sonic tracker theory of operation

Sonic Tracker Theory of Operation – rev Aug 2009

Sonic Tracker Theory of Operation

Paver System FiveSonic Tracker Theory of Operation


Sonic Tracker Control

• The Sonic Tracker controls grade, or the mat thickness

•The Tracker can use any physical grade reference to control the mat thickness.


Track a Curb

The Tracker can be positioned to control thickness referencing a curb.


The Tracker can be positioned to control paving thickness referencing an existing mat.

Track an existing mat


Track an elevated stringline

The Tracker can track an elevated stringline.

The mat thickness will be controlled as the Sonic Tracker follows the stringline that has been set to the desired grade.


Track a Surface Stringline

The Sonic Tracker can even control grade from a Surface Stringline.


Sonic Tracker Function• The Tracker sends sound pulses 39 times per second.• The sounds waves bounce off of any physical object• The sound echo returns to the Tracker• The Tracker measures the time, and therefore the distance to the reference.


Distance = (Time)(Speed of sound)

Sonic Tracker Function• Think of the Tracker as a stopwatch


WorkingWindow

.2’ (6cm)

.2’ (6cm)

String

ON GRADE .01 (3mm)

Slow Flashing Arrow(No Grade Correction)


SOLID UP ARROW .15’ (4.5cm)

SOLID DOWN ARROW .15’ (4.5cm)

FLASHING DOWN ARROW .05’ (1.5cm)

FLASHING UP ARROW .05’ (1.5cm)

Working Window


WorkingWindow

.2’ (6cm)

.2’ (6cm)ON GRADE .01 (3mm)



SOLID UP ARROW .15’ (4.5cm)

SOLID DOWN ARROW .15’ (4.5cm)

FLASHING DOWN ARROW .05’ (1.5cm)

FLASHING UP ARROW .05’ (1.5cm)String

Working Window


Sonic Tracker Function• Screed is at the desired mat thickness• Tracker is set to On-Grade.• On-Grade is represented by a specific distance from the Tracker to the grade reference.• The Tracker sets the “stopwatch” to a specific time representing On-Grade


Sonic Tracker Function• If the Tracker raises, the distance to the grade reference has increased.• The time for the echo to return to the Tracker also increases. • The Tracker indicates a lower signal.


Sonic Tracker Function• If the Tracker lowers, the distance to the grade reference has decreased.• The time for the echo to return to the Tracker also decreases. • The Tracker indicates a raise signal.


Sonic Tracker Function

• If the Tracker receives an echo indicating the Tracker is more than 2 ½” (.2’) above the grade reference, an ‘out of working window’ signal is displayed. • Slow-flashing down arrow• System Five does not send a valve output.


Sonic Tracker Function

• If the Tracker receives an echo indicating the Tracker is less than 2 ½” (.2’) from above the grade reference, an ‘out of working window’ signal is displayed. • Slow-flashing up arrow• System Five does not send a valve output.


Sound Wave Pattern

• The sound waves come out of the Tracker in a cone shape.• At a distance of 24” from the bottom of the Tracker, the cone should be about 6” in diameter.


Working Distance

• The closest working distance = 14”•The farthest working distance = 55”• Recommended height for Paving applications = between 14” and 24”.• “Rule of Thumb” for paving;

Double the bail distance = 18”


Temperature Bail Function

• The Temperature Bail acts as a reference for the dramatic, rapid changes in temperature and humidity that occur in paving applications.


9”

18”

14” to

24”

Sonic Tracker Setup

• Recommended height for Paving applications is between 14” and 24”.• “Rule of Thumb” good starting point for setup:

Double the Bail Distance = 18”


Sonic Tracker Setup

• Recommended height for Paving applications is between 14” and 24”.• “Rule of Thumb” good starting point for setup:

Double the Bail Distance = 18”


• Dramatic, rapid temperature changes

• Gusty wind blowing over hot mix

Temperature Bail compensates for temperature changes here

No compensation for temperature changes here

Temperature Compensation


Minimize the atmosphere between the Tracker bail and the grade reference

Sonic Tracker Setup

Lower the Tracker!

• Gusty wind blowing over hot mix

• Dramatic, rapid temperature changes

Tracker displaying erratic grade lights

Tracker feels hot!

No temperature compensation


Tracking a mechanical ski

• If a string or wire is used, keep the string at least 4” (10cm) above the ski

• Mechanical skis commonly shift sideways – the Tracker will be out of the Working window”

Sonic Tracker Setup


CENTER

Sonic Tracker Setup

Tracking a mechanical ski

• Beam surging will cause the ski to move a few inches underneath the Tracker

• Upon startup, center the Tracker between shoe bolts


d1 d2

=d1 d2

Sonic Tracker SetupTracking a mechanical ski

• Center the Tracker on the entire ski


15’ 15’

=d1 d2

Sonic Tracker SetupTracking a mechanical ski

• Center the Tracker on the entire ski

• Proper placement giving 30’ averaging


Sonic Tracker Theory of Operation

Paver System FiveSonic Tracker Theory of Operation

sonic tracker theory of operation

Documents