IMKO SONO-DIS User manual

Manual
More information:
www.imko.de
SONO-DIS with SONO-WZ
and SONO-M1
Moisture Sensor Experts

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Thank you for purchasing this IMKO product
This manual is an original operating manual of the manufacturer.
The described instructions for use and commissioning are part of the products described and must be kept for
future installation or use.
Important!
Please read these instructions carefully to accomplish optimum results with your moisture probe. Please contact
your authorized dealer, distributor or service center for troubleshooting, questions or suggestions on your new
moisture probe. You may contact IMKO directly, to after exploring your local contact.
We look forward to helping you!
For warranty claims, please contact your local dealer, distributor or service center. The warranty does not include
any kind of willful damage to the device or its accessories or an operation outside of the product specification. Ple-
ase refer to the information in this manual. If you have any questions, please contact IMKO service. Don’t open the
device and do not try to repair the device yourself- the guarantee expires when the device is opened or modified.
In the course of product improvements, we reserve the right to make technical and visual changes to the device.

Content
SONO-DIS ...................................................................................................................... 5
1 General Notices ......................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Intended Use ..........................................................................................................................................................6
1.2 The Chargeable Accumulator .................................................................................................................................6
1.3 Charging the DIS Handheld device .........................................................................................................................6
1.4 Temperatures and Ambient Conditions .................................................................................................................6
2 Control Elements ........................................................................................................ 7
3 Initial Commissioning.................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Safety Instructions...................................................................................................................................................8
3.2 Checking the scope of delivery...............................................................................................................................8
3.3 Charging the Accumulator ......................................................................................................................................8
3.4 Connecting a Sensor ...............................................................................................................................................8
4 Operation ................................................................................................................... 9
4.1 General Operation Buttons, Symbols and Messages .............................................................................................9
4.2 Switching ON the SONO-DIS Portable Measuring Instrument .............................................................................10
4.3 Switching OFF the SONO-DIS Portable Measuring Instrument............................................................................10
4.4 Probe Specific Settings..........................................................................................................................................10
5 Technical Data SONO-DIS .......................................................................................... 11
SONO-DIS with SONO-WZ ...................................................................................... 12
1 General Settings........................................................................................................ 13
1.1 Detecting Sensor/Probe........................................................................................................................................13
1.2 Language ...............................................................................................................................................................14
1.3 Auto-Power-Off .....................................................................................................................................................14
1.4 Display Illumination...............................................................................................................................................14
1.5 Display contrast.....................................................................................................................................................15
1.6 Probe Info..............................................................................................................................................................15
1.7 Material Calibration Curve....................................................................................................................................15
1.8 Info ........................................................................................................................................................................16
1.9 Measuring Mode...................................................................................................................................................16
2 Concrete Specific Base Parameters............................................................................ 17
2.1 Density...................................................................................................................................................................17
2.2 The Recipe-Characteristic Parameter CHAR .........................................................................................................18
2.3 The general G-Set parameter ...............................................................................................................................19
3 Standard Measurement mode „Average“.................................................................. 20
3.1 Conduct a Measurement of the Water Content ..................................................................................................20
3.2 EC-TRIME- a valuable cement parameter ...........................................................................................................21
4 In 5 steps to a successful measurement..................................................................... 22
5 Correct Handling in fresh concrete ............................................................................ 24
5.1 Measurement field of the SONO-WZ probe.........................................................................................................24
5.2 Measurements of fresh concrete samples in a plastic bucket.............................................................................25
5.3 Measurement procedure for concrete with slump F2, F3 and F4 .......................................................................26
5.4 Measurement procedure for concretes with slump F5 and F6 ...........................................................................27
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6 Theory & Practice of the Water-Cement-Ratio Determination ................................... 29
6.1 The water / liquid proportions measured by SONO-WZ ......................................................................................29
6.2 How to adjust the G-Set parameter......................................................................................................................29
6.3 Using “kiln drying” as a refernce measurement...................................................................................................30
6.4 Measurement of earth-moist concrete................................................................................................................31
6.5 Usefull hints and experiences from lab and field.................................................................................................31
6.5.1 Lab experience example 1: Problems with subsequent mixing.............................................................31
6.5.2 Lab experience example 2: Problems with completely dried aggregates.............................................31
6.5.3 Field experience example: Sampling in the transport concrete plant...................................................32
7 Recipe Handling and Archiving.................................................................................. 33
8 Form “Construction Site Test” ................................................................................... 34
9 Technical Data SONO-WZ .......................................................................................... 35
9.1 Technical data SONO-WZ probe............................................................................................................................35
SONO-DIS with SONO-M1 ...................................................................................... 36
1 General Settings........................................................................................................ 37
1.1 Settings..................................................................................................................................................................37
1.2 SONO-DIS-Mode ...................................................................................................................................................38
1.3 Operating Mode „Normal“ ...................................................................................................................................39
1.4 Operating Mode „Average Value“ ........................................................................................................................39
1.5 Operating Mode „Water Calculation“...................................................................................................................40
1.6 Material Calibration ..............................................................................................................................................41
1.7 Menu item: “CHOOSE”: ........................................................................................................................................41
1.7.1 -1 Point Calibration.................................................................................................................................42
1.7.2 - 2 Point Calibration................................................................................................................................43
1.8 Detecting Sensor/Probe........................................................................................................................................46
1.9 Language ...............................................................................................................................................................46
1.10 Auto-Power-Off .....................................................................................................................................................46
1.11 Display Illumination...............................................................................................................................................46
1.12 Display Contrast ....................................................................................................................................................47
1.13 Probe Info..............................................................................................................................................................47
1.14 SONO-DIS-Info.......................................................................................................................................................47
2 Measurment Volume/ Probe Dimensions.................................................................. 48
2.1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................................................48
2.2 Measurement Volume of the SONO-M1 Probe ...................................................................................................48
3 How to use the SONO-DIS kit .................................................................................... 49
3.1 Measurements directly in the sand and gravel pile .............................................................................................49
3.2 Measurement of laboratory samples in the bucket.............................................................................................50
4 Technical Data SONO-M1 Probe ................................................................................ 53
4.1 Probe dimension SONO-M1..................................................................................................................................53
5 Exchange of the Probe Rods ...................................................................................... 55
6 Safety Notes ............................................................................................................. 56
7 Notizen ..................................................................................................................... 58
4

