Surface Patrol

The Model 999J dual temperature sensor measures surface and ambient (air) temperatures digitally. This system senses the pavement temperature under your vehicle as you drive at acceptable highway speeds. The driver is alerted in advance of temperatures that may be approaching the freezing point. 

Model 999J consists of three components: 

A non-contact infrared sensor in an injection molded housing that is mounted under the vehicle and scans the pavement as the vehicle passes over it. 

An ambient temperature sensor that can be mounted anywhere desired on the vehicle. 

A dashboard-mounted digital meter that displays the surface temperature as well as ambient (air) temperature to the operator. 

General Description

This motor vehicle mounted, non-contact measurement system continuously monitors the road surface temperature to detect dangerous cold-weather driving conditions. The electronic design of this system provides compensation for the effects of ambient temperature changes that would otherwise result in inaccurate measurements. The digital display output covers a surface temperature range of -40F to +200F (-40C to +90C). 

Conditions for Ice Formation

The objective of the Quixote Surface Patrol system is to continuously monitor road surface temperatures from vehicle moving at normal highway speeds. This provides the operator instantaneous feedback on road surface conditions and an early alert to possible icing conditions. 

The higher thermal conductivity of bridges, culverts and other similar surface variations may freeze and subsequently thaw before surrounding road surfaces. When ambient temperatures are near freezing, road surface temperatures can be substantially different, presenting continuously changing driving hazards. The new Control Products 999J System alerts the driver that these conditions exist. This dual temperature model also displays the ambient temperature as well as the surface temperature. 

Design Characteristics

The 999J Surface Patrol system is a compact instrument designed for easy installation. The sensor head plugs directly into the meter that then provides a digital display of the current temperatures. 

Utilizing the latest in electronic and thermal technology, the rugged and compact sensing head converts heat-generated infrared energy into electrical signals which are then translated into calibrated temperature information which is then displayed. 

Installation

Mechanical installation requires mounting the sensor on the underside of the vehicle. The sensor includes a conical mounting and adjustment assembly to protect the sensor from dirt, water, road debris and vehicle vibration. The meter powers the sensor and requires 12 or 24 volts D.C. 

Operation & Maintenance

To operate, simply switch on the vehicle ignition and the system is operational. Maintenance is limited to periodic cleaning of the optical lens within the sensor housing. The frequency of this maintenance is dependent on the operational environment. To clean the lens, unscrew the tube on the bottom of the vehicle-mounted sensor housing and wipe with a tissue dampened with a lens cleaning solution then wipe dry. 

Specifications

Sensor Assembly		Injection molded housing with lens protective cone
	Accuracy	0.5F for operating ambient temperatures from 0-120F
	Repeatability	0.1% of full scale
	Shock	50 G's
	Vibration	10 G's in any axis
	Response time	80 milliseconds to 95% of final reading
	RF Hardening	Withstands external radio frequency effects caused by mobile radios
	Maximum measurement region	1 inch (2.54cm) O.D.
	Operating Ambient Temperature	-40F to +160F (-40C to 70C)
	Supply Voltage	12 or 24 VDC 25%, 150mA max
	Optics	Precision Germanium Crystal
	Weight	Sensor alone: 2oz (60g)
		w/cables & connectors: 10oz (280g)
Meter Assembly		High brightness red LEDs. Displays both Surface & Ambient temperatures in Fahrenheit or Celsius
	Field calibration	Adjustable 5F over ice
	Weight	4.5 oz (128 g)
Meter Options		Analog or Serial Output
	Analog Output Modes	Voltage or Current loop
	Analog Voltage Range	1.00-5.00V, isolated. User programmable gain and offset
	Analog Current Loop	4.00-20.00mA, isolated. User programmable gain and offset.
	Loop power	Internal (isolated) or external
	Serial Output	EIA/RS-232C, 300-9600bps
General
	Electrical Connections	Compression terminals for input voltage
		Quick disconnect watertight circular system connector
	Data Standards	SAE J1708 and J1587
	Cable Length	18 feet (8.5 m) standard