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Manual of Operation and Instruction

Troxler TrackerSuite Software for Performing Gauge Calibration,

Calibration Verification, and Calibration Accuracy Testing With The Troxler Model 6180 Tracker

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc. 3008 Cornwallis Road • P.O. Box 12057

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Phone: 1.877.TROXLER

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661 Fax: +1.919.549.0761 www.troxlerlabs.com

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Troxler gauges are protected under U.S. and foreign patents.

Copyright © 2008

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. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. PN 109348 September 2008 Edition 1.1

Troxler TrackerSuite 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: +1.919.549.0761 Web: www.troxlerlabs.com

Technical Support

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537) E-mail: [email protected]

Florida Service Center 2376 Forsyth Road Orlando, FL 32807 Fax: 407.681.3188

Texas Service Center

2016 East Randol Mill Road Suite 406

Arlington, TX 76011 Fax: 817.275.8562

Illinois Service Center

1430 Brook Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515

Fax: 630.261.9341

Northern California Service Center 11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7 Rancho Cordova, CA 95742

Fax: 916.631.0541

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]

NOTE To locate an independent, Troxler-authorized service center near you, call 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537).

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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL Congratulations on purchasing the Troxler TrackerSuite software, the optional software companion to the Model 6180 Troxler Tracker™ Calibration Tracking System. The Troxler TrackerSuite Manual of Operation and Instruction explains how to install and register the software. This manual also provides procedures for using the TrackerSuite and a Model 6180 Tracker to calibrate Troxler gauges and to perform gauge verification and gauge accuracy checks. GUIDE TO SYMBOLS Throughout this manual symbols often reveal the purpose of the text. The symbols and their purpose are as follows:

WARNING Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed correctly, may cause personal injury.

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 gauge keypad or computer keyboard. For example, “Press ⟨START/ENTER⟩” means to press the key labeled START/ENTER.

DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate information or messages displayed on the

gauge or computer screen.

DISPLAY - Typestyle and shading used to simulate a gauge 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.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1. Introduction and Installation Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 1–2 Computer Requirements ........................................................................................................................... 1–3 Software Installation and Registration...................................................................................................... 1–5 Configuring the Software.......................................................................................................................... 1–8 Chapter 2. Gauge Calibration Collecting Calibration Data ...................................................................................................................... 2–2 Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants ......................................................................... 2–5 Entering Calibration Constants into the Gauge....................................................................................... 2–10 Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration.......................................................................... 2–29 Taking Calibration Recounts .................................................................................................................. 2–31 Printing and Archiving the Completed Calibration ................................................................................ 2–32 Calibration Data Recording Form........................................................................................................... 2–35 Chapter 3. Gauge Verification and Accuracy Checking Acquiring Verification or Accuracy Checking Data................................................................................. 3–2 Entering and Evaluating the Data ............................................................................................................. 3–4 Taking Calibration Check Recounts ......................................................................................................... 3–8 Printing and Archiving a Calibration Check............................................................................................. 3–9 Calibration Check Data Recording Form................................................................................................ 3–11 Chapter 4. Auxiliary Functions Introduction............................................................................................................................................... 4–2 Editing Laboratory Information ................................................................................................................ 4–3 Editing, Updating, or Reviewing Tracker Information............................................................................. 4–4 Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibrations ......................................................................................... 4–5 Printing an Archived Calibration Report .................................................................................................. 4–7 Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibration Checks............................................................................ 4–11 Printing an Archived Calibration Check Report ..................................................................................... 4–13 Appendix A. Additional Information Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................... A–2 Summary .................................................................................................................................................. A–8 References................................................................................................................................................ A–9

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure Title Page 1–1 TrackerCal Splash Screen ............................................................................................................ 1–5 1–2 Software Registration Menu ........................................................................................................ 1–5 1–3 Registration Application Form Screen......................................................................................... 1–6 1–4 Registration Application File Ready Message Box ..................................................................... 1–6 1–5 Registration Key File Has Been Successfully Imported Message ............................................... 1–6 1–6 TrackerSuite Main Menu Following Registration .......................................................................1–7 1–7 Laboratory Information Screen, Blank ........................................................................................ 1–8 1–8 Tracker Data Option Screen......................................................................................................... 1–9 1–9 File Selection Preparation Message Box ..................................................................................... 1–9 1–10 Tracker Data Retrieval Complete Message Box........................................................................ 1–10 1–11 Tracker Data Review Screen ..................................................................................................... 1–10 2–3 TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu........................................................................................... 2–5 2–4 Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics Screen................................................................................. 2–5 2–5 Enter Calibration Counts Collected with the Gauge on the Tracker Screen................................ 2–6 2–6 Temporary Storage Message Box................................................................................................ 2–7 2–7 Moisture Calibration Constants Manual Entry Screen ................................................................ 2–7 2–8 EEPROM File Ready Message Box ............................................................................................ 2–8 2–9 Temporary Calibration Report Review Screen............................................................................ 2–9 2–10 Control Units Available for a Troxler Model 3411-B Gauge .................................................... 2–10 2–11 Model 3430 Serial Adapter (PN 106075) Connected to Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable (PN 104334) .................................................................................................................... 2–14 2–12 ACU Installed? Message Box.................................................................................................... 2–15 2–13 Moisture Calibration Constants Manual Entry Screen .............................................................. 2–15 2–14 Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3430 or 3411-B ACU Upload .................................. 2–16 2–15 Prepare Model 3430 or 3411-B ACU for Data Transfer Screen................................................ 2–16 2–16 Download to Gauge Complete Message Box ............................................................................ 2–16 2–17 Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3440 Upload ............................................................. 2–22 2–18 Model 3440 Gauge Preparation Screen ..................................................................................... 2–22 2–19 Review Constants? Message Box .............................................................................................. 2–23 2–20 Calibration Constants Sent to Gauge Correctly Message .......................................................... 2–23 2–21 Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus Upload ................................ 2–27 2–22 Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus Gauge Preparation Screen ........................................................ 2–27 2–23 Initialize Communications Protocol Message Box.................................................................... 2–28 2–24 Units Selection Form ................................................................................................................. 2–29 2–25 Calibration Storage Complete Screen ........................................................................................ 2–32 2–26 Calibration Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration............................................... 2–33 2–27 Generate Moisture Table Query Box......................................................................................... 2–33

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure Title Page 3–1 Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu ...................................................................................3–4 3–2 Enter Readings Collected with the Gauge on the Tracker Screen................................................3–5 3–3 Review Results? Query ................................................................................................................3–5 3–4 Select Test Limits Screen .............................................................................................................3–6 3–5 Temporary Calibration Verification Report Review Screen ........................................................3–7 3–6 Temporary Calibration Accuracy Report Review Screen ............................................................3–7 3–7 Calibration Check Storage Complete Screen ...............................................................................3–9 3–8 Calibration Verification Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration ...........................3–10 3–9 Calibration Accuracy Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration ...............................3–10 4–1 Laboratory Address Information Screen with Current Information Displayed............................4–3 4–2 Tracker Selection Screen..............................................................................................................4–4 4–3 Directory Review Query Screen...................................................................................................4–5 4–4 Data Directory Selection Screen ..................................................................................................4–5 4–5 Initial Directory of Archived Gauge Calibrations Screen ............................................................4–6 4–6 Final Directory of Archived Gauge Calibrations Screen..............................................................4–6 4–7 Data Directory Selection Screen ..................................................................................................4–7 4–8 Serial Number Selection Screen...................................................................................................4–8 4–9 Calibration Instances Listing Screen ............................................................................................4–8 4–10 Change Active Calibration? Query if the Active Calibration is Incomplete ................................4–9 4–11 Change Active Calibration? Query if the Active Calibration is Complete ..................................4–9 4–12 Directory Review Query Screen.................................................................................................4–11 4–13 Initial Directory of Archived Gauge Calibration Checks Screen ...............................................4–12 4–14 Final Directory of Archived Gauge Calibration Checks Screen ................................................4–12 4–15 Data Directory Selection Screen for Archived Calibration Checks ...........................................4–13 4–16 Serial Number Selection Screen.................................................................................................4–14 4–17 Calibration Check Instances Listing Screen...............................................................................4–14 4–18 Change Active Calibration Check? Query if the Active Calibration Check is Incomplete........4–15 4–19 Change Active Calibration Check? Query if the Active Calibration Check is Complete ..........4–15

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NOTES

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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION AND INSTALLATION This chapter contains a general introduction to the Troxler TrackerSuite. The information includes a list of the hardware and software requirements for using the Troxler TrackerSuite software, and instructions for installing and registering the software. CONTENTS Introduction......................................................................................................................................................1–2 Computer Requirements ..................................................................................................................................1–3

Windows XP Professional Edition ............................................................................................................1–3 Windows XP Home Edition ......................................................................................................................1–3 Windows XP Media Center Edition ..........................................................................................................1–4 Windows 2000 Edition..............................................................................................................................1–4

Software Installation and Registration.............................................................................................................1–5 Configuring the Software.................................................................................................................................1–8

1–2

INTRODUCTION The Troxler TrackerSuite is the software companion to the Troxler Model 6180 Tracker™. The software is designed to operate on a personal computer (PC) equipped with a Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional Edition, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Media Center Edition, or Windows 2000 operating system. The Troxler TrackerSuite software is made up of a number of software applications that, in conjunction with the Model 6180 Tracker, enable the user to:

♦ Calibrate a variety of Troxler surface moisture/density gauges

♦ Verify the calibration of these gauges

♦ Perform an accuracy check on the calibration of these gauges

♦ Perform a number of auxiliary functions Appendix A describes, in detail, each of these operations, how the operations are distinct from one another, what is required to perform each operation, and what the values (and risks) of each are. A brief description of each operation is given below. Generally speaking, a density calibration is the process of acquiring sufficient data to assign an accurate mathematical relationship between the response of the density counting system of a gauge and the wet density of the material that the gauge is measuring. Likewise, a moisture calibration involves the process of acquiring sufficient data to assign an accurate mathematical relationship between the response of the moisture counting system of a gauge and the moisture content of the material that the gauge is measuring. “Sufficient data” for a calibration means that enough data have been acquired to define accurately this mathematical relationship over the range of densities (or moisture contents) over which the device will be used. If the function that defines the mathematical relationship has “n” parameters (or calibration constants), then at least n data points, distributed throughout the range over which the gauge will be used, must be collected through actual gauge measurement to have “sufficient data.” For most nuclear surface moisture/density gauges, n = 3 for the density system at a particular source rod depth and n = 2 for the moisture system. A calibration verification, whether for the density or moisture system of the gauge, requires the same type of data be collected that are collected for a calibration. How the data are treated, however, is different between the calibration and the verification. For the calibration, the data are used to create the mathematical relationships between wet density (or moisture content) and the gauge response. For the verification, the data are used to evaluate whether the existing mathematical relationships meet the accuracy requirements that have been established for the particular device. The “sufficient data” required for a verification is no different than the “sufficient data” required for a calibration; the data are just used towards different purposes. Finally, a calibration accuracy check simply determines whether a wet density calibration is accurate at a particular wet density level, or whether a moisture content calibration is accurate at a particular moisture content level. Because the accuracy check only provides information about the gauge calibration at a particular wet density or moisture content, it provides only limited information about the performance of the calibration over its entire operating range. The remainder of this manual describes how to use the Troxler Tracker and the TrackerSuite software to perform a calibration, a verification, or an accuracy check, and describes how to evaluate, disseminate, and archive this information.


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COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS The following sections list the hardware and software requirements for using the Troxler TrackerSuite with the following operating systems. WINDOWS XP PROFESSIONAL EDITION Minimum Hardware Personal computer with a Pentium® 300 MHz processor or better and: ♦ 512 MB RAM ♦ Hard disk with 10 MB of free disk space ♦ CD-ROM drive ♦ VGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 256 colors or better ♦ Mouse ♦ Keyboard ♦ PCI serial card or an available USB port with an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter Recommended Hardware ♦ Pentium 1 GHz processor ♦ 1 Gigabyte RAM ♦ SVGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 1024 colors WINDOWS XP HOME EDITION Minimum Hardware Personal computer with a Pentium 300 MHz processor or better and: ♦ 256 MB RAM ♦ Hard disk with 10 MB of free disk space ♦ CD-ROM drive ♦ VGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 256 colors or better ♦ Mouse ♦ Keyboard ♦ PCI serial card or an available USB port with an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter Recommended Hardware ♦ Pentium 1 GHz processor ♦ 512 MB RAM ♦ SVGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 1024 colors

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WINDOWS XP MEDIA CENTER EDITION Minimum Hardware Personal computer with a Pentium 300 MHz processor or better and: ♦ 512 MB RAM ♦ Hard disk with 10 MB of free disk space ♦ CD-ROM drive ♦ VGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 256 colors or better ♦ Mouse ♦ Keyboard ♦ PCI serial card or an available USB port with an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter Recommended Hardware ♦ Pentium 1 GHz processor ♦ 1 Gigabyte RAM ♦ SVGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 1024 colors WINDOWS 2000 EDITION Minimum Hardware Personal computer with a Pentium 300 MHz processor or better and: ♦ 128 MB RAM ♦ Hard disk with 10 MB of free disk space ♦ CD-ROM drive ♦ VGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 256 colors or better ♦ Mouse ♦ Keyboard ♦ PCI serial card or an available USB port with an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter Recommended Hardware ♦ Pentium 1 GHz processor ♦ 512 MB RAM ♦ SVGA graphics adapter and monitor (default) with 1024 colors


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SOFTWARE INSTALLATION AND REGISTRATION 1. When you purchase the TrackerSuite software, you will receive an installation file either by E-mail or on

a CD-ROM. Run the installation program. 2. The installation program installs the TrackerSuite.exe program on the computer and adds a

TrackerSuite group containing the TrackerSuite menu item. 3. To run the TrackerSuite program, click on the Start button, select the Programs menu and the

TrackerSuite folder, and then select the TrackerSuite menu item. When the program starts, it first displays the splash screen shown in Figure 1–1 for approximately 3 seconds.

Figure 1–1. TrackerCal Splash Screen 4. Once the splash screen disappears, a Software Registration Menu, as shown in Figure 1–2, is displayed.

The TrackerSuite software cannot be used until it is registered with Troxler. To register the software, select the Create the Registration Application File radio button, then click ⟨Proceed⟩.

Figure 1–2. Software Registration Menu 5. A Registration Application Form is now displayed (see Figure 1–3). Enter the name of your company and

a contact E-mail address in the form, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

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Figure 1–3. Registration Application Form Screen 6. Once the required information is input into the Registration Application Form, the program asks you to

save the file. The default file name will be TroxlerRegistrationFile.txt and the default path will be the Windows desktop. Save this file when prompted. When the file is written, the Registration Application File ready message box shown in Figure 1–4 is displayed. Carefully note the E-mail address shown in the message box, then click ⟨OK⟩. The program will end at this point.

