TROXLER 2701-B User Manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction

Model 2701-B

PaveTracker™ Plus

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

3008 Cornwallis Rd. • P.O. Box 12057

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 U.S.A.

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661

Fax: [phone]

www.troxlerlabs.com

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

The Model 2701-B PaveTracker™ Plus is protected

by U.S. Patents 6,400,161 and 6,677,763.

Copyright © 2004 – 2007

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.

409 is a trademark of the Clorox Company.
Excel, HyperTerminal, Microsoft and Windows are registered

trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Fantastic is a trademark of Dow Consumer Products, Inc.
Goo Gone is a registered trademark of Magic American Products

Inc.

PaveTracker is a trademark of Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

PN 113045
December 2007
Edition 5.0

ii

TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS

Troxler Corporate Headquarters

3008 Cornwallis Road

P.O. Box 12057
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 U.S.A.
Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661

Fax: [phone]

Web: www.troxlerlabs.com

Technical Support

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)

E-mail: [e-mail]

Midwestern Branch Office

1430 Brook Drive
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Fax: [phone]

Western Regional Branch Office

11300 Sanders Drive, Suite 7
Rancho Cordova, CA 95742
Fax: [phone]

Southwestern Branch Office

2016 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 406
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]

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

Florida Service Center

2376 Forsyth Road
Orlando, FL 32807
Fax: [phone]

Troxler European Subsidiary

Troxler Electronics GmbH
Gilchinger Strasse 33
D.82239 Alling nr. Munich, Germany
Phone: ++49.8141.71063
Fax: ++49.8141.80731
E-mail: [e-mail]

NOTE

Model 2701-B iii

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Congratulations on the purchase of the Troxler Model 2701-B
PaveTracker™ Plus. Troxler, the leader in density gauge

technology, now offers the PaveTracker Plus, an electromagnetic
sensing device that quickly gives an indication of the density of
asphalt pavement.

The Model 2701-B Manual of Operation and Instruction contains
information on safely using this gauge. Also included in this manual
are safety warnings, gauge setup, troubleshooting, and general
maintenance.

iv

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Throughout this manual, symbols and special formatting are used to
reveal the purpose of the text as follows:

WARNING

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

CAUTION

Indicates conditions or procedures that, if not followed
correctly, may cause equipment damage.

NOTE

Indicates important information that must be read to
ensure proper operation.

〈KEY〉 Angle brackets and a different typestyle indicate a

key or character (number or letter) to press on the
gauge keypad. For example, “Press 〈STORE〉”
means to press the key labeled STORE.

DISPLAY A different typestyle is used in text to indicate

information or messages displayed on the gauge.

DISPLAY - Typestyle
and shading used to
simulate PaveTracker
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.

f Triangles indicate that more than one option is

available. Carefully select the option that applies.

Model 2701-B v

EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Application of Council EMC Directive 89/336/EEC.

NOTE

The Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC does not apply to
the Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus gauge because
there are no voltages greater than 75 V dc that are
accessible by the operator.

Standards to which Conformity is Declared:

EN 55011:1998+A1:1999+A2:2002 – Industrial, Scientific, and

Medical (ISM) Radio Frequency Equipment

EN 61326:1997+A1:1998+A2:2001+A3:2002 – Electrical

Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use

Manufacturer: Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.
P.O. Box 12057, 3008 Cornwallis Road
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
27709 U.S.A.

Apparatus: Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus

Year of Declaration: 2006

vi

FCC REGULATIONS

Troxler’s Model 2701-B PaveTracker™ Plus has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for Industrial, Scientific, and
Medical Devices pursuant to Part 18 of Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not used in accordance with this instruction manual, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of
the equipment in a residential area may cause harmful interference.
It is advised that operation in residential areas be as brief as
practicable to minimize the potential for interference.

