LTL-X RETROMETER Manual On site quality control of road markings & road surfaces in accordance with CEN / ASTM specifications DELTA · Venlighedsvej 4 · 2970 Hørsholm · Denmark · Tel.
DISCLAIMER The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. DELTA LIGHT & OPTICS MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHAN-TABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. DELTA LIGHT & OPTICS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
DELTA LTL-X Retrometer iii
iv LTL-X Retrometer DELTA
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1................................................................................................................................ 7 OPERATING INFORMATION ...................................................................................................... 7 LTL-X introduction .................................................................................................................................. 7 LTL-X retrometer features .................................................
Default settings / user reset ..................................................................................................................... 40 RSC program .......................................................................................................................................... 40 SECTION 4.............................................................................................................................. 41 MAINTENANCE .......................................................
SECTION 1 OPERATING INFORMATION LTL-X introduction The LTL-X retroreflectometer is a portable field instrument intended for measuring the retroreflection properties of road markings in car headlight illumination, the value RL (coefficient of retroreflected luminance) is used. RL is a measure of the lightness of the road marking as seen by drivers of motorized vehicles in car headlight illumination. The road is illuminated at an angle of 1.24 and the reflected light is measured at an angle of 2.
Name of measuring series (road name). Profile (icon) for road marking. User initials. GPS data (if installed). Communication with a PC using the RSC-program (see pg. 40) allows for data exchange with other PC programs, extended command, calibration, diagnostics and other facilities. A rechargeable NiMH battery powers the LTL-X, giving hours of measurement capacity. A mains powered battery charger power supply is supplied as standard.
Getting started Buttons: HELP ON/OFF MENU SMART HOME CALIBRATE BACK PRINT/OUT UP LEFT RIGHT OK (center) DOWN Figure 1. Buttons Height adjustment Before using the LTL-X, notice that the operating panel can be adjusted in height for ergonomic considerations. The height is adjusted by pressing the red knob on the front of the instrument and at the same time lifting the handle on the operating panel. Release the knob and continue lifting until the handle locks.
User select (user initials) If a user icon is displayed in the upper icon row on the measuring display, press the UP button ▲and if necessary ◄ or ► to mark the user icon. Press the OK button to enter the user select menu. For further information see Selecting a user id, pg. 21 Series ID select (name) From the HOME screen (measure display) press the UP button ▲to mark the road icon . Press the OK button to enter the series ID select menu. Select a name from the list using UP or DOWN and accept with OK.
Mount the reference calibration unit and perform a complete traceable calibration. Replace the reference calibration unit with the control calibration unit and make a normal RL measurement. Label the Control Calibration unit with the value and the date. Warnings and errors An error or warning icon will appear in the upper row of the display if the LTL-X detects a problem. Press the UP button ▲ to get a description of the most serious error or warning.
Important guide lines for the correct use of the LTL-X Positioning of the instrument on the road marking Select an area of the pavement marking that is level when taking readings. The red dot on the side of the base cover indicates the center of the measurement field on flat markings. The measurement field is approx. 45 mm wide and 200 mm long. Ensure the pavement marking to be measured is free of debris before taking measurements. Make sure that the instrument is stable positioned.
Protection of the display/display shield. For the protection of the display and longevity of the instruments keep the display shield closed when the instrument is not used. For further information please see section 2. Remember: DELTA LTL-X is an optical precision instrument, handle with care. Keep the protection window and calibration unit clean. Store in a clean and dry environment.
SECTION 2 GENERAL INFORMATION The measurement The LTL-X retroreflectometer measures the RL (coefficient of retroreflected luminance) parameter. The RL parameter represents the brightness of road markings seen by drivers of motor vehicles by headlight illumination. In the LTL-X the illumination angle is 1.24 degrees and the observation angle is 2.29 degrees. According to both ASTM and CEN standards this angle simulates a driver’s viewing distance of 30 meters.