Figure 1–4. Registration Application File Ready Message Box 7. As directed in the Registration Application File ready message box, E-mail the

TroxlerRegistrationFile.txt file (as an attachment) to Troxler at [email protected]. In either the subject line or body of the E-mail, identify the attached file as a Tracker Registration Application File.

8. Shortly after Troxler receives the Registration Application File, Troxler will create a Registration Key

File, and will send you this file as an E-mail attachment. The file will have the name TroxlerKey.txt and will be 208 bytes in size. This file is required to unlock the software. When you receive this file, save it to your Windows desktop, then run the TrackerSuite program. The Software Registration Menu shown in Figure 1–2 is again displayed. This time, select the second radio button, Import the Registration Key to complete the registration, and click ⟨Proceed⟩.

9. At this point the program prompts you to browse for and load the Registration Key File. Follow the

prompts to load this file. Once this file is opened by the program, the software will be unlocked, and the message box shown in Figure 1–5 is displayed. Click ⟨OK⟩ to continue.

Figure 1–5. Registration Key File Has Been Successfully Imported Message


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10. The software is now registered and unlocked. The TrackerSuite Main Menu is displayed, as shown in Figure 1–6. Before using the software, it must be configured as described in the following section. Therefore, only two options are available on the menu. Continue to the following section for instructions on configuring the software.

Figure 1–6. TrackerSuite Main Menu Following Registration

1–8

CONFIGURING THE SOFTWARE After the software has been registered and unlocked, it must still be configured as described in this section before use. 1. At this point, the Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on the previous page) has only two options available.

Select the first of these options, Enter\Edit\Review Laboratory Information, then click ⟨Proceed⟩. 2. The program displays the Laboratory Address Information screen shown in Figure 1–7. The

information requested by this screen is required in order to be printed on the calibration report, per ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, Section 13.2(a). This information only needs to be entered once, but it can be edited later, if necessary (see Chapter 4). Enter the requested data, then click the ⟨Accept⟩ button.

Figure 1–7. Laboratory Information Screen, Blank 3. Once the laboratory information has been entered, the Main Menu is again displayed. Before you can do

anything else useful with the software, you must enter the Tracker Information into the program. The Tracker information includes the serial number and calibration date of the Tracker that will be used to calibrate gauges, along with the density and moisture values assigned to that Tracker.

The Tracker information can only be entered into the gauge by importing it from a Tracker Calibration Data File. These files are supplied to Tracker users by Troxler. Ensure that you have this file (or files) before proceeding. Once you have confirmed that you have this file(s), select Enter\Edit\Review Tracker Information on the Main Menu and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

4. Once the button on the preceding screen is clicked, the software displays the screen shown in Figure 1–8.

This screen gives the user the option of either loading the information from a Tracker Calibration Data File, or reviewing Tracker information that has already been loaded into the program in this manner. As shown in Figure 1–8, the second option is not available until a Tracker Calibration Data File has been imported into the program. Select the first (and, at this point, only available) option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.


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Figure 1–8. Tracker Data Option Screen 5. A File Selection Preparation message box, as shown in Figure 1–9, is displayed. This message box

informs the user that a file dialog box will be displayed next, and that the user will be required to select the Tracker Calibration Data File that he/she wishes to import. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message box.

Figure 1–9. File Selection Preparation Message Box 6. A file dialog box is displayed. Use this dialog box to locate the Tracker Calibration Data File that Troxler

provided for the Tracker calibration that you are attempting to enter into your program. 7. The Tracker Calibration Data File will have a file name that is 19 characters long, with a .dat extension.

♦ The first four characters of the name will always be TCDF, for Tracker Calibration Data File.

♦ The fifth character will be the number 1, 2, or 3, where 1 signifies that the values in the file are for Troxler Model 3401 or 3411-B gauges, 2 signifies that the values are for Model 3430 and 3440 gauges (excluding the 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges), and 3 signifies that the values are for Model 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus gauges.

♦ The sixth through eleventh characters are the serial number of the Tracker.

♦ The twelfth and thirteenth characters are the day when the Tracker was calibrated.

♦ The fourteenth and fifteenth characters are the month when the Tracker was calibrated.

♦ The sixteenth through nineteenth characters are the year when the Tracker was calibrated. For example, the Tracker Calibration Data File named TCDF200010825072007.dat contains density and moisture data for Tracker number 108, to be used for Model 3430 and 3440 gauges (but not 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus gauges). This file contains Tracker data for the calibration of the Tracker that was performed on July 25, 2007.

8. After locating the Tracker Calibration Data File, select it with the file dialog box and click ⟨Open⟩.

1–10

9. The program now reads the contents from the selected Tracker Calibration Data File. When the readout is complete, the Data retrieval complete message box shown in Figure 1–10 is displayed. Click ⟨OK⟩.

Figure 1–10. Tracker Data Retrieval Complete Message Box 10. The View Tracker Moisture and Density Information screen (see Figure 1–11) is now displayed.

The fields on the screen will be filled with the values that were just imported. Review these values. To print the values, click the ⟨Print⟩ button and follow the printing instructions. To change the units in which the values are displayed, click either the Metric or English button. After reviewing the values, click the ⟨Ok⟩ button to continue.

Figure 1–11. Tracker Data Review Screen 11. The program returns to the Main Menu, where two new options, Main Menu for Calibrating with

the Tracker and Main Menu for Verifying or Checking Accuracy with the Tracker, are available. The program setup is complete and ready for the entry of gauge calibration data.

Proceed to Chapter 2 for information on acquiring gauge calibration data with the Tracker.

Proceed to Chapter 3 for information on acquiring gauge calibration verification data or gauge calibration accuracy checking data with the Tracker.

The Main Menu includes a number of Auxiliary Functions, including options for entering or viewing laboratory and Tracker calibration information. For more information on using these functions, refer to Chapter 4.


2. GAUGE CALIBRATION

CHAPTER 2 GAUGE CALIBRATION This chapter provides instructions for calibrating a gauge using the Troxler Tracker and the TrackerCal application included with the TrackerSuite software. CONTENTS Collecting Calibration Data .............................................................................................................................2–2 Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants ................................................................................2–5 Entering Calibration Constants into the Gauge..............................................................................................2–10

Introduction .............................................................................................................................................2–10 Uploading Calibration Constants to a Model 3430 or 3411-B ACU.......................................................2–14 Manually Entering Calibration Constants into a Model 3430 or 3411-B Advanced Control Unit .........2–18 Uploading Calibration Constants into a Model 3440 ..............................................................................2–21 Manually Entering Calibration Constants into a Model 3440.................................................................2–24 Uploading Calibration Constants into a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus .................................................2–26

Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration.................................................................................2–29 Taking Calibration Recounts .........................................................................................................................2–31 Printing and Archiving the Completed Calibration .......................................................................................2–32 Calibration Data Recording Form..................................................................................................................2–35

2–2

COLLECTING CALIBRATION DATA

WARNING Before collecting calibration data, the user must review the radiation safety information in Appendix A of the Model 6180 Tracker Tracker Manual of Operation and Instruction (PN 109315), as well as Appendix A of the Manual of Operation and Instruction for the gauge being calibrated.

In order to calibrate a gauge using the Tracker, specific measurements at different emulated densities and/or moisture contents, as well as standardization reference measurements, must be taken. This section describes how to obtain this information. 1. Print a copy of the Calibration Data Recording Form on page 2–35. Complete Part 1 of this form. 2. Find a location on the floor (or ground) that is at least 2 m (6 ft) from any wall or other large objects or

vertical or horizontal projections and at least 10 m (33 ft) from any other radioactive sources or nuclear gauges.

3. Place the polyethylene standard block for the gauge at the location identified in step 2. 4. Place the gauge to be calibrated on the polyethylene standard block. 5. Turn on the gauge and allow it to complete its normal warmup period. 6. Conduct a stat test with the gauge. For specific instructions on performing a stat test for the gauge being

calibrated, refer to the Manual of Operation and Instruction for that gauge. Manuals for Models 3430, 3440, 3430 Plus, and 3440 Plus can be downloaded from the Troxler website at www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/manuals.shtml.

7. If the stat test passes the appropriate evaluation, proceed to step 8. If the stat test fails the evaluation,

repeat step 6. If the stat test fails for a second time, this gauge is not stable enough to conduct a calibration; discontinue the calibration and contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii).

8. Record the stat test results in Part 2 of the Calibration Data Recording Form. 9. Refer to Part 3 of the Calibration Data Recording Form. For each source rod position that exists for the

gauge being calibrated, place the Tracker in each of the three corresponding Index positions indicated by the form (ignoring the grayed-out boxes on the form) and acquire a 4-minute count for each of the three Index positions. Record the density count that is acquired at each position. (Note that two separate sets of counts are taken at BS and 12-in. positions.)

While acquiring these density counts, select any four corresponding moisture counts. The four counts selected do not matter; they can be acquired for any Tracker index position and any gauge source rod position. Record these counts in first four spaces provided for them in Part 4 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

10. After all of the density counts are acquired, if this Tracker came with the Zero Moisture Fixture and the

High Moisture Fixture, proceed to step 11 and perform a moisture calibration. Otherwise, skip the moisture calibration and proceed to step 13.

http://www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/manuals.shtml�



11. Place the Zero Moisture Fixture on the Tracker. Once the fixture is in place, place the gauge on the fixture. If the gauge has a source rod depth indicator, then put the gauge in Manual depth mode. With the source rod in the SAFE position, take two 4-minute counts.

NOTE

When the gauge prompts for the index rod position, respond that the gauge is in backscatter position, even though it is in SAFE position. This allows you to take a moisture reading on the Zero Moisture Fixture at the lowest possible exposure rate.

Record the results of these counts in the two spaces provided in Part 4 of the Calibration Data Recording Form. If the gauge has a source rod depth indicator, put the gauge back in Automatic depth mode.

12. Remove the Zero Moisture Fixture and place the High Moisture Fixture on the Tracker. Once the fixture

is in place, put the gauge on the fixture. Set the source rod to the backscatter position and take two 4-minute counts. Record the results of these counts in the two spaces provided in Part 4 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

13. Place the gauge back on the polyethylene standard block, just as it was in step 4. 14. Conduct a drift test with the gauge. For specific instructions on performing a drift test for the gauge being

calibrated, refer to the Manual of Operation and Instruction for that gauge. 15. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 26. If the drift test fails for either the density or moisture system,

take note of which system(s) (density and/or moisture) that failed and proceed to step 16. 16. Move the gauge index rod up and down ten times. Remove the gauge from the standard block, then place

it back on the block. 17. Conduct another drift test. 18. If the drift test fails for the same system(s) it failed during the first drift test, a provisional drift test is

required. Proceed to step 19. Otherwise, if the second drift test passes, proceed to step 26. 19. Perform a stat test as described in step 6. 20. If the stat test passes, proceed to step 21. If it fails, perform another stat test. If the stat test fails twice, the

gauge may have stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii). 21. Leave the gauge stationary, untouched, with power on for 3 hours. Do not move the gauge or any part of

the gauge for this period. 22. Conduct a drift test with the gauge. 23. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 26. If the drift test fails for either the density or moisture system,

take note of which system(s) (density and/or moisture) that failed and proceed to step 24. 24. Run another drift test. 25. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 26. If the drift test fails the same system(s) that failed during the

drift test conducted in step 22, then the gauge has long-term stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii).

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26. Record the drift test results in Part 5 of the Calibration Data Recording Form. 27. Perform the calculations in Part 6 through Part 9 of the Calibration Data Recording Form to compute

and record the average density backscatter counts, the average density 12” position counts, the final standard count values, and the calibration moisture count(s), respectively.



ENTERING THE DATA AND COMPUTING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS Once the calibration data has been collected, it must be entered into the TrackerSuite software. The software package will enable the user to compute the gauge calibration constants, evaluate the performance parameters of the resulting calibration functions, and print a temporary calibration report. 1. Return to the calibration computer. Click on the Start button, select the Programs menu and the

TrackerSuite folder, and then select the TrackerSuite menu item to start the TrackerSuite program. 2. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Main Menu for

Calibrating with the Tracker and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 3. The TrackerCal program is now launched. A splash screen is displayed for about 3 seconds, after which

the Gauge Calibration Menu shown in Figure 2–3 is displayed. Select the Start a new gauge calibration option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 2–3. TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu 4. The Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics screen (see Figure 2–4) is now displayed. Select the

correct values from the Tracker Serial No., Gauge Model No., and Gauge Rod Style dropdown list boxes. Enter the gauge serial number in the box provided in the bottom left corner of the screen, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 2–4. Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics Screen

2–6

5. After the ⟨Proceed⟩ button is pressed, the Enter Calibration Counts Collected with the gauge on the Tracker screen (see Figure 2–5) is displayed. Fill in this screen as follows:

♦ Go to the portion of the screen labeled Section 1: Density Counts. In the three text boxes next to the heading BS, enter the three backscatter density counts that were calculated in Part 6 of the Calibration Data Recording Form in their respective places.

♦ If the gauge being calibrated has a 12-inch source rod, in the three text boxes beside the heading 12”, enter the three 12” position density counts that were calculated in Part 7 of the Calibration Data Recording Form in their respective places.

♦ For the remaining density counts on this form, enter the respective values from Part 3 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

♦ Go to the portion of the screen labeled Section 2: Moisture Counts. In the box beneath the Tracker Moisture heading, enter the Final Tracker Moisture Calibration Count value from Part 9 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

♦ If the box beneath the Zero Moisture heading is visible, enter the Final Zero Moisture Calibration Count value from Part 9 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

♦ If the box beneath the High Moisture heading is visible, enter the Final High Moisture Calibration Count value from Part 9 of the Calibration Data Recording Form.

Figure 2–5. Enter Calibration Counts Collected with the Gauge on the Tracker Screen 6. After the screen has been filled in, click the ⟨Continue⟩ button. 7. At this point the program takes all of the count values, combines them with the Tracker Density values,

and computes the calibration constants. These computations are nearly instantaneous. When the computations are complete, a message box is displayed notifying the user that the calibration measurement data has been stored temporarily (see Figure 2–6).



Figure 2–6. Temporary Storage Message Box 8. Click the ⟨OK⟩ button on the preceding message box. The TrackerCal program computes the calibration

constants, then does one of the following:

If the gauge is a Troxler Model 3411 and the Tracker was used to calibrate the moisture system of the gauge as well as the density system, the program must generate an Intel Hex file that must be programmed into the 2716 EEPROM of the Model 3411. Proceed to step 10.

If the gauge is a Troxler Model 3411 but the Tracker was not used to calibrate the moisture system of the gauge, the user must enter the moisture calibration constants from a previous gauge calibration before the software can generate the Intel Hex file that must be programmed into the gauge’s 2716 EEPROM. Proceed to step 9.

If the gauge being calibrated is not a Troxler Model 3411, then the program will proceed to step 11, since an Intel Hex file does not need to be generated.

9. The TrackerCal program displays the Enter Previous Moisture Calibration Constants? screen

shown in Figure 2–7. The user must enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order to generate the Intel Hex file to be programmed into the gauge’s 2716 EEPROM. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound). Select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame, then enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to generate the Intel Hex file.