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SONO-DIS
SONO-DIS
Robust battery-powered mobile display unit for the SONO-WZ and SONO-M1 moisture probes. Strong, weather-
resistant IP67 aluminum housing.

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1 General Notices
1.1 Intended Use
This handheld device was designed to serve as a reading device for various IMKO probes. Only the listed probes
may be connected to the device. The connection of a probe not intended for connection may lead to damage of
the device and/or the connected probe.
1.2 The Chargeable Accumulator
Never change the integrated accumulator yourself.
The stated maximum operating periods refer to ideal conditions. The ambient temperature and the charging
cycles can significantly reduce the performance time. In addition, the charging capacity is decreasing for technical
reasons within the course of the utilization of the device or due to storage at very high or low temperatures.
1.3 Charging the DIS Handheld device
Only use the respectively provided charger or a comparable power supply unit to charge the SONO-DIS handheld
device. Any deviation of the charging voltage can lead to damage of the device.
The device is heating up during the charging process.
Should the SONO-DIS only function for a short period or not at all in spite of several attempts to charge it, the
integrated accumulator is defective and must be exchanged. In this case, please contact our local distribution
partner or us directly.
1.4 Temperatures and Ambient Conditions
The SONO-DIS handheld device was designed for deployment under rough conditions.
The operation of the device under conditions beyond those depicted may lead to damage of the device.

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2 Control Elements
Probe/Charger Connection
Display
„UP“
• Back to previous Menu Item or Setting
• Direct link to “CHOOSE-Material Calibration”
(Mode: Normal / Average)
• Direct link to “Density setting”
(Mode: water calculation)
„DOWN“
• Go to next Menu Item or Setting
• Deleting the Value Memory
(Mode – Average Value)
„Measurement/Activate“
• Shutting ON/OFF → press 1s
• Perform Measurement → press shortly
• Selection of a Menu Item → press shortly
• Storing a setting → press shortly
„Settings“
• Conclude Settings
• Leave Menu Item
With only 4 control keys, SONO-DIS allows an easy handling and well-structured measurement procedure.
Attention:
For measuring concrete, the standard calibration curve “Cal. No.4” is pre-selected inside the SONO-DIS. When
switching on the SONO-DIS, the display shows the active calibration curve Cal.No.4. This selection needs to be
changed when other materials as concrete should be measured.

