PCE Instruments PCE-HT 224E User manual

© PCE Instruments
PCE-HT 224E Concrete Test Hammer
User Manual
User manuals in various languages (français,
italiano, español, português, nederlands, türk, polski,
русский, 中文) can be found by using our
product search on: www.pce-instruments.com
Last change: 19 December 2023
v1.0
English

© PCE Instruments
Contents
1Safety notes........................................................................................... 1
2Specifications........................................................................................2
2.1 Technical specifications ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 Delivery scope.................................................................................................................. 2
3System description............................................................................... 3
3.1 Device description............................................................................................................ 3
3.2 Description of the operating keys ..................................................................................... 4
3.3 Technical data.................................................................................................................. 4
4Measurement parameters .................................................................... 5
4.1 Concrete strength calculation........................................................................................... 5
4.2 Concrete strength value in the standard setting................................................................ 5
5Operation ............................................................................................... 6
5.1 Start a simple test ............................................................................................................ 6
5.2 Test series in the measurement menu with default settings.............................................. 6
5.3 Calibration........................................................................................................................ 8
5.4 Start new measurement................................................................................................... 8
5.5 Enter part name ............................................................................................................... 8
5.6 Enter the number of measurements in the test zone......................................................... 9
5.7 Test zone entry ................................................................................................................ 9
5.8 Repeat test of the current test zone.................................................................................11
5.9 „Basic" measurement settings .........................................................................................11
5.10 Review measurement data..............................................................................................12
5.11 Delete measurement data...............................................................................................13
6Data transfer........................................................................................13
6.1 Set up data transfer.........................................................................................................13
6.2 Establishing a connection to the PC................................................................................14
6.3 Driver installation.............................................................................................................14
6.4 Starting and exiting the PC software................................................................................15
7Main menu ...........................................................................................16
7.1 Setting measuring units...................................................................................................16

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7.2 Setting the upper / lower limit values...............................................................................16
7.3 Rights management, password settings..........................................................................17
7.4 Energy saving settings....................................................................................................17
7.5 Date setting.....................................................................................................................18
7.6 Setting the counter..........................................................................................................18
7.7 Battery status display......................................................................................................18
7.8 Instrument data (Info of Instrument).................................................................................18
8Calibration ........................................................................................... 19
8.1 Completion of a test series..............................................................................................19
9Maintenance and servicing................................................................20
10 PC software .........................................................................................20
11 Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting........................................................... 21
12 Appendix 2 - Conversion table for concrete strength..................... 24
13 Contact.................................................................................................25
14 Disposal ...............................................................................................25

© PCE Instruments
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1 Safety notes
Please read this manual carefully and completely before you usethe device for the first time. The
device may only be used by qualified personnel and repaired by PCE Instruments personnel.
Damage or injuries caused by non-observance of the manual are excluded from our liability and
not covered by our warranty.
•The device must only be used as described inthis instructionmanual. If used otherwise,
this can cause dangerous situations for the user and damage to the meter.
•The instrument may only be used if the environmental conditions (temperature, relative
humidity, …) are within the ranges stated in the technical specifications. Do not expose
the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, extreme humidity or moisture.
•Do not expose the device to shocks or strong vibrations.
•The case should only be opened by qualified PCE Instruments personnel.
•Never use the instrument when your hands are wet.
•You must not make any technical changes to the device.
•The appliance should only be cleaned with a damp cloth. Use only pH-neutral cleaner,
no abrasives or solvents.
•The device must only be used with accessories from PCE Instruments or equivalent.
•Before each use, inspect the case for visible damage. If any damage is visible, do not
use the device.
•Do not use the instrument in explosive atmospheres.
•The measurement range as stated in the specifications must not be exceeded under
any circumstances.
•Non-observance of the safety notes can cause damage to the device and injuries to
the user.
We do not assume liability for printing errors or any other mistakes in this manual.
We expressly point to our general guarantee terms which can be found in our general terms of
business.

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2 Specifications
2.1 Technical specifications
Measurement range
10 ...100 N/mm²
Accuracy
of the rebound value R
±0.1 R
Display
OLED
Nominal kinetic energy
2.207 J
Compliance
Technical regulations for rebound measurement
(JGJ/T23-2001)
Interface
Mini USB
Memory
1000 data units with 256 measurements each
Operating conditions
-4 ... 40 °C
Power supply
3.7 V Li-Ion battery
Power supply (mains adaptor)
Primary: 100 ... 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Secondary: 5 V DC, 1 A
Dimensions
280 x 75 x 60 mm / 11 x 3 x 2.4 in
Weight
approx. 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs
2.2 Delivery scope
1 x PCE-HT 224E material tester
1 x mini-USB cable
1 x emery stone in storage box
1 x charger
1 x transport case
1 x user manual
The software can be downloaded free of charge from our download area:
https://www.pce-instruments.com/english/download-win_4.htm

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3 System description
3.1 Device description
1. Retaining nut
2. Release screw
3. Retaining claw
4. Retaining pin
5. Guide plate
6. Locking button
7. Housing body
8. Housing
9. Guide rod
10. Impact weight
11. Guide bush
12. Two-piece retaining ring
13. Felt ring
14. Impact body
15. Retaining nut
16. Return spring
17. Impact spring
18. Housing retaining ring
19. Housing, top
20. Signal generator
21. Sensor element
22. Signal transmitter
23. LCD
24. Measuring strips
25. Rechargeable battery
26. Guide rail
27. Control keys
28. Locking spring
29. Pressure spring
30. Rear cover

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3.2 Description of the operating keys
3.3 Technical data
Impact energy
2.207 J ±0.100 J
Bending stiffness of the return spring
785 ±30.0 N/m
Internal length of the sensor
20.0 ±0.2 mm
Frictional force of the sensor
0.65 ±0.15 N
Radius of the impact body
R 25 ±1.0 mm
Active length of the impact spring
61.5 ±0.3 mm
Length of the impact body
75.0 ±0.3 mm
Display resolution
256 x 64 pixels
Max. number of test zones per component
16
Max. number of test points per test zone
16
Sensor type
contactless optocoupler sensor
Units of measurement, adjustable
MPa, N/mm²; kgf/mm²; psi
Communication options to the PC
serial interface (optional Bluetooth)
On/off key
Up key
Down/delete key
Enter key

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4 Measurement parameters
4.1 Concrete strength calculation
The test angle and the surface of the test zone must be set accordingly if the concrete hardness
tester is not in a horizontal position. This allows the device to automatically calculate the
corresponding values during the measurement.
Concrete carbonization: The carbonization depth, if known, can be entered and taken into
account.
The PCE-HT 224E is able to use 5 different concrete strength curves:
- no standard
- standard, ready-mixed concrete (national standard-pumping)
- standard, in-situ concrete (national standard-non pumping)
- concrete strength curve North America
- user-specific concrete strength curve
4.2 Concrete strength value in the standard setting
Each test zone should be tested 16 times. After 16 tests, the 3 highest and 3 lowest values are
cancelled and the average value of the 10 remaining tests is calculated. This average value is
then the measured value determined for the test zone.
Before starting the test, the test angle and the test direction must be set so that the concrete test
hammer automatically takes the corresponding correction values into account.
Concrete strength and standard deviation
After testing the 16 measuring points, the PCE-HT 224E automatically calculates the concrete
strength value and the standard deviation. The determined values are saved.
Calculation of concrete strength in customised test mode
If the parameters preset by the user do not correspond to the standard set of rules, these are to
be regarded as customised user settings.
Calculation of the average concrete strength value in the test zone
After the test procedure, the maximum and minimum values are not displayed, only the average
rebound value.

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5 Operation
5.1 Start a simple test
Individual measurements can be carried out immediately without further adjustment.
First press the On/Off key, the following is displayed:
0.00R 00.0 MPa
Then unlock the device as follows:
Place the device with the impact body (14) on a firm surface. Now press the device slowly against
the surface at a 90° angle.
At the same time, push the locking button (6) to release the lock. The impact body extends out of
the housing when you move the device backwards.
To carry out a measurement, place the extended impact body at a right angle to the concrete
surface.
Then press the device against the surface to be tested slowly but firmly.
The impact body is tensioned.
When the trigger position is reached, the impact body is released and strikes the surface.
- Caution! There is a serious risk of injury if handled incorrectly!
The measurement result is shown on the display as an R value and in MPa.
5.2 Test series in the measurement menu with default settings
After switching on the meter, press the Enter key twice to access the main menu.
The following line appears:
"Welcome and please take the next step"
Then use the arrow down key to select "Test mode setup" and confirm with "Enter".
Once you have made your entry, test mode is switched on and you cannot return to a higher level
of the selection menu without further ado.