Figure 2–7. Moisture Calibration Constants Manual Entry Screen 10. The TrackerCal program generates the required Intel Hex file and displays an EEPROM file ready

message box similar to the one shown in Figure 2–8. Click ⟨OK⟩ to continue.

2–8

Figure 2–8. EEPROM File Ready Message Box 11. The TrackerCal program now generates a temporary calibration report and displays the contents of the

report as shown in Figure 2–9. This temporary report enables the user to review the calibration constants and performance parameters computed for the gauge.

NOTE

This is not the final version of the calibration report. The calibration date and the initials of the calibration technician are not listed on the report. These values must be listed for the report to be valid.

If the gauge being calibrated is a Model 3401 or a Model 3411 with an original Model 3411 scaler, there is no need to print a paper copy of the temporary calibration report. However, if you are calibrating any other type of gauge, Troxler recommends that you print a copy of the temporary calibration report, even though the report is not the final version. If you plan to enter the calibration constants into the gauge manually, you must print a copy so you will have the constants available. Finally, even if you plan to upload the calibration constants into the Model 3430 gauge via the communication port of the computer, you should review the results and compare them to the temporary calibration report. To generate the temporary calibration report printout in the default metric format, click the ⟨Print calibration sheets⟩ button. After the printout is initiated, the software displays a message box that asks if you wish to print tables. There is no need to print the tables at this point.

12. Click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ button. The TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu shown in Figure

2–3 is again displayed, and the calibration constants have been computed. The next step, described in the following section, will be to get the calibration constants into the gauge, either by typing them in by hand, burning them onto an EEPROM, or loading them into the gauge via the computer communication port.



Figure 2–9. Temporary Calibration Report Review Screen

2–10

ENTERING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS INTO THE GAUGE INTRODUCTION In order for a gauge calibration to be most useful, the calibration constants must be loaded into the gauge. For the Troxler Model 3401, this is not possible. A printed table must be used to convert the observed gauge counts into density or moisture values. For the other five Troxler gauge models that can be calibrated on the Tracker, however, the calibration constants can be loaded into the gauge. The processes that must be followed to get the calibration constants into these respective gauges are addressed in this chapter: Troxler Model 3411-B A Troxler Model 3411-B gauge may be equipped with its original scaler, or the gauge may have been upgraded with the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit (ACU). Figure 2–10 shows an original Model 3411-B scaler and the Model 3411-B ACU. For a Model 3411-B that still contains its original scaler (see Figure 2–10), the calibration constants must be burned onto a blank 2716 EEPROM, and the freshly-programmed EEPROM must be installed in the gauge. The calibration constants are contained in an Intel Hex file that was created in step 10 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section on page 2–7. The Intel Hex file can be found on the computer where the calibration was performed at the file location C:\Program Files\TrackerSuite\pout.dat.

Model 3411-B Scaler

Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit

Note that there are a two different versions of the Model 3411 scaler. The two versions are similar, but not identical. There is currently only one version of the Model 3411-B Advanced Control Unit.

Figure 2–10. Control Units Available for a Troxler Model 3411-B Gauge



An EEPROM programmer is required to burn the pout.dat file onto the EEPROM. There are a few commercially available EEPROM programmers on the market, although this technology is rapidly becoming obsolete. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii) for assistance in locating an EEPROM programmer. After the pout.dat file has been programmed into the EEPROM and the EEPROM has been installed in the gauge, proceed to the instruction for Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration on page 2–29. If the Model 3411 has been updated with the Model 3411-B ACU (see Figure 2–10), there are two options for programming the calibration constants into the gauge: automatically, via the communication port of the gauge, or manually, by reading the calibration constants from the temporary calibration report generated in step 11 on page 2–8 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section and entering the values into the gauge through the gauge keypad. Entering the calibration constants via an automatic upload is quick and error-free, but requires specialized cables and/or adapters available only from Troxler. For a Model 3411 equipped with the Model 3411-B ACU, the user will need:

♦ Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable, PN 104334

♦ Model 3430 Serial Adapter, PN 106075.

NOTE In addition to the items listed above, the computer being used for calibration must be equipped with an RS-232 serial communications port. Since the advent of the USB port, most newer computers are not equipped with factory-installed RS-232 ports. If the calibration computer does not have an RS-232 port, either install a PCI Serial Card in the computer or use an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter. An RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter is a cable with a USB connector on one end and a 9-pin (“DB9”) male serial connector on the other. This adapter typically comes with driver software for the computer.

Entering the calibration constants manually is time-consuming and more prone to error, but eliminates the need for any special cables and/or adapters. For instructions on automatically uploading the calibration constants into a gauge equipped with a Model 3411-B ACU, go to page 2–14. For instructions on manually entering the calibration constants into a gauge equipped with a Model 3411-B ACU, go to page 2–18.

2–12

Models 3430 and 3440 (Not the Plus Versions) For a Troxler Model 3430 or Model 3440 gauge that is not the Plus version, there are two options for programming the calibration constants into the gauge: automatically, via the communication port of the gauge, or manually, by reading the calibration constants from the temporary calibration report generated in step 11 on page 2–8 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section and entering the values into the gauge through the gauge keypad. Entering the calibration constants via an automatic upload is quick and error-free, but requires specialized cables and/or adapters available only from Troxler. For a Model 3440, the user will need:

♦ Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable, PN 104334 For a Model 3430, the user will need both a cable and a special adapter:

♦ Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable, PN 104334

♦ Model 3430 Serial Adapter, PN 106075

NOTE In addition to the items listed above, the computer being used for calibration must be equipped with an RS-232 serial communications port. Since the advent of the USB port, most newer computers are not equipped with factory-installed RS-232 ports. If the calibration computer does not have an RS-232 port, either install a PCI Serial Card in the computer or use an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter. An RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter is a cable with a USB connector on one end and a 9-pin (“DB9”) male serial connector on the other. This adapter typically comes with driver software for the computer.

For instructions on automatically uploading the calibration constants into a Model 3430 gauge, proceed to page 2–14. For instructions on manually entering the calibration constants into a Model 3430 gauge, go to page 2–18. For instructions on automatically uploading the calibration constants into a Model 3440 gauge, proceed to page 2–21. For instructions on manually entering the calibration constants into a Model 3440 gauge, go to page 2–24.



Models 3430 Plus and 3440 Plus For a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus gauge, the calibration constants can only be loaded into the gauge automatically, through the communications port of the computer. Calibration constants cannot be typed into these gauges through the gauge keypad. No custom cables are needed to load the calibration constant from the computer to a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus gauge. One simply needs a null modem cable with 9-pin (“DB9”) female connectors on both ends.

NOTE In addition to the null modem cable described above, the computer being used for calibration must be equipped with an RS-232 serial communications port. Since the advent of the USB port, most newer computers are not equipped with factory-installed RS-232 ports. If the calibration computer does not have an RS-232 port, either install a PCI Serial Card in the computer or use an RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter. An RS-232 serial-to-USB adapter is a cable with a USB connector on one end and a 9-pin (“DB9”) male serial connector on the other. This adapter typically comes with driver software for the computer.

For instructions on automatically uploading the calibration constants into a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus gauge, proceed to page 2–26.

2–14

UPLOADING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS TO A MODEL 3430 OR 3411-B ACU 1. Turn the gauge on and allow it to go through its warmup cycle. 2. Disconnect the scaler from the gauge by removing its captive screws, but leave the ribbon cable between

the scaler and the gauge connected. 3. Connect the 9-pin female end of the Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable (PN 104334) into the

RS-232 port of the computer that you plan to use for communication between the gauge and the computer.

4. Connect the 25-Pin male end of the Model 3430 Serial Adapter (PN 106075) into the 25-pin female end

of the Serial Interface Cable, as shown in Figure 2–11.

Figure 2–11. Model 3430 Serial Adapter (PN 106075) Connected to Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable (PN 104334)

5. On top of the gauge scaler, locate the 8-pin flat S-row connection (male). Plug the 8-pin flat S-row

connector of the Serial Adapter into this connection on the scaler. 6. Return to the computer. The TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu shown in Figure 2–3 should be

displayed. The menu includes the option Load calibration constants into gauge SN xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the serial number of the gauge that was just calibrated. Select this option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

If the gauge that is being calibrated is a Model 3430, the software proceeds to step 7.

If, however, the gauge that is being calibrated is a Model 3411, the software displays a message box that asks if the gauge is equipped with a Model 3411-B ACU, as shown in Figure 2–12. Since the gauge being calibrated has a Model 3411-B ACU, click ⟨Yes⟩.



Figure 2–12. ACU Installed? Message Box 7. At this point:

If this gauge had its moisture system calibrated with the Tracker during this calibration, the software proceeds to step 8.

If, however, the moisture system of this gauge was not calibrated this time with the Tracker, the moisture calibration constants must be entered manually. In this case, the software displays a screen that requests the moisture calibration constants E and F, as shown in Figure 2–13. Enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order for these values to be available for download into the gauge. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound). Select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame. Enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 2–13. Moisture Calibration Constants Manual Entry Screen 8. At this point, the software displays the Configure Hardware screen shown in Figure 2–14. All five of

the steps described in this screen have already been performed except for the second one. From the dropdown box in the lower left corner of this screen, select the communications port that the Model 3430/3440 Interface Cable is connected to, then click ⟨Next⟩.

2–16

Figure 2–14. Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3430 or 3411-B ACU Upload 9. The software now displays a set of instructions for preparing the gauge to receive the data transfer, as

shown in Figure 2–15. Follow the four steps in this screen in the order they are listed in the screen, then click the ⟨Next⟩ button.

Figure 2–15. Prepare Model 3430 or 3411-B ACU for Data Transfer Screen 10. When the ⟨Next⟩ button on the previous screen is clicked, the computer begins uploading the calibration

constants from the computer to the gauge. The screen displays the status of the upload. When the upload is complete, the software displays the message box shown in Figure 2–16.

Figure 2–16. Download to Gauge Complete Message Box



11. Disconnect the 8-pin flat S-row connector of the Serial Adapter from the gauge scaler, and screw the scaler tightly back onto the gauge with the captive screws.

12. Troxler STRONGLY recommends that the user follow the recommendations of the message box shown

in Figure 2–16 and manually check the calibration constants in the gauge to ensure that they were uploaded correctly. To perform this manual check, proceed to step 13. If you choose to skip the manual check, proceed to the Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29.

13. Ensure that you have a metric printout of the temporary calibration report for this gauge that was

generated in step 11 on page 2–8 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section. If the first page of the report has a column for B*1000 in the Density Performance Parameter section and a column for F*1000 in the Moisture Counts and Performance Parameters section, then the report is metric and may be used for this purpose. If instead the first page of the report has a column for B in the Density Performance Parameter section and a column for F in the Moisture Counts and Performance Parameters section, then the report is in English (or imperial) units and should not be used for this purpose.

14. Ensure that the gauge is in the Ready mode. Press the ⟨SPECIAL⟩ key on the gauge. The first of the

Special functions is displayed. 15. Using the up and down arrows on the scaler, scroll through the Special functions until the option CAL.

CONSTANTS is displayed. When that option is given, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 16. The gauge prompts the user to enter a code. This code is 4678. Using the up and down arrows to select

the value for each flashing digit, enter the access code. To accept the flashing value and select the next digit, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The digits are entered in descending order of significance, so 4 is the first number entered, 6 is second, 7 is third, and 8 is last.

17. At this point the gauge displays the value of the E calibration constant. Compare it to the value in the

metric calibration report that was generated in step 11 on page 2–8 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section. The value on the report and the value on the display should agree to the four or fifth significant digits.

18. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge displays the current F*1000 value. Compare it to the value

in the metric calibration report. The value on the report and the value on the display should agree to the four or fifth significant digits.

19. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge prompts you to enter the source rod position for which you

want to review the calibration constants. The default value will be backscatter. When Depth: BACKSCAT. is displayed on the first line of the gauge display, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩.

20. The gauge now displays the current A value for the current depth. Compare it to the value in the metric

calibration report. The value on the report and the value on the display should agree to the four or fifth significant digits. (Note that the calibration report only prints four significant digits for the backscatter A value, so this constant will only agree to the fourth significant digit.)

21. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge now displays the current B*1000 value for the current depth.

Compare it to the value in the metric calibration report. The value on the report and the value on the display should agree to the four or fifth significant digits.

2–18

22. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge now displays the current C value for the current depth. Compare it to the value in the metric calibration report. The value on the report and the value on the display should agree to the four or fifth significant digits. (Note that the calibration report may list either four or five digits for the C value. The gauge and report can only agree to the number of digits printed in the report.)

23. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge displays Calib. Constants finished? If all of the

calibration constants for all of the depths have been reviewed, then press the ⟨ON/YES⟩ key and proceed to step 30. Otherwise, press the ⟨OFF/NO⟩ key and proceed to step 26.

24. The gauge now prompts the user to enter the source rod position where you want to enter the calibration

constants. Use the up and down arrows to select the next source rod depth, then press ⟨START/ENTER⟩ when this depth is highlighted.

25. Once the next depth has been selected, return to step 20 to review the calibration constants for this depth. 26. The gauge returns to the Ready mode and the calibration constants are now stored in the gauge memory.

Proceed to the Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29. MANUALLY ENTERING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS INTO A MODEL 3430 OR 3411-B ADVANCED CONTROL UNIT 1. If the gauge is off, turn it on and allow it to complete its warmup cycle. 2. Ensure that you have a metric printout of the temporary calibration report for this gauge that was


3. Ensure that the gauge is in the Ready mode. Press the ⟨SPECIAL⟩ key on the gauge. The first of the

Special functions is displayed. 4. Using the up and down arrows on the scaler, scroll through the Special functions until the option CAL.

CONSTANTS is displayed. When that option is given, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 5. The gauge prompts the user to enter a code. This code is 4678. Using the up and down arrows to select

the value for each flashing digit, enter the access code. To accept the flashing value and select the next digit, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The digits are entered in descending order of significance, so 4 is the first number entered, 6 is second, 7 is third, and 8 is last.

6. After the code is entered, the gauge displays the current value of the E calibration constant stored in the

gauge.

If you did not calibrate the gauge’s moisture calibration system using the Tracker, leave the E and F values currently stored in the gauge as they are. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key twice and proceed to step 14.



If you did calibrate the gauge’s moisture calibration system using the Tracker, enter the new E and F values. For the first keystroke, press the up arrow if new value for E you will be entering is positive, or press the down arrow if the new E value is negative. (Note that E is always a positive value.)

7. At this point the first digit of E will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the

value listed in the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

8. The next digit of E will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the value listed

in the temporary calibration report, then press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 9. Repeat step 8 until all digits for E have been entered. 10. Once the value for E is completed, the gauge displays the current F*1000 value. (Although the display

shows only F, it is actually the F*1000 value.) Press the up arrow if you wish for the sign of F to be positive, or press the down arrow if you wish for the sign of F to be negative. (Note that F*1000 is always positive.)

