TROXLER 3190 User Manual

Manual of Operation and Instruction

Model 3190

True Mold Angle

Device

for the

Model 4140 Gyratory Compactor

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.: +1.919.549.866 1

Fax: [phone]

www.troxlerlabs.com

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

Copyright © 2002 – 2005

Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval
systems, for any purpose without the express written permission of
Troxler Electronic Laboratories, Inc.

PN 109596
February 2005
Edition 2.0

ii

TROXLER SERVICE CENTERS

Troxler Corporate Headquarters

3008 Cornwallis Road

Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)

Outside the U.S.A.: +1.919.549.8661

Fax: [phone]

Web: www.troxlerlabs.com

Technical Support

Phone: 1.877.TROXLER (1.877.876.9537)

E-mail: [e-mail]

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

2000 East Randol Mill Road
Suite 611
Arlington, TX 76011
Fax: [phone]

P.O. Box 12057

Florida Service Center

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

Canadian Branch Office

7125 Pacific Circle, Unit 13
Mississauga, Ontario L5T-2A5
Canada
Fax: [phone]

Troxler European Subsidiary

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

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device iii

NOTES

iv

INTRODUCTION

Troxler’s Model 4140 Gyratory Compactor provides safe, reliable
gyratory compaction of asphalt specimens at a given compaction
pressure and angle of gyration. The Model 3190 True Mold Angle
Device (TMA) provides a real-time display of the compaction angle,
enabling the compactor operator to accurately and independently
verify the true angle of the mold while the com p actor is in
operation.

To complement the TMA’s real-time data display, a True Mold
Angle software package is provided with the unit. This software can
be used to upload and store angle measurement data on a computer.

The TMA attaches to the frame of the Model 4140, and measures
the mold angle externally.

The TMA is a passive measuring device that does not interfere with
the normal operation of the gyratory compacto r. The TMA does not
affect the mold angle being measured, or the relationship between
the surface of the sample and the active ram head or ram foot.

Because the TMA is external to the mold, it does not limit the
amount of sample that can be placed in the mold during the test.
This enables the TMA to perform dynamic measurements during the
preparation of actual specimens. There is no need to extrapolate or
project possible angles for full-sized samples from one-quarter or
half-sized samples with the TMA.

During compaction, residue from the asphalt sample may bind to the
mold wall creating an uneven surface. These irregularities will
adversely affect the angle measurement of an internal measuring
device if its measurement probes contact the inner walls of the
mold. The TMA, however, measures the angle using the external
surface of the mold.

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 1

TWO-POINT MEASUREMENT METHOD

The TMA measures mold angle using a simple and traditional two­point measuring method. Troxler has used this concept to measure
mold angle since the company started manufacturing the Model
4140 Gyratory Compactor.

The two-point measurement uses a simple trigonometric function to
calculate gyratory compactor mold angle. Because the TMA is
secured to the frame of the compactor, the angle measu red is net of
frame deflection and therefore is the true mold angle. The result is
that the TMA gives precise and accurate true mold angle
measurements in a passive and independent manner.

The TMA method reasonably assumes that the mold wall is rigid
and non-deformable under normal compaction loads. The mold wall
is parallel to the centerline of the mold so that the measured angle is
concurrent with the cylindrical axis of the mold and specimen
during compaction.

Most importantly, the TMA is capable of isolating gyratory mold
angle from other compaction variables. End plate or platen
deflections and translations do not affect the measured angle.
Mixture surface deflections and temperature variations do not skew
the results. Therefore, compliance with AASHTO T312 §4.1 and

§9.5 is easily ascertained and, if necessary, corrections to gyratory
mold angles can be made reliably.

2

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Upon receipt of the TMA from the factory, perform a complete
inspection and inventory. If the shipping carton and/or any other
part or accessory appears damaged, notify the carrier and your
Troxler Representative immediately.

NOTE

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

Check the shipping carton for the following:

♦ Model 3190 TMA assembly (PN 109932)
♦ Molded transport case (PN 900977)
♦ Packaging foam set (PN 109938)
♦ AC adapter, 12 V dc, CE international (PN 108354)
♦ Serial cable, 8 ft (PN 106514)
♦ Safety cover assembly (PN 109937)
♦ Manual of Operation and Instruction (PN 109596)
♦ CD-ROM, True Mold Angle software (PN 110080)

Inspect the outside surfaces of the TMA for damage.