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3 Initial Commissioning
3.1 Safety Instructions
Attention:
Before initial commissioning, please read the General Notices in the first chapter of this operating instructions.
Any not intended use may lead to damage of the device.
3.2 Checking the scope of delivery
• SONO-DIS Handheld device
• Plug-in Power Supply Unit (12V/2A)
• Charging Adapter
• Protective Hood
• Manual
3.3 Charging the Accumulator
The integrated accumulator should be charged before putting the device into operation the first time. For this
purpose, plug in the provided charging adapter into the 7-pole socket of the SONO-DIS. Subsequently, connect
the plug-in power supply unit to the charging adapter. In the event that the device is already switched on, or if the
accumulator is completely discharged, the charging process will commence immediately.
If not, switch on the SONO-DIS by pressing the button „Measurement“ for approximately 1 second. An active
charging process is indicated in the display by an animated accumulator symbol. The integrated charging electronics
charges the accumulator until it is completely charged. In case of complete discharge, this will approximately take
2 hours. As soon as the charging process is completed, all 4 „accumulator bars“ will be permanently presented in
the display and the trickle charging will commence.
Attention:
Only charge the accumulator at room temperature (10°C to 30°C). At too low temperatures, it may happen
that the accumulator is over-charged. Too high ambient temperatures may lead to damage of the SONO-DIS
due to the additional heat-up during the charging process.
3.4 Connecting a Sensor
The SONO-DIS handheld device can be operated with the following IMKO-moisture probes:
Connect the moisture probe to the SONO-DIS by plugging in the 7-pole plug into the socket at the SONO-DIS and
fastening the coupling nut.

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4 Operation
Key/Button Designation
Measurement
• Shutting ON/OFF → press 1second
• Perform Measurement → press shortly
• Selection of a Menu Item → press shortly
• Storing a setting → press shortly
Settings
• Conclude Settings
• Choose Menu
• Leave Menu Item
UP
• Back to previous Menu Item or Setting
• Direct link to “CHOOSE – Material Calibration” (Mode: Normal / Average)
• Direct link to “Density setting” (Mode: water calculation)
DOWN
• Go to next Menu Item or Setting
• Deleting the Value Memory (Mode – Average Value)
Key/Button Designation
Display Symbols
Symbol Designation
Residual Accumulator Capacity
Active Measurement
Settings are stored
Intensity of the Background Illumination
Remaining time until shut-down (illumination / APO)
Press button „UP“
Press button „DOWN“
Warning symbol: Measurement values lower than 3% are not taken into account.
The validity of a measurement value is questioned due to large scattering.
4.1 General Operation Buttons, Symbols and Messages

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Text Meaning
Density Raw density of the fresh concrete to be measured
Water content Total water content measurement value
ECTRIME Electrical conductivity, based on the TDR radar signal.
ECTRIME offers an evaluation of the used cement inside the measured concrete sample.
Serial No.: Serial Number of the probe, respectively of the SONO-DIS
HW: Hardware Version
FW: Firmware Version
Text Meaning
4.2 Switching "ON" the SONO-DIS Portable Measuring Instrument
Switch ON the SONO-DIS by pressing the button „Measurement“ for approximately 1 second.
During the starting-up process, the SONO-DIS will attempt to communicate with the connected probe. This will
take approximately 4 seconds. If no probe is connected, or the probe is not able to communicate for any reason,
an error message will be generated on the display.
If the probe was successfully detected, the accordingly set background of the operation mode will appear on the
display and the SONO-DIS is ready for deployment.
NOTE:
Should no connection to the probe be possible in spite of several attempts, check if the probe is connected
properly. Should this not deliver a positive result, please contact our service department.
4.3 Switching "OFF" the SONO-DIS Portable Measuring Instrument
Switch OFF the SONO-DIS by pressing the button „Measurement“ for approximately 1 second.
NOTE:
It is not possible to shut off the SONO-DIS while it is in a „Setting“ procedure. Please, first leave the menu item
„Settings“ by pressing the button „Settings“ until the measurement display appears.
4.4 Probe Specific Settings
SONO DIS may be operated in combination with SONO-WZ probe as well as with SONO-M1 probe. Depending on
which probe is connected, probe specific menus and settings will be displayed.
The probe specific menus and settings are listed in the respective chapters of the probe in this manual.