11. At this point the first digit of F*1000 will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it

to the value listed in the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

12. The next digit of F*1000 will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the value

listed in the temporary calibration report, then press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 13. Repeat step 12 until all digits for F*1000 are filled in. 14. Once the E and F*1000 values are complete, the gauge prompts you to enter the source rod position for

which you want to review the calibration constants. The default value will be backscatter. When Depth: BACKSCAT. is displayed on the first line of the gauge display, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩.

15. The gauge now displays the current A value for the current depth. Press the up arrow if new value for A

you will be entering is positive, or press the down arrow if the new A value is negative. (Note that A is always a positive value.)

16. At this point the first digit of A will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the


17. At this point the next digit of A will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the


18. Repeat step 17 until all digits for A at the current depth are filled in. 19. The gauge now displays the current B*1000 value for the current depth. Press the up arrow if new value

for A you will be entering is positive, or press the down arrow if the new B*1000 value is negative. (Note that B*1000 is always a positive value.)

2–20

20. At this point the first digit of B*1000 will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the value listed in the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

21. At this point the next digit of B*1000 will be flashing on the display. Use the up and down arrows to set it

to the value listed in the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

22. Repeat step 21 until all digits for B*1000 at the current depth are filled in. 23. The gauge now displays the current C value for the current depth. Unlike A and B, which are both always

positive, C can be either positive or negative, depending on the index rod position. Press the up arrow if the new value for C is to be positive, or press the down arrow if the new value for C is to be negative.

24. At this point the first digit of C will be flashing. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the value listed in

the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 25. At this point the next digit of C will be flashing. Use the up and down arrows to set it to the value listed in

the temporary calibration report. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 26. Repeat step 25 until all digits for C at the current depth are filled in. 27. Once the entry of C is completed, the screen will display Calib. Constants finished? If all of the

calibration constants for all of the depths have been completed, then press the ⟨ON/YES⟩ key and proceed to step 30. Otherwise, press the ⟨OFF/NO⟩ key and proceed to step 28.

28. The gauge now prompts the user to enter the source rod position where you want to enter the calibration

constants. Use the up and down arrows to select the next source rod depth, then press ⟨START/ENTER⟩ when this depth is highlighted.

29. Once the next depth has been selected, return to step 15. 30. The gauge returns to the Ready mode and the calibration constants are now stored in the gauge memory.

Proceed to the Performing a QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29.



UPLOADING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS INTO A MODEL 3440 1. Turn the gauge on and allow it to go through its warmup cycle. 2. Connect the 9-pin female end of the Model 3430/3440 Serial Interface Cable (PN 104334) into the

RS-232 port of the computer that you plan to use for communication between the gauge and the computer.

3. Connect the 25-Pin male end of the Serial Interface Cable (PN 104334) into the 25-pin female connector

on the face of the gauge’s scaler. 4. On the gauge keypad, press the ⟨SHIFT⟩ and ⟨SPECIAL⟩ keys to access the gauge’s Special Functions. 5. From the Special Functions menu, press the ⟨1⟩ key, then the ⟨0⟩ key. The gauge displays the current

baud rate of the gauge.

If the displayed baud rate is 2400, press the ⟨NO/CE⟩ key to indicate that you do not wish to change it, then proceed to step 7.

If the displayed baud rate is not 2400, however, press the ⟨YES⟩ key to indicate that it needs to be changed, then proceed to step 6.

6. Enter a baud rate of 2400, the press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. The gauge baud rate is now 2400 bps. 7. The gauge returns to the Ready mode. On the gauge keypad, press the ⟨SHIFT⟩ and ⟨SPECIAL⟩ keys to

return to the gauge’s Special Functions. 8. Press ⟨1⟩ then ⟨9⟩ on the gauge keypad to access the gauge’s Extended Functions. The gauge prompts the

user to enter a code. 9. Enter the code 4688 and press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The Extended Functions menu is displayed. 10. Using the gauge keypad, press ⟨1⟩, then press the ⟨1⟩ again. The gauge enters Remote Control mode, and

displays the confirmation message Gauge now under remote control. 11. Return to the computer. The TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu shown in Figure 2–3 on page 2–5

should be displayed. The menu includes the option Load calibration constants into gauge SN xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the serial number of the gauge that was just calibrated. Select this option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

If this gauge had its moisture system calibrated with the Tracker during this calibration, then the program proceeds directly to step 12.

If, however, the moisture system of this gauge was not calibrated this time with the Tracker, the moisture calibration constants must be entered manually. In this case, the software displays a screen that requests the moisture calibration constants E and F, as shown in Figure 2–13 on page 2–15. Enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order for these values to be available for download into the gauge. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound). Select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame. Enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

2–22

12. At this point, the software displays the Configure Hardware screen shown in Figure 2–17. All four of the steps described in this screen have already been performed except for the second one. From the dropdown box in the lower left corner of this screen, select the communications port that the Model 3430/3440 Interface Cable is connected to, then click ⟨Next⟩.

Figure 2–17. Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3440 Upload 13. The software now displays a set of instructions for preparing the gauge to receive the data transfer, as

shown in Figure 2–18. As all of the steps in this have already been completed, click the ⟨Next⟩ button to initiate the transfer of the calibration constants to the gauge.

Figure 2–18. Model 3440 Gauge Preparation Screen 14. When the ⟨Next⟩ button on the previous screen is clicked, the computer begins uploading the calibration

constants from the computer to the gauge. The screen displays the status of the upload. The gauge displays Loading Constants and shows the values that are currently being loaded into the gauge. When the upload is complete, the software displays the message box shown in Figure 2–19.



Figure 2–19. Review Constants? Message Box

Troxler STRONGLY recommends that you click ⟨Yes⟩ on this message box so that the computer can automatically read the constants back out of the gauge and confirm that they were stored correctly.

To perform this quick and critical operation, click the ⟨Yes⟩ button and proceed to step 15.

To skip this critical step, click the ⟨No⟩ button and proceed to step 16. 15. The program displays the status of the comparison of the calibration constants that were sent to the gauge

with the calibration constants that were received by the gauge. This download and comparison will only take a few seconds. If the comparison is completed successfully, the software displays the Perfect match! message box shown in Figure 2–20. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message box to return to the Gauge Calibration Menu.

Figure 2–20. Calibration Constants Sent to Gauge Correctly Message 16. The calibration constants are now stored in the gauge memory. Proceed to the Performing a QA/QC

Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29.

2–24

MANUALLY ENTERING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS INTO A MODEL 3440 1. If the gauge is off, turn it on and allow it to complete its warmup cycle. 2. Ensure that you have a metric printout of the temporary calibration report for this gauge that was


3. On the gauge keypad, press the ⟨SHIFT⟩ and ⟨SPECIAL⟩ keys to access the gauge’s Special Functions. 4. Press ⟨1⟩ then ⟨9⟩ on the gauge keypad to access the gauge’s Extended Functions. The gauge prompts the

user to enter an access code. 5. Enter the code 4688 and press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The Extended Functions menu is displayed. 6. Press the ⟨5⟩ key to enter the calibration constants. The gauge again prompts for a code. 7. This time, enter the code 5936 and press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The first screen of the calibration constants

entry routine is displayed. 8. At this point, the gauge displays the E calibration constant currently stored in the gauge.

If you did not calibrate the gauge’s moisture calibration system using the Tracker, leave the E and F values currently stored in the gauge as they are. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key twice and proceed to step 12.

If you did calibrate the gauge’s moisture calibration system using the Tracker, enter the new E and F values. For the first keystroke, press ⟨1⟩ if the new value for E you will be entering is positive, or ⟨2⟩ if the new E value is negative. (Note that E is always a positive value.) Proceed to step 9.

9. Using the gauge keypad, enter the value for E listed in the temporary calibration report that was generated

in step 11 on page 2–8 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section. When the correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

10. Once the value for E is completed, the gauge displays the current F*1000 value. (Although the display

shows only F, it is actually the F*1000 value.) Press ⟨1⟩ if the sign for the F*1000 value is to be positive, or press ⟨2⟩ if the sign is to be negative. (Note that F*1000 is always positive.)

11. Using the gauge keypad, enter the value for F*1000 listed in the temporary calibration report. When the

correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 12. Once the E and F values are complete, the gauge prompts you to enter the source rod position where you

want to enter the calibration constants. Press ⟨0⟩ for 0 inches (backscatter), then press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. 13. The gauge now displays the current A value for the selected depth. Press ⟨1⟩ if the sign for the A value is

to be positive, or press ⟨2⟩ if the sign is to be negative. (Note that A is always positive.)



14. Using the numeric keypad, enter the digits for the A value listed in the temporary calibration report. Once all of the digits are entered, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩ to save this value for A.

15. Once the value for A is completed, the gauge displays the current B*1000 value. (Although the display

shows only B, it is actually the B*1000 value.) Press ⟨1⟩ if the sign for the B*1000 value is to be positive, or press ⟨2⟩ if the sign is to be negative. (Note that B*1000 is always positive.)

16. Using the gauge keypad, enter the value for B*1000 listed in the temporary calibration report. When the

correct value is displayed, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key. 17. The gauge now displays the current C value for the selected depth. Press ⟨1⟩ if the sign for the C value is

to be positive, or press ⟨2⟩ if the sign is to be negative. 18. Using the numeric keypad, enter the digits for the C value listed in the temporary calibration report. Once

all of the digits are entered, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩ to save this value for C. 19. The gauge prompts you to enter the source rod depth (in inches) for which you want to enter the

calibration constants.

If all of the calibration constants for all of the depths have been entered, press ⟨START/ENTER⟩ without entering a depth value and proceed to step 20.

Otherwise, if there are calibration constants to be entered at other depths, use the gauge keypad to enter the next depth (in inches) for which the next set of calibration constants will be entered. Press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key and return to step 13.

20. Press the ⟨NO/CE⟩ key to exit the Extended Functions menu. 21. The calibration constants and calibration date are now in the gauge memory. Proceed to the Performing a

QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29.

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UPLOADING CALIBRATION CONSTANTS INTO A MODEL 3430 PLUS OR 3440 PLUS 1. Turn the gauge on and allow it to go through its warmup cycle. 2. Connect one end of a 9-pin (DB9) female-female null modem cable into the 9-pin male connector on the

face of the Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus scaler. Connect the other end of the cable into the RS-232 port of the computer that you plan to use for communication between the gauge and the computer.

3. From the Ready screen on the gauge, press the ⟨SETUP⟩ button. 4. The Setup menu is now displayed. Press ⟨.⟩ ⟨9⟩ to access the Extended menu. The gauge first requests

an access code. 5. Enter the access code 4708. The Extended menu is then displayed. 6. From the Extended menu, press ⟨.⟩ ⟨9⟩ to access the Factory menu. The gauge again requests an

access code. 7. Enter the access code 3767. The Factory menu is then displayed. 8. From the Factory menu, press ⟨1⟩. The gauge enables the CLI (Command Line Interface) mode and

returns to the Factory menu. 9. Return to the computer. The TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu shown in Figure 2–3 on page 2–5

should be displayed. The menu includes the option Load calibration constants into gauge SN xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the serial number of the gauge that was just calibrated. Select this option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

If this gauge had its moisture system calibrated with the Tracker during this calibration, then the program proceeds directly to step 10.

If, however, the moisture system of this gauge was not calibrated this time with the Tracker, the moisture calibration constants must be entered manually. In this case, the software displays a screen that requests the moisture calibration constants E and F, as shown in Figure 2–13 on page 2–15. Enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order for these values to be available for download into the gauge. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound). Select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame. Enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

10. At this point, the software displays the Configure Hardware screen shown in Figure 2–21. All four of

the steps described in this screen have already been performed except for the second one. From the dropdown box in the lower left corner of this screen, select the computer communications port that the null modem cable is connected to, then click ⟨Next⟩.



Figure 2–21. Configure Hardware Screen for a Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus Upload 11. The software now displays a set of instructions for preparing the gauge to receive the data transfer, as

shown in Figure 2–22. As all of the steps in this have already been completed, click the ⟨Next⟩ button to initiate the transfer of the calibration constants to the gauge.

Figure 2–22. Model 3430 Plus or 3440 Plus Gauge Preparation Screen 12. The software now displays the Initialize communications protocol message box shown in Figure 2–

23. As all of the items listed on this message box have already been completed, ⟨OK⟩ to continue.

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Figure 2–23. Initialize Communications Protocol Message Box 13. The computer begins uploading the calibration constants from the computer to the gauge. A series of

progress bar screens will display the status of the upload. When the transfer is complete, the computer displays a message box that states Calibration storage complete! Click ⟨OK⟩ to continue.

14. The gauge now displays the Review Constants? message box shown in Figure 2–19 on page 2–23.

Troxler STRONGLY recommends that you click ⟨Yes⟩ on this message box so that the computer can automatically read the constants back out of the gauge and confirm that they were stored correctly.

To perform this quick and critical operation, click the ⟨Yes⟩ button and proceed to step 15.

To skip this critical step, click the ⟨No⟩ button and proceed to step 17. 15. The computer then downloads the calibration constants from the gauge into the computer. A series of

progress bar screens on the computer monitor displays the status of the download. When all of the calibration constants have been sent from the gauge back to the computer, the software displays a message box that state Calibration Constants Complete. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message box.

16. The software now compares the calibration constants that were sent to the gauge with the ones that were

just received from the gauge. If the comparison is completed successfully, the software displays the Perfect match! message box shown in Figure 2–20 on page 2–23. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message box to return to the Gauge Calibration Menu.

17. The calibration constants and calibration date are now in the gauge memory. Proceed to the Performing a

QA/QC Check on the Gauge Calibration instructions on page 2–29.



PERFORMING A QA/QC CHECK ON THE GAUGE CALIBRATION After the calibration counts are taken and the calibration constants are computed and loaded into the gauge, the user must perform a QA/QC check for the calibration. This task consists of repeating all of the measurements that have already been taken and ensuring that these “re-measurements” accurately read the correct density or correct moisture (or, in the case of the Model 3401, the correct count.) Performing this verification task both ensures that no “bad” counts were made prior to the computation of the calibration constants and that the calibration constants were computed and loaded into the gauge properly. To perform the QA/QC check: 1. From the TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu (see Figure 2–3 on page 2–5), select the option Print a

QA/QC form for gauge SN xxxxx, where xxxxx is the serial number of the gauge for which this QA/QC check is being performed. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to print a Calibration Accuracy Form.

NOTE

The Calibration Accuracy Form can be up to nine pages long, and provides complete instructions for collecting and evaluating the QA/QC data, as well as spaces for recording these results.

2. As shown in Figure 2–24, the software prompts the user to select whether the Calibration Accuracy Form

is to be printed using metric units (kilograms per cubic meters) or English units (pounds per cubic foot.) Click the button that corresponds to the desired choice.

