Campbell SurfaceVue 10 User manual

Revision: 10/2023
Copyright ©2023
Campbell Scientific, Inc.
SurfaceVue 10
Fixed-Location, Non-Invasive Road Surface
Condition Sensor

PRODUCT MANUAL

Table of contents
1. About SurfaceVue 10 1
2. Precautions 2
3. Initial inspection 2
4. Overview 3
5. Operating principles 3
6. Technical specifications 4
7. Installation 6
7.1 Installation height and angle 6
7.2 Install sensor 7
7.3 Wiring 10
7.3.1 RS-232 10
7.3.2 RS-485 11
7.4 CRBasic programming 12
7.5 Data format 13
8. Maintenance 14
9. Calibration 16
9.1 While connected to Campbell Scientific data logger 16
9.2 While connected directly to a computer 16
10. Troubleshooting 17
11. Frequently asked questions 18
11.1 How do I calculate the distance from the sensor to the measuring area on the
road? 18
11.2 How do I calculate the installed angle? 19
11.3 Can I calibrate the sensor remotely? 19
11.4 What is the definition of ground temperature? 19
11.5 What type of structure should the SurfaceVue 10 be mounted to? 19
11.6 Does the SurfaceVue 10 need to be continuously powered? 19
Table of Contents - ii

1. About SurfaceVue 10
The SurfaceVue™10 is a non-invasive road condition sensor used by road weather professionals
to provide vital information about their road network to make better maintenance and
operational decisions. The SurfaceVue 10 sensor consists of two non-invasive road weather
sensors designed for use with your Road Weather Information System (RWIS). The CS981 is
enclosed in a white radiation shield and mounted on top of the CS991, which is in a black tube.
The CS981 measures surface temperature, air temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure.
The measured air temperature and relative humidity are used to calculate dew point. Ground
temperature and wind speed are modeled. The CS991 uses spectroscopic analysis to provide you
with surface state, grip (friction), and water and ice layer thickness data. The measured data is
communicated to a data logger over RS-232 or optionally over RS-485 using an RS485EXT
converter box.
NOTE:
Ground temperature is the temperature below the road surface at 6 cm (2.4 in) depth.
Road surface condition is determined by the presence and amount of ice or water on the road
surface. From these measurements, the built-in model determines the coefficient of friction,
which corresponds to the grip between the road surface and vehicle tires. The model is
developed by using braking deceleration measurements as a reference. Comparison tests
indicate about 0.10 units as standard deviation of the difference to the reference. Very thin layers
and mixed ice/water layers may occasionally lead to larger differences. All the data is updated
approximately every 10 seconds.
The analyzed road surface state is reported as:
1. Dry
2. Moist
3. Wet
4. Slush, ice or snow with water
5. Ice
6. Snow or hoar frost.
After power-up or reset, the SurfaceVue 10 sends a wake-up string containing the sensor name
and version information. Approximately 10 seconds after the initial message, it automatically
sends a data message when a measurement/calculation cycle is complete; typically, once every
10 seconds. A data logger with the SurfaceVue 10 program, see CRBasic programming(p. 12), is
SurfaceVue 101

used to log data every minute and can perform a dry calibration under user control, see
Calibration(p. 16).
2. Precautions
lREAD AND UNDERSTAND the Safety section at the back of this manual.
lUse caution when working near roadways and moving vehicles. Coordinate with local
traffic authorities and use appropriate traffic control measures.
lAlthough the SurfaceVue 10 is rugged, it should be handled as a precision instrument.
lDo not use RS-232 cable lengths greater than 10 m. For longer communications distances,
an RS-485 extender kit, which converts RS-232 to RS-485 should be used.
lFollow local regulations. See Compliance in Technical specifications(p. 4).
lIMPORTANT: The SurfaceVue 10 should be calibrated when the surface is dry, and it should
be re-calibrated after installation, if the distance to target is changed, or the surface type is
changed, such as road resurfacing.
lProtect from ESD (electrostatic discharge).
Table 2-1: Symbols
Symbol Description
Caution. See Install sensor(p. 7) and Safety.
3. Initial inspection
lUpon receipt of the SurfaceVue 10, inspect the packaging and contents for damage. File
any damage claims with the shipping company.
lThe model number and cable length are printed on a label at the connection end of the
cable. Check this information against the shipping documents to ensure the expected
product and cable length are received.
SurfaceVue 102