Model 2701-B vii

NOTES

viii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 2701-B

Introduction................................................................................... 1–2

Features......................................................................................... 1–4

Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................1–6

Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7

CHAPTER 2. GETTING STARTED

Keypad.......................................................................................... 2–2

Turning the PaveTracker Plus On................................................. 2–4

Status............................................................................................. 2–6

Setup Menu................................................................................... 2–7

Target.......................................................................................... 2–14

Mode........................................................................................... 2–16

CHAPTER 3. ADJUSTING MEASUREMENTS

Introduction................................................................................... 3–2

Offset ............................................................................................ 3–3

Mix Calibration............................................................................. 3–6

CHAPTER 4. USING THE GAUGE

Taking a Reference Reading ......................................................... 4–2

Preparing a Test Site..................................................................... 4–4

Taking Measurements................................................................... 4–5

Recall.......................................................................................... 4–12

CHAPTER 5. PROJECT DATA

Handling Project Data................................................................... 5–2

Storing Data.................................................................................. 5–8

Model 2701-B ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

APPENDIX A. TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE

Troubleshooting............................................................................A–2

Internal Gauge Temperature.........................................................A–3

Batteries........................................................................................A–4

Cleaning the Base and Top Shell .................................................A–6

Replacing the Protective Cover....................................................A–7

Replacement Parts........................................................................A–8

Returning the Gauge for Service..................................................A–9

Troxler Service Centers..............................................................A–10

APPENDIX B. MENU MAP

Menu Map Description.................................................................B–2

APPENDIX C. MODEL 2701-B SPECIFICATIONS

Measurement Specifications.........................................................C–2

Electrical Specifications...............................................................C–3

Mechanical Specifications............................................................ C–4

INDEX

WARRANTY

x

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure

1–1 Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus .............................. 1–3

2–1 Model 2701-B Keypad.............................................. 2–2

B–1 Model 2701-B Menu Map.........................................B–3

Title Page

LIST OF TABLES

Table

Title Page

2–1 Model 2701-B Keypad Functions.............................2–3

Model 2701-B xi

NOTES

xii

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION TO THE MODEL 2701-B

This chapter provides a brief overview of the Troxler Model 2701-B
PaveTracker™ Plus, and includes a list of the gauge parts and
accessories, and instructions for unpacking and inspecting the
gauge.

CONTENTS

Introduction................................................................................... 1–2

Features......................................................................................... 1–4

Gauge Parts and Accessories........................................................ 1–6

Unpacking and Inspection ............................................................ 1–7

1. INTRODUCTION

Model 2701-B 1–1

INTRODUCTION

Troxler, the leader in density gauge technology, now offers the
Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus (see Figure 1–1), an
electromagnetic sensing device that quickly gives an indication of
the density of asphalt pavement. The advanced technology in the
patented PaveTracker Plus allows rapid and reliable measurements.
The PaveTracker Plus can be used on existing asphalt pavements or
on freshly placed mats. The unit is ideal for performing quick
quality control measurements to check for segregation, areas of low
density, and overall pavement uniformity.

The PaveTracker Plus is a precision device that is designed to
provide many years of trouble-free service. As any precision device,
the PaveTracker Plus requires reasonable care and maintenance to
ensure its accuracy and reliability. The user should:

♦ Keep the unit clean and free of all road debris.
♦ Return the unit to Troxler for yearly re-calibration and

inspection.

♦ Ensure that the unit remains sealed at all times. There are no

field-serviceable components inside the unit. Opening the case

will affect the integrity of the unit and therefore will void the
warranty.

1–2

D

1. INTRODUCTION

HANDLE

CARRYING

HANDLE

DISPLAY

KEYPA

POWER

SWITCH

BATTERY

CHARGER

INPUT

SERIAL

PORT

Figure 1–1. Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus

Model 2701-B 1–3

FEATURES

The PaveTracker Plus (see Figure 1–1) incorporates a number of
features that provide unmatched efficiency, usability, and flexibility.

The PaveTracker Plus takes density measurements using
electromagnetic sensing technology, eliminating the need for
government licenses or special training. Measurements are
completed within 2 seconds, saving time and money.

The unit’s memory can store approximately 1000 readings for later
viewing, printing, or downloading.

Both the 30-button keypad and 4 x 20 liquid crystal display (LCD)
screen are backlit, making them easy to see, day or night.

The gauge includes a replaceable, protective, adhesive-backed
bottom cover disc on its bottom surface. The protective cover
provides thermal protection for the gauge’s internal components and
protects the bottom surface of the gauge against wear.

