The Dakota MX1-DL is the ultrasonic thickness gauge of the MX series with an integrated data logger. A rugged instrument designed for corrosion monitoring on steel and alloys in industrial environments.
- Integrated data logger : Field storage of measurements
- 500 mm range : From 0.75 to 500 mm
- 0.01 mm resolution : Accuracy on metallic materials
- Pulse-Echo : Standard ultrasonic mode
- 2-point calibration : Accuracy in every application
- IP65 : Dust and splash protection
- Industrial ruggedness : Suitable for intensive use
The Dakota MX1-DL is an ultrasonic ultrasonic thickness gauge of the MX series, dedicated to corrosion monitoring in industrial environments. It combines mechanical ruggedness, an integrated data logger and intuitive operation to manage periodic inspections with full traceability. A proven instrument, widely used in industrial corrosion inspection work.
Key features include the extended range from 0.75 to 500 mm, the 0.01 mm resolution, the two-point calibration, the internal memory for storing readings and the IP65 protection against dust and splashes. Compatible with the Dakota dual-element probe range from 2 to 10 MHz for a variety of applications. A simplified interface, also for less experienced operators.
Indicato per ispezioni di manutenzione su tubazioni, serbatoi, scambiatori di calore e strutture metalliche sottoposte a corrosione. Disponibile presso RODER SRL, distributore ufficiale Dakota NDT, con taratura, riparazione e supporto tecnico dedicato. Soluzione consigliata per manutentori industriali, Strumento collaudato e ampiamente diffuso nelle attività di ispezione corrosione industriale.
The Dakota MX1-DL is an ultrasonic thickness gauge with data logger of the Dakota MX range, designed for extensive corrosion inspections in industrial applications where large memory, fast scan mode and B-Scan graphic display are required. It offers a high-resolution display, a compact body powered by AA batteries and structured storage of readings and waveforms for advanced reporting — an ideal configuration for operators who do not need dynamic A-Scan but still want professional instrumentation for corrosion mapping on tanks, piping and extensive industrial structures.
A note on the range: the Dakota MX series has evolved over time. The model currently in production is the Dakota MX2-DL, which adds A-Scan mode (graphic display of the ultrasonic waveform) while keeping all the memory, scan mode and B-Scan functions. If you are considering a new purchase we suggest looking at the MX2-DL as the current reference. The MX1-DL remains supported with technical service and spare parts.
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Positioning within the Dakota MX range
The Dakota MX range is the “advanced corrosion” segment of the Dakota NDT thickness gauge line. It sits between the CMX series (which offers A-Scan and multiple modes) and the models dedicated to pure corrosion such as ZX5-DL and ZX6-DL. The MX stands out for:
- 4 GB memory — storage capacity far greater than the ZX series
- 250 readings/sec scan mode for continuous mapping
- Cross-sectional B-Scan for graphic display of thickness
- Sequential and grid logging with alphanumeric batch identifiers
- USB for data transfer to the PC
- Power from AA batteries and via USB for long sessions
The main difference between the MX1-DL and its successor the MX2-DL is the presence of A-Scan mode (real-time detection and display of the reflected waveform), available only on the MX2-DL. If you need critical inspection with dynamic signal analysis we recommend the MX2-DL or, for even more advanced measurement modes, the CMX series or the CMX10-DL.
When to choose the Dakota MX1-DL
The MX1-DL is the right choice when:
- You have to carry out extensive corrosion inspections with many hundreds or thousands of readings to store
- You need a B-Scan display of the section to assess relative depths
- You do not need dynamic A-Scan (qualitative assessment of the waveform)
- You want a large data logger with sequential or grid organisation
- You work in fast scan mode for mapping large surfaces (tanks, hulls, boiler walls)
- You already have an installed base of MX1-DL units and wish to keep the consistency of your workflow
For those looking for a simpler, more basic instrument, the ZX6-DL series offers a 10,000-reading data logger at a lower cost. For critical inspections with A-Scan and multiple modes (CT, PE-TP, EE-V, PECT) look to the CMX series.
