MHCorbin NS-50 User Manual
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MHCorbin NS-50 User Manual

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  • Page 2 Fax: 614-873-8095 Plain City, Ohio 43064 Visit our website at www.mhcorbin.com. © M.H. Corbin, LLC. 2016 No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical (including photocopying), nor may its contents be communicated to a third party without prior written permission of the copyright holder.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION ................5 About This Manual..............5 Contents of This Manual............5 Trademarks ................6 License Agreement ..............6 Warranty ..................7 CHAPTER 2 PRODUCT OVERVIEW .................. 8 Product Nomenclature ............. 8 Distance Measuring Instrument (DMI) Theory of Operation 8 Automatic Error Correction (AEC) ..........
  • Page 5 CHAPTER 7 SURVEY DATA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE (SDM) ........ 25 CHAPTER 8 PERIODIC DISTANCE INTERVAL (PDI) ............. 26 PDI Wiring ................26 TTL PDI Connection ............... 26 TTL PDI Wiring ................ 27 Setting PDI Distance .............. 27 Setting PDI Duration (Time)........... 28 Setting PDI Duration (Distance) ..........
  • Page 6 CHAPTER 12 SERIAL INPUT / OUTPUT ................44 Data Formats ................44 Serial Connector ..............44 Serial Operation ..............44 Baud Rate Setting ..............45 CHAPTER 13 HYPERTERMINAL GUIDE ................46 HyperTerminal Serial Commands ......... 46 HyperTerminal Setup ............. 47 Using HyperTerminal .............

  • Page 7: Chapter 1 General Information

    CHAPTER 1 GENERAL INFORMATION This chapter provides general notes for the manual and the NiteStar NS-50 and the NS-60. About This Manual This manual provides information for installing, operating, and maintaining M.H. Corbin, LLC. Nu-Metrics NiteStar Distance Measuring Instruments models NS-50 and NS-60.

  • Page 8: Trademarks

    - Chapter 9, Emergency 9-1-1 Program, describes the setup for recording E-911 house numbering data. - Chapter 10, Auxiliary Programs, describes specialized functions available on the DMI. - Chapter 11, Calculation Programs, specialized calculations with the distance currently displayed on the DMI. - Chapter 12, Serial Input / Output, describes serial I/O settings for the DMI.

  • Page 9: Warranty

    Warranty For certain products M.H. Corbin, LLC. gives a limited one-year warranty. Please observe that any such warranty may not be valid in case of damage due to normal wear and tear, exceptional operating conditions, negligent handling or installation, or unauthorized modifications. Please see the applicable supply contract or Conditions of Sale for details of the warranty for each product.

  • Page 10: Chapter 2 Product Overview

    (DMI) that facilitate land measurements from the convenience of your automobile. The NS-50 includes features required for most basic surveys and applications. The NS-60 includes all of the features of the NS-50 with the addition of a RS-232 Serial Port for connection of a laptop computer to conduct a complete highway survey.

  • Page 11: Automatic Error Correction (Aec)

    The transmission sensor transmits six pulses for each revolution of the internal disk. Since most automobile speedometers are based on 1000 revolutions per mile, approximately 6000 pulses per mile are obtained. Dividing the pulses received (6000) into the course length (5,280 feet) shows that each pulse represents 0.880 feet (5,280 divided by 6,000 = 0.880).

  • Page 12: Chapter 3 Installation

    CHAPTER 3 INSTALLATION NOTE: You may want to locate a garage or speedometer shop in your area to perform the installation of the sensor and DMI instrument. Mounting the NiteStar ® The NiteStar is designed to be mounted using the supplied bracket or self-adhesive Velcro strip fasteners that are provided for direct mount.

  • Page 13: Wiring The Nitestar - Caution

    WARNING: Safety goggles and protective clothing should be worn at all times when working on or near the vehicle battery or the associated battery cables. Wiring the NiteStar - CAUTION! Failure to connect the power and ground wires directly to the battery may cause engine noise to interfere with the operation of the DMI.
  • Page 14 grommet or hole can be located, you may have to carefully (do not damage existing wiring or items mounted on the firewall) drill a 3/8 inch hole through the firewall. If a new hole is made you should seal the hole when finished with an electrical or waterproof putty or sealant. Actual sensor installation instructions may differ from those shown.

  • Page 15: Chapter 4 Key Descriptions

    CHAPTER 4 KEY DESCRIPTIONS Turns the unit ON & OFF. Depress the button for approximately 2 seconds to turn the unit OFF. STOPS & STARTS the COUNT. When NOT counting, COUNT/HOLD flashes on the status display. STOPS or freezes the display, DMI is still counting internally but the display value is stopped so you may write it down.
  • Page 16 12445 ... each time MARK/ENTR or PRINT key is depressed See Calibration Section Changes distance units on display each time the key is pressed. Units are: FEET, MILES and KILOMETERS. Allows entry of a specific starting distance (pre-distance) other than 0 Feet, Miles or KM.

