ADR Digital Readout Unit

37-4855

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
ADR Digital Readout Unit
37-4855

ELE International
Chartmoor Road, Chartwell Business Park
Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4WG
England
Sales: Civil +44 (0) 870 777 7706
Sales: Environmental +44 (0) 870 777 7717
Service: +44 (0) 870 777 7727
fax: +44 (0) 1525 249249
email: ele@eleint.co.uk http://www.ele.com

Distributor:

ELE International, a division of Danaher UK Industries Ltd

ELE International
Soiltest Product Division
PO Box 389
Loveland, CO 80539
USA
phone: +1 (800) 323 1242
fax: +1 (970) 663 9781
email: soiltest@eleusa.com
http://www.eleusa.com
ELE International, a division of Danaher Corporation

In the interests of improving and updating its equipment, ELE reserves the right to alter specifications to equipment at any time
ELE International 2004

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Contents
Section

Page

Introduction

Front Panel Display and Controls

2.1
Display
2.2
Function Keys
2.3
Keypad

Electrical Connections

Turning the ADR On

4.1
Initial Display

Adjusting the LCD Contrast

Checking the ADRs Configuration

Running a Test
7.1
Setting the Pace Rate
7.2
Entering Sample Details and Reference
7.3
Starting Pacing
7.4
Pace Error Bar Display
7.5
Altering the Pace Rate while the Test is Running
7.6
Overload Conditions
7.7
Sample Failure
7.8
Printing the Test Results

User Functions
8.1
Selecting the Sample Type and Size
8.2
Changing the Measurement Mode
8.3
Setting the Mode Options
8.4
Reset Mode
8.5
Verifying the Measurements
8.6
Setting the Clock
8.7
Configuring the Serial Port
8.8
Security Code Protection

11

Viewing Recorded Test Results

18

10

Calibrating and Testing the ADR

18

11

Firmware Version

19

12

Data Retention and Backup

12.1 Test Data
12.2 Configuration Data

19

13

Error Conditions and messages

19

14

RS232 Communications Interface

14.1 Remote Commands

19

15

Plotter Interface

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Rear Panel Connections

16.1 AC Power Input
16.2 Serial Port
16.3 Analog Output
16.4 Transducer Connections

19

Appendix 1 Sample Types and Sizes

21

Appendix 2 Pace Rate Limits

26

Appendix 3 Stress Calculations

27

Appendix 4 Printout Formats

28

Appendix 5 Remote Commands

29

Declaration of Conformity

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Foreword
These instructions refer to ADR machines fitted with version 3.00.000 firmware and
above.
Screen displays and facilities may vary on versions prior to and following this version.
Please contact the ELE Service Department for information on our firmware updating
service
1

Introduction
The ADR Digital Readout Unit is a microprocessor controlled device with advanced
facilities for data capture, calculation and presentation.
The unit has two measurement modes which are configured during the system setup. For each mode the following are defined:

The transducer input channel (one or two).

The test type, compression, flexural or not defined

The frame type for the mode, e.g. 2000kN.

The measurement units, SI, metric or imperial.

The ADR retains the selected mode when it is turned off, and restores that mode
when it is turned on again.
2

Front Panel Display and Controls

All the operations of the ADR are controlled from the front panel which consists of a
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a 16 key dual function keypad.

2.1

Display
The 240 x 64 pixels LCD has a back lit easy to read character set which can be seen
under all lighting conditions.

2.2

Function keys
The 7 function keys provide access to the prime user functions.

2.3

Key

Function

Info

Displays the system configuration

View

Displays the sample records held in memory

Print

Prints out data relevant to the current operation

Menu

Provides access to the ADRs setup, calibration and test menus

Zero

Tares the load reading

Pace

Edit the current pace rate settings

Sample

Edit the current sample data

Keypad
A numeric keypad for data entry plus cursor keys for menu selection and data
options.

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Front P anel D isplay and C ontrols

O N/O FF switch

Serial no.
label

Fuse

Earth Test Point

AC Power input

View on rear

Fig 1

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3

Electrical Connections
Safety
Whilst the test is in operation do not remove any covers or attempt to adjust any part
of the machine.
Ensure all moving parts are thoroughly secured before attempting any maintenance.
Ensure all appropriate measures are taken to protect the operator from excessive
noise.
See noise certificate (when supplied).
Electrical Safety
Warning: Before removing any covers for performing maintenance repair and
service, isolate from electrical supply by removing mains plug. Where mains supply is
required during these activities, only competent persons should perform the work.
Check that the power supply is compatible with the requirements stated on the label
and connect up in accordance with IEE regulations or to local requirements.
UK Connections
This machine may be operated through a standard 13 amp socket outlet when fitted
with an appropriate 3 pin plug fused in accordance with the label.
Note: connect cable to plug as follows:
Brown wire

Live or Power

Blue wire

Neutral

Green/Yellow wire

Earth or Ground

Portable Appliance Tests (PAT)