Figure: 3. Measurement field with wet night accessories mounted. The tower of the LTL-X contains the illuminating and observation system and the control electronics. At the bottom of the tower an optical system, with mirror, directs a beam of light toward the road surface through a dust-protection window. A polymer shielding covers the measuring area for normal operation (see above). The LTL-X is controlled by multiple microprocessors.
Notes on error sources Stray light can occasionally enter the instrument but will be insignificant under normal measurement conditions. Before each measurement, the LTL-X automatically evaluates the leakage and compensates for it before the readout. In case of a significant leakage level, a warning or error message is given and special precautions may be necessary. Instrument leak, drift and offset errors are compensated by means of data obtained during the calibration procedure.
SECTION 3 THE USER INTERFACE Figure: 4 – Display Display and keyboard layout The user interface consists of a rectangular display surrounded by push buttons. The display has two main modes: the measurement display (HOME screen) and the menu display. The instrument will start up with the measurement display shown. The display area is divided into four areas: a large main display in the middle, an icon row at the top, a message or caption field underneath and an icon row at the bottom.
Lower icon row From the lower icon row you can select a road marking icon that will be saved together with the measurement in the log (see pg. 21) for future measurement identification. Access the icons by pressing the DOWN button ▼. Use the LEFT or RIGHT button to mark the preferred icon. Pressing DOWN again shows more icon rows from a roll stack of four rows. One row, marked with a "PR" for "Preset" can be preset by the user (see pg. 31) and is saved separately for each measuring series.
HELP Present a context sensitive help text. Another press on the button will open up a general help menu. Menu Selects the top level of the menu tree, the main menu. Use the UP and the DOWN buttons to scroll through the menu items. Press OK to select the highlighted item. In some cases it opens up future submenu levels. SMART This button is user programmable to one out of several functions, e.g. to clear the last measurement, see pg. 25. CALIBRATE Starts the calibration wizard, see pg. 45.
The menu tree MAIN MENU: SETTINGS SERIES-ID LOG AVERAGE DIAGNOSIS PRINT/OUTPUT SETTINGS: USER DATE & TIME DISPLAY SOUND LANGUAGE "SMART" AUX SETUP AUTO OFF USER: SELECT EDIT CLEAR SEL. AT START DATE & TIME: TIME FORM. DATE FORM. SET TIME SET DATE DISPLAY: CONTRAST BACK LIGHT SERIES-ID: ACTIVATE ENTER ID EDIT DELETE PRESET MARK LOG: CLEAR DATA VIEW LOG STATUS LOG TYPE AVERAGE: AVERAGE ON TYPE NUMBER RESET SOUND VOL.
SETTING UP FOR MEASUREMENTS Selecting a user ID The user ID (user profile) is used to identify the operator and is saved in the log together with each measurement. It consists of up to four characters, for instance initials of the operator’s name. If enabled, it can be seen at the lower left side of the measurement display. Measurements can also be taken without a user ID. Eight user ID’s can be stored in the instrument. Certain instrument settings are stored individually for each user.
Selecting OFF will deactivate the user function and set all individual instrument settings to default. Clear user USER: HEN SELECT EDIT CLEAR SEL. AT START OK NO Clearing the user id will rename the user name to its default name (U1 to U8) and all individual instrument settings are set to default. SELECT USER: OK Off KFP U2 JOHN U4 U5 U6 U7 U8 Select at start USER: JOHN SELECT EDIT CLEAR SEL. AT START OK YES Enabling SEL.
The procedure. From the HOME screen press the DOWN button. Then use the LEFT or RIGHT button to highlight the wanted icon. Pressing DOWN steps through and displays the four icon rows. Pressing UP will return to the HOME screen without selecting a new icon. Pressing the OK button will activate the selected icon. The selected icon is now shown in the left side of the measuring field and the instrument is again ready for measuring. Deactivating the profile icon.
