The Dakota RX8-DL Sonic Tester is the top-of-the-range ultrasonic instrument for motorsport, with A-Scan and integrated data logger. Maximum precision for competition engine building.
- Top motorsport: instrument for racing teams
- A-Scan : Waveform display
- Integrated data logger: history of the checks
- Cylinder walls: precise engine measurement
- 2-point calibration: accuracy in the workshop
- Backlit display: visibility in any environment
- P/N Z-158-0004: official Dakota code
The Dakota RX8-DL Sonic Tester is the top of the range of ultrasonic instruments for motorsport, with A-Scan display and integrated data logger. Conceived for engine building in competition and for quality control of critical mechanical components, it is the choice of professional racing teams. An instrument proven in racing teams for complete documentary management of engine checks.
Its distinctive features include the A-Scan display for visual verification of measurement quality, the integrated data logger to store the history of the checks, two-point calibration with sound velocity compensation and the backlit display. Compatible with dedicated Dakota probes for measurements on aluminium and cast iron engine blocks.
Suitable for engine preparation for competition, cylinder wall inspection on cars and motorcycles, wear checks in the racing workshop and engine testing with documented traceability. Available from RODER SRL, official distributor of Dakota NDT, con calibration, repair and technical support. P/N Z-158-0004, Also suitable for technical inspection centres and the homologation of certified racing components.
The Dakota RX8-DL Sonic Tester (P/N Z-158-0004, technical designation PR-8V) is the most advanced sonic tester in the Dakota range dedicated to motorsport. An evolution of the Dakota R9, it adds a structured data logger, time-based B-Scan mode to display the contour of the blind surface while scanning a cylinder, dedicated Engine Mapping Software for the digital storage of complete engine maps, Echo-Echo Through-Paint mode for measurements on painted surfaces without removing the coating, and a PC transfer cable for data transfer. It is the reference instrument for professional motorsport teams that need complete traceability of the measurements and comparison between sessions and seasons.
Need help choosing the right product?
Position: the top of the Dakota motorsport range
The Dakota Speciality Gauges motorsport range comprises two complementary models:
- Dakota R9 — basic sonic tester, optimised for quick measurements in the pit (P/N Z-309-0002)
- Dakota RX8-DL — advanced sonic tester with data logger and Engine Mapping (P/N Z-158-0004)
While the R9 is designed for one-shot measurements in the workshop or at the pit box, the RX8-DL is aimed at structured workflows: digital storage, reusable engine maps, comparisons between sessions, technical reporting. The main difference is its ability to turn the reading into historical knowledge of the engine or the chassis, allowing retrospective analysis and engineering decisions backed by data.
When to choose the Dakota RX8-DL
- Professional motorsport teams with a structured engineering workflow
- Racing engine builders: traceability of the measurements on every engine block produced
- Championships with stringent technical regulations where documentation of the measurements is required
- High-end engine building workshops: a digital archive of the engines built for each customer
- Anyone who has to produce complete cylinder-by-cylinder maps of an engine with the Engine Map Software
- Anyone working on engines with special coatings (Nikasil, ceramic coating) who needs Echo-Echo ThruPaint mode
- Anyone who has to compare measurements over time to monitor how an engine or chassis evolves
- Anyone who produces technical reports for customers documenting the measurements taken
- Anyone working in research & development in the racing sector
Distinctive features compared with the R9
- Integrated data logger with alphanumeric grid
- Engine Map: digital mapping of cylinder-by-cylinder scans
- Bitmap Capture (.tif) for quick documentation of the display
- OBSTRUCT flag to mark inaccessible positions
- Time-based B-Scan: displays the profile/contour of the blind surface during the scan
- Echo-Echo mode (2.54 – 101.6 mm) for painted or coated surfaces
- Coating Thickness Display: dedicated display of the coating thickness
- Configurable scan mode 10-200 readings/sec (vs. the R9’s fixed 100/sec)
- AGC gain 50 dB (the R9 has no AGC)
- Adjustable 150 V square wave pulser
- TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit digitizer, ultra-low power
- USB for data transfer to the PC
- PC Engine Mapping Software included
- Advanced material selection in calibration
- Hybrid power supply 3 × AA + USB (vs. the R9’s 2 × AA battery only)
Documentation download
Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. Files open in a new tab.
 | RX8-DL datasheet | Datasheet |
| RX8-DL user manual | Manual |
Engine Mapping: the reference feature
Engine Map mode is the RX8-DL’s main added value. It allows the measurements to be organised as a structured engine map: each cylinder has its own grid of measuring positions (e.g. 4 cylinders × 8 points each), identified by alphanumeric coordinates. The PC Engine Mapping software:
- stores each engine built with a unique identifier
- compares pre-machining and post-machining measurements
- compares measurements between different sessions (e.g. start of season vs. end of season)
- exports professional technical reports
- makes it possible to manage archives of dozens or hundreds of engines on file
For a team that builds engines for several customers and vehicles, Engine Map becomes the company database of the build work — not just a measuring instrument but a technical asset.
