Instruction Manual

Model GK-404
Vibrating Wire Readout

No part of this instruction manual may be reproduced, by any means, without the written consent of Geokon, Inc.

The information contained herein is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, Geokon, Inc. assumes no responsibility for
errors, omissions, or misinterpretation. The information herein is subject to change without notification.

Copyright © 2003-2018 by Geokon, Inc.

(Doc Rev L, 1/25/18)
Warranty Statement

Geokon, Inc. warrants its products to be free of defects in materials and workmanship, under
normal use and service for a period of 13 months from date of purchase. If the unit should
malfunction, it must be returned to the factory for evaluation, freight prepaid. Upon examination
by Geokon, if the unit is found to be defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge.
However, the WARRANTY is VOID if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with
or shows evidence of being damaged as a result of excessive corrosion or current, heat, moisture
or vibration, improper specification, misapplication, misuse or other operating conditions outside
of Geokon's control. Components which wear or which are damaged by misuse are not
warranted. This includes fuses and batteries.

Geokon manufactures scientific instruments whose misuse is potentially dangerous. The

instruments are intended to be installed and used only by qualified personnel. There are no
warranties except as stated herein. There are no other warranties, expressed or implied, including
but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and of fitness for a particular
purpose. Geokon, Inc. is not responsible for any damages or losses caused to other equipment,
whether direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential which the purchaser may experience
as a result of the installation or use of the product. The buyer's sole remedy for any breach of this
agreement by Geokon, Inc. or any breach of any warranty by Geokon, Inc. shall not exceed the
purchase price paid by the purchaser to Geokon, Inc. for the unit or units, or equipment directly
affected by such breach. Under no circumstances will Geokon reimburse the claimant for loss
incurred in removing and/or reinstalling equipment.

Every precaution for accuracy has been taken in the preparation of manuals and/or software,
however, Geokon, Inc. neither assumes responsibility for any omissions or errors that may
appear nor assumes liability for any damages or losses that result from the use of the products in
accordance with the information contained in the manual or software.
 TABLE of CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 1
2. INITIAL SETUP ..................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.1 ACCESSORIES....................................................................................................................................................... 1
2.2 CONNECTING A SENSOR ....................................................................................................................................... 2
2.3 CONNECTING A LOAD CELL ................................................................................................................................. 2
3. OPERATION ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
3.1 POS (POSITION) BUTTON .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 MODE BUTTON .................................................................................................................................................... 5
3.3 CFG (CONFIGURATION) BUTTON ........................................................................................................................ 5
3.4 DEFAULT SETTINGS ............................................................................................................................................. 5
4. LOW BATTERY INDICATION AND AUTO-OFF ............................................................................................ 6
5. MAINTENANCE .................................................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 BATTERY REPLACEMENT ..................................................................................................................................... 6
5.2 CLEANING............................................................................................................................................................ 6
5.3 CALIBRATION ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
6. TROUBLESHOOTING .......................................................................................................................................... 7
7. LIMITS OF LIABILITY ........................................................................................................................................ 8
APPENDIX A. SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 9
A.1 VIBRATING WIRE READOUT ............................................................................................................................... 9
A.2 TEMPERATURE READOUT ................................................................................................................................... 9
A.3 PHYSICAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 9
APPENDIX B. CONNECTOR PIN OUTS ............................................................................................................... 9
B.1 TRANSDUCER PLUG PIN OUT .............................................................................................................................. 9
APPENDIX C. THERMISTOR TEMPERATURE DERIVATION..................................................................... 10
 FIGURES

FIGURE 1 - LEMO CONNECTOR ALIGNMENT .................................................................................................................. 1

FIGURE 2 - NECK STRAP CONNECTOR ........................................................................................................................... 1
FIGURE 3 - CONNECTOR ON GK-404 ............................................................................................................................. 1
FIGURE 4 - CONNECTOR POINTING DOWNWARD ........................................................................................................... 2
FIGURE 5 - NECK STRAP CONNECTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 2

TABLES

TABLE 1 - LOAD CELL CONNECTOR AND CABLE (STANDARD WIRING) ........................................................................ 3

TABLE 2 - POSITION SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................ 4
TABLE 3 - TRANSDUCER PLUG PIN OUT ........................................................................................................................ 9
TABLE 4 - THERMISTOR RESISTANCE VERSUS TEMPERATURE ......................................................................................10

EQUATIONS

EQUATION 1 - RESISTANCE TO TEMPERATURE .............................................................................................................10

 1

1. INTRODUCTION
The Model GK-404 Vibrating Wire Readout is a portable, low-power, handheld unit that is
capable of running for more than 20 hours continuously on two AA batteries. It is designed for
the readout of all Geokon vibrating wire gages and transducers, and is capable of displaying the
reading in either digits, frequency (Hz), period (µs), or microstrain (µε). The GK-404 also
displays the temperature of the transducer (embedded thermistor) with a resolution of 0.1 °C.

2. INITIAL SETUP
2.1 Accessories

The GK-404 is sold with the following accessories:

• GK-404-1 flying leads

• Carrying case
• Nylon strap for the carrying case
• Neck strap for the GK-404

Before use, attach the flying leads to the GK-404 by aligning the red circle on the silver “Lemo”
connector on the flying leads with the red line on the connector on the top of the GK-404. Insert
the Lemo connector into the GK-404 until it locks into place (Figure 1). Remove the flying leads
before storing the GK-404 in the carrying case.

Figure 1 - Lemo Connector Alignment

To install the nylon strap onto the carrying case, clip both ends of the strap onto the plastic loops
on the sides of the case.

To install the neck strap onto the GK-404, locate the plastic connector on the neck strap (Figure
2) and place the larger circular hole onto the plastic nub on the back of the GK-404, with the
bottom of the connector positioned to the right (Figure 3).

Figure 2 - Neck Strap Connector Figure 3 - Connector on GK-404

2

Slide the connector all the way to the right, so that the nub on the back of the GK-404 locks into
the smaller hole of the connector. Turn the connector clockwise until the part of the bottom of
the connector is pointing down (Figure 4).

Figure 4 - Connector Pointing Downward

Lastly, snap together the twin connectors located at the strap ends (Figure 5).

Figure 5 - Neck Strap Connections

2.2 Connecting a Sensor

Attach the GK-404-1 flying leads to the bare leads of a Geokon vibrating wire sensor by
connecting each of the clips on the leads to the matching colors of the sensor conductors, with
blue representing the shield (bare).

Patch cables may be ordered from Geokon to enable sensors with connectors attached to the
readout cable to be read by the GK-404.

2.3 Connecting a Load Cell

Patch cables may be ordered from Geokon to enable load cells with connectors attached to the
readout cable to be read by GK-404.

If the load cell cable does not have a connector, the leads of the load cell may be connected to
the flying leads from the GK-404. The individual leads will be identified as shown in the wiring
diagram in Table 1. Each sensor is read in turn by clipping either the red or black clip to the lead
marked “common” and the black or red clip in turn to the leads marked #1, #2, #3, etc. The blue
clip should be connected to the cable shield and the green and white clips to the cable leads
marked “thermistor”.
 3

10 pin Bulkhead 3 Gage VW Load Cell 4 Gage VW Load Cell 6 Gage VW Load Cell
PT06A-12-10P Function Geokon Purple Cable Geokon Purple Cable Geokon Orange Cable
A Gage #1 Red Red Red
B Gage #2 Red's Black Red's Black Red's Black
C Gage #3 White White White
D Gage #4 NC White's Black White's Black
E Gage #5 NC NC Green
F Gage #6 NC NC Green's Black
G Shield All Shields All Shields All Shields
H Common White's Black¹ Green Blue
J Thermistor Green¹ Blue Yellow
K Thermistor Green's Black Blue's Black Yellow's Black
Table 1 - Load Cell Connector and Cable (Standard Wiring)
Notes:
¹ White's black and Green wires are switched on Geokon three gage VW load cells prior to serial
number 3313.
4

3. OPERATION
To turn the GK-404 on, press the “ON/OFF” button on the front panel of the unit. The initial
startup screen will be displayed. After approximately one second, the GK-404 will start taking
readings and display them based on the settings of the POS and MODE buttons.

The unit display (from left to right) is as follows:

• The current Position (Set by the POS button) displayed as a letter, A through F.
• The current Reading, displayed as a numeric value, followed by the unit of measure (set by
the MODE button).
• Temperature reading of the attached gage in degrees Celsius.