The carrying case for the Model 2701-B includes a built-in
reference standard, which provides a density measurement standard
for taking reference readings.

The PaveTracker Plus’s advanced software provides three test
modes (continuous, averaging, and segregation) for greater
flexibility and multiple applications. The software also provides
automatic calculations (average density, percent maximum density,
percent air voids, and so on) for greater ease of use.

The gauge allows the operator to specify the layer thickness; the
value entered is stored with other measurement data.

Gauge measurements can be adjusted using a density offset or mix
calibration (which includes slope and intercept values) to increase
accuracy on specific materials.

Both an ac charger and a dc adapter are included with the
PaveTracker Plus, enabling the unit to be recharged from an ac
outlet or a 12 V dc system.

1–4

The gauge features two audible indicators, an internally mounted
beeper, as well as a louder, external one mounted on its underside.
The internal beeper emits a short tone in response to a valid
keystroke on the keypad. It sounds a longer tone when the operator
presses an invalid key or if the gauge displays an error message. The
external beeper performs the same functions, and can be enabled or
disabled as desired by the operator.

A serial communications port is mounted on the front of the gauge.
The serial port is used to output data to a serial device, such as a
computer or printer.

The gauge features two handles. The right-angle handle is used to
move and position the gauge while taking measurements. A second
carrying handle is provided for ease of transporting and positioning
the gauge. An optional telescoping handle (PN 113017) is also
available.

1. INTRODUCTION

Model 2701-B 1–5

GAUGE PARTS AND ACCESSORIES

1. The gauge is the portable electromagnetic sensing device

containing all electronic modules and a rechargeable battery
pack.

2. The carrying case for the Model 2701-B includes a built-in

reference standard, which provides a density measurement
standard for taking reference readings.

3. The ac charger and dc adapter are used to charge the gauge

batteries. The ac charger accepts 100 – 240 V ac, 47 – 63 Hz
and supplies 12 V dc at 1.8 A. The dc adapter allows recharging
from a 12 V dc system, such as a vehicle cigarette lighter.

4. The manual (not shown) details how to operate and maintain

the gauge.

5. A printer (optional, not shown) connects to the gauge for

printing data.

1–6

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

NOTE

To ensure the safe return of the PaveTracker Plus to
Troxler for repair or maintenance, please keep the
original shipping boxes and all packing materials.

Upon receipt of the gauge from the factory:

1. Perform a complete inspection and inventory. If the shipping

case and/or any other part or accessory appears damaged, notify
the carrier and your Troxler representative immediately.

2. Check the shipping case for the following:

♦ Model 2701-B PaveTracker Plus
♦ Carrying Case (PN 113034)
♦ Handle (PN 113210)
♦ AC Charger (PN 110403)

1. INTRODUCTION

♦ DC Adapter (PN 104156)
♦ 2701-B Cover Kit (PN 113107), containing replacement

bottom covers and cleaning wipes

♦ Manual of Operation and Instruction (PN 113045)

3. Lift the gauge from the carrying case and inspect the outside

surface for damage.

Model 2701-B 1–7

NOTES

1–8

CHAPTER 2

GETTING STARTED

This chapter provides details on getting started with the Model
2701-B PaveTracker Plus. It describes the gauge keypad, and
provides instructions for turning the gauge on, and setting up the
gauge.

CONTENTS

Keypad.......................................................................................... 2–2

Turning the PaveTracker Plus On................................................. 2–4

Status............................................................................................. 2–6

Setup Menu................................................................................... 2–7

Set Units................................................................................. 2–8

Date/Time............................................................................... 2–8

Temperature (Optional)........................................................ 2–10

Customer Name.................................................................... 2–11

External Beeper.................................................................... 2–12

User ID................................................................................. 2–12

Mix Calibration.................................................................... 2–13

Layer Thickness ................................................................... 2–13

Target.......................................................................................... 2–14

Enable a Target Value.......................................................... 2–14

Enter a New Target Value.................................................... 2–15

Disable the Target Value...................................................... 2–15

Mode........................................................................................... 2–16

2. GETTING STARTED

Model 2701-B 2–1

KEYPAD

The Model 2701-B keypad (Figure 2–1) allows the operator to
access the gauge software. Troxler designed the keypad for ease of
use, with large keys and an anti-glare coating. Note that the function
keys are available only when the Ready screen is displayed. Table
2–1 describes the function of each key.