All ELE designed products are tested for electrical safety prior to sale.
An electrical safety test label is fitted, (usually adjacent to the AC power input socket).
Should no label be found, please contact ELE Service Department quoting the serial
number of the equipment.
Organisations have an obligation to ensure equipment is maintained and is safe for
use. Regular PAT testing is one means of ensuring equipment remains electrically
safe.
Important: do not connect PAT leads to sensitive components such as PCBs,
control switches and the like.
DO NOT FLASH TEST ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT.
If in doubt as to the most suitable connection point (which will usually be an
earth stud or an external earth connection) contact the ELE Service Department
for assistance.
4

Turning the ADR On

When the ADR is turned on, the system performs some self checks and then updates
the measurement system. During this time the message
Analog Update
Please Wait
is displayed.

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4.1

Initial Display
After the system checks and updates have been completed, the screen display will be
of the form

Mode 1 Compression Pace kN/s +0,00

+0.0 kN
07/02/99

Concrete Flag

13:49:35

This is the Initial Screen display and is always shown after the system checks and
updates have been performed. Note that the ADR stores the system configuration
internally so any changes that are made are not lost when the power is removed.
Line 1 on the display shows the Operating Mode and Pace Rate.
Line 2 shows the Load.
Line 3 shows the Current Date and Time and Sample Type. The ADRs clock is
battery backed and maintains the time and date when the power is turned off.
5

Adjusting the LCD Contrast

The contrast of the display can be changed while in the Initial Screen display using
the Up or Down Arrow keys. Each press of the Up key increases the contrast, while
each press of the Down key decreases the contrast.

Checking the ADRs Configuration

Before running a test, check that the current measurement mode (as shown on the
Initial Screen display) is configured correctly by pressing the Info key. The display
will be of the form

Mode 1 Setup
Frame
2000kN
Mode
Comprsn
Units
SI
Pace Bar %
5
Failure %
10
Tare Level
40

Note: the arrow in the bottom right hand corner of the display. This indicates that
there are one or more screens following. Press the Down Arrow key to display these
screens. When there is an arrow in the top right hand corner, this indicates that there
are one or more screens preceeding. Press the Up Arrow key to display these.

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7

Running a Test
If the Initial Screen is not being displayed, press the Escape key until the display is
of the form

Mode 1 Compression Pace kN/s +0,00

+0.0 kN
07/02/99

Concrete Flag

13:49:35

Check that the sample type is correct. If not press Menu and go to the Select
Sample function in the User Functions screen and set as required. Before testing
the sample, the Pace Rate, the Sample Reference and the Sample details can be
changed, on returning to the initial screen.
7.1

Setting the Pace Rate

If the pace rate is incorrect, press the Pace key. The screen display will be of the
form
Set Pace Rate
Enter Pace and Load where pacing begins
Pace rate
6.80
Load
6.00

Highlight Pace Rate and enter the required pace rate using numeric keypad, and
press the Enter key, marked for the new value to be accepted. If required, the
load at which pacing begins can be altered. Highlight Load and use the numeric
keypad to edit the load value. Press the Escape key to return to the Initial Screen.
Note that the ADR will only accept a range of pace rates. This range depends on the
load frame being used. See Appendix 2 for the pace rate limits.
7.2

Entering Sample Details and Reference

As well as information on the sample type and size, the Sample Details screens allow
further information about the sample to be entered. Press the Sample key and the
screen display will be of the form
Edit the Sample
Type
Reference
Height
Width
Depth

Cube
123456
150.0
150.0
150.0

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The currently selected item is indicated by highlighted text. Use the Up and Down
Arrow keys to move to the item required. To return to the Initial Screen press the
Escape key. Note the down arrow in the bottom right of the screen. This indicates
that there is another screen to follow with more items. When the last item on the
screen is highlighted, pressing the Down Arrow key will cause the next screen to be
displayed. This will be of the form

Edit the Sample

Enter Weights and Density

Air
Water
Density

2345
1234
2111

Again note the up arrow in the top right of the screen. This indicates the presence of
a previous screen. Pressing the Up Arrow key when the first item on the screen is
highlighted will cause the previous screen to be displayed.
Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to move the flashing cursor from one entry to
another. When all the entries have been updated, use the Escape key to return to the
Initial Screen.
Note: the sample details can also be updated after a test has been completed.
7.2.1

Type
The sample type shown is the one selected and is for information only and cannot be
altered here. If it is wrong, it must be changed in theSelect Sample screen accessed
from the User Functions menu.

7.2.2

Reference
The sample reference can be a number up to 6 digits long. If the Automatic
Reference Increment option is set to On, the number is incremented after each test.
Enter the sample reference and press the Enter key.

7.2.3

Dimensions
If the sample dimensions required are not the standard ones chosen when selecting
the sample type and size, they can be altered here. Select the required entry field and
use the numeric keypad to enter the new dimensions. These new dimensions are
held by the ADR until a new sample type is selected. Remember to press the Enter
key for the new value to be entered. The sample dimensions are used by the ADR
when it calculates stress.
Note: the number and descriptions of the dimensions field will depend on the sample
type selected.