Figure 2–24. Units Selection Form 3. The software displays a message box that informs the user that he/she must select a printer with which to

print the Calibration Accuracy Form. Click ⟨OK⟩. 4. A Print dialog box is now displayed. From the dialog box, select the printer (only one copy is needed) to

be used to print the Calibration Accuracy Form and click ⟨OK⟩. 5. The Calibration Accuracy Form is printed to the selected printer and the program returns to the Gauge

Calibration Menu. 6. Retrieve the Calibration Accuracy Form from the selected printer.

If the gauge has not yet undergone QA/QC testing, the Calibration Accuracy Form must be filled out in its entirety. Following the instructions on the form, test the standard counts, the density measurements at every gauge depth and Tracker index position, and the moisture system.

2–30

If, however, this gauge has already undergone QA/QC testing in its entirety at least once, and recounts at one or more depths (or moisture recounts) were required, then the Calibration Accuracy Form does not have to be filled out completely. Following the instructions on the form, take density counts at all three Tracker positions for all gauge depths that failed the previous QA/QC testing. If a specific gauge depth did not fail the previous QA/QC test, then that depth does not have to be re-measured this time. Likewise, one only has to take the moisture measurements this time if the moisture system failed in the previous QA/QC testing.

7. Upon completion of step 6:

If Part 4 of the Calibration Accuracy Form instructs you to take recounts, proceed to page 2–31 for instructions on how to do so.

If, however, you are not required to take any more recounts, then the QA/QC phase is complete. Proceed to step 8.

8. If the gauge that just passed the QA/QC testing was a Model 3440 (but not a Model 3440 Plus), then

proceed to step 9. Otherwise, proceed to step 17. 9. The gauge should be in Ready mode. On the gauge keypad, press the ⟨SHIFT⟩ and ⟨SPECIAL⟩ keys to

access the gauge’s Special Functions. 10. Press ⟨1⟩ then ⟨9⟩ on the gauge keypad to access the gauge’s Extended Functions. The gauge prompts the

user to enter an access code. 11. Enter the code 4688 and press ⟨START/ENTER⟩. The Extended Functions menu is displayed.

At this point, the calibration constants are stored in the Model 3440 gauge. But two more pieces of information need to be entered into the gauge: the date when the calibration was performed, and the density standard count value used at calibration to compute the calibration constants.

12. From the Extended Functions menu, press ⟨4⟩ on the gauge keypad to access the Calibration Date

function. The gauge prompts the user to enter the date of calibration. 13. Refer to the temporary calibration report for this gauge that was generated in step 11 on page 2–8 of the

Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section. Find the Calibration Date near the top of the first page of the report, then enter that date using the gauge keypad. When finished, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

14. The gauge returns to the Extended Functions menu. Press ⟨1⟩, then ⟨0⟩ to access the Calibration Standard

function. The gauge requests the value for the calibration standard count. 15. Again refer to the temporary calibration report. Find the Reference Standard Count section near the top of

the first page of the report, then enter the density standard count using the gauge keypad. When finished, press the ⟨START/ENTER⟩ key.

16. The gauge returns to the Extended Functions menu. Press ⟨NO/CE⟩ to exit the Extended Functions menu

and return to the Ready mode. At this point the calibration constants, the calibration date, and the calibration density standard count are all stored in the gauge.

17. Proceed to page 2–32 for instructions on Printing and Archiving the Completed Calibration.



TAKING CALIBRATION RECOUNTS During the QA/QC checks described in the previous section, if the gauge fails to read the density and/or moisture value of the Tracker to the required accuracy at one or more source rod depths and/or Tracker index positions, a calibration recount may be required. After the recounts are performed, the TrackerCal program automatically re-computes the calibration constants based on the new counts. Therefore, if recounts are made and new calibration constants are computed, these new calibration constants must be loaded into the gauge. To take calibration recounts: 1. Print another copy of the first page of the Calibration Data Recording Form on page 2–35. 2. Set the gauge count time to 4 minutes. 3. Using the gauge, take all of the recounts that were required from the results of the preceding QA/QC

checks performed in the previous section. Record the recounts in the proper locations in the Calibration Data Recording Form.

4. From the TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu (see Figure 2–3 on page 2–5), select the option

Continue an incomplete gauge calibration and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 5. The Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics screen (see Figure 2–4 on page 2–5) is now displayed. All

of the information is already filled out and should not need to be changed. Review the information in the fields and, if necessary, make any needed changes. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

6. The Enter Calibration Counts Collected with the gauge on the Tracker screen (see Figure 2–5

on page 2–6) is now displayed, with the previously acquired count data already filled in. From the Calibration Data Recording Form, enter the recount values into the appropriate locations in the computer screen, overwriting the values that were there previously.

7. After all of the recount values have been entered, click the ⟨Continue⟩ button. The TrackerCal program

recalculates the calibration constants. 8. Return to step 7 of the Entering the Data and Computing Calibration Constants section on page 2–6.

Follow the instructions from that point through the processes of entering the newly computed calibration constants into the gauge and performing the necessary QA/QC checks that correspond to the recounts just obtained.

2–32

PRINTING AND ARCHIVING THE COMPLETED CALIBRATION After the processes of acquiring calibration counts, computing the calibration constants, loading the calibration constants into the gauge, and passing the QA/QC checks have been completed, the calibration process is essentially complete. However, there are two more “bookkeeping” items that must be completed before the calibration can be considered complete. The calibration report for the gauge must be generated, and the calibration data must be permanently archived so it can be referenced or re-printed in the future. 1. From the TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu (see Figure 2–3 on page 2–5), select the option Save

and print the active gauge calibration for SN xxxxx, where xxxxx is the serial number of the gauge that was just calibrated. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

2. The software displays an input box requesting the initials of the technician who performed the calibration.

Enter your 2- or 3-letter initials, then click the ⟨OK⟩ button. 3. The calibration data for this gauge is now stored to the calibration data file, and the confirmation screen

shown in Figure 2–25 is displayed. Click ⟨Proceed⟩.

Figure 2–25. Calibration Storage Complete Screen 4. The program generates the final version of the calibration report and displays the results as shown in

Figure 2–26. Note that the final version of the report includes the calibration date and the initials of the calibration technician, unlike the temporary calibration report shown in Figure 2–9 on page 2–9. Select the desired format of the printout (Metric or English) and click the ⟨Print calibration sheets⟩ button. Troxler recommends printing two copies of the report: one to store with the completed Calibration Data Recording Form and one to accompany the gauge.

5. After the calibration report prints, the software asks if you wish to print tables. These tables are a series of

values, using one page for each index rod position and one page for moisture, that relate the gauge count ratio to the gauge-measured wet density. These tables are required for a Model 3401 gauge, which does not compute density and moisture values, but are not required for other gauges, since the other gauges compute the wet density and moisture content values within the gauge itself.

If you wish to print tables and the calibration you performed included a calibration of the moisture system, click ⟨Yes⟩ and proceed to step 8. The tables will be printed and will include a moisture table.

If you wish to print tables but the calibration you performed did not include a calibration of the moisture system, then click ⟨Yes⟩ and proceed to step 6. You may need to provide the program with more information.

If you do not wish to print tables, click ⟨No⟩ and proceed to step 8.



Figure 2–26. Calibration Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration 6. The program prints the density tables for this calibration. Because the moisture system was not calibrated,

a moisture table is not generated and is not currently available for print. However, a moisture table can be printed, if desired, using moisture calibration data from a previous moisture system calibration. After the density tables have been printed, the program displays the Generate moisture table? query shown in Figure 2–27.

To generate a moisture table using moisture calibration data from a previous moisture system calibration, click ⟨Yes⟩ and proceed to step 7.

To continue without printing a moisture table, click ⟨No⟩ and proceed to step 8.

Figure 2–27. Generate Moisture Table Query Box 7. The TrackerCal program displays an Enter Previous Moisture Calibration Constants? screen

similar to the one shown in Figure 2–7 on page 2–7. The user must enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order for these values to be available for download into the gauge. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound). Select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame, then enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to print the moisture table.

2–34

8. When the printout is complete, file the paperwork accordingly, and click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ button. The program returns to the TrackerCal Gauge Calibration Menu.

9. The calibration process is now complete.



CALIBRATION DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 1 of 4) Part 1: General Calibration Information Gauge Model Number: Gauge Serial Number:

Calibration Date: Technician Name:

Serial Number of Tracker Used: Part 2: Initial Stability Test (Stat Test) Density Average Count: Density R Value:

Moisture Average Count: Moisture R Value: Part 3: Density Measurements on Tracker (All Counts 4 Minutes in Duration) Note: Counts are not taken for gray cells.

Source Rod Position (in) Index 1 Index 2 Index 3 Index 4 Index 4

Backscatter Count #1

Backscatter Count #2

2”

3”

4”

5”

6”

7”

8”

9”

10”

11”

12” Count #1

12” Count #2

2–36

CALIBRATION DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 2 of 4) Part 4: Moisture Calibration Data Record any four moisture counts taken with the gauge sitting directly on the Tracker (all readings 4 minutes in duration). The gauge source rod position and the Tracker index position make no difference.

If this Tracker came with a Zero Moisture Fixture, record the two readings taken with the gauge in this fixture (both readings 4 minutes in duration).

If this Tracker came with a High Moisture Fixture, record the two readings taken with the gauge in this fixture (both readings 4 minutes in duration).

Part 5: Long Term Stability Test (Drift Test) Density Average Count: Density Drift (%):

Moisture Average Count: Moisture Drift (%):



CALIBRATION DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 3 of 4) Part 6: Final Backscatter Count Calculation From Part 3, add Backscatter Count #1 and Backscatter Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 1. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average Backscatter Count, Index Position 1: From Part 3, add Backscatter Count #1 and Backscatter Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 3. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average Backscatter Count, Index Position 3: From Part 3, add Backscatter Count #1 and Backscatter Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 5. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average Backscatter Count, Index Position 5: Part 7: Final 12” Position Count Calculation From Part 3, add 12” Count #1 and 12” Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 2. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average 12” Depth Count, Index Position 2: From Part 3, add 12” Count #1 and 12” Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 4. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average 12” Depth Count, Index Position 4: From Part 3, add 12” Count #1 and 12” Count #2 taken with the Tracker in Index position 5. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Average 12” Depth Count, Index Position 5:

2–38

CALIBRATION DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 4 of 4) Part 8: Final Density Standard Count and Moisture Standard Count Add the Density Average Count from Part 2 (the Stat Test) to the Density Average Count from Part 5 (the Drift Test). Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Final Density Standard Count Value: Add the Moisture Average Count from Part 2 (the Stat Test) to the Moisture Average Count from Part 5 (the Drift Test). Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Final Moisture Standard Count Value: Part 9: Final Calibration Moisture Counts Add the four moisture counts taken directly on the Tracker, as listed in Part 4. Divide the resulting sum by four, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Final Tracker Moisture Calibration Count: If this Tracker came with a Zero Moisture Fixture, add the two moisture counts taken on the Zero Moisture Fixture, as listed in Part 4. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Final Zero Moisture Calibration Count: If this Tracker came with a High Moisture Fixture, add the two moisture counts taken on the High Moisture Fixture, as listed in Part 4. Divide the resulting sum by two, and record the results below, rounded off to the nearest whole number: Final High Moisture Calibration Count:


3. VERIFICATION & ACCURACY

CHAPTER 3 GAUGE VERIFICATION AND ACCURACY CHECKING This chapter provides instructions for verifying a gauge calibration and for performing checks of the gauge accuracy using the Troxler Tracker and the TrackerCheck application included with the TrackerSuite software. CONTENTS Acquiring Verification or Accuracy Checking Data................................................................................. 3–2 Entering and Evaluating the Data ............................................................................................................. 3–4 Taking Calibration Check Recounts ......................................................................................................... 3–8 Printing and Archiving a Calibration Check............................................................................................. 3–9 Calibration Check Data Recording Form................................................................................................ 3–11

3–2

ACQUIRING VERIFICATION OR ACCURACY CHECKING DATA Before proceeding, determine whether you are going to perform a calibration verification or a calibration accuracy check. This decision will dictate the data that must be acquired. Refer to page 1–2 for a brief description or Appendix A for a detailed description of these two processes, how they differ, and what information can be obtained from them regarding the suitability of the gauge calibration. 1. Print a copy of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form on page 3–11. Complete Part 1 of this form. 2. Find a location on the floor (or ground) that is at least 1 m (3 ft) from any wall or other large objects or

vertical or horizontal projections. 3. Place the polyethylene standard block for the gauge at the location identified in step 2. 4. Place the gauge to be calibrated on the polyethylene standard block. 5. Turn on the gauge and allow it to complete its normal warmup period. 6. Conduct a stat test with the gauge. For specific instructions on performing a stat test for the gauge being

calibrated, refer to the Manual of Operation and Instruction for that gauge. Manuals for Models 3430, 3440, 3430 Plus, and 3440 Plus can be downloaded from the Troxler website at www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/manuals.shtml.

7. If the stat test passes, proceed to step 8. If the stat test fails, conduct a second stat test. If the stat test fails

again, this gauge may have stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii). 8. Record the stat test results in Part 2 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form. 9. With the gauge still on the polyethylene standard block, take a standard count.

If the density count falls within 1% of the density count value recorded in step 8 and the moisture count falls within 2% of the density count value recorded in step 8, record the results in Part 3 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form and proceed to step 11.

If either the density or the moisture system fails to meet this requirement, go to step 10. 10. Repeat step 9. If the density or moisture standard counts still fail to agree with the counts taken in step 8,

then the gauge may have stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii). 11. Refer to Part 4 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form.

If you are performing a gauge calibration verification, for each source rod position that exists for the gauge being calibrated, place the Tracker in each of the three corresponding Index positions indicated by the form (ignoring the grayed-out boxes on the form) and acquire a 4-minute count for each of the three Index positions. Record the wet density value that is acquired at each position.

If you are performing a gauge calibration accuracy check, for each source rod position and density level that you wish to test, place the Tracker in the desired Index position(s) indicated by the form (ignoring the grayed-out boxes on the form) and acquire a 4-minute count for each desired Index position. Record the wet density value that is acquired at each position.

http://www.troxlerlabs.com/PRODUCTS/PRODLIT/manuals.shtml�



If you are performing a gauge calibration verification or a gauge calibration accuracy check that includes moisture accuracy checking, take the appropriate 4-minute readings indicated in Part 5 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form. For a gauge calibration verification, you must perform all three readings indicated on the form. For instructions on configuring the Tracker to accommodate the Zero Moisture Fixture and High Moisture Fixture, see steps 11 and 12 on page 2–3 of the instructions for Collecting Calibration Data.

12. After all of the readings have been made on the Tracker at all required source rod positions, Tracker index

positions, and moisture orientations, place the gauge back on the polyethylene standard block, just as it was in step 4.