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You can set the following values here:
- Component name: e.g. GJXX
- Number of test procedures: (16)
- Number of test zones: (16)
- Concrete type: e.g: GB standard-pumping (ready-mixed concrete)
- Test angle: e.g.: 0° (horizontal)
- Test direction: top (from above), bottom (from below), side (sideways)
- Carbonization depth: e.g. 0.0 mm (standard setting)
Once the setting has been completed, confirm it with "Enter" and return to test mode. The device
has automatically saved the measurement parameters.
An unfinished test can be continued after switching the device off and on again.
The test parameters can be changed during the test. To do this, press the Enter key to access
the main menu, then select "Test mode" and continue to the "Testing zone set" selection window.
When the set number of rebound tests has been made, the display shows "Testing zone is
completed" and the next test series can be started after a 3-second pause.
The test series is completed after the last test of the last test zone.
The tester then automatically switches to the evaluation area. You can then view the test ranges
and results in this area.
Concrete curve
Limit value alarm
Battery status
display
Measuring angle
Measuring scale
Test direction
Carbonization depth
MPa value
Rebound value
Measurement counter
measurements
Component no.
Test zone
00.0MPa
Name

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5.3 Calibration
Calibration is carried out to check the accuracy of the device and to correct it if necessary. For
this purpose, 16 test procedures must be carried out on a calibration unit intended for this
purpose.
After the 16th test procedure, press "Enter" to confirm. The determined value is displayed.
If the measured value of the device deviates too much from that of the calibration unit, see item
11 Appendix 1 - Troubleshooting.
5.4 Start new measurement
Use the arrow down key to select "New project" and confirm your selection with "Enter".
A new test series is created.
The default settings for the new test series are as described below:
Component name like G J X X X, e.g. G J 0 0 1
Number of tests like xx, e.g. 16
Number of test zones like xx, e.g. 16
5.5 Enter part name
In the "New part" menu item, use the arrow keys to select the "Part name" sub-menu and confirm
with "Enter" to enter the name. Set each individual digit using the arrow up key. There are 36
different options for each digit, from 0 - 9 and from A - Z.
Use the arrow down key to select the next digit.

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5.6 Enter the number of measurements in the test zone
Enter the number of tests (test time) in the "New part" menu item using the arrow keys. Use the
arrow key to select a number between 8 and 16 and confirm your selection with "Enter".
After completing the entry, confirm it with "Enter" and continue to the test area selection.
5.7 Test zone entry
There are 4 important parameters that need to be set here: the test angle, the direction of impact
to the surface, the depth of carbonization and the concrete strength curve.
5.7.1 Setting the test angle
There are 4 important parameters for the "Test zone". Use the arrow keys to select the test angle
and confirm with "Enter". A total of 9 different angles are possible here.
Confirm your selection with "Enter" and return to the parameter overview window.

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5.7.2 Enter test surface
In the entry menu for the measurement parameters of a new test zone, "Test zone setup", the
measurement directions can be selected using the arrow keys. Three measuring directions are
possible here: top surface, bottom surface, side surface.
Press "Enter" to confirm and return to the measurement parameter menu.
5.7.3 Setting the carbonization depth
In the selection menu for the "Carburized depth", the carbonization depth can be set within the
range from 0.0 to 6.0 mm, using the arrow keys. 13 different settings are possible here: 0.0 mm,
0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm, 3.5 mm, 4.0 mm, 4.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 5.5 mm,
6.0 mm.
Confirm your entry with "Enter" and return to the "Test zone setup" menu.
5.7.4 Setting the strength curve
In the "Strength curve" menu, use the up and down arrow keys to select the required concrete
strength curve. Then confirm the selection with "Enter". This will also take you back to the "Test
zone setup" menu.
Once the setting is complete, confirm it with "Enter" and return to measuring mode.