Use UP or DOWN until DATE FORM is highlighted. Press OK and the date format menu is shown. DATE FORMAT: OK MMM/DD/YYYY MM/DD/YYYY DD/MMM/YYYY DD/MM/YYYY YYYY/MMM/DD YYYY/MM/DD YYYY/DD/MMM YYYY/DD/MM Highlight the preferred date format using UP or DOWN. Press OK to accept. Setting the time Use UP or DOWN until SET TIME is highlighted. Press OK and the time menu is shown. DATE & TIME TIME FORM.: DATE FORM.: SET TIME: SET DATE: OK 12 HR Y/MMM/D 02:34:56 PM 2001 NOV 24 Now use UP or DOWN to set the hour.
Setting the display, contrast and back light The backlight time display shows how long the display backlight will be turned on. To turn on the light briefly, press . DISPLAY : CONTRAST BACK LIGHT: OK 5 60s Press the MENU button and select SETTINGS / DISPLAY. Select CONTRAST and press the OK button. The figure will be highlighted DISPLAY : CONTRAST BACK LIGHT: OK 5 60s Now use the UP or DOWN button to change the contrast.
SMART KEY: OK SELECT SERIES CLEAR LAST MEAS. RESET AVERAGE SER. ID ON/OFF Use the UP or DOWN button to select the SMART key function. Accept by pressing the OK button. The selected function is now accessed every time is pressed Setting the aux functions The Aux function is used to control auxiliary built-in equipment, e.g. a GPS receiver. AUX: OK GPS GPS TIMER DGPS ON OFF WAAS Using GPS (optional) The GPS receiver is mounted inside the instrument, drawing its power from the internal battery.
The GPS data can be viewed from the HOME screen by pressing the UP button and then highlighting the GPS icon by using LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press the OK button to display the GPS data. When the GPS data changes the display is updated. If the GPS does not fix and a measurement is taken a warning menu appears.
It is not possible to see which correction system was used. For further information about the GPS system and WAAS / EGNOS webpages can be found that describe the systems and how they function. Map datum. The default map datum system is WGS84. There are more than 200 different map datums that can be selected. The selected datum can be seen in the GPS menu. The datum information is also stored in the log.
To change the setup, press MENU and select SETTINGS / SETUP. Pressing OK will toggle between ADVANCED and BASIC. To return from setup press BACK, LEFT or HOME. Auto off To save power, the instrument can be programmed to automatically shut off if not used. When communicating with RSC program the instrument will not power down automatically. Press the MENU button and select SETTINGS / AUTO OFF. Use UP and DOWN to edit the auto turn off time. The off time can be set from 60-300 sec. in intervals of 60 sec.
SERIES ID Working with series ID (name) The purpose of a series ID. The series ID is a label. For example, it could be the name of the road. Although measurements can be performed without selecting a series ID, it is convenient to group (name) the measurements for each geographical spot, road or part of a road for easier recognition of each measurement. The series ID for such a group of measurements will be saved in the log together with the measuring results.
ENTER ID). Proceed by spelling the series name (see Editing pg. 38). Removing a series ID This will remove the series ID from the selection list. Press the MENU button and select SERIES-ID / DELETE: DELETE SERIES-ID OK ROAD #1 ROAD #2 HIGHWAY #1 HIGHWAY #2 HIGHWAY #3 1 11 04 2001 - 11 04 2001 Use UP or DOWN to select the series that should be deleted. Accept by pressing the OK button. A confirm menu is shown: DELETE SERIES? OK NO YES, ALSO IN LOG Select with UP or DOWN and accept with OK.
SELECT PRESETS: ◄► OK The bottom line shows the present six preset icons. Use the LEFT, RIGHT, UP and DOWN buttons to choose a new icon for the first position, accept by pressing the OK button and the cursor (frame) will move to the second icon. Repeat for all six icons and the programming is done. You can amend at any point by pressing the BACK button and start over again.
THE LOG Each time a measurement is taken data is stored to the log. The following data are saved, if enabled: Measurement result incl. average Date and time. Name of measuring series (road name) and sequence number. Road marking icon User initials. GPS data (if installed). Status The instrument can store 1500 measurements in the log.
