Quick Start Guide SONO Hub Calibration

Disclaimer:  The user is required to observe and adhere to the currently applicable instruction manuals for all Vemaventuri products utilized.

 

01 Preparation

 

Note:  Calibration means telling the SONO Hub how this concrete behaves so the moisture result matches the real mix. You are not changing the concrete — you are adjusting the preset so the device interprets this mix correctly. 

 

Requirements:

• Batch report or mix design with wet raw density & cement content from a trusted source

• Best-fit CHAR choice for this mix

• Known water value or reference method (DARR / kiln-dry) for G-Set checks

 

Calibration Workflow:

 1) Open "Measure"

2) Tap "Adjust Parameters"

3) Fine-tune (G-Set + Density + Char + Cement)

4) Save Preset

  

 

Preset tip: Save separate presets for different mixes, aggregate sources, and seasons. One G-Set that works in winter may not work in hot, dry summer conditions.

 

 

02 Parameters

 

G-Set

• What it does: Corrects for water held in aggregate that is not immediately available for hydration.
• Think of it like: Aggregate is a wet sponge. Some water stays trapped and cannot be used right away.

a: Surface water

b: Core water

c: Free water

 

• Standard method: Compare SONO with known water content from correctly mixed concrete with surface-dried aggregates, or with a precise DARR / kiln-dried value, and use that difference to set the baseline G-Set.
• Site adjustment: The first value is the baseline, but in running site use it can vary as aggregate moisture changes. If results shift, investigate possible batching or sampling causes before adjusting.
• Watch for: Recycled aggregate, limestone / chalky aggregate, dredged stone, wet stockpiles, rain, and seasonal change.
  

 

CHAR

• What it does: Tells the device how fine or coarse the aggregate grading is.
• Quick rule: Fine = sandy / mortar-rich. Normal = typical ready-mix. Coarse = larger stone and less mortar. Special = site-specific after verification.
• Why it matters: It changes how the device interprets aggregate composition and surface water.
• Best practice: Choose the closest gradation first, then verify with a few control checks.
  
  

Raw Density (wet)

• What it does: Helps the radar interpret how the signal travels through the concrete
• Use: Enter the wet raw density from a vibration test, mix calculation, delivery data, or verified lab value.
• Why it matters: Wrong density can shift the moisture result even if the mix recipe is unchanged.
• Watch for: Compaction differences, aggregate proportion changes, or using an old value for a new mix.

 

Cement Content

• Label note: Use the cement value required by the applicable local standard for water-cement ratio calculation. May refer to cement-equivalent binder content rather than pure cement only.
• Standard mixes: Use the declared cement content from the batch report or approved mix design.
• Example (EU / EN 206-1): 314.4 cement + (50 fly ash × 0.4 = 20) + 17.5 silica fume = 351.9 kg/m³ cement-equivalent content.
• Important: This value affects the calculated W/C ratio only and does not change the measured water content.

03 G-Set Method

 

Baseline Calibration

• Start with the manual/reference method for normal use.

• Use known water content from correctly mixed concrete with surface-dried aggregates, or a precise DARR/ kiln-dried value.

• Set the correct CHAR and Raw Density.

• Measure the fresh sample and compare SONO with the reference value.
• Use the difference as the baseline G-Set, then save that value as the preset for this mix. 
  
  
  
  

Site adjustment

• Use the saved baseline G-Set as the starting point on site.
• If the readings shift, first investigate possible causes in the concrete or batching process.
• If site conditions are consistently different from the reference condition, adjust the working G-Set from the baseline and verify on the next sample.

 

Example: SONO = 205 L/m³ and reference = 185 L/m³. The SONO result is 20 L/m³ high, so reduce the working G-Set by 20 L/m³ and verify on the next sample. 

Site adjustment checks:

Use site adjustment checks when:

• truck-to-truck values drift unusually

• lab and site results do not match

• season, stockpile, or aggregate source conditions change sharply

• recycled or very porous aggregate is used

 

Note: Reference methods set the starting G-Set. If measured water is outside expected limits, investigate potential causes with the batching plant before changing G-Set 

 

 

04 Troubleshooting