Dakota CX6-DL – Thickness Gauge with Data Logger

The Dakota CX6-DL is the first model in the CX series with a built-in data logger: it offers the three measurement modes (Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo ThruPaint™, Velocity Mode) like the CX4, adding the ability to store readings in memory and download them to a PC for analysis and reporting with the DakMaster™ software. It is the right instrument for those who carry out inspections with mandatory documentation but do not need B-Scan functions or high-frequency scan mode.

Positioning within the Dakota CX range

The CX6-DL sits between the CX4 and the CX8-DL. Compared with the CX4 it adds the internal data logger with download to DakMaster™. Compared with the CX8-DL it keeps a more limited feature set: it includes neither B-Scan nor all the advanced batch management functions. The supply is the same as the CX8-DL (rigid case, DakMaster™ software on CD, USB cable) but the price and operating complexity are lower.

The CX series is documented with a unified manual, “Dakota CX6-DL & CX8-DL Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges”, and with shared CE and UKCA declarations of conformity. Both models therefore share the same basic architecture.

When to choose the Dakota CX6-DL

• Periodic maintenance inspections where measurements must be recorded for historical comparison
• Corrosion monitoring campaigns of small to medium size on pipework and tanks
• Quality control with mandatory reporting under ISO 9001 / EN 9100 systems
• Use in mixed industrial environments: clean surfaces, painted surfaces, different materials
• Maintenance teams that must document their activities with periodic reports
• Those who prefer a simplified workflow compared with the CX8-DL while still having data storage

If you need B-Scan for cross-section display and high-frequency scan mode, move up to the CX8-DL. If you also need A-Scan for waveform interpretation and advanced measurement modes with coatings (PECT, PETP, CT), the choice is the CMX series.

Documentation downloads

Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. Files open in a new tab.

	CX series datasheet (CX2 / CX4 / CX6-DL / CX8-DL)	Datasheet
	Multilingual user guide CX6-DL and CX8-DL (8 languages)	Guide
	CE Declaration of Conformity — CX6-DL / CX8-DL	CE conformity
	UKCA Declaration of Conformity — CX6-DL / CX8-DL	UKCA conformity

Key features

The three measurement modes

• Pulse-Echo (PE): range 0,63 – 500 mm (0,025 – 19,999″)
• Echo-Echo ThruPaint™ (EE): ignores coatings up to 2 mm, range 2,54 – 20,00 mm (0,100 – 0,787″)
• Velocity Mode (VM): 1.250 – 10.000 m/s (0,0492 – 0,3937 in/µs)

Built-in data logger

• Storage of readings directly on the gauge
• Sequential batching: automatic batches with progressive numbering
• Grid batching: grid organisation for structured surveys
• Fixed batch size mode with linking between batches
• Obstruct entry: insertion of “obst” markers for inaccessible points
• Delete last reading: quick deletion of an incorrect reading
• Automatic timestamp with date and time on every reading
• Batch review graph: graphic display of the contents of a batch
• Alphanumeric batch names definable by the user
• Download via USB to a PC and the DakMaster™ software

Hardware and interface

• 2.4″ colour TFT display with permanent backlight and ambient sensor
• Display resistant to scratches and solvents
• Large buttons with tactile feedback for use with gloves
• IP64 rating: resistant to impact, water and dust
• USB power supply via PC supported
• Multilingual interface

Accuracy and precision

• PE accuracy: ±0,05 mm (0,63-9,99 mm); ±0,5% (10-500 mm)
• EE accuracy: ±0,05 mm (2,54-9,99 mm); ±0,5% (10-20 mm)
• Selectable resolution: 0,1 mm or 0,01 mm
• Repeatability and stability indicator
• Automatic recognition of dual element probes
• Auto V-path correction

Calibration

• Integrated Zero on reference disc
• 1-point and 2-point calibration
• Calibration on sound velocity and on known thickness
• 39 preset materials
• 3 programmable calibration memories
• PIN lock to protect the settings
• Out-of-calibration measurement warning

Full technical specifications

Measurement mode	PE, Echo-Echo ThruPaint™ (EE), Velocity Mode (VM)
PE range	0,63 – 500 mm (0,025 – 19,999″)
EE range	2,54 – 20,00 mm (0,100 – 0,787″)
VM range	1.250 – 10.000 m/s
PE accuracy	±0,05 mm (0,63-9,99 mm); ±0,5% (10-500 mm)
EE accuracy	±0,05 mm (2,54-9,99 mm); ±0,5% (10-20 mm)
Resolution	0,1 mm or 0,01 mm
Display	2,4″ colour TFT, backlit
Display modes	Reading, Statistics, Bar Graph, Run Chart, Differential
Data Logger	Built-in, sequential and grid batching
Data output	USB → PC, DakMaster™ software
Protection	IP64
Operating temperature	-10 to 50 °C
Power supply	2 AA batteries (or USB from PC)
Battery life	15 hours (alkaline) / 28 hours (lithium)
Weight	210 g with batteries
Dimensions	145 × 73 × 37 mm
Warranty	2 years
Standards	ASTM E797, EN 14127, EN 15317
Calibration	Traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662
Part Number	Z-312-0001

Compatible probes

The Dakota CX6-DL supports dual element probes with automatic recognition. The standard supply includes the 5 MHz ⅜” HD right angle dual element probe (TXC5M00CP-10), the same as the CX4 and the CX8-DL, optimised for corroded surfaces.

