Table of Contents
Advertisement
Quick Links
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Decatur Electronics RAILMASTER-VP
Summary of Contents for Decatur Electronics RAILMASTER-VP
- Page 1 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL Certified ISO 9001 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL Decatur Electronics, Inc. 715 Bright Street Decatur, IL 62522 USA/Canada 800.428.4315 Intl 217.428.4315 Fax 217.428.5302 www.decaturradar.com Rev. 11/02 Copyright 2000, 2001, 2002 Decatur Electronics, Inc.
- Page 2 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL...
- Page 3 We urge you to study this manual before using the railmaster-VP, so you can maximize the benefits of this sophisticated radar device. Its digital signal processor (DSP) gives the device advanced capabilities unseen by many users.
-
Page 4: Table Of Contents
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction to the Railmaster-VP™ ......About this Manual ............. 6 1. Quick Start ..............6 1.1 Initial Set Up ............6 1.1.1 Insert the Batteries ........6 1.1.2 Control Panel Functions ......7 1.1.3 Trigger Operation ........8 1.1.4 Measuring a Target Speed ...... - Page 5 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 5.2.2 Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) ..18 5.2.3 Feedback Interference ......18 5.2.4 Large Objects ......... 19 5.2.5 Multi-Path Beam Cancellation ....19 5.2.6 Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) ..19 5.2.7 Scanning ..........20 6. Field Tests ..............21 6.1 Tuning Fork Test ...........
-
Page 6: Introduction To The Railmaster-Vp
® radar gun contains an antenna and transceiver for transmitting and receiving K-band frequencies. The exclusive Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms in the Railmaster-VP use these frequencies to obtain target vehicle speeds, which appear in the display window. About This Manual Note the following symbols in this manual. -
Page 7: Control Panel Functions
After you insert the batteries, press the POWER button. The Railmaster-VP will run a display test, show the results (8.8.8), flash the backlight in the speed display window, then the display will blank. -
Page 8: Trigger Operation
The locked speed flashes until you pull the trigger to clear the display. 1.1.4 Measuring a Target Speed Aim the Railmaster-VP at a moving target, then pull the trigger. The Railmaster-VP transmits a signal, then you will see the speed of the vehicle in the display window that is returning the strongest signal. -
Page 9: Components
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 2. Components 2.1 Batteries ® The Railmaster-VP comes with a Black & Decker interchangeable battery system: two nickel-cadmium (NiCd), silver label, 3.6-volt VersaPak batteries and a two-port AC auto charger (part number P702-VP135). For increased runtime, you can use nickel metal hydride (NiMH), gold label, VersaPak batteries. -
Page 10: Removing Batteries
• Do not incinerate the batteries. They can explode. If you have problems or questions about your batteries, contact Decatur Electronics, 800.428.4315, Black & Decker ® at 800.54.HOWTO. 2.1.1 Removing Batteries... -
Page 11: Controls
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 2.2 Controls The faceplate control panel consists of three buttons MODE, SELECT, and POWER for navigating in two menus, the primary and secondary. Figure 2.2 The control panel 2.2.1 Mode and Select The MODE and SELECT buttons let you select options in a primary and secondary menu. -
Page 12: Display
1/2 second. The locked speed flashes until you pull the trigger to clear the display. 2.5 Mounting Configurations The Railmaster-VP is compatible with large display signs, which display vehicle target speeds. Also, you can mount it to a standard tripod. To order tripods, see... -
Page 13: Operating Modes
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 3. Operating Modes The control panel on the Railmaster-VP has two menus, the primary and secondary. The primary menu is the main operating mode, which you will work in most of the time. The secondary menu is for adjusting settings to save as a new default. -
Page 14: Speed Range (Sr)
2: Whole Display 3 -> 320 5 -> 500 3 -> 275 3.2.2 Speed Units (Su) The Railmaster-VP records speeds in mph or kph. Select the speed units (Su). The options are 0, 1, or 5, which represent 0: MPH 1: KPH 5: KNOTS 3.2.3 Serial Output Mode (Prt) -
Page 15: Serial Output Mode
To connect to a PC, plug a Decatur Electronics custom RS232 communications cable (part number S769-100) into the device and the serial communications port on your PC. (You can purchase this cable from Decatur Electronics, see section 12 How to Order Additional Products.) -
Page 16: Performance Tips
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 5. Performance Tips Understanding potential radar interference and what to do when it occurs can greatly increase the radar’s performance. 5.1 How Radar Works Determining a vehicle’s speed, begins with the radar antenna transmitting and directing a beam of microwave energy (radio waves) at an approaching (or departing) target vehicle. -
