Presidium DiamondMate Electronic Diamond Tester PDMT Manual - iGem Instruments

Principle of operation

The PRESIDIUM DiamondMate has been developed to distinguish between a diamond and its simulant. It makes use of the fact that a diamond conducts heat better than any known diamond simulant material. Other properties of diamond, such as its high refractive index, can be closely matched by other materials and they are therefore less useful in identifying this most precious gemstone.

The PRESIDIUM DiamondMate utilizes the same patented principle and basic design of electronic circuitry as all of its predecessors. The Heat Tip consists of two linked thermometers, one of which is heated electrically while the other is cooled by gemstone being tested. The difference between the temperature of two thermometers is a measure of the heat conductivity of the gemstone and gives rise to an electrical output that is amplified on a LED level meter. The meter reading thus indicates the heat conductivity.

Features

1. No waiting time between tests - the recovery time after each test is approximately 2 seconds. The tester can be used continuously without the need to stop.
2. Available in two models:
   1. DiamondMate-A: operates on 3 X AAA / IR03 / AM4 alkaline batteries or directly from an electrical outlet (220V / 110V ac) with an AC adapter. (AC adapter and alkaline batteries are optional for this model).
   2. DiamondMate-C: operates on 3 X NiCad rechargeable batteries or directly from an electrical outlet (220V / 110V ac) with an AC adapter. (Batteries and AC adapter / charger are included for this model).
3. Pocket size - measuring only 160 x 30 x 20.5 mm (6.3" x 1.2" x 1.0")
4. Low batteries indicator - a small red light will appear to indicate low batteries.
5. Metal detector - an audible intermittent beep will alert the user when the probe tip is in contact with any metal.
6. Measured diamond - the LED level meter will instantly light up to the green zone at the same time an audible continuous beep will alert the user of a successful test.
7. Low battery consumption - The alkaline batteries in the "DiamondMate-A" will last 3 times longer than any other diamond testers in the market.

Preparing the Presidium DiamondMate for use:

1. Please follow instructions for your model below:
   1. DiamondMate-A: This model operates on 3 x AAA alkaline batteries, simply insert the batteries into the battery compartment of the instrument and note + symbols. Only alkaline batteries should be used to optimize the life of your instrument. This model was tested to operate continuously for 7 hours using alkaline batteries. It also operates efficiently using an AC adapter connected directly to a suitable electrical outlet. Use only the adapter (optional) supplied by the manufacturer.
   2. DiamondMate-C: When you receive the instrument from your dealer, the NICAD batteries will need to be charged for 6-8 hours prior to use. Simply insert the AC adapter / charger (supplied with this model) into a suitable electrical outlet. While charging your DiamondMate, it can be operated as normal via the AC source without any interference. Fully charged Nickel cadmium batteries will operate the instrument continuously for 2 hours.
2. Switch on the unit and wait for about 25 seconds to warm up the instrument. While in this preparation mode, a green light will blink continuously. The light will stop blinking when it is "READY" to be used.
3. Use just enough pressure to depress the protruding probe tip at right angle to the facet of the stone until it retracts completely into the housing. This will result in the lighting up of the red LED when a simulant is being tested and the green LED with a continuous audible beep when a diamond is being tested.
4. The PRESIDIUM DIAMONDMATE has been completely calibrated in the factory and no further adjustment / calibration is required.
5. This unit comes with an auto power down feature

How to perform a test with your DiamondMate

1. Prepare your gemstones and testing must he done at room temperature. I fold the unit at approximately right angle to the facet of the gemstone that you are going to test. Apply just enough pressure to the probe to allow it to retract completely into the housing. With the fully retracted probe, it will automatically maintain a steady and constant contact between the probe and the facet of the gemstone where the measurement is taking place.
2. The LED will display the test result instantly with the lights rising rapidly to its maximum value within one or two seconds and thereafter it will fall gradually.
3. If the reading reaches the green zone, an audible continuous beep will activate signalizing that a diamond is being identified and if the light stopped at any red zone, a simulant is being identified.
   
   Note : This instrument can also be used as an aid to distinguish some known simulant (color stone) such as :
   
   

   Sapphire vs. Tanzanite	Sapphire vs. Iolite
   Sapphire vs. Spinel	Sapphire vs. Citrine
   Sapphire vs. Topaz	Sapphire vs. Glass



4. When the probe is in contact with any metal an audible intermittent beep will be activated by the built-in metal detector.

However further examination is recommended for final analysis of simulant.

Note: For proper operation of the metal detector, your fingers must be in contact at all times with the metal plated serrated parts conveniently located on both sides of the tester. This user friendly feature was designed in such a way that most user's fingers will automatically be in contact with the serrated components while operating the tester.