7.2.4

Weights
The ADR automatically calculates the density of the sample if the weight in air and
weight in water of the sample are entered here. Each time the water or air weight is
changed, it is recalculated and redisplayed.

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7.2.5

Density
As described above, the ADR automatically calculates the sample density from its air
and water weights. If required the density can be entered manually by selecting the
density entry field and using the numeric keypad to edit the value.

7.3

Starting Pacing
Once the ADR has been set up, it is ready to test a sample. While the ram is rising
and just before the sample makes contact with the platen, press the Zero key to tare
any residual load. When the load passes the pacing threshold, the bottom line of the
display will switch from displaying date and time to displaying the Pace Error Bar, and
the display will be of the form

Mode 1 Compression Pace kN/s +6.80

245.0 kN
-

The Pace Error Bar display shows the difference between the required rate and the
rate achieved by the operator. The default range of the error bar is normally 5% of
the set rate.
7.4

Pace Error Bar Display

When the ADR is loading the sample, the error display takes the form of a bar
running from the central line to either the plus or minus signs. The length and
direction of the bar is proportional to the pace error. The default range of the error bar
is normally 5% of the set rate. This can be altered in the Setup Mode function
accessed from the User Functions screen.

7.5

Altering the Pace Rate while the Test is Running

The pace rate can be changed at any time whilst the sample is being loaded. Press
the Pace key and enter the new rate. The new rate takes effect when the Escape key
is pressed to return to the test screen.

7.6

Overload Conditions
If the load reaches the frame limit before the sample fails, the message Warning
Overload will be displayed on the screen. Press the Escape key to return to the
Initial Screen. Under these conditions, sample data record is not recorded or printed.

7.7

Sample Failure
While the sample is being loaded, the ADR continually compares the current load on
the sample with the peak load seen by the sample. When the current load is below
the peak load by the percentage set when setting up the ADR (the default setting is
10%), the ADR senses this as a failure. The screen will then switch to show the
sample failure details and will be of the form

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Sample Failed
Sample Peak Load
Sample Stress
Pace Rate
Sample Density

1062
47.18
6.80
0.000

12/02/99

5:15:44

Note: the stress value is not calculated for all sample types. See Appendix 3 for the
stress calculations performed by the ADR.
To prepare the ADR for the next sample, press the Escape key to return to the Initial
Screen. At this point, if the option has been configured, the ADR will print out the test
results. Note that if necessary the sample details can be updated before the Escape
key is pressed by pressing the Sample key and editing the details as required. The
stress and density values will reflect any changes made to the samples dimensions
or air and water weights.
7.8

Printing the Test Results

The test results can be printed during the Sample Failed screen display by pressing
the Print key. If the printer is not connected or does not respond, the ADR will display
the message
Printer Error
.Retry? Yes
in a window on the screen. Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to select Yes or No and
press the Enter key. The format of the printout will depend on the sample type
selected. See Appendix 4 for printout formats.

User Functions
The User Functions provide direct access to the options which can be changed
without having to enter a security code. The functions protected by a security code
are described in the ADR Service manual. The functions are

Select Sample Type and Shape

Change Measurement Mode

Set Up

Measurement Mode

Reset Measurement Mode

Verify Measurement Mode

Set Clock

Set Communications

System Definition (Protected)

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System Calibration (Protected)

System Diagnostics (Protected)

The User Functions are accessed by pressing the Menu function key. Note that the
User Functions can only be accessed when the Initial Screen display is active and
a test is not in progress. When the Menu key has been pressed, the screen display
will be of the form
User Functions
Select Sample
Change Mode
Setup Mode
Reset Mode
Verify Mode

The currently selected item is indicated by highlighted text. Use the Up and Down
Arrow keys to move to the item required, and then press the Enter key. To return to
the Initial Screen press the Escape key. Note the down arrow in the bottom right of
the screen. This indicates that there is another screen to follow with more items.
When the last item on the screen is highlighted, pressing the Down Arrow key will
cause the next screen to be displayed. This will be of the form

User Functions

Set Clock
Set RS232
Define System
Calibrate System
Diagnostics

Again note the up arrow in the top right of the screen. This indicates the presence of
a previous screen. Pressing the Up Arrow key when the first item on the screen is
highlighted will cause the previous screen to be displayed.
8.1

Selecting the Sample Type and Size

The ADR has a large database of predefined sample types and sizes, and Appendix
1 lists those available along with their associated pace rates. If the sample under test
is not in the database, the required pace rate and sample dimensions can be entered
before the test is run.
Note: because the number of shapes and dimensions depend on the display
units selected, the display units (i.e. kN) must be selected prior to choosing the
sample type and shape.