4. Overview
The SurfaceVue 10 is simple to install on new and existing infrastructure. Each sensor is supplied
with a mounting bracket and two band clamps suitable for mounting the sensor to a vertical pole
with diameters between 70 and 170mm (3 and 7 in).
Features include:
lAccurate measurements
lNon-invasive
lEasy to install
lSimple to maintain
lRemote OS update via data logger
lCompatible with most data loggers and RWIS
lMonitor troublesome areas, such as bridge decks
lIdeal for multiple uses, including roads, parking lots, cycleways, and sidewalks
5. Operating principles
The SurfaceVue 10 unit is equipped with a thermopile sensor that detects the presence of thermal
radiation emitted from the target surface. Additionally, it uses optical measurements to detect
water and ice. The measuring light is not visible to the human eye. The light reflection from the
measured surface depends on the surface material and contamination on the window surface.
The measurement method is optimized for a standard stony asphalt surface. The signal levels of
the SurfaceVue 10 unit are factory calibrated for a dry surface. Water and ice on the road surface
attenuate the reflected light as compared to the calibrated values. The degree of signal
attenuation depends on the amount of ice or water. The measurement system is optimized for
thin layers, because very thin layers (50μm) of ice can significantly reduce grip. Thick layers
(≥4mm) of water may attenuate the signal too much for a reliable measurement. A continuous
layer of water on ice may also result in a false state and elevated grip value. Fortunately, this is
not a very common condition on road surfaces.
The SurfaceVue 10 is eye safe for infra-red radiation according to the standard EN 60825-1:2007.
SurfaceVue 103

SurfaceVue 10 has been comprehensively tested by third parties and copies of those reports are
available at https://www.teconer.fi/en/surface-condition-friction-measurements/ .The tests
indicate that the accuracy of the SurfaceVue 10 friction reading measured as a standard deviation
of the difference to an absolute physical friction meter is on the order of 0.10. This accuracy is
adequate for winter maintenance purposes.
6. Technical specifications
Road conditions
Surface states Dry, moist, wet, slush, snow, ice
Field of view (FOV)
Road surface conditions 2.8° (0.5 m at 10 m)
Road surface temperature 10° (1.7 m at 10 m)
Grip (friction)
Measurement range: 0 to 1.0 (unitless)
Accuracy ±0.1 (compared to braking friction reference)
Resolution: ±0.01
Water and ice layer thickness
Range: 0 to 3 mm (0 to 0.12 in)
Accuracy l±0.1 mm up to 1.0 mm (0.004 in up to 0.04 in)
l10% above 1.0 mm (0.04 in)
Resolution: ±0.01 mm
Road surface temperature
Measurement range: –40 to +60°C (–40 to +140°F)
Accuracy –40 to 60°C: ±0.3°C
Resolution: ±0.1°C
Ground temperature (modeled)
Measurement range: –40 to +60°C (–40 to +140°F)
Accuracy –40 to 60°C: ±0.5°C
Resolution: ±0.1°C
SurfaceVue 104

