ROMDAS Manual

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ROMDAS User’s Guide

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COPYRIGHT

Brief extracts may be made from this report for technical purposes as long as they are referenced.

Although this report is believed to be correct at the time of publication, Data Collection Ltd., its employees or agents involved in the preparation and publication of the report do not accept any contractual, tortious or other form of liability for its contents or any consequences arising from its use. People using the information contained in the report should apply, and rely upon, their own skill and judgement to a particular issue which they are considering.

Quality Assurance Statement

File:

E001 Prepared by: P.K. Hunter

Report Name:

ROMDAS User’s Guide Reviewed by: Raj Mallela

Document Version:

3.1

Software Version:

2.4.6.0

Approved for issue by:

P.K. Hunter

Date of Issue:

June 2014 Project manager: P.K. Hunter

File Name:

Z:\Files\E - ROMDAS Documentation\001 - ROMDAS Data Collection Manual\Rom-win\In Progress\14-02-03 ROMDAS Windows version manual.docx

Data Collection Ltd. P.O. Box 348 Motueka, 7143 NEW ZEALAND Phone: +64-9-827-7703 Fax: +64-9-827-7704 [email protected] www.ROMDAS.com

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REVISIONS

Revision Date Section/Page Description

1.2 28/01/04 File Formats, GPS Pathfinder XRS, Sony TRV70, Video Logging,

1.3 14/03/04 Laser Profilometer

1.4 19/04/04 General updates to ROMWIN

1.5 14/06/04 Change Chap 16 to relevant chapters. General Update

1.6 14/8/04 Fixes from Proof reading

1.7 1/12/04 More detail in Laser Annex and change from Trimble Quickplan to Planning Software

1.8 1/12/05 TPL Mounting, GEO XT setup, VX2000 Setup, PIC Video v3 setup

1.9 15/08/06 New Postcode, Pathfinder Tools Update, PathFinder Pro GPS, Laser Profilometer, RGR Camera

2.0 28/03/07 RGR Camera, Laser Bounce and Elevation test updates

2.1 10/04/07 Add GARMIN MAP60, take out obsolete GPS products setup from Appendix

2.11 16/05/07 Section 7 Added Keyboard rating features- Text Comments, Predefined Comments, Group Distance Trigger

2.2 15/10/07

Appendix Appendix B Appendix D

Rating Keyboards setup with new MacroWorks II software BI Hook and Spring

TPL v2

2.3 ROMDAS CD screenshots, Interface Versions, GPS 18

2.4 5/05/08 10 Video

Surveys, Appendix E

Video Logging update

Annual Maintenance Subscription, EULA update Pro XRT and GPS setup changes (Pro XRS removed) Trimble Planning Software update

2.5 12/12/08 Updated menu system.

05/06/09 TPL Processing Changes

2.6 29/09/09 Added LRMS and Geometry chapters

2.7 Active Hard drive Protection, GLONASS, Real-time Correction Datums, MERLIN update, Glossary and Index

2.8 LCMS, SPS461 GPS, Multiple Camera System, Fly2, Macroworks

III, File Structures updated, Appendix G Laser Safety 2.9 30/10/12 Appendix E

Appendix F

GigE Camera Update - remove Firewire cameras to “Previously Used Video”

Remove TSIP GPS to “Previously Used GPS Receivers” Change IP address of TPL

Warnings for HR-DMI is for sealed roads only

2.10 LCMS Crack Depth, Curb and Drop Off, LCMS Processing Check,

LCMS Sensor angle

Updated for Geometry unit changes.

3.0 New Interface, Laser TPL, ROMDAS Laser Profiler, F2/F3 to start Odometer Function

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Advanced Settings ... 154 Passwords ... 154 Program Options ... 154 Digital Photos ... 155 Time Settings ... 155 Laser Surveyor ... 156 Heading Gyroscope ... 156 20. FILE MANAGEMENT ...158 Introduction... 158 Overview ... 158 File Locations ... 158 Folders ... 158 Data Files ... 158 Audio Files ... 159

File Structures – Survey Setup and Management Files ... 159

Overview ... 159

Keycode Event ... 159

Odometer Calibration Factors... 160

Vehicle Calibration Log ... 160

LRP Pre-Definition ... 160

Survey Log ... 160

ADT Calibration Factors ... 161

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Laser Elevation Test Data ... 162

