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Manual of Operation and Instruction Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. 3008 Cornwallis Rd. • P.O. Box 12057 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Phone: 1.877.TROXLER Outside the USA: +1.919.549.8661 Fax: +1.919.549.0761 www.troxlerlabs.com...
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Troxler European Subsidiary Southwestern Branch Office Troxler Electronics GmbH 2016 East Randol Mill Road Gilchinger Strasse 33 Suite 406 D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany Arlington, TX 76011 Phone: ++49.8141.71063 Fax: 817.275.8562 Fax: ++49.8141.80731 E-mail: troxler@t-online.de Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit...
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The Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Manual of Operation and Instruction contains information on installing the ACU, and on safely using the Model 3411-B gauge after the ACU has been installed. Also included in this manual are safety warnings, gauge...
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With lists of check marks, follow the instructions in the order of the check marks. Triangles indicate that more than one option is available. Carefully select the option that applies. The ACU is equipped with a two-line backlit display. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit...
Offset .................... 4–2 Stat Test ..................4–2 Drift Test..................4–5 Special Calibration................ 4–7 Specific Gravity ................4–7 Voidless Density ................4–8 Set Units..................4–8 Calibration Constants..............4–9 Memory Reset................4–9 Test Reading ................. 4–9 15-Second Inhibit................ 4–10 Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued) APPENDIX A. 3411-B ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Electrical Specifications ...............A–2 APPENDIX B. PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE Troubleshooting................B–2 Battery Charging ................B–7 Replacement Parts ................ B–8 Returning the Gauge for Service ..........B–10 Troxler Service Centers.............. B–11 INDEX...
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Marking the Test Area ..........2–11 2–4 Voids Illustration............. 2–15 B–1 Model 3411-B ACU Assembly .........B–9 LIST OF TABLES Table Title Page 2–1 Model 3411-B ACU Keypad Functions....2–3 3–1 K Values for Thin Lift Overlays ......3–14 Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit...
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This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE. This code must be entered before these functions may be used. The ACCESS CODE for the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit is: 4678 This page should be removed if the access code is not to be distributed to other parties or users of this gauge.
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION This chapter introduces the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU) and provides instructions for installing it into a Model 3411-B gauge. CONTENTS Introduction................... 1–2 Installing the ACU ................ 1–3 Entering the Calibration Constants ..........1–4 Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 1–1...
Model 3430 gauge for less than the cost of a new gauge. The ACU is a direct replacement for the 3411-B’s original scaler and adds a number of improvements over the original: ♦...
Disconnect the ribbon cable from the scaler and set the scaler aside. Connect the ribbon cable to connector J8 on the Model 3411-B ACU. J8 is located on the circuit board labeled 110238 REV. X (TOP), where X is the current revision of the board. Ensure that the polarizing key on the ribbon cable connector is aligned with the slot in connector J8.
ENTERING THE CALIBRATION CONSTANTS The calibration constants are a set of mathematical constants used by the gauge when calculating a test result. These constants are developed when the gauge is calibrated, and are unique to a particular gauge. The constants for a gauge are listed on the most recent calibration sheet provided with the gauge.
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To change the value of the flashing digit for the E value, use the up and down arrows. To accept the flashing value and select the next digit, press 〈START/ENTER〉. Enter the remaining constants for each depth. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 1–5...
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CHAPTER 2 OPERATING THE GAUGE This chapter explains the basic operation of a Model 3411-B gauge after it has been retrofitted with a Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU). Instructions for setting gauge parameters, taking the daily standard count, preparing the test site, positioning the gauge, and taking moisture and density measurements are included.
THE KEYPAD The keypad (see Figure 2–1) of the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU) consists of ten keys — an eight-function keypad and the 〈ON/YES〉 and 〈OFF/NO〉 keys – and a backlight switch. The gauge is equipped with a beeper to verify keystrokes. If a beep is not heard when a key is pressed, the keystroke was not recognized and should be repeated.
Table 2–1 provides a more detailed description of the individual keys and the location in the manual where each function is described. Table 2–1. Model 3411-B ACU Keypad Functions KEYS DESCRIPTION PAGE Turns on the gauge and answers Yes 2–4 to prompts.
TURNING THE GAUGE ON The gauge uses rechargeable NiCad batteries (included) as a power source. When first turned on, the ACU displays test characters before proceeding to the self-test. NOTE If the gauge turns off immediately after it is turned on, the battery charge may be low or the gauge may be wet inside.
