TRIAX 2015 WIRELESS SURFACE IMPACT

TESTER

USER’S MANUAL

REVISION 0.4 October 8, 2018

Sales and Technical Support

Alpha Automation, Inc.

127 Walters Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08638
United States of America

Paul Bamburak
(V) 609.882.0366 (E) paulb@alpha-automation.com

Training and Standards

Canadian Playground Advisory, Inc.

1097 West River Road
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5S5
Canada

Rolf Huber
(v) 416.410.7506 (F) 519-267-3802 (E) rolf@playgroundadvisory.com
 Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction 2

2.0 System Components 3

3.0 Hand Held Unit 5

4.0 “E” Missile 7

5.0 Tripod 9

6.0 “E” Missile System Use 14

7.0 Report Generation PC Application 16

Appendix A: Verification and Calibration 24

Appendix B: Triax 2015 Settings 27

Appendix C: Memory Card 28

Appendix D: “A” Missile System 29

Appendix E: Troubleshooting 34

Appendix F: Missile Specifications 35

Appendix G: Warranties 37

Certificates of Compliance 38

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Triax2015 “E” missile system is intended to be used to measure the impact
attenuation of surfaces under and around playground equipment in compliance with
worldwide standards including but not limited to:

ASTM F1292 ASTM F355 En1177 AS/NZS 4422

The Triax 2015 “A” missile system is intended to measure the impact attenuation of
artificial and natural turf playing surfaces in compliance with standards including but not
limited to:

ASTM F1936 ASTM F355

The use of Triax “E” missile system is applicable to a wide range of additional standards
including:

Wall / Feature Padding ASTM F2440

Pole Vault Landing Systems ASTM F1162
Pole Vault Box Collars ASTM F2949
Engineered Wood Fiber ASTM F2075
Outdoor Fitness Equipment ASTM F3101
Soft Contained Play ASTM F1918
Aquatic Play Equipment ASTM F2461
Loose Fill Rubber ASTM F3012
Poured in Place Surfaces ASTM F2479
Home Play Equipment ASTM F1148
Climbing Crash Pads UIAA 161
Rugby Turf Fields ASTM F3146
World Rugby Regulation 22

The use of Triax “A” missile system is applicable to a wide range of additional standards
including:

Wrestling Mats ASTM F1081

Trampoline Courts ASTM F2970
Consumer Trampolines ASTM F381

To promote effective use a Triax 2015 system must be properly configured and used by a
properly trained operator.

The designation “E” and “A” refer to the different missile shape and corresponding
support mechanism, and are described in ASTM F355. The “E” missile is hemispherical
with a weight of 10.1 pounds and is supported by an adjustable height tripod. The “A”
missile is cylindrical with a weight of 20.0 pounds and is dropped in a guide tube from a
fixed height of 24 inches. See Appendix F for more details about missile dimensions. “A”

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missile drop heights of 36” and 1 meter are also available. The missile is also commonly
called the head form.
Throughout this document and the referenced standards the terms “head form” and
“missile” will be used interchangeably.

ASTM standards are available from ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken,
PA, 19428-2959, United States 610.832.9585

2.0 SYSTEM COMPONENTS FOR TRIPOD SYSTEM

The Triax2015 “E” system consists of the Triax2015 hand held controller, a
hemispherical missile and a support tripod. Also included with the Triax 2015 “E” system
are an 8” x 8” rubber reference pad, battery charger, manual drop handle and fitted
carrying cases.

The hand held controller is powered by an internal rechargeable NiMH battery, and
records the results of drop tests. The LCD display will show the Peak G, HIC, angle of
impact and time and date, while the impact velocity and HIC Interval (Delta T) are shown
optionally. A memory card is used to store the results of up to 1000 drop tests, and allows
the user to copy the drop test results to the included proprietary application program
running on a Windows compatible platform for report generation and archival purposes.

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Internal to the head form is a tri-axial sensor (accelerometer) which produces electrical
signals proportional to the G value of the head form’s impact with the surface being
tested. Circuitry inside the head form measures these voltages, calculates Peak G, HIC,
impact angle and impact velocity and wirelessly transmits the results to the hand held for
display. Affixed to the head form is a normally on electromagnet. This magnet allows the
head form to be suspended from the lifting cable of the tripod, allowing the user to set
exact drop heights above the surface to be tested. The normally on nature of the
electromagnet requires no battery power to be used while the user prepares for the test
preventing the head form from falling unexpectedly should the batteries grow weak.

CAUTION: To prevent injury never allow any person to stand beneath the missile
when it is suspended from the tripod, nor anywhere in the possible drop path of the
missile.

The head form is powered by an internal rechargeable NiMH battery. Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH) batteries are of a lower power density than Lithium Ion batteries thus
allowing the Triax system components to be transported by aircraft if required. Typical
battery life on a full charge exceeds two months of substantial daily use.

The Tripod is used to support the E missile and provide a repeatable drop height and drop
location. A steel cable is used to support a steel block to which the E missile’s
electromagnet is attached. The height of the missile above the surface can be adjusted by
lowering or raising the steel block by adjusting the position of the steel lifting cable.

