FAQs

Lab & Testing

1. DOES SAPPHIRE PROVIDE 3RD PARTY ADB TRACK TESTING?

Yes, Sapphire can provide 3rd party track testing complete with reporting of all 8 scenarios as defined by the FMVSS-108 ADB regulation.

2. What type of calibrations can STS perform?

STS can perform any calibration listed on our website. STS will not perform calibrations or testing for direct competitors. Our capabilities can be used for research and development of new methods for calibration and testing. You can always send us an RFQ.

3. Will I be advised of repairs beforehand?

Prior to making any repairs outside of the quote, you will be contacted by an STS representative.

4. What is the turn-around time?

Each calibration is unique and will be discussed during the quotation process. Our lab calibrates and tests a high volume of equipment. It is advised to call STS weeks prior to the expiration date of your equipment calibration. If necessary, STS can expedite equipment at an additional cost.

5. Do you require a PO before any work can be scheduled?

Pre-payment or credit card is required for payment. PO is optional but recommended for specific detail about your equipment.

6. What are your payment terms?

For calibration and testing, STS requires payment when the equipment is ready to be shipped. Calibration Certificates will be issued upon receipt of payment.

7. Are all calibrations performed by STS Laboratory ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited?

Yes

8. Does data come with the certificate of calibration?

Yes, all reports come with the data from the test of taken during the calibration.

9. Are calibration standards traceable to NIST?

Yes

10. Who determines the calibration cycle?

Testing equipment should be calibrated annually, but it is essentially left up to the customer.

Photometric Testing Tunnel/Area – (FAQ)

1. What paint color and finish is required for interior surfaces?

A standard flat black paint is recommended. There is no stringent tolerance for color or reflectivity. Many facilities use Rust-Oleum Flat Black, which is readily available at common hardware retailers

2. Can existing wall features, non-smooth surfaces, or coves remain? What about ceilings?

Yes. Wall or ceiling surfaces do not need to be perfectly smooth. Existing coves, textures, or irregularities can remain as long as they are coated in flat black paint. For ceilings, two options are common: • Painting the existing ceiling flat black (including fixtures and exposed components). • Using black ceiling tiles, if replacement is needed. Note that some tiles absorb paint heavily or have texture that can make finishing more difficult.

3. What are the floor requirements? Is carpet acceptable?

A combination flooring approach is recommended for best performance and maintainability: • Black ESD carpet in the room containing the goniometer and extends to the first baffle wall. • Flat black epoxy or painted flooring for the remainder of the tunnel. Carpet helps minimize visible dust from shoe traffic and provides a more consistent visual surface.

4. What about task lighting inside the tunnel?

Task lighting is acceptable and commonly used. It is typically controlled remotely, often from the operator room, to ensure the tunnel can be made completely dark during testing.

5. Should cabling be run on the floor or above the ceiling?

Both approaches are common: • Ceiling or wall-mounted data cabling offers a cleaner appearance. • Floor-run cabling along the perimeter wall is equally acceptable and often used. Cables are typically routed to detector stands using low-profile cable covers. Choose the option that best aligns with safety requirements, visibility concerns, and service access needs.

6. What fire suppression accommodations are required?

Fire suppression systems (e.g., sprinklers) are common in photometric tunnels and do not cause operational issues. It is generally preferable to: • Black out the existing ceiling and components rather than installing a new drop ceiling. • Maintain the highest possible ceiling, as increased height is beneficial for testing. Smoke or heat detectors are also typically required.

7. Will fire alarms, emergency lighting, and exit lighting interfere with testing?

Safety systems such as emergency lighting, exit signs, and alarm devices are common requirements. Even if some components cannot be blacked out, the presence of a few non-black devices usually does not adversely impact test performance.

8. Who installs the equipment and who handles wiring?

• Sapphire installs the goniometer and associated test equipment. • The construction contractor should provide the required electrical power. • Data cabling may be installed either: -On the floor (with protective covers), or -In the walls or ceiling infrastructure, using appropriate jacks or terminations. No special conduit is typically required unless specified by local codes or internal standards.

9. Do interior partition openings require doors, or can curtains be used?

Openings should be covered. Both light-blocking curtains and doors are acceptable options.

10. What are the egress requirements inside the tunnel?

An emergency exit is required, usually dictated by local fire code. Common configurations include: • An exit door located at the end of the tunnel, behind the 100' stand. • A side-wall exit located between the goniometer area and the 100' stand.