(↑ ↓ or ENTER) To select Set Units, press 〈START/ENTER〉. Units: (↑ ↓ or ENTER) Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the available units. When the desired units are displayed, press 〈START/ENTER〉. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–5...
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SETTING THE COUNT TIME The count time defines how long the gauge reads. Longer count times produce better measurement precision. Troxler recommends a count time of one minute for most sample measurements. To change the count time, press 〈TIME〉 to display:...
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(0 – 9 and .). When the correct value for the current digit is displayed, press 〈START/ENTER〉. The gauge will proceed to the next digit to the right. When the value entry is complete, the gauge activates the value and returns to the Ready mode. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–7...
TAKING THE STANDARD COUNT The gauge uses a cesium-137 and an americium-241:beryllium source for taking measurements. These radioactive sources undergo a natural decay process, resulting in a gradual loss in the intensity of their radiation. The time required for the source strength to diminish by 50% is referred to as the half-life.
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Standard Count: DS= xx MS= xx Troxler recommends that the operator keep a daily log of the moisture and density standard counts (see the Model 3400-B Manual of Operation and Instruction originally supplied with the Model 3411-B gauge). To verify gauge stability, compare the daily standard count to a reliable reference as follows: ♦...
SITE PREPARATION/GAUGE POSITIONING Preparation of the test site surface is critical to gauge performance. This section provides site preparation procedures for both soils and base courses and asphalt surfaces. To ensure the most accurate gauge readings, the appropriate preparation procedure should be followed.
EDGE MARK FOR SCRAPER MARKS PLATE CENTER SCRAPER SCRAPER PLATE PLATE MARK FOR DRILL ROD CENTER METHOD 2 METHOD 1 Figure 2–3. Marking the Test Area Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–11...
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ASPHALT SURFACE PREPARATION It is possible, but usually not necessary, to take direct transmission readings on asphalt. Drilling a hole in asphalt can be difficult, and may require the use of a drill (rather than the drill rod) if the asphalt has cooled and hardened.
After the count time has elapsed, the gauge displays the measurement results in a series of six screens, as follows. Use the up and down arrows to scroll through the various screens. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–13...
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M Count: D Count: xxx.x PCF (Use ↑ & ↓ keys) xxx.x PCF % PR: xx.x Moist: xxx.x PCF % Moist: x.x Air Void: xx.x % Void Ratio x.xxx MOIST CR: x.xxx DENS. CR: x.xxx where: M Count = Moisture counts as read by the gauge D Count = Density counts as read by the gauge WD = Wet density in kg/m or pcf...
SG = Specific Gravity of Soil Particles DD = Dry Density M = Moisture VOID RATIO = Volume of Voids / Volume of Soil = ( SG(Dw) – DD ) / DD Figure 2–4. Voids Illustration Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–15...
TAKING A MEASUREMENT – ASPHALT MODE The Asphalt mode is automatically selected when a Marshall value is enabled (see page 2–6). NOTE When not taking measurements, always keep the source rod in the SAFE position. For added operator safety, the source rod on the gauge automatically retracts to the SAFE position when the gauge is picked up by the handle.
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DENS. CR = Density count ratio M Count = Moisture counts as read by the gauge D Count = Density counts as read by the gauge Press 〈ON/YES〉 to return to the Ready mode. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–17...
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CHAPTER 3 ADVANCED GAUGE OPERATION This chapter provides instructions for using the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU) in special circumstances where the gauge may require an offset or special calibration. This chapter also explains the procedure for using the gauge to measure thin layers of asphalt.
OFFSETS The Model 3411-B gauge is factory-calibrated for soils, asphalt, and concrete with an approximate density range of 1100 to 2700 kg/m (70 to 170 pcf). With an offset, the operator can adjust the gauge readings to correlate to traditional laboratory methods, such as core samples.
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To input a minus sign (for a negative offset), press the down arrow first. To scroll through the numerals, press up and down arrows. To select the next digit and/or exit, press 〈START/ENTER〉. The display will be: Dens. Offset ON Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 3–3...
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MOISTURE OFFSET Some soils contain hydrogen sources other than water and/or neutron absorbers. Since the gauge measures moisture by determining the hydrogen content of the material and relating this to the water content, both types of material could cause gauge readings that differ from the true moisture.