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 3

COMPONENTS

Figure 1 shows the TMA and its components. Use the figure to
locate and identify the parts described in the following paragraphs.

During compaction, the TMA’s LCD (liquid crystal display) shows
the maximum, minimum, and average compaction angles, as well as
the standard deviation of the measurements.

The Reset button clears the TMA memory and restarts the angle
measurements and standard deviation calculations.

The ac adapter (not shown) provided with the TMA connects to the
12 V dc power input connector.

The serial cable (not shown) can be connected to the serial port to
upload angle measurements to a PC using the TMA software
provided with the unit.

4

O

LIQUID CRYSTAL

DISPLAY (LCD)

RESET

BUTTON

SERIAL PORT

FACTORY

USE ONLY

12 V DC

P

WER INPUT

Figure 1. Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 5

CHAMBER DOOR ASSEMBLY REMOVAL

To use the TMA, the chamber door assembly must be removed from
the Model 4140 Gyratory Compactor and the safety cover provided
with the TMA must be installed as follows:

1. Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the six screws that secure
the chamber door assembly to the right and left frame members
of the compactor (see Figure 2).

2. Pull the door assembly forward about 2 inches (5 cm).

3. An interlock switch is mounted on the back of the chamber door
assembly. The switch has three wiring terminals; a red and a
black wire are connected to two of these three terminals. Record
the switch terminal to which each wire is connected. (This
information will be required if the chamber door assembly is
later re-installed.)

CHAMBER DOOR

ASSEMBLY

REMOVE
SCREWS

(3 PER SIDE)

INTERLOCK

SWITCH

Figure 2. Removing Compactor Chamber Door Assembly

6

4. Remove the wires from the interlock switch by pulling the quick
disconnect terminals from the switch terminals.

5. Completely remove the chamber door assembly from the
compactor and set it aside.

6. Connect the two wires removed in step 4 by plugging the two
quick disconnect terminals into one another as shown in Figure

3.

NOTE

If the two wires are not connected to each other, the
compactor will not operate.

Figure 3. Connecting the Two Interlock Switch Wires

7. A safety cover assembly is provided with the TMA. Attach this
assembly to the four upper mounting posts using four of the
screws removed in step 1 (see Figure 4).

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 7

ATTACH SAFETY

COVER ASSEMBLY

TO THESE POSTS

(2 PER SIDE)

REST TMA ON

2 LOWER POSTS

Figure 4. Compactor Mounting Posts (Side View)

8

OPERATING THE TMA

To use the TMA during a compaction cycle:

1. Prepare the asphalt specimen as described on page 4–4 of the
Model 4140 Manual of Operation and Maintenance.

2. Place the loaded mold into the Model 4140 compaction
chamber.

3. Lift the TMA into place. The two L-shaped brackets at the
bottom of the TMA should rest on the two lower mounting
posts on the left and right frame rails (see Figure 4).

4. Slide the TMA onto the mounting posts until the two magnets
on the rear of the TMA contact the left and right frame rails.
These magnets secure the TMA in place.

NOTE

Ensure that the TMA does not rest on the compactor
table.

5. Connect the ac adapter to the 12 V dc input connector and plug
the ac adapter into a 120 V ac outlet.

6. If using the True Mold Angle software to upload angle data to a
computer, connect the serial cable from the TMA to a serial port
on the computer. Refer to page 11 for instructions on installing,
starting, and using the software.

7. Compact the specimen as described on page 4–5 of the Model
4140 Manual of Operation and Maintenance. During the
compaction process, the TMA displays the maximum,
minimum, and average measured mold angle, as well as the
standard deviation of the measurements. This information is
updated each gyration.

NOTE

When processing an asphalt specimen, the average mold
angle should be between 1.23° and 1.27°.

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 9

NOTE

If angle data is to be downloaded from the TMA to a
computer, do not disconnect the 12 V dc power from the
TMA.

8. To remove the TMA from the compactor, unplug the ac adapter
from the 120 V ac outlet and disconnect it from the TMA.
Disconnect the serial cable from the TMA. Pull the TMA
forward and lift it from the compactor.

10

TRUE MOLD ANGLE SOFTWARE

During a compaction cycle, the TMA measures the excursions of its
upper and lower probes and uses these values to determine the
gyration angle. Starting with the third gyration of the cycle, the
TMA stores the excursion values and resulting angle for each
gyration.

