The Dakota ZX-3 adds to the entry level of the ZX series what is needed when the surface does not cooperate: adjustable gain in five steps, manual or automatic zeroing and high-speed scanning to find the thinnest point.
- ✓ Pulse-Echo measurement from 0.63 to 914.4 mm
- ✓ Adjustable gain 40–52 dB in 3 dB steps, five levels
- ✓ High-speed scan: shows the minimum reading found, 100 Hz
- ✓ Manual or automatic zeroing, selectable probe diameter
- ✓ 120 MHz FPGA timing, 150 V square wave pulser
- ✓ Operating temperature −30 / +75 °C, 45-hour battery life
- ✓ 5-year limited warranty
On a smooth, clean surface almost every thickness gauge gives the same number. The difference emerges when the wall is corroded, the back surface is irregular and the return echo arrives weak: there a fixed-gain instrument may simply fail to read, or read a value that does not correspond to the most critical point.
On this page
The ZX-3 tackles this situation with two tools. The adjustable gain in five levels makes it possible to recover weak echoes on attenuating materials or pitted surfaces; scan mode acquires at 100 Hz while the probe is moved and keeps the minimum value, which in corrosion measurement is the only one that really counts — the worst remaining thickness, not the average.
Need help choosing the right product?
Like the ZX-1, the ZX-3 also works in Pulse-Echo mode only: it does not measure through the coating and does not store readings. It is the right choice for those who need control over the signal but not to document the campaign.
Positioning within the ZX series
| Model | Gain | Through paint | Data logger |
|---|---|---|---|
| ZX-1 | fixed | no | no |
| ZX-3 | adjustable 40–52 dB | no | no |
| ZX5-DL | adjustable 40–52 dB | no | yes, 10,000 readings |
| ZX6-DL | adjustable | yes, Echo-Echo | yes, 10,000 readings |
For the full picture of the family: Dakota ZX Series. For a comparison with the higher range: Dakota ZX-3 vs CMX1-DL.
When to choose the ZX-3
- Corroded or pitted surfaces, where the return echo is weak
- Searching for the point of minimum thickness over a wide area
- Pitting and localised corrosion
- Moderately attenuating materials that require more gain
- Inspection of pipes, tanks and boilers without coating
- Operators who want control over the signal without moving up to an instrument with A-Scan
Main features
Adjustable gain
Five gain levels from 40 to 52 dB in 3 dB steps — very low, low, medium, high, very high. Raising the gain makes it possible to recover the reading where the echo returns attenuated: corroded surface, imperfect coupling, non-homogeneous material. It is the function that sets the ZX-3 apart from the base model.
High-speed scanning
In scan mode the instrument acquires at 100 Hz while the probe is moved over the surface and, on lift-off, shows the minimum value encountered. In corrosion measurement this is the figure that counts: it locates the most thinned point without having to search for it by trial and error.
Zeroing and linearity
- Manual or automatic zeroing, at the operator’s choice
- Selectable probe diameter to improve measurement linearity
- Bar graph indicating the stability of the reading
- Nine keys with tactile feedback on a sealed membrane
Ruggedness
- Extruded aluminium body with nickel-plated aluminium end caps, gasket-sealed
- Keypad resistant to water and petroleum products
- Operating temperature −30 / +75 °C
- Selectable on/off/auto backlight with three brightness levels
Full technical specifications
Data taken from the manufacturer’s official datasheet.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | Z-302-0000 |
| Measuring mode | Pulse-Echo |
| Measuring range | 0.63 – 914.4 mm, depending on material and transducer |
| Resolution | 0.01 mm |
| Velocity range | 305 – 18,542 m/s |
| Gain | 40 – 52 dB, 3 dB steps (vlow, low, med, high, vhi) |
| PRF | 200 Hz |
| Display update | 10 Hz |
| High-speed scan | 100 Hz, displays the minimum reading |
| Zeroing | manual or automatic |
| Timing | FPGA a 120 MHz |
| Pulser | square wave, 150 V |
| Transducers | dual element, 1 – 10 MHz, quick-release LEMO connectors |
| Display | multifunction 7-segment LCD, 4.5 digits, 12.7 mm digit height |
| Keypad | sealed membrane, 9 keys with tactile feedback |
| Power supply | two AA cells: 1.5 V alkaline, 1.2 V NiCad or 1.5 V lithium |
| Battery life | 45 hours with alkaline, 23 hours with NiCad |
| Operating temperature | −30 / +75 °C |
| Housing | extruded aluminium, nickel-plated aluminium end caps, gasket sealed |
| Weight | 312 g (11 oz) with batteries |
| Dimensions | 63.5 × 131.3 × 31.5 mm |
| Data logger | not available (available on the ZX5-DL model) |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Typical applications
Corrosion and pitting
The combination of adjustable gain and scan mode is designed for localised corrosion, where the problem is not measuring but finding the right point: see Monitoring uniform corrosion: methods, instruments and criteria.
Pipes, tanks and boilers
These are the applications indicated by the manufacturer for the ZX series. For the method on pipework: How to measure the thickness of pipes and tubing with an ultrasonic thickness gauge.
Difficult materials
Higher gain helps on moderately attenuating materials. For the most critical cases, where the waveform needs to be seen: How to improve results on difficult materials.
Order codes: instrument, probes and accessories
Below you will find everything you can order for the ZX-3: the instrument, compatible probes, couplants, calibration blocks and accessories. Please quote the order code in your request: it is the code shown on the quotation and on the order confirmation.
The probe is not included with the instrument: it must be chosen and ordered separately from those listed on this page. All probes in the table are compatible with the ZX-3.
