Instruction Manual for the StripeMaster II Field Retroreflectometer

STRIPEMASTER II Instruction Manual Revision B P/N 75012

 STRIPEMASTER II
FIELD RETROREFLECTOMETER
PORTABLE MEASUREMENT OF HIGHWAY PAVEMENT MARKINGS

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The STRIPEMASTER II is a precision instrument designed to measure retro-reflective materials in field applications as well as laboratory or factory
environments. This instrument provides accurate retro-reflectivity measurements over the range from 20 to 2000 mcd/m2/lux. The instrument utilizes a patented
technique that allows measurements to be made under a wide range of ambient conditions. This technique excludes the effects of sunlight or artificial illumination
on the measurement. There is no warm-up required prior to use. Lamp aging and battery voltage level changes have no effect on accuracy. Measurements are made
virtually instantaneously and can be repeated at two (2) second intervals. Internal memory allows for the storage up to 3,000 data points. These data points can be
easily transferred to a computer or printer using an RS-232 cable and any terminal program. The instrument has built in averaging features to allow averaging up to
250 measurements before storing that average, and tracking of running averages on the stored data files. An internal GPS receiver continuously monitors the
position of the STRIPEMASTER II and the position coordinates of each data point are stored alongside the actual data. An internal printer can be enabled to allow
instant printing of each data point as measurements are taken.

WARNING CAUTION
This Instrument contains HIGH VOLTAGE Instrument is WATER RESISTANT not Water Proof.
Do not immerse instrument or subject it to soaking precipitation.
DO NOT OPEN THIS INSTRUMENT
The STRIPEMASTER II is a precision optical instrument.
There are no user serviceable parts in this instrument DO NOT DROP

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STRIPEMASTER II SPECIFICATIONS

Range: 20 to 2000 mcd/m2/lux Communications Requirements: RS232 Terminal,

Weight: 21 lbs (9.53 kg) Null Modem Cable (Supplied with Instrument) and
Dimensions: Data Logging & Mapping Software (Supplied with Instrument)
Instrument Alone: 37” x 10.5” x 4.4” (93cm x 27cm x 11cm) Temperature Range: 0 to 120 deg F
Carrying Case: 46” x 18” x 6” (117cm x 46cm x 15cm) Operating voltage: 12 Volt Supplied by Battery
Automatic Power Down: Approximately 5 Minutes Data Point Capacity: 3,000 12 files with 250 data points

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 INDEX – The instruction manual is divided into sections that. Each section includes a description of that specific operation of the instrument.
INTRO MENU STARTING MODES GPS SELECT VIEW DATA CLEAR READINGS COMMUNICATIONS CALIBRA- MAINT-
TIME FILE TION ENANCE

Basic Setting Choose Select Choose Review data Clear Choose from Download a single file or How to Maintenance
information up & from local One of 250 stored in a data data 3 reading all files to an RS232 calibrate the tips, storage
needed to starting seven time. Data files file from a methods: terminal or printer instrument of the
begin using the instrument modes- single Display, instrument
the GPS Time file or Store or and service
instrument Select file from all Average
View data files Data
Clear
Readings
Comm
Calibrate

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DESCRIPTION OF INSTRUMENT GPS Antenna Data Port
Pins for Mounting
Window Stabilizer Handle

Shoe
Trigger

Battery

Body
Pins for Mounting Control Panel
Wheel Assembly Printer Hatch

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‘QUICK START’ GUIDE

Carefully remove the STRIPEMASTER II from the carrying case

Display Screen
Install needed accessories - Wheels and/or Stabilizer ON/OFF

Remove battery from carrying case and insert into hand grip. Up Arrow

Press the "ON" Button on the control panel Enter

Wait two (2) to five (5) seconds
the screen should read " Trigger to read” MODE

The STRIPEMASTER II is ready to begin taking Down

measurements USER 1 Arrow
through 4
Note: A calibration may have to be performed Buttons Low
See section marked Calibration Battery