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5.8 Repeat test of the current test zone
Press "Enter" to return to the main menu. Then select "Test mode setup" and confirm with "Enter"
to access the selection window for the test mode. Select "Re-testing the current zone" and press
"Enter" to return to the test zone. The display is then reset to zero.
5.9 „Basic" measurement settings
Press "Enter" to access the main menu. Select "Test mode setup" and confirm with "Enter". Then
select "Basic measuring" and confirm with "Enter".
In this setting, only the measuring scale, the rebound value, the MPa value, the limit value alarm
and the battery level indicator are displayed on the LCD. In this setting, 100 rebound
measurements can be recorded at a time. This data can then be called up and displayed. When
the memory is full, a new file is automatically created.
Measuring scale
Battery status display
MPa value
Limit value alarm
Rebound value

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5.10 Review measurement data
Press "Enter" to access the main menu. Then select "Review data" and press "Enter" to access
the review menu.
1) Exit the current menu and call up the measurement menu
2) View part data
3) View the measured values of fully tested parts
4) View the measurement data of complete test zones
The data of the test zones of the last few tests are displayed on the LCD screen. The selection is
made using the arrow keys; the menu can be exited by pressing the "Enter" key.

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5.11 Delete measurement data
Press "Enter" to open the main menu. Then select "Memory" and confirm with "Enter" to access
the memory management.
You have the following options here:
- Exit: Exit the current menu item and switch to measurement view
- Delete current part No. xxx: Remove the data record for the current part
- Delete all data: Delete all saved data records
- Memory capacity: Display of the current memory capacity in per cent
0 ... 100 %; the total storage capacity is up to 1000 data records for components.
6 Data transfer
6.1 Set up data transfer
Press "Enter" to access the main menu. Then select "Data transfer" and confirm with "Enter". You
are now in the data transfer menu.
First connect the PCE-HT 224E to the PC using the mini-USB cable, then select the "Data transfer
mode" menu and select "Cable". The "Bluetooth" option for wireless connection is not available.
Selecting "Off" would switch off a Bluetooth connection.

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Then select "Send to PC". The message "Transferring" appears on the display. The device is now
ready for data transfer.
The software is intended for reading out and editing the test data of the PCE-HT 224 E concrete
test hammer. The test data can be read out and saved and reports can be created and printed
out.
System requirements: - a PC with USB interface
- Windows XP, Win 7, Win 8, NetFramework 2.0, Win 10
and higher
6.2 Establishing a connection to the PC
Carry out the following steps to connect the concrete test hammer to the PC.
1. Connect the two devices using the mini USB cable supplied.
2. Switch on the concrete test hammer and press the Enter key to access the main menu.
Select the menu item "Data Transfer" > "Data Transfer Mode" > "USB Cable".
3. Select "Data transfer" > "Send to PC". "Transferring" appears on the display and the
data transfer begins.
6.3 Driver installation
“Found new Hardware" appears on the computer screen when the concrete test hammer is
connected to the PC for the first time. Copy the drivers to the directory
X:/ Driver folder (software installation).
Install the "Digital Rebound Hammer" software by double-clicking on "Setup\setup.exe".

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6.4 Starting and exiting the PC software
Once the software has been successfully installed, a shortcut will automatically appear on the
desktop. Double-click on it to start the programme.
The main view of the software is in standard Windows format and contains the title bar, the menu
bar and the toolbar. The software can be used to analyse and document the measured
assemblies and components, e.g. as an attachment to acceptance reports.
Important: Once the software has been installed, activate the connection between the PC
and the rebound hammer via "CONNECT"!

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7 Main menu
7.1 Setting measuring units
Select the various units via the "Unit setup" menu.
7.2 Setting the upper / lower limit values
Set the upper and lower limit values via the "Upper-Lower limit setup" menu.
The upper and lower limit values of the rebound value (00 ... 60) are set here. Use the up and
down arrow keys to select the settings and confirm and save them with "Enter".

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7.3 Rights management, password settings
Under the "Rights management" menu item, you can activate or remove password protection or
change the password. The password is then valid for data retrieval, limit value entry and rights
management.
Use the arrow down key to move the pointer to the next letter, use the arrow up key to set the
numbers from 0 to 9 and then confirm with the Enter key.
7.4 Energy saving settings
In the "Power-saving mode setup" menu, select the desired settings using the arrow keys and
confirm them with "Enter".
In this menu item, you will find 3 selection options:
Normal energy consumption, i.e. approx. 8 - 10 hours operating time when the device is fully
charged
Reduced operation, energy consumption approx. 60 %; in this setting approx. 10 - 13 hours
operating time is common when the device is fully charged