Norac UC4+ User manual

Procedure for Testing
UC4+, UC4 and UC3 Sensors

Printed in Canada
Copyright 2006 NORAC Systems International Inc.
Reorder P/N: 44645-MAN1 Revision I
NOTICE
NORAC Systems International Inc. reserves the right to improve products and their
specifications without notice and without the requirement to update products sold
previously. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained
in this manual. The technical information in this manual was reviewed at the time of approval
for publication.
Spray Height Controller

Contents
1Introduction.................................................................................1
2Materials....................................................................................... 2
3CANbus Monitor Parts...............................................................3
4Setting Up.................................................................................... 4
5Testing UC4+ and UC4 Sensors................................................8
6Testing UC3 Sensors ................................................................12
7Replacing Transducers .............................................................13
8Replacing O-Rings .....................................................................16
9Frequently Asked Questions....................................................17
10Log Sheet ...................................................................................19
11Appendix A – Adjusting 44730 Calibration Stand................. 23

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1Introduction
This manual serves as an instruction manual for testing UC4+, UC4 and
UC3 sensors. This procedure is useful in determining if a sensor needs to
be returned to NORAC for repairs or if it is possible to continue using it.
This procedure also provides a method for performing some basic
calibration of the UC4 sensor to improve its performance. The procedure
requires special components that may be purchased from NORAC.
Phone: [phone] Canada (Toll Free)
1-866-306-6722 United States (Toll Free)
(+33) (0)4 26 47 04 42 Europe
1-306-664-6711 all other regions
E-mail: [email protected]
Web Site: www.norac.ca

2
2Materials
Table 1: Items included in the UC4 Resource Kit
Item Part Number Name Quantity
B01 44968 ULTRASONIC SENSOR CALIBRATION FIXTURE TYPE2 1
C01 44644-04 CABLE BUSMONITOR POWER STAND-ALONE DEVICE 1
E01 54733 NORAC USB DRIVE - TOOLSUITE AND VERIFICATION TOOL 1
E02 44644 CANBUS MONITOR 1
M01 44645-MAN1 MANUAL UC4 SENSOR TESTING 1
M02 44645-MAN2 MANUAL UC4 PANEL PROGRAMMING 1
**M05 106127 ADH RTV 162 WHITE SILICONE - 85mL TUBE 1
*M06 44645-02 TRANSDUCER SERVICE KIT 1
*M07 44645-03 O-RING SERVICE KIT 2
*M08 44645-04 FOAM DISC SERVICE KIT 1
The following items are not included in the test kit, but are required for
testing and updating UC4 sensors and panel software:
12 VDC (2A or greater) power supply1
Computer with Windows operating system.
* Items M06, M07 and M08 are available for re-order from NORAC.
** Item M05 is available for re-order from NORAC, as well as from the
manufacturer:
Item # Description
Manufacturer Part #
M05 ADH RTV 162 WHITE
SILICONE - 85mL TUBE
MG Chemicals
/Momentive
RTV162-
85mL
1Recommended power supply:
Catalog #22-507 available from RadioShack (United States)
Catalog #2208247 available from The Source (Canada)

3
3CANbus Monitor Parts
Figure 1: The NORAC CANbus Monitor Connections
Bus Monito
r
CANbus
Connector
Panel
Programming
Adapter
USB to Serial
Adapter

4
4Setting Up
* Refer to Appendix A for setup and calibration of the 44730
calibration stand.
4.1 Assemble the two parts of the test stand as shown in Figure 2.
Insert the sheet metal insert into the rectangular hole. Install the
spring, flat washer and wing nut onto the stud. Tighten wing nut until
the spring is approximately half compressed.
Figure 2: Test Stand Assembly
457 mm
(18”)

