Innoquest SpotOn 29360 User manual

Product Manual
Innoquest Item # 29360
Digital Soil Compaction Meter

1
Table of Contents
1.0 Safety Info…………..…….………………..2
2.0 Meter Diagram..................................…... 2
3.0 Features…………………………………….3
4.0 Specifications.….………………………… 3
5.0 General Operation………..……………… 4
5.1 Installing the Batteries……..……..… 4
5.2 Zero Calibration…………………..…. 4
5.3 Changing Display Units………..…… 5
5.4 Taking a Reading…………….………5
5.5 Probe Tip Cover….………………..…6
5.6 Probe Tip Replacement…………..… 6
6.0 Troubleshooting & Maintenance..…….. 6
7.0 Warranty & Service……………………….7

2
1.0 Safety Info
Use caution when probing into soil to avoid hitting buried
electrical wires or other utilities.
Use caution when handling and transporting this meter
since its sharp metal tip could cause damage to
packaging, containers, or personal.
Always use the included tip cover when transporting the meter.
(See section 5.5 for more info)
2.0 Meter Diagram
Stainless Steel
Shaft with Depth
Marks
Splash/Dust Proof
Digital Display
Extra Hard
Tool Steel Tip
(Replaceable)
Battery
Compartment
In Handle
Power Button
Zero Button
Color Coded
Bar Graph Display

3
3.0 Features
•Meets ASABE S313.3 Soil Compaction Standard
•Automatically displays maximum compaction value when
probe is extracted from the soil.
•Color coded display for easy compaction reference
Green 0-200 PSI (0-1400 kPa)
Yellow 200-300 PSI (1400-2070 kPa)
Red 300+ PSI (2070+ kPa)
•The high resolution of the electronic force sensor assures
accurate compaction values in soft soils with 1/2in.(12mm)
cone.
•Measurements can be displayed in PSI or kPa
•Rugged design & rubber protector for repeated field use
•Stainless steel shaft with depth marking every 4in.(10cm)
•Ultra-hard tool steel cone for years of service
•Made in USA
4.0 Specifications
Usable Probe length:30in. (76cm)
Range: 0 to 825 PSI (0 to 5690 kPa)
Resolution: 1 PSI (7 kPa)
Accuracy: +/- 15 PSI (100 kPa)
Waterproof: IP64 rating (Dust Tight/Splash Resistant)
Meter Size: 35in.(89cm) x 11in.(28cm) x 3in.(7.6cm)
Shipping Box Size: 37in.(94cm) x 13in.(33cm) x 5in.(13cm)
Battery:Two (2) AA (LR6) Size Alkaline Batteries (1 year battery life)
Weight: 1.9 lbs. (.6 kg) weight
Environmental:Use: 32-120°F (0-49°C) / 0-100% RH
Storage: 0-130°F (-18-55°C) / 5-90% RH
Construction: Solid Machined Plastic Body, Aluminum Handle,
Stainless Steel Shaft, Hardened Tool Steel Tip
Cone Size:0.505in.(12.8mm) Diameter / 30° Included Angle
Country of Origin:USA

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5.0 General Operation
5.1 Installing the Batteries
Remove the metal end cap on the meter’s handle with a straight
screw driver. Install two (2) new alkaline AA or LR6 size batteries
with the plus (+) side of both batteries facing into the tube.
Replace the metal end cap with the spring contacting the negative
(-) of the last battery. When it is time to replace the batteries a
low battery symbol ( ) will show on the unit’s display.
5.2 Zero Calibration
With the meter powered on, hold the meter above the ground with
the shaft facing down. Press the ZERO button and continue
holding the meter steady and above the ground until the zero
function completes and the LCD displays a “0” value.
The compaction meter should show a zero value when suspended
in air prior to taking a probing with the meter. Temperature
changes, battery voltage changes, and rough handling can cause
shifts in the meter’s zero point. All the above variations are easily
and quickly accounted for when the zero function is complete.
Note:When the meter tip is placed on the ground the display may
show a value of 5-8 PSI (34 kPa) but will show 0 PSI/kPa when
suspended about the ground. This is correct and due to the weight
of the meter’s head applying force to the shaft.
Before During After
Zero
Button

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5.3 Changing Display Units
Pressing both buttons (POWER & ZERO) at the same time while
the meter is on will change the displayed units. This change will
be saved when the meter is turned off.
5.4 Taking a Reading
Power on the meter by pressing
the POWER button. Zero the
meter if necessary with the
ZERO button. Slowly press the
meter into the soil with a firm and
steady pressure. Do not stop or
reverse force on the meter until
the desired depth has been
reached. Keeping the meter
vertical during the entire
penetration sequence assures
readings are true cone pressures
and not a result of side loading
on the shaft.
Penetration Rate: ASABE
Engineering Practice EP542 recommends a Penetration Rate of
1.2 in./second (30mm/sec) for best accuracy.
Maximum Reading Display: The maximum compaction
reading attained during the penetration will automatically display
as the probe is withdrawn from the soil. The display will show “-
HI-“ followed by the maximum compaction reading. This reading
will show for a few seconds before the meter reverts back to its
normal operation mode.
Over Force: If excessive force is applied to the meter the
display will flash “9999” until the force is reduced below the
meter’s upper limit.
Note: Meter will automatically shut off after 15 minutes of non-use
if not turned off by the user to conserve battery power.
Display Shows -HI- Then Max Compaction

6
5.5 Probe Tip Cover
The meter ships with a re-usable probe tip cap. This cap can be
stored in the meter’s handle while the meter is in use. The use
of this probe tip cap is recommended for protecting the probe tip,
personal, and vehicles during transport.
5.6 Probe Tip Replacement
The probe tip is replaceable. It can be unscrewed from the shaft
by using pliers to grip the shaft and cone respectively. The cone
is attached with removable type thread locker, so some force
may be required to loosen it. The probe tip should be replaced
when the diameter of the cone’s base measures less than
0.490in.(12.45mm) diameter.
6.0 Troubleshooting & Maintenance
Errors: If an error message (Err2 or Err3) is displayed during the zero
process, then retry the zero button and assure the meter’s shaft and tip
are hanging vertically below the meter and not touching anything. If the
error message continues to show after repeated zeroing attempts, then
the meter must be serviced.
Cleaning: Clean meter head and probe shaft with a damp cloth when
required.

7
7.0 Warranty & Service
One Year Warranty
Innoquest, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal use and service for a period
of one (1) year from date of purchase. This warranty extends only to
the original purchaser and shall not apply to any product which, in
Innoquest’s sole opinion, has been subject to misuse, alteration,
abuse, or abnormal conditions of operation or handling. Innoquest’s
obligation under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the
product which is returned to Innoquest. Innoquest accepts no liability
for whatever damages may be caused by a malfunctioning product.
Repair & Service Policy
Product returned to Innoquest for repair or service must follow the
guidelines set forth as follows: Return of the product for warranty or
service repair will be the responsibility of the purchaser (Innoquest
does not pay inbound shipping charges). All returns must receive an
RMA number by calling Innoquest prior to return of the product. The
RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the shipping
carton. If the customer is returning product for non-warranty related
repair or service, a minimum charge will apply for accessing the
product’s repair needs and further work will not be completed without
the customer’s approval.
Record Your Serial Number
Model # _______________
Serial # _______________
910 Hobe Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
Toll Free: 800-637-1623
Phone: 815-337-8555
Fax: 815-337-8556
sales@innoquestinc.com
www.innoquestinc.com
© 2017 Innoquest, Inc. USA P/N 32480 Rev. 0 (Revised 2/22/17)
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