  • Page 17: Chapter 5 Calibration

    CHAPTER 5 CALIBRATION The DMI works by counting pulses that are received from the sensor. The number of pulses is different for each vehicle, so the DMI must be calibrated for each vehicle. The calibration number you find for your vehicle will be the number of feet the vehicle travels between each pulse multiplied by 1000.
  • Page 18 If the display is blank, enter 1000 then press MARK/ENTER to save. To return to calibration mode, press the 1CAL key again. IMPORTANT NOTE: The NiteStar can store up to 4 calibration numbers for 4 different vehicles. The display will show you are working on the calibration number for car -1 and at present it is 1000.

  • Page 19: Calibration Summary (Automatic)

    6. At the end of the 1000 foot course, slow the vehicle carefully so it is exactly aligned with the end of course marker. When the car is aligned, press the RUN/HOLD key and the number in the display will become your calibration number for this vehicle, (this number should be between 400 and 1400).

  • Page 20: Calibration Summary (Manual)

    • ON/OFF (Stores your calibration number into memory) Calibration Summary (Manual) To enter in a known calibration number if your vehicle has previously been calibrated. With the instrument in COUNT/HOLD:  1CAL key -  DISP/HOLD - Change car number ...

  • Page 21: Chapter 6 Memory

    CHAPTER 6 MEMORY The NiteStar has 99 memory locations. Each location can store an event and a distance. For example, 99 intersecting street locations can be stored in memory with their corresponding distances. These values are saved in the permanent memory so even after the unit is turned off and back on they can be recalled.
  • Page 22 In this mode you can depress any of the following keys. CLEAR : Clears all memory and exits memory mode. VIEW : Exits memory store. Now the NiteStar is back to standard operation mode. RUN/HOLD : Will start the NiteStar counting. The count value will be changing depending on your speed.

  • Page 23: Recalling Events From Memory

    Depressing the MARK/ENTR key will store the code and the current distance into memory. When you do this the MARK value will go up by one and the code will become 00 again. This would have stored a code 82 at distance 3216 in location number one (1). Now we are ready to enter location two (2).

  • Page 24: Memory Store Summary

    Memory Store Summary CLEAR: Clears all memory and exits memory mode. RUN/HOLD: Starts/stops NiteStar counting VIEW: Exits memory store. Now the NiteStar is back to standard operation. Store Memory Locations 0 - 9: While counting will enter in CODE values one at a time. DISP/HOLD: While counting (NS-60 only) will print current distance and code value but NOT store them.
  • Page 25 N.PASS No Passing Both Ways Driveway Mailbox By default the NiteStar prints the memory transfer as shown above with the code values as numbers. If you would like to print them using the plain language translations depress 9PRM key, 2UNIT key, then the MARK/ENTR key. The display will show: After doing this your memory transfer would be: Event# Distance...

  • Page 26: Memory Recall Summary

    Memory Recall Summary MARK/ENTR: Moves to next memory location. VIEW: Exits MEMORY RECALL. The NiteStar is back to standard operation mode. PGM2: Set memory transfer to show codes as plain language (—PL—) PGM3: Set memory transfer to show codes as #’s (—CODES—)

  • Page 27: Survey Data Management Software (Sdm)

    CHAPTER 7 SURVEY DATA MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE (SDM) Survey Data Management software is designed to provide the ability to organize, view, and report information collected during various surveys on or off the road. With the new WINDOWS SDM software, reporting is simplified with “Crystal Reports™” generated output. The ability to export to other WINDOWS applications is also available.

  • Page 28: Periodic Distance Interval (Pdi)

    CHAPTER 8 PERIODIC DISTANCE INTERVAL (PDI) PDI Wiring The NiteStar produces a 5 volt, low current pulse (<5mA) on the RED wire of the standard wiring harness. If you are in doubt about this connection please consult your distributor or M.H. Corbin, LLC.

  • Page 29: Ttl Pdi Wiring

    TTL PDI Wiring The device is connected to the RED wire; a 47K Ω resistor is necessary to supply the ground level to the device. CABLE FRONT VIEW TO THE NiteStar DMI TELEPHONE-TYPE FLAT CABLE (BLACK, 8 FT.) 1 2 3 4 NiteStar FUNCTIONS PIN 1 = BLACK = GROUND MOUNT TERMINAL...

  • Page 30: Setting Pdi Duration (Time)

    Setting PDI Duration (Time) STEP 1: Press the following keys: 8PDI key, 3PD key (number of milliseconds), MARK/ENTR key. 1000 mill-secs = 1 sec. STEP 2: Remember, depending on your PDI distance, if your pulses are too long they can run together at high speeds.