Viewing the log Press the MENU button and select LOG / VIEW LOG: VIEW LOG: OK LAST DATA ALL SERIES This menu gives the possibility to view or print data from either the last measurement, from all measurements or from one of the measure series stored in the log. The figure below shows the ALL menu.
ing the LEFT button or rolling the bar out of the top by pressing the UP button. To return to the log menu, press OK or BACK Printing. Press the PRINT / OUT button to print the log from the highlighted measurement to the end of (newest data) the log. The printing can be aborted at any time by pressing and holding the PRINT / OUT button or the ON / OFF button for about 0.5 sec. Release the button as soon as the printing stops. View series data.
In the case shown above, there are 104 measurements in the log, leaving room for 1396 more. There are 15 measuring series in the log, leaving room for 235 more. Setting the log type You can choose between two different log types: Erase oldest: The oldest measurement will be overwritten by the newest measurement. Warn At Full: A warning will be issued when the log is full and the measurement will not be saved. Press the MENU button and select log.
OTHER SETTINGS Average function An average function can be activated showing the average of the measured Rl value calculated over a selectable number of measurements (2 to 25). The average mode can be fixed or moving. In moving mode the average is always calculated from the last N measurements where N is the selected number of measurements. In fixed mode the averaging will start over again when N measurements have been taken.
Editing names From certain points you arrive to the EDIT menu e.g. by choosing NEW from the series list. EDIT USER: ►◄▼▲OK A B C D E F I J K L M N Q R DEL INS END T U V W X Y # * : - / + 2 3 4 5 6 7 HANS G H O P S Z @ 0 1 8 9 , 6 times 1/4 1. Accept the highlighted letter with OK or select a new letter with ,,,. To delete the marked letter: select DEL . To insert before the marked letter, select INS (insert). 2. Press the OK button to accept.
Diagnosis Press the MENU button. Highlight the line DIAGNOSIS. Press the OK button, and the menu showing: INSTRUMENTS, BATTERY, BOARDS and MISCELLANEOUS will be seen. Each gives information aimed at extended service and factory use. All the information will be printed out if you press the PRINT button. Choosing output device Press the MENU button. Highlight the line PRINT / OUTPUT by pressing the UP button once: MAIN MENU SETTINGS SERIES-ID LOG AVERAGE DIAGNOSIS PRINT/OUTPUT: OK INT.
Default settings / user reset At power up a combination of buttons can be pressed to reset the active instrument setting and restoring the default settings. Forced English menu and standard contrast: If the instrument is set to a foreign language and you cannot find the language select menu, do the following: Turn off the instrument. Press and hold the button while turning on the instrument. Now you can find the language select menu and select the language you want.
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE General care The retrometer is constructed for outdoor use in ordinary good weather conditions. It will stand moist weather with wet roads, but caution must be taken against heavy rain and dirt. The LTL-X retrometer is an optical instrument and shall be handled as such. Avoid shock and vibration if possible. CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover. Protection window The protection window is accessible from underneath of the instrument.
Replacing the battery A worn out battery will not hold a charge very long. When the battery is worn out it must be replaced. The user can do this. The battery is located in a compartment at the rear of the tower. To replace the battery, remove the screws from the back cover, and remove the cover Loosen the big screw at the battery cover. You can now remove the cover.
Battery status The capacity of the battery can be seen from the icon in the upper icon row. Indicates that the battery is fully charged. Indicates that the capacity of the battery is high to fair The capacity is low. You should recharge the battery. The battery is almost empty. The battery voltage is shown as it was at the last measurement in idle (when the instrument is on but not taking a reading) and in loaded mode (when xenon lamp is charging). Select the battery icon (with UP, LEFT and OK).