Dew point temperature (calculated)
Measurement range: –40 to +60°C (–40 to +140°F)
Accuracy –40 to 60°C: ±1.0°C
Resolution: ±0.1°C
Air temperature
Measurement range: –40 to +60°C (–40 to +140°F)
Accuracy: ±0.3°C
Resolution: ±0.1°C
Relative humidity
Measurement range: 0 to 100%
Accuracy: ±2%
Resolution: ±0.1%
Barometric pressure
Measurement range: 500 to 1100 hPa
Accuracy ±1.0 hPa
Resolution: ±0.1 hPa
Wind speed (modeled)
Measurement range: 0 to 60 m/s (0 to 134 mph)
Accuracy ±10%
Resolution: ±1 m/s
General specifications
Measurement range 3 to 10 m (9.8 to 32.8 ft)
Installation angle 30 to 80°
Operating temperature range: –40 to 60°C (–40 to 140°F)
Operating humidity range 0 to 100%
Power consumption @ 12 VDC <100 mA (typical)
Supply voltage range 9 to 30 VDC
Digital output RS-232, RS-485 (with RS485EXT)
Warm-up time 1 min
SurfaceVue 105

Cable type Five conductor
Cable length 10 m (32.8 ft)
Dimensions, excluding band clamp
(length x height x depth):
76.2 x 27.9 x 17.8 cm (30 x 11 x 7 in)
Weight: 4.9 kg (10.8 lb)
Compliance: View documents at:
www.campbellsci.com/surfacevue10
7. Installation
The SurfaceVue 10 is designed to measure asphalt or concrete road or runway surfaces. It is
typically installed permanently to a large pole or lattice tower and aimed at the measuring
surface. There are multiple sensors to consider when choosing a location and installing the
sensor.
Installation considerations:
lDistance from sensor to measuring area of road is within 3 to 10 meters (10 to 33 ft). The
preferred distance is 3 to 7 meters (10 to 23 ft). See How do I calculate the distance from the
sensor to the measuring area on the road?(p. 18).
lMounting angle is within 30 to 80°. The preferred angle is 45 to 80°. See How do I calculate
the installed angle?(p. 19).
lAvoid solar reflections into the sensor detector hood. It is recommended to mount the
sensor facing north in the northern hemisphere.
lAvoid existing or potential obstructions between the sensor and roadway, such as
snowbank buildup blocking the sensor signal.
lAvoid cracks or painted lines in the pavement within the sensor field of view.
lSelect a site away from intersections and where there is not regularly stopped traffic
7.1 Installation height and angle
Installation height and angle affect the surface measurement area. Use an online field of view
tool https://docs.wintersense.com/field-of-view/ to see how these factors affect the field of
view, and consequently the section of road surface being measured.
SurfaceVue 106

The recommended installation height for a SurfaceVue 10 smart sensor is 3 to 5meters (10 to 16
feet). Sensors can be installed higher if required. However, the higher the sensor is installed, the
larger the surface measurement area will be. This increases the risk of sensing the temperature of
unwanted objects. In addition, a large measuring distance may result in reduced accuracy under
certain atmospheric conditions. See How do I calculate the distance from the sensor to the
measuring area on the road?(p. 18) for more information.
The following table and figure show typical installation parameters and resulting target
dimensions.
Installation parameter Surface
temperature
Surface
condition
Angle (α) 45° 
Sensor setback (B) 3 m (10 ft) 
Sensor height (H) 3 m (10 ft) 
Field of view (FOV) 10° 2.8°
Calculated target dimensions: 
Distance to target(D) 4.3 m (14 ft) 
Target coverage area
(A)
0.64 m2 (6.9
ft2)
0.05 m2 (0.5
ft2)
Major (long) diameter
(L) 1.1 m (3.5 ft) 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Minor (short) diameter
(S) 0.8 m (6.9 ft) 0.2 m (0.7 ft)
7.2 Install sensor
The SurfaceVue 10 installation kit includes brackets, metal bands, and mounting hardware
needed to secure it to a pole. The metal bands are routed over the brackets, and then around a
vertical pole. They are anchored in place using screw clamps.
Recommended equipment and supplies:
l7 mm (9/32 in) hex tool or slotted screwdriver (not supplied) for adjusting band clamp
l13 mm (1/2 in) spanner, wrench, or socket to allow sensor angle adjustment
lClean lint-free cloths
lLaser pointer (optional accessory)
SurfaceVue 107

