Troxler 3430 Plus User manual

NOTE
The Model 3440 Plus Surface Moisture Density Gauge can
be equipped with an optional global positioning system (GPS)
receiver. If such a gauge is moved a long distance between uses,
the GPS system must be allowed to initialize. In some instances,
initialization may take as long as 30 to 45 minutes from the time
the gauge is powered on with the GPS enabled. Note also that
the gauge must be positioned such that the GPS receiver can
receive signals from the GPS satellites (see Appendix I for more
information). If the GPS does not initialize within 45 minutes,
contact your Troxler representative.
Manual of Operation and Instruction
Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
Surface Moisture-Density Gauge
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

ii
Troxler gauges are protected by U.S. and foreign patents.
Copyright 2007 – 2009
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.
Fantastic is a trademark of Dow Consumer Products, Inc.
Federal Express is a registered trademark of the Federal Express
Corporation.
409 is a trademark of the Clorox Company.
Magnalube-G is a registered trademark of Carleton-Stuart
Corporation.
Microsoft, Excel, HyperTerminal, Windows, and Word are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
WD-40 is a registered trademark of the WD-40 Company.
PN 110890
July 2009
Edition 1.2

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
iii

iv
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: [e-mail]
Florida Service Center
2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]
Texas Service Center
2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]
Illinois Service Center
1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]
Northern California Service Center
11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
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: [e-mail]
NOTE
To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service
partner near you, call 1.877.TROXLER
(1.877.876.9537).

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
v
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
Congratulations on the purchase of a Troxler Model 3430 Plus or
3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauge. Troxler continues the
proven technology of its 3400 Series surface moisture-density
gauges with the Troxler Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus.
The Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus Manual of Operation and
Instruction contains information on safely using this gauge. Also
included in this manual are safety warnings, gauge setup,
troubleshooting, and general maintenance.
NOTE
Before operating the gauge, read this manual carefully.
If you do not completely understand the sections that
cover radiation safety, contact your company radiation
safety officer (RSO) or the nearest Troxler
representative.

vi
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.
  
   
  

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:
NOTE
Indicates important information that must be read to
ensure proper operation.
〈KEY〉Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicatea
key or character (number or letter) to press on the
gauge keypad. For example, “Press 〈START〉”
means to press the key labeled START.
DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate
information or messages displayed on the gauge.
♦ 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.

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
vii
NOTES

vii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–5
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7
CHAPTER 2. THEORY OF OPERATION
Density.......................................................................................... 2–2
Moisture........................................................................................ 2–3
Calibration .................................................................................... 2–5
CHAPTER 3. GETTING STARTED
Gauge Illustration ......................................................................... 3–2
Control Panel ................................................................................ 3–3
Source Rod Positions.................................................................... 3–5
Daily Inspection............................................................................ 3–6
Turning the Gauge On .................................................................. 3–7
Setup............................................................................................. 3–9
CHAPTER 4. USING THE GAUGE
Taking a Standard Count.............................................................. 4–2
Preparing a Test Site..................................................................... 4–7
Taking Measurements................................................................. 4–10
Recall.......................................................................................... 4–17
CHAPTER 5. SETUP MENU
Setup Menu................................................................................... 5–3
Count Time................................................................................... 5–4
Set Units........................................................................................ 5–4
Depth Mode .................................................................................. 5–4
Stat Test ........................................................................................ 5–5
Drift Test....................................................................................... 5–7
Nomograph................................................................................. 5–10
Precision ..................................................................................... 5–15
Options........................................................................................ 5–17
Battery Status.............................................................................. 5–19
Percent Air Voids (Soil Mode)................................................... 5–20
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
CHAPTER 6. TARGET MENU
Target Menu..................................................................................6–2

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
ix
Target Values ................................................................................6–3
CHAPTER 7. CALIBRATION OFFSETS
Offset Menu...................................................................................7–2
Density Offset................................................................................7–3
Moisture Offset..............................................................................7–4
Trench Offset.................................................................................7–8
CHAPTER 8. PROJECT DATA
Project Menu .................................................................................8–2
Select.............................................................................................8–3
View ..............................................................................................8–4
Create a Project .............................................................................8–5
Erase Projects ................................................................................8–6
Output Project................................................................................8–7
Set Output Destination ................................................................8–10
Deactivate....................................................................................8–11
Auto-Store...................................................................................8–12
Manual Store ...............................................................................8–14
CHAPTER 9. EXTENDED MENU
Extended Menu..............................................................................9–2
Clock/Calendar..............................................................................9–3
User ID..........................................................................................9–3
Customer Name.............................................................................9–3
Language.......................................................................................9–4
Source Decay.................................................................................9–5
Erase Standard Counts...................................................................9–6
Low Battery Warning....................................................................9–7
Software Reset...............................................................................9–8
Test Menu......................................................................................9–9
APPENDIX A. RADIATION THEORY AND SAFETY
Radiation Theory..........................................................................A–2
Radiation Safety ...........................................................................A–5
Regulatory Requirements...........................................................A–14
Gauge Use Precautions...............................................................A–17
Radiation Profile.........................................................................A–18