Time-based B-Scan and contour analysis
The RX8-DL’s time-based B-Scan mode shows a 2D section of the thickness along the probe’s path. While scanning a cylinder, this makes it possible to display the profile of the blind surface (water jacket) — not only the numerical thickness value, but the geometric shape of the engine’s inner wall. Essential when the following are suspected:
- Localised corrosion at specific points of the water jacket
- Asymmetric deterioration caused by uneven cooling flows
- Geometric distortion from overheating or ageing
- Previous uneven boring
Echo-Echo Through-Paint mode
Unlike the basic R9, the RX8-DL supports Echo-Echo mode with a range of 2.54 – 101.6 mm. This function automatically ignores the coating (up to a few millimetres), making it possible to measure the thickness of the base material alone. Extremely useful on:
- Engines with Nikasil coating or ceramic coatings on the cylinder walls
- Roll cages and chassis with protective paint — measurement without scraping the paint off
- Painted or wrapped body panels
- Components with surface treatments (anodising, cataphoresis)
To find out more: Echo-Echo and ThruPaint™: measuring thickness through paint and coatings.
Main features
- Measurement modes: Pulse-Echo (PE) + Echo-Echo ThruPaint (EE)
- PE range: 0.63 – 914.4 mm
- EE range: 2.54 – 101.6 mm
- Resolution: 0.01 mm
- Scan mode: 10 – 200 readings/sec, configurable
- Pulser: square wave 150 V
- Gain: manual or AGC with a 50 dB range
- TCXO digitizer: 100 MHz 8 bit single-shot, ultra-low power
- Display modes: Material Thickness Digits, Coating Thickness Display, Scan Bar Display, time-based B-Scan
- Data logger: alphanumeric grid + Engine Map (cylinder scans)
- Bitmap capture: quick documentation in .tif
- OBSTRUCT flag for inaccessible positions
- Calibration: 1-point, 2-point, Material selection, Velocity
- V-path correction: automatic
- Probe Zero: manual (integrated disc)
- Dual element probe 1-10 MHz
- 1/8 VGA greyscale display
- USB + PC Engine Mapping Software included
- Power supply: 3 × AA + via USB
- Battery life: 35 hours alkaline
- NIST-traceable certificate
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Part Number | Z-158-0004 |
| Technical designation | PR-8V |
| Measuring mode | Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo ThruPaint |
| PE range | 0.63 – 914.4 mm (0.025 – 36″) |
| EE range | 2.54 – 101.6 mm (0.100 – 4.0″) |
| Resolution | 0.01 mm (0.001″) |
| Velocity calibration range | 305 – 18,542 m/s |
| High Speed Scan | 10 – 200 readings/sec |
| Pulser | Square wave 150 V |
| Gain | manual or AGC, 50 dB range |
| Digitizer | TCXO 100 MHz 8 bit single-shot |
| Display modes | Material Thickness Digits, Coating Thickness, Scan Bar, time-based B-Scan |
| Memory / Logging | Grid (alphanumeric), Engine Map (cylinder scans) |
| Screen capture | Bitmap .tif |
| OBSTRUCT | Yes |
| Calibration options | 1-point, 2-point, Material selection, Velocity |
| Transducer type | Dual element |
| Probe frequency range | 1 – 10 MHz |
| V-path correction | Automatic |
| Probe Zero | Manual (integrated disc) |
| Display | 1/8″ VGA greyscale |
| Unit | mm / inches |
| Backlight | LED |
| Data output | USB |
| PC software | Engine Mapping Software (included) |
| Power supply | 3 × AA + via USB |
| Battery life | 35 h alkaline / 10 h NiCd / 35 h NiMH |
| Operating temperature | -10 to +60 °C |
| Weight | 383 g (with batteries) |
| Dimensions | 63.5 × 165 × 31.5 mm |
R9 vs RX8-DL comparison
| Feature | R9 | RX8-DL |
| Part Number | Z-309-0002 | Z-158-0004 |
| Data logger | No | Yes (Grid + Engine Map) |
| Bitmap capture | No | Yes (.tif) |
| EE ThruPaint mode | No | Yes (2.54-101.6 mm) |
| Time-based B-Scan | No | Yes |
| Coating Thickness Display | No | Yes |
| Scan mode | 100/sec fixed | 10-200/sec configurable |
| AGC gain | No | Yes, 50 dB range |
| Pulser | Fixed | Square wave 150 V |
| USB / PC software | No | Yes + Engine Mapping Software |
| Power supply | 2 × AA | 3 × AA + USB |
| Battery life | 45 h alkaline | 35 h alkaline |
| Weight | 312 g | 383 g |
| Warranty | 5 years | Manufacturer standard |
| Ideal scenario | Quick measurements, workshop, hobby | Engineering workflow, pro teams |
Compatible probes
The RX8-DL uses Dakota dual element transducers with frequencies between 1 and 10 MHz. The transducer part numbers are listed on the Probes and accessories page: tell us the material, the expected thickness and the geometry of the part and we will confirm the right part number.
