Product Manual

5.0 General Operation
5.1 Installing the Batteries
Remove the metal end cap on the meter’s handle with a straight
screw driver. Install two (2) new alkaline AA or LR6 size batteries
with the plus (+) side of both batteries facing into the tube.
Replace the metal end cap with the spring contacting the negative
(-) of the last battery. When it is time to replace the batteries a
low battery symbol will show on the unit’s display.
5.2 Zero Calibration
With the meter powered on, hold the meter above the ground with
the shaft facing down. Press the ZERO button and continue
holding the meter steady and above the ground until the zero
function completes and the LCD displays a “0” value.
The compaction meter should show a zero value when suspended
in air prior to taking a probing with the meter. Temperature
changes, battery voltage changes, and rough handling can cause
shifts in the meter’s zero point. All the above variations are easily
and quickly accounted for when the zero function is complete.
Note: When the meter tip is placed on the ground the display may
show a value of 5-8 PSI (34 kPa) but will show 0 PSI/kPa when
suspended about the ground. This is correct and due to the weight
of the meter’s head applying force to the shaft.
5.3 Changing Display Units
Pressing both buttons (POWER & ZERO) at the same time while
the meter is on will change the displayed units. This change will
be saved when the meter is turned off.
Display Shows -HI- Then Max Compaction
Zero
Button
5.4 Taking a Reading
Power on the meter by pressing the POWER button. Zero the
meter if necessary with the ZERO button. Slowly press the
meter into the soil with a firm and steady pressure. Do not stop
or reverse force on the meter until the desired depth has been
reached. Keeping the meter vertical during the entire
penetration sequence assures readings are true cone pressures
and not a result of side loading on the shaft.
Penetration Rate: ASABE Engineering Practice EP542
recommends a Penetration Rate of 1.2 in./second (30mm/sec)
for best accuracy.
Maximum Reading Display: The maximum compaction
reading attained during the penetration will automatically display
as the probe is withdrawn from the soil. The display will show “-
HI-“ followed by the maximum compaction
reading. This reading will show for a few seconds before the
meter reverts back to its normal operation mode.
Over Force: If excessive force is applied to the meter the
display will flash “9999” until the force is reduced below the
meter’s upper limit.
Note: Meter will automatically shut off after 15 minutes of non-use
if not turned off by the user to conserve battery power.
5.5 Probe Tip Cover
The meter ships with a re-usable probe tip cap. This cap can be
stored in the meter’s handle while the meter is in use. The use
of this probe tip cap is recommended for protecting the probe tip,
personal, and vehicles during transport.
Before
During
After