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 MODES STRIPEMASTER II Menu
for the STRIPEMASTER II The various modes may be selected by pressing the 5[UP], 6[DOWN], or MODE Buttons on the
STRIPEMASTER II control panel. The current file and data points are displayed at the bottom of the
Readings is the default mode screen.
after pressing Mode from the Pressing and holding the USER1 key will display information about the Firmware.
ready display. Arrows 56 Pressing and holding the USER4 will display the total number of measurements made by the instrument.
indicate the button to push and
direction the display will GPS Time – Select the local time, 12AM – 12PM
change.
GPS Time 6 Select File - Select individual file from 001 to 100
5 Select File 6
5 View Data 6 View Data Displays data in groups of 5 from 1 to 100
5 Clear File(s) 6
Clear File(s) Single File Clear File #XXX – Continue? (NO is default) 5or 6 to toggle yes/no
5 Readings 6
All Files Clear All Files. - Continue? NO is default) 5or 6 to toggle yes/no
5 Communication 6
5 Calibrate

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Readings (Continued)
Trigger/Display Trigger/ Average/Display
[Trigger] to Read. [Trigger] to Read
[Enter] to store reading. [Enter] to store reading and clear running average
[User2] to display average of current file. [User1] to clear running average
[User3] to display average of all files. [User2] to display average of current file.
[User4] optional trigger . [User3] to display average of all files.
[User4] optional trigger
Trigger/Display/Store
[Trigger] to Read.
(Left] to remove last reading. Communicate See Section Marked COMMUNICATION
[User2] to display average of current file. Select files. Transmit Continue? (No is default) (9600 N 8 1)
[User3] to display average of all files.
[User4] optional trigger . Calibrate – See Section Marked CALIBRATION

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS STRIPEMASTER II
OPENING SCREENS
Please Wait . . .
These are the opening screens for the
STRIPEMASTER II. The first two screens Version 1.8.0
will remain for three to five seconds.
08/11/2004
The ready display will stay until the:
Trigger is released, or
MODE button is pressed, or GPS Enabled
USER4 is pressed to take a reading, or
USER2 is pressed to display file average, or 9600 BAUD rate
USER3 is pressed to calculate the average,
Or the instrument automatically shuts off
StripeMaster
Trigger to Read
The letter in the lower right hand corner
indicates which READINGS mode is set in the F:000 D:000 GD*
instrument. D = Display Only S= Store A=Average

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ENABLING / DISABLING THE PRINTER

The printer can be enabled or disabled during the power-up sequence.

Hold down USER3 immediately after turning the unit on. After a few seconds, the
display will prompt the user to enable the printer. The default condition is for the
printer to be disabled. Use the up and down keys to select yes or no for the printer,
and press enter.

StripeMaster Note: Enabling the printer will reduce the battery life of the instrument.

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TAKING MEASUREMENTS
Place the Instrument on the surface to be measured. Aim the instrument in line with the stripe.

Note: The measurement (approx. 3.5 inches (8.9 cm) wide and 4 inches (10.1cm) long) is in front of the window.

Check the alignment of the instrument to make sure that it is measuring the correct area. Then squeeze the Trigger or
press the [USER4] button on the control panel. A reading will appear on the control panel.

Note: Readings can be taken every 2 to 3 seconds. An asterisk will appear in the lower right corner when the
instrument is ready to take a reading. Do not pull the trigger before the asterisk appears. The instrument will not take
a reading if the asterisk is not visible.

The displayed value shows a value in mcd. The units of the readings value are actually mcd/m2/lux.

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SELECT MODE
This is the Select Mode screen. The STRIPEMASTER II has seven (7) modes

They are GPS Time, Select file, View data, Clear file(s), Readings, Communication and Calibrate.
The Readings Mode is the default Mode.
The various modes may be located by pressing the 5 [UP], 6 [D0WN], or [MODE] buttons.
The [ENTER] key will select the mode.

The current file and data point are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Pressing and holding [USER1] will display information about the firmware.
Pressing and holding [USER4] will display the total number of measurements made by the
instrument.

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 Mode: File #
SELECT MODE - OPERATION F:000 D:000

Mode: View Data

F:000 D:000
START START
HERE HERE
Mode: Clear ENTER
F:000 D:000
MODE Mode: Readings
F:000 D:000 Arrow Buttons Arrow Buttons
Mode: Comm
Display will show F:000 D:000
Select
Press Readings Mode –
MODE
MODE Trigger/Display
Button DEFAULT
with arrows Mode: Calibrate
F:000 D:000

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GPS Information
When a capital “G” is displayed in the lower right hand corner of the screen, valid GPS
information is being received. A small “g” indicates that there are an inadequate number of GPS Indicator
satellites in view, which is typically the case if the StripeMaster II is indoors. In this case,
the positional coordinates and the time/date stamp will be recorded as 0.

