Laser4000 arch coverage

[washnvac]

Just took over a wash with two Laser4000s. One unit has 6 nozzles across the top arch, other has 7. They both miss the center of the vehicle. The one with 6, misses a full 12 inches down the center of my Yukon. The other misses a few inches.

I know someone has a solution for this. That is a really poor design (IMHO).

Did a thread search, but did not see anyone address this. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[madscientist]

The 6 hole arch will miss the middles of those large vehicles. The 7 hole arch should not miss the center if your width measurement is correct. Sounds like your machine is not measuring the sides properly on either one or both sides.

 

[washnvac]

Can just the top part of the arch be replaced? This machine is new to me. (I Have 6 Nu*Star friction machines)

I know there is a setting of how close to the vehicle you want unit to be. What do you set yours on?

Thanks.

 

[madscientist]

Yes, the top arch and side arch are two separate pieces with a "weldment block" (or somesuch) in between them. There are several seals in there as well.

Your measurement settings depend on your equipment. Do you have a treadle plate? Or a virtual treadle?

I don't remember my settings off hand, but can check. Either way, the arch should be around 18 inches from the vehicles, more or less.

 

[washnvac]

Both units have the vt. I know one sonic is out on the 7 nozzle unit. Will be replacing this week. If you would check your settings and reply, I would be grateful. I do not want to go farting around and mess something up.

 

[madscientist]

With the virtual treadle set up there is a procedure you must follow to calibrate. It's best if you have the VT manual, or have an experienced tech walk you through it. The old systems with a treadle plate have a simple width measure adjustment where you can just alter the setting to adjust. With the VT it's not that simple.

 

[koliver]

You will want the arch to be 14-16" off all sides of the vehicle. If you go to your VT controller, turn the dial to Position C (left) and Position D (right). You will want to see how many LED's you have to the left/right of the blinking one. To add more distance, press the button on the controller. Each time you press the button you add approximately 2" to the arch buffer. Once it is full, it will start over with no LED's. To store this value, move the dial back to position 0.

The other thing I would suggest is to calibrate the VT. There are a series of steps involved in doing this. Please call our tech service department and they can walk you through the process.

If you continue to miss the center of vehicles, I have seen owners/operators place a swivel type nozzle in the last hole of the top arch. This will allow you to get more angle out of it.

 

[lag]

We use a ball swivel , and put in a 2504 nozzle,instead of a 1504. We use one from spraying systems. its the one pictured on the left, in the link. stainless steel works best,the brass swivels didnt hold up. All our arms have 7 holes.

http://www.spray.com/cat70/cat70pdf_m/ssco_cat70_l16-17.pdf

 

[Buzzie8]

You will want the arch to be 14-16" off all sides of the vehicle. If you go to your VT controller, turn the dial to Position C (left) and Position D (right). You will want to see how many LED's you have to the left/right of the blinking one. To add more distance, press the button on the controller. Each time you press the button you add approximately 2" to the arch buffer. Once it is full, it will start over with no LED's. To store this value, move the dial back to position 0.

The other thing I would suggest is to calibrate the VT. There are a series of steps involved in doing this. Please call our tech service department and they can walk you through the process.

If you continue to miss the center of vehicles, I have seen owners/operators place a swivel type nozzle in the last hole of the top arch. This will allow you to get more angle out of it.

Nice to see that a manufacturer monitors the activity referring to their equipment on this site!

 

[Hoser06]

I just noticed this same issue on one of my LW4000s. I'll be sure to check the calibration and arch buffer tomorrow. Love this site!

Could you remind me if both sides are calibrated the same way? With the arch rotated against the T-bar and facing the side that's being calibrated with the target?

Thanks to all.

 

[koliver]

That is where most make a mistake. When calibrating the driver side, the arch will be at the left extent and pointing to the right (as if you are washing the car). When you calibrate the passenger side, the arch should be in the home position, pointing towards the entrance door.