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3.0 HAND HELD UNIT

The hand held unit is shown in Photo 1. The main parts of the hand held are the eight key
membrane keypad, the liquid crystal display (LCD), the lower cover and the memory
card.

Photo 1 - Triax2015 Hand Held with lower cover opened showing

memory card and battery charger connection

3.1 Key Switch Functions

1. ON - Used to turn unit on. Press and hold this key until the display becomes readable.
The missile is independently turned on by pressing the red button on the missile.

2. OFF - Press momentarily to turn unit off. The Triax2015 will automatically turn off
after three minutes if no keys are pressed. Turning the hand held off will turn off the
missile as well.

3. ENTER - Press this key to view the G versus time graph of the currently selected drop.

4. START - Press this key to start a drop test.

5. YES - This key has a different function depending on the current menu display of the
Triax2015. From the drop test data display, pressing and holding this key will show the
LCD contrast display menu. Other available functions will be noted in text messages at
the bottom of the display when in the respective menus are displayed.

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6. NO - Functions similar to YES key, except gives alternate choice to an operational
question. Pressing and holding this key for approximately three seconds allows the user
to enter the clock, folder and configuration menus.

7. LAST – Allows the user to step through the drop test results, in descending order.
Using the Memory Card the Triax can record up to 100 drop test in each of 10 folders for
a total of 1000 drop tests (root directory plus 9 folders.) Drops are labeled 1 through 100
and only the drop tests stored in the currently selected folder are available for display (see
Appendix C for information on changing folders). Each time the drop number is changed
any test data available for the drop will be displayed. If no test data is available (no drop
has been recorded at the respective drop number) the PEAK, HIC and ANGLE data will
be shown as dashes.

Holding the LAST key will cause the Triax2015 to step through the drop test results at a
rate of about 1 drop per second. If while the LAST key is held the ENTER key is pressed
the drop number will change by ten. This allows the user to quickly scan through the
available 100 drops.

8. NEXT - Similar to the LAST key, except that the drop tests will be stepped through in
ascending order.

3.2 Hand Held to Missile Communications

The Triax2015 uses wireless communication between the hand held and missile. As
shipped from the factory each hand held is paired with a unique missile. A Triax 2015
hand held can be factory set to pair with both an “E” (hemispherical) and an “A”
(cylindrical) missile. (See section B.3 for details on selecting operation with an “E” or
“A” missile.) Multiple Triax 2015 systems operating in close proximity will not interfere
which other.

The range of the Triax 2015 wireless communications is about 20 feet. Should the user
try operation beyond this distance the communications between the missile and hand held
will cease and the system will appear to be non-operational. Moving back into range will
allow communications to resume after an approximately 30 second delay.

Some wireless devices such as laptops and tablets might show the Triax system in their
respective discovery modes. The Triax 2015 system does not support apps or
communications with devices other than the missile and hand held, and any attempt to
pair other devices could disrupt the factory pairing resulting in an inoperable system.

3.3 Lower Cover

Removing the lower cover of the hand held controller exposes the battery charger
connection. Also located under the lower cover is the memory card used for storing drop
test results. To remove the memory card press gently inward until a click is heard and
then release. The memory card will spring outward and can then be removed.

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3.4 Batteries and Charger

The Triax2015 hand held and missiles each make use of permanent internal rechargeable
nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. Each Triax 2015 system is supplied with a battery
charger with technology matched to the NiMH batteries used. The batteries in both the
hand held and missile requiring charging independently.

WARNING: DO NOT USE A BATTERY CHARGER OTHER THAN SUPPLIED

WITH THE TRIAX 2015 SYSTEM. USING A BATTERY CHARGER OTHER
THAN THE ONE SUPPLIED WITH THE TRIAX 2015 SYSTEM COULD
RESULT IN BATTERY DAMAGE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FIRE AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO USE THE TRIAX 2015 WITH THE CHARGER

CONNECTED!

To charge either the head form or hand held plug the charger into the charger receptacle
and plug the charger in AC mains power. The charger runs on either 110VAC or
220VAC power without adjustment or additional power converters. Initially a small LED
on the charger will be green and then switch to red when the charging begins. Depending
on the level of charge left in the battery up to six hours might be required for a full
charge. When fully charged the LED will turn green. Note that the charger is protected
from overcharging the battery and may be left connected after the LED turns green.

If the charger is unplugged and immediately plugged back in, the LED will once again go
from green to red. After a few minutes the LED will return to green.

4.0 Missile

Photo 2 shows the “E” missile. The missile is machined of solid aluminum and designed
and tested to be in conformance with applicable standards. The “E” missile is
hemispherical with a weight of 10.1 pounds and diameter of 6.30 inches. The normally
on electromagnet is mounted to the top of the head form connects to the steel lifting block
of the tripod. The head form also has a battery charger connection, and uses the same
charger as the hand held. The red push button turns the head form on, and a red LED
blinks to show the head form is operating.

The face of the magnet which contacts the steel lifting block should be kept free of rust,
nicks and scratches. Also be sure to remove any debris which might become stuck to the
electromagnet during storage or use. For the magnet to have full holding force and not
inappropriately release (allowing the head form to fall) the face of the magnet and the
steel block must form a perfect connection with no gaps. If the face of the magnet should
become rusted use only Scotch-bright type scouring pads to clean. Using sand paper or
other course materials may cause deep scratches which will affect the holding power of
the magnet.

