Sonance DG-1 Depth Gauge Manual
This manual provides instructions for using the Sonance DG-1 Depth Gauge to accurately measure the finish thickness applied to Sonance Invisible Series speakers, ensuring optimal performance and a seamless aesthetic.
Introduction
The Sonance DISC System offers a precise method for non-destructively measuring the thickness of a finish applied over a Sonance invisible speaker diaphragm. The DG-1 handheld depth gauge utilizes a magnetic sensor to determine the distance between the finished surface and steel discs embedded in the speaker's frame corners. The gauge is pre-calibrated to account for the speaker diaphragm's thickness, meaning the reading directly indicates the finishing material's thickness in millimeters (mm), assuming a smooth, level finish.
This system is intended for use after drywall mudding, feathering, leveling, curing, and sanding are complete, but before priming, painting, or other final finishing steps. This allows installers to verify and adjust finish thickness before it becomes permanent.
Maintaining correct finish thickness is crucial for the performance and longevity of invisible speakers. Quantifying this thickness enables installers to achieve consistent, predictable results, unlocking the full potential of Sonance invisible speakers.
Box Contents
- (1) Depth Gauge
- (1) Wired Measurement Probe
- (1) Magnetic Locator
- (1) Calibration Disc
- (1) Carrying Case
Before Measuring
Measurements should be taken after the Sonance Invisible Series speaker or subwoofer is fully installed and the surface is finished according to installation instructions, but prior to applying primer, paint, wallpaper, or any other final finishes.
Measuring Finish Thickness with the DG-1
Step 1: Preparation
Connect the measurement probe to the depth gauge and power on the device. The DG-1 comes pre-calibrated and requires no calibration before initial use.
Step 2: Locate Speaker Position
Identify the approximate speaker locations using stud finders and construction plans. For greater precision, play music through the speakers and feel for woofer motion on the wall or ceiling surface. Turn off the music before proceeding with measurements.
Note: The DG-1 depth gauge will not function correctly while music is playing through an invisible speaker.
Step 3: Find Embedded Disc Locations
To locate the embedded discs at each speaker corner, gently place the magnetic locator near the center of the woofer area. Slide it diagonally downwards and to the left towards the bottom left corner of the speaker (refer to Figure 2). The locator will snap firmly into place when it attracts to the edge of an embedded steel disc. Stainless steel screws are recommended during installation to minimize false detections.
For more precise centering of the locator on the disc, slide it down and left an additional 1/2 inch (approximately 12mm). This typically yields more accurate pinpointing of the disc locations and, consequently, more accurate measurements.
Figure 2: Diagram showing the magnetic locator being moved from the center of the woofer location diagonally towards the bottom left corner to find an embedded disc.Step 4: Mark Disc Perimeter
Using a pencil, mark the perimeter of the magnetic locator. Repeat Step 3 and Step 4 for all four corners of the speaker.
Dimensional drawings detailing the disc positions for Sonance invisible speakers using the DISC system can be found on pages 6-7. Refer to www.sonance.com for the most current drawings.
Figure 3: Diagram of a cutout template for IS Speakers, showing blue circles in corners for measurement. Includes Spanish text: "REMOVE AND RESERVE THIS OVERLAY PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. DO NOT DISCARD." and "QUITAR ESTA SUPERPOSICIÓN ANTES DE LA INSTALLACIÓN. NO DESCARTES."Alternatively, the invisible speaker's included cutout template (Figure 3) can be used to quickly find the remaining three disc locations, making the process more foolproof. It is highly recommended to use this template, which is attached to the front of every invisible speaker, as a fast guide for locating discs and recording measurements. The blue circles in each corner are punched out for easy measurement. After finding the lower left disc location, the cutout template can be laid directly over the magnetic locator. The locator can then be removed, and all four locations can be measured.
Step 5: Measure Finish Thickness
Place the measurement probe against the wall or ceiling surface, ensuring the spring-loaded collar touches the surface evenly (refer to Figure 4).
Figure 4: Diagram showing the measurement probe placed on a wall surface, with the spring-loaded collar touching evenly.Slowly move the probe in a circular motion around the marked area (refer to Figure 5). Pause for a few seconds between movements to allow the gauge's display to update.
Figure 5: Diagram showing the probe being moved in a slow circular motion around a marked disc location on the wall.Note the minimum depth registered on the gauge as you move it around the marked disc area. As the probe drifts from the center of the embedded disc, the measured thickness may increase. While it's possible to get a higher reading due to imperfect alignment, it's impossible to measure less than the actual thickness. Therefore, finding the minimum reading by circling or sweeping the probe is crucial.