Laser Elevation Test Packet Diagnostic Data ... 162

Laser Bounce Test ... 162

Table Structures – Headers and Raw Data ... 163

Overview ... 163

Survey Header Table ... 163

Raw BI Roughness Table ... 164

GPS Header Table ... 164

GPS Data Table ... 164

Video Header Table ... 165

Video Data Table ... 165

TPL Header Table ... 165

TPL Data Table ... 166

Geometry Header Table ... 166

Geometry Data Table ... 167

TPL-LRMS Header Table ... 167

TPL-LRMS Raw Data Table ... 168

LCMS Header Table ... 168

Travel Time Header Table ... 169

Travel Time Data Table ... 169

Table Structures – Processed Data ... 170

Overview ... 170

Keyboard Rating Table ... 170

Digital Photo Table ... 170

LRP Table ... 170

GPS Processed Data ... 171

Video Processed Data ... 171

Roughness Processed Data ... 172

TPL Processed Data ... 172

Travel Time Processed Data ... 173

TPL-LRMS Processed Data ... 173

Geometry Processed Data... 174

Laser Profiler Processed Data... 174

Texture Processed Data (SMTD) ... 175

LCMS Crack Processed Data ... 175

LCMS Pothole Processed Data ... 175

LCMS Texture Processed Data (MPD) ... 176

LCMS Rutting Processed Data ... 176

LCMS Lane Width Processed Data ... 177

LCMS Ravelling Processed Data ... 177

LCMS Concrete Joint Faulting Processed Data ... 178

LCMS Roughness Processed Data ... 178

Other Processed Data Files ... 179

LCMS XML String File ... 179

LCMS Roughness Profile Output ... 179

LCMS Roughness csv Output ... 179

LCMS Overlay Image File ... 179

Laser profiler ERD file (Text or Binary) ... 180

21. LICENCE AND WARRANTY ... 181

OVERVIEW ... 181

DEFINITIONS ... 181

HARDWARE WARRANTY ... 181

SOFTWARE LICENCE ... 181

COPYRIGHT AND RESTRICTIONS ON USE ... 182

NO WARRANTY ... 182

SUPPORT ... 182

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY ... 182

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ROMDAS

ENTIRE AGREEMENT ... 183

WAIVER ... 183

LANGUAGE... 183

GOVERNING LAW ... 183

APPENDIX A: INSTALLING THE SPEED/DISTANCE SENSOR ...185

APPENDIX B: INSTALLING AND CALIBRATING BUMP INTEGRATORS...193

Components ... 194

Installation Overview ... 195

Mounting Options ... 195

BI Hook ... 197

Connecting the Wire ... 198

Overview ... 199

Removing the BI Wire ... 199

Removing the BI Spindle ... 199

Removing the BI Spring ... 200

Installing the BI Spring ... 201

Install BI Wire ... 201

Install in Vehicle ... 201

Calibration Requirements ... 201

International Roughness Index ... 202

Definition ... 202

Underlying Model ... 203

Algorithm ... 203

Calibration Steps ... 204

Calibration Section Characteristics ... 204

Number of Sections ... 204

Profiling Techniques ... 204

Z-250 Profiling ... 205

MERLIN Profiling ... 207

Overview ... 209

Check the Data ... 210

Locating the Program ... 210

Installing the Software ... 210

Running An Analysis ... 210

Files ... 211

Preparing the Vehicle ... 211

Survey Form ... 212

Collecting the Data ... 212

Establishing the Number of Runs ... 212

Performing the Calculations ... 213

Analysis of Data ... 214

Calibration Equations ... 214

Determining Coefficients ... 214

Low Speed Effects ... 215

APPENDIX C: INSTALLING AND CALIBRATING THE LASER PROFILOMETER ...217

Laser Profilometer System ... 218

Overview ... 220

Laser DMI Interface Keylock ... 220

Laser Mechanical Shutter ... 220

Laser Minimum Speed Electrical Interlock ... 220

Overview ... 221

Mounting on Vehicle ... 221

Cable Connections ... 226

ROMDAS Data Collector Computer TCP/IP Configuration ... 228

Laser Profilometer Units Configuration ... 228

Laser Profilometer DMI Interface Configuration ... 230

Profilometer DMI Interface Odometer Direction ... 231

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Profilometer Odometer Calibration ... 235

Bounce Test ... 236

Elevation and Linearity Test ... 238

Macrotexture ... 242

Testing Ethernet Connections ... 243

Laser Profilometer Fuse ... 243

Laser Lens ... 243

Laser Beam Not Active ... 244

APPENDIX D: INSTALLING AND CALIBRATING THE TPL ... 245

TPL System... 246

TPL Installation ... 246

Attaching the TPL to the Vehicle ... 246

TPL Wings ... 248

Connections... 248

Attaching the TPL to the Vehicle ... 249

Distance Calibration ... 251

Create Datum Level ... 252

Sensor Numbering ... 254

Overview ... 255

Testing TPL ... 255

Sensor Diagnostics ... 257

Overview ... 257

APPENDIX E: INSTALLING THE VIDEO SYSTEM ... 258

Video Systems ... 259

Overlay of Data ... 259

Components... 259

Configuring Cameras ... 259

Pegasus Compression Codec ... 260

Windows Media Player Classic ... 262

GigE Video Cameras ... 262

IP Address ... 262

Installing GigE Drivers ... 263

Ethernet Packet Size... 264

Connecting The Camera ... 265

Pavement Video ... 267

Installing the Camera Roof ... 268

Focusing PGR Video Camera ... 268

Survey with PGR Video Cameras ... 268

Overview ... 269

Installing the Camera in the External mount Enclosure ... 270

Testing ... 270

Mounting to the Vehicle ... 270

APPENDIX F: INSTALLING GPS RECEIVERS ... 272

Components... 273

Installation ... 273

Setting up the Receiver ... 273

Connections... 274

Connecting to the receiver through Ethernet ... 274

SPS461 Receiver Setup ... 275

ROMDAS Settings ... 276

OMNISTAR Setup ... 277

Components... 279

Installation ... 279

Setting up the Receiver ... 279

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ROMDAS

Testing ... 282

Components no longer used ... 282

APPENDIX G: LCMS/LRMS LASER SAFETY ...285

Overview ... 286

Laser Safety Officer (LSO) ... 286

Nominal Hazard Ocular Area (NOHA) ... 286

ROMDAS Safety Features ... 286

Establishment of a Laser Controlled Area. ... 287

LRMS Laser Output ... 288

LCMS Laser Output ... 289

APPENDIX H: PROGRAMMING THE RATING KEYBOARD ...292

Rating Keyboards ... 293

USB Rating Keyboards ... 294

Installing MacroWorks Software ... 294

Installing the Rating Keyboard ... 295

Programming the USB Rating Keyboard ... 295

APPENDIX I: QUALITY ASSURANCE FORMS ...298

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1 Introduction

1. Introduction

Introduction

Overview

The "Road Measurement Data Acquisition System" (ROMDAS) has been developed by Data Collection Ltd. (DCL) as a generic system for collecting data on road condition and travel time.