NOTE: After initial power-up, it can take up to 10 minutes for the GPS receiver to
validate satellite contact.
Until this time, a small “g” will appear on the display.

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GPS Time Mode and Operation
The GPS Time Mode allows the user to enter the local time, so the recorded data will be
stored using this time zone information.

Press [ENTER] to select the GPS Time mode. Use the 5 [UP] and 6 [DOWN] arrows to
scroll through the 24 possible local hour times. Press [ENTER] to select the time and finish.
The local hour will be stored in non-volatile memory so this only must be done once.

Note: The GPS must be receiving valid GPS information, for this mode to work.
StripeMaster

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SELECT FILE Mode
The Select File Mode allows the user to choose which file to store data in. The file
number may be selected by using the5 [UP] and 6 [DOWN] arrows.
The range of files is 001 to l00.

The [ENTER] key will make the selected file the current file.

Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.

Available keys: [MODE], [ENTER], 5 [UP], 6 [DOWN] StripeMaster

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SELECT FILE Mode - OPERATION
Use to select files from 001 to 250

START HERE

Mode: Readings Mode: File # Select File #: ENTER

MODE F:001 D:000 F:000 D:000 ENTER 001

Press Mode Button Press Up arrow three times Press Enter Press Up & Press
Down arrows Enter
to locate file

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VIEW DATA Mode
The View Data mode allows the user to view five (5) data points at a time from the
current data file. The number in parenthesis ( ) is the current data point number;
the first data point listed.

The data is listed sequentially from left to right, top to bottom,

Just as reading a book. The next group of data may be displayed
or selected by using the5 [UP] and 6 [D0WN] arrows.
Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the
StripeMaster
Select Mode screen.

Available keys [MODE] [ENTER] 5 [UP] 6 [D0WN]

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VIEW DATA Mode - OPERATION

MODE Mode:Readings Mode: View Data ENTER (000): 0000 0000 MODE
F:000 D:000 F:000 D:000 0000 0000 0000

Press Mode Press UP arrow 2 times Press Enter Choose Data Press to
Return
Contents of Data File
(File Number): Data Point 1 Data Point 2
START HERE Data Point 3 Data Point 4 Data Point 5

Data is viewed in blocks of 5 data points

Arrows select data to be viewed from location 001 to 100

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CLEAR FILES Mode / Operation
All files will be cleared with this mode.
Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.
Available keys: [MODE], [ ENTER], 5 [UP] 6 [DOWN]

START HERE
StripeMaster

Mode:Readings Mode: Clear Select Clear: Clear All ENTER

MODE
F:000 D:000
ENTER ENTER YES Mode: Clear
All Files Files.
F:000 D:000 Continue? No F:000 D:000

Press Mode Press UP Arrow Press Enter Press Enter Up or Down Arrow Press Enter

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READINGS Mode
The Readings Mode screen allows the user three (3) possible options.

The possible options are: trigger/display, trigger/display/store, or trigger/average/display

The options may be selected by pressing 5 [UP] and 6 [D0WN].
The [ENTER] key selects the option displayed.

Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.

Note: The Readings mode is indicated on the display when readings can be taken. StripeMaster

D = trigger/display, S= trigger/disp1ay/store, or A=trigger/average/display The letter is in the

lower right hand corner.
IMPORTANT: The instrument will return to the last reading mode
used if the instrument is turned off in the proper manner, i.e., by AUTOMATIC TURN OFF or pressing
the ON switch. Removing the battery is not a proper method to turn off the instrument.

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READINGS Mode - OPERATION Select RD Mode Displays Average Reading only ENTER

Trigger/Average/

START HERE

Displays Readings and Stores as a ENTER

Select RD Mode
data point in the selected file.
Trigger/Display/

Displays Readings only. ENTER
MODE
Mode:Readings
ENTER
Pressing [ENTER] Stores data
Select RD Mode point in selected file.
F:000 D:000 Trigger/Display

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TAKE READINGS Screen
This screen is used for all READINGS options of trigger/display, trigger/display/store,
or trigger/average/display

Take Readings Initial screen will be displayed as shown until at least one reading has been taken.
The current file and data point are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Please note that if the current file becomes filled, the user will be informed that no more
data may be taken.
StripeMaster

The available keys and their function are defined below for each mode.