5
4.2 Insert the alignment tool (44968-2) into the test stand. (Figure 3)
4.3 Adjust the threaded mount (A) of the golf ball target so the surface of
the ball will touch the tip of the alignment tool (it may be necessary to
align the calibration stand first (Step 4.4) before this is possible.
4.4 Using the adjustment screws (B and C), align the tip of the alignment
tool to the center of the golf ball
To move the tip of the rod upwards, turn both adjustment screws
in an equal amount.
To move the tip of the rod downwards, turn both adjustment
screws out an equal amount.
To move the tip of the rod side to side, turn one screw in and one
screw out an equal amount.
4.5 Rotate the alignment tool 180 degrees and repeat the alignment
process (Step 4.4). If after rotating the alignment tool the tip of the
rod is not centered on the ball target, split the difference of the two
calibrations.
4.6 It may be necessary to adjust the threaded mount of the ball target (A)
after Step 4.5.
Figure 3: Test Stand Alignment

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4.7 If the test stand is ever disassembled, it must be realigned when
reassembled. Use the alignment tool to check the alignment of the
test stand before each use.
4.8 Inspect the sensor for visible damage. Inspect the transducer by
removing the foam and looking through the screen. The underlying
gold foil should be clean and free from tears, chemical deposits or
wrinkles. Ensure a clean foam disc is in the sensor before testing.
NOTE: It is advised that a new foam disc is used for sensor
testing.
4.9 Mount the sensor into the sensor test stand. Press the handle
towards the stand and insert the sensor with the transducer facing the
golf ball as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4: Sensor Mounted in Test Stand
4.10 Attach the USB end of the USB-to-Serial Adapter to the computer and
ensure that the Serial end is attached to the Bus Monitor.
4.11 Connect the Bus Monitor’s Power connector labeled “To CANBus”
to the Bus Monitor Stand-Alone Power Cable connector labeled “To
Bus Monitor”.
4.12 Connect the banana plugs on the Bus Monitor Stand-Alone Power
Cable to a 12Vdc power supply.
4.13 The red banana plug must be connected to the positive terminal and
the black banana plug to the ground.
4.14 Switch the power supply on, check that the LED on the Bus Monitor is

7
illuminated and switch off power supply.
4.15 Connect the sensor cable to the Bus Monitor Stand-Alone Power
Cable AMP connector labeled “To CANBus”.
4.16 Once the sensor is connected to the Bus Monitor, turn on the power
supply and allow the sensor to run for at least 5 minutes before
proceeding to Section 5.
Figure 5: Bus Monitor Connections
Power
Supply
Bus
Monito
r
Connect
to Sensor
Serial
–
USB
A
dapte
r
Stand Alone
Power Cable
CANBus
Connector

8
5Testing UC4+ and UC4 Sensors
5.1 Start the provided UC4 ToolSuite software. Use the Connect
function under the Tools menu (Figure 6) to connect to the sensor. A
properly connected program will as it does in Figure 7 with data
displayed in all fields.
NOTE:If this is the first time connecting to a sensor it will be
necessary to use the Settings function under the Tools
menu to select the COM port before attempting to
connect. See Step 9.3.
Figure 6: Tools Menu for Setting Up the Program
Figure 7: The Program Window When the Sensor Is Correctly Connected
NOTE: If the sensor’s distance reading is wrong by more than
127, then the sensor is probably locking onto a different
target. Hold your hand over the mouth of the sensor until
the reading goes to 0. Then remove your hand and see if
it detects the golf ball. If it does not, try clicking the
Default button.
5.2 Take note of the sensor version. If the sensor version is UC3

