JAMAR Technologies RAC Plus Series User manual

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RAC Plus User’s Manual
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LIMITED WARRANTY
JAMAR Technologies, Inc. warrants the RAC Plus series instruments for a period
of ve (5) years limited warranty against defects in material and workmanship as
follows: rst year, parts and labor; years two through ve, parts only, at labor
charge. Sensors, cables, connectors, brackets and other hardware are warranted
for ninety (90) days.
JAMAR Technologies, Inc. warrants each new instrument manufactured by the
company to be free from defective material and workmanship and agrees to remedy
any such defect. At its option, it may furnish a new part in exchange for any part
of any instrument of its manufacture which, under normal installation, use and
service discloses such defect. The instrument must be returned to the JAMAR
factory or authorized service agent intact, for examination, with all transportation
charges prepaid.
This warranty does not extend to any products which have been subject to misuse,
neglect, accident, incorrect wiring not our own, improper installation or use in
disregard of instructions furnished by JAMAR. This warranty does not extend
to products which have been repaired or altered outside the JAMAR factory or
authorized service agent.
In no event shall JAMAR Technologies, Inc. be liable for any damages arising from
the use of this product including damages arising from the loss of information.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied and no
representative or person is authorized to assume for JAMAR Technologies, Inc.
any other liability in connection with the sale or use of JAMAR products.
JAMAR Technologies, Inc. reserves the right to make improvements on the product
and/or specications at any time without notice.
Questions concerning this warranty or any JAMAR Technologies, Inc. product
should be directed by e-mail, mail or telephone to:
JAMAR Technologies, Inc.
151 Keith Valley Road
Horsham, PA 19044
215-491-4899
[email protected]
Copyright 2006 by JAMAR Technologies, Inc.

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Table of Contents
Volume 1.2 May 2006
If you have any questions about the use of the RAC Plus devices, please
call the following number:
1-215-491-4899
Monday — Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time
You may also contact us by e-mail at:
[email protected]
For more information on our products, or for the latest news in product
development, visit our web site at:
www.jamartech.com
For support information specic to the RAC Plus devices, go to:
www.jamartech.com/RACPlusSupport.htm
Address any correspondence to:
JAMAR Technologies, Inc.
151 Keith Valley Road
Horsham, PA 19044-1411

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Table of Contents
Technical Support ........................................................... iii
Introduction to the RAC Plus I and Plus II..................................... 1-1
What are the RAC Plus I and Plus II?..................................... 1-2
How Do They Work? ......................................................... 1-3
Quick Start Guide ......................................................... 1-4
Installation ......................................................... 2-1
Before You Begin ......................................................... 2-2
Installing the Modular Distance Sensor.................................. 2-3
Installing the RAC Instrument................................................ 2-7
Calibration ......................................................... 3-1
Automatic Calibration Procedure ........................................... 3-2
If Your RAC Fails to Calibrate................................................ 3-5
Manual Calibration Procedure ................................................ 3-7
Key Functions & Operating Procedures.......................................... 4-1
RAC Plus Key Functions ........................................................ 4-2
RAC Plus Menu Functions ..................................................... 4-5
RAC Plus Additional Features .............................................. 4-15
Troubleshooting ......................................................... 5-1
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................... 5-3
Appendix ........................................................ A-1
Connection and Output Formats ............................................ A-2
Specications ........................................................ A-4
Glossary ........................................................ A-5
Vehicle Calibration Record .................................................... A-7

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Chapter 1
Introduction
to the
RAC Plus I & Plus II
Chapter 1 — Introduction

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What are the RAC Plus I and Plus II?
The JAMAR Technologies Road Analysis Computer (RAC) Models Plus I
and Plus II are accurate, easy-to-use distance measuring instruments (DMI)
that use state-of-the-art microprocessor technology. The RAC Plus I and
RAC Plus II DMIs have been designed with features to provide you with
a versatile and functional instrument that can be learned in a very short
time.
The RAC Plus II contains all of the features of the RAC Plus I with the
addition of memory storage and data output. This allows for saving of in-
formation for later download to a computer.
Fig. 1.1 — RAC Plus I and RAC Plus II Distance Measuring Instruments