ix
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)
APPENDIX B. TRANSPORTATION AND SHIPPING
U.S. Shipping Requirements.........................................................B–2
Canadian Shipping Requirements.................................................B–4
APPENDIX C. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE
Troubleshooting............................................................................C–2
Display Contrast ...........................................................................C–9
Batteries......................................................................................C–10
Mechanical Maintenance............................................................C–15
Replacement Parts.......................................................................C–18
Returning the Gauge for Service.................................................C–30
APPENDIX D. STANDARD COUNT LOG
APPENDIX E. UNIT CONVERSION
Measurement Units.......................................................................E–2
Radiological Units........................................................................E–2
APPENDIX F. GAUGE SPECIFICATIONS
Measurement Specifications.........................................................F–2
Radiological Specifications ..........................................................F–4
Electrical Specifications ...............................................................F–5
Mechanical Specifications............................................................F–7
APPENDIX G. SPECIAL EUROPEAN CONSIDERATIONS
Declaration of Conformity........................................................... G–2
Safety Warnings........................................................................... G–3
APPENDIX H. PRINTING (UPLOADING) PROJECT DATA
Windows Hyperterminal.............................................................. H–2
Viewing Project Data................................................................... H–5
APPENDIX I. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS)
GPS Accuracy................................................................................... 2
INDEX
WARRANTY

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
x
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1–1 Gauge Parts and Accessories.....................................1–5
2–1 Effect of Moisture on Depth of Measurement...........2–4
3–1 Gauge Illustration ......................................................3–2
3–2 Control Panel.............................................................3–3
3–3 Source Rod Positions.................................................3–5
4–1 Standard Count Position ............................................4–3
4–2 Drill Rod Assembly...................................................4–8
4–3 Marking the Test Area...............................................4–8
8–1 Spreadsheet Column Definitions ...............................8–9
A–1 Diagram of an Atom.................................................A–2
A–2 Effect of Distance on Exposure................................A–7
A–3 Cleaning the Tungsten Sliding Block .....................A–12
A–4 Gauge and Transport Case......................................A–18
C–1 Adjusting the Display Contrast.................................C–9
C–2 NiMH Battery Pack and AA Batteries....................C–11
C–3 Final Assembly, Part Numbers 110795_XXXX
(3430 Plus) and 110800_XXXX (3440 Plus) .........C–19
C–4 Base Assembly, Part Number 110015_XXXX.......C–21
C–5 Scaler Assembly, Part Numbers 110791
(3430 Plus) and 110876 (3440 Plus).......................C–23
C–6 Baseboard Assembly, Part Numbers 110790
(3430 Plus) and 110877 (3440 Plus).......................C–26

xi
LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page
3–1 Key pad Functions......................................................3–4
A–1 Radiation Profile for Gauge ................................... A–19
C–1 Error Messages..........................................................C–6
C–2 Typical Battery Operating Life ...............................C–11
I–1 GPS Position Accuracy.................................................4

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
xii
NOTES

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
xiii
ATTENTION
MODEL 3430 PLUS OR 3440 PLUS
GAUGE OWNER
This unit contains functions that require an ACCESS CODE.
This code must be entered before these functions may be used.
For more information on using the access code, refer to
Chapter 9.
The ACCESS CODE for this gauge is:
4708
This page should be removed if the access code is not to be
distributed to other parties or users of this gauge.

xiv
NOTES

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
1–1
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 3430
Plus and 3440 Plus Surface Moisture-Density Gauges, and includes
a list of the gauge parts and accessories, as well as instructions for
unpacking and inspecting the gauge.
CONTENTS
Introduction................................................................................... 1–2
Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–5
Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7
1. INTRODUCTION