  • Page 31: Setting The Type Of Pdi

    STEP 2: At the PLEN prompt, enter the length in current units you would like your pulse to be on. You can set the pulse to be on for a set length. The length duration will have an error = +/- CALIBRATION NO. /1000 FEET. If you had a calibration number of 800, your PDI pulse duration would be your set length +/- 0.8 FOOT.

  • Page 32: High Going High

    High Going High If you want the output normally low (0 volts) and pulsing LOW at each PDI distance depress the following sequence of keys: 8PDI key, 5BRIGHTNESS key, MARK/ENTR key. The output shown below is for High Going Low: Flip Flop (PDI Output) If you want to set FLIP/FLOP high on every other 10 ft stretch depress the following sequence of keys: 8PDI key, 4UP/DOWN key, MARK/ENTR key.

  • Page 33: Advanced Pdi Uses

    Note that the duration does not apply to this one; it just alternates HIGH & LOW on each PDI distance. Advanced PDI Uses As previously mentioned, a count of the PDI pulses can be displayed in the INTERVAL window. You must set the Count Increment and optionally the Starting Value. The INTERVAL window will then display the Starting Value and then with the vehicle moving and the COUNT/HOLD off, the INTERVAL window will display the Count Increment value as derived from the PDI pulse output.

  • Page 34: Summary Pdi Keys

    Summary PDI Keys First Press 8PDI and then: 2.) - Set PDI Distance 3.) - Set PDI Duration by TIME 3.) - Set PDI Duration by DISTANCE - (DISP/HOLD) 4.) - Set Flip/Flop PDI (High then low on alternate PDI distances) 5.) - Set HIGH going LOW signal 6.) - Set LOW going HIGH (Standard) 7.) - Set distance increment for PDI Count display...

  • Page 35: Emergency 9-1-1 Program

    CHAPTER 9 EMERGENCY 9-1-1 PROGRAM The Unit Measurement is the distance segment used to determine a house number for E-911 addressing (i.e. 5.28 ft, 10 ft, 10.56 ft, 1 meter, and so on). STEP 1: Set the unit measurement (Feet, Miles or KM), you wish to use for addressing. If using whole feet measurement, set unit measurement to FEET.

  • Page 36: Set Count Pre-Distance

    To set the count increment value, depress the following sequence of keys: 8PDI key, 7SPEED key, and choose the INCREMENT DISTANCE. Please note that after you press the 7SPEED key, the default “1” will appear. At this time re- enter value of count increment needed. Then press MARK/ENTR. While entering increment distance, depressing CLEAR/RST key will set the distance measurement and house number to 0.

  • Page 37: Chapter 10 Auxiliary Programs

    CHAPTER 10 AUXILIARY PROGRAMS The NiteStar has other specialized functions that are accessed by pressing the PRM key then a number key. These are functions that are not needed all the time but do prove very useful to many users. To access, press the PRM key then enter in the selected program number and press MARK/ENTR key to start the program.

  • Page 38: Self Test (Prm 1)

    Self Test (PRM 1) 1. Place instrument in COUNT/HOLD mode. 2. Press PRM, 1, MARK/ENTR. 3. Press the RUN/HOLD key to release the COUNT/HOLD mode. The instrument will generate its own sensor signal. This is useful to simulate vehicle signals. It tests all of the instrument functions except the sensor input circuit.

  • Page 39: Begin / End (Prm15) (Ns-60 Only)

    Begin / End (PRM15) (NS-60 Only) Insure the instrument is in COUNT/HOLD mode. Press PRM, 15, MARK/ENTR. The display will show BE ON or BE OFF. If it says BE ON then the program will begin to accumulate intervals. After BE ON the next time you press PRINT or MARK/ENTR the printer will print: <Event #>...

  • Page 40: Chapter 11 Calculation Programs

    CHAPTER 11 CALCULATION PROGRAMS These functions do a calculation with the distance shown on the display. To use the calculations programs, first measure the desired distance using the NiteStar. Then with the road distance on the display you can calculate the area, volume or amount of material for a paving or resurfacing job.

  • Page 41: Volume Calculation (Prm 11)

    Volume Calculation (PRM 11) For example, this is used to determine the volume of paving material. For a given lane width, thickness of material and the distance; a volume is computed. Insure the instrument is in the COUNT/HOLD mode. Press PRM, 11, MARK/ENTR PROMPT INPUT For FT/MI units...
  • Page 42 (amount in cost units i.e. $’s). Depress MARK/ENTR key after each entry, press MARK/ENTR again to exit this calculation.

  • Page 43: Tonnage Calculation (Prm 13)

    Tonnage Calculation (PRM 13) This is used to estimate the amount of material for a project; the volume is calculated as in PRM 11 and then is multiplied by lb/cu yd or kg/cu m. This yields an estimate of the number of tons of material needed.

