RoadVista 932 User manual

User’s Manual
932
Retroreflectometer
Prepared by:
9925 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92131
858-279-8034 ∙• FAX [phone]
www.roadvista.com

932 Retroreflectometer User’s Manual (67208 Rev. E)
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COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Copyright (c) 2011-14 RoadVista. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may
be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any
language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
RoadVista, 9925 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego, CA 92131.
DISCLAIMER
RoadVista, makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Further, RoadVista, reserves the right to revise this publication and to
make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of RoadVista, to
notify any person of such revision or changes.
INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATION
If anyone has comments or suggestions regarding this manual, its format, content, or
otherwise, please direct them to:
Technical Publications Coordinator
RoadVista
9925 Carroll Canyon Road
San Diego, CA 92113
[phone]
or
www.roadvista.com
Your input is appreciated

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INSTRUMENT CERTIFICATION
RoadVista, certifies that this instrument was thoroughly tested, inspected and found to
meet its published specifications when it was shipped from the factory. RoadVista,
further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the U.S. National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) formerly National Bureau of Standards to
the extent permitted by the Bureau's calibration facility.
WARRANTY AND CUSTOMER SERVICE
All products manufactured by RoadVista are warranted to be free from defects in
material or workmanship subject to the following terms and conditions. All other
products sold by RoadVista are warranted only to the extent of that offered by the
manufacturer.
(a) PERIOD OF WARRANTY:
This warranty shall terminate one year after the date of shipment.
(b) REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT:
Seller's obligations under this clause shall be limited to repair or correction of any defect
of material or workmanship in any such product or to replacement of any defective
product or part or unit thereof, notice of which shall have been given to Seller within the
warranty period specified in subdivision (a) above.
(c) LIMITATION AS TO REPLACEABLE COMPONENTS WHO’S LIFE IS
A FUNCTION OF USAGE TIME:
Since the life of such components is a function of the customer's usage of them, all lamps
and batteries are warranted only to the extent that the original manufacturer's warranty
applies. Claims are limited to those presented within 30 days after occurrence of any
failure.
(d) CANCELLATION OF WARRANTY:
This warranty shall not apply if modifications not authorized in writing by Seller are
made.
The warranties set forth in this clause are in lieu of any other warranties, expressed or
implied, which the purchaser or others might have under or arising from this agreement,
by statute, at law, in equity, or otherwise, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OR
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS. Goods sold subject to above warranty only, and
Seller expressly denies any other warranties or representations, statutory, legal or
equitable, expressed or implied.

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RoadVista, provides repair services for all RoadVista products. A complete, modern
Service Department, Stock Room and Calibration Facility are employed at the factory.
In the event the instrument does not function properly or is damaged, RoadVista should
be contacted with regard to the specific symptoms of the problem.
NOTE
For all service requirements, please ask for the
Customer Service Department. RoadVista must be
contacted prior to any return shipment of
equipment. Failure to do so will result in delayed
return to the customers.
(e) SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The 932 should be returned to RoadVista on a yearly basis to verify all aspects of the
measurement system are within specification and perform standard routine maintenance.
Standard maintenance includes the following;
•Replace lamp
•Verify optical alignment
•Update firmware with newest version
•Full system check

