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Saving data on the Brovold (AFGB1) gyratory compactor can be done manually or programmed to be saved automatically.  The AFGB1 (a.k.a. GB1 or Brovold) has a few different models – each functioning a bit differently.  The information presented here is for AFGB1’s with the Beijer Exter K20M control panel (serial numbers 5706 through 5884).

The data can be saved to a USB flash drive or with a Serial Port (9-pin RS232).  Reports (wide-format view) can only be saved to a flash drive.  This can be a bit confusing so we’ve created a cheat-sheet for ‘Saving Brovold Data’.

Note – This machine has a memory capacity for 10 specimens.  What does that mean?  It means that when the 11th specimen is tested, it will overwrite the data from the first specimen (first in, first out).  The stored specimen data is continuously revolving.  This detail is important to understand.

TURNING ON ‘AUTO SAVE’ FEATURE

SAVING DATA (.DAT files) AUTOMATICALLY
To turn on ‘auto-save’ follow the instructions below.  Once auto-save is turned on, insert the flash drive before beginning asphalt compaction.  The data file (.DAT) is a two-column file, one for gyration number and the other height (format needed for uploading to mix design or DATA logger workbooks).  CAUTION – make sure the flash drive has ample capacity for saving data automatically.

1. ‘HOME’ to get to the main menu
2. ‘STOP’ – located beneath SETUP in main menu display
3. ‘Down Arrow’ to navigate to Auto Save on display (we want this ‘on’)
4. ‘ENTER’ (return arrow) toggles Auto Save on and off
5. ‘HOME’ to return to main menu

SAVING WIDE-FORMAT REPORTS (TXT files) AUTOMATICALLY
To turn on ‘auto-save’ follow the instructions below.  Once auto-save is turned on, insert the flash drive before beginning asphalt compaction.  The wide-view report is saved as a TXT file and can only be saved to a flash drive (not via the serial port).  CAUTION – make sure the flash drive has ample capacity for saving data automatically.

1. ‘HOME’ to get to the main menu
2. ‘STOP’ – located beneath SETUP in main menu display
3. ‘Down Arrow’ to navigate to Auto Print on display (we want this ‘on’)
4. ‘ENTER’ (return arrow) toggles Auto Print on and off
5. ‘HOME’ to return to main menu

SAVING DATA MANUALLY

SAVING DATA MANUALLY (.DAT files)   –   This is the format (.DAT) that is required for uploading to a mix design or DATA logger workbook.

1. ‘HOME’ – to get to main menu
2. ‘UNLOAD’ – activates the ‘test results’ display
3. ‘CAL/REVRS’ – cycles through the 10 stored data sets; each time it’s pressed, it cycles to the next data set. The most recent data set is denoted by ‘∗’ that is displayed next to the time stamp
4. ∗ If using USB flash drive, insert it now∗   Continue to next step if using a serial port connection
5. ‘UNLOAD’ – to save the data
6. ‘HOME’ – to return to the main menu

WIDE-FORMAT REPORTS (TXT files)  –  Keep in mind, wide-format reports can only be saved to a USB flash drive.  Make sure the flash drive has ample space for the information to be saved.

1. ‘HOME’ – to get to main menu
2. ‘UNLOAD’ – activates the ‘test results’ display
3. ‘CAL/REVRS’ – cycles through the 10 stored data sets; each time it’s pressed, it cycles to the next data set. The most recent data set is denoted by ‘∗’ that is displayed next to the time stamp
4. Insert flash drive to save report  –  Reports can only be saved to a flash drive
5. ‘RESET’ – to save the data
6. ‘HOME’ – to return to the main menu

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IMPORTANT!  Do not remove the USB Flash Drive from the port for at least 30 seconds after the completion of a test.  The red LED next to the USB port indicates when the flash drive can be removed.  It will be illuminated while the data is being received/processed by the internal Data Logger and will remain illuminated until the data stream stops.  Once the data file has been saved to the flash drive, the LED will turn off – indicating that it is safe to remove the Flash Drive from the compactor.

If the LED is blinking rapidly after saving data, an error has occurred.  Reset the compactor by cycling power and try saving the data to the flash drive again.  If the failure is repeated, try reformatting the USB Flash Drive as a “FAT32” drive.