13. Conduct a drift test with the gauge. For specific instructions on performing a drift test for the gauge being

calibrated, refer to the Manual of Operation and Instruction for that gauge. 14. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 25. If the drift test fails for either the density or moisture system,

take note of which system(s) (density and/or moisture) that failed and proceed to step 15. 15. Move the gauge index rod up and down ten times. Remove the gauge from the standard block, then place

it back on the block. 16. Conduct another drift test. 17. If the drift test fails for the same system(s) it failed during the first drift test, a provisional drift test is

required. Proceed to step 18. Otherwise, if the second drift test passes, proceed to step 25. 18. Perform a stat test. 19. If the stat test passes, proceed to step 20. If it fails, perform another stat test. If the stat test fails twice, the

gauge may have stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii). 20. Leave the gauge stationary, untouched, with power on for 3 hours. Do not move the gauge or any part of

the gauge for this period. 21. Conduct a drift test with the gauge. 22. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 25. If the drift test fails for either the density or moisture system,

take note of which system(s) (density and/or moisture) that failed and proceed to step 23. 23. Run another drift test. 24. If the drift test passes, proceed to step 25. If the drift test fails the same system(s) that failed during the

drift test conducted in step 21, then the gauge has long-term stability problems. Contact Troxler Technical Support (see page iii).

25. Record the drift test results in Part 6 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form.

3–4

ENTERING AND EVALUATING THE DATA Once the calibration data has been collected, it must be entered into the TrackerSuite software. The software package will enable the user to compute the gauge calibration constants, evaluate the performance parameters of the resulting calibration functions, and print a temporary calibration report. 1. Return to the calibration computer. Click on the Start button, select the Programs menu and the

TrackerSuite folder, and then select the TrackerSuite menu item to start the TrackerSuite program. 2. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Main Menu for

Verifying or Checking Accuracy with the Tracker and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 3. The TrackerCheck program is now launched. A splash screen is displayed for about 3 seconds, after

which the Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu shown in Figure 3–1 is displayed. Select the Start a new gauge calibration check option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 3–1. Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu 4. The Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics screen (see Figure 2–4 on page 2–5) is now displayed.

Select the correct values from the Tracker Serial No., Gauge Model No., and Gauge Rod Style dropdown list boxes. Enter the gauge serial number in the box provided in the bottom left corner of the screen, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

5. The Enter readings collected with the gauge on the Tracker screen (see Figure 3–2) is

displayed. Fill in this screen as follows:

In the Units displayed frame, select the Metric radio button if the gauge measurements you took and recorded were in units of kilograms per cubic meter, or the English option button if the measurements were in units of pounds per cubic foot.

In the table reserved for the wet density measurements, enter all values that were recorded in Part 4 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form.

In the row on this screen reserved for the three moisture readings, enter the moisture readings that were recorded in Part 5 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form. (Skip this step if you are performing a calibration accuracy check that does not include checking the moisture system.)

In the text box under the heading STDD, enter the density standard count value recorded in Part 3 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form.

In the text box under the heading STDM, enter the moisture standard count value recorded in Part 3 of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form.



Figure 3–2. Enter Readings Collected with the Gauge on the Tracker Screen 6. When the screen has been filled in, click the ⟨Continue⟩ button. 7. The program stores the data in a temporary file and displays a query box (see Figure 3–3) asking if the

user would like to preview the Accuracy or Verification report.

To preview the results, click ⟨Yes⟩ and proceed to step 8.

If you do not wish to preview the results, click ⟨No⟩. The program returns to the Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu.

Figure 3–3. Review Results? Query 8. The program displays the Select Test Limits screen shown in Figure 3–4. This screen allows the user

to select the “pass/fail” limits on the accuracy of the verification or accuracy check readings. The default accuracy limits are set to 32 kg/m3 accuracy limit for density and a 16 kg/m3 accuracy limit for moisture, as these are the limits required by ASTM D 6938. To change a limit value, select a different value from the corresponding dropdown list box. When the limits have been selected, click the ⟨Ok⟩ button to proceed to the report preview.

3–6

Figure 3–4. Select Test Limits Screen 9. The software now generates either a temporary Calibration Verification Report or a temporary

Calibration Accuracy Report, depending on the data cells that were filled in step 5. If all of the available cells in the Enter readings collected with the gauge on the Tracker screen (see Figure 3–2) were filled in, the software displays a temporary Calibration Verification Report (see Figure 3–5). If any of the cells were left blank, the software displays a temporary Calibration Accuracy Report (see Figure 3–6). This temporary report enables the user to review the accuracy results for the gauge.

NOTE

This is not the final version of the calibration check report. The calibration date and the initials of the calibration technician are not listed on the report. These values must be listed for the report to be valid.

To print this report, click the ⟨Print Report⟩ button. A copy of the report would be handy, for instance, for reference purposes if the user needed to re-take some of the measurements. Click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ button to return to the Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu.

10. At this point, there are two options:

If the results of the report that was reviewed in step 9 are satisfactory, or if no benefit would be obtained by taking recounts, then proceed to the instructions for Printing and Archiving a Calibration Check on page 3–9.

If you feel that taking recounts would be helpful in the calibration verification or calibration accuracy check that you are performing, then proceed to the instructions for Taking Calibration Check Recounts on page 3–8.



Figure 3–5. Temporary Calibration Verification Report Review Screen

Figure 3–6. Temporary Calibration Accuracy Report Review Screen

3–8

TAKING CALIBRATION CHECK RECOUNTS 1. Obtain another copy of the second page of the Calibration Check Data Recording Form that begins on

page 3–11. 2. Set the gauge count time to 4 minutes. 3. With the gauge, take recounts at the locations were you were concerned about the accuracy results.

Record them in the proper locations in the Calibration Check Data Recording Form. 4. From the TrackerCheck Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu (see Figure 3–1 on page 3–4),

select the option Continue an incomplete gauge calibration check and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

5. The Select Gauge and Tracker Specifics screen (see Figure 2–4 on page 2–5) is again displayed.

All of the information is already filled out and should not need to be changed. Review the information in the fields and, if necessary, make any needed changes. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

6. The Enter readings collected with the gauge on the Tracker screen (see Figure 3–2 on page 3–

5) is now displayed with the previously entered values already filled in. Refer to the recount values that were recorded in the Calibration Check Data Recording Form in step 3. Enter these values into the appropriate locations in the computer screen, overwriting the values that were previously there.

7. After all of the recount values have been entered, click the ⟨Continue⟩ button. 8. Return to step 7 of the instructions for Entering and Evaluating the Data on page 3–5 to evaluate the

results of the recounts.



PRINTING AND ARCHIVING A CALIBRATION CHECK After the gauge has been used to acquire calibration check counts and the technician is satisfied with the results, the calibration check process is essentially complete. However, there are two more “bookkeeping” items that must be completed before the calibration check can be considered complete. The calibration check report for the gauge must be generated, and the calibration check data must be permanently archived so it can be referenced or re-printed later. 1. From the TrackerCheck Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu (see Figure 3–1 on page 3–4),

select the option Save and print the active gauge calibration check for SN xxxxx, where xxxxx is the serial number of the gauge that just completed the calibration check. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

2. The software displays an input box requesting the initials of the technician who performed the calibration

check. Enter your 2- or 3-letter initials, then click the ⟨OK⟩ button. 3. The calibration check data for this gauge is now stored to the calibration check data file, and the

confirmation screen shown in Figure 3–7 is displayed. Click ⟨Proceed⟩.

Figure 3–7. Calibration Check Storage Complete Screen 4. The program generates the final version of the calibration check report and displays the results for review.

If the calibration check is a full verification, the software displays the final Calibration Verification Report as shown in Figure 3–8. If instead the calibration check was a calibration accuracy check, the software displays the final Calibration Accuracy Report as shown in Figure 3–9. Note that the final reports include the calibration date and the initials of the calibration technician, unlike the temporary reports shown in Figure 3–5 and Figure 3–6 on page 3–7. Select the desired format of the printout (Metric or English) and click the ⟨Print Report⟩ button. Troxler recommends printing two copies of the report: one to store with the completed Calibration Check Data Recording Form and one to accompany the gauge.

5. When the printout is complete, file the paperwork accordingly, and click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩

button. The program returns to the TrackerCheck Verification/Accuracy Check Main Menu. 6. The calibration check process is now complete.

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Figure 3–8. Calibration Verification Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration

Figure 3–9. Calibration Accuracy Report Review Screen for a Completed Calibration



CALIBRATION CHECK DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 1 of 2) Part 1: General Calibration Information Gauge Model Number: Gauge Serial Number:

Calibration Date: Technician Name:

Serial Number of Tracker Used: Part 2: Initial Stability Test (Stat Test) Density Average Count: Density R Value:

Moisture Average Count: Moisture R Value: Part 3: Standard Count Density standard count must fall within 1% of the Average Density Count from Part 2, and the Moisture standard count must fall within 2% of the Moisture Average Count from Part 2. Density Standard Count: Moisture Standard Count:

3–12

CALIBRATION CHECK DATA RECORDING FORM (Page 2 of 2) Part 4: Wet Density Measurements on Tracker (All Counts 4 Minutes in Duration) Note: Wet density measurements are not taken for gray cells.

Source Rod Position (in) Index 1 Index 2 Index 3 Index 4 Index 4

Backscatter

2”

3”

4”

5”

6”

7”

8”

9”

10”

11”

12”

Part 5: Moisture Content Measurements on Tracker (All Counts 4 Minutes in Duration) Moisture reading with gauge placed: Directly on Tracker:

On Zero Moisture Fixture:

On High Moisture Fixture: Part 6: Long Term Stability Test (Drift Test) Density Average Count: Density Drift (%):

Moisture Average Count: Moisture Drift (%):


4. AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS

CHAPTER 4 AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS The TrackerSuite software includes six auxiliary functions that are not directly related performing a gauge calibration or a calibration check, but that may have to be performed periodically. This chapter describes these auxiliary functions. CONTENTS Introduction......................................................................................................................................................4–2 Editing Laboratory Information .......................................................................................................................4–3 Editing, Updating, or Reviewing Tracker Information....................................................................................4–4 Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibrations ................................................................................................4–5 Printing an Archived Calibration Report .........................................................................................................4–7 Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibration Checks...................................................................................4–11 Printing an Archived Calibration Check Report ............................................................................................4–13

4–2

INTRODUCTION The previous chapters of this manual provide detailed instructions on using the TrackerSuite software to perform a gauge calibration, a calibration verification, or a calibration accuracy check. The TrackerSuite software also includes six auxiliary functions that are not directly related to performing a gauge calibration or calibration check, but may have to be performed periodically. This chapter describes each of these functions. The auxiliary functions are as follows: Editing Laboratory Information: This function is used to change the street address or the name of the

laboratory that is printed to the calibration reports. Information on performing this function begins on page 4–3.

Editing, Updating, or Reviewing Tracker Information: The TrackerSuite program uses a file named TrackerCalInfo.dat to store all of the density values, moisture values, serial number, and calibration date information for all Tracker units owned by the software user. This file is created and initialized when the user first installs the software. However, there may be instances when the file must be edited or updated (for example, if the Tracker is recalibrated, if the Tracker is calibrated for different Model gauges, or if the user adds a new Tracker unit to his/her inventory). Information on performing this function begins on page 4–4.

Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibrations: Each time a gauge calibration is printed and saved, the calibration is stored in two permanent archive files: a main archive file and a backup archive file. Information on viewing a directory of these archived gauge calibrations begins on page 4–5.

Printing an Archived Calibration Report: If needed, the user can reprint previous calibration reports stored in the permanent archive files described above. Information on printing an archived calibration report begins on page 4–7.

Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibration Checks: Each time a gauge calibration verification or a gauge calibration accuracy check is printed and saved, it is stored in two permanent archive files: a main archive file and a backup archive file. Information on viewing a directory of these archived gauge calibration verifications or gauge calibration accuracy checks begins on page 4–11.

Printing an Archived Calibration Check Report: If needed, the user can reprint previous calibration verifications or gauge calibration accuracy checks stored in the permanent archive files described above. Information on printing an archived report begins on page 4–13.



EDITING LABORATORY INFORMATION To change the laboratory name or street address that is printed to the gauge calibration reports: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Enter\Edit\Review

Laboratory Information, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The Laboratory Information Screen (see Figure 4–1) is now displayed. This screen is similar to the

one shown in Figure 1–7 on page 1–8, however, it now contains the laboratory name and address currently stored in the system, as well as a ⟨Cancel⟩ button.

To edit the laboratory name or address, make the desired changes and click ⟨Accept⟩.

To exit without changing the laboratory information, click ⟨Cancel⟩.

Figure 4–1. Laboratory Address Information Screen with Current Information Displayed 3. The software displays a message box confirming the selection made in step 2. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message

box to return to the TrackerSuite Main Menu.

4–4

EDITING, UPDATING, OR REVIEWING TRACKER INFORMATION All of the density values, moisture values, serial number, and calibration date information for all Tracker units owned by the software user are stored in a file named TrackerCalInfo.dat. This file is created and initialized when the user first installs the software. However, there may be instances when the data for an existing Tracker must be edited (for example, if the Tracker is recalibrated or if the Tracker is calibrated for different Model gauges) or when data for a new Tracker unit must be added to the file.

NOTE The TrackerCalInfo.dat file can only be edited by importing data from a Tracker Calibration Data File. Before attempting to edit the TrackerCalInfo.dat file, ensure that the updated/new Tracker Calibration Data File is available.

To edit, update, or review the Tracker information stored in the program: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Enter\Edit\Review

Tracker Information, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The software displays the screen shown in Figure 1–8 on page 1–9. This screen gives the user the option

of either loading the information from a Tracker Calibration Data File, or reviewing Tracker information already stored in the program. Unlike in Figure 1–8, the second option, Review Tracker Density and Moisture Values, is enabled.

To import data from a Tracker Calibration Data File sent from Troxler, select the first option and click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. Return to step 5 on page 1–9 of the instructions for Configuring the Software, and follow the instructions from there.

To review the moisture and density values or other related data already stored in the program for a specific Tracker, then select the second option, click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button, and proceed to step 3.

3. At this point the Select a Tracker screen shown in Figure 4–2 is displayed. This screen allows the user

to select the Tracker and gauge classification (if there is more than one) for which he/she wishes to review the data. Select the desired Tracker and the gauge classification, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 4–2. Tracker Selection Screen 4. The View Tracker Moisture and Density Information screen (see Figure 1–11 on page 1–10) is

displayed. The fields on the screen will be filled out with the values for the Tracker and gauge classification just selected. Review these data. To print the data, click the ⟨Print⟩ button and follow the instructions. To change the units in which the values are displayed, click either the Metric or English button. When you are done with the review, click ⟨Continue⟩ button, to return to the Main Menu.



VIEWING A DIRECTORY OF ARCHIVED CALIBRATIONS The third auxiliary function enables the user to view and/or print a listing (or directory) of the gauges that have been calibrated with the Tracker and then archived. To generate this listing: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Retrieve or review

archived gauge calibration(s), then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The software displays the query screen shown in Figure 4–3. To view and print (if desired) a directory of

the archived gauge calibrations, select the first option button, VIEW a directory of archived calibrations, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 4–3. Directory Review Query Screen 3. The software then displays the screen shown in Figure 4–4, which directs the user to select whether the

calibration file to be viewed/printed will be read from the Main Data Directory or Backup Data Directory. Both should contain the same data. Select the option button that corresponds to the desired directory, then click ⟨Select⟩.

