Detection range

Recommended detection range for the ice detector is in the range 3m-15m. The maximum detection range is under optimal circumstances larger, but use at detection ranges exceeding 25m is advised against.

Response time

The instrument continuously assesses surface properties and transmit measurement results every 125ms, representing an estimate of the surface properies during the last 125ms up to transmission of data.

Sunlight glare

Reflected sunlight or intense artificial lighting reflected directly into the instrument may cause temporary saturation of the photo detectors, rendering it unable to make measurements. Glare error messages are then transmitted by the instrument.

Directing the instrument directly towards the sun may irreversibly damage the photo detectors and it then has to be returned to the supplier for replacement of the main circuit board.

Blocking of the beam

Obviously, the light beam is blocked by interfering objects in the beam, and this must be considered when mounting the instrument. The instrument must have a fully clear view of the detection area. If an object blocking the view is present, ice and water on this object will be detected.

Objects rapidly passing through the beam will give rise to a phase error, which is transmitted by the instrument. In case of a phase error, no surface data are available. Within 125ms of the passing object having left the field of view, a new, reliable measurement is presented.

Occasionally, customers may prefer mounting the detector behind a protective screen or window. It is then necessary that the window is fully transparent in the near infrared wavelength range. Obviously, if the window or screen is covered by a layer of ice or water, the detector will present measurements partially representing this ice or water layer.

Detection area

The outgoing light beam has a divergence of 12°, giving a detection area with a width of 3m at a distance of 14m. This is adapted to correspond to a typical road lane width. Detecting at a shorter or longer distance, gives a correspondingly smaller or larger detection area.

Lamp exchange port

An 8000h lifetime Xe incandescent lamp is used as light source and this has to be replaced regularly. Replacement is performed by loosening the screws on the lamp exchange port, shown at the centre of the illustration above. The lamp socket is then accessible, making lamp replacement easy. Do note that the lamp exchange port then has to be properly repositioned and screws sufficiently tightened, so that the instrument remains waterproof.