1–2
INTRODUCTION
Since 1958, Troxler has been the worldwide leader in precision
quality control and measurement equipment for the highway and
construction industry. Troxler’s Model 3430 and 3440 Surface
Moisture-Density Gauges have become the industry standard for
measuring the moisture content and density of construction
materials. With the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, Troxler
has added a number of new features to the proven technology of the
company’s earlier products to provide increased performance,
flexibility, ease of use, and operator safety.
Using the Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges, the operator can
quickly and precisely measure the moisture content and density of
construction materials. Both gauges feature:
♦ Two measurement modes (Soil and Asphalt) for precise
compaction control readings in most construction materials:
Soil Mode: For moisture/density determinations in soil and soil-
stone materials in layers of 4 inches or greater.
Asphalt Mode: For density determinations in asphalt or
hardened concrete layers of 4 inches or greater.
♦ A Nomograph function for density determinations in asphalt
layers of less than 4 inches.
♦ Calibration offsets (density, moisture, and trench) to expand
measurement possibilities, and to enhance gauge readings on
materials that may fall outside the range of factory calibration.
♦ Over 30 functions to facilitate all phases of testing compaction
on construction materials.
♦ A backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) to help the operator read
the display during night construction.
♦ Easy-to-use keypad and user-friendly menus to reduce training
time to increase productivity.
♦ An internally mounted beeper, which emits a short tone in
response to a valid keystroke on the keypad. The beeper sounds
a longer tone if the operator presses an invalid key, if the gauge
displays an error message, or to signal the conclusion of a
measurement.

Model 3430 Plus & 3440 Plus
1–3
♦ A serial port used to connect the gauge to an RS-232 device,
such as a computer or printer.
In addition to the items listed above, the Model 3440 Plus gauge
includes the following features:
♦ A backlit keypad for greater ease of use in low-light conditions.
♦ A remote keypad, including a 〈START〉and 〈ESC〉key, at the
top of its source rod housing. The remote keypad reduces the
amount of bending and stooping the operator must do while
operating the gauge.
♦ A USB port, which can be used to output data to a USB printer
or flash drive. A list of compatible USB devices is available at:
www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/otherlit.shtml.
♦ In addition to its internal beeper, a louder, external beeper is
included on the Model 3440 Plus. The external beeperperforms
the same functions as the internal one, and can be enabled or
disabled as desired by the operator.
The Model 3440 Plus can also be equipped with an optional global
positioning system (GPS) receiver. The GPS receiver enables the
gauge to store precise GPS coordinates, along with the standard date
and time stamp, for each measurement. For more information on the
GPS option, refer to Appendix I.
The Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges meet or exceed all
applicable American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
standards (or corresponding equivalent), including:
♦ ASTM D-2950: Standard Test Method for Density of
Bituminous Concrete in Place by Nuclear Method.
♦ ASTM D-6938: Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density
and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth)
NOTE
As of November 2006, ASTM D-6938 replaces ASTM
D-2922: Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and
Soil-Aggregate in Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow
Depth) and ASTM D-3017: Standard Test Method for
Water Content of Soil and Rock in Place by Nuclear
Methods (Shallow Depth).
1. INTRODUCTION

1–4
Any licensing issues discussed in this manual are for the United
States. To purchase a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus in Canada,
owners must obtain a radioisotope license from the Canadian
Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The owner should obtain
copies of the CNSC Regulations and the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations (TDG). For other countries,
please consult your local regulatory agency.
Owners are encouraged to require study of this manual before
allowing anyone to use the gauge. A potential hazard does exist if
improperly used. Appendices A and B, which cover radiological
safety and transportation requirements, should be required reading
for all users and potential users. If these appendices are not
completely understood, users should seek assistance from
Troxler, an appointed Troxler representative, or others
designated within the user's organization.
Additional radiation safety information is available by attending a
Troxler Nuclear Gauge Safety Training Course. For pricing and
availability of these courses, visit the Troxler website at
www.troxlerlabs.com/TRAINING/training.shtml or contact your
Troxler representative.
Before operating the gauge, users in European countries must refer
to Appendix G for special considerations, additional safety
warnings, and the Declaration of Conformity.
Since changes are made to local, state, and federal regulations on a
continuing basis, the owner/operator must maintain awareness of
current requirements. The responsibility for compliance ultimately
falls on the owner. An owner in the United States may also wish to
purchase and subscribe to Titles 10 and 49 of the Code of Federal
Regulations (CFR) in addition to applicable local/state regulations.