Specifications - Dimensions and Weights
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
 
Cylindrical
Pistol Grip
Dual-Head for Wave Speed
- 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, 800x600 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) shown below. The computer (at left in the photo below) 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.
|
Home |
About us | Products |
New Products |
Support
|
Technology |
Success Stories |
Case Studies |
Contact us |
Ask the Expert