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8.1.1

Sample Types
To choose a sample type, move the highlight to the Select Sample item using the Up
and Down Arrow keys and press the Enter key. The screen display will be of the
form shown below. When the sample type and shape have been selected, press the
Escape key to return to the User Functions menu. Note that when a sample type and
shape is selected, the correct pace rate value is automatically set.

Select Sample
Sample Type
Cube
Sample Shape
150 x 150 x 150 mm

8.1.2

Sample Type
Use the Up or Down Arrow keys to highlight Sample Type and the Left or Right
Arrow keys to select the sample type. Note that when a new sample type is selected,
the sample shape selection also changes.

8.1.3

Sample Shape
Use the Down Arrow key to highlight Sample Shape and the Left or Right Arrow
keys to select the sample shape. Note that the sample shape consists of the sample
dimensions plus, where applicable, a description of the shape.

8.2

Changing the Measurement Mode

The ADR has two measurement modes. These will normally have been configured
before despatch. If a measurement mode needs to be reconfigured, see the ADR
Service Instructions or contact your distributor. If a measurement mode has not been
configured, it is designated Not Defined. To change from mode to another, select
Change Mode from the User Functions menu one, press the Enter key. The screen
display will be of the form

Change Mode
Current
Change ?

Mode 1
No

To change the mode use the Left or Right Arrow keys to select Yes and press the
Enter key. This changes the measurement mode and returns to the User Functions
menu screen. Pressing the Escape key regardless of whether Yes or No is selected,
returns to the User Functions screen without changing the mode.
Note that the options set under the Select Sample and Setup Mode menus apply to
the currently selected measurement mode. Select the measurement mode required
before setting the options.

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8.3

Setting the Mode Options

There are several options which define how the selected measurement mode
operates. To set these, use the Up or Down Arrow keys to select the Setup Mode
function and press Enter. The screen display will be of the form

Setup Mode 1
Display
Pace Bar %
Failure %
Tare Level
Auto Print
Auto Ref

SI
10
10
2.0
Off
Off

To select any of the Setup Mode options, use the Up or Down Arrow keys to
highlight the required option. Note the flashing cursor indicating the current value for
the option. Once the options have been set, press the Escape key to return to the
Installation and Setup screen. The options are described below.
8.3.1

Display Units
The display units selected define the units in which the load is displayed, and which
units are used for pace rate, sample dimensions, sample weight and sample density.
The following table shows the available selection.

Units

Load

Pace

Dimensions

Weight

Density

SI

KN

kN/sec

mm

kg/m

Imperial

lbf

lbf/sec

ins

lb

lb/ft

Metric

kgf

kgf/sec

cm

g/cm

Use the Left or Right arrows to select the units required. When using the ADR,
remember to enter dimension and weight information in the units shown in the above
table.
8.3.2

Pace Bar (%)

When a load is being applied, the ADR displays the pace error as a percentage of the
required rate. The percentage error range displayed on the pace error bar is
controlled by this parameter. Use the numeric keypad to change the default value.
Remember to terminate the entry with the Enter key.

8.3.3

Failure Detection (%)

The ADR detects a sample failure by measuring the peak load sustained by the
sample and waiting until the load has fallen by a defined percentage of this peak load.
Use the numeric keypad to change the default value.

8.3.4

Tare Level
The tare level is the load range within which any residual load can be tared out before
a sample is tested. To prevent large loads being tared out entry is limited to 10% of
the configured frame range. Use the numeric keypad to edit the value if required.
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8.3.5

Automatic Sample Print

The ADR can be configured to automatically print out the test results at the end of
each test cycle. If this facility is required, use the Left or Right Arrow keys to select
On. Note that if the Automatic Print facility is On, the record is printed when the ADR
is switched back to the Initial Screen, prior to starting a new test. This allows the
sample data to be edited after the test has finished.

8.3.6

Automatic Reference Increment

The sample under test can be identified by a user entered reference number of up to
6 digits. This will automatically be incremented after each sample has been tested if
the option is set to On. Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to select On or Off.

8.4

Reset Mode
The Reset Mode function provides a method of resetting the current measurement
mode back to a default condition. Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select the
function and press the Enter key. The display will be of the form

Reset Mode
This will set the
Default State for
the Current Mode
Current
Change ?