It is possible to use ROMDAS for:  roughness surveys;

 travel time and congestion surveys;  condition rating surveys;

 inventory surveys;  moving traffic surveys;

 transverse profile/rutting surveys;  video log surveys;

 recording the location of digital photographs;

 creating voice records which are associated with road attributes;  collecting GPS/GNSS data;

 as a digital trip meter.

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Components

The basic ROMDAS system consists of:  a hardware interface;

 a digital distance/speed sensor which is spliced into the vehicle speedometer cable or attached to an electronic speedometer;

 all necessary electrical plugs/sockets and cabling;  ROMDAS software.

The optional instruments are used to collect additional data.

The Hardware/Laser DMI Interface connects to the distance/speed sensor. During the survey, the Interface monitors both the distance/speed sensor and other devices such as the roughness meter. At the end of the survey the data are processed into Microsoft Access database files.

The only permanent fixture in the vehicle is the distance/speed sensor. It is therefore practical to move ROMDAS between vehicles as long as they are fitted with a distance/speed sensor and harness. Since most ROMDAS Systems use a portable computer as the data logger, the computer may also be used for other activities in between surveys.

Vehicles

ROMDAS can be used in any type of vehicle, from passenger cars through vans to four wheel drives or trucks. The photos below show vehicles used for ROMDAS surveys in New Zealand and Malaysia. The ROMDAS web site at www.ROMDAS.com has additional photographs.

New Zealand

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1 Introduction

Types of Data Collected

Overview

Designed to be a portable and modular system, ROMDAS can be used to collect a range of data. It is common to start off with a basic system and then to enhance it with additional measurement instruments as survey needs become more sophisticated.

Roughness – Response Meter

A response-type roughness meter can be added to measure road roughness. ROMDAS will convert raw roughness data into calibrated roughnesses through user-supplied equations. If equations are available for different speeds, ROMDAS will apply the appropriate equation given the vehicle speed at the time of the measurement. This removes the constraint of trying to operate the vehicle at a single survey speed under all conditions.

If the only requirement is a simple roughness survey, ROMDAS can be run by the driver alone, eliminating the need for an additional operator. A single roughness meter can be used if the vehicle has a rear axle (half-car roughness); one or two roughness meters if independent rear suspension (quarter-car roughness). Roughness – Laser Profilometer

The ROMDAS Laser/Accelerometer System is an intelligent transducer specifically intended to measure road surface profile and optionally road texture characteristics. Distance from the surface under test to the transducer is measured by means of an infrared laser beam reflected from the surface onto a sensing element.

Visual Condition and Inventory

Condition and inventory surveys can be done using the computer keyboard. It is possible to assign any key to an event and these are recorded as point and continuous events. Using a special adapter available from DCL it is possible to connect multiple keyboards to the Laptop computer. This makes it possible to have several observers performing rating at the same time—for example one doing condition and a second inventory. There are also special 20 or 58 key rating keyboards that are ideal for condition surveys. Groups of keys can be assigned to an individual distresses or roadside events.

If it is necessary to establish the exact locations of certain attributes—for example km posts or signs—the ROMDAS Laser Surveyor option can be used. This sees a laser range finder with integrated compass and inclinometer used to establish the exact position of the attribute relative to the vehicle. If GPS is being recorded in the survey the geo-coordinates of the attribute can be determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Rut Depth

A ‘Transverse Profile Logger’ is available which can be used to measure the pavement transverse profile elevations using ultrasonic’s and to establish the rut depth. This instrument stores raw elevation data which are downloaded to the PC after the survey to calculate the rut depth under a user-definable straight edge. The transverse profile distortion is used to estimate potential causes of rutting.

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Video Recording

A video camera can be used to record data on the pavement right-of-way or the surface. This is connected to a GigE Ethernet port or Firewire card. Survey chainages and other basic data are recorded to an overlay on the video image.

Multiple cameras can be used during the survey, for example to record the right-of-way as well as the roadside areas.

GPS Positions

When used with a GPS/GNSS receiver, ROMDAS will record the global positioning data at user defined sampling intervals (up to 25 Hz). An IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) can be fitted to estimate the location when there is a loss of satellite lock.

Travel Time

Travel time and congestion surveys can be conducted using ROMDAS. These will give the travel time, distances travelled and acceleration on a second-by-second basis. The system has been specifically designed to collect data for use in the World Bank’s HDM-4 congestion model.

Traffic Volume

ROMDAS can be used to perform ‘moving traffic surveys’. These entail recording every vehicle that passes the survey vehicle. The data are used to establish and estimate the AADT.