• 1-2 MHz probes: for attenuating materials and large thicknesses
• Standard and HD 5 MHz probes: general applications, corroded or rough surfaces
• 7.5-10 MHz probes: thin thicknesses with high resolution
• High-temperature probes: up to 500 °C
• Small-diameter probes: tubes and curved geometries
• Delay line probes: very thin thicknesses

For a well-informed selection, see How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer for each application.

Typical applications

Monitoring of uniform corrosion

The CX6-DL is ideal for periodic monitoring campaigns on pipework and tanks: the readings at the Condition Monitoring Locations (CMLs) are stored in the internal data logger and downloaded to the PC for trend analysis. For the full methodology, see Monitoring uniform corrosion: methods, instruments and standards.

API 570 inspections on pipelines

For thickness checks on process pipework with protective coatings, the CX6-DL offers the combination of ThruPaint™ + data logger. For detailed guidelines: Corrosion inspection on pipelines: the API 570 standard and Dakota NDT instruments.

Goods-in quality control with documentation

For ISO 9001, EN 9100 and IATF 16949 quality systems that require traceability of acceptance inspections, the CX6-DL data logger allows automatic documentation of the measurements on each batch received. See the guide Thickness measurement in goods-in quality control.

Structural checks on steelwork

For painted or galvanised steel structures (pylons, towers, industrial supports), the CX6-DL allows periodic inspections with storage of the reading history. Useful for asset integrity management of infrastructure.

The advantage of the data logger: the DakMaster™ workflow

With the CX6-DL, readings are stored in the data logger during the inspection and then transferred to the PC at the end of the campaign. The typical workflow is:

1. Field inspection with storage in the internal data logger
2. Connection to the PC via USB cable
3. Automatic download of the data into DakMaster™
4. Organisation by project, asset, CML
5. Analysis: statistics, histograms, comparison with the baseline
6. Automatic report generation and export to Excel/PDF/CSV

To understand why the data logger is a requirement in modern professional inspections, see Data logger vs manual recording: why archive NDT measurements.

Scope of supply

• Dakota CX6-DL gauge
• 5 MHz ⅜” HD right angle dual element transducer (TXC5M00CP-10)
• Ultrasonic couplant gel
• Plastic transit case
• 3 screen protectors
• Wrist harness
• 2 AA batteries
• Operating manual
• Calibration certificate
• DakMaster™ software on CD
• USB cable

Standards and certifications

• ASTM E797: ultrasonic contact Pulse-Echo thickness measurement
• EN 14127: non-destructive testing for thickness measurement
• EN 15317: characterisation and verification of ultrasonic thickness gauges
• Calibration traceable to NIST and MIL-STD-45662A
• CE Declaration of Conformity (unified CX6-DL/CX8-DL manual)
• UKCA Declaration of Conformity

Frequently asked questions

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For quotations, demonstrations and assistance in choosing between the CX6-DL and the CX8-DL, contact our technical office.

Dakota CX and PCX series (CX2, CX4, CX8-DL, PCX8-DL)

DAKOTANDT CX SERIES – INSTRUMENTS

‘INTELLIGENT’ DUAL TRANSDUCERS – Compatible with ALL CX models

‘INTELLIGENT’ DUAL TRANSDUCERS – Compatible only with CX4 & CX8

DAKOTANDT PCX8 – INSTRUMENT

‘INTELLIGENT’ SINGLE TRANSDUCERS for PCX8

DELAY TIPS FOR SINGLE ELEMENT DELAY LINE TRANSDUCERS (CX / PCX)

ULTRASONIC COUPLANT

Part Number	Description
T92015701	Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz
T92015701-5	Ultrasonic Couplant, 120ml/4fl oz, Pack of 5 Bottles
T92024034-7	Ultrasonic Couplant, 300ml (10fl oz)
T92024034-8	Ultrasonic Couplant, 500ml (17fl oz)

CALIBRATION BLOCKS

Part Number	Description
X-000-0001	Calibration Block: 5 Step; 0.1 – 0.5″; 4340 Steel
X-000-0002	Calibration Block: 4 Step; 0.25 – 1.0″; 4340 Steel
X-000-0022	Calibration Block: 5 Step; 2.5 – 12.5mm; 1018 Steel
X-000-0021	Calibration Block: 4 Step; 6.25 – 25mm; 1018 Steel
X-000-0005	Calibration Block Carry Case

MISCELLANEOUS ACCESSORIES

Part Number	Description
F-000-7001	Bell Shaped Spring Loaded Probe Holder (V-Block) – Dual Transducer Tube Inspection