The True Mold Angle software supplied with the TMA is used to
upload and store the excursion and angle data on a computer. The
data is stored in a comma-delimited format, as shown in Figure 5.

The following sections provide instructions on the installation,
setup, and use of the True Mold Angle software.

3,1.249,.000,6.092,.000
4,1.288,3.480,9.760,.000
5,1.286,3.476,9.748,.000
6,1.286,3.476,9.748,.000
7,1.284,3.480,9.744,.000
8,1.283,3.480,9.736,.000
9,1.284,3.480,9.740,.000
10,1.280,3.480,9.724,.000
11,1.279,3.488,9.728,.000
12,1.279,3.484,9.724,.000
13,1.279,3.484,9.724,.000
14,1.279,3.484,9.724,.000
15,1.278,3.484,9.716,.000
16,1.279,3.484,9.720,.000
17,1.279,3.484,9.724,.000
18,1.279,3.488,9.724,.000
19,1.277,3.488,9.716,.000
20,1.277,3.488,9.716,.000
21,1.278,3.488,9.720,.000
22,1.276,3.492,9.716,.000
23,1.276,3.492,9.716,.000
24,1.275,3.492,9.712,.000
25,1.277,3.492,9.720,.000

•

•

•

Figure 5. Sample Data from TMA

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 11

SOFTWARE INSTALLATION

To install the True Mold Ang le softwar e:

1. Insert the True Mold Angle CD-ROM into the computer’s
CD-ROM drive.

2. From the Windows 95/98 desktop, click on the Start button in
the taskbar.

3. Select R

4. Type d:tmainstall.exe (where d: is the letter designation of
the CD-ROM drive) and then press the 〈Enter〉 key or click on
the OK button. Follow the instructions on the screen.

5. The installation program adds a Troxler group to the Programs
menu, with the program items: TMA and Uninstall TMA. The
installation program also places a shortcut icon for the TMA
application on the Windows desktop.

un. The dialog box shown in Figure 6 is displayed.

Figure 6. Installing the True Mold Angle Software

12

STARTING THE TRUE MOLD ANGLE SOFTWARE

To start the True Mold Angle software, double-click on the TMA
icon on the Windows 95/98 desktop or click on the Start button,
select the P
TMA menu item. The software briefly displays a copyright screen
while loading. Upon completion, the software displays the Main
Menu shown in Figure 7.

rograms menu and the Troxler folder, and select the

Figure 7. True Mold Angle Software Main Menu

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 13

UPLOADING DATA

The True Mold Angle software can upload angle data from the
TMA into the computer either in real-time (during a compaction
cycle) or after a compaction cycle is complete.

NOTE

The TMA stores only the angle data from the most
recent compaction cycle. This data is available for
uploading at any time until a new compaction cycle is
begun or power has been removed from the TMA.

Uploading Data During Compaction

To acquire data from the TMA during a compaction cycle:

1. Click the Start button on the Main Menu. The software
requests a file name as shown in Figure 8.

2. Enter a filename, followed by the extension .txt, but do not press
the 〈Enter〉 key or click on the OK button.

3. Follow the directions on page 9 for operating the TMA while
compacting the specimen. After the compactor has begun
gyrating, press the 〈Enter〉 key or click on the OK button.

4. The command line at the bottom of the Main Menu displays
Initializing…, then Waiting for data… During the
compaction cycle, the software uploads angle data from the
TMA and writes this data into the filename entered in step 2.

14

Figure 8. File Name Prompt

Uploading Stored Data

NOTE

The TMA stores only the angle data from the most
recent compaction cycle. This data is available for
uploading at any time until a new compaction cycle is
begun or power has been removed from the TMA.

To upload the angle data stored in the TMA from the most recent
compaction cycle:

1. Click the Upload button. The software requests a file name as

shown in Figure 8.

2. Enter a filename, followed by the extension .txt, and then press

the 〈Enter〉 key or click on the OK button.

3. The command line at the bottom of the Main Menu displays

Initializing…, then Collecting data… Please wait. The
software uploads the angle data from the TMA and writes this
data into the filename entered in step 2 above.

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 15

REPLACEMENT PARTS

Match the item number shown in the table below with the correct
part in Figure 9 on the following page.

ITEM BIN NO. DESCRIPTION OTY.