Digital Photographs

During ROMDAS surveys data can also be collected using a digital camera. Typically, this consists of photographs of roadside objects such as inventory items or km stones. The frame number corresponding to the image is entered to ROMDAS which associates a chainage with the photograph.

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1 Introduction

ROMDAS Versions

Software Platforms

The original ROMDAS software, developed in the early 1990s was an MS-DOS version. It was superseded in 2002 by a ROMDAS Windows version, which is described in this User’s Guide. All development on ROMDAS for DOS ceased after the introduction of the ROMDAS Windows version. Hardware Interfaces

There are several versions of the ROMDAS Hardware Interface:  Version 6.0 (2007 Onwards) – 66 Hz  Version 5.4 (2003 Onwards)  Version 5.3 (2002 Onwards)  Version 5 (1999-2002) – 5 Hz  Version 4 (1998-99)  Version 3 (Post-1996)  Version 2 (Pre-1996)  Version 1 (1988)

The current ROMDAS software version only works with Hardware Version 5.4 and later.

What Needs to be Done to Start Surveying?

Read the Warranty and Software Licence

Before anything else read the Licence and Warranty details in Chapter 21. If you do not agree to these please return the ROMDAS equipment to DCL for a partial refund.

Overview of Process

As shown in the following figure, the following steps need to be done:  Install the hardware and software

 Calibrate the instruments  Plan and prepare for the survey  Execute the survey

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Install ROMDAS hardware in vehicle Install ROMDAS software on PC Calibrate odometer Define keycode events Roughness? Profile roughness test sections Calibrate roughness meter Rut depths? Calibrate transverse profile logger Visual rating? Moving traffic survey? Define vehicle events Plan and prepare for survey Execute survey Process and analyse survey

data Output file Road definitions

Install the Software

Install and set up the ROMDAS software. This is described in Chapter 0 Install and Test the Hardware

The ROMDAS hardware needs to be installed in the vehicle and tested. This is described in Chapter 3. Calibrate the Instruments

The calibration of the various instruments is described in Chapter 5 and the Appendixes to this manual. Plan and Prepare for the Survey

This consists of route planning, establishing location reference points, etc. These are discussed in Chapters 4 and 6.

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1 Introduction

Do the Survey

The different surveys each have different data collection requirements. They are discussed in Chapters 0 through 18

Data Processing

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2 Installing and Running ROMDAS

2. Installing and Running ROMDAS

Introduction

Protection

ROMDAS is copy protected. This sees a unique hardware fingerprint generated by the ROMDAS software based on the name of the registered user and the hardware that it is installed to. This fingerprint is provided to DCL who will then provide a registration key which will ensure continued operation. Without a registration key the software will work for an evaluation period of 30 days after which it will only operate in Office Mode. It is not possible to get around this by resetting the time or date on the machine or any other method. The software can be uninstalled and transferred to another computer, but this requires that a new registration key be issued.

Annual Maintenance Subscription

Continued user support and entitlement for ROMDAS software upgrades is done through the ROMDAS Annual Maintenance Subscription (AMS). As well as entitling the user to the current update patches of the software the user will also get many other support entitlements.

An invoice for the next year's Annual Maintenance fee will be sent at the anniversary of purchase date. Two or more years Annual Maintenance fee can be purchased at a discount.

Refer to the ROMDAS website for current details of the ROMDAS Annual Maintenance Subscription

(AMS) .

ROMDAS CD

Starting the ROMDAS CD

The ROMDAS CD contains software and documentation for the ROMDAS, along with the other ROMDAS products available. Insert the CD and it should automatically start, displaying the following menu:

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If the CD does not start automatically, do the following:  Start Windows Explorer

 Locate the drive with the ROMDAS CD  Highlight the file MenuEng.exe

 Double click to start the menu. ROMDAS Software

To locate the ROMDAS software:

 Select ROMDAS Road Measurement Data Acquisition System

 Select ROMDAS Software

 Select ROMDAS Data Collection Software

This will start the install.

Installing ROMDAS

Default Folder

The ROMDAS software is installed by default to the folder c:\ROMDAS. If you would like to use a different folder select the Browse button when the next screen is displayed. Otherwise, select Next to run the install.

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Once installed, a shortcut will be placed on your desktop.

Updating ROMDAS

Update Software

To update the ROMDAS software with a new version you should uninstall the old software before doing a full reinstall. This is done by locating the Remove Programs icon and then highlighting the

ROMDAS program to remove

Windows Settings

Power Saving Options and Screen Savers

For a real-time data collection system like ROMDAS it is important to insure that no other software is taking processor time or operating system operations occur which could affect real-time performance. The following should be done when using ROMDAS in data collection surveys

 All Windows Power saving options and screen savers should be turned off.

 Check for programs that start-up automatically and run in the background that could affect performance and can be disabled or turned off e.g. anti-virus software, Skype etc

The data collection computer should be keep as “clean” as possible as the more software is installed the more background services will be running that could affect real-time operation.

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Windows Performance Options

The ROMDAS software uses Windows background services for the TPL, Video and Laser Profilometer devices. With Windows 2000 and later operating systems, you can increase the performance of ROMDAS while using any of these devices by changing the Processor Scheduling setting from the default “Programs” to the "Background Services"

For better real-time performance the Visual Effects

setting can also be changed to Adjust for best performance.