9
proceed to Section 6. (page 12)
5.3 Use a thermometer to measure the current room temperature. Enter
the temperature into the Room Temperature text field.
5.4 Move the mouse over the AutoCal button and hold the mouse button
down. Continue to hold the mouse button down until the Signal
Strength color is green, the temperature displayed matches the room
temperature and the distance displayed is 457. Once all readings are
correct release the AutoCal button.
5.5 If the sensor’s temperature reading is not the same as the room
temperature (within ±2°C), adjust the temperature. This is done by
using the Up/Down arrows under the Temperature display field.
NOTE: If the temperature is not reading the sensor might be
usable, but its accuracy and reliability will decrease. It is
recommended to eventually have the sensor repaired or
replaced.
NOTE: The temperature should not be calibrated until the sensor
has been in the room for a minimum of 15 minutes.
Table 2: Temperature Adjustment Results
Test Result Action
Temperature is within
±2°C of room
temperature
Continue to the next step.
Temperature is more than
±2°C different than room
temperature.
Try adjusting the temperature setting more.
If it will not adjust to be within the range,
the thermistor may be damaged and will
eventually need replacing.
Temperature cannot be
adjusted to be within ±2°C
of room temperature
The sensor’s thermistor is damaged.
The sensor should still function, but its
accuracy and reliability will decrease. The
sensor should eventually be returned to
NORAC for repair.
The temperature
measurement will not
display.
Cycle the sensor’s power OFF then ON and
try reconnecting the software.
If the sensor’s serial number is displayed
correctly, but the temperature will not
display, the sensor may be damaged.

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Test Result Action
The temperature
measurement only displays
zero.
Ensure the correct serial number is
displayed. If it is not, cycle the sensor’s
power OFF then ON and try reconnecting
the software.
If the temperature will not change, the
thermistor is most likely damaged and the
sensor should be repaired.
5.6 Verify changes in measured distance by placing your hand in front of
the golf ball and moving your hand towards and away from the sensor.
5.7 The analog gain setting must be adjusted until the signal strength lies
between the range of 150 and 170. To do this use the Up/Down
arrows under the Analog Gain field to adjust the analog gain setting.
The signal strength number might flicker between two numbers,
but this is acceptable.
Average sensor gains (leaving production) are usually close to 25%.
Table 3: Results When Adjusting the Analog Gain
Test Result Action
The signal strength is
now lying between 150
and 170.
The sensor is OK to keep using.
The analog gain setting
could not be adjusted
enough to make the
signal strength lie
between 150 and 170.
Try replacing the transducer.
It may be necessary to try multiple
transducers before finding one that works.
The analog gain setting is
not displayed.
Make sure the correct serial number is
displayed. If it is not, cycle the sensor’s power
OFF then ON and try reconnecting the
software.
5.8 Check the displayed distance reading. It should lie between 455 and
459. If necessary adjust the distance reading by clicking the Up/Down
arrows under the Distance field.

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Table 4: Results When Adjusting the Distance Measurement
Test Result Action
The sensor measurement
reads between 455 and
459.
The transducer is performing correctly.
The sensor measurement
is not between 455 and
459.
Try adjusting it more. If it is outside the
adjustment range, change the transducer.
No measurement is
displayed for the distance
measurement.
If the serial number is not correct, cycle the
sensor’s power OFF then ON and try
reconnecting the software.
If the serial number is correct and no
measurement is displayed, try replacing the
transducer.
NOTE: If testing multiple sensors, simply disconnect the sensor’s
AMP connector and plug the new one in. The software
does not have to be reset between sensors.
NOTE: If testing multiple sensors, it is recommended that each
sensor be powered and running for at least 5 minutes
prior to calibration.

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6Testing UC3 Sensors
6.1 The same procedure may be used to test UC3 sensors; however, only
Steps 5.1, 5.2, 5.6 and 5.8 apply. The sensor gain cannot be adjusted.
With a UC3 sensor the analog gain setting does not apply and
there is no signal strength reported.
The values for signal strength will not be displayed for a UC3
sensor.
6.2 The following procedure can be used to determine if a UC3 sensor’s
transducer should be replaced or if the sensor is damaged.
Connect the sensor to the computer as described in Section 4.
Adjust the distance setting in the UC4 Toolsuite program so the
correct distance is displayed on the monitor. See Steps 5.6 and
5.8.