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5 Technical Data SONO-DIS
Height 36mm
Width 64mm
Length 150mm
Weight (including accumulator) approx 437g
Power Consumption
Power Down approx 35µA
Idle
- Background Illum. OFF
- Background Illum. Max
approx 26mA
approx 56mA
Probe turned ON approx 100mA
Measurement approx 350mA
Measurement per Charge 20°C / Background Illum. Max
Mode – Continuous Measurement approx 5000
Connectable Sensors SONO-WZ
Storage Temperature -30°C up to 80°C
Operating Temperature -20°C up to 70°C
Charging Temperature 10°C up to 30°C
Charging Voltage Nom. 12V, Max. 15V, Min. 12V
Charging Current approx 1A
Charging Time At exhaustively discharged accumulator. 2h
Accumulator Ni-MH (4 x 1.2V) (AA), 2000mAh, >1000 Measurements
Physical BUS RS485
Bus-Protocol IMP-BUS-Protocol II
IMP-Bus Port Settings 8 Data Bits, 2 Stop Bits, Odd Parity

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SONO-DIS with SONO-WZ
SONO-WZ
Robust mobile moisture probe for measuring water content in fresh concrete.

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1 General Settings
SONO-DIS provides diverse possibilities for different settings. By pressing of at least 2 seconds of the button
„Settings“ you reach the menu “Settings”. Select the desired function with the buttons „+“ or „-“ and
confirm it with the button .
Leave the menu item „Settings“ by pressing the button „Settings“ .
An Overview of the setting options
1.1 Detecting Sensor/Probe
In the event that communication problems arise with the probe at the activation of the SONO-DIS portable
measuring instrument, or if the probe was not connected, or it is intended to exchange the probe during operation,
this menu item should be selected. After selection of this menu item, the SONO-DIS will again attempt to establish
a connection to the connected probe. If this attempt is successful, the serial number of the probe will appear in
the display.
Should a connection not be possible, „No probe detected“ will be generated on the display.
NOTE:
Should no connection to the probe be possible in spite of several attempts, check if the probe is connected
properly. Should this not deliver a positive result, please contact our service department.
Settings Designation
HD2-Mode
Switching the Operating Mode
• Normal“ → measurement of the variables Moisture, Temperature, and EC-TRIME
“Average Value“ → determination of the average value of up to 6 individual moisture
measurement values
• „Water Calculation“ → Calculates the content of water of the material in l/m³
Material calibration • Choosing or change the Material Calibration
Detect Probe A new search for a connected probe (if an error has occurred during the activation of
the device)
Language
Switching the System Language
• German
• English
Auto-Power-Off Setting of the automatic shut-down
Display Lighting
Setting of the Background Lighting
• Turn-Off-Time
• Intensity
LCD-Contrast Setting of the ideal contrast
Probe Info Information regarding the probe
SONO-DIS Info Information regarding the SONO-DIS handheld device

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1.2 Language
In this menu item, the language of the SONO-DIS portable measuring instrument can be selected. Currently, the
user has the choice between the languages English and German. You can select the desired language by actuating
the buttons „Up“ and „Down“ and activate the same via the button „Measurement“ . After activation
of the language, the symbol will appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
1.3 Auto-Power-Off
In the menu item „Auto-Power-Off“, you can select an automatic shut-down offered in various time periods.
Hereby, you can select between the following shut-off times:
• 1 Minute
• 2 Minutes
• 5 Minutes
• 10 Minutes
• 20 Minutes
respectively also deactivate the automatic shut-down function (Display „—min“).
For this purpose, select the desired shut down time by actuating the buttons „Up“ and „Down“ and
activate the same via the button „Measurement“ . After activation, the symbol will appear in the upper right
hand corer of the display.
NOTE:
The SONO-DIS will only automatically shut down, if no further button is actuated. Any actuation of a button
will lead to the shut down time to start again.
Attention:
For measuring concrete, the standard calibration curve “Cal. No.4” is pre-selected inside the SONO-DIS. When
switsching on the SONO-DIS, the display shows the active calibration curve Cal.No.4. This pre-selection should
be changed only if other materials as concrete should be measured.
1.4 Display Illumination
If required, the background illumination of the display can be individually adjusted. Consequently, this enables the
option to save power and to prolong the operational period.
After the selection of the menu entry, the following screen will be presented on the display:
The selection of the background illumination, respectively the time until the automatic shut-down of the same is
selected via the button „Up“ by actuating the same several times.