  • Page 44: Time-Speed-Delay (Tsd) - (Prm 30)

    If material density given in lb/sq yd * in multiply by 36 to get lb/cu yd. If in kg/sq m * cm multiple times 100. PRCE (Price) Material cost (e.g. $/ton) *100 (If the cost was $3.46 / ton input 346) ~RESULT~ Distance * width * thickness * density * cost = $ amt result in $ or currency units.

  • Page 45: Time-Speed-Delay Limits

    STEP 5: Run your route recording the time, speeds and distances. On the NS-50 you will have to write them down. On a NS-60 the values can be printed on a DPU-411 or captured on a computer. STEP 6: When you are done, go to COUNT/HOLD using the RUN/HOLD key. Then press CLEAR to exit TSD mode.

  • Page 46: Chapter 12 Serial Input / Output

    CHAPTER 12 SERIAL INPUT / OUTPUT Data Formats BAUD Rates: 9600, 4800, 2400, 1200, 600, 300 Full Duplex: Serial Connector Front View Serial Connector (NiteStar Data Connector): Serial Operation The NiteStar has both serial in and out capability. Commands can be input on serial input and distance, speed and time values are output to serial out.

  • Page 47: Baud Rate Setting

    Baud Rate Setting To select the proper baud rate depress the following sequence: 9PRM key, 5BRIGHTNESS key and MARK/ENTER. The display will show: STEP 1: Press DISP/HOLD to step thru the baud rate choices. STEP 2: Press MARK/ENTER when the proper baud rate is displayed. Your baud rate is now selected.

  • Page 48: Chapter 13 Hyperterminal Guide

    CHAPTER 13 HYPERTERMINAL GUIDE HyperTerminal is a terminal emulation program that comes built into Windows. You can use it to control your NS-60 via a serial link. The controls for the NS-60 are shown below. HyperTerminal Serial Commands KEYBOARD Serial Commands (Simple Command Set) Serial Command –...

  • Page 49: Hyperterminal Setup

    HyperTerminal Setup From the START menu: Double click on HYPERTERMINAL you will get: The program will start and you will get a dialog asking you to create a connection description. What follows is the setup you have to do ONCE so HyperTerminal will work with your NS-60. Name the description "NiteStar"...
  • Page 50 It will then bring up a dialog asking you about the phone number; in the Connect Using field we pick Direct to Com1. Here you would pick COM1 or COM2 depending on which port you will be using. Consult your computer manual to determine which you will be using. Next you will be asked to set the serial I/O parameters.
  • Page 51 After you have said OK to the above dialog then pick PROPERTIES and you will set the ASCII properties. Pick the Settings tab and you will get: Pick the Append line feeds to incoming line ends then click OK on each box to save the settings. Finally pick Exit on HyperTerminal and then you will see you now have a connection ICON for the NiteStar.

  • Page 52: Using Hyperterminal

    Using HyperTerminal Start HyperTerminal by launching your new NiteStar icon. You can now issue the CAPTURE TEXT command to your NS-60.
  • Page 53 To save all the NS-60 data to a file, select CAPTURE TEXT: and then: Pick the file name you want to save the text as. This file will contain all your NS-60 data. M.H. CORBIN, LLC. _______________________________________________________________ 51...

  • Page 54: Chapter 14 Troubleshooting

    CHAPTER 14 TROUBLESHOOTING This chapter describes common problems, their probable causes and remedies, and provides contact information for technical support. Determining the Problem If your NiteStar DMI appears to be inoperative, the following steps should be taken in order to determine if you have an installation problem, a sensor problem, or an instrument problem.

  • Page 55: Instrument Is Operational But Will Not Count

    Instrument is operational but will not count 1. Check your connector as described earlier. If no power, check for a loose connection or blown fuse. Always wear safety goggles and protective clothing. 2. If you do have power to the unit, you may have a bad sensor. To verify a bad sensor do the following: A.

  • Page 56: Chapter 15 Technical Data

    CHAPTER 15 TECHNICAL DATA This chapter provides the technical data of the NS-50 and NS-60. Specifications Table 2 NS-50/NS-60 Specifications Property Description / Value Power 9 to 16VDC, negative ground Operating Temperature 0C to 70C Display 1.0 ft. to 999,999 ft. Liquid Crystal w/ Backlight Distance Resolution + 1.0 ft.
  • Page 57 Table 3 NS-60 Specifications Property Description / Value Communication RS-232 In/Out Printer Serial Type Selectable Baud Rate 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600 Inout (1) 8 bit 0-5 VDC Analog (1) Digital Output (1) Digital TTL Level M.H. CORBIN, LLC. _______________________________________________________________ 55...
  • Page 58 www.mhcorbin.com...

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