Calibration unit Reference The road marking is simulated by a piece of white ceramic (the reference) mounted on an aluminum profile. Ceramics have very stable optical properties because of the smooth surface. The reference Zero Signal Figure: 5 - Calibration normal To make sure that calibration of the retrometer is correct it is important that the ceramics and light trap on the calibration unit is clean and undamaged. Always keep the calibration unit well protected.
Light trap The zero signal is simulated by a light trap mounted in the calibration unit in the opposite end of the reference. It is made of two glossy and black plastic sheets mounted at an acute angle. If clean this will provide very efficient light absorbing device. It is necessary to disassemble the light trap to clean it efficiently. Using a fine brush, clean pressurized air or a soft paper tissue/cloth and some window cleaning liquid can do the cleaning.
Figure: 7 – Placing the calibration normal. Reference calibration Now the instrument is ready for the next step and the display will tell you to rotate the calibration unit so that the white face is facing the instrument tower. Again it is important that the pins on the side of the unit fit into the slots in the LTL-X. Press OK to begin the reference calibration.
Printer The printer is a high-speed high quality mini thermal printer. It has only a few moving parts and does not require any special or periodic maintenance. It uses a thermal paper roll, width: 57.5±0.5 mm (2.26 in), diameter: max. 31 mm (1.22 in) Replacing paper Replacing the paper is simple. First, pull the little lever out with your finger and the cover will open into the paper roll compartment. Insert the new paper roll and let a short paper tail hanging out at the top.
Mounting the wet night rails for rain measurements In order to move the measurement field outside the horizontal base cover as shown on figure 3, page 15 the two wet night rails should be mounted. You will find two wet night rails in the carrying case. Be aware of that there is a left and a right one.
Fasten the wet night rails in the lid with the screws delivered with the rails. Make sure that the LTL-X is resting on the rails before lightening the screws. The Wet night rails are now ready for use. After use dismount the wet night feet by reversing above operations.
Mounting the wheel unit (option) A wheel unit can be mounted in the rear of the instrument for easy transportation during heavy use. The wheels are mounted easily to the rear by fastening the two nuts mounted on the wheel block.
APPENDIX A COMMUNICATION FACILITIES Communication specification LTL-X is equipped with a USB connection that enables the use of standard Windows PC for downloading measurement records from the internal data log The PC connects to the LTL-X using the USB device connector on the rear of the instrument and a cable coming with the instrument.
APPENDIX B SPECIFICATION General characteristics Illumination angle ............................................................................................................ 1.24º Observation angle ............................................................................................................ 2.29º Equivalent observer distance ........................................................................................... 30 m Observation angular spread ..........................................
Environmental characteristics Temperature: Operating ........................................................................... 0ºC to + 45ºC (32ºF to +113º F) Storage*) .......................................................................... -15ºC to + 55ºC (5º F to +131º F) Humidity ......................................................................................... 85% and non-condensing *) Battery must be fully charged Mechanical characteristics Max. length ....................................
APPENDIX C DELIVERY 54 LTL-X Retrometer DELTA
INDEX 3 E 30 meters · 5 Editing names · 36 EGNOS · 25 Electrical characteristics · 50 Enter a new series id · 28 Environmental characteristics · 51 Error icon · 37 Error sources · 14 Errors and warnings · 37 A Advanced · 26 Amending clear data · 31 Auto off · 27 Aux functions · 24 Average function · 35 Fixed · 35 Moving · 35 Number · 35 Reset · 35 Type · 35 B Back light (display) · 23 Battery · 39 Charging · 39 maintenance · 39 status · 41 Battery status · 41 Buttons · See Pushbuttons F Fixed · 35 Fu
M Maintenance · 39 Map datum · 26 Measure display · 15 Measurement · 12 Measurement field · 12 measurement, number · 10 Mechanical characteristics · 51 Menu display · 15 Menu tree · 18 Mounting the plates/ feet’s for rain measurements · 46 Moving · 35 N Name · 28 Navigation performance · 26 New series id · 28 Notes on error sources · 14 Display · 14 High temp.