TM

-Ready- Offset:Y
04/08/2004 04:08 PM
Prj: MY PROJECT
Mode: Continuous

R

2–2

STORE

RECALL

SETUP

MODE

REF

STATUS

PROJ

TARGET

OFFSET

SPACE

LIGHT

YES

7

8

5

4

1

2

0

Figure 2–1. Model 2701-B Keypad

NO

9

6

3

ALPHA

LOCK

ESC

BACK

SPACE

+

-

ENTER
START

Table 2–1. Model 2701-B Keypad Functions

KEY FUNCTION PAGE

〈STORE〉

〈STATUS〉
〈RECALL〉

〈PROJ〉

〈SETUP〉

〈TARGET〉

〈MODE〉

〈OFFSET〉

〈REF〉

〈SPACE〉

〈LIGHT〉

〈YES〉

〈NO〉

〈ESC〉

〈0〉 .. 〈9〉

〈.〉
〈ALPHA LOCK〉
〈BACK SPACE〉

〈↑〉, 〈↓〉

〈ENTER/START〉

〈A〉 .. 〈Z〉

Store the most recent data in the current

5–8

project file.
Displays gauge status information. 2–6
Display the most recent data. 4–12
Select or create a project file and view,

5–2

output, or erase project data file.
Displays the gauge Setup menu.
Select, enter, or disable a Gmb (Marshall)

2–7

2–14

or Gmm (Voidless density) value.
Select the measurement mode,

2–16

Averaging, Continuous, or Segregation.
Enable, disable, or change a density

3–3

offset.
Take a reference reading. 4–2
Enter a space.
Manually toggle the keypad and LCD

2–5

backlights on and off.
Respond yes to yes/no questions.
Respond no to yes/no questions.
Return the display to the Ready screen

without storing or updating the data.
Enter numbers and access menu options.
Enter a decimal point.
Access the letters.
Moves cursor back one space.
Scroll through menu options or view

screens.
Accept data entry or begin a

measurement.
Enter letters. Access these keys by first

pressing 〈ALPHA LOCK〉.

2. GETTING STARTED

Model 2701-B 2–3

TURNING THE PAVETRACKER PLUS ON

To turn on the PaveTracker Plus, press the power switch located on
the front panel next to the serial port (see Figure 1–1).

NOTE

To turn off the PaveTracker Plus, press and hold the
power switch for two seconds.

The gauge displays the model number, battery voltage, software
version, and unit serial number as shown below:

-Model 2701B­Battery Volts: X.X
V#.## SN: ###
Press <ENTER>

Press the 〈ENTER/START〉 key to continue. The software
performs two tests to ensure that the gauge is working properly. The
gauge first performs a brief self-test, followed by a test of the
display.

Following the test period, the gauge displays the Ready screen:

-Ready- Offset:YES
mm/dd/yyyy hh:mm AM
Prj: PROJECT NAME
Mode: Continuous

The operator can access any gauge function from the Ready screen.
On the first line, the Ready screen displays whether a density offset
(see page 3–3) or mix calibration (see page 3–6) is enabled.

The second line shows the current date and time. The third line
shows the current project (see page 5–2), if any. The last line shows
the measurement mode (see page 2–16).

2–4

The PaveTracker Plus features a backlit keypad and display. To
toggle the backlights on and off, press the 〈LIGHT〉 key.

NOTE

The keypad and display backlights increase the power
consumption of the unit. To conserve battery life,
Troxler recommends that the backlights be used only
when necessary.

To conserve power, the PaveTracker Plus provides a sleep mode, as
well as an automatic shutdown. If no key is pressed for five
minutes, the gauge enters sleep mode. In sleep mode, the display
and keypad backlights, and most of the electronics are turned off,
but all data and gauge settings are protected. To exit sleep mode,
press any key. If no key is pressed for 60 minutes, the gauge shuts
down automatically.