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READINGS TRIGGER/DISPLAY option

Selecting TRIGGER/DISPLAY will produce the display shown.

Squeezing the [TRIGGER] or pressing [USER4] take a reading and display the results.
The star in the upper right signifies that the instrument is ready to take a reading.
Pressing [ENTER] will store the current value.
Pressing and holding [USER2] will display the average of the data points in the current
file . Pressing and holding [USER3] will display the average of the data points in all files
Releasing the key will resume operation.
The D in the lower right hand corner of the display indicates that the instrument is in the
TRIGGER/DISPLAY option. No readings can be taken unless the asterisk (*) is visible in the lower StripeMaster

right hand corner.

Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.

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READINGS TRIGGER/DISPLAY /STORE option
Selecting TRIGGER/DISPLAY/STORE will produce the display shown.

Squeezing the [TRIGGER] or pressing [USER4] takes a reading and displays the results and stores
the value. The maximum number of stored values is 100. Pressing and holding [USER2] or [USER3] G
will display the average of the data points in the current file or all the files, respectively.
Releasing the key will resume operation. The “S” in the lower right hand corner indicates the
instrument is in the TRIGGER/DISPLAY/STORE mode. No readings can be taken unless the StripeMaster
asterisk (*) is visible in the lower right hand corner. The user can determine how many data points
have been stored in the selected file number by looking at the center of the second line of the display.
The number shown in the “D:000” area of the display indicates the next data point to be stored.

Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.

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READINGS TRIGGER/AVERAGE/DISPLAY option
Selecting TRIGGER/AVERAGE/DISPLAY will produce the display shown.
Squeezing the [TRIGGER] or pressing [USER4] takes a reading, averages the group of data points
and display the results. The asterisk in the lower right signifies that the instrument is ready to take
a reading. The number of averaged readings is displayed in the upper left. The calculated average
of the group of readings, follows to the right of the count.

The maximum number of readings that can be taken and averaged is 250. After this point, the user
will be informed that no more readings may be taken. Pressing [ENTER] will store the current
group average value as a data point in the file. The [USER1] key will clear the current average
StripeMaster
registers. Pressing and holding [USER2] or [USER3] will display the average of the data points in
the current file or all the files, respectively. Releasing the key will resume operation. Pressing
[ENTER] will store the current value. Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the
Select Mode screen. The letter in the lower right hand corner should be an A to indicate this
TRIGGER/AVERAGE/DISPLAY option.
No readings can be taken unless the asterisk (*) is visible in the lower right hand corner.

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COMMUNICATIONS Mode
This is the Communication screen. The possible options of current file or all files may be
selected by pressing 5 [UP] and 6 [D0WN]. The [ENTER] key selects the option displayed.

Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.

Transmitting the data in the files will not erase or change the stored data.

The format is standard RS-232, 9600 Baud, No Parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit. (9600 N 8 1). The
StripeMaster
unit is configured as DTE, and requires a standard Null Modem cable with a 9 pin female
connector on the instrument end to communicate with any computer terminal program. Use the
software supplied to complete the Communication process.

Note: Make sure the Null Modem cable is plugged in before sending files. Sending files without the cable plugged in will result in the data going to
the internal printer.

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COMMUNICATIONS OPERATION Mode

The Instrument must be connected to an RS232 Terminal or Printer

Required items are Cable (supplied with Instrument) &
Communications Software. Set up procedures are listed in
Setup
Select Output ENTER Send all files
Start Here ENTER
All Valid Files Continue? No
Use Up or
down arrows to
toggle to yes

Mode: Readings Mode: Comm Select Output Send all files

MODE
ENTER ENTER
ENTER
F:000 D:000 F:000 D:000 Current: 001 Continue? No

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HOW TO CALIBRATE

(1) Mount the stabilizer on the instrument; See pg. 30

(2) Press ON to power up
(3)Press the MODE button once, then the down arrow twice to get into the Calibrate Mode;
Press Enter
(4) Enter the calibration value found on the calibration block. Do not insert calibration block
into stabilizer at this time. (If the value on the display is the same as the value on the block,
press [ENTER], if not, see “Procedure to Enter Calibration Value” on page 29.
(5) To take a zero reading, tilt the instrument back, aim the window to the sky and pull the
trigger; display will change to “Measure Standard” StripeMaster