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CAUTION: To prevent injury never allow any person to stand beneath the missile
when it is suspended from the tripod, nor anywhere in the possible drop path of the
missile.

NOTICE: The electronics inside the Triax 2015 missiles are sensitive to damage by
water intrusion into the missile. To prevent damage to the Triax 2015 missiles they
should not be used in rain or snow. The Triax 2015 missiles should also be stored in
dry locations such as a heated office. Storage of the Triax 2015 missiles in damp
locations such as basements and cellars must be avoided. Avoid any other storage
location such as vehicles in cold climates which could promote condensation on the
metal surfaces of the Triax 2015 missiles.

Photo 2 – E Missile

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5.0 Tripod

The Triax2015 Tripod is shown in Photo 3. In addition to the three leg section attached to
the top of the tripod, nine snap together sections of legs are provided with the Tripod to
allow a maximum drop height of up to approximately 12 feet (drop height is measured
from the bottom of the missile to the top of the surface to be tested.)

Photo 3 - Tripod with Head Form and Reference Pad

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CAUTION! Erecting the tripod can be a hazard due to tipping.

To erect the tripod, two persons are recommended. Use of proper head protection is also
suggested, as the operating height of the tripod will, in most cases, be above the head of
the operators exposing them to the hazard of being struck by either the head form or the
tripod. While erecting the tripod hold or otherwise restrain the steel lifting block to
prevent it from swinging into and hurting any nearby persons.

5.1 Tripod Legs

The leg sections are connected by interlocking connectors as shown in photo 5. Before
connecting the tripod leg sections ensure that the connector mating surfaces are free from
sand or other debris. The connectors are precision fitted and any foreign object on the
connectors could prevent them from properly connecting. To start the coupling, align an
“A” leg section (with spring button) and a “B” leg section (without spring button.) Press
the spring button down to allow the “A” section to begin to slide into the “B” section. As
the button enters the “B” section release finger pressure on the button and slide the “B”
section fully into the “A” section. After the sections are fully connected rotate either
section until the spring button pops into the hole in the “B” section, locking the legs
together.

Photo 4 – Tripod Leg Connector

WARNING: Make sure that the spring button pin fully extends after the leg
sections are coupled as shown in photo 5A. Failure to do so could allow the leg
section to unexpectedly disengage, causing the tripod to fall and possible strike and
injure anyone nearby.

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 Photo 5A – Properly connected leg section with pin fully extended

Photo 5B – INCORRECT connection – pin not fully extended

Three of the nine leg sections feature a rounded end. These must always be installed as
the lowest leg sections when the Tripod is erected.

Whenever connecting leg sections the Tripod must first be laid on a horizontal surface.
After the desired number of leg sections is connected carefully stand the Tripod up while
simultaneously spreading the legs out for stability.

WARNING: Always use the same number of legs sections on each of the three legs.

5.2 Lifting Cable and Locking Device

For fine adjustment of drop height, a flexible steel cable is used to raise and lower the
steel lifting block. To prevent the cable position from changing the supplied locking
device is attached to the leg section adjacent to the location where the cable exits the
tripod head.

The factory installed steel cable is routed from the head of the tripod, along one of the
legs and into a hole in the top of the locking device. The cable then passes through the

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locking device and out the bottom. To adjust the height of the head form, pull down on
the part of the steel cable below the locking device. Next, slowly lift the red handle on the
locking device to free the cable. When at the proper height, press down firmly on the red
handle to lock the cable.

For additional drop height control, the position of the locking device on the leg section
can be adjusted by loosening the wing head screw on the back of the assembly and
sliding the assembly as required. Tighten the screw when complete.

In typical use, the missile will be removed from the lifting block and the lifting block
lowered to a convenient height. The missile will be attached to the lifting block and all
persons moved to a location safe from the fall path of the missile. While gripping the lift
cable with a gloved hand, the locking handle is raised allowing the lifting cable to be
pulled, raising the missile to the desired fall height. The locking handle is pressed down
gripping the lifting cable and maintaining the height of the missile. Standing to the side
the surveyor’s rod (supplied with every Triax 2015 E missile system) is used to verify the
height of the missile. Fine height adjust can be made by holding the locking device while
loosening the lock screw. The locking device can then be slid up or down along the leg to
adjust the missile height and the locking screw tightened.

WARNING: When the red locking handle is raised or the screw holding the locking
device are loosened the weight of the steel lifting block will cause the lifting cable to
slide through the locking devices, or the locking device to slide upward on the leg.
The user must firmly hold onto the cable, preferably with a gloved hand, before
lifting the red handle or loosening the locking device screws. If the steel lifting block
is allowed to fall uncontrolled the sliding of the steel cable through the user’s
unprotected hands could cause serious injury to the user.

Never allow anyone to stand under the tripod as the falling of the steel lifting block
or the head form could cause serious personal injury.

THE HEAD FORM CAN ALSO BE UNEXPECTEDLY RELEASED FROM THE

MAGNET DUE TO SHARP JOLTS DURING ADJUSTMENT.