Page 17: Angular Interference
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 5.2.1 Angular Interference (Cosine Error Effect) The cosine effect causes the system to display a speed, which is lower than the actual vehicle speed. This condition exists when the target vehicle’s path is not parallel to the antenna, including conditions such as the vehicle traveling on a curve or a hill. -
Page 18: Electromagnetic Interference (Emi)
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL The following table shows the effect that an increasing angle has on a displayed speed. Horizontal angle degrees: 0° 1° 3° 5° 10° 15° 20° 30° 45° 60° 90° Actual speed: Displayed speeds: 30 mph 30 29 29 29 29 28 28 26 21 15 0... -
Page 19: Large Objects
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 5.2.4 Large Objects The Railmaster-VP detects a wide range of objects. When an object is large, it is easy for the system to “see” it as the target. However, when a large target, such as a moving train, is not present, the Railmaster-VP will “see”... -
Page 20: Scanning
RFI condition no longer exists. At that time, any locked speeds will display again. 5.2.7 Scanning The Railmaster-VP is designed to use while attached to a solid mount or hand-held in a steady position. Moving or “scanning” the antenna past stationary objects can cause the system to detect motion. -
Page 21: Field Tests
In addition to the system test, you can verify signal processing accuracy by using a tuning fork, which comes with the Railmaster-VP. To begin the test, tap the tines of the fork on a surface that is firm and non-metal. The tuning fork will ring audibly. - Page 22 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL If the device does not display the expected speed, contact Decatur Electronics at 800.428.4315 to arrange for service. To order tuning forks, see section 12 How to Order Additional Products.
-
Page 23: Care, Cleaning, And Storage
When you are not using or transporting the device, store it in its original packaging. • To clean the radar device, dust it with a soft clean cloth, which is free of cleaning solutions. The Railmaster-VP can withstand temperature variations, • however, only the antenna is weather resistant. -
Page 24: Specifications
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 8. Specifications 8.1 Power Consumption Parameters Supply Voltage Rating 6.6 to 8 VDC (All currents measured at 7.2 VDC with backlight on.) Standby (antenna off) .180 amperes Antenna ON (no targets displayed) .370 amperes Antenna ON (“55” target displayed) .440 amperes... -
Page 25: Legal Requirements
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 9. Legal Requirements 9.1 FCC Document... -
Page 26: Troubleshooting
BAT, so you will know when to replace or recharge the batteries. 10.4 Error (Err) The status indicator displays Err if an internal processor error occurs. Contact Decatur Electronics at 800.428.4315 for what to do when you see this error. -
Page 27: Service
11.2 Service Return Procedure. 11.2 Service Return Procedure If your Railmaster-VP gun has a problem, first see section 10 Troubleshooting. If the problem persists, contact our customer service hotline at 302.325.3254. Our customer service staff will try to solve the problem over the phone. - Page 28 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL problem, your name, phone number, and the address you want it returned to. Send the package by UPS to: Contract Assembly Service, Inc. 75 Christiana Rd. New Castle, DE 19720 The customer is responsible for the shipping charges to send the system to Contract Assembly Service, the authorized service center.
-
Page 29: Maintenance And Repair Record
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 11.3 Maintenance and Repair Record Date of Maintenance What was Done By Whom or Repair ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________... -
Page 30: How To Order Additional Products
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL 12. How to Order Additional Products You can order upgrades (when available) to the Railmaster-VP from Decatur Electronics as well as cases, power supplies, tripods, and tuning forks. To see product descriptions or order products, see the Decatur Electronics Web site at www.decaturradar.com or call the sales office at... -
Page 31: User Notes
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL User Notes... -
Page 32: Index
RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL Index MODE button 7, 11, 13 additional products 30 mounting configurations 12 angular interference 17 mph 14 multi-path beam cancellation 19 backlight (bL) 13 notes 32 batteries 6, 9-10 inserting 6-7 operating modes 13-14 low (BAT) 26... - Page 33 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL tuning forks 21-22 tuning fork tests 21-22 user notes 31 warranty 27...
- Page 34 RAILMASTER-VP™ USER’S MANUAL...