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To scroll through the possible values for each digit, press the arrow key. To select the next digit, press 〈START/ENTER〉. When all digits are entered, the gauge will enable the offset. The display will be: Moist Offset ON Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 3–5...
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TRENCH OFFSETS If the gauge is to be used for moisture or density measurements in a trench or within two feet (0.6 m) of a large vertical structure, a trench offset may be required. If used, the trench offset adjusts all moisture measurements but only the density measurements from backscatter through four inches (10 cm).
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The procedure for entering the values is the same as for moisture and density offsets, ignoring the ± sign on the display. When the values are complete, the gauge enables the offset and displays: Trench Offset ENABLED Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 3–7...
(µ/ρ) of the material. If the chemical composition of the soil is known, Troxler can provide a procedure for recalculating the B value for manual entry (see page 3–9) to accurately measure the soil density.
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Enter B Value? To enter a known B value obtained with the procedure available from Troxler, press 〈ON/YES〉. To have the gauge calculate the recalibration, press 〈OFF/NO〉. If entering a new known B value, see the following explanation. For gauge-calculated special calibration, see page 3–10.
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Upon entry completion, the gauge will indicate that the special calibration is enabled and return to the Ready mode. Note that when the gauge is turned off the Special Calibration is disabled. SPECIAL CALIB. ENABLED! GAUGE-CALCULATED CALIBRATION The true density of the sample must be determined, and a gauge reading must be performed on the material in order to calculate and enable a special calibration.
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The special calibration is only valid for the depth selected during the special calibration. SPECIAL CALIB. ENABLED! Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 3–11...
THIN LAYER MEASUREMENTS Conventional backscatter gauges measure density to depths of approximately 4 inches. To perform readings on layers of asphalt with thickness of 3.33 inches or less, use the following method (formula): × WD – DB DT = 1 – K where: DT = Overlay density WD = Density read by gauge...
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3.3 inches (84 mm) of the overlay. In applications where the overlay thickness is greater than 3.3 inches (84 mm), use (0) for the k value or use the actual gauge readings (WD). Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 3–13...
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CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL FUNCTIONS This chapter gives brief explanations of the Special functions available on the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU), or directs the reader to the appropriate section dealing with a particular function. CONTENTS Recall .................... 4–2 Offset .................... 4–2 Stat Test ..................
RECALL The Recall function allows the operator to view the data from the last reading. Even though the ACU does not store multiple readings, this function displays the latest data. To access the Special functions, press 〈SPECIAL〉. To access the Recall feature, press 〈START/ENTER〉. The gauge displays the data from the last measurement.
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Upon completion of the stat test, the gauge displays the pass/fail status. If the stat test fails, repeat the test twice more. If two out of three stat tests fail, contact Troxler Technical Support (see page B-11). If the stat test passes, the display is: D: PASS M: PASS ↑↓...
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Moist R = x.xxx ↑↓ to view data Moist Avg. x ↑↓ to view data • • • #20D xxx M xxx (Use ↑ & ↓ keys) 4–4...
START for 20 m. Drift Test To begin the five counts, press 〈START/ENTER〉. - DRIFT TEST - Rdg.#:xx xxx sec As with the stat test, the gauge indicates the count progress during the drift test. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 4–5...
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After the five counts have been completed, the display is: D: PASS M: PASS ↑↓ to view data To view the drift test data, use the up and down arrow keys. D % Drift xx.xx ↑↓ to view data Dens. Avg. xx ↑↓...
To change the value of the flashing digit, use the up and down arrows. To accept the flashing value and select the next digit, press 〈START/ENTER〉. If a value is not entered, the default value is 2.70, the “typical” specific gravity for soil. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 4–7...
VOIDLESS DENSITY The Voidless Density function allows the input of the theoretical voidless density value of the material being measured. This value is used in the % Voids calculation. To access the Special functions, press 〈SPECIAL〉. To access the Voidless Density feature, press the down arrow six times and press 〈START/ENTER〉.
This function is for authorized service personnel only! CAUTION Memory Reset erases all data stored in the gauge and sets all constants, except calibration constants, to the default values. TEST READING NOTE This function is for authorized service personnel only! Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 4–9...
15-SECOND INHIBIT The 15-Second Inhibit function enables the gauge owner or operator to disable the 15-second count option. When this function is enabled, the gauge can only conduct one- or four-minute counts. To disable the 15-second count option, first access the Special functions by pressing 〈SPECIAL〉.