The GK-404 will continue to take measurements and display readings until the unit is turned off,
either manually, or if enabled, by the Auto-Off timer. (See Section 3.3 for information on the
Auto-Off timer.) To turn the GK-404 off manually, press and hold the ON/OFF button until
Saving Settings is displayed then release. All user settings are stored on shut off and will be
restored the next time the GK-404 is turned on.

3.1 POS (Position) Button

The POS button is used to change the pluck settings of the GK-404. Each Position setting (A-F)
has different preprogrammed parameters that are optimized for certain instruments. Each option
also has different scaling and processing characteristics. Table 2 details the correct position to
use with the various models sold by Geokon.

Position A B C D E F
4300BX
Use with Geokon 4400 4500
All 4000 4200 4100 4300EX
Model Numbers: 4600 4700
4800 4900
Dg Dg µE µE µE Dg
MODE: Hz Hz Hz Hz Hz Hz
µS µS µS µS µS µS
Digits Digits µStrain (ε) µStrain (ε) µStrain (ε) Digits
Units: Hertz Hertz Hertz Hertz Hertz Hertz
µSec µSec µSec µSec µSec µSec
Calculation:
T = Period (1/F) F2×10-3 F2×10-3 F2×10-3×4.062 F2×10-3×3.304 F2×10-3×0.39102 F2×10-3
in µSec F F F F F F
F = Frequency in T T T T T T
Hertz
Frequency
450-6000 1500-3500 450-1200 450-1200 1500-3500 2500-6000
Sweep: (Hz)
Table 2 - Position Specifications
 5

3.2 Mode Button

Pressing the MODE button will select the format of the vibrating wire reading. The available
options are, Dg (digits), Hz (hertz), µS (period) and µE (microstrain). Only Positions C, D and E
support the µE microstrain format.

3.3 CFG (Configuration) Button

Pressing the CFG button will cause the GK-404 to enter the Configuration Menu. The LCD
screen will display:
GK-404 verX.XX
Config Menu

From this menu, several GK-404 operating parameters may be set. Use the POS button to select
the various parameters and the MODE button to select each parameter’s options. Press CFG
twice at any time to exit the Configuration Menu and return to the Readings Screen. Parameters
available from the Configuration Menu are as follows:

BACKLIGHT:
Press MODE to turn the LCD backlight ON or OFF.

BATTERY VOLTAGE:
This is a bar graph display of the power remaining in the two 1.5V AA cells, with F for FULL
and E for EMPTY. The GK-404 is capable of continuous operation for greater than 20 hours on
a fresh set of batteries.

CONTRAST:
Press the MODE button to adjust the contrast of the LCD display in 10% increments.

AUTO-OFF:
Press the MODE button to select automatic shutoff after five minutes, 15 minutes, or 30
minutes. The Auto-Off may be disabled so that the GK-404 will only shut off if the front panel
ON/OFF button is pressed. The Auto-Off will only activate if no front panel buttons are pressed
for the specified amount of time. The timer will reset each time a button is pressed. When the
GK-404 powers down, all settings are saved to the internal memory, and will restore the next
time the GK-404 is turned on. (Note: The times mentioned above are approximate.)

3.4 Default Settings

Factory default settings may be restored at any time by pressing and holding the CFG and POS
buttons when turning the GK-404 ON. The factory default settings are:
POSITION: B
MODE: Dg
BACKLIGHT: OFF
CONTRAST: 50%
POWER-OFF TIME: Five minutes
6

4. LOW BATTERY INDICATION AND AUTO-OFF

The GK-404 continuously monitors the status of the two 1.5V AA cells. When their combined
voltage drops to 2V, the message Batteries Low is displayed on the screen. A fresh set of 1.5V
AA batteries should be installed at this point. If the battery voltage drops to 1.8V, the message
REPLACE BATTERIES will be displayed on the screen; the GK-404 will then shut off. All
settings are still saved in the internal nonvolatile memory.

5. MAINTENANCE
5.1 Battery Replacement

Alkaline batteries are the best choice for use in the GK-404. A set of two 1.5V AA batteries are
installed in the GK-404 at the factory. To replace the batteries, use a #1 Phillips screwdriver to
remove the battery compartment cover located at the back of the readout. Install a new set of
batteries following the polarities indicated inside the battery compartment. Reinstall the battery
compartment cover.