5.3 Steel Lifting Block and Leg Clamp

At the end of the steel cable is the steel lifting block. This block gives the head form
electromagnet a surface to grip to before being released. As with the electromagnet the
mating surface of the lifting block must be kept free of rust and scratches.

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5.4 Manual Drop Handle

Preliminary testing without setup of the tripod can be conducted using the optional hand
held drop handle. The use of the drop handle is shown in photo 6. When using the handle
leave the release mechanism set to magnet (see Appendix B.3)

Photo 6 – Hand Held Drop Handle

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6.0 E Missile System Use

6.1 Performing Drop Tests

Refer to applicable standards to determine which locations and from which heights a drop
test is to be performed. Following the information in section 3.2 erect the tripod so that
the head form will be suspended above the desired test location.

To perform a drop test:

6.1.1. Turn the hand held unit on by pressing and holding the ON key until the display
comes on. Press the red push button on the top of the head form. The red LED will
initially be on for 1 second and then flash briefly every two seconds.

6.1. 2. Select or confirm in which folder and drop number the drop test results will be
recorded (see section C.2 - Selecting Memory Card Folder)

6.1.3 Mate the electromagnet of the head form to the steel lifting block.

6.1.4 Confirm the distance from the bottom of the missile to the surface using an
appropriate measuring device.

6.1.5 Press the START key. A message will appear on the display indicating that the
Triax 2015 is being prepared for the drop test. The first time the Triax 2015 is turned on
after being turned off (or automatically turning itself off) approximately 12 seconds will
be required for the Triax 2015 to become ready and display “READY FOR TEST”.
Approximately 5 seconds will be required to reach the ready condition on subsequent
test.

If the hand held has not yet established communications with the head form pressing
START will show “PLEASE WAIT CONNECTING.” As soon as connection has been
established the hand held will display the battery charge (in percent of full charge) of the
hand held and head form batteries. Note that a few seconds may be required for the
charge display to stabilize. The battery charge will only be displayed before the first drop
every time the system is turned on. To continue press any key, or wait 5 seconds for the
display to advance automatically to normal operation.

To release the missile, press the YES key to immediately release the head form.
Immediately after impact the Peak G, HIC, angle and impact velocity will be displayed.
PLEASE WAIT will briefly appear at the bottom of the display while the impact
waveform data is saved to the memory card.

WARNING: Depending on the surface being tested, slope of the surface and any
surrounding structures, the missile might rebound off the surface in an

14
unpredictable direction. Care must be taken to avoid injury from being struck by
the rebounding missile.

The user may optionally configure the Triax 2015 to display the HIC interval which the
Triax 2015 display calls “Delta” Delta refers to the difference in milliseconds (or delta)
between the t1 and t2 integration limits of the HIC interval.

NOTE: At any time while the Triax2015 is preparing for a drop test, the test can be
canceled by pressing the NO key. The test will be canceled without changing any test
results previously saved in the Triax2015 memory.

6.2 Daily System Verification

Before performing drop tests the Triax2015 must be tested to ensure that the system is
functioning properly, as required by the applicable specifications. This test is performed
by dropping the missile on a reference pad, which was supplied with the system.
Appendix A details the procedure for this test. The test should be performed on a daily
basis before starting surface tests. Not performing the prior to use test could render field
data invalid if the subsequent verification test shows a non-compliance issue.

NOTE: Most standards require the verification procedure to be performed within 24

hours of performing surface testing. Refer to the applicable standards for exact
requirements.

6.3 Inspection of test result

Before continuing with the next drop test, the operator should briefly review the current
test to detect any obvious problems with the data.

6.4 Verify impact velocity

Compare the impact velocity as calculated to the theoretical velocity for the respective
drop height. If impact velocity is not within limits, repeat the drop test.

The theoretical velocity may be calculated from the measured drop height:

Using Imperial units:

Velocity = 8.025 * square root (drop height)

Where the velocity is in feet per second (ft/sec) and the drop height is in feet

Using Metric units:

Velocity = 44.27 * square root (drop height)

Where velocity is in centimeters per second (cm/sec) and drop height is in centimeters

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7.0 Report Generation Application

The Triax2015 system is supplied with a Windows compatible reporting application. This
application can be used to upload drop test results and impact wave forms to a personal
computer. The application allows the operator to generate reports of the drop test in both
table and graph formats, and to enter comments describing the drop tests. The drop tests
can also be saved to the computer’s file system, allowing archival storage of test results.

7.1 Installation

The application is provided in the USERDOCS folder located on the Memory Card
supplied with the Triax 2015. It is suggested that this folder be copied to the user’s PC,
and an archival copy also be created.

Install the Triax2015 host application on a Windows compatible platform by running the
SETUP.EXE program supplied in the \USERDOCS\HOST folder. The setup program
will ask questions to properly install the software. If the setup program indicates that a
file on the computer is newer than a file about to be installed by setup, click the setup
option to keep the existing file on the computer.

The application program is provided as part of the Triax 2015 system and may be
installed on as many computers as the operator desires.