Mode 1
No

To reset the default state select Yes using the Left or Right Arrow keys and press
the Enter key. Use the Escape key to exit without resetting. The parameters for the
current mode to the following defaults Sample Reference

Reset to Zero

Display Units

SI

Failure Point

Default % for Frame Type

Pace Bar Range

5%

Tare Level
Automatic Results Print

Off

Automatic Reference Increment

Off

Sample Type: 10 kN Frame

40 x 40.1 x 160 mm Beam

25 kN Frame

40 x 40.1 x 160 mm Beam

100 kN Frame

150 x 150 x 750 Beam

250 kN Frame

40 x 40 x 40 mm Cube

1000 kN Frame

150 x 150 x 150 mm Cube

1500 kN Frame

150 x 150 x 150 mm Cube

2000 kN Frame

150 x 150 x 150 mm Cube

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3000 kN Frame
Pace Rate:

8.5

150 x 150 x 150 mm Cube

10 kN Frame

0.05 kN/sec

25 kN Frame

0.05 kN/sec

100 kN Frame

0.1 kN/sec

250 kN Frame

2.4 kN/sec

1000 kN Frame

6.8 kN/sec

1500 kN Frame

6.8 kN/sec

2000 kN Frame

6.8 kN/sec

3000 kN Frame

6.8 kN/sec

Verifying the Measurements

The Verify function is used to check the ADRs calibration. Use the Up or Down
Arrow keys to select the item and press the Enter key. The display will be of the form

Press Enter to
Hold/Release Load
Units
Load
09/02/99

SI
0.0
14:15:25

Use the Left or Right Arrow keys to select which load units are going to be used
during the verification.
Place a standard load measuring device in the frame, and raise the ram slowly. Press
the Zero key to tare the load when required.
Pressing the Enter key at any time freezes the load display with the current load so
that the value may be noted and the message on the 8 th line of the display changes to

Load Reading Held

A further press of the Enter key releases the load display. While the display is frozen,
the ADR gives an audible warning as a reminder that the load display is frozen. Verify
that the system reads correctly over the calibrated range.
Press the Escape key to return to the User Functions screen.
8.6

Setting the Clock

If the time and date display in the Initial Screen is wrong, use the Up and Down
Arrow keys to select the Set Clock function and select Menu key then press the
Enter key. The display will be of the form

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Set Clock
Date
Time
09/02/99

dd.mm.yy
hh.mm.ss
15:21:27

Enter the new time and date in the format shown on the screen, using the Up and
Down Arrow keys to select the date or time entry fields. Thus to set a date of 12th
January 1996, enter 12.01.96. To set a time of 31 minutes past eight in the evening
enter 20.31.00. When the date or time is entered, the ADR checks that the entry is
valid, and then updates the clock. The new date/time is then shown on the bottom of
the display. To return to the User Functions screen, press the Escape key.
8.7

Configuring the Serial Port

The ADRs serial port can either be used to drive a printer with a serial RS232
interface, or for connection to a computer. When connected to a computer, the serial
link can be used to download test records stored in the ADRs memory. To configure
the serial port, select the Set RS232 function and press the Enter key. The screen
display will be of the form
Set Serial Port
Baud Rate
Format
Terminator

9600
8b 1s
CR-LF

Use the Up and Down Arrow keys to select the Baud Rate, Format or the
Terminator option fields, and the Left and Right Arrow keys to select the required
setting. Press the Escape key to return to the User Functions menu screen.
8.7.1

Baud Rate
The Baud Rate can be set from 110 to 9600 Baud.

8.7.2

Format
The word format can either be 8 bits, no parity and 1 stop bit (8b 1s) or 8 bits, no
parity and 2 stop bit (8b 2s).

8.7.3

Terminator
The Terminator setting defines what the ADR adds at the end of a line when sending
data to a printer. These are Carriage Return only (CR), Carriage Return followed by a
Line Feed (CR/LF), Line Feed only (LF), and Line Feed followed by a Carriage
Return (LF/CR).

8.8

Security Code Protected

Define System, Calibrate System and Diagnostics are accessed using the Security
Code as described in the Service Manual.

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9

Viewing Recorded Test Results

The ADR can store up to 200 individual test results. When the memory is full, the
oldest records are overwritten by the newest records so that the memory always
holds the latest data. The oldest record is numbered 001. The records can be viewed
or printed by pressing the View key while in the Initial Screen. The screen display
will be of the form
001 View Records
Date
Reference
Type/Mode
Units
Peak Load
Pace Rate
Stress

12/02/96
123456
Cube
SI
1857
6.80
82.52

Note: the down arrow displayed in the bottom right hand corner. This indicates that
there is another screen of data available. To access this, press the Down Arrow key.
The screen display will now be of the form

001 View Records

Height
Width
Depth
Water
Air
Density

150.0
150.0
150.0
0.000
0.000
0.000

Note: the up arrow in the top right hand corner. This indicates that there is previous
screen of data available. To access the previous screen, press the Up Arrow key.
Use the Left and Right Arrow keys to step backwards and forwards through the
records. Note that the records are numbered, and that the oldest record is always
number 001. The record number is displayed on the top line of the display. To find the
newest record, press the Sample key and to find the oldest record, press the Zero
key.
The record displayed on the screen can be printed by pressing the Print key. Press
the Escape key to return to the Initial Screen.
10

Calibrating and Testing the ADR

The ADRs Calibration and Test facilities are accessed from the User Functions
menu screen. Entry is password protected to prevent unauthorised access. For
details see the ADR Service Manual.

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11

Firmware Version
To check the ADRs firmware version, press the Info key. Using the Down Arrow
key, access the last screen to display the version number.
Press the Escape key to return to the Initial Screen.

