Delta RetroSign GRX-1, RetroSign GRX-3, RetroSign GRX-7 User Manual

DELTA - Venlighedsvej 4 - 2970 Hørsholm - Denmark - Tel. +45 72 19 40 00 - roadsensors@delta.dk
RetroSign GRX Retroreflectometer User Manual
On-site Quality Control of Road Traffic Signs, High Visibility Clothing, Conspicuity Tapes, and License Plates in accordance with CEN/ASTM
Manual December 2017 - English
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USA Statement
Note:
RetroSign GRX (includes a certified module: Contains FCC ID 2AIG4-MOD1) has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
RF Exposure statement:
RetroSign GRX is compliant with the requirement for RF exposure in US with 80 mm separation distance between the user and / or bystander of the device.
Canada Statement
Note:
RetroSign GRX (includes a certified module: IC: 21541-MOD1) complies with Industry Canada’s license-exempt RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Le présent appareil (avec un module homologué: IC: 21541-MOD1) est conforme aux CNR
d’Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L’exploitation est autorisée
aux deux conditions suivantes:
(1) l’appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage; et
(2) l’utilisateur de l’appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est
susceptible d’en compromettre le fonctionnement.
RF Exposure statement:
RetroSign GRX is compliant with the requirement for RF exposure in Canada with 80 mm separation distance between the user and / or bystander of the device.
Retro Sign GRX est conforme à l'exigence de l'exposition aux RF au Canada avec une distance de séparation de 80 mm entre l'utilisateur et / ou spectateur de l'appareil.
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Disclaimer
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. DELTA MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICU-LAR PURPOSE. DELTA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ERRORS CONTAINED HEREIN OR FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES IN CONNECTION WITH THE FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
RETROSIGN GRX IS BUILT ON GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE COMPONENTS. THE SOURCE CODE IS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
Intended use/purpose
RetroSign GRX retroreflectometer is a portable field instrument used for on-site inspection and quality control of retroreflection properties of road traffic signs, high visibility clothing, reflective tapes and license plates.
Important Safety and Handling Information Caution: Changes/modifications not approved by the responsible party could void the user’s authority
to operate the equipment.
RetroSign GRX may not be used with other batteries than those supplied with the product.
Disposal and Recycling Information
Please ask your appointed dealer concerning disposal of RetroSign GRX in your country.
Visit our web-site: http://roadsensors.madebydelta.com/
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Table of Contents
SECTION 1: Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 9
GRX usage .......................................................................................................................................... 9
What does GRX measure? ............................................................................................................. 9
Models ............................................................................................................................................. 9
International standards .................................................................................................................. 10
Overview of RetroSign GRX ............................................................................................................. 10
Angle adaptor .................................................................................................................................... 11
Touch screen .................................................................................................................................... 12
GRX features and accessories ......................................................................................................... 12
SECTION 2: General information ......................................................................................................... 13
Retroreflectometer ............................................................................................................................ 13
Factory calibrations ........................................................................................................................... 13
Measurement geometry .................................................................................................................... 13
GRX type ASTM ............................................................................................................................ 13
GRX type CEN .............................................................................................................................. 14
GRX type SAFETY ........................