Attach the bracket to a vertical post as follows:
1. Feed a metal band around the bracket top and bottom. Insert the tab on the end of the
screw threads into the hole at one end of the strap. Tighten enough so the bands stay in
place but can be moved vertically.
2. Position the bracket at the SurfaceVue 10 desired height and facing the road surface.
Bracket installation
3. Pull the strap tight around the pole and bracket.
4. Use metal shears to remove any excess strap, leaving a small amount for adjustments.
5. Using a flathead screwdriver or nut driver, tighten the screw clamp.
6. Attach the SurfaceVue 10 to the bracket using two bolts. Finger tighten the nuts.
7. Route the sensor cable from the sensor, down the pole and to the enclosure. Use cable ties
to secure in place.
8. Select the angle of the sensor support arm so that the sensors point to a desired spot of
measurement on the road. Turn on the laser pointer. Gently slide the laser pointer into the
surface-temperature sensor tube. Adjust the sensor angle to point it at the road surface to
be measured.
SurfaceVue 108

DANGER:
Never shine a laser pointer at anyone. Do not point a laser pointer at mirror-like
surfaces.
9. Gently remove the laser pointer from the tube, and turn it off. Take care to not change the
sensor angle.
10. Check the rotation of the CS991 sensor in the tube as shown in the following figure. The
two smaller lenses of the sensor should be in line with the road surface.
SurfaceVue 109

11. Once the sensor is oriented correctly tighten the bracket nuts.
7.3 Wiring
The SurfaceVue 10 cable terminates in individual wires. Connect the wires to the data logger in
the order shown in the following sections.
Also see Does the SurfaceVue 10 need to be continuously powered?(p. 19).
7.3.1 RS-232
Table 7-1: RS-232 wire color, function, and data logger connection
SurfaceVue 10 Wire color Wire function Data logger connection
White Receive signal (Rx) C odd
Black Transmit signal (Tx) C even
Brown Power 9 to 30 VDC 12V
Blue Ground G
Yellow Not used Not connected
SurfaceVue 1010

7.3.2 RS-485
An RS485EXT box is required to convert the RS-232 signals to RS-485. Using a flat-bladed
screwdriver press firmly in the small square slot to open the wire slot. Insert the end of the wire
into the wire slot. Remove the screwdriver to close the wire slot. Repeat with the other wires.
TIP:
Wires with ferrules can be pressed firmly into the wire slot. You do not need to open it first.
Table 7-2: RS485EXT wire color, function, and data logger connection
Wire color (SurfaceVue 10) RS485EXT connection Data logger connection
White RS232 Rx 
Black RS232 Tx 
Brown RS232 12VDC (power) 
Blue RS232 G 
Yellow Not used 
Clear 
 RS485 A(-) C odd
 RS485 B(+) C even
 RS485 12VDC (power 10 to 30 VDC) 12V
 RS485 Ground G

SurfaceVue 1011

7.4 CRBasic programming
A downloadable example program is available at
https://www.campbellsci.com/downloads/surfacevue10-example-program .
The SerialOut(), SerialIn(), and SerialInRecord() instructions program a data
logger to communicate with the SurfaceVue 10 using RS-232. Use SplitStr() to separate the
returned data.
NOTE:
The standard serial configuration is RS-232, 38400 baud, 8N1. The optional RS485EXT
converter box has the same serial configuration.
SurfaceVue 1012

7.5 Data format
The SurfaceVue 10 automatically outputs a new data message approximately once every 10 to 20
seconds. The data is comma separated ASCII ending with CR + LF:
RCM411R V 0.80 2020-03-18