12

Data Retention and Backup

The ADRs test data and system configuration is preserved when the power is
removed.

12.1

Test Data
The test data memory and the Real Time clock are protected by a built in nickelcadmium battery which is continually charged while the ADR is turned on. This will
preserve the contents of the memory, and maintain real time for up to 3 months when
there is no system power present. If the power has been off for a long period, it is
advisable to turn on the ADR for at least 24 hours to recharge the battery. This does
not affect the calibration and configuration data as described in the next section.

12.2

Configuration Data
All calibration and configuration data is held in non-volatile memory, and cannot be
lost under normal conditions. All changes to the configuration are stored as they are
made.

13

Error Conditions and Messages

The ADR continually checks critical performance parameters, and displays an error
message if a malfunction is detected. The fault must be corrected for operation to
continue. Call the service engineer or consult the service manual.

14

RS232 Communications Interface

The ADRs RS232 serial port can be used to output data to a serial printer, or for
communicating with a computer. When connected to a printer, connect the Clear To
Send input to the printers busy signal. Consult the printer manual for details of which
signal this is.

14.1

Remote Commands
The ADR has a set of remote commands which can be used to download test data to
a computer. See Appendix 5 for a description of these commands.

15

Plotter Interface
If the ADR is fitted with a Yt output, a plot of any test performed may be obtained. The
Yt is an analog output which is proportional to the load on the sample. The output is
scaled so that 0 to 5 volts is equal to zero load to the maximum load for the load
frame being used. Thus for a 2000 kN frame 0 to 5 volts corresponds to 0 to 2000 kN.
To obtain a plot, connect the Yt output to a plotter. A plot can only be produced while
a test is being performed (i.e. in real-time).

16

Rear Panel Connections

16.1

AC Power Input
The AC power input consists of a combined fused IEC inlet socket and switch. The
fuse is rated at 1 amp.

16.2

Serial Port
The ADR has an RS232 serial port. The output is via a standard 9 way D plug.

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Pin

Signal
-

16.3

Received Data (RxD)

Transmitted Data (TxD)

Data Terminal Ready (DTR)

Signal Ground

Ready To Send (RTS)

Clear To Send (CTS)

Analog Output
The ADR is fitted with a standard BNC socket.

16.4

Pin

Signal

Centre Pin

Signal Output

Screen

Ground

Transducer Connectors
The transducers are connected via two 5-way locking DIN connectors.
Pin

Signal

+ve Supply to transducer

-ve Supply to transucer

Signal Ground

+ve Input from transducer

-ve Input from transducer

Note: Screen to be connected to connector shell.

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Appendix 1: Sample Types and Sizes
Cubes
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

40.0 x 40.0 x 40.0

2.4

50.0 x 50.0 x 50.0

0.9

70.7 x 70.7 x 70.7

3.0

100 x 100 x 100

3.0

150 x 150 x 150

6.8

200 x 200 x 200

12.0

Imperial Standard Size (ins)

Loading Rate (lbf/sec)

1.5 x 1.5 x 1.5

540

2.0 x 2.0 x 2.0

200

3.0 x 3.0 x 3.0

675

4.0 x 4.0 x 4.0

675

6.0 x 6.0 x 6.0

1530

8.0 x 8.0 x 8.0

2700

Metric Standard Size (cm)

Loading Rate (kgf/sec)

4.00 x 4.00 x 4.00

240

5.00 x 5.00 x 5.00

90

7.07 x 7.07 x 7.07

300

10.0 x 10.0 x 10.0

300

15.0 x 15.0 x 15.0

680

20.0 x 20.0 x 20.0

1200

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Cylinders
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

100 x 50

0.5

150 x 75

1.3

200 x 100

2.4

300 x 150

5.3

320 x 160

6.0

ImperiaI Standard Size (ins)

Loading Rate (lbf/sec)

4x2

110

6x3

247

8x4

440

12 x 6

990

Metric Standard Size (cm)

Loading Rate (kgf/sec)

10 x 5

50

15 x 7.5

130

20 x 10

240

30 x 15

530

32 x 16

600

Cylinders Tensile
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

100 x 100

0.47

200 x 100

0.94

150 x 150

1.05

300 x 150

2.1

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Imperial Standard Size (ins)

Loading Rate (lbf/sec)

4x4

105

8x4

210

6x6

235

12 x 6

470

Metric Standard Size (cm)

Loading Rate (kgf/sec)

10 x 10

47

20 x 10

94

15 x 15

105

30 x 15

210

Beams
SI Standard Size

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

40 x 40.0 x 160

0.05

100 x 100 x 500

0.2

150 x 150 x 750

0.45

300 x 300 x 1500

1.8

ImperiaI Standard Size

Loading Rate (lbf/sec)