Important notes

1. The gemstone must be clean and dry before testing, elaborate cleaning procedures are not necessary. The tip of the tester probe must also be clean to ensure proper contact with the gem. It is a good habit to rub the probe tip gently across a bond paper surface before testing and do it periodically.
2. For accurate testing, the instrument must be operated at room temperature (65-80°F / 18-27°C). Prior to any testing, always allow the gems / jewellery pieces to adjust to room temperature.
3. For testing of very small diamonds (10 points and below) the LED on the green zone may not light up to its maximum range. It is not uncommon to have only one green light lighted up. For measuring small loose stones, it is advisable to use a stone tray (optional) to achieve optimum accuracy.
4. Change batteries or recharge the batteries as soon as the low battery indicator light appears.
5. The PRESIDIUM DIAMONDMATE has undergone thorough and extensive laboratory tests and checks. It will give a clear and reliable indication of whether or not a particular gemstone is a diamond or otherwise.

Under no circumstances shall PRESIDIUM INSTRUMENTS PIE LTD, the manufacturer, or any of its distributors be liable for Direct or Indirect Damages Sustained in Connection with the PRESIDIUM DIAMONDMATE.

Maintenance

1. The probe tip of the instrument is very delicate and it should be handled carefully. One must exercise caution when removing the protective cap so as not to damage the tip. When the instrument is not in use, always replace the cap to protect the probe tip.
2. One must stop using the instrument when the low battery indicator is lighted up, this is to prevent any inaccurate measurements.
3. Do not leave dead batteries in the battery compartment as they may corrode and cause damage to the instrument. Batteries should be removed when the instrument is to be stored for an extended period of time.
4. It is advisable to have the instrument serviced and calibrated once a year.

Useful Hints

To avoid damaging the measuring tip of your tester, gently apply pressure by using the index finger to release the cap toward to your body.

Note:

Blue Diamonds have electrical conductivity. Therefore, when testing the blue Diamond using any Gem Tester, it registers as metal due to its electrical conductivity property. However, when testing with colorless Diamonds it responses as Diamonds, because colorless diamonds do not have electrical conductivity.
This is a normal response from all Gem Testers when testing blue Diamonds or other color Diamonds.
When the electrical conductivity of Synthetic Moissanite is comparable to metal: The Following incident will occur when encounter with the above type of Moissanite. When test is being performed, the "METAL" LED lighted up, the sensor tip has made contact only with the stone before the Diamond or Moissanite LED turns on, obviously, the stone is Moissanite.

PRESIDIUM INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY

PRESIDIUM INSTRUMENTS PTE LTD (hereafter "PRESIDIUM") hereby warrants, subject to the conditions herein below set forth in paragraphs numbered "1" through "4", that will repair or replace any part of the enclosed PRESIDIUM DiamondMate Tester unit which proves defective by reason of improper workmanship and/or material for a period of 12 months from the date of original purchase, without charge for parts or labor.

1. Purchase: The unit shall have been purchased from a distributor authorized by PRESIDIUM to sell the same.
2. Unauthorized Repair, Abuse, etc. : The unit shall not have been previously altered, repaired or serviced by anyone other than a distributor authorized by PRESIDIUM to sell and service the same. The serial number on the unit shall not have been altered or removed, the unit shall not have been subject to accident, misuse or abuse.
3. Proper Shipment: The unit shall be shipped, freight or postage paid, or delivered to a distributor appointed by PRESIDIUM in either its original package or a similar package affording an equal degree of protection.
4. The party requesting the services provided hereunder shall be the original purchaser of the unit and furnish proof thereof at the time of such request. Submission of properly validated Warranty Card bearing the date of purchase accompanied by an invoice or receipt issued by a distributor authorized by PRESIDIUM to sell the same may be deemed sufficient for this purpose.

EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL APPLY TO THIS UNIT. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL PRESIDIUM BE LIABLE FOR DIRECT OR INDIRECT DAMAGES SUSTAINED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SAID UNIT AND PRESIDIUM NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY REPRESENTATIVE OR OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY OTHER THAN SUCH AS IS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN.

Presidium Instruments Pte Ltd.
http://www.presidium.com.sg

Service Centers

Email: Service@presidium.com.sg

10 Tuas South Street 5 Jurong Industrial Estate
Singapore 637792
Fax: (65) 62782133

9/34 Moo 5, Phaholyothin Road, Klong 1,
Klongluang, Patumthani, 12120, Thailand
Fax: (662) 9020413

255-4 Big Run Road, Lexington
KY 40503, USA
Fax: (859) 5143695