0.037, 0.108, -0.003, 0.60, 0, 22.3, -5.8, 21.08, 248.6, 0.00, 21.11, 0.00,
1.025,1010.51, 7.3, 8.7
0.031, 0.107, -0.002, 0.60, 3, 22.3, -5.8, 21.13, 248.7, 0.71, 21.11, 0.00,
1.040,1010.47, 7.3, 8.7
0.029, 0.107, -0.002, 0.60, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.16, 248.7, 0.70, 21.11, 0.00,
1.047,1010.53, 7.3, 8.7
0.307, 0.122, -0.021, 0.61, 3, 22.3, -5.8, 21.16, 248.7, 0.72, 21.11, 0.00,
0.794,1010.50, 7.3, 8.8
0.648, 0.141, -0.038, 0.61, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.16, 248.7, 0.74, 21.11, 0.00,
0.604,1010.56, 7.3, 8.8
0.965, 0.159, -0.013, 0.61, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.21, 248.7, 0.76, 21.11, 0.00,
0.490,1010.54, 7.3, 8.8
1.257, 0.175, -0.014, 0.61, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.19, 248.7, 0.78, 21.11, 0.00,
0.415,1010.42, 7.3, 8.8
1.519, 0.190, -0.016, 0.61, 3, 22.3, -5.7, 21.13, 248.7, 0.80, 21.11, 0.00,
0.364,1010.50, 7.4, 9.5
1.755, 0.203, -0.019, 0.62, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.07, 248.7, 0.81, 21.11, 0.00,
0.326,1010.42, 7.4, 9.9
… …
The first line is only generated once after the sensor is turned on. The comma separated value
descriptions are shown in the following table.
Table 7-3: Data description
 Description Unit Typical value
1 Internal use N/A 0.031
2 Internal use N/A 0.107
3 Internal use N/A -0.002
4 Grip unitless 0.60
5
Road condition index:
1 = dry
2 = moist
3 = wet
4 = slush
5 = ice
6 = snow/frost
unitless 3
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Table 7-3: Data description
 Description Unit Typical value
6 Air temperature °C 22.3
7 Dew point °C -5.8
8 Road temperature °C 21.13
9 Internal use N/A 248.7
10 Internal use N/A 0.71
11 Ground temperature °C 21.11
12 Ice thickness mm 0.00
13 Water depth mm 1.040
14 Barometric pressure hPa 1010.47
15 Wind speed m/s 7.3
16 10-minute maximum wind gust m/s 8.7
8. Maintenance
DANGER:
Before attempting any maintenance on the sensor, refer to the Safety section. Study the
sections on working at height, use of batteries, and exposure to radio transmitters.
CAUTION:
Before proceeding with any maintenance, always retrieve the data first.
CAUTION:
Always disconnect the SurfaceVue 10 from the data logger or the connector before
disassembling.
Recommended equipment and supplies:
l7 mm (9/32 in) hex tool or slotted screwdriver (not supplied) for adjusting band clamp
l13 mm (1/2 in) spanner, wrench, or socket to allow sensor angle adjustment
lClean lint-free cloths or lens tissues
lBulb air blower suitable for camera lenses
SurfaceVue 1014

lCotton buds or swabs
lElectronics-grade alcohol or suitable glass cleaner
lDistilled water
The SurfaceVue 10 is designed to require minimal annual maintenance. Recommended
maintenance includes:
lCheck the cleanness of the surface-condition sensor window. Use a bulb air blower to
remove any large contaminants from the lens. Clean the lens with a lint free lens cloth or
lens tissue. Detergents suitable for cleaning glass can be used, when necessary.
lCheck the window of the surface-temperature sensor. Use a bulb air blower to remove any
large contaminants from the lens. Use a long cotton swab and wet with distilled water to
clean the window and then wipe it dry.
lCheck the air temperature and relative humidity measurements. If you suspect an error in
either of those measurements, or the dew point calculation, the sensor may need to be
serviced by the manufacturer.
lCheck the calibration. See Calibration(p. 16) for more information.
SurfaceVue 1015

