector, oxidised contacts, loose thread
- Damaged sheath with the shielding exposed
- Cable age over 3-5 years of intensive use
Good management practice
- Keep in stock at least one spare cable for each working configuration
- Coil the cable at rest with a generous bend radius (never sharp kinks)
- Protect the connectors with caps when not in use
- Clean the contacts periodically with products made for electronics
- Label the cables with their commissioning date, to manage their lifetime
Complementary accessories
Probe cables complete the chain together with dual element, single element, flaw detector and bolt tension probes. Calibration blocks make it possible to verify the integrity of the system after a cable has been replaced.
Which cables each Dakota instrument needs
To make choosing the right cable easier, the compatibility matrix between Dakota instrument and cable type is given below.
- Corrosion thickness gauges (CX2, CX4, CX6-DL, CX8-DL, ZX, CMX, MX1-DL, MX2-DL): LEMO 00 – Microdot cables of the N-104 (in-line) or N-204 (side) series. Standard length 2 metres.
- CMX10-DL Full Wave: ODU – Lemo (T92024911) and ODU – Microdot (T92025657) adapters for connecting probes with traditional connectors.
- Precision thickness gauges (PMX2-DL, PMX3-DL, PMX4-DL, PCX8-DL, PZX1-DL): LEMO 00 – Microdot cables of the N-104 / N-204 series, and for probes with a double Microdot the N-206 series.
- Bolt tension (BT1-DL, BT2-DL): dedicated LEMO 00 cables with bolt tension electrical specifications. Check the cable datasheet for compatibility with the probe frequency.
- Flaw detectors (FX70-DL, FX71-DL): the instrument has two Lemo 00 connectors; Lemo – Microdot cables, N-104 (1.2 m), N-110 (3 m) and N-120 (6 m) series.
- Benchtop flaw detector (FX81-DL): the instrument has two Lemo 00 connectors; the same cables as for the portable model apply.
- Sonic Testers (R9, RX8-DL motorsport): short dedicated LEMO 00 cables for motorsport use, with increased mechanical strength.
If you are unsure about compatibility, contact our technical office stating the exact model of your Dakota instrument and the probe reference: we will provide the correct cable part number and the delivery times from our warehouses.
Why choose original Dakota accessories
Dakota probe cables are certified components with shielding optimised for EMI immunity in noisy industrial environments (motors, inverters, radios). The connector thread and gold-plated contacts guarantee a repeatable electrical coupling.
- Guaranteed compatibility with every instrument in the Dakota line
- Immediate availability from our warehouses in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States
- Traceability of the batch and dedicated after-sales support
- Certificates and datasheets in compliance with the requirements of Directive 2014/68/EU PED where applicable
- Technical support dedicated to choosing the right component
Frequently asked questions
Are Dakota cables compatible with probes from other brands?
It depends on the connectors: Dakota LEMO 00 – Microdot cables are compatible with most industrial thickness gauges that use these standard connectors. For proprietary configurations (ODU Smart Port on the CMX10-DL) specific Dakota cables are needed to guarantee automatic probe recognition.
Can I extend a cable with a BNC-BNC coupler?
Technically possible over short distances, but not advisable: every joint introduces signal attenuation and can pick up EMI noise. For measurements over greater distances (5-10 metres) single cables in custom lengths are available, which is the preferable solution.
How do I tell a standard cable from one for dual element?
Cables for dual element probes (codes N-120-XXX and similar) have two connectors on the instrument side (TX and RX separate) or one double connector. Cables for single element probes have only one connector. Always check the cable datasheet to avoid incompatibility.
How long does a cable last in intensive use?
In intensive industrial use, a Dakota probe cable lasts on average 3-5 years before it needs replacing. Its life depends on how it is handled (coiling, connector protection, environment). In field inspection with a great deal of movement its life can fall to 2-3 years.
Can I repair a cable with a damaged sheath?
Temporary repairs with self-amalgamating tape are possible as an emergency solution, but they reduce EMI shielding and mechanical sealing. For continuous use, replacing the cable is recommended: delivery times for genuine Dakota spare parts are short from our warehouses.
Request availability and a quotation: contact us stating the model of your Dakota instrument and the length/configuration required.