Headlamp Test Equipment
Beam Setter Review
Many MOT beam setters are decades old, whilst headlamps and beam test equipment technology has moved on. Yet VOSA don’t allow the use of ‘digital camera’ technology. Are they behind the times?
Headlamp technology has changed with the advent of xenon discharge headlamps, so in 2005 VOSA developed new standards for beam test equipment – which will be mandatory in all VTSs by 31st December 2008. In the meantime the need to place old equipment closer to these new headlamps when checking the beams remains.
The new headlamp Test equipment specifications require amongst other things an overhead alignment mirror, and must be capable of checking those discharge headlamps accurately. Apart from the end December 2008 deadline for all VTSs, the 2005 specification equipment is already mandatory for all new MOT Testing Station Authorisations.
Pointing – and penalty points
It has always been puzzling why beam setting equipment has to be aligned along ‘gun sights’ when the equipment has a collective, or a fresnel lens.
For example, MAHA’s Kevin Howard said of their equipment using a fresnel lens “…you can move the equipment ‘off-centre’ and the site screen image remains stable”.
Yet there are disciplinary implications here, 3 points for misalignment either axially or vertically.
On this VOSA’s Richard Dixon, said “…it’s for the manufacturer to stipulate alignment procedures. The operating instructions must be on hand for the Tester’s reference, and if they indicate wide tolerance for alignment accuracy, then that’s what VOSA accepts…”.
He also noted the operating instructions (and also for roller brake test equipment), are essential for VTS authorisation – if you haven’t got them your authority to Test could be queried! (I wonder how many AEs are rummaging though drawers right now looking for those old instructions! Ed)
Digital technology
So what about digital technology? We discussed this with MAHA’s Kevin Howard. He confirmed that MAHA equipment is ‘digital’ image capable, but must have an optical system for the MOT.
Dixon explained why, “…there’s two reasons – first, we must ensure any digital system is compatible with the MOT computer (for future downloading), but that’s less important than issues of reliability…”. He explained. “In the Republic of Ireland when using digital technology they found 80% to 90% of vehicles failed for headlamp aim, many unnecessarily… digital systems are fine for brand new cars off production lines, but vehicles in day to day use develop stone chips, small sections of condensation and other imperfections in their headlamps which don’t affect the image on the site screen, but fool the electronic technology into rejecting the headlamp aim because random bits of scattered light confuse the digital sensors”.
Some research and development needed there then!
Review: MOT-approved headlamp beam checking equipment – 2005 specification
Boston Garage Equipment
Boston Beam Setter
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Approved to 2005 VOSA specification, the B501 is designed to Test the increasing number of gas discharge headlamps now being introduced.
Laser beam alignment and light flux meter are standard features and Boston have now added as standard, a through-the-lens centring device to enhance operational accuracy. Robustly constructed, with counterbalance and stainless steel top cover. Supplied complete with guide rails.