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION....................................................................................... 1
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION................................................................................... 1
1.2 SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................... 2
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS................................................................... 3
SECTION 2 INITIAL SETUP......................................................................................... 4
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION......................................................................... 4
2.2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 4
2.3 USB & SOFTWARE INSTALLATION.................................................................. 5
2.3.1 Windows GUI System Requirements................................................................ 5
2.3.2 USB Installation................................................................................................. 5
2.3.3 Windows Software Installation.......................................................................... 7
SECTION 3 SYSTEM OPERATION............................................................................. 9
3.1 SYSTEM POWER UP.............................................................................................. 9
3.2 ROAD VISTA 932 GUI FLOW CHART ................................................................ 9
3.3 COMMON SCREEN FEATURES ........................................................................ 10
3.4 SETUP SCREEN.................................................................................................... 11
3.5 GPS AND UTC SCREENS.................................................................................... 12
3.6 CALIBRATING THE 932...................................................................................... 13
3.7 MEASUREMENTS................................................................................................ 16
3.7.1 Measurement Steps.......................................................................................... 16
3.7.2 Entering Comments ......................................................................................... 17
3.8 VIEW DATA.......................................................................................................... 19
3.9 WINDOWS INTERFACE...................................................................................... 19
3.9.1 Connecting the Model 932 USB Interface to a Computer............................... 19
3.9.2 Connecting the Model 932 Bluetooth Interface to a Computer....................... 20
3.9.3 Establishing Computer Communication.......................................................... 20
3.9.4 Download and Save Readings as Data Files.................................................... 22
3.9.5 Using the Model 932 With a Bluetooth Device............................................... 23
SECTION 4 MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING PROCEDURES ..... 24
4.1 SECTION OVERVIEW......................................................................................... 24
4.2 FACTORY REPAIR............................................................................................... 24
4.3 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE .......................................................................... 24
4.4 STORAGE.............................................................................................................. 24
4.5 CLEANING............................................................................................................ 25
APPENDIX A –DATA FORMAT................................................................................ 26

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FIGURES
═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════
Figure 2.1 Model 932 Mechanical Features ....................................................................... 4
Figure 2.2 USB Installation Source.................................................................................... 5
Figure 2.3 USB Driver Location......................................................................................... 6
Figure 2.4 USB Driver Installation Completed .................................................................. 6
Figure 2.5 Software Installation.......................................................................................... 7
Figure 2.6 Launching Application...................................................................................... 7
Figure 2.7 Security Warning............................................................................................... 8
Figure 2.8 Software Installation Completed....................................................................... 8
Figure 3.1 Graphical User Interface (GUI) Flow Chart...................................................... 9
Figure 3.2. Common Screen Features.............................................................................. 10
Figure 3.3. Setup Screen.................................................................................................. 11
Figure 3.4. Set Time Screen............................................................................................. 11
Figure 3.5. Main Menu Screen ........................................................................................ 14
Figure 3.6. Calibrate Screen............................................................................................. 14
Figure 3.7. Calibrate Dark Screen.................................................................................... 15
Figure 3.8. Calibrate Plaque Screen................................................................................. 15
Figure 3.9. Left: Single Measurement Screen; Right: Averaging Measurement Screen. 16
Figure 3.10. Comments Screen........................................................................................ 17
Figure 3.11. View Data Screen........................................................................................ 19
Figure 3.12. Download Manager Screen ......................................................................... 20
Figure 3.13. Setting Com Port ......................................................................................... 20
Figure 3.14. Auto Locate Com Port................................................................................. 21
Figure 3.15. Com Port Enabled........................................................................................ 21
Figure 3.16. Enabling Download Manager...................................................................... 22
Figure 3.17. Download Manager Screen ......................................................................... 22
Figure 3.18. Save File Navigation Screen ....................................................................... 23
Figure 2.3-1 Security Warning ........................................................................................... 8
Figure 3.5-1 GPS Detail Screen........................................................................................ 13

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SAFETY FIRST
Protect yourself. Follow these precautions:
•This Manual contains information about the proper procedures for preparing this
product for its use and care.
•Follow the instructions of other manufacturer’s equipment when used in
conjunction with this product.
•Explosion Hazard. Do not use in the presence of flammable liquids, vapors, gases
or dusts.
•FIRE HAZARD: DO NOT DRAPE OR COVER ANY LIGHT SOURCE WHILE
IT IS OPERATING.
•Pay attention to WARNING statements. They point out situations that can cause
injury or death.
•Pay attention to CAUTION statements. They point out situations that can cause
equipment damage.
•The user of this product should be thoroughly familiar in the set-up, use, and care
of this product.
•The user should carefully study this manual before using the equipment.
Instructions should be followed, with special attention given to warnings, controls
and user specifications. This manual should be available to the appropriate personnel.
•Before every procedure, carefully inspect the equipment to ensure it has been
properly maintained and cleaned, and that it is fully functional. DO NOT use if
inspection reveals anything unusual, including case damage or loose connectors.
•SAFETY PRECAUTIONS MUST ALWAYS BE EXERCISED WHEN USING
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT OPERATOR SHOCK, FIRE
HAZARD OR EQUIPMENT DAMAGE.
•Don’t touch any exposed wiring.
•All electrical equipment must be used with approved power cords and power
plugs inserted properly into grounded AC power outlets.
•Don’t plug in the power cord until directed to by the installation instructions.
•Don’t bypass the power cord’s ground lead with two-wire extension cords or plug
adaptors.
•Don’t disconnect the green and yellow safety-earth-ground wire that connects the
ground lug of the power receptacle to the chassis ground terminal (marked with or
!
).
•To reduce the risk of fire and electric shock, do not expose electrical equipment to
moisture. When cleaning, do not immerse any electrical device in liquid.