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Using the button „Down“ , you can adjust the intensity of the illumination, respectively turn the same
completely off. Activate and store your settings by actuating the button „Measurement“ .
After activation the symbol will appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
1.5 Display contrast
At extreme temperatures, it may be necessary to adjust the contrast of the display in order to be able to clearly
read the display. For this purpose, select the menu item „Display Contrast“.
Change the contrast by actuating the button „Up“ , respectively „Down“ . Activate and store your settings
by actuating the button „Measurement“ .
After activation, the symbol will appear in the upper right hand corner of the display.
Change the contrast by actuating the button „Up“ ,
respectively „Down“ .
Set the contrast that you can realize the whole grayscale
on the diagram. Activate and store your settings by
actuating the button „Measurement“ .
After activation, the symbol will appear in the upper
right hand corner of the display.
1.6 Probe Info
By selecting this menu item, after a short moment, you will be issued various information regarding the connected
probe. These are:
• Serial Number
• Probe Type
• Hardware Version (HW)
• Firmware Version (FW)
1.7 Material Calibration Curve
By selecting this menu you have the possibility to adjust the probe SONO-WZ to another calibration curve.
After switching ON the SONO-DIS, the calibration curve which you have selected in this menu point, is displayed
for 3 seconds on the lower section of the screen.
Attention:
For measuring concrete, the standard calibration curve “Cal. No.4” is pre-selected. This pre-selection should
be changed only if other materials are to be measured. A total of up to 15 different calibration curves can be
handled, e.g. for materials like ceramic suspension, sludges and others. Furthermore, it is possible to change
the sensitivity of the concrete calibration curve “Cal. No.4”.
For more details please get in contact with IMKO´s service team.

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1.8 Info
By selecting this menu item you will be issued various information regarding your SONO-DIS portable measuring
instrument. These are:
• Serial Number
• Hardware Version (HW)
• Firmware Version (FW)
• Accumulator Capacity
• Accumulator Voltage
1.9 Measuring Mode
This menu enables to switch to expert mode. In expert mode, the water cement ratio (w/c ratio) will be displayed
instead of the water content. In addition the start menu will show a fourth setting “Cement” where the amount
of cement in the recipe needs to be configured.

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2 Concrete Specific Base Parameters
In the start screen of the device three base parameters for the individual measurement task can be set. Before
starting measurements, the following three configuration parameters need to be set:
Density: Bulk density
CHAR: Characteristics of the recipe. 4 setting op-
tions are available:
G Set +/-: General set
NOTE:
The above settings help with an initial adjustment and may be sufficient under normal conditions, but the
measured values should generally be validated against a reference and if necessary, adjusted using the
parameter G-Set. A reliable reference measurement is necessary for this.
Please take into account that the standard kiln drying measurements also comprise measurement errors.
Concretes that do not meet the specifications according to DIN EN 206-1 and DIN 1045-2 (concretes that tend to
bleed, for example), may lead to significant deviations of the measured values.
2.1 Density
Bulk density, the value from a shatter test, or the density from the mixture calculation can be entered here.
The raw density can be set in steps of +-0.005. Select the correct density value of the concrete sample with the
buttons „+“ or „-“ and confirm it with the button . The SONO-DIS switches back to the CHANGE menu.
Attention:
The setting of the correct raw density is important. The raw density influences the measurement of the water
content inside the SONO-DIS. The difference of raw density between 2.200 and 2.300 corresponds with 8 liter
water. If the raw density of the concrete cannot be determined on site, the input of the set density of the mix
computation would be however a possible compromise to achieve acceptable results. A deviation of +-0.02 of
the density corresponds with +-1.6 liter water.

