Troxler 3411-B Instruction Manual

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: [phone]
www.troxlerlabs.com

Troxler gauges are protected by U.S. and foreign patents.
Copyright ©2005, 2006
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
PN 110247
February 2006
Edition 2.1
ii

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit iii
TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS
Troxler Corporate Headquarters
3008 Cornwallis Road
P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661
Fax: [phone]
Web: www.troxlerlabs.com
Technical Support
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)
E-mail: [email protected]
Midwestern Branch Office
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]
Western Regional Branch Office
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Fax: [phone]
Southwestern Branch Office
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]
Canadian Branch Office
7125 Pacific Circle, Unit 13
Mississauga, Ontario L5T-2A5
Canada
Fax: [phone]
Troxler European Subsidiary
Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33
D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
E-mail: [email protected]

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of the Troxler Model 3411-B
Advanced Control Unit (ACU). The ACU enables the owner of a
Troxler Model 3411-B Surface Moisture-Density Gauge to enjoy all
the features and functions of our Model 3430 gauge for less than the
cost of a new gauge.
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
setup, troubleshooting, and general maintenance information.
iv

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit v
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
WARNING
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause personal injury.
CAUTION
Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause equipment damage.
NOTE
Indicates important information that must be read to
ensure proper operation.
〈Key〉Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a
key or character (number or letter) to press on the
ACU keypad. For example, “Press 〈STD〉” means
to press the key labeled STD.
Display A different typestyle is used in text to indicate
information or messages displayed on the ACU.
DISPLAY- Shading
& typestyle used
to simulate ACU
display.*
♦ Diamonds indicate a list of things needed (such as
equipment) or things to know.
 Check marks indicate the performance of an action.
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.

NOTES
vi

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Installing the ACU........................................................................ 1–3
Entering the Calibration Constants............................................... 1–4
CHAPTER 2. OPERATING THE GAUGE
The Keypad................................................................................... 2–2
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 2–4
Gauge Parameter Setup................................................................. 2–5
Taking the Standard Count........................................................... 2–8
Site Preparation/Gauge Positioning............................................ 2–10
Taking a Measurement – Soil Mode........................................... 2–13
TakingaMeasurement– AsphaltMode.......................................... 2–16
CHAPTER 3. ADVANCED GAUGE OPERATION
Offsets........................................................................................... 3–2
Special Calibrations...................................................................... 3–8
Thin Layer Measurements.......................................................... 3–12
CHAPTER 4. SPECIAL FUNCTIONS
Recall............................................................................................ 4–2
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

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
WARRANTY
viii

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
2–1 Model 3411-B ACU Keypad.....................................2–2
2–2 Drill Rod Positioning ..............................................2–11
2–3 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

NOTES
x

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit xi
ATTENTION GAUGE OWNER
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.

NOTES
xii

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 1–1
1. INSTALLATION
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

INTRODUCTION
The Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU) enables the
owner of a Troxler Model 3411-B Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
to enjoy all the features and functions of our 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:
♦ The ACU features a 2-line by 16-character alphanumeric liquid
crystal display (LCD), providing more information to the gauge
operator. The display features a backlight for greater visibility
in low-light conditions.
♦ All gauge functions are controlled from a 10-key sealed-
membrane keypad and software menus, for increased reliability
over the original mechanical switches.
♦ The ACU provides built-in statistical stability (stat) test and
drift test functions, eliminating the need for the operator to
manually calculate the standard deviation and average of
multiple readings while performing these tests.
♦ The ACU features moisture, density, and trench offsets, which
enable the operator to adjust the gauge for use on materials not
covered by the factory calibration.
♦ The ACU requires no calibration after its installation into a
3411-B gauge. The user simply enters the calibration constants
from the gauge’s factory calibration sheet, and the gauge is
ready for use.
1–2

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 1–3
1. INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE ACU
CAUTION
To prevent possible damage to electronic components
from electrostatic discharge (ESD), Troxler recommends
that the operator wear a grounded wrist strap while
installing the Model 3411-B ACU.
To install the ACU in a 3411-B gauge:
 Loosen the four captive screws located in the corners of the
3411-B gauge’s scaler (front panel).
 Gently pull the scaler out of the gauge, using care not to damage
the ribbon cable connecting the scaler electronics to the gauge.
 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.
 Place the ACU into the gauge, using care not to pinch the
ribbon cable. Secure the ACU using the four captive screws
located in the corners of the ACU.
 Enter the gauge calibration constants as described in the
following section.
NOTE
After installing the ACU, take a standard count as
described on page 2–8 before using the gauge to take
measurements. A standard count should also be
performed any time the ACU is disconnected from the
gauge.

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.
NOTE
Each gauge contains a unique set of calibration
constants. The constants used in one gauge will not work
in another gauge! The constants for your gauge are
developed when the gauge is calibrated and are reflected
on the most recent calibration sheet.
NOTE
If the calibration sheet lists B and F values, instead of
B*1000 and F*1000 values, then the calibration is in
English, rather than metric, units. Therefore, the B and
F values must be converted to metric values and multiplied
by 1000 before they are entered into the gauge. A more
direct method is to multiply the B and F values by
62.4298, then enter the resulting products into the
gauge.
After installing the ACU as described on page 1–3, the calibration
constants must be entered as follows.
The Calibration Constants feature is one of the gauge’s Special
functions. To access the Special functions, press 〈SPECIAL〉.
To access the Calibration Constants feature, press the down arrow
key eight times and press 〈START/ENTER〉.
Enter code -
0
1–4

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 1–5
1. INSTALLATION
This feature requires the input of the access code found on page xi
of this manual. Using the up and down arrow keys to select the
correct number for the flashing digit, enter the access code. To
accept the flashing value and select the next digit, press
〈START/ENTER〉.
The gauge prompts for the input of the Evalue.
NOTE
If the value is negative, enter a minus sign (–) by
pressing the down arrow key prior to entering the first
digit. Leading zeros must be entered (for example:
0.012345).
To change the value of the flashing digit for the Evalue, 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.

NOTES
1–6

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit 2–1
2. GAUGE OPERATION
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.
CONTENTS
The Keypad................................................................................... 2–2
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 2–4
Gauge Parameter Setup................................................................. 2–5
Setting Measurement Units.................................................... 2–5
Setting the Count Time .......................................................... 2–6
Setting the Depth.................................................................... 2–6
Selecting the Mode (Marshall/Proctor).................................. 2–6
Taking the Standard Count........................................................... 2–8
Site Preparation/Gauge Positioning............................................ 2–10
Soil and Base Course Preparation........................................ 2–10
Asphalt Surface Preparation................................................. 2–12
Taking a Measurement – Soil Mode........................................... 2–13
Taking a Measurement – Asphalt Mode.......................................... 2–16

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. The 〈ON/YES〉and 〈OFF/NO〉
keys are used for responses to specific questions displayed on the
screen and to turn the gauge on and off.
The up and down arrows allow the operator to scroll through
various function lists displayed by the gauge.
The backlight switch toggles the display backlight on and off.
MA
PR
TIME
STD
START
ENTER
ON
YES
OFF
NO
3411B
Advanced
Control Unit
<READY> 1 min @
Depth: 12 inches
BACKLIGH
T
SWITCH
BATTERY
CHARGER
CONNECTOR
Figure 2–1. Model 3411-B ACU Keypad
2–2