Record the minimum measurement for each corner. You can lightly mark the measurement directly on the wall with a pencil or record it on the cutout template. Repeat these steps for the remaining three corners to ensure consistent finish thickness.
Slight variations between the four corners are acceptable (plus or minus 0.5mm), provided the overall finished surface is smooth and level, and individual measurements do not exceed 3mm.
If a measurement exceeds 3mm, sand down the finish to the target thickness (recommended: 1.0-1.5mm). Ensure a smooth, even appearance with the surrounding surface, then repeat the measurement process to confirm the finish is below 3mm and close to the target.
Step 6: Check Surface Flatness
Using a straight edge, check for surface flatness across the speaker location horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. A straight edge that spans the full height, width, and diagonal of the installed speaker is recommended.
If gaps or high spots of approximately 1mm (about 1/32 inch) or more are detected, or if the total finish thickness exceeds 3mm, level the wall finish by sanding or adding material as needed.
An even, smooth surface finish is essential for achieving a completely hidden aesthetic for your invisible speakers.
Embedded Disc Locations
Technical drawings detailing the precise locations of the four embedded depth sensing discs for Sonance IS6, IS8/IS8T/IS10W, IS10, and IS15W invisible speakers are provided on pages 6 and 7 of this manual. These diagrams include measurements in millimeters and inches for the disc positions relative to the speaker frame.
Pages 6-7: Technical drawings showing the placement and dimensions of embedded discs for various Sonance Invisible Series speaker models (IS6, IS8/IS8T/IS10W, IS10, IS15W). Dimensions are displayed in millimeters [inches].DG-1 Care and Handling
The DG-1 is a precision tool and, while sturdy, can be damaged if mishandled.
- Keep the gauge in its protective case when not in use.
- Job sites can be dusty; always wipe away any dust or debris after use.
- Always hold the probe by its collar. Never let it dangle or hold it by the cable.
Calibration
Your DG-1 comes pre-calibrated. However, you may wish to re-calibrate periodically to ensure consistent accuracy.
To begin recalibration:
- Connect the probe to the depth gauge and power it on. Wait for it to fully boot.
- Fully depress the probe onto the black side of the included calibration disc (refer to Figure 6).
- Press and hold the upper rightmost key (the zero key) on the depth gauge (refer to Figure 7). You will hear a single beep upon pressing the button. Continue holding until you hear two more rapid beeps, then release.
Two beeps indicate the gauge has been zeroed out. The display should read 0.000 with the word "ZERO" flashing at the bottom.
Press the zero key once more to exit calibration mode. The word "ZERO" should disappear, and the DG-1 depth gauge is ready for use.
Figure 6: Image showing the calibration disc and a hand pressing the probe onto its black side.Figure 7: Close-up of the DG-1 Depth Gauge display and control buttons, highlighting the 'Zero Key'.Limited Two (2) Year Warranty
Sonance warrants this Sonance-brand product ("Product") to the first end-user purchaser, when bought from an authorized Sonance Dealer/Distributor, to be free from defective workmanship and materials for the stated period. Sonance will, at its option and expense during the warranty period, either repair the defect or replace the Product with a new, re-manufactured, or equivalent product.
Exclusions
To the extent permitted by law, this warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for use, and fitness for a particular purpose, which are specifically excluded.
Sonance's performance constitutes full and final satisfaction of all obligations. Sonance shall not be liable for consequential, incidental, economic, property, bodily injury, or personal injury damages arising from the product, any breach of warranty, or otherwise.
This warranty grants specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties or limitations of remedies.
The warranty is nontransferable and applies only to the initial installation. It does not cover damage to allied equipment, or issues arising from accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g., excessive heat, cold, humidity, mishandling), or unauthorized service or repair.
Obtaining Authorized Service
To qualify for warranty service, contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or Sonance Customer Service at (949) 492-7777 within the warranty period. Obtain a return merchandise number (RMA) and deliver the Product, shipping prepaid, along with the original sales receipt or satisfactory proof of purchase to Sonance.
Contact Information:
Sonance
991 Calle Amanecer
San Clemente, CA 92673 USA
Phone: (949) 492-7777
Fax: (949) 361-5151
Technical Support: (949) 492-7777
Website: www.sonance.com
©2020 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Visit www.sonance.com for the latest product information.