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•Do not use or store liquids on or above the equipment.
•Electric shock hazard. If unit is not functioning properly, DO NOT OPEN.
Please refer to the Maintenance and Troubleshooting section of this manual.
•Use only properly functioning cables that are made for system instrument
connectors.
•Light sources produce high intensity light. Thermal burns can result from
improper use of the light source.
•Use care not to point any operating light source directly at the eye.
•When light source is not in use, turn off the power.
•Keep any cooling vents and fans free of obstructions.

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932 Portable Retroreflectometer

932 Retroreflectometer User’s Manual (67208 Rev. E)
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SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
The RoadVista 932 Retroreflectometer measures retroreflection (RA) and color of road signs and
other materials, both in the field and in the laboratory. The 932 features a continuously
adjustable entrance angle from -45° to + 45°, and a motor driven, automatically adjustable
observation angle from 0.2° to +2.0° on the primary detector. The observation angle on the color
detector is fixed at 0.33°.
The primary light sensor meets ASTM E1709 requirements with the CIE standard human eye
response in conjunction with the CIE illuminant “A” lamp. The photometric filter accurately
measures different colors without the need to calculate correction factors. The color detector
features a 3-channel RGB sensor used to generate CIE1931 color coordinates.
The user interface features a super high resolution color touch screen. A separate graphics co-
processor provides quick, intuitive response as well as clearly rendered text and images for easy
viewing of pertinent data.
Revision 2.0 and above firmware includes a GPS to geo-locate measurements.
The 932 records the following items with each measurement:
•RAvalue.
•Entrance Angle.
•Observation Angle.
•CIE1931 x and y coordinates.
•Current date and time.
•A user-entered comment of up to 18 characters.
•Temperature and Humidity.
•GPS Location
•GPS Accuracy
The internal memory has the capacity to store readings and accompanying data for more than
30,000 measurements in non-volatile flash memory.
Both USB and Bluetooth interfaces independently allow remote control of the instrument. These
interfaces provide full connectivity, allowing for automation in laboratory or production
environments. The Bluetooth transceiver can also be used to wirelessly expand the instrument’s
capabilities, and is limited to only what devices are available on the market.
Data may be uploaded to a Windows-based computer using the Graphical User Interface (GUI)
that comes with the 932. Uploading is accomplished through the USB or Bluetooth interface,
and stored in ASCII delimited format.

