Blog posts tagged with 'headlamp alignment'

Symtech SCA-1 Headlight Aimer

If you've been approached by the State of NH pertaining to headlight aimers they are in such demand, even the manufacturer is way behind. We have orders coming in for the SCA-1 Symtech headlight aimer, please contact us if you have a need at 603-234-2612. We can verify the delay in obtaining the product due to the demand that's been placed. Headlight aiming is part of inspection process and is required by the state. This is not only a NH requirement, but other states as well. Please see the end of this blog for a list of states that require headlight aimers. We have been flooded with calls at this time. We have an order of 10 coming in, and have already sold 8. We would be glad to add you to our list for when they come in. Call Clark at 603-234-2612. Our shipment of 10 will arrive to our shop by August 1.

UPDATE: We have placed a second order that will be in later in August.

Saf-C 3206.02 Minimum Space Requirements Each inspection station shall:

• Have a testing space that has no obstructions and is large enough for a mechanic to walk around a vehicle with its doors open;
• Be a minimum of 12 feet by 25 feet in length, if the station inspects motor vehicles;
• Be a minimum of 12 feet by 50 feet in length, if the station is equipped with a headlight testing screen or board; and
• Be a minimum of 8 feet by 12 feet in length, if the station inspects only motorcycles

Saf-C 3206.04 Tools and Equipment Each inspection station shall have the following tools and equipment: A brake drum gage; A gauging device to measure the thickness of brake pads; A ball joint gauge; A lift or jack, capable of hoisting a vehicle to check its: Ball joints; Suspension linkage; Wheel play; Exhaust system; Undercarriage; and Frame of the vehicle; Tools necessary for the proper assembly and disassembly of any parts, which shall include: Hammers; Portable lights; Socket sets, including metric sizes; Wrenches, including open and box end; Screwdrivers; and Electrical test lights; Headlight aimer(s) or headlight board capable of determining the proper headlight angle of all vehicles to be inspected; Tint meter, if the station inspects vehicles with tinted glass; An on-board diagnostic scan tool capable of communicating with all model year 1996 or newer on-board diagnostic equipped light-duty vehicles and light-duty trucks; and any other tools necessary to conduct a proper vehicle inspection. 

Additional Tools for Motorcycle Inspection Stations

• Wheel truing stand.
• Drive chain tool.
• Decibel meter.
• Assorted bulbs and lenses.
• Center punches.

Information courtesy of Inspection Station Requirements posted on NH.gov. STATE APPROVED HEADLIGHT AIMER USA regulated states - headlamp alignment include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, and West Virginia.

HERE IS A QUICK SUMMARY OF HOW TO SET UP YOUR SCA 1 HEADLAMP AIMER: 1. Setting the floor slope

• Lower the optical head to about 1 foot off the floor.
• Level optical head by rotating eccentric wheel at rear of base until level vial registers "level."
• Place the laser in position on top of the optical head and turn laser on.
• At center of front wheels of vehicle, measure the distance from the floor to where the laser strikes the measuring device.
• At center of rear wheel of vehicle, measure the point where the laser strikes the measuring device.
• If the measurements are not the same, the floor has a slope and adjustments are needed.
• Rotate the floor slope handle left or right on the eccentric wheel until laser strikes the measuring device at the same heights as it did at the front wheel.
• Move to the center of the front wheel and measure the point where the laser strikes the measuring device.
• If both front and wheel measurements are the same, record the position of the eccentric wheel. If measurements at the front and rear wheels are NOT the same, note the front wheel measurement.
• Move to the center of the rear wheel and rotate the eccentric wheel so laser strikes the measuring device at the same height as front wheel measurement, then measure the height of the laser at the front wheel again.
• Repeat this process until both front and rear wheel measurements are the same.
• When both measurements are the same, make note of the floor slope number for this bay.
• Turn off the laser and store in a safe place.

2. Headlamp Alignment

• Turn the sighting unit until you can see the front edge of the optical head through sight lens.
• If the line on the lens does not line up with front edge of optical head, loosen thumbscrews and align lens.
• Tighten thumbscrews.
• Position SCA 1 approximately 12" in front of headlamp to be aligned.
• Set the floor slope to proper setting for current bay.
• Align SCA 1 to vehicle using the sight window and 2 common points on vehicle.
• Turn on the headlamps and move the optical head up, down, left, and right, until the light is centered on the optical head lens.
• Adjust headlamp until the pattern on the ISO screen is in the proper position. *Proper position is centering the most inner area of color over the appropriate white dot of low beam or high beam.

***REPEAT THE ALIGNMENT PROCESS FOR THE NEXT HEADLAMP We now have IN STOCK the Symtech SCA 1 ISOColor Headlight Aimer. The SCA 1 Headlight Aimer is an easy-to-use, precise method of headlamp alignment featuring new ISOColor technology for accuracy. Features of the SCA ISOColor Headlight Alignment System Include: ISOColor Technology Laser Floor Slope Measurement Field Calibration Adjustable Height Accurate and Repeatable Alignment Compact and Portable Non Electric Rotational Mast Durable and Lightweight Call Clark 603-234-2612