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2.2 The Recipe-Characteristic Parameter CHAR
Sieve curves of the aggregates influence the SONO-WZ measurement. Therefore the system offers 4 different
setting possibilities with the parameter CHAR:
fine C / normal B / coarse A / special (gap graded U)

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fein
(Sieblinie C)
normal
(Sieblinie B)
coarse
(Sieblinie A)
special
(gap graded U)
SONO-WZ measures a
little too less and has
to correct the water
content upwards..
no correction SONO-WZ measures a
little too high and has to
correct the water content
downwards.
SONO-WZ measures too high
and has to corect the water
content down-wards.
Concretes with lower
coarseness factors
Concretes with higher
sand contents, more
fine particles as well
as concretes with very
high proportion of
cement.
Standard admixtures
like fly ash, standard
additives as well as
PCEs.
Well graded sieve
curves
Standard admixtures
like fly ash, standard
additives as well as
PCEs.
Concretes with higher coar-
seness factors
Well graded B sieve curves
with one peculiarity:
Concretes with a set value of
water which is lower than
160 Liter/m3, plus high-
performance concrete
plasticizer in higher amounts
enabling the general
flowability.
Gap graded recipes
A gap of little or no smaller
gravel with size 4/8mm.
Standard admixtures like fly
ash, standard additives as well
as PCEs.
Select the parameter CHAR with entering parameter CHAR with fine, normal, coarse or special (gap graded U)
with the buttons „+“ or „-“ and confirm it with the button . The SONO-DIS switches back to the
CHANGE menu.
Characteristic of the recipe, with fine (positive-correction), coarse (negative correction), normal (no correction) or
special (gap graded with negative correction).
Note:
Primarily the mortar content in the concrete influences the parameter CHAR.
2.3 The general G-Set parameter
SONO-WZ measures the free water for the hydration of the cement. Due to the radar field SONO-WZ is able to
also detect a part of the core water!
General-Set allows the fine adjustment for type of concrete and type of aggregates with different core or core
water content. G-Set can be adjusted between +- 50 liter/m³. Typical value is -10 liter/m3which is automatically
subtracted during measurement, when the effective water content (the active water) is to be measured. The
parameter can be set in the unit liter/m3, in steps of +-1. It is recommended to note appropriate values for
individual concrete mixtures.
Select the parameter “G-Set” and enter the value in + or- liters with the buttons „+“ or „-“ and confirm it
with the button . The SONO-DIS switches back to the CHANGE menu.

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3 Standard Measurement mode „Average“
Switch ON the SONO-DIS by pressing the button „Measurement“ for approximately 1 second.
During the starting-up process, the SONO-DIS will attempt to communicate with the connected probe. This will
take approximately 4 seconds. If no probe is connected, or the probe is not able to communicate for any reason,
an error message will be generated on the display.
If the probe was successfully detected, the display demands the setting of the individual base parameters.
NOTE:
Should no connection to the probe be possible in spite of several attempts, check if the probe is connected
properly. Should this not deliver a positive result, please contact our service department.
3.1 Conduct a Measurement of the Water Content
If the base parameters are set, press and the device is in the standard measuring mode “Average”, ready to
measure. „Average“ mode determines the total water content of a fresh concrete sample.
The following display will appear:
remaining battery capacitySet parameters
Water content
as mean value
Press short:
delete last single value
Press long:
delete whole series
last measured single value
(can be deleted)
Conductivity or information
about the cement
(see manual)
Number of measurements
carried out
Standard deviation:
with Std-Dev> 0.5 more individual
measurements are required!
In order to initiate a measurement cycle, shortly press the button “Measurement” . The measurement
will commence and a turning -symbol will appear instead of the accumulator-symbol in the upper right-
hand corner. During this period, no other actions can be performed. The measurement requires approximately
2 to 3 seconds. Once the measurement is concluded, the accumulator-symbol will reappear and the measured
values will be generated on the display. The measured water content, calculated considering the raw density is
displayed. The number of measurements “No. Values” is also displayed.
To achieve a best possible result it is advised to make several single measurements at different places inside the
fresh concrete. With smaller grain sizes, up to 5 single measurements can be enough, with concrete tending to
bleed, more than 5 single measurements are necessary. The higher the number of single measurement cycles, the
higher the average measurement accuracy!