BM brake test app puts users in control
Brake testing specialist BM Autoteknik A/S has explained how its design process has helped avoid potential health and safety issues that can be introduced when a combined display/remote control handheld unit is used to control brake testing equipment, as well as promoting ease of use.
The BM system uses a dedicated Android app.
“If a vehicle test is started on the handheld unit, the control from the PC station is automatically removed,” explained the company.
“If the test is started from the PC station, the control is removed from the handheld unit. The brake tester can only be operated by one person at a time.”
The company continued: “The handheld devices are connected to the brake tester via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If the brake tester rollers are started and then communication between the units is lost, the means of stopping the rollers in an emergency is also lost.
“The BM dedicated app can be set to automatically stop the rollers if communication between the brake tester and handheld unit breaks down. This ensures that a ‘stop’ command for the rollers is always available when the rollers are running.”
To promote ease of use, the BM app will only show the command that is required for the next stage of the guided DVSA test. If the test requires you to start the left roller, the left roller ‘start’ button appears on screen. When the rollers are running, ‘stop’ appears on-screen alongside the on-screen guide, to ensure the test is conducted correctly every time.
The company added: “Brake testing is hard on tyres, especially the applied park brake test. Skidding the tyres repeatedly on the same spot often results in tyre damage. BM have introduced a unique program into the test procedure to counteract this, reducing tyre damage by up to 90 per cent.”
The BM app is free to download to Android tablets and phones, and will connect to BM brake testers with a compatible communication setup. It can be used to replace obsolete PDA units found in many test lanes.