(6) With the instrument tilted back, place the calibration block into the stabilizer (see page 30)
and pull the trigger.
Display returns to “Mode: Calibrate”. Then hit arrow up twice to get into reading mode. Hit
[ENTER] twice, you should see “Trigger to Read” on the display. Remove the block and return it to the carrying case. The instrument is now ready
to use.

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PROCEDURE TO ENTER CALIBRATION VALUE
This is the Select Standard screen. The standard may be selected by using the 5 [UP] and6 [D0WN] keys. Select Standard
The [ENTER] key selects the currently displayed standard. The calibration standard value is on 0000
the calibration block. Pressing [MODE] will cancel this function and return to the Select Mode screen.
The range of possible standards is 1 to 1200.
Set Zero
Once the standard is selected, the Set Zero screen will be displayed. The instrument should be pointed Trigger to Read
so that no light will be reflected back into the collection window. Aiming at the sky is ideal. Triggering
the device and the instrument will store the measurement for zero.

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MOUNTING THE STABILIZER TO THE INSTRUMENT

The Stabilizer mounts directly in front of the window. Carefully position the stabilizer so the notches slide onto the large pins on the base of the
instrument. Then tighten the fastener that is now just above the window. It may be helpful to tilt the instrument upward, as shown.

Tighten Screw

Window
Direction to
slide Stabilizer

Calibration block is
placed here with white
stripe facing window

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CHANGING THE PRINTER PAPER
Feed Knob Feed Release
The internal StripeMaster II printer uses 2 ¼” (width) X 2” (diameter) thermal printing
paper.

Loosen the three thumbscrews and remove the lid. Lift up the feed release lever, and remove any
remaining paper. Remove the old roll, and insert the new roll with the paper feeding into the printer
from the bottom of the roll. Route the paper through the printer and push down the feed release
button. Manually turn the green feed knob a few times to ensure the paper feeds correctly.

Replace the lid, making sure that the paper feeds through the serrated slot. Tighten the three
thumbscrews finger-tight (do not over-tighten!).

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MAINTENANCE

Cleaning, Storage and Handling The instrument should be wiped down at the end of the day with a clean towel moistened with plain water. Pay
particular attention to the observation window when cleaning. This window should be cleaned as you would clean reading glasses. Use a commercial
lens cleaner and non-abrasive wipes. Make sure the unit is completely dry before returning to the transportation case. The transportation case will
protect the unit when not in use.

Although this unit is designed for field use, it is still a precision optical instrument.

Avoid dropping it or exposing it to shocks that could compromise the optical alignment.
There are no user repairable items in the STRIPEMASTER II. In the unlikely event that the STRIPEMASTER II develops a problem in the field,
please call the factory or your selling agent for a return authorization number and shipping instructions.

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STORAGE
When transporting or not in use, store the StripeMaster II as
shown.
The StripeMaster II is shipped with one battery. Provision is
made for a second optional battery.

NOTE: Remove the battery from the instrument when not in use.
This configuration may not match earlier versions

REPLACEMENT PARTS
Battery P/N ZXDW9071
Communications Cable P/N G70728
Data Logging & Mapping Software CD-ROM P/N 71008
Wheel Assembly P/N G21252
Battery Charger (110 VAC) P/N ZXDW9106

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COMMUNCATIONS SOFTWARE
RoadVista supplies the Stripemaster data logging and mapping software with new purchases of all Stripemaster II’s. This software is Windows
XP/Vista compatible. Insert the CD-ROM into your computer CD drive and run the Setup program.

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For Additional Information Contact: RoadVista
8581 Aero Drive
San Diego, California, U.S.A.

TOLL FREE (USA ONLY) 888-637-2758

Tel: 1-858-279-6044
Fax: 1-858-576-9286
Web site: www.roadvista.com
E-mail: RVsales@roadvista.com

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Instruction Manual for the RoadVista STRIPEMASTER II Pavement Marking Retroreflectometer

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