When fully packed a typical canvas roll-on/carry-on case (below) is approximately 18 x 15 x 11 inches in size (46 x 38 x 28 cm), and weighs about 22 pounds (10 kg), without a computer. The case meets requirements for airline carry-on luggage. The heavy-duty canvas case has a removable, padded, fabric computer case, separate accessory pockets, document pockets, a telescoping handle, and in-line skate wheels.
With a 6.5-pound (2.9 kg) notebook computer, the total weight of the test instrument, configured for either impact-echo testing or wave speed measurements, is about 11 pounds (4.9kg).
Power Requirements
Power for the instrument is supplied from internal, rechargeable batteries in the notebook computer and data acquisition system, or from an external source. A fully charged notebook battery typically provides 2-4 hours of operation, and spare batteries are available. The battery in the data acquisition system provides 5-6 hours of operating time when fully charged. A power-saving system automatically places the data acquisition system into a “sleep” mode if no test signals are received for 2 minutes. In this mode power consumption is reduced by more than 90%. Adapters are provided for powering the system and/or recharging the batteries from a DC source (car or truck battery) or a 110v t0 240v AC source.
Hand-Held Transducer Units
- Key Components: piezoelectric crystal in tip(s) of each unit; battery-powered preamplifiers in cylindrical and pistol grip units.
- Power Requirements: cylindrical & pistol grip: 9v battery (internal); dual-head: none (self powered).
- Controls: cylindrical and dual-head are armed when handle is depressed; pistol grip has trigger arming switch; cylindrical and pistol grip have low battery warning light.
- Cable Connections: BNC connectors for connecting to data acquisition system; cable permanently attached to pistol grip model.
Dimensions and Weights
- Cylindrical: Overall length is 11.3″ (29 cm); main cylinder is 2″ (5cm) in diameter and 6.8″ (17cm) long; handle is 1.5″ (3.8cm) in diameter and 4.5″ (11.4cm). Weight is 2.2 pounds (1 kg).
- Pistol Grip: Height 6.5″ (16.5cm); Length 8″ (20cm), Width 3″ (7.6cm). Weight 1.5 pounds (0.7kg).
- Dual-head: Height 6.5″ (16.5cm); Length 15″ (38cm), Width 3″ (7.6cm). Weight 2.3 pounds (1kg).
Analog/Digital Data Acquisition System
Fourteen-bit analog/digital converter digitizes analog voltage signal from transducer at rates up to two megasamples/sec on each of two channels, and transfers results to computer memory.
- Power Requirements: Internal, rechargeable battery (9v DC) provides 5 – 6 hours of operating time on a full charge. A power-saving system automatically places the data acquisition into a “sleep” mode if no test signals are received for 2 minutes. In this mode power consumption is reduced by more than 90%. System can be powered and/or recharged by external 9-12v DC or 110/220v AC source. Charging time is about 6 hours.
- Software: Proprietary on-board software functions only with Impact-E software for impact-echo.
- Controls: On/off switch, indicator lights.
- Cable Connections: Two BNC cable connectors for transducer units; one 9-pin serial port connector, coaxial connector for power supply. Dimensions & Weight: 10.2 x 6.2 x 1.6 inches (26 x 16 x 4 cm) and 2.2 pounds (1.0 kg).
ASTM Standard C 1383-98a
The instrument described here is capable of measuring concrete thickness according to Standard C 1383-98a, “Standard Test Method for Measuring the P-Wave Speed and the Thickness of Concrete Plates Using the Impact-Echo Method”, published by the AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM).
Recommended Computers – System Requirements
A Test System can be purchased from Impact-Echo Instruments with or without a computer. The IMPACT-E software program requires an IBM-compatible computer with a Windows 95 or later operating system, a serial port (available on most notebook computers manufactured before about 2003) or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, and English (US) as an available option for both the “Regional Setting” and the “Keyboard Language” (these settings are found in the Control Panel of Windows operating systems). If you plan to use your own computer with a different keyboard layout, we can provide a US-style keyboard at no extra cost.
The minimum recommended computer capabilities are an IBM-compatible computer with the following features:
- Computer: IBM-compatible, 486 or Pentium processor, 100 MHz or faster.
- Required Memory: 16 MB
- Required Disk Space: 6 MB
- Operating System: Windows 95 or later, with English (U.S.) as an option for the Regional Setting and Keyboard type. (“Regional Settings” and “Keyboard” are found under “Regional and Language Options” on the Windows Control Panel).
- Display: 10.3-inch or larger, 800×600 pixels or higher resolution, TFT color screen
- CD-ROM and floppy drives
- RS-232 Serial Port (9-pin connector) or USB Port
Virtually all currently available IBM-compatible notebook computers meet or exceed the requirements for use with our impact-echo test system. Suitable notebook computers are available from many companies, including IBM, HP, Dell, Gateway, Panasonic, Toshiba, and others. Some of these computers are “ruggedized”, to include shock resistant mountings for the hard drive and other critical components, waterproof keyboards, metal alloy cases, and other features.
Prices for notebook computers that meet or exceed the minimum requirements for use with an impact-echo test system start at about US$1000. Prices for “ruggedized” computers start at about US$2000. For current information, see the notebook computer manufacturers’ web sites.
The Panasonic “Toughbook” series is an example of a ruggedized computer. These computers feature full magnesium alloy cases, moisture- and dust-resistant design, shock-mounted hard drive, and wireless capability for remote operation. Of special interest is the Panasonic Toughbook 07 with Wireless Mobile Data Display (WDMD). The computer and the data acquisition system are carried in a holster (total weight about 4 lb or 2 kg), leaving the hands free to hold the transducer and impactor for impact-echo testing. The user interacts with the system through the Touchscreen on the MDWD, which includes a pop-up keyboard. The MDWD can be held by a second operator (at distances up to about 300 ft) or it can be placed in a convenient spot near a single operator. For detailed information on this Panasonic computer, see the Panasonic web site.