Never use two different types of batteries or mix old batteries with new. This could cause
batteries to leak and permanently damage the readout. Although alkaline batteries are highly
recommended, carbon zinc “AA” batteries can be used.

5.2 Cleaning

A clean cloth can be used to wipe down the GK-404 Readout. No solvents should be used as
they may damage the case of the readout.

5.3 Calibration

The readout should be sent periodically (every 12 months) to the manufacturer for inspection,
cleaning, and calibration. A nominal fee will be charged for the service, but it is highly
recommended.
 7

6. TROUBLESHOOTING
Listed below are a few commonly experienced problems and remedial action. Contact the factory
should a problem arise not explained herein.

Symptom: Unit will not come on

 Internal batteries are either dead or installed backwards.

Symptom: Vibrating wire gage measurement shows dashes

 Check Alligator Clip connections to vibrating wire gage leads. If okay, check gage with
Ohmmeter. It should read between 90 and 180 ohms. If gage resistance is okay, check
Readout with another gage. If it still does not work, consult the factory to schedule return and
repair of Readout.

Symptom: Vibrating wire gage reading unstable

 Improper position selected. Verify gage model number against the recommended setting.
(See Table 2.) If position setting is correct, the gage is either marginal or there may be a
strong source of electromagnetic interference nearby.

Symptom: Thermistor measurement shows dashes

 Check Alligator Clip connections to Thermistor leads. If okay, check Thermistor with
Ohmmeter. It should read between 10K ohms and 2.4K ohms (0 to +30 degrees Celsius). If
the thermistor checks out okay, consult factory to schedule repair of Readout. Note: Dashes
will display if no Thermistor is connected.

Symptom: Display shows weird characters

 Turn the GK-404 ON while pushing the CFG and POS buttons at the same time to restore the
unit to its factory default settings.
8

7. LIMITS OF LIABILITY
The GK-404 Vibrating Wire Readout has been developed specifically for use with Geokon, Inc.
vibrating wire gages and, as such, Geokon, Inc. assumes no responsibility for its use with other
systems. Every effort has been made to ensure reliable operation, but the user must be aware that
there is no warranty against uninterrupted or trouble-free operation. For the user conducting
particularly unusual or sensitive analysis, or for those not familiar with vibrating wire gage data
processing, it is recommended that the problems be double checked using another measurement
system.

In addition, the readout is provided 'as is' and Geokon, Inc. assumes no responsibility as to
results, performance, or interpretation associated with the GK-404 Vibrating Wire Readout.
Warranty shall cover parts (except batteries) and labor for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. In addition, there is a one-month grace period to the warranty for a total of 13 months.
Geokon reserves the right to revise this publication and/or readout from time to time with no
obligation to notify users of these changes.

Overall, Geokon, Inc., is not liable for any claims, injuries, or damages caused directly or
indirectly by the proper or improper use of the GK-404 Vibrating Wire Readout, beyond
the purchase price of the Readout.
 9

APPENDIX A. SPECIFICATIONS
A.1 Vibrating Wire Readout

Excitation Range: 400 Hz to 6000 Hz, 5-volt square wave

Measurement Resolution: 0.1 Hz, 0.1 uS, 0.1 Digit
Measurement Accuracy: ±0.025% of Full Scale (6000 Hz)

A.2 Temperature Readout

Sensor Type: Thermistor, YSI 44005, Dale #1C3001-B3, Alpha #13A3001-B3

Sensor Accuracy: ±0.5° Celsius
Measurement Range: −20° to + 50° Celsius
Measurement Resolution: 0.1° Celsius
Measurement Accuracy: ±1.0% of Full Scale

See Appendix C for more information.