Figure 4–4. Data Directory Selection Screen 4. The software now displays the initial Directory Of Archived Gauges screen shown in Figure 4–6. At

this point, this screen lists only the number of calibrations it has located. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to sort the file contents and present them in numerical order according to gauge serial number.

4–6

Figure 4–5. Initial Directory of Archived Gauge Calibrations Screen 5. Depending on how many gauges are archived, the sorting may be nearly instantaneous, or it may take a

couple of seconds. A progress bar on the screen displays the progress of the sorting. When the sorting is complete, the Directory Of Archived Gauges screen displays the gauge directory in column form, as shown in Figure 4–6. The listing can be scrolled through on the screen and printed. To print the directory, click the ⟨Print this listing⟩ button and follow the instructions. When finished reviewing and printing the listing, click ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ to return to the TrackerSuite Main Menu.

Figure 4–6. Final Directory of Archived Gauge Calibrations Screen



PRINTING AN ARCHIVED CALIBRATION REPORT The fourth auxiliary function enables the user to print a copy of the calibration report for a calibration that was completed and archived in the past, provided an archived calibration record for the calibration exists in either the main or backup calibration data file on this computer. To determine whether the calibration record exists, follow the instructions for Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibrations on page 4–5.

NOTE In order to reprint an archived calibration, the desired calibration must be retrieved and made into the active calibration. When an archived calibration is made active, its calibration count data and constants are written into the temporary files that are accessed by the program. These values overwrite the values currently stored in the temporary files.

This overwriting might become an issue if the active calibration being overwritten is an incomplete calibration that has not yet been archived. If an archived calibration is made active, the count data entered for the incomplete calibration will be overwritten. If the user wishes to finish the incomplete calibration later, these values would then have to be re-entered.

To retrieve and reprint an archived calibration: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Retrieve or review

archived gauge calibration(s), then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The software displays the query screen shown in Figure 4–3 on page 4–5. Select the second option button,

RETRIEVE an archived calibration for a specific gauge, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 3. The software then displays a screen that enables the user to select whether the calibration data file to be

retrieved will be read from the Main Data Directory or Backup Data Directory. Both should contain the same data. Select the option button that corresponds to the desired directory, then click ⟨Select⟩.

Figure 4–7. Data Directory Selection Screen 4. The software then requests the serial number of the gauge for which the calibration file applies, as shown

in Figure 4–8. Enter the serial number of the gauge for which the calibration report is desired, then click the ⟨Search⟩ button.

4–8

Figure 4–8. Serial Number Selection Screen 5. The program searches the calibration data directory selected step 3 for all instances of calibrations for the

gauge serial number entered in step 4. The program then displays all instances that were found as shown in Figure 4–9. (In the example shown, two instances of calibrations of gauge serial number 21213 were found: one on April 14, 2007, and one on June 19, 2007.) Select the desired calibration from the dropdown list box, then click the ⟨Select⟩ button.

Figure 4–9. Calibration Instances Listing Screen 6. The program now displays one of two possible Change active calibration? query boxes, as described

below. This query box notifies the user that the archived calibration selected in step 5 will become the program’s active calibration, overwriting the current active calibration. For more details, refer to the note at the beginning of this section on page 4–7.

If the current active calibration is an incomplete calibration, or a calibration for which values have been entered but the calibration has not yet been archived, a Change active calibration? query box similar to the one shown in Figure 4–10 is displayed. Note that, as described earlier, overwriting an incomplete calibration means that, in order to complete the incomplete calibration later, the calibration data must be re-entered into the program.

If the current active calibration has already been archived, there is no risk in overwriting it; archived calibrations can be retrieved easily. If this is the case, a Change active calibration? query box similar to the one shown in Figure 4–11 is displayed.

To overwrite the current active calibration with the archived calibration selected in step 5, click ⟨OK⟩ and proceed to step 7.

To leave the currently active calibration alone and abort this process, click ⟨Cancel⟩. A second message box will confirm that the active calibration will remain unchanged. Click ⟨OK⟩ to return to the Main Menu.



Figure 4–10. Change Active Calibration? Query if the Active Calibration is Incomplete

Figure 4–11. Change Active Calibration? Query if the Active Calibration is Complete 7. If the user chose to make the archived calibration selected in step 5 the active calibration, a message box

is displayed confirming that the selected calibration is now active. Click ⟨OK⟩ on this message box to continue. The program then computes the calibration constants. After the constants are computed:

If the selected calibration is not that of a Model 3411, the program proceeds to step 10.

If the selected calibration is that of a Model 3411 and the Tracker was used to calibrate the moisture system of the gauge as well as the density system, the program generates an Intel Hex file that may programmed to the 2716 EEPROM of the Model 3411, if needed. Proceed to step 9.

If the selected calibration is that of a Model 3411 and the Tracker was not used to calibrate the moisture system of the gauge, the user must enter the moisture calibration constants from a previous gauge calibration before generating the Intel Hex file that may programmed into the 2716 EEPROM of the gauge. Proceed to step 8.

8. The program displays the Enter Previous Moisture Calibration Constants? screen shown in

Figure 2–7 on page 2–7. The user must enter the E and F calibration constants from a previous moisture calibration for this gauge in order to generate the Intel Hex file to be programmed into the gauge’s 2716 EEPROM. The value of E has no units, F can be expressed as F*1000 in metric units (cubic meters per kilogram) or in English (imperial) units (cubic feet per pound).

If there is a need to burn an EEPROM from the archived calibration, then select the desired units for F from the two choices in the Units for F frame, then enter the respective E and F (or F*1000 for metric) values. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to generate the Intel Hex file and proceed to step 9.

If there is no need to burn an EEPROM from the archived calibration, then there in no need to enter the E and F values. Click the ⟨Cancel⟩ button, reply to the ensuing message boxes that say that the Intel hex file will not be created and that an EEPROM cannot be burned, then proceed to step 10.

9. The program generates the EEPROM file pout.dat for this calibration, then displays the EEPROM file

ready message box shown in Figure 2–8 on 2–8. Click ⟨OK⟩. 10. The program now generates the calibration report and displays the results as shown in Figure 2–26 on

page 2–33. Select the desired format of the printout (Metric or English) and click the ⟨Print calibration sheets⟩ button to print the report.

4–10

11. When the printout is complete, collect the printout, and click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ button to return to the Main Menu.

NOTE

Since the calibration selected in step 5 is the active calibration, the user can also load the calibration constants from this calibration into the gauge. If the calibration is for a Model 3411 gauge, the user can also burn the calibration constants onto an EEPROM if an Intel Hex file was created in step 10.



VIEWING A DIRECTORY OF ARCHIVED CALIBRATION CHECKS The fifth auxiliary function enables the user to view and/or print a listing (or directory) of the gauges that have had calibration checks (either verifications or accuracy checks) performed with the Tracker and then archived. To generate this listing: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Retrieve or review

archived gauge calibration check(s), then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The software displays the query screen shown in Figure 4–12. To view and print (if desired) a directory of

the archived gauge calibration checks, select the first option button, VIEW a directory of archived calibration checks, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

Figure 4–12. Directory Review Query Screen 3. The software then displays the screen shown in Figure 4–4 on page 4–5, which directs the user to select

whether the calibration checks to be viewed/printed will be read from the Main Data Directory or Backup Data Directory. Both should contain the same data. Select the option button that corresponds to the desired directory, then click ⟨Select⟩.

4. The software now displays the initial Directory Of Archived Gauges screen shown in Figure 4–13.

At this point, this screen lists only the number of calibration checks it has located. Click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button to sort the file contents and present them in numerical order according to gauge serial number.

5. Depending on how many gauges are archived, the sorting may be nearly instantaneous, or it may take a

couple of seconds. A progress bar on the screen displays the progress of the sorting. When the sorting is complete, the Directory Of Archived Gauges screen displays the gauge directory in column form, as shown in Figure 4–14. The listing can be scrolled through on the screen and printed. To print the directory, click the ⟨Print this listing⟩ button and follow the instructions. When finished reviewing and printing the listing, click ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ to return to the TrackerSuite Main Menu.

4–12

Figure 4–13. Initial Directory of Archived Gauge Calibration Checks Screen

Figure 4–14. Final Directory of Archived Gauge Calibration Checks Screen



PRINTING AN ARCHIVED CALIBRATION CHECK REPORT The sixth and final auxiliary function enables the user to print a copy of the calibration verification report or calibration accuracy check report for a calibration check that was completed and archived in the past, provided an archived calibration check record for the calibration check exists in either the main or backup calibration data file on this computer. To determine whether the calibration check record exists, follow the instructions for Viewing a Directory of Archived Calibration Checks on page 4–11.

NOTE In order to reprint an archived calibration check, the desired calibration check must be retrieved and made into the active calibration check. When an archived calibration check is made active, its calibration check count values are written into the temporary files that are accessed by the program. These values overwrite the values currently stored in the temporary files.

This overwriting might become an issue if the active calibration check being overwritten is an incomplete calibration check that has not yet been archived. If an archived calibration check is made active, the data entered for the incomplete calibration check will be overwritten. If the user wishes to finish the incomplete calibration check later, these values would then have to be re-entered.

To retrieve and reprint an archived calibration check: 1. From the TrackerSuite Main Menu (see Figure 1–6 on page 1–7), select the option Retrieve or review

archived gauge calibration check(s), then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button. 2. The software displays the query screen shown in Figure 4–12 on page 4–11. Select the second option

button, RETRIEVE an archived calibration check for a specific gauge, then click the ⟨Proceed⟩ button.

3. The software then displays the screen shown in Figure 4–15, which directs the user to select whether the

calibration check to be retrieved will be read from the Main Data Directory or Backup Data Directory. Both should contain the same data. Select the option button that corresponds to the desired directory, then click ⟨Select⟩.

Figure 4–15. Data Directory Selection Screen for Archived Calibration Checks

4–14

4. The software then requests the serial number of the gauge for which the calibration check file applies, as shown in Figure 4–16. Enter the serial number of the gauge for which the calibration check report is desired, then click the ⟨Search⟩ button.

Figure 4–16. Serial Number Selection Screen 5. The program searches the selected calibration check data directory for all instances of calibration checks

for the gauge serial number just entered. The program then displays all instances that were found as shown in Figure 4–17. (In the example shown, two instances of calibration checks of gauge serial number 21219 were found: one on July 6, 2007, and one on August 15, 2007.) Select the desired calibration check from the dropdown list box, then click the ⟨Select⟩ button.

Figure 4–17. Calibration Check Instances Listing Screen 6. The program now displays one of two possible Change active calibration check? query boxes, as

described below. This query box notifies the user that the archived calibration check selected in step 5 will become the program’s active calibration check, overwriting the current active calibration check. For more details, refer to the note at the beginning of this section on page 4–13.

If the current active calibration check is an incomplete calibration check, or a calibration check for which values have been entered but the calibration check has not yet been archived, the Change active calibration check? query box will similar to the one shown in Figure 4–18. Note that, as described earlier, overwriting an incomplete calibration check means that, in order to complete the incomplete calibration check later, the calibration check data must be re-entered into the program.

If the current active calibration check has already been archived, there is no risk in overwriting it; archived calibration checks can be retrieved easily. If this is the case, the Change active calibration check? query box will be similar to the one shown in Figure 4–19.



`

Figure 4–18. Change Active Calibration Check? Query if the Active Calibration Check is Incomplete

Figure 4–19. Change Active Calibration Check? Query if the Active Calibration Check is Complete

To overwrite the current active calibration check with the archived calibration check selected in step 5, click ⟨OK⟩ and proceed to step 7.

To leave the currently active calibration check alone and abort this process, click ⟨Cancel⟩. A second message box will confirm that the active calibration check will remain unchanged. Click ⟨OK⟩ to return to the Main Menu.

7. If the user chose to make the archived calibration check selected in step 5 the active calibration check, a

message box is displayed confirming that the selected calibration check is now the active calibration check. Click ⟨OK⟩ to continue.

8. The program generates the calibration check report and displays the results for review. If the calibration

check is a full verification, the software displays the final Calibration Verification Report shown in Figure 3–8 on page 3–10. If instead the calibration check was a calibration accuracy check, the software displays the final Calibration Accuracy Report as shown in Figure 3–9. Select the desired format of the printout (Metric or English) and click the ⟨Print Report⟩ button.

9. When the printout is complete, collect the printout, and click the ⟨Return to Main Menu⟩ button to

return to the Main Menu.

4–16

NOTES

Troxler TrackerSuite Appendix A–1

A. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

APPENDIX A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This appendix presents additional information on gauge calibration, calibration verification, and calibration accuracy checking, including a number of frequently asked questions (FAQs). CONTENTS Frequently Asked Questions .................................................................................................................... A–2

What is a Nuclear Surface Moisture/Density Gauge Calibration? .................................................... A–2 How is a Gauge Calibration Performed?........................................................................................... A–3 Can a Gauge be Calibrated with Only One Calibration Standard? ................................................... A–4 How is a Gauge Calibrated Using the Troxler Tracker? ................................................................... A–5 What is a Verification of a Gauge Calibration? ................................................................................ A–6 How do Verification and Calibration Differ?.................................................................................... A–7 What is the Value of a Calibration Accuracy Check? ....................................................................... A–7

Summary .................................................................................................................................................. A–8 References................................................................................................................................................ A–9

Appendix A–2

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IS A NUCLEAR SURFACE MOISTURE/DENSITY GAUGE CALIBRATION? ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 defines calibration as “the set of operations which establish, under specified conditions, the relationship between values indicated by a measuring instrument or measuring system, and the corresponding standard or known values derived from the standards.” NIST Handbook Publication 150 (2001 edition) has a nearly identical definition of calibration. This definition is generic in context, but its application to nuclear gauge calibration is fairly straightforward. Consider the various portions of the definition and how they apply to nuclear gauge calibration: For the density system of a Troxler surface moisture/density gauges, the “values indicated by a measuring instrument” are the density counts acquired by the gauge being calibrated, and the “known values derived from the standards” are the soil-equivalent densities of the density calibration standard(s) on which those density counts are taken. Finally, the “relationship” is the density calibration curve for the gauge at that specific source rod position. For the moisture system of a Troxler surface moisture/density gauges, the “values indicated by a measuring instrument” are the moisture counts acquired by the gauge being calibrated, and the “known values derived from the standards” are the moisture content values of the moisture content calibration standards on which those moisture counts are taken. Finally, the “relationship” is the moisture calibration curve for the gauge, independent of source rod position. Now, the “specified conditions” under which the aforementioned relationships are established are defined in ASTM D6938, “Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)”. For the density system of the nuclear gauge, the specified conditions are found in Section A1.1.1: “The method used for calibration shall be capable of generating a general curve covering the entire density range of materials to be tested in the field.” The “specified conditions” are that the calibration curve that is established must be a “general curve” and that it must cover “the entire density range of materials to be tested in the field.” A general curve is a curve that is accurate for average soil, and the entire range of material tested in the field typically lies between around 1650 kg/m3 and 2700 kg/m3. For the moisture system of the nuclear gauge, the specified conditions are found in Section A2.1.1: “… a general curve covering the entire water content range of materials to be tested in the field.” The “specified conditions” are that the calibration curve that is established must be a “general curve” and that it must “cover the entire density range of materials tested in the field.” In the case of a factory calibration, the general curve is a curve that is accurate for average siliceous soil. The entire range of siliceous soil moisture levels typically lie in a range between around 0 kg/m3 and 350 kg/m3. This leaves the “set of operations which establish” the relationship the only portion of the ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 definition that has not been mentioned yet. This portion of the definition will be addressed in the next section.