For a complete guide to the choice: How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer.
Typical applications in advanced motorsport
- Complete engine mapping with cylinder-by-cylinder digital storage
- Pre/post-machining inspection: comparison before and after boring/plating
- Monitoring water jacket corrosion with time-based B-Scan
- Engines with special coatings: Nikasil, ceramic coatings — EE mode
- Inspection of painted roll cages and chassis without removing the paint
- Head porting: checking the remaining thickness during machining
- Engine decks: inspection after grinding work
- Body panels for compliance with the technical regulations
- Laminated windscreens: measuring the glass/PVB layers
- Technical documentation for the customer with professional reports
- Research & development: characterisation of new materials and processes
Recommended application guides:
- Engine cylinder wall measurement: a technical guide for engine builders and racing mechanics
- Echo-Echo and ThruPaint™: measuring thickness through paint
- Data logger vs manual recording: why NDT readings should be archived
- How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer
- How to improve results on difficult materials
Scope of supply
- Dakota RX8-DL Sonic Tester instrument
- Standard transducer (dual element)
- Ultrasonic couplant
- User manual
- Rigid carrying case
- NIST traceable calibration certificate
- 3 AA batteries
- USB data transfer cable
- PC Engine Mapping Software
Standards and certifications
- NIST traceable factory calibration
- MIL-STD-45662A compliance
- CE marking and EMC compliance
- EN 14127 compliance (Ultrasonic thickness measurement)
- ASTM E797 compliance
- Calibration certificate supplied as standard
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your workflow. If you take 10 measurements a month and do not store the data, the R9 is enough. If you build dozens of engines a year for different customers, if you have to compare measurements over time, if the customer requires technical documentation, if you have engines with special coatings — the RX8-DL pays for itself quickly in time saved and in the quality of the service offered.
The Dakota PC engine mapping software is supplied with the instrument and is compatible with Windows. For details of compatibility with specific versions of Windows or Mac, contact us.
Yes. The RX8-DL’s Echo-Echo Through-Paint mode automatically ignores the ceramic or metallic coating (up to a few millimetres) and measures the thickness of the base material alone. This is a key function that the R9 does not offer.
When the probe is dragged along the cylinder in scan mode, the time-based B-Scan builds a 2D section of the thickness. Instead of reading sequential figures, you see the profile of the water jacket graphically and immediately identify areas of reduced section, ovalisation and localised corrosion. It is a qualitative change in the way an engine is inspected.
The RX8-DL’s Engine Map data is in the proprietary Dakota format handled by the PC software included. From there reports can be exported in standard formats (typically CSV, PDF, TIF) for sharing with other teams, customers or workshop management software.
The RX8-DL is sized for intensive professional use. An amateur engine builder might find it oversized if they never use the data logger and have no need for Engine Mapping. In those cases the Dakota R9 is the more sensible choice. If, however, even outside a professional setting you like to document and store your work, the RX8-DL remains a valid option.
Request a tailored quotation for the Dakota RX8-DL Sonic Tester
We will assist you in sizing the complete kit (probes, software, accessories) to match your professional workflow. Contact us for dedicated technical advice.