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Chapter 1 — Introduction
How do they work?
To use the RAC Plus I or Plus II DMI to accurately measure distance, either
a modular distance sensor (MDS) or mechanical transmission sensor is
used to send pulses to the DMI. The Quick-Kit, which is a modied version
of the MDS, can also be used.
Most newer vehicles (1992 and newer) have an electronic distance/speed
sensor inside the transmission which sends pulses to the vehicle's on-
board computer for use in the speedometer, ABS braking system, engine/
transmission control, etc. These vehicle-generated signals can be as many
as 100,000 pulses per mile, which is far more than the RAC needs to ac-
curately measure distance. Further, since the vehicle manufacturers are not
concerned with accurate distance and speed readings at very low speeds
(your speedometer may not move below 5 mph), the signal strength at these
low speeds is extremely minimal.
The MDS is not just an improvement over other electronic interface type
sensors. First, and foremost, its proprietary circuitry allows more accurate
slow speed measurements by sensing signals as low as 10 Mv from the
vehicle speed sensor. Second, it is designed to be mounted under the ve-
hicle dashboard rather than under the hood as with other interface sensors.
This gets the MDS out of a severe heat and moisture environment and into
a more controlled environment. Third, our exclusive internally generated
Sensor Test and Tap Test features allow the user to verify proper sensor and
instrument operation. Finally, the modular design simplies installation.
Older vehicles with mechanical speedometer cables use the mechanical
transmission sensor, which is screwed on to the transmission. For infor-
mation on how to install this type of sensor, refer to the instructions that
came with the sensor.
The next chapter details how to install a modular sensor into your vehicle.
If your already have a sensor installed, you may skip to Chapter 3 for infor-
mation on calibrating your RAC.

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Quick Start Guide
The RAC Plus I and II DMIs will allow you to accurately measure distance
quickly and easily. However, before you can do this a few basic steps must
be taken to ensure that you get the optimum performance from your in-
strument.
Step 1
Install your RAC and its modular sensor. Refer to Chapter 2 for detailed
instructions on this. If you would like to have the equipment professionally
installed, contact a garage or speedometer shop in your area.
Step 2
Calibrate your instrument. Refer to Chapter 3 for detailed instructions on
how this is done. Your RAC will not accurately measure distance unless
it is properly calibrated.
Step 3
Perform a test measurement with your vehicle. Once your RAC has been
calibrated, you should perform a test measurement over a known distance.
This will ensure that the instrument has been calibrated correctly.
To do a test measurement, drive to your starting point and stop. Turn on the
RAC and wait until zero is shown on the larger, upper display and CH is
shown on the smaller, lower display. Next, press the CH (count hold) button
to release the instrument from count hold and then drive the distance to be
measured. Stop and/or press the CH button once you reach the end of the
distance to be measured.
Step 4
Familiarize yourself with the features and options of the instrument that
you will be using. Refer to Chapter 4 for more detailed instructions on the
functions and procedures of the RAC Plus I or II.
Step 5
Practice. Before attempting to use the instrument on a job, be sure you are
comfortable with how to operate it.

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Chapter 2
Installation
Chapter 2 — Installation

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Before You Begin
Note: The following instructions are for installing a RAC with a Modular
Distance Sensor. If you are installing a different type of sensor, refer to the
instructions that came with the sensor itself.
The JAMAR RAC Plus I and Plus II distance measuring instruments (DMI)
are very reliable instruments. However, there can be some external variables
that could affect proper operation and the ability to accurately measure
distance traveled. By observing a few simple precautions you will be able
to eliminate potential problems.
• Do not install wires near any object that could cause stray pulses to
be picked up, such as the alternator, spark plugs or engine coil.
• Do not install the wires or sensor near any objects that will get hot,
such as the manifold. The installation wires or sensor can melt if they
are too close to a heat source.
• Do not install wires near any objects that could vibrate and cut the
wires.
• Tire pressure should be the maximum suggested by the tire manu-
facturer, typically 32-35 PSI cold. The tire should have ample tread
depth. Steel belted radial tires are highly recommended.
• Drive the vehicle 3 to 5 miles (depending on climate) to warm the
tires up to normal operating temperatures prior to calibrating your RAC.
Refer to Chapter 3, Calibration for more detailed instructions.