Disk Defragmentation

The ROMDAS Video option will generate a lot of disk activity when writing video data. Disk fragmentation will affect the performance of the ROMDAS software. Disk defragmentation should be performed regularly.

Anti Virus Software

Several of the free anti-virus software programs interfere with some or all of ROMDAS operation (Avast, Kaspersky etc). Generally if it can be avoided we recommend not using anti-virus software on the data collection computer. However Microsoft Security Essentials has been successfully tested with ROMDAS and currently is the only anti-virus software that we can recommend using if a antivirus protection is required.

Active hard drive Protection

Active hard drive protection refers to technology that is mainly used in laptop computers that detects excess acceleration or vibration and attempts to avoid or reduce mechanical damage to hard disk drives by preparing the disk(s) prior to impact. The software tells the hard disk to unload its heads to prevent them coming in contact with the platter, thus potentially preventing head crash.

Laptop vendors have implemented this technology under different names:  HDAPS, Hard Drive Active Protection System, by Lenovo  GraviSense by Acer

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 3D DriveGuard, HP Mobile Data Protection System 3D and ProtectSmart Hard Drive Protection by HP

 Free Fall Sensor (FFS) by Dell  HDD Protection by Toshiba

These utilities will generally interfere with ROMDAS data collection as the vibration of the moving vehicle can shut done the hard disks and prevent ROMDAS from saving the data to file (particularly important with Video Logging option). These utilities need to be turned off when ROMDAS is operating in the vehicle.

Evaluating and Registering ROMDAS

Overview

The full ROMDAS software is protected with a registration key system so that only the purchased subsystems will work in surveys. However ROMDAS can also be operated in other modes that don’t require registration. The three modes of operation are:

 Evaluation Version - all features and subsystems work, expires after 30 days if full registration key is not entered. On expiry ROMDAS will automatically revert to become ROMDAS Office. The 30 day extension will reset if a newer version is installed. The 30 day evaluation period can be extended at DCL’s discretion. Contact DCL to apply for an extension key.

 ROMDAS Office Version - no restrictions on use. Everything works except surveys. Can be used for Data processing, survey file setup etc.

 ROMDAS Registered Version - restricted to one copy per system and enabled for survey subsystems purchased.

Evaluation Version

ROMDAS can be evaluated for a period of 30 days before registration is required. During the evaluation period the software is fully functional. However, after this period the software will no longer operate in evaluation mode on the same computer except if you install a later version of ROMDAS in which case another 30 days trial is available.

When the software is started in evaluation mode the screen above is shown. After a period of 5 seconds select Start and ROMDAS will continue to load.

ROMDAS can be changed to operate in either ROMDAS Office or Registered versions at any time. ROMDAS Office Version

The ROMDAS Office version requires no registration key to operate. You are therefore able to install on as many computers as required for data processing, survey file setup etc.

After installation the ROMDAS software will operate in Evaluation mode by default. When starting up the software will display the following Registration screen.

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To change to ROMDAS Office select he Office Mode button. The following message will appear informing you that all surveying options will be disabled in the Office version.

Select OK. ROMDAS will now always start in Office mode. The version that ROMDAS is operating in will be shown on the status line (or the About ROMDAS dialog).

ROMDAS Registered Version

Once the software has been purchased a registration key will be issued. Enter the name the software is to be registered to in the ROMDAS Registration window shown above (which can also be accessed from

About ROMDAS|RegistrationStatus) and select Email Finger Print or Print Finger Print. Both the user name and the fingerprint need to be supplied for the software to be registered. In the example above the fingerprint is EA6D-964E. Send the fingerprint to [email protected] or fax to number in the

Information|About ROMDAS menu. E-mail will give the most prompt response.

The Hardware Finger Print is the unique hardware code for the computer that ROMDAS is to be installed to. Each fingerprint is unique to a single computer.

The user name and fingerprint is used to generate a unique registration key. This will be provided and should be entered as shown to the right. Once done the Register button is used to complete the process. If successful, the window below right will be shown. If not, please contact [email protected].

NOTE: If you change the hardware on your computer the registration key may no longer work. It will be necessary to first obtain an uninstall key as described next for moving the software to a new computer, and then obtain a new key once the new hardware is installed.

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Changing the Registration Key

The key is only valid for the specific machine hardware configuration so if ROMDAS is to be used on another computer or the hardware is changed, it will be necessary to uninstall the software and obtain a new key. The process is as follows.

 Start ROMDAS

 Select Information|About ROMDAS|Registration Status

 Select the Unregister ROMDAS button

ROMDAS will shut down and the following dialog will be shown. Select OK.

To unregister it is necessary to provide a code which verifies that ROMDAS has been removed. An example of this code is shown on the following screen. WRITE THIS CODE DOWN. It is necessary to press all three buttons and then OK to complete the unregistering.

Send this code along with the new hardware fingerprint to DCL at the contacts above and a replacement key will be provided.

NOTE: If you need to install ROMDAS on to another computer because of hardware failure during a survey and have no way of easily contacting DCL to obtain a new registration key, the software can be installed and run for 30 days on a new/uninstalled computer. This 30 days period should allow you to complete your work in progress.

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Running ROMDAS

Menu Options

The ROMDAS menu system has the following options:

 File. Surveys, Odometer Surveys and Data Processing options;  View. View processed data;

 Calibrate. Calibration options;

 Test. Test menus for the various ROMDAS instruments  Tools. Define setup options;

 Help. Information about the software.