A.3 Physical

Display: 16 columns x two lines LCD

Dimensions: 120 mm (4.72") x 65 mm (2.56") x 22 mm (0.87")
Weight: Approx. 145 grams (5.1 ounces) with two “AA” alkaline batteries installed
Temperature Range: -20° to +50° Celsius
Battery: Two “AA” 1.5 volt alkaline.
Operating Time: minimum 24 hours continuous at +25º Celsius

APPENDIX B. CONNECTOR PIN OUTS

B.1 Transducer Plug Pin Out

Pin # on 5-pin LEMO Wire Flying Leads Alligator

(HGG.OB.305.CLLP) Color Clip Boot Color Description
1 Red Red VW Gage +
2 Black Black VW Gage -
3 White White Thermistor +
4 Green Green Thermistor -
5 Bare Blue Drain Wire
Table 3 - Transducer Plug Pin Out
10

APPENDIX C. THERMISTOR TEMPERATURE DERIVATION

Thermistor Type: YSI 44005, Dale #1C3001-B3, Alpha #13A3001-B3
Resistance to Temperature Equation:

1
T= -273.2
A+B(LnR)+C(LnR)3
Equation 1 - Resistance to Temperature
Where;
T = Temperature in °C.
LnR = Natural Log of Thermistor Resistance.
A = 1.4051 × 10-3
B = 2.369 × 10-4
C = 1.019 × 10-7
Note: Coefficients calculated over the −50 to +150° C. span.
Ohms Temp Ohms Temp Ohms Temp Ohms Temp Ohms Temp
201.1K -50 16.60K -10 2417 +30 525.4 +70 153.2 +110
187.3K -49 15.72K -9 2317 31 507.8 71 149.0 111
174.5K -48 14.90K -8 2221 32 490.9 72 145.0 112
162.7K -47 14.12K -7 2130 33 474.7 73 141.1 113
151.7K -46 13.39K -6 2042 34 459.0 74 137.2 114
141.6K -45 12.70K -5 1959 35 444.0 75 133.6 115
132.2K -44 12.05K -4 1880 36 429.5 76 130.0 116
123.5K -43 11.44K -3 1805 37 415.6 77 126.5 117
115.4K -42 10.86K -2 1733 38 402.2 78 123.2 118
107.9K -41 10.31K -1 1664 39 389.3 79 119.9 119
101.0K -40 9796 0 1598 40 376.9 80 116.8 120
94.48K -39 9310 +1 1535 41 364.9 81 113.8 121
88.46K -38 8851 2 1475 42 353.4 82 110.8 122
82.87K -37 8417 3 1418 43 342.2 83 107.9 123
77.66K -36 8006 4 1363 44 331.5 84 105.2 124
72.81K -35 7618 5 1310 45 321.2 85 102.5 125
68.30K -34 7252 6 1260 46 311.3 86 99.9 126
64.09K -33 6905 7 1212 47 301.7 87 97.3 127
60.17K -32 6576 8 1167 48 292.4 88 94.9 128
56.51K -31 6265 9 1123 49 283.5 89 92.5 129
53.10K -30 5971 10 1081 50 274.9 90 90.2 130
49.91K -29 5692 11 1040 51 266.6 91 87.9 131
46.94K -28 5427 12 1002 52 258.6 92 85.7 132
44.16K -27 5177 13 965.0 53 250.9 93 83.6 133
41.56K -26 4939 14 929.6 54 243.4 94 81.6 134
39.13K -25 4714 15 895.8 55 236.2 95 79.6 135
36.86K -24 4500 16 863.3 56 229.3 96 77.6 136
34.73K -23 4297 17 832.2 57 222.6 97 75.8 137
32.74K -22 4105 18 802.3 58 216.1 98 73.9 138
30.87K -21 3922 19 773.7 59 209.8 99 72.2 139
29.13K -20 3748 20 746.3 60 203.8 100 70.4 140
27.49K -19 3583 21 719.9 61 197.9 101 68.8 141
25.95K -18 3426 22 694.7 62 192.2 102 67.1 142
24.51K -17 3277 23 670.4 63 186.8 103 65.5 143
23.16K -16 3135 24 647.1 64 181.5 104 64.0 144
21.89K -15 3000 25 624.7 65 176.4 105 62.5 145
20.70K -14 2872 26 603.3 66 171.4 106 61.1 146
19.58K -13 2750 27 582.6 67 166.7 107 59.6 147
18.52K -12 2633 28 562.8 68 162.0 108 58.3 148
17.53K -11 2523 29 543.7 69 157.6 109 56.8 149
Table 4 - Thermistor Resistance versus Temperature 55.6 150