7.1 Installation Error Messages

NOTE: When installing the software on some computers several warning and error
messages may appear. The first error message will warn the user that a file about to be
copied is older than the file existing on the computer. Select the option to keep the
existing file. Next, an error message may appear indicating an error has occurred and will
prompt for Cancel, Retry or Ignore. Select the Ignore option and when prompted if you
are sure you want to ignore this error select YES. For each of the next errors select the
Ignore option. Despite these error messages the software will install correctly.

7.2 Uploading Test Results

All drop test results are stored on the Triax 2015 memory card, in one of ten available
folders (root plus 9 folders.) To start remove the Memory Card from the Triax 2015 and
insert it into a memory card reader connected to the PC. Note that as some computer’s
feature internal card readers one is not included with the Triax 2015 system. To use a
computer not equipped with a card reader many low cost (less than US$20) models are
available from local computer stores.

Before starting the Triax 2015 application insert the memory card in the computer’s
memory card reader. Start the Triax2015 application and select the Memory Card top

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menu option, and then click Select Drops for Upload. A box will appear allowing the
selection of which drops to upload. If it is unknown which drop numbers have been data
select all 100 drops. The application will attempt to load all 100 drops but will ignore
drops for which there is no data.

Before clicking Upload, ensure that the location of the memory card and folder shown in
the Memory Card Path box is correct. If not correct, click the Browse button and select
the correct folder.

Tip: To select a group of consecutive drops, click the first desired drop and then hold the
shift key while clicking the last desired drop. All drops between the specified first and
last will be selected.

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Each drop test is stored on the memory card in a proprietary file format. The file name for
a drop test is DRPxxx.DRP where xxx will be replaced with the number of the drop (001
to 100.) After drop tests have been uploaded and saved on the PC, Windows Explorer
may be used to delete the .DRP file so as to prevent confusion for the user during
subsequent testing. The .DRP files do not need to be erased as the Triax 2015 hand held
controller will overwrite old drop test files with new drop test files.

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7.3 Adding individual comments to each drop

The report application allows comments to be added for each drop. Typical uses for
comments would be to indicate the location on the surface the drop test was made or any
observation particular to the specific drop. To add or edit a comment, click once on the
desired drop and then hit the ENTER key. A text box will appear allowing the adding of a
new comment or editing of an existing comment for the selected drop. Press the ENTER
key when complete.

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7.4 Adding a report comment

To add or edit a single comment to summarize all the drops within a report, double click
on the text box immediately below the menu bar. A text box will appear allowing the
adding of a new report comment or editing of an existing report comment. Press the
ENTER key when complete.

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7.5 Viewing Impact Waveforms (Graphs)

To view the impact waveform, double click on the desired drop test.

7.6 Archiving Data

To archive test data, select Save to Data File under the File menu option. A text box will
appear prompting for a file name to which all drop tests currently displayed will be saved
as a single file. The files are saved in a proprietary format, with a file extension of .TRW

7.7 Retrieving Archived Data

To retrieve test data, select Load Data File under the File menu option. A text box will
appear prompting for a file name from which all drop tests will be retrieved.

7.8 Options Menu

Several options are available under the Option menu item. This menu item is used to
select which Windows system printer is used to print reports, the units of drop height or
impact velocity to display, an optional title which will appear on printed reports and
whether the HIC Interval will be displayed on reports.

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NOTE: The HIC Interval is a mathematically sophisticated technical detail regarding how
the HIC was calculated for a given drop. Some new standards are using the HIC Interval
as an added pass / fail criteria but it has not yet found wide use. Most users will want to
leave the HIC Interval setting left to HIDE to prevent confusion.

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7.9 Calculation of Critical Fall Height – EN1177 Method

For critical fall height (CFH) calculation as per EN1177 four drop tests must be
performed, changing the drop height to result in increasing HIC values. The first two
drop tests must result in HIC values below 1000 while the second two result in HIC
values greater than 1000. The drops are uploaded as described in section 7.2, and selected
by clicking on each of the four drops while holding the CTRL key.

From the Report drop down menu click Calculate Critical Height to view and print the
CFH graph

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 APPENDIX A

TRIAX 2015 VERIFICATION PROCEDURE AND CALIBRATION

A.1 Why use a reference pad?

The measurements made by the Triax2015 are not easy to duplicate using other test
equipment. As such there must be a means for a user to ensure that the instrument is
working properly between factory calibrations. When a Triax 2015 is manufactured and
tested at the factory and is in a known good condition, a series of drop tests are performed
on a 8 inch (203 mm) square reference pad. The pad is then supplied with the respective
Triax 2015 system and whenever the pad is retested by the user the results should agree,
within an established tolerance, with results originally obtained at the factory.

A.2 Establishing Initial Reference Pad Values

Subsurface conditions (i.e. the hardness and thickness of concrete) will affect the
reference pad values and yield different values than the factory values. To fully utilize the
reference pad, initial reference pad values for a particular subsurface must be obtained.

There are no user accessible means of performing calibration adjustments.

NOTE: The reference pad must be stored at normal room temperature and humidity
conditions in order to provide reliable results. After transport or storage involved
extended temperature or humidity allow the pad to acclimate to normal room condition
for at least 12 hours.