Navigation

Since ROMDAS is used in a moving vehicle, the system has been designed as much as possible to be operated without needing a mouse. Navigation can be done with standard Windows navigation keys:  Accelerator Key (Ctrl Key)combination: Ctrl key + letter as shown in menu. E.g. Ctrl-S brings up

New Survey dialog.

 Alt Keycombination: Alt key + first letter of menu item. E.g. Alt-F brings up File menu.

 Up/Down/Left/Right Arrow Keys. Move between menu and submenu items

 Tab. Move between fields  Enter. Select a menu item  ESC. Close the menu

 Function Keys. Assigned to specific tasks Passwords

The Tools|Options menu can be password protected to stop unauthorised access to critical settings. If enabled selecting Tools|Options from the main menu gives the password entry box shown:

The first time ROMDAS is used, the user has direct access to the Tools|Options menus.The password settings are described in Section 0.

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Test Mode

The ROMDAS software can be run without being connected to the Interface or being in the vehicle by using the ‘Survey Test Mode’ option. This simulates being connected to Hardware and driving along the road. It is activated by the menu Survey Test Mode under the Test menu as follows.

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3 Installing and Testing the Survey Hardware

3. Installing and Testing the Survey Hardware

Introduction

Overview

There are a number of different components to install before surveys can be done. A basic ROMDAS system, comprised of the hardware interface and roughness meter, can typically be installed in about 2 hours. More complicated systems, such as the video, may take 3-4 hours. In general, less than a day is required to install a full ROMDAS system into a vehicle.

It is not necessary to have specialist tools or services to install ROMDAS, although access to a vehicle hoist or work pit is useful for installing the odometer sensor and bump integrator.

This chapter covers installing and testing the various ROMDAS instruments. It also includes setting up the system for using with digital cameras and voice recording.

Tools Required

The following tools are required:  Multi-meter

 Sharp knife  Pliers

 Screw Driver  Spanners

 Electric Drill with 20 mm drill bit (for roughness meter)

Installing the Odometer Sensor

Types of Sensors

The installation requirements for the speed/distance sensor depend upon the type of sensor. Appendix A describes how the appropriate sensor should be selected. The main sensor is the generic fit Proximity Odometer sensor. The Proximity Odometer sensor magnetsare affixed to the driveshaft to the inside of the wheel and monitored when the part rotates.

Other types of standard speed/distance sensors are also available for use with ROMDAS:

 High Resolution DMI. This is the sensor used when high resolutions are required (see Appendix A). If you have LCMS/LRMS, Laser Profiler, or TPL modules then the HR DMI is the mandatory DMI sensor. This sensor should only be used on sealed roads.

 Electronic Speedometer Sensor. This is used in vehicles that have electronic speedometers. It monitors the pulse line and returns a signal for each pulse. This works on most vehicles with the only problems reported with a Nissan utility.

For older vehicles with cable driven speedometers the following could also be used:

 Screw-in Transmission Speedometer Cable Sensor. This connects at the junction between the speedometer cable and the transmission. It fits most modern Japanese vehicles and screws directly to

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the transmission. The speedometer cable is then connected to the sensor. It is fast and easy to fit but it does not fit all vehicles.

 Splice-in Speedometer Cable Sensor. This is spliced into the speedometer cable housing with the existing speedometer cable running through the centre of the sensor.

The standard sensors are illustrated in the following photograph.

Installation Instructions

Detailed instructions on installing the sensors are given in Appendix A.

Connecting the Power

Options

There are two options available for supplying power to ROMDAS:

 Power Cable. This is used when there is only a single hardware interface needs to be powered the cable can be directly connected to the vehicle cigarette lighter socket.

 Power Distribution Box. The distribution box is used when there are multiple instruments to connect (i.e. GPS, gyroscope, video system, etc.).

The power plug used for the ROMDAS instruments is through a two-pin screw in connector, shown in the next diagram. The pin connections and numbering are as follows. The figure shows the connections when looking at the plug.

Positive (+) Negative (-)

The installation requirements of both are different, as described next.

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-3 Installing and Testing the Survey Hardware

Power Cable

The ROMDAS power cable1_{is illustrated below and the labelled components are as follows:}

 Power In. The end of the cable with a cigarette lighter plug connected to it is used to power the ROMDAS unit. A 7 Amp fuse is contained in the cigarette lighter plug.

 Interface Power. This cable provides power to the ROMDAS hardware interface. It has a screw-in plug.

Power Distribution Box

The ROMDAS power distribution box is shown next. It is used when there are multiple instruments that need to be run—typically a video system or a TPL and GPS. The power distribution box provides multiple power points for ROMDAS instruments, each individually fused.

The power distribution box has a battery cable. This should be run through the firewall of the vehicle to the engine compartment and the two circular connectors attached to the positive (RED wire) and negative (BLACK) wire terminals. Care should be taken to ensure that the wires are clear of all moving parts and high-tension leads.

The power distribution box should be positioned in the vehicle so that the On-Off switch is readily accessible and the instruments can be easily connected. Double-sided Velcro is supplied to help ensure that the power distribution box is held firmly in place.

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NOTE: The ROMDAS power distribution box should only be connected to a 12 V vehicle DC electrical system.

The Power Box has re-settable fuses. If the fuse has blown the red button will pop out. It needs to be pushed back in to reset the fuse.