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7Replacing Transducers
7.1 Using a small flat screwdriver, remove the O-ring from around the
sensor transducer.
7.2 Peel the RTV silicone off the two tabs on the transducer. The spade
connectors on the wires should now slide off the tabs.
Figure 8: Transducer Connector Tabs
7.3 Attach the spade-end connectors of the wires to the new transducer
as shown in Figure 9.
The flat side of the spade connector should point towards the
center of the transducer.
The black/white striped wire connects to the center metal band
terminal.
The black wire connects to the outer case terminal (screen).
Figure 9: Transducer Wire Connection
7.4 Position the wires so they lie close to the transducer and have a right
Flat side faces
to center of
transducer
Black/white
wire
connected to
the center
metal band
terminal
Remove
the silicone
from the
two tabs

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angle bend as shown in Figure 10.
Figure 10: Transducer Wire Positioning
7.5 Add two small beads of RTV silicon to fasten the spade connectors to
the transducer terminals.
CAUTION:
Do NOT allow the RTV to contact any part of the transducer,
except the wire connection tabs. This will affect the
transducer performance.
7.6 Lay the transducer wires in place so they sit in the two slots cut on
the bottom of the sensor housing (Figure 11).
7.7 Position the transducer so it sits flat in the sensor casing. The
transducer should not rock back and forth and should be flush with
the top edge of the cut-out once it is properly seated in the casing.
Figure 11: Slots for the Transducer Wires
Slots for
the wires
to lie in

15
NOTE: If the existing o-ring is made of black rubber, it is
recommended that it be replaced with an orange silicone
o-ring included in this kit (See Section 2 for ordering
information). Follow the steps in Section 8 to replace the
o-ring.
NOTE: Do NOT use any type of grease or lubricant on the o-ring.
7.8 Press the O-ring into place.
When inserting the O-ring be sure it is inserted as evenly as
possible.
The O-ring cannot have any bulges in it or have any spots that sit
higher than the rest of the O-ring.
Inspect the gold foil on the transducer to ensure there are no
wrinkles.
7.9 The new transducer should now be operational and a recalibration can
be performed as outlined in Section 5 for a UC4 sensor and Section
6for a UC3 sensor.

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8Replacing O-Rings
NORAC recommends that all black rubber O-rings be replaced
with an orange silicone O-ring even if the transducer is not being
replaced. See Section 2 for ordering information.
8.1 Using a small flat screwdriver, remove the O-ring from around the
sensor transducer.
8.2 Thoroughly cleanse the area where the O-ring is installed with
Isopropyl alcohol and allow to dry. If the transducer is not being
replaced, also thoroughly cleanse the outer rim of the transducer
where it contacts the O-ring.
8.3 Position the transducer so it sits flat in the sensor casing. The
transducer should not rock back and forth and should be flush with
the top edge of the cut-out once it is properly seated in the casing.
NOTE: Do NOT use any type of grease or lubricant on the o-ring.
8.4 Press the O-ring into place.
When inserting the O-ring, be sure it is inserted as evenly as
possible.
The O-ring cannot have any bulges in it or have any spots that sit
higher than the rest of the O-ring.
Inspect the gold foil on the transducer to ensure there are no
wrinkles.
8.5 A recalibration should now be performed as outlined in Section 5 for
a UC4 sensor and Section 6 for a UC3 sensor.

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9Frequently Asked Questions
9.1 Nothing happens when Connect is clicked.
a) Ensure the power is turned on.
b) Try cycling the power OFF then ON and reconnecting the UC5
Toolsuite Software.
c) Check the COM port settings (under Settings) to make sure it is
set up correctly with the proper COM port chosen.
d) Check all cable connections to be sure everything is properly
connected.
9.2 Sensor information does not display after connecting.
Cycle the power OFF then ON and exit the software and restart.
9.3 The correct COM port is not displayed in the Settings window.
a) In Windows go to Start->Control Panel->System
b) Click on the Hardware tab and then the Device Manager button.
c) Click the +sign beside Ports (COM & LPT)
d) Check for the com port with USB-to-Serial in the title. If that port
is not listed reinstall the supplied driver. If it is listed make sure the
UC5 Toolsuite software is set up to connect to that COM port.
This is the correct
COM port