A.2.1 Place reference pad on a bare concrete surface (no carpet or tile, painted is fine)

A.2.2 For a Triax 2015 E missile erect the tripod and position the missile that the bottom
of the missile is 36” +/- ¼” (915mm +/- 5mm) above the surface of the reference mat.

For a Triax 2015 “A” missile system the drop height is 24” +/- ¼”, and is measured from
the surface to the center of the release knob.

A.2.3 Perform three drop tests, waiting 1.5 minutes ±30 seconds between drops,
averaging the Peak G and HIC results of the second and third drops. This average Peak G
and HIC are the Initial Reference Pad Averages and should be recorded on the Reference
Pad Data Record for future use. The measured Peak G should agree within +/-10% of the
average of the Peak G of drops 8 and 9 on the factory calibration report, ensuring that the
system was not damaged during shipment or storage. The +/-10% window compensates
for differences in the concrete floor between the factory and the user’s locations.

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If the Initial Reference Pad Averages are not within the specified range contact technical
support before proceeding.

A.3 Daily Verification

Before subsequent use the of the Triax 2015 system the reference pad procedure (three
drops at specified height) is to be repeated. The average of the second and third drop
must be within +/-5% of the Initial Reference Pad Averages.

If the Initial Reference Pad Averages are not within the specified range contact technical
support before proceeding. When performing the reference pad procedure on surfaces
other than that which was used to establish the Initial Reference Pad Averages variation
greater than +/-5% may be observed. If in doubt contact technical support before
proceeding.

NOTES:

1. Reference pad values should be recorded and be included in every test report.

2. There are no user accessible means of performing calibration or adjustments.

A.4 Calibration

All electronic measuring instruments require initial and periodic calibration. Many
instrument manufacturers recommend a calibration interval of one year. Due to the use of
the reference pad procedure to verify instrument operation between factory calibration
the Triax 2015 calibration interval is extended to two years. Users may elect to calibrate
their instruments on the tradition one year (or shorter) interval as may be required by
their respective quality or other policies.

A.5 Reference Pad Recording

The following page can be printed and used for recording reference pad results.

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 REFERENCE PAD DATA RECORD

TRIAX 2015 Hand Held Computer Serial Number: _________________

TRIAX 2015 Head Form Serial Number: _________________
TRIAX 2015 Reference Pad Number: _________________
TRIAX 2015 Tripod Serial Number: _________________

Date Peak G HIC Temp Comments

Initial User Reference Pad Averages

26
 APPENDIX B

TRIAX2015 SETTINGS

B.1 TIME AND DATE

To access the time and date menu, turn the Triax 2015 on and hold the NO key for
several seconds until the SET DATE AND TIME menu appears. Follow the instructions
on the menu to set the current date and time. Note that for 24 hour time format use the
ML (military time) setting instead of AM or PM. The date is in the format of MM-DD-
YY.

After setting time and date and pressing START the DROP INTERVAL TIMER menu
will appear. Enabling the drop interval timer will display the seconds that have elapsed
since the last drop was performed allowing the operator to easily time the interval
between drops as required by applicable standards. When the operator first turns on the
Triax 2015 and presses START the drop interval timer will not appear. After a drop is
completed and START is pressed to begin the next test the drop interval timer will
appear. After the desired number of seconds have elapsed the operator presses the
START key again to proceed with the drop test.

B.2 DISPLAY CONTRAST

The contrast of the display can be adjusted to suit ambient lighting conditions. To enter
contrast adjust mode, turn Triax2015 hand held unit ON. Press and hold YES for three
seconds until the DISPLAY CONTRAST menu appears. Follow the instructions on the
menu to adjust the display contrast.

B.3 CONFIGURATION

To change the height or velocity units, release mechanism, HIC interval display or back
light operation the configuration menu is used. To access the configuration menu turn the
Triax 2015 on and hold the NO key until the SET DATE AND TIME menu appears.
Release the NO key and press the YES key to access the CONFIGURATION menu.

Use the ENTER key to step between menu items, and the LAST and NEXT key to select
between possible choices. The RELEASE setting should be left as MAGNET when using
the E missile and set to TUBE when using the A missile.

The display of the HIC interval can be selected using the DELTA setting.

The operation of the display back light may be set to OFF, ON or TIMED. In OFF the
display back light will not be used. Battery life will be increased but display readability
will be severely diminished. If set to ON, the back light will be on whenever the Triax
2015 is on. If set to TIMED the back light will remain on for 30 seconds after any key is
pressed. The TIMED selection is the default setting and provides a good compromise
between battery life and display readability.
27
 APPENDIX C MEMORY CARD

The Triax 2015 stores drop test results on standard Memory Cards, one of which is
included with each new Triax 2015 hand held controller. Several manufacturers offer
Memory Cards of varying sizes and the Triax 2015 can be used with any of there.

The Triax 2015 operation of the Memory Card is identical to the operation of the PC file
system. Files and folders can be copied, deleted and created using standard PC
applications such as Windows Explorer.