6 x 6 x 18

28.8

6 x 6 x 21

28.8

6 x 6 x 24

28.8

6 x 6 x 30

28.8

6 x 6 x 36

28.8

Metric Standard Size

Loading Rate (kgf/sec)

4.01 x 4.0 x 16

10 x 10 x 50

20

15 x 15 x 75

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Bricks
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

215 x 102.5 x 65

14.8

200 x 100 x 75

13.7

200 x 100 x 100

5.0

Blocks
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

440 x 215 x 100

3.7 (lo), 7.3 (hi)

440 x 215 x 150

5.5 (lo), 110 (hi)

440 x 215 x 200

7.3 (lo), 14.6 (hi)

Concrete Flags
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

Type A 600 x 450 x 50

0.074

Type A 600 x 450 x 63

0.074

Type B 600 x 600 x 50

0.099

Type B 600 x 600 x 63

0.099

Type C 600 x 750 x 50

0.124

Type C 600 x 750 x 63

0.124

Type D 600 x 900 x 50

0.148

Type D 600 x 900 x 63

0.148

Type E 450 x 450 x 50

0.074

Type E 450 x 450 x 70

0.074

Type F 400 x 400 x 50

0.066

Type F 400 x 400 x 65

0.066

Type G 300 x 300 x 50

0.049

Type G 300 x 300 x 60

0.049

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Concrete Kerbs
SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

Bullnosed (BN) 125 x 150

0.025

Splayed (SP) 125 x 255

0.042

Half Battered (HB1) 150 x 305

0.050

Half Battered (HB2) 125 x 255

0.042

Half Battered (HB3) 125 x 150

0.025

Transition Right (TR) 125 x 255

0.042

Transition Left (TL) 125 x 255

0.042

Dropper Right (DR1) 125 x 255

0.042

Dropper Right (DR2) 125 x 255

0.042

Dropper Left (DL1) 125 x 255

0.042

Dropper Left (DL2) 125 x 255

0.042

Concrete Channels and Edgings

SI Standard Size (mm)

Loading Rate (kN/sec)

Square Channel (CS1) 125 x 255

0.042

Square Channel (CS2) 125 x 150

0.025

Dished Channel (CD) 125 x 255

0.042

Round Top Edging (ER) 50 x 150

0.025

Round Top Edging (ER) 50 x 200

0.033

Round Top Edging (ER) 50 x 250

0.041

Flat Top Edging (EF) 50 x 150

0.025

Flat Top Edging (EF) 50 x 200

0.033

Flat Top Edging (EF) 50 x 250

0.041

Bullnosed Edging (EBN) 50 x 150

0.025

Bullnosed Edging (EBN) 50 x 200

0.033

Bullnosed Edging (EBN) 50 x 250

0.041
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Appendix 2 Pace Rate Limits
Depending on the load frame currently in use the ADR limits the range of pace rates that can
be entered. These are shown in the following table.
Load Frame

Range (kN/sec)

Range (lbf/sec)

Range (kgf/sec)

10 kN

0.04 0.06

90 140

46

25 kN

0.02 0.06

90 140

46

100 kN

0.02 5.0

10 1100

4 500

250 kN

0.04 5.0

10 1100

4 500

1000 kN

0.05 30

10 7000

5 3000

1500 kN

0.05 30

10 7000

5 3000

2000 kN

0.05 30

10 7000

5 3000

3000 kN

0.05 30

10 7000

5 3000

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Appendix 3 Stress Calculations
The ADR calculates stress as follows
Cube, Cylinder/Core, Cylinder/Tensile, Brick, Block:
Stress = Peak Load/Sample Area.
Beam The stress for all sample types except the 40 x 40.1 x 160 beam is calculated using
the following formula
Stress = (Peak Load x Roller Separation)/ (Width x Depth x Depth)
The calculation for the 40 x 40.1 x 160 beam is
Stress = (1.5 x Peak Load x Roller Separation)/(Depth x Depth x Depth)
Type R and S Blocks
Stress = (Peak Load x Correction Factor)/ Plan Area
The Correction Factor depends on the sample thickness and shape as shown in the following
table
Thickness and Shape

Correction Factor

60 mm Thick Plain

1.00

60 mm Thick Chamfered

1.06

65 mm Thick Plain

1.0

65 mm Thick Chamfered

1.06

80 mm Thick Plain

1.12

80 mm Thick Chamfered

1.18

100 mm Thick Plain

1.18

100 mm Thick Chamfered

1.24

Stress is not calculated for Flags, Kerbs and Channels.

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Appendix 4: Printout Formats
The following shows a typical printout for a cube.
Cube
Operating Mode

Mode 1 Compression

Date

12/Jan/1999

Time

10:25:33

Sample Reference

SAMPLE 1

Sample Type

Cube

Sample Units

SI

Maximum Load

954.5kN

Pace Rate

6.8kN/sec

Stress

42.41N/mm

Sample Height

150 mm

Sample Width

150 mm

Sample Depth

150 mm

Weight in Air

2000g

Weight in Water

1000g

Sample Density

1000kg/m

Comments 1

How

Comments 2

About

Comments 3

That

The exact format of the printout will depend on the sample under test.