NOTE

If the gauge goes into sleep mode while in the continuous
measurement mode (see page 2–16), the display returns
to the Ready screen. In averaging or segregation mode,
the gauge maintains its current state when it enters sleep
mode.

The gauge software monitors the battery voltage. If the voltage falls
below 6.0 V dc, the gauge displays a low battery symbol (

) in the

upper right of the Ready screen. Recharge the batteries as
described on page A–4. After charging, the battery voltage should
be between 6.8 and 7.2 V dc. If the voltage falls below 5.5 V dc, the
gauge powers down automatically after completing any memory
store functions already in progress.

2. GETTING STARTED

Model 2701-B 2–5

STATUS

The gauge Status display enables the operator to view gauge status
information, including the battery voltage, internal temperature,
selected measurement units (see page 2–8), and the time and date of
the last reference reading (see page 4–2). To access this information,
press the 〈STATUS〉 key. The gauge displays:

-Status- ¦
Batt. Volts: #.#

Internal Temp: ##°F
Units: English

Last Ref: ¦
hh:mma mm/dd/yy

To scroll through the displays, use the up and down arrow keys.
Return to the Ready screen by pressing the 〈ESC〉 key.

2–6

SETUP MENU

After turning the gauge on for the first time, set up the software. The
gauge stores the software setup, so the operator does not need to
enter a new setup each time the gauge is turned on.

The gauge setup includes the measurement units (Metric or
English), date and time, temperature, customer name, external
beeper setup, user ID, mix calibration, and the layer thickness
function.

To access the Setup menu, press the 〈SETUP〉 key. The gauge
displays:

-Setup- ¦

1. Set Units

2. Date/Time

3. Temperature

2. GETTING STARTED

-Setup- ¦

4. Customer Name

5. External Beeper

6. User ID

-Setup- ¦

7. Mix Calibration

8. Layer Thickness

To scroll through the Setup menu, use the arrow keys (screens that
have options the operator can scroll through are indicated with the
up/down arrow symbol in the upper right corner of the screen). To
select a menu option, use the numeric key that corresponds to the
option. To return to the Ready screen, press the 〈ESC〉 key.

The remainder of this section provides details on the setup options.

Model 2701-B 2–7

SET UNITS

The gauge can display measurement results in either metric (SI) or
English units. To set the units, press 〈1〉 at the Setup menu shown
on page 2–7. The gauge displays:

-Units-

1. English

2. Metric
Press # to Select

Select the desired measurement units by pressing the corresponding
numeric key. The gauge displays the new units, then returns to the

Setup menu.

DATE/TIME

The Date/Time function allows the operator to change the date and
time, and to select the display format for each. To access the
Date/Time menu, press 〈2〉 at the Setup menu shown on page 2–7.
The gauge displays the Date/Time menu:

-Date/Time- ¦

1. Change Time

2. Change Date

3. Time Format

-Date/Time- ¦

4. Date Format

From this screen, the operator may change the time, date, or
time/date display format. Use the up and down arrows to scroll
between the menu options. To select a menu option, press the
corresponding numeric key. To return to the Setup menu, press the
〈ESC〉 key.

2–8

Change Time

To change the time, press 〈1〉 at the Date/Time menu. The gauge
displays:

hh:mm AM
Arrows toggle AM/PM
Input Time and
Press <ENTER>

(Note that in this example, the time is displayed in AM/PM format.
To change the format, see the Time Format section on page 2–10.)
To accept the displayed time, press 〈ENTER/START〉. To change
the time, use the numeric keys to enter the new time, and the arrow
keys to toggle between AM and PM. Press 〈ENTER/START〉. The
gauge sets the time and returns to the Date/Time menu.

Change Date

To change the date, press 〈2〉 at the Date/Time menu. The gauge
displays:

2. GETTING STARTED

04/08/2004
mm/dd/yyyy
Input Date and
Press <ENTER>

(Note that in this example, the time is displayed in mm/dd/yyyy
format. To change the date format, refer to the Date Format section
on page 2–10.) To accept the displayed date, press
〈ENTER/START〉. To change the date, use the numeric keys to
enter the new date. When finished, press 〈ENTER/START〉. The
gauge sets the date and returns to the Date/Time menu.

Model 2701-B 2–9