The Triax 2015 allows the user to store drop results in one of ten folders on memory card.
When a new memory card without any folders is installed in the Triax 2015 drop test
results will be stored in the ROOT folder (the folder is not actually called ROOT. If the
memory card were installed in a PC and was called drive E: the ROOT folder would be
“E:\”)

C.1 Creating Folders on the Memory Card

Using Windows Explorer the user can create up to nine more folders on the memory card
for storing drop test results. Folder names must be from 1 to 8 characters long and
contain only upper case alpha (A – Z) and numeric (0 – 9) characters and should not have
spaces (i.e. FOLDER1). Sub folders are not supported by the Triax 2015 file system.

C.2 Selecting Memory Card Folder

To select a folder into which to store drop test results, turn on the Triax 2015 and press
and hold the NO key until the SET DATE AND TIME menu appears. Continue to hold
the NO key for an additional two seconds until the CURRENT DATA FOLDER menu
appears. The currently selected folder will be displayed, and the user can use the NEXT
and LAST keys to step through the available folders. When the desired folder is selected
press the ENTER key.

If the current folder is deleted (using a PC) upon turning the Triax 2015 on the user will
be prompted to select a new folder. If a new folder is not selected the default ROOT
folder will be used for drop test data.

If the memory card is not inserted into the Triax 2015, or the card is write locked, the
user will be warned that no drop test data will be saved. Drop tests can still be performed
and the results manually recorded by the user. In addition the Triax 2015 will not allow
the user to access any drop other than drop 1.

With 100 drops in each of ten folders and memory card will hold a total of 1000 drops,
requiring approximately 2.5 megabytes of storage. Although not recommended, the
remainder of the memory card can be used for storing other user data without hindering
operation of the Triax 2015.

28
 APPENDIX D

Triax 2015 “A” MISSILE SYSTEM

D.1 General

The Triax 2015 may be configured for testing of playing field surfaces to ASTM
specifications F355 and F1936 using the “A” missile system. The A missile is a stainless
steel cylinder, 5.0” in diameter with weight of 20 pounds.

NOTE: The “A” missile system may also be configured with guide tube offering a 36
inch or 39.4 inch (1 meter) drop height for testing wrestling mats (ASTM F1081) and
trampoline components (ASTM F381, F2970,) respectively.

D.2 Guide Tube

The guide tube is designed to automatically set the 24 inch drop height as required by
ASTM F1936 for testing of playing fields. Before use the aluminum base plate must be
attached to the bottom of the guide tube. Place the guide tube on a firm level surface with
the plate support ring facing up. Place the two halves of the base plate on the support ring
aligning the holes in the base plate with the four steel pins. The base plate halves might
need to be rotated for proper alignment. The base plates should be installed so that the
recesses for the mounting screws are facing upward allowing the screws to be flush when
installed.

Photo D.1 – Attaching base plate

29
NOTE: When using “A” missile guide tubes of 36 inch or 39.4 inch drop heights use the
specific height in place of the nominal 24 inch height.

Photo D.2 – Base plate attached and ready for use

30
D.3 TRIAX 2015 “A” MISSILE

Photo D.3 – “A” Missile

The top of the “A” missile has the battery charger connection, red push button and red
LED activity indicator.

The A missile uses the same NiMH battery technology as the Triax 2015 hand held, and
the specially matched battery charger supplied with the Triax 2015 system must be used.
The red push button turns the head form on, and a red LED blinks to show the head form
is operating.

On the side of the cylindrical body of the A missile is a sensor used in the calculation of
the impact velocity. For proper operation of the A missile system this sensor must be
aligned with the trigger block mounted just above the black release knob on the guide
tube. When the A missile is first turned on the red LED will flash briefly once every two
seconds. When the A missile is placed in the guide tube and rotated so that the sensor and
trigger are aligned the red LED will turn to constant ON indictating the sensor is properly

31
aligned for use. To save battery power the drop test must be performed within 15 seconds
before the LED resets to the blinking condition. The test can be restarted by rotating the
sensor away from the trigger block and then back into place.

Photo D.4 - Trigger block located above release knob

D.4 Hand Held Setup

Referring to section B.3 CONFIGURATION of the Triax 2015 user manual, set the
RELEASE to TUBE.

D.5 Performing a Drop Test

1. Using the handle, place the head form in the top of the tube. It will be prevented from
falling by a metal pin protruding into the tube about 4" down from the top.

2. Press the Triax 2015 ON key, and press the red push button on the head form.

32
3. Select the desired drop number and press the START key.

4. The display show will show a message prompting the user to align the head form
velocity sensor with the trigger block until the red LED is on continuously.

5. The display will prompt the user to pull the release knob, allowing the head form to
fall and impact the test surface.

6. Upon impact the test results will be displayed.

WARNING – BEFORE PULLING THE RELEASE KNOB LOOK TO ENSURE

THAT FEET ARE NOT BELOW THE OPENING OF THE TUBE. THE WEIGHT
OF THE FALLING MISSILE WILL CAUSE SEVERE INJURY!

7. Reach into the tube and grab the missile handle. Return the missile to the start position
by pulling out the black knob and lifting the missile out of the tube.

8. Refer to the appropriate testing specification to determine the procedure for

accumulating test data and averaging test results.