Installing the Hardware Interface

Components

The following components are required for installing the hardware interface in the vehicle:  ROMDAS hardware interface

 Cable ties

 ROMDAS power cable  RS-232 cable

 Reverse light cable (optional)  Adhesive Velcro

Positioning the Interface

The interface should be positioned in such a way that:

 The lights on the interface are visible. This allows the operator to confirm that the data are being received.

 It is protected from collateral damage such as being stepped on;  It is within reach of the cables.

ROMDAS is supplied with double sided Velcro tape, which is suitable for positioning the interface in many different ways and to hold it, steady. The photo to the right is an example of an installation at the rear of the centre console in a Pajero that was done using the adhesive Velcro.

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Connecting the Cables

 Odometer Cable. The cable connecting the odometer sensor needs to be run into the vehicle. This is done either via an existing hole in the firewall or by drilling a new hole.

 Roughness Cable. The BI extension cable should be run to the bump integrator if roughness is to be measured.

 Power Cable. ENSURE THE POWER IS TURNED OFF BEFORE CONNECTING.

 RS-232 Cable. The RS-232 cable should be screwed into the interface and then run to the computer.

The cables are usually wrapped together with tape or cable ties. For protection they should then be run under the carpets, seats, consoles to the point where the interface will be mounted before connecting them to the interface. The top of the interface is labelled with the location of the different connections.

Installing the Transverse Profile Logger

Instructions

The transverse profile logger (TPL) must be mechanically mounted on the front of the vehicle. It is connected to the computer via an Ethernet cable.

Detailed instructions on installing the TPL are given in Appendix D. Components

The following components are required for installing the TPL:  TPL ( Housing with Master Controller, sensors and electronics)  Power and Ethernet Connection Cables

Installing the Video System

Instructions

Detailed instructions on installing the video system are given in Appendix E. Components

To record video images data the following components are supplied:  Video camera

 Firewire PCMCIA Card if computer does not have a Firewire port  Cables

 Power supply

The components depending upon the type of video system purchased. Positioning the Camera

The camera should be positioned on the vehicle so that it has a clear view of the road right-of-way. If the vehicle will be operated in rainy conditions it is advisable to mount the camera inside the vehicle otherwise it will be necessary to regularly stop and wipe clean the lens on the camera housing.

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Installing GPS Receivers

Instructions

Detailed instructions on installing GPS receivers are given in Appendix F Components

To record GPS data the following components are supplied:  GPS receiver

 Cable to supply power to receiver  GPS antenna

 RS-232 cable to connect GPS receiver to computer Positioning the GPS Unit

The GPS receiver should be positioned so that it is clear of the floor. The receivers can be affixed using double-sided Velcro or with some receivers an optional kit is available to hold the unit.

The antenna is usually mounted on the roof of the vehicle. The antenna should have as clear a view of the sky as is practicable.

Activating GPS Measurements

Activating GPS measurements are described in Chapter 11.

Installing the Laser Profilometer

Instructions

Detailed instructions on installing the Laser Profilometer are given inAppendix C Components

The Laser Profilometer data gives the longitudinal profile of the pavement for determining roughness in IRI (m/km).

The following components are supplied with the Laser Profilometer:  Laser Unit

 Ethernet Switch  High Resolution DMI  Laser DMI Interface  Mounting Bar  Cabling

Positioning the Laser

The following should be considered when positioning the Laser:

 It must be mounted at least 430 mm away from the road surface when the vehicle is carrying its expected weight

 It must be mounted as parallel as possible to the road surface Installing the Laser

Once a suitable position has been established the following is done:  Attach the laser to the mounting bar

 Mount the High Resolution DMI to the wheel  Connect cabling

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 Software setup

Digital Cameras

Overview

Digital cameras can be used during ROMDAS surveys for taking still photographs of roadside events, such as location reference points, structures,

etc. By linking the digital photographs to keyboard

events, ROMDAS will store the file name when the photograph is taken. The photographs can then be readily accessed from database management systems. As many photos as required can be taken of each event.

Activating Digital Camera Photos

The settings for the digital photographs are located under:

Tools|Options|Digital Camera Settings

Selecting this gives the screen to the right. Where the user defines the digital photograph settings

 Generate File Name: This will see the name of the photograph generated and stored with the data files.

 Camera Type: The type of camera used. Each camera has its own unique naming convention which numbers the digital photographs sequentially, the following are the conventions used with each camera, where xxxxx is a sequential number.

Fuji MX 1200 DSCfxxxx.jpg

HP C20/C30 DSCxxxxx.jpg

Ricoh 6000 RIMGxxxx.jpg

Sony DSC-F505 DSCxxxxx.jpg

 Defined Camera File Name: Additional cameras can be included by selecting NEW as the camera type and defining the camera name in the window to the top right. The character prefix and the number of characters are then defined based on the naming convention used by the camera (bottom right).

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Using Digital Cameras in Surveys

Having activated the digital camera option it is necessary to associate a keyboard event with a digital photo (see Section 0) and/or enable digital photos to be taken at LRP’s (see Section 0).

Installing Additional Communication Ports

Overview

Most computers, particularly Laptops, come with no or only a single COM port. When using ROMDAS it is usually necessary to add extra COM ports via a USB to Serial (RS-232) converter.

All devices require drivers to run under Windows. These should be supplied with the system otherwise they can be located on the ROMDAS CD under the Software|Drivers folder.