Key features
- 4 GB data logger — storage of readings with associated waveforms and B-Scans
- Sequential and grid logging — structured organisation of readings by position
- Alphanumeric batch identifiers — management of complex inspection projects
- Fast scan mode up to 250 readings/sec
- B-Scan display cross-sectional, for 2D thickness display
- Combined B-Scan and digits display — numeric value + graphic
- Scan bar display linear, for continuous monitoring
- Echo-Echo Through-Paint for measurements on painted surfaces (coatings up to 2 mm)
- Differential mode for comparison with a nominal value
- Limit alarm mode
- 64 calibration setups user-definable, transferable to/from PC
- AGC (Automatic Gain Control) with 40 dB range
- OBSTRUCT — flag for inaccessible positions
- Bitmap graphic capture — saving of display screenshots
- Repeatability / stability indicator of the measurement
- Data transfer via USB
- Hybrid power: 3 AA batteries or USB
- DakMaster™ software for storage and analysis on PC included
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value |
| Display modes | Digits, B-Scan, Combined B-Scan+digits, Scan bar |
| Manual rate | 8 readings/sec |
| Scan mode rate | 250 readings/sec |
| Scan bar display rate | 10 readings/sec |
| B-Scan display rate | 10 – 200 readings/sec |
| Resolution | 0,01 mm (0,001″) |
| Velocity calibration range | 309,88 – 18.542 m/s |
| Calibration setups | 64 user-definable (PC transferable) |
| Gates | PE: 1 gate; EE: 2 gates with hold-off + threshold |
| Pulser type | Square wave with adjustable pulse width (spike, thin, wide) |
| Gain | Manual or AGC, 40 dB range |
| Timing / digitizer | 100 MHz, 8 bit, ultra low power |
| Memory | 4 GB internal |
| Logging | Sequential and grid, alphanumeric batch IDs |
| Transducer type | Dual element |
| Transducer frequency range | 1 – 10 MHz |
| Probe recognition | Manual (from list) |
| V-path correction | Automatic |
| Probe Zero | Manual (built-in disc) |
| Display | 1/8 VGA greyscale, area 62 × 45.7 mm |
| Display refresh rate | 25 Hz |
| Units | mm / inches |
| Backlight | LED (on/off/auto) |
| Repeatability indicator | Yes |
| Operating temperature | -10 ÷ +60 °C (14 ÷ 140 °F) |
| Data output | USB |
| Power supply | 3 × AA and/or via USB |
| Battery life | 35 h alkaline / 10 h NiCd / 35 h NiMH |
| Weight | 383 g (batteries included) |
| Dimensions | 63,5 × 165 × 31,5 mm |
Compatible probes
The MX1-DL uses dual element transducers with frequencies of 1-10 MHz. The compatible Dakota probes in the Corrosion Thickness range are:
- CTX-501 — 5 MHz, 11.1 mm diameter: standard probe for steel, range 1-150 mm
- CTX-561 — 5 MHz, 15 mm diameter: extended range for thicker materials
- CTX-281 — 2 MHz: for attenuating materials (cast iron, alloy steels)
- CTX-1021 — 10 MHz: high resolution on thin materials
- CTX-502HT — 5 MHz high temperature (up to 500 °C)
- CTX-5001R — 5 MHz micro-point for restricted access
- CTX-1901 — 5 MHz delay line for very thin thicknesses
For a complete guide to probe selection see How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer for each application.
Typical applications
- Extensive corrosion mapping on storage tanks (API 653 inspections)
- Industrial piping monitoring (oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical)
- Pressure vessel inspections and heat exchangers
- Ship hulls and offshore structures
- Steam generators and boilers
- Pulp & paper industry — monitoring of erosion/corrosion on production lines
- Power generation sector — water walls, condensers
- Steel structures with organic coatings (EE mode)
To explore applications and methods further we suggest:
- Uniform corrosion monitoring: methods, instruments and standards
- API 570 and API 653: instrumentation requirements for piping and tank inspections
- Data logger vs manual recording: why NDT measurements should be archived
- Echo-Echo and ThruPaint™: measuring thickness through paint
- How to measure the thickness of pipes and piping with an ultrasonic gauge
DakMaster™ and DakView™ software
The MX1-DL is supplied with the DakMaster™ software for the management, storage and reporting of the measurements downloaded from the instrument. It is also compatible with DakView™, a PC application for advanced graphic analysis of the stored waveforms.
- DakMaster™: how to manage and archive NDT measurements on a PC
- DakView™: A-Scan and B-Scan analysis on a PC for advanced inspections
Scope of supply
- Dakota MX1-DL instrument
- Dual element ultrasonic transducer of your choice
- Ultrasonic couplant
- Operating manual
- Rigid carrying case
- NIST-traceable calibration certificate
- 3 AA batteries
- DakMaster™ software for measurement management
- USB cable for data transfer
Standards and certifications
- NIST-traceable factory calibration (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
- MIL-STD-45662A compliance
- CE marking and EMC compliance
- EN 14127 compliance (Ultrasonic thickness measurement)
- ASTM E797 compliance (Standard practice for measuring thickness)
- EN 15317 compliance (Characterisation and verification of thickness measuring instruments)
For the standards details see the guide NDT standards for thickness measurement.
Frequently asked questions
Both share the same hardware platform, 4 GB memory, 250 readings/sec scan mode and data logger. The key difference is A-Scan mode, available on the MX2-DL and absent on the MX1-DL. The A-Scan shows the reflected ultrasonic waveform in real time and allows an experienced operator to assess the quality of the signal qualitatively, identify spurious echoes, stray reflections and critical measurement conditions.
The model currently in the Dakota NDT catalogue is the MX2-DL, which replaced the MX1-DL by adding A-Scan mode. The MX1-DL remains fully supported for service, spare parts and calibration. For new purchases we recommend considering the MX2-DL as the current reference.
The MX1-DL data logger has 4 GB of internal memory, enough to hold tens of thousands of readings with associated waveforms, organised in sequential or grid alphanumeric batches. Transfer to the PC takes place via USB with the DakMaster™ software.
Yes. The MX1-DL has the Echo-Echo Through-Paint mode, which ignores coatings up to 2 mm (80 mils), making it possible to measure the base metal thickness alone without removing the paint.
Yes, the MX1-DL offers both sequential logging and grid logging, with alphanumeric batch identifiers to organise complex inspection projects. The OBSTRUCT flag makes it possible to mark inaccessible positions without interrupting the measurement sequence.
Request a quotation for the Dakota MX1-DL or for the current MX2-DL model
Our technical team will help you choose the model best suited to your corrosion inspection applications. Contact us for dedicated advice or to arrange a demonstration at your premises.