AlphaLab GM-2 DC/AC Gaussmeter

Overview

The AlphaLab GM-2 is a precision digital gaussmeter engineered for reliable, real-time measurement of both static (DC) and time-varying (AC) magnetic flux density in laboratory, industrial, and field environments. Based on solid-state Hall-effect sensor technology, the GM-2 delivers high reproducibility and thermal stability without requiring zero-point calibration or manual adjustment prior to use. Its design follows fundamental principles of magnetic field metrology—measuring perpendicular component of B-field (in gauss or tesla) via calibrated semiconductor transduction. The instrument is optimized for rapid qualitative scanning and quantitative verification of magnetic contamination, residual magnetization in ferrous components, shielding effectiveness, and DC bias fields in electronic assemblies. With immediate readout upon power-on and sub-second stabilization (<1 s warm-up), it supports high-throughput inspection workflows compliant with ISO 10012 and ASTM A976 standards for magnetic particle testing and non-destructive evaluation.

Key Features

• Simultaneous DC and AC magnetic field measurement with auto-ranging capability
• No pre-use calibration required; factory-traceable calibration certificate included
• Audio alarm with user-defined upper/lower threshold triggering (±1 mG to ±2000 G range)
• Powered by standard 9 V alkaline battery or universal AC adapter (110–240 VAC input)
• Transverse probe configuration (Model 060L-001) enabling precise orthogonal field sampling at surface proximity
• 4½-digit LCD display with polarity indication, peak-hold, and relative mode functions
• Rugged handheld enclosure rated for operation from 0 °C to 45 °C ambient temperature

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GM-2 accommodates a broad spectrum of magnetic sample geometries—including machined steel parts, permanent magnets, electromagnetic coils, PCBs with current-carrying traces, and magnetic shielding materials. Its transverse probe allows non-contact assessment within 1–5 mm of surfaces, minimizing perturbation of weak fields. The instrument conforms to IEC 61000-4-8 (power frequency magnetic field immunity) and meets essential requirements for electromagnetic compatibility per FCC Part 15 Subpart B. Calibration traceability aligns with NIST SRM protocols, and documentation supports GLP-compliant audit trails when used in regulated QA/QC settings (e.g., aerospace component release per AS9100 or medical device manufacturing under ISO 13485).

Software & Data Management

While the GM-2 operates as a standalone meter, optional analog output (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) enables integration into SCADA systems or data acquisition platforms such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, or custom Python-based logging tools. No proprietary software is bundled; however, ASCII serial output (RS-232 or USB-to-serial adapter) is supported via third-party terminal emulators for timestamped CSV export. All measurement records retain full metadata—including date/time stamp, unit selection (G or T), AC/DC mode flag, and alarm status—facilitating FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic record retention when paired with validated validation packages.

Applications

• Residual magnetism verification post-machining or heat treatment (per MIL-STD-1530, ASTM E1444)
• Quality control of magnetic separators, solenoids, and relay cores
• EMI/EMC pre-scan for low-frequency magnetic emissions (50/60 Hz harmonics up to 10 kHz)
• Evaluation of magnetic shielding integrity in MRI rooms and electron microscopy labs
• Characterization of permanent magnet grade uniformity and demagnetization curves
• Field mapping around DC-powered transportation infrastructure (e.g., maglev guideways, rail traction systems)

FAQ

Does the GM-2 require annual recalibration?
Yes—AlphaLab recommends recalibration every 12 months or after any mechanical shock or exposure to fields exceeding ±3000 G to maintain traceable accuracy per ISO/IEC 17025.
Can the transverse probe measure fields parallel to the surface?
No—the 060L-001 transverse probe is optimized for orthogonal (Z-axis) field detection; for in-plane vector components, a triaxial probe system (e.g., AlphaLab’s MGM series) is required.
Is the GM-2 suitable for measuring Earth’s geomagnetic field?
Yes—it resolves down to 0.01 mG (1 nT), making it appropriate for geophysical surveys and baseline environmental monitoring when operated in DC mode with vibration isolation.
What is the maximum measurable AC frequency?
The GM-2 supports AC measurements up to 10 kHz bandwidth with ≤3 dB roll-off, sufficient for harmonics analysis of variable-frequency drives and switching power supplies.
Does the instrument support data logging without external hardware?
No internal memory is provided; continuous logging requires external DAQ hardware or PC-based serial capture with appropriate buffering and timestamp synchronization.