Once a device is installed, it should be verified from the Windows Control Panel.

 Select Start|Settings|Control Panel

 Select System | Device Manager and the window to the right is opened. This lists the devices installed on the computer.

 Expand the entry for Ports (COM & LPT)

The available ports will be listed, such as shown below which gives the available ports with a Socket IO dual PCMCIA card.

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Setting Communication Parameters

Assigning COM Ports

It is necessary to assign the communication (COM) ports that each instrument will operate at. These are defined through the Setup Options dialog form for each device:

The following should be noted:

 Each instrument must be assigned to a different COM port if it is to be used simultaneously. The drop down list will list the available COM ports and any existing ROMDAS Instrument COM port assignments

 Some instruments need to have Baud rate and other serial parameters set to match the settings on the instrument. Where this is applicable an additional Set button will be available beside the COM port drop down list as in the following GPS settings form.

The table below lists the appropriate values for the different instruments used with ROMDAS.

Instrument Supplier Settings

These settings cannot be changed for the following instruments: -

Hardware interface DCL 38400,N, 8,1

These settings must match the settings on the Instrument but usually are set to:

GPS – Garmin GPS18 /12XL Garmin 9600,N, 8,1 GPS – Trimble SPS 461 Trimble 56,000,N, 8,1 Laser Surveyor Laser Atlanta 4800,N, 8,1

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Testing the Instruments

Overview

The final step of the installation process is to test the instruments using the Test menu:

Test Hardware Interface

The ROMDAS hardware interface has a series of LED's on the unit to assist with testing and diagnostics. The chart below summarises how these are used to investigate problems with the interface or the connections when executing a roughness survey, either in a vehicle or with the ROMDAS tester.

Hardware interface v5.4 and V6.0

Turn On Interface

 All LEDs On for 2 second.s.  Then RED Power

on  Green BI and

ODO LEDS flash if inputs recieving pulses

Press Space Bar to Start Survey

 RED power LED on Yellow PC flashing  GREEN LEDs blink as unit receives ODO and BI pulese

 If RED LED goes out or is intermittant there is a problem with the power to the unit

 If the ODO LED is not blinking when driving check the odometer sensor and cabling or connect the tester  If the BI LED is not blinking check the cabling to BI or connect the tester

Test GPS

The ‘Test GPS’ option is used to test the receiver to ensure that data are being received. A successful test shows:

 The instrument is connected to the appropriate port; and,

 The correct instrument settings are in the ROMDAS software. As described in Chapter 0, there are several different ways of data being transmitted from the GPS receiver to ROMDAS and it is important that the system be properly set.

 Select the type of GPS to use

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 Other instruments NMEA

 Select Tools|Test Instruments|Test GPS

 Select Start

The data from the GPS receiver will be logged to the PC. It will be converted to the latitude, longitude and altitude. The Data Received box will show the actual NMEA sentences being received. The screen below is an example of such data.

NOTE: It is common for receivers to take several minutes to initialise and begin logging their data.

The following should be noted with regard to this test:

 If the GPS time is displayed but there is no position information (latitude, longitude, and altitude) this is because there are insufficient satellites in view. Try moving the antenna

 If there is no GPS time:

 Ensure that the antenna can see satellites (i.e. is it outdoors in an open area?)

 Check the communications parameters and COM Port through the Test COM Port menu Test TPL

The ‘Test TPL’ option is used to test the Transverse Profile Logger instrument. This instrument is used to obtain the transverse profile of the road to measure rut depth.

 Connect the TPL Master Controller  Select Test|Test Instruments|Test TPL

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Test Laser Surveyor

The ‘Test Laser Surveyor’ option is used to test the hand-held Laser Surveyor instrument. This instrument is used to obtain the position of objects adjacent to the road.

 Select Test|Test Instruments|Test Laser Surveyor

 Point the laser at an object at least 5 m away  Press the trigger

The screen should display the distance to the object, its bearing and the slope.

If there is no data received check the communications parameters and COM Port through the Test COM Port menu.

Test Geometry

The ‘Test Geometry’ option is used to test the ROMDAS Geometry Unit.  Connect all cables

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Test TPL-LRMS

The ‘Test TPL-LRMS’ option is used to test the ROMDAS LRMS Laser.  Connect all cables

 Connect the power to the LRMS  Start the TPL_LRMS test



Test Laser Profilometer

The ‘Test Laser Profilometer’ option is used to test the ROMDAS Laser IP connections.  Connect all cables

 Connect the power to the Laser  Start the laser Connections test

ROMDAS Manual

ROMDAS User’s Guide

COPYRIGHT

REVISIONS

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

Introduction

Types of Data Collected

ROMDAS Versions

What Needs to be Done to Start Surveying?

2. Installing and Running ROMDAS

Introduction

Annual Maintenance Subscription

ROMDAS CD

Installing ROMDAS

Updating ROMDAS

Windows Settings

Evaluating and Registering ROMDAS

Running ROMDAS

3. Installing and Testing the Survey Hardware

Introduction

Installing the Odometer Sensor

Connecting the Power

Installing the Hardware Interface

Installing the Transverse Profile Logger

Installing the Video System

Installing GPS Receivers

Installing the Laser Profilometer

Digital Cameras

Installing Additional Communication Ports

Setting Communication Parameters

Testing the Instruments