9. Calibration
There are several settings in the SurfaceVue 10 sensor. However, only the Grip reading of a fully
dry surface is relevant; it should read close to 0.81. The other sensor readings are factory
calibrated for specified performance. If there is a need to adjust these readings, consult Campbell
Scientific.
The SurfaceVue 10 is factory calibrated for a dry road surface at a distance of about 5 m from the
sensor to the measurement spot. When the calibration is correct and the sensor window is clean,
the Road condition index should report Dry and Grip should be near 0.81 for a completely dry
surface.
NOTE:
It is a good practice to recalibrate the sensor after installation.
9.1 While connected to Campbell Scientific data
logger
To calibrate the sensor using the program provided, and when the surface is known to be dry, set
the CalDryFlag to true. For more information, see CRBasic programming(p. 12).
9.2 While connected directly to a computer
Tera Term (www.teraterm.org ) or similar software can be used on a computer to communicate
with the SurfaceVue 10. A compatible RS-232 to USB serial adapter is used to connect the sensor
to the computer.
1. Connect the sensor RS-232 Rx, Tx, and ground wires to the serial converter connected to a
computer.
2. Connect the power wires to an appropriate power supply.
3. Open Tera Term or similar software and configure it to an RS-232 serial connection at
38400 baud and 8N1.
4. Open the connection.
SurfaceVue 1016

5. To start communicating with the sensor send it the “open<enter><esc>” command. It
should respond with “>” and "OPENED". Repeat the command if this does not work.
6. To calibrate the sensor on a dry road surface, type “dry 2 <enter>”.
7. The sensor will automatically close the connection and start reporting the data string.
Example:
open
>
OPENED
>dry 2
DRY = 0.603 0.075
>
CLOSED
RCM411R test 0.87 2022-01-05
0.031, 0.107, -0.002, 0.60, 3, 22.3, -5.8, 21.13, 248.7, 0.71, 21.11, 0.00,
1.040,1010.47, 7.3, 8.7
0.029, 0.107, -0.002, 0.60, 3, 22.2, -5.8, 21.16, 248.7, 0.70, 21.11, 0.00,
1.047,1010.53, 7.3, 8.7
10. Troubleshooting
Table 10-1: Symptoms, possible causes, and solutions
Symptom Possible cause Solution
The friction value of dry
pavement has decreased
over time.
This can indicate that the
optics are dirty, or the
pavement has changed.
Clean the optics then initiate a dry
calibration. See Maintenance(p. 14)
and Calibration(p. 16).
No data is being reported or
there are NAN readings in
real-time or stored data.
This indicates the terminal
program or data logger is
not receiving data from the
SurfaceVue 10.
Check that the main sensor cable
connector on the back of the
condition unit (CS991) is installed
correctly and hand tight.
Check that the sensor is wired to the
correct terminals specified by
SerialIn(). See Wiring(p. 10)
Check the voltage to the sensor
with a digital voltage meter. See the
Supply voltage range in Technical
specifications(p. 4).
SurfaceVue 1017

Table 10-1: Symptoms, possible causes, and solutions
Symptom Possible cause Solution
Data string is reporting data
from the surface condition
sensor but not from the
temperature sensor.
The connection cable
between the sensors may
be connected incorrectly.
Remove the surface-condition
sensor end cap and check that the
connector is installed correctly and
hand tight.
11. Frequently asked questions
11.1 How do I calculate the distance from the
sensor to the measuring area on the road?
Figure 11-1. Right triangle
Where:
c = distance from the head of the sensor to the measuring area on the road
b = distance from the measuring area on the road to the base below the head of the sensor
a = distance from the base below the head of the sensor to the head of the sensor
α = measuring angle
1. Measure the distances a and b.
2. Calculate c using the following equation:
3. See Technical specifications(p. 4) for Measurement range requirements.
SurfaceVue 1018