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Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU). Note that the measurement, radiological, mechanical, and calibration specifications of the Model 3411-B are not affected by the retrofit, and are therefore unchanged from those shown in the Model 3400-B Manual of Operation and Instruction originally supplied with the gauge.
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS Stored Power 40 watt-hours Battery Recharge Time 14 to 16 hours Gauge Charging 12 V dc, 500 mA minimum Requirements Liquid Crystal Display 2 line x 16 character alphanumeric Keypad 10-key sealed membrane Power Consumption < 0.10 watts average Appendix A–2...
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This appendix contains information on troubleshooting a Model 3411-B gauge when retrofitted with the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU), as well as information on charging the gauge battery. If a serious problem with the gauge arises, contact Troxler Technical Support (see page B–11) for instructions. CONTENTS Troubleshooting................B–2...
Model 3400-B Manual of Operation and Instruction. If the sliding block still does not close completely, contact the nearest Troxler Technical Support (see page B–11). Compare the current standard counts to the calibration standard counts. If they are within 1% for DS and 2% for MS, accept the standard count, then perform and accept four more standard counts.
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3. Report lost or missing radioactive sources to your state or federal radiation control agency in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. 4. Contact the Troxler Radiation Safety Department for further advice. GAUGE READINGS APPEAR ERRATIC Ensure that the source rod is properly locked in the desired backscatter or direct transmission position, and is not resting on the test material.
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B and F values from English to metric units.) If necessary, perform a statistical stability (stat) test (see page 4–2), record the results and contact Troxler Technical Support (see page B–11). GAUGE TURNS OFF AFTER IT IS TURNED ON The gauge automatically turns off after five hours if no keys are pressed.
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Check calibration constants. Check to see if an offset (density, moisture, trench or special) is enabled. Ensure that the standard counts are correct. Ensure that the index rod is seated in bottom of notch. Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Appendix B–5...
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Gauge Fails Stability or Drift Tests ERROR MESSAGES The following error messages are not user-serviceable. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page B–11) for more information. KEY PAD TEST ERROR! GM TUBE TEST ERROR! HELIUM TUBE TEST ERROR! DISPLAY TEST ERROR!
“memory” and repeated unnecessary recharging will shorten the battery life. If possible, run the batteries down before recharging. NOTE Batteries should not be recharged unless the Battery Low! indication is displayed! Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Appendix B–7...
REPLACEMENT PARTS Figure B–1 shows the replaceable parts of the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit. Match the reference number (Ref #) shown below with the correct part in Figure B–1. Ref # Part Number Description 000001.0400 #4 Internal Lock Washer 000204.1400...
RGA (Returned Goods Authorization) number, and a description of the instrument and its problem. This information is used by Troxler shipping and service personnel to expedite the repair work. To obtain an RGA number, please call or fax the factory or branch office with your request.
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Constants................1–4, 4–9 Special..................3–8 Code, access..................xi Count time ..................2–6 Density Offset ..................3–3 Voidless ..................4–8 Depth of measurement ..............2–6 Drift test ..................4–5 Error messages................B–6 Installation ..................1–3 Keypad..................2–2 Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Index–1...
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Measurement Asphalt mode................2–16 Depth ..................2–6 Mode..................2–6 Site preparation................2–10 Soil mode.................2–13 Thin layer ................3–12 Units ..................2–5 Memory reset.................4–9 Mode Asphalt ..................2–6 Ready..................2–4 Soil ....................2–6 Moisture offset ................3–4 Offset .....................3–2 Density ..................3–3 Moisture ..................3–4 Trench..................3–6 Parts, replacement ................ B–8 Percent air voids ................2–15 Ready mode...................2–4 Recall.....................4–2 Replacement parts ................
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Test Drift................... 4–5 Stat .................... 4–2 Test reading .................. 4–9 Thin layer measurements ............3–12 Time, count ................... 2–6 Trench offset................. 3–6 Troubleshooting................B–2 Units, measurement ..............2–5 Void ratio ..................2–15 Voidless density................4–8 Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Index–3...
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NOTES Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit Warranty–1...
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Normal use is defined for the purpose of this warranty as operation under normal load, usage, and conditions with proper care and maintenance and competent supervision. In no event shall TROXLER be held liable for damages, delays, or losses consequential, incidental, or otherwise attributable to the failure of this instrument.
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