HOW IS A GAUGE CALIBRATION PERFORMED? As mentioned in the previous section, these instruments are calibrated when “a set of operations which establish” the density calibration curves for each source rod position of the gauge are performed, and when “a set of operations which establish” a moisture calibration curve is established for the gauge being calibrated. These “operations” generally involve two steps: acquiring measurement data on the respective density or moisture standards, and using these data to compute the corresponding calibration curve constants for the gauge. In both ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 and ASTM D6938, the word “establish” is pre-eminent in terms of the calibration. ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 states that the calibration consists of operations “which establish” the relationships that define the calibration. ASTM D6938 states in A1.1 and A2.1 that when the gauge requires calibration in either the density or moisture systems, it “shall be calibrated to establish new calibration curves...” Webster defines “establish” to mean “to prove, demonstrate”. A good calibration process, therefore, will provide empirical proof of, or demonstrate, the relationship between the gauge counts and the quantity (moisture content or density) in question. How to Establish Density Calibration Curves For typical nuclear moisture/density gauges, the density calibration curve, or density calibration equation, has the general form:

BCy

A

D⎟⎟⎠

⎞⎜⎜⎝

⎛+

=ln

Where D is the density of the material being measured, y is the gauge density count response on that material, and A, B, and C are the calibration constants. Each gauge has its own unique set of calibration constants that are influenced by the unique electrical, mechanical, and nuclear properties of that gauge. For a specific gauge at a particular source rod position, therefore, the density calibration process must establish the values of A, B, and C. In establishing the A, B, and C values, one must, by definition, be able to prove or demonstrate that the curve defined by A, B, and C is appropriate. According to ASTM D6938 (Section 1.1.1), an appropriate density curve is one that yields density values “within ± 16 kg/m3 on the block(s) on which the gauge was calibrated.” Recall also that ASTM D6938 requires that his curve be a “general curve covering the entire density range of materials to be tested in the field.” So, what does one have to do to establish the density calibration curve at a particular source rod position? There is no one particular method that is the “correct” way to calibrate a gauge, and there are several legitimate methods. There are minimum requirements, however, that must be followed for the calibration to be consistent with both the general definition of what a calibration is (per ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994) and the more specific ASTM D6938 requirements of what a nuclear surface moisture/density gauge must accomplish. These requirements are:

♦ Since the density calibration curve for this specific gauge is defined by three calibration constants, a minimum of three unique data pairs (where a “data pair” is a known density and the gauge count that was acquired at that density) must be used to show that the curve meets the accuracy requirements of ASTM D6938, Section A1.1.1. Any less than three readings would underdetermine the curve.

♦ The three aforementioned data pairs must span the range of densities one would encounter in the field, per ASTM D6938, Section A1.1.1.

Appendix A–4

How to Establish Moisture Calibrations Curves For typical nuclear moisture/density gauges, the moisture calibration curve, or moisture calibration equation, has the general form:

EyFM +×= Where M is the water content of the material being measured, y is the gauge moisture count response on that material, and E and F are the calibration constants. Each gauge has its own unique pair of calibration constants that are influenced by the unique electrical, mechanical, and nuclear properties of that gauge. For a specific gauge, therefore, the moisture calibration process must establish the values of E and F. In establishing the E and F values, one must, by definition, be able to prove or demonstrate that the curve defined by E and F is appropriate. According to ASTM D6938 (Section A2.1.1), an appropriate moisture curve is one that yields moisture values “within ± 16 kg/m3 on the block(s) on which the gauge was calibrated.” Recall also that ASTM D6938 requires that his curve be a “general curve covering the entire water content range of materials to be tested in the field.” So, what does one have to do to establish the moisture calibration curve? There is no one particular method that is the “correct” way to calibrate a gauge, and there are several legitimate methods. There are minimum requirements, however, that must be followed for the calibration to be consistent with both the general definition of what a calibration is (per ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994) and the more specific ASTM D6938 requirements of what a nuclear surface moisture/density gauge must accomplish. These requirements are:

♦ Since the moisture calibration curve for this specific gauge is defined by two calibration constants, a minimum of two unique data pairs (where a “data pair” is a known water content and the gauge count that was acquired at that water content) must be used to show that the curve meets the accuracy requirements of ASTM D6938, Section A2.1.1. Any less than two readings would underdetermine the curve.

♦ The two aforementioned data pairs must span the range of water contents one would encounter in the field, per ASTM D6938, Section A2.1.1. For a factory calibration, this means that the calibration should be accurate for sand and water.

CAN A GAUGE BE CALIBRATED WITH ONLY ONE CALIBRATION STANDARD? Recall once more that the calibration of a nuclear surface moisture/density gauge consists of “operations which establish the relationships” between that particular gauge’s density system counts and the density of the material being measured, and between that particular gauge’s moisture system counts and the moisture content of the material being measured. From one gauge to the next, these relationships vary, but generally this variation is not particularly dramatic. It is therefore mathematically possible to estimate the present calibration constants for a particular gauge based on taking actual gauge measurement or measurements on one single density or moisture standard and combining that data with either:

1. Observed relationships that other gauges of this type typically display, and/or

2. If the gauge has been calibrated in the past, the calibration constants that were established for that gauge at its last calibration.

Using knowledge of the past performance of a particular gauge or type of gauge to help predict the present performance of a gauge is referred to in several instances in ASTM D6938 as “historical curve information “ (see Note A1.2) or “historical data” (see A2.1.1). Making such predictions and estimations can be a valuable tool in evaluating a gauge calibration.



Keep in mind, however, that both ASTM D6938 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 stress that the focus of performing a gauge calibration is to establish a series or relationships for a specific gauge, not to estimate these relationships. If one takes an accurate gauge reading or readings on a known density standard, then one can establish the relationship at that specific density level. However, if at this point one relies only on that one measurement, combined with historical data and mathematical algorithms, to predict what the relationship would be at other density levels, then nothing has truly been established at these other density levels – just estimated. Also keep in mind that these estimates are based on how this gauge (or gauges like it) behaved in the past – not necessarily about how the gauge is currently behaving. Calibration is about establishing the aforementioned relationships that are relevant to the gauge at the time of the calibration. To establish the relationships that D6938 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 define for the calibration of a specific gauge, one has to take density readings with that gauge at a minimum of three different density levels that span the range of densities one would typically encounter in the field. One likewise has to take moisture readings with that gauge at a minimum of two different moisture content levels that span the range of moisture contents one would typically encounter in the field. Any other process does not give necessary and sufficient information truly to establish the relationships required of an accurate calibration. HOW IS A GAUGE CALIBRATED USING THE TROXLER TRACKER? Troxler recommends that each source rod position of the gauge be calibrated, and that the moisture system be calibrated, when a gauge calibration is performed. For the source rod position being calibrated, one takes a separate gauge density count at each of the three Tracker orientations. The gauge count ratio (the gauge density count divided by the gauge density standard count) is the dependent variable, and the Tracker assigned density at that orientation and depth is the independent variable. The resulting three data pairs are used in a Newton’s method fit to compute the three calibration constants A, B, and C for that particular source rod position. As for the moisture calibration, all of the moisture counts taken with the gauge on the Tracker should be approximately the same. These count values are averaged together and divided through by the moisture standard count to obtain the dependent variable, and the moisture value assigned to the Tracker is the independent variable. This is one moisture data pair. A second moisture data pair is formulated by using zero water content as the independent variable and a measurement taken with the gauge on a standard containing no hydrogen or other materials with substantial neutron thermalizing capabilities. Finally, a third moisture data pair is formulated by attaching a polyethylene fixture to the top of the Tracker. This fixture has a moisture content equivalence that is similar to that of saturated silica sand. The dependent variable for this third data pair is the moisture count ratio obtained on this polyethylene fixture, and the independent variable is the moisture equivalence value of this fixture. These three moisture data pairs are used in a least squares fit to compute the two moisture system calibration constants E and F for the gauge.

Appendix A–6

WHAT IS A VERIFICATION OF A GAUGE CALIBRATION? The density curve for a specific gauge at a specific depth is “verified”, according to ASTM D6938, if one is “capable of confirming the accuracy of the general calibration curve representing the density range of the materials to be tested in the field.” Mathematically, the calibration curve is defined by three calibration parameters, A, B, and C. In order to confirm the accuracy of the curve, therefore, one must acquire no less than three unique readings at three different density levels. In addition, in order to confirm that the curve is accurate over the “density range of the materials to be tested in the field”, these three unique readings described in the preceding paragraph should be at density levels that are at the lower extreme of the density range (around 100 pcf), the middle of the density range (around 135 pcf), and the higher extreme of the density range (around 160 pcf). The Tracker is able to meet both of these ASTM-mandated density system requirements: it can confirm the accuracy of the curve over the required range of densities because (1) three unique density readings can be acquired for each calibration curve, and each calibration curve is uniquely defined by three calibration parameters, and (2) the three unique density readings provided by the Tracker at each gauge index rod position cover the required range of densities. Likewise for the moisture measurement system of the gauge, the moisture content curve for a specific gauge is “verified”, according to ASTM D6938, if one is “capable of confirming the accuracy of the general calibration curve representing the water content of the materials to be tested in the field.” Mathematically, the calibration curve is defined by two calibration parameters, E and F. In order to confirm the accuracy of the curve, therefore, one must acquire no less than two unique readings at two different density levels. In addition, in order to confirm that the curve is accurate over the “water content of the materials to be tested in the field”, these two unique readings described in the preceding paragraph should be at moisture content levels that are at the lower extreme of the density range (zero) and the higher extreme of the moisture content range (around 340 kg/m3). Of course, there are soils with higher moisture contents than this, but recall that ASTM D6938 requires that the factory moisture calibration of these gauges be “accurate for silica and water” and “will not be applicable to all materials” (see Section A2.1.1). Saturated silica sand has a moisture content of around 340 kg/m3, so the upper moisture limit of the Tracker was set at this moisture equivalence. The Tracker is able to meet both of these ASTM-mandated moisture system requirements: it can confirm the accuracy of the curve over the required range of moistures because (1) two unique moisture readings can be acquired for each calibration curve, and each calibration curve is uniquely defined by two calibration parameters, and (2) the two unique moisture readings provided by the Tracker cover the required range of moisture contents. In terms of the information required and data collected, a verification is a calibration. According to ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, a verification is defined as “evidence by calibration that specified requirements have been met.” (italics added for emphasis). The “specified requirements” are, according to ASTM, that the “general calibration curve representing the density range of materials to be tested in the field” is accurate. In other words, one must calibrate a gauge to meet the ASTM requirements for a verification. The interchangeability of calibration and verification is specifically indicated in ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, Section 3.28, Note 3: “The term ‘verification’ as defined in this Standard is frequently referred to as ‘calibration’ in the United States.”



HOW DO VERIFICATION AND CALIBRATION DIFFER? As stated previously, in terms of the data collected, there really is no distinction between a calibration and a verification. However, the manner in which these data are treated after they are collected does differ between a calibration and a verification. ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 states that “the result of a calibration is sometimes expressed… as a series of calibration factors in the form of a calibration curve.” This statement is consistent with the requirements of Sections A1.1 and A2.1 of ASTM D6938. In order to comply with both of these statements, the Troxler TrackerSuite generates a calibration curve for each gauge depth, as well as the moisture system. The calibration constants that define these curves can be loaded into the gauge using the software and the associated hardware. ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994 likewise states that “verification provides a means for checking that the deviations between values indicated by a measuring instrument and corresponding known value are consistently smaller than the limits of permissible error defined in a standard.” This statement is consistent with the requirements of Section A1.2.1 and A2.2.1 of ASTM D6938. In order to comply with both of these statements, the TrackerSuite calibration verification option can generates a table that indicates whether or not each density and moisture measurement required for the verification falls within the “limits of permissible error defined in a standard.” WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A CALIBRATION ACCURACY CHECK? A calibration accuracy check simply confirms whether single readings taken with the gauge on the Tracker yield a density or moisture value that falls within the “limits of permissible error defined in a standard.” The user can perform this check at any depth and any density level that the Tracker allows, and skip any depths or density levels that they are not interested in. In the strict sense, an accuracy check at a given index rod position of the gauge is not a verification unless all three density levels are checked at that index rod position. The TrackerSuite calibration accuracy check option generates a table that indicates whether or not each density and moisture measurement that was collected falls within the “limits of permissible error defined in a standard.” So, what is the value of a calibration accuracy check if it is neither a calibration nor a verification? When a good calibration “goes bad”, it typically becomes inaccurate over the entire range of the calibration. If the user has confidence (or meaningful empirical evidence) that the calibration in a gauge was accurate at some point in the past, then a calibration accuracy check at a given source rod position at the density level of interest is a realistic way to tell if the calibration has become inaccurate. If, under these conditions, the gauge meets the density accuracy limits for a single Tracker reading at a particular source rod position, then one can be reasonably sure (but not absolutely sure) that the calibration curve is still accurate. However, if the user is uncertain if the calibration that is in the gauge was ever accurate, then doing less than a three-reading verification at the source rod position in question is of little to no value.

Appendix A–8

SUMMARY In summary, the true value of the Troxler Tracker is that it can perform a calibration/verification, in the sense defined by ASTM D6938 and ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994. Any alleged calibration or verification procedure that cannot provide at least three unique density readings at three density levels that cover the working range of the device may be able to perform an acceptable calibration accuracy check, but it falls short of providing true calibration and/or verification capabilities. Likewise, any alleged calibration or verification procedure that cannot provide at least two unique water content readings at three water content levels that cover the working range of the device may be able to perform an acceptable calibration accuracy check, but it falls short of providing true calibration and/or verification capabilities.



REFERENCES ANSI/NCSL Z540-1-1994, “Calibration Laboratories and Measuring and Test Equipment – General

Requirements”. 1994, American National Standards Institute. V.R. White, et al, Editors. NIST Handbook 150: Procedures and General Requirements. 2001, National

Institute of Standards and Technology. ASTM D6938-07b, “Standard Test Method for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-

Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)”. 2007, ASTM International. Guralink, D, Editor in Chief. Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language. New York: 1984,

Simon and Schuster.

Appendix A–10

NOTES

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