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Appendix 5: Remote Commands
The contents of the ADRs sample data memory or current sample data can be downloaded
using the serial RS232 communications interface. All the commands are sent as a series of
ASCII characters terminated by a Carriage Return. This Appendix describes the commands
and how to use them.
Command Format
All commands sent to the ADR take the form of a keyword followed by one or more optional
parameters separated by spaces and terminated by a Carriage Return. In this manual the
keyword is shown in capitals followed by the parameter list thus
KEYWORD

<parameter 1> <parameter 2>

..<parameter n>

Data Format
All the data transmitted by the ADR in response to a command is in the form of a sequence
of ASCII characters, terminated by Carriage Return (CR) character preceded by either an
End of Text (EOT) or an End of Transmission (ETX) character. Depending on the nature of
the command received, the ADR will respond by transmitting one or more sequences of
characters. EOT/CR is used to terminate each data set except the last when ETX/CR is
used. Individual parameters in each data set are separated by a Space character.
The ADR always sends a reply to a command to acknowledge that the command has been
received and processed. The reply will consist of an error message if the command cannot
be interpreted, or the information requested by the command. Those commands which do
not return any data, such as CLEAR send back a null string terminated the by ETX/CR.
Communicating with the ADR
Once a command has been sent to the ADR, the host system must wait for a reply before
sending further commands. The ADR will not send a reply until it has processed the
command and is ready to accept a further command. This command reply sequence must
be observed at all times to ensure that no data is lost.
Initialising the ADR
The ADR has two commands for initialising the system, one for setting and checking the
ADRs internal clock, and the other for clearing the sample test data memory.
The CLEAR Command
Clears the ADRs data memory and resets the recall pointers.
Syntax
CLEAR
Parameters
None
The TIME Command
Used to set or examine the ADRs time setting.
Syntax
TIME
Parameters
None

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Returns
The current time.
Test Data Retrieval
Test data can be retrieved at any time and does not interfere with the recording process.
The RECALL Command
Used to recall data from the ADRs memory. With the parameters set to zero, the current
sample test data is returned. If sent without a parameter, one memory record is retrieved and
the ADRs internal recall pointer is automatically moved to the next record. Alternatively the
set recall point parameter can be sent.
Syntax
RECALL
Parameters
Either no parameter or a zero.
Returns
Recalls a single record. If no parameter is sent, data in memory from the current recall point
is returned and the recall pointer is incremented to the next record. If RECALL 0 is sent, the
ADR returns the test data for the current sample.
Syntax
RECALL <set recall point>
Parameters
Set Recall Point
The Recall Point sets the position of the recall pointer. When specified as date and time, it
sets the time from which the data is to be recalled. If no record has the exact time value, the
pointer is set to the nearest point available.

date and time

sets the point from which data will be recalled. If point is not found,
the next nearest point is set.

--

sets recall point to the start of the memory.

++

sets recall point to the end of the memory.

moves the recall pointer on by 1 record.

moves the recall pointer back by 1 record.

Returns
None.

30

9901X0184 Issue 4

Declaration of Conformity
Issued By:

ELE International

Date of Issue: 1 July 1999

Page 1 of 1

ELE doc ref: 9901X0184

Approved
Signatory

We, ELE International, Chartmoor Road, Chartwell Business Park, Leighton Buzzard, Beds
LU7 4WG, England, declare under sole responsibility that the following product(s) to which
this declaration relates is (are) in conformity with the provisions of:
73/23/EEC Electrical Equipment Directive implemented in the UK by S1728/1989 amended
by 93/68/EEC 1/1/1997.
Electrical Safety tested to BS EN 60204-1.
89/392/EEC, 91/368/EEC, 93/44/EEC and 93/68/EEC Machinery Directive implemented in
the UK by S13073/1992 and S12063/1994.
89/336/EEC, 91/263/EEC, 92/31/EEC (the EMC Directive) amended by 93/68/EEC and
implemented in the UK by SI/2372/1992 and SI/3080/1994.
Emissions tested to BS EN 50081-1 Domestic/Light Industrial.
Immunity tested to prEN 50082-2 Industrial.
Product Description

37-4855 series

Serial No.

ADR Digital Readout Unit

Responsible persons/approved signatory

M. Green Managing Director

BS EN ISP9001: 1994 approved

Certificate number 860461

This Declaration of Conformity complies with BS

7514 (EN 45014), General Criteria for suppliers
Declaration of Conformity

(See details on product

identification plate)

ELE International
Chartmoor Road, Chartwell
Business Park, Leighton
Buzzard, Beds, LU7 4WG
England
phone: + (0)1525 249200
fax: + (0)1525 249249
email: ele@eleint.co.uk
http://www.ele.com
ELE International, a division of
Danaher UK Industries Ltd