1 104663 SMALL TROXLER LOGO PLATE 1
2 106949 CABLE ASSY, ANGLE SERIAL 1
3 108555 LOGIC PROBE TMA 319X 2
4 108835 LABEL, TRUE MOLD ANGLE 1
5 109798 LOGIC PROBE BRACKET, TMA: 319X 1
6 109804 COVER ASSEMBLY, TMA: 3190,1 1
7 109824 ALUMINUM HANDLE, TMA: 3190,1,2 2
8 109852 DISPLAY BRACKET, TMA: 3190,1 1

9 109853 ELECTRONICS BRACKET, TMA: 3190,1 1
10 109906 P CB , CPU ASSY 3191 1
11 109911 CABLE ASSY POWER, RESET 1
12 109926 SURFACE COVER BOX 1
13 109927 MOUNTING P LATE 4140 TMA 1
14 109928 MAGNETIC HOLDER 2
15 109929 POST, SPACING 4
16 109930 GUIDE RAIL 2
17 109933 DI S P LAY BRACKET SPACER PLATE 2
18 109934 CA B LE ASSY, CDI PANE L 1
19 109935 DIAL IND. EXT. 3/16 X 1/750L 2
20 000001-0200 LOCKWASHER #2 INT TOOTH SS 4
21 000001-0401 WASHER, #4 INT. LOCK SS 2
22 000061-1000 #2 HEX NUT SS 4
23 000064-1010 NUT, HEX 4-40 X 3/16 SS 2
24 000100-0003 SCREWLOCK KIT 1
25 000106-1401 4
26 000206-1601 SCREW, 4-40 X .375 THMS PHIL SS 2
27 000406-4801 SCREW, 8-32 X .375 SHCS, SS 9
28 000408-4807 SCREW, 8-32 X 1/2 SHC 4
29 000606-4107 SCREW, 10 - 32 X .375 FLATHD SOC 4
30 000812-4800 SCREW, 1/4-20 X .750 SOC HD CAP 2
31 000844-4807 SCREW, 1/4-20 X 2.75 SOC HD CAP 4
32 000910-0434 #2 ROUND SPACER, .125"L. PLASTIC 4
33 107692- CABLE, LCD 1
34 108192-3191 LCD DISPLAY ASSY, TMA:3190,1,2 1
35 27-5050 PUSH NUT FLAT-ROUND 3/8 OD 2
36 38-0821 WASHER #8 FLANGED C'SUNK SS 4
37 408-1501 SCREW 8-32 x 1/2 OHMS PHIL SS 4
39 18127.0001 LOCTITE 242 AR

16

Figure 9. TMA Assembly Drawing

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 17

RETURNING PARTS FOR SERVICE

Items returned for service must be accompanied by an RGA
(Returned Goods Authorization) number, and a description of the
instrument and its problem. This information is used by Troxler
shipping and service personnel to expedite the repair work.

To obtain an RGA number, please call or fax Troxler headquarters
at Research Triangle Park, or one of the branch offices with your
request (see list on page iii).

Please have the following information available when requesting an
RGA number:

• Unit (or part) model and serial number.

• Part number/serial number (if applicable).

• Is the unit (part) still under warranty?

• Problem or difficulty you are having with the unit.

• Shipment method to Troxler and for return shipment.

• Shipping and billing address (not P.O. Box) – street address and

zip.

• Phone number/contact (for questions from Troxler).

• Will estimate be required prior to performing any work on the

part?

• Payment method: credit card, account number, or purchase

order number. All government agencies (city, county, state,

and federal) must

To prevent order duplication, if an order has been
placed by telephone, please write “Confirming Order”
on any follow-up written requests.

18

send purchase order numbers.

NOTE

SPECIFICATIONS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Ambient Storage –55 to 85 °C
Temperature (–67 to 185 °F)

Ambient Operating 10 to 50 °C
Temperature (50 to 122 °F)

Altitude Rating 2000 meters maximum

Humidity 92% maximum

ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Power Requirements:
Power supply 100–240 V ac, 47–63 Hz,
(AC adapter) Single phase, 0.4 A

TMA 12 V dc, 500 mA

Serial Port: 9-pin male D-subminiature

connector

MECHANICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Size, Unit with 61L × 25W × 43H cm

Transport Case 24L × 10W × 17H in

Weight 3.6 kg (8lb)

Shipping Weight, 6.4 kg (14 lb)

Unit with Packaging

Model 3190 True Mold Angle Device 19

NOTES

20