D.5 Transporting Guide Tube and “A” Missile

To make transporting the system between test sites the “A” missile can be restrained in
the guide tube using the supplied locking pin. To use the locking pin place the “A”
missile at the bottom of the guide tube. Rotate the “A” missile until its cross drilled hole
is aligned with the cross drilled hole at the bottom of the guide tube. Press the button on
the end of the lock pin and insert the lock pin through the tube and missile until it
protrudes from the opposite side of the guide tube.

Photo D.5 – Lock pin inserted

33
Photo D.6 Highly trained professional carrying “A” missile system between test
locations on a typical test site.

34
 APPENDIX E

TROUBLESHOOTING

E.1 Batteries

The Triax 2015 hand held and missiles are powered by permanent internal NiMH
batteries. Should the batteries become too weak for proper system operation the operator
will be alerted by a message on the hand held display. To charge the batteries plug the
charger supplied with the Triax 2015 system into the charger connector of the component
to be charged and plug the charger into an AC outlet. While charging a red LED on the
charger will be on. When the battery is fully charged this indicator will become green. A
full charge requires approximately 60 minutes.

WARNING: DO NOT USE A BATTERY CHARGER OTHER THAN SUPPLIED

WITH THE TRIAX 2015 SYSTEM. USING A BATTERY CHARGER OTHER
THAN THE ONE SUPPLIED WITH THE TRIAX 2015 SYSTEM COULD
RESULT IN BATTERY DAMAGE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN FIRE AND
PROPERTY DAMAGE.

E.2 Sensor Error

The sensor (accelerometer) in the head form is sensitive to moisture, such as might be
experience from condensation on the head form. Care should be taken to prevent
condensation from forming on the head form, such as not storing the system in an
unheated space or in the cargo area of a car or truck.

A sensor which has been affected by moisture will cause the SENSOR ERROR message
to be displayed. In this case the head form should be removed to a warm area and allowed
to dry for 3 to 4 days. Consult the factory for techniques to speed this process.

E.3 Memory Card Error – UNABLE TO SAVE DROP

The Triax 2015 internal clock which is used to time stamp the drop data files on the
memory card has an incorrect setting. To clear this problem follow the instructions in
section B.1 to reset the clock.

E.4 Memory Card Folder Names

When viewing the memory card files the names of the folders might appear incorrect,
typically containing a percent sign (%) when not expected. The memory card folder
names are limited and may only be eight characters long and contain only upper case
letters (A – Z) and numbers (0 – 9.) Spaces, punctuation, underscores and other special
characters are not allowed.

35
 APPENDIX F

TRIAX 2015 MISSILE DIMENSIONS

F.1 “E” Missile

Weight 10.1 pounds, +/- 0.05 pounds

4.60 kg, +/- 0.02 kg

Shape Hemisphere

Diameter 6.30 inches, +/- 0.10 inches

160 mm, +/- 2 mm

Material 6061-T6 aluminum, solid billet

F.2 “A” Missile

Weight 20.0 pounds, +/- 0.11 pounds

9.10 kg, +/- 0.05 kg

Shape Cylinder

Diameter 5.00 inches, +/- 0.10 inches

127 mm, +/- 2 mm

Material 303 Stainless Steel, solid billet

36
 APPENDIX G

WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

Warranty: The Triax2015 is warranted for material and workmanship for a period of one
(1) year from the date of shipping to the first purchaser of record. For repair the customer
must return the system components requiring repair shipping prepaid to Alpha
Automation, Inc. 127 Walters Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey 08638 USA

Representations: No representations are made other than those stated. This instrument is
for data acquisition and it is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and user to determine
its application in any particular circumstance. The purchaser and user of the Surface
Impact Tester is directed to the Precision and Bias section of the ASTM F1292 and F355
standards in force at the time of manufacture of the instrument to clearly understand the
variations, repeatability and reproducibility of the results.

The use of this instrument is invalid and not covered by any warranty or any
representation should any of the conditions of compliance with ASTM F1292 and / or
ASTM F355 in force at the time of manufacture, including, but not limited to periodic
calibration, not be performed.

37
 alpha automation, inc.
125-127 Walters Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08638
609-882-0366 FAX 609-882-0382

Certificate of Compliance

TRIAX 2015

The Triax 2015 system for surface resiliency

testing meets the equipment specifications as
stated in

ASTM F1292-17

12/01/2017
Paul Bamburak, P.E.

● Engineers and Manufacturers ●

Electronic Instruments and Controls Precision Mechanisms

38
 alpha automation, inc.
125-127 Walters Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08638
609-882-0366 FAX 609-882-0382

Certificate of Compliance

TRIAX 2015

The Triax 2015 system for surface resiliency

testing meets the equipment specifications as
stated in

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN-1177

12/01/2017

Paul Bamburak, P.E.

● Engineers and Manufacturers ●

Electronic Instruments and Controls Precision Mechanisms

39
 alpha automation, inc.
125-127 Walters Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08638
609-882-0366 FAX 609-882-0382

Certificate of Compliance

TRIAX 2015 “A” MISSILE

The Triax 2015 system for sports surface testing

testing meets the equipment specifications as
stated in

ASTM F355-16

12/01/2017
Paul Bamburak, P.E.

● Engineers and Manufacturers ●

Electronic Instruments and Controls Precision Mechanisms

40