2.2.3.1 Auto Depth Indication
The gauge will indicate the position of the handle (source location). The
method used is totally enclosed and not subject to wear by abrasive
materials on a job site. It should be as reliable as any other part of the gauge
and not require periodic replacement. In case of failure, an alternate manual
method of indicating the depth to the microprocessor is available.
2.2.3.2 Data Storage and Dumping
The gauge has a 32k battery backed RAM. It will store complete field tests including
date, time, project number, station, offset, and all of the measurement data including
standard and measurement counts, depths, soil / asphalt / nomograph and any
corrections applied to factory calibrations.
This data can be dumped to any full size serial printer (EPSON LQ compatible) in
report format or loaded to an IBM compatible PC in ASCII characters through an
infrared serial communications port. Several battery-operated printers are available
for field use.
The gauge does not use a connector for the communications port but rather an
infrared coupler. A special cable is required as an optional accessory. This feature
eliminates the potential damage and soiling of standard connectors in the field.
2.2.3.3 Front Panel Touch Screen and Keypad
All data entry, editing and function selections, and other options are available via
a 10 key membrane keypad at the front panel. Each time a key is pressed, a short
bleep, indicates that the key press has been recognized. The key must be pressed
and released for the action to take place. If a key does not provide any service in a
given display mode, a chirping sound will be heard instead.
Each key can have multiple actions, corresponding to the currently selected
instrument function. The actual functions are all described in Section 3 Field
Operation.
On/Off (Power)
When the key is pressed the gauge powers up, and then runs through
some self-test routines. The battery test included in the self-test routines is
also performed at various times in use (transparent to the operator) so that
constant monitoring of battery condition is done. After this test, the gauge
condition at the time of the last use is loaded from memory. If it was turned
off with an active measurement in the registers, the measurement is recalled.
Backlight
When the BACKLIGHT key is held pressed, the display panel lights up, for night
viewing.
Main Menu
When the key is pressed, the display will show the first menu
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