Instrument
Supplied with: instrument, couplant, manual, plastic carrying case, calibration certificate, AA batteries. Probe not included.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Z-302-0000 | 10-15-34 | ZX3 dual-element ultrasonic thickness gauge for corrosion – Pulse-Echo Probe to be ordered separately |
Compatible probes (dual element, Potted connector, side exit)
Choose the frequency according to thickness and material: 1–2.25 MHz for thick walls or attenuating materials, 5 MHz for general use, 7.5–10 MHz for thin sections and small surfaces. A smaller diameter makes coupling on curved surfaces easier.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | T-104-0000 | 14-17-88 | Dual-element probe Standard, 1 MHz, Ø 1/2″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-102-1000 | 14-19-89 | Dual-element probe Standard, 2.25 MHz, Ø 1/4″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-104-1000 | 14-27-94 | Dual-element probe Standard, 2.25 MHz, Ø 1/2″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-101-2000 | 14-17-59 | Dual-element probe Standard, 5 MHz, Ø 3/16″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-102-2000 | 14-26-18 | Dual-element probe Standard, 5 MHz, Ø 1/4″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-104-2000 | 14-23-46 | Dual-element probe Standard, 5 MHz, Ø 1/2″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-101-3700 | 10-15-40 | Dual-element probe Hi-Damped (Echo-Echo / thru-paint), 7.5 MHz, Ø 3/16″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-101-4000 | 14-16-16 | Dual-element probe Standard, 10 MHz, Ø 3/16″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-102-4000 | 10-15-41 | Dual-element probe Standard, 10 MHz, Ø 1/4″, Potted connector, side exit |
 | T-102-3300 | 14-24-55 | Dual-element probe Extra Resolution (thin sections), 7.5 MHz, Ø 1/4″, Potted connector, side exit |
Couplants
A couplant is included in the supply; for refills and for high temperatures, choose from the following.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | GEL-ACC-STD | 12-13-50 | Yellow anti-rust couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Standard temperature range 0 / 80 °C. 500 ml pack |
 | GEL-ACC-EXT | 12-13-51 | Blue anti-corrosion couplant gel, RCCM compliant. Extended temperature range -20 / 120 °C. 500 ml pack |
 | PST-ACC-UHT | 12-13-53 | Special very-high-temperature ultrasonic coupling paste +100 / 520 °C. Non-flammable and smoke-free. RCCM compliant. 200 g pack |
Calibration blocks
For periodic verification of the instrument: choose the step block covering the thickness range you measure.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | X-000-0001 | 10-15-48 | 5-step calibration block 0.1″–0.5″, steel 4340 |
 | X-000-0002 | 10-15-49 | 4-step calibration block 0.25″–1.0″, steel 4340 |
 | X-000-0022 | 10-15-50 | 5-step calibration block 2.5–12.5 mm, steel 1018 |
 | X-000-0021 | 10-15-51 | 4-step calibration block 6.25–25 mm, steel 1018 |
 | X-000-0005 | 10-15-52 | Case for calibration block |
Accessories and spare parts
Cases, data cable and pipe probe holder.
| Image | Order code | SKU | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
 | F-302-0001 | 10-15-37 | Nylon instrument case (ZX e PZX) Case only: instrument NOT included |
 | A-302-6002 | 11-10-01 | Rubber instrument boot (ZX e PZX) Case only: instrument NOT included |
 | A-302-6003 | 10-15-38 | Plastic carrying case (ZX e PZX) Case only: instrument NOT included |
 | N-003-0330 | 10-15-39 | USB-C / USB-A data cable 0.9 m (V2.0 instruments) |
| F-000-7001 | 10-15-53 | Spring-loaded bell probe holder (V-Block) – dual-element probes, pipe inspection |
For more on choosing the probe: probes for corrosion gauges and the guide How to choose the right ultrasonic transducer. For a quotation, please state the order code and quantity.
Documentation download
Official Dakota NDT technical documentation. The file opens in a new tab.
 | Datasheet Dakota ZX3 and ZX5-DL Official manufacturer datasheet — PDF, in English |
Standards and certifications
- Factory calibration NIST-traceable and compliant with MIL-STD-45662A
- Usable for measurements according to EN 14127 and ASTM E797 on uncoated materials
- 5-year limited warranty
For the regulatory picture: NDT standards for thickness measurement.
Frequently asked questions
The ZX-3 adds adjustable gain from 40 to 52 dB in five levels, selectable manual or automatic zeroing, high-speed scanning with display of the minimum, and a selectable probe diameter. The ZX-1 works at fixed gain and is more immediate but less adaptable on difficult surfaces.
No. The ZX-3 has no data logger: within the series it is available on the DL models, such as the ZX6-DL with 10,000 storable readings.
For acquiring continuously while the probe is moved over the surface, at 100 Hz, and showing the minimum reading encountered when the probe is lifted. In corrosion measurement it serves to locate the most thinned point of an area without having to search for it point by point.
No. The ZX-3 works in Pulse-Echo mode only: the coating must be removed at the measuring point. To measure through paint you need Echo-Echo mode, available on the ZX6-DL and on the CMX series.
For a quotation or for help choosing the most suitable probe, contact our technical department.
Further information and contacts
Systems division and sensor integration partner : www.roder.it
More information about RODER SRL : about us
Contact for general information : info@roder.it
Contact for information about these products : info@roder.it
The information contained on this web page is provided for information purposes only. Although it has been compiled with the utmost care, it does not constitute a contractual offer or a binding commitment to supply. It may contain transcription, translation or typographical errors. For precise and up-to-date information, please contact our company directly.
Some images on this website have been intentionally generated using Artificial Intelligence (AI). This is because, for many applications and projects, it is not possible to disclose photographs of the installation or of the actual system due to confidentiality agreements, confidentiality clauses and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs).