Jamar RAC-100 User manual

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RAC-100 and 200 User’s Manual
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Technical Support
If you have any questions about the use of the RAC-100 or 200, 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 fax at:
1-215-491-4889
or 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 specific to the RAC-100 or 200, go to:
www.jamartech.com/RACSupport.htm
Address any correspondence to:
JAMAR Technologies, Inc.
151 Keith Valley Road
Horsham, PA 19044-1411
Volume 3.0 March 2002

Table of Contents
Technical Support ............................................................ ii
Introduction to the RAC-100 and 200.............................................. 1-1
What are the RAC-100 and 200?............................................ 1-2
How Do They Work? ......................................................... 1-3
Quick Start Guide ......................................................... 1-4
Installation ......................................................... 2-1
BeforeYou Begin ......................................................... 2-2
Installing the Modular Distance Sensor ................................. 2-3
Installing the RAC Instrument ............................................... 2-7
Calibration ......................................................... 3-1
Automatic Calibration Procedure........................................... 3-2
IfYour DMI Fails to Calibrate................................................ 3-4
Manual Calibration Procedure ............................................... 3-6
Key Functions & Operating Procedures ......................................... 4-1
Key Functions: RAC-100 ....................................................... 4-2
Procedures: RAC-100 ......................................................... 4-5
Interval Distance ......................................................... 4-5
Distance Pulse Output (DPO) .......................................... 4-5
Key Functions: RAC-200 ....................................................... 4-7
Procedures: RAC-200 ......................................................... 4-8
Memory Store ......................................................... 4-8
Memory View ......................................................... 4-9
Memory Clear ....................................................... 4-11
Printing and Serial Port (RS-232) Output...................... 4-12
Wireless Infra Red Remote Option ...................................... 4-15
Troubleshooting ......................................................... 5-1
Error Codes ......................................................... 5-2
Frequently Asked Questions................................................... 5-3
Appendix ........................................................ A-1
Connection and Output Formats............................................ A-2
Specifications ........................................................ A-3
DPU-414 Thermal Printer Operating Procedures ................. A-4
Glossary ........................................................G-1
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Table of Contents

RAC-100 and 200 User’s Manual
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1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
to the
RAC-100
and 200
Chapter 1 — Introduction

RAC-100 and 200 User’s Manual
1-2
What are the RAC-100 and 200?
The JAMAR Technologies Road Analysis Computer (RAC) Models 100
and 200 are accurate, easy-to-use distance measuring instruments (DMI)
that use state-of-the-art microprocessor technology. The RAC-100 and 200
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-200 contains all of the features of the RAC-100 with the addition
of memory storage and data output. This allows for saving of information
for later download to a computer or printer. The RS-232 port used for down-
loading can also be used to control the unit in a real-time mode from a lap-
top computer.
Figure 1.1 — RAC-100 and 200 Distance Measuring Instruments

1-3
Chapter 1 — Introduction
How do they work?
To use the RAC-100 or 200 DMI to accurately measure distance, either a
modular distance sensor (MDS) or mechanical transmission interface
is used to send pulses to the DMI. The Quick-Kit, which is a modified
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/transmis-
sion control, etc. These vehicle-generated signals can be as many as 100,000
pulses per mile, which is far more than the DMI needs to accurately mea-
sure distance. Further, since the vehicle manufacturers are not concerned
with accurate distance and speed readings at very low speeds (your speed-
ometer 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 vehicle
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 andTap Test features allow the user to verify proper sensor and instru-
ment operation. Finally, the Modular Design simplifies installation.
Older vehicles with mechanical speedometer cables use the mechanical
transmission sensor, which is screwed on to the transmission. For informa-
tion 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 in-
formation on calibrating your DMI.

RAC-100 and 200 User’s Manual
1-4
Quick Start Guide
The RAC-100 and 200 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 instru-
ment.
Step 1 Install your DMI and its modular sensor. Refer to Chapter 2 for de-
tailed 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 instruc-
tions on how this is done. Your DMI will not accurately measure
distance unless it is properly calibrated.
Step 3 Perform a test measurement with your vehicle. Once your DMI has
been calibrated, you should perform a test measurement over a
known distance.This will ensure that the instrument has been cali-
brated correctly. To do a test measurement, drive to your starting
point and stop. Turn on the DMI and wait until C.H is shown on the
right side of the display and zero is shown on the left side. Next,
press the C Hold (count hold) button to release the instrument from
count hold and then drive the distance to be measured. Stop and/
or press the C Hold 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 instruc-
tions on the functions and procedures of the RAC-100 or 200.
Step 5 Practice. Before attempting to use the instrument on a job, be sure
you are comfortable with how to operate it.

Chapter 2
Installation
2-1
Chapter 2 — Installation

RAC-100 and 200 User’s Manual
BeforeYou 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-100 and 200 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 dis-
tance 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 manufac-
turer, 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 DMI.
Refer to Chapter 3, Calibration for more detailed instructions.
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