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1.2 SPECIFICATIONS
ASTM E1709 Annular Geometry
Primary Observation Angle: Automated, variable from 0.2° to 2.0°.
Color Observation Angle: 0.33°.
Entrance Angle: Continuously variable from -45 o to +45.
Light Source Angular Sub-tense: 0.1°.
Primary Receptor Angular Sub-tense: 0.1°.
Color Receptor Angular Sub-tense: 0.4°.
Measurement Area: Approximately 1in (2.6cm) in diameter.
Measurement Range, Color Sensor: 10 to 2000 cd/lux/m2.
Optical Specifications
Measurement Range, Primary Sensor: 0.1 to 10000 cd/lux/m2in 4 electrical auto-gained ranges.
Data Storage: >30,000 measurements via on-board flash memory.
Computer Interface: USB, Bluetooth.
Main Detector: Silicon photodiode with photopic filter combined with light source at CIE
Illuminant “A” (2856°K).
Color Detector: RGB detector with photopic filter, calibrated to CIE1931 standard.
Calibration: Multi-color standards - Model 902 & 903 reference standard sets. Engineering and
high-intensity grades in 6 colors, caps stored in a foam-lined carrying case.
Other Features
Display Interface: High Resolution Color Touchscreen.
Data Storage: Averaging. Selectable Metric/English units. Clock.
Comment Field: 18-character per measurement.
GPS: 56 channel
Power
Power Supply, Field Use: Removable/rechargeable 12 VDC, 2.4Ah Hi-Cd battery.
(DeWalt P/N DC9071).
Power Supply, Laboratory Use: 15VDC Universal AC adapter.
Battery Charger: 12 VDC.
Sensor: Battery life.
Environmental
Operating Temperature: 10oC to 40oC (50oF to 104oF).
Operating Humidity: 0 to 95% non-condensing.
Sensors: Temperature, Humidity.
Dimensions
932 Retroreflectometer
5 in. (12.7 cm) wide; 14 in. (35.6 cm) high; 16 in. (40.6 cm) long.
Weight (without battery): 4.6 lbs (2.1 kg).
Weight (with battery): 5.75 lbs (2.6 kg).
Carry Case

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20.5 in. (52.1 cm) wide; 8.5 in. (21.6 cm) high; 17 in. (43.2 cm) long.
Accessories and Options
Standard Accessories:
•Two (2) Batteries.
•110 or 220 VAC, 15V battery charger with wall adapter.
•10mm and 15mm Measurement Area (Aperture) Reducers.
•Calibration Standard.
•Calibration Certificate.
•Windows-Based Software.
•USB Cable.
•Carrying Case.
•Shoulder Strap.
Additional Options:
•Annual Calibration Service.
•Adjustable Entrance Angle Attachment.
•12 VDC Car Battery Charger.
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
The RoadVista 932 is capable of operating between 10 and 40 degrees Celsius at altitudes up to
5000 feet. Relative humidity must remain between 0 and 95 percent, non-condensing. By
keeping the instrument within these limits, heat and moisture damage to the circuit boards can be
prevented.
WARNING: While the Model 932 Retroreflectometer functions to 10oC, do not place excessive
pressure on the touch screen if the air temperature is +5oC or below. Doing so could cause the
touch screen to crack. Before using at an air temperature of +5oC or below, make sure the
instrument has been in a warm area. Periodically return the instrument to a warm area to raise
the screen temperature when taking readings.

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SECTION 2 INITIAL SETUP
This section includes procedures required to place the 932 Retroreflectometer into service.
2.1 UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
RoadVista has taken special care in packaging the instrument for shipment. Your 932 was
shipped in a pressurized carry case. It is important that you carefully inspect the equipment for
any damage that might have occurred during shipping. Visually inspect all the 932 components
for dents or other signs of damage. If the instrument appears to be damage free, proceed to the
Introduction, and become familiar with the mechanical features.
If damage is discovered, ascertain whether the shipping container shows damage caused by
rough handling, making the shipper liable for damage. If a digital camera is available, take a
picture of the shipping container and the instrument. Carefully re-package the instrument in its
shipping container and include the photographs and/or comments in a separate envelope. Notify
the shipper that the instrument needs to be returned because of shipping damage. Notify
RoadVista of the damage. A RoadVista representative will explain how to return the equipment.
This procedure will expedite the replacement of the damaged instrument.
2.2 INTRODUCTION
Model 932 Mechanical Features are shown in Figure 2.2-2
Figure 2.2-1 Model 932 Mechanical Features

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2.3 USB & SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
2.3.1 Windows GUI System Requirements
Before making any electrical connections, verify that your computer is configured with the
following minimum requirements:
Operating System requirement (2.3.1) that both
•Operating System (supports 32-bit and 64-bit versions): Windows®XP, Vista, or
Windows®7.
•Hard Disk Space: Minimum required; 100 MB.
•Random Access Memory (RAM): Minimum required; 125 MB.
2.3.2 USB Installation
1. Plug the USB cable into the computer and then into the 932.
2. Power-up the 932 with the ON/OFF rocker switch.
3. The computer will recognize that a device is plugged into the USB port, and open the
Hardware Wizard box.
4. Select “Install from a list or specific location,” (Figure 2.2) and click “Next” to open the
next Wizard screen.
Figure 2.3-3USB Installation Source

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Figure 2.3 USB Driver Location
5. Select as shown in Figure 2.3 and click “Next”.
6. USB driver software will take several seconds for installation.
NOTE: If the operating system directs a second installation, repeat the above steps until the
system recognizes a successful installation.
7. When installation is complete, Figure 2.4 is displayed. Click “Finish” to close the
Hardware Wizard box.
Figure 2.4 USB Driver Installation Completed

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2.3.3 Windows Software Installation
1. Place installation CD into drive and select “Setup.exe.”
2. Click “Run” (Figure 2.5).
3. The Launching Application box (Figure 2.6) opens briefly, followed by the Security
Warning box (Figure 2.7).
Figure 2.6 Launching Application
4. Click “Install” (Figure 2.7).
Figure 2.3-4 Software Installation

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Figure 2.7 Security Warning
5. When installation is complete, click “Open” if the software will be used immediately, or
“Cancel” if the software will be used at a later time.
Figure 2.8 Software Installation Completed
Figure 2.3-5 Security Warning

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SECTION 3 SYSTEM OPERATION
This section includes procedures required to operate the 932 Retroreflectometer.
3.1 SYSTEM POWER UP
NOTE: Fully charge the battery before each use.
1. Power-up the 932 with the ON/OFF rocker switch. The logo screen is displayed until the
system has completed the boot up sequence (shown in the lower left corner of the color
touch screen). When complete, the 932 displays the MAIN MENU.
•Reminder: The green LED will pulse when functioning properly.
3.2 ROAD VISTA 932 GUI FLOW CHART
Figure 3-1 shows 932 Graphical User Interface (GUI) menu interaction. A button is located in
the lower left corner of most screens to allow the user to return to the MAIN MENU.
CAUTION
Use only a finger, or Stylus pen provided to press
the touch screen buttons. Using any hard,
pointed device to press the touch screen will
damage the screen.
Figure 3.1 Graphical User Interface (GUI) Flow Chart

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3.3 COMMON SCREEN FEATURES
Refer to Figure 3.2 and associated bullet items for common screen features.
•USB Icon: Displays when a USB cable for a device is connected to the USB
connector.
•Bluetooth Icon: Displays when a Bluetooth cable for a device is connected to the
Bluetooth connector.
•GPS Icon: Displays when a valid GPS signal has been acquired.
•Current Temperature: Displayed when the unit power is on.
•Current Humidity: Displayed when the unit power is on.
•Battery Charge: Available battery charge is displayed when the unit is running
on battery power.
•Current Time: Displayed when the unit power is on.
•Current Date: Displayed when the unit power is on.
•Screen Title: Name of screen.
•Navigation Buttons: Press to navigate to a different screen.
Figure 3.2. Common Screen Features
GPS Icon
Bluetooth
Icon
USB Icon
Current Temperature
and Humidity
Battery Charge
Time and Date
Screen Title
Navigation
Buttons

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3.4 SETUP SCREEN
Refer to Figure 3.3 and associated bullet items for SETUP screen features. More detailed
information is shown in italics.
•Instrument Firmware: Firmware version that controls instrument operation.
•Display Firmware: Firmware version that controls Graphical User Interface
(GUI).
•Calibrate Touchscreen Button: Corrects an out of sync screen.
If the touch screen appears to be out of sync, recalibrate the screen by pressing the
“Calibrate Touchscreen” button, and touching six different areas of the screen as they
are identified.
•Set Time Button: Allows for manually setting time and date.
To change the time and/or date;
a. Press “Set Time”. The SET TIME screen displays (Figure 3.4).
b. Press the field to be changed. The colors reverse for that field.
c. Enter a new value from the keypad.
d. When all the values are set correctly, press “Set Time” to lock any changes.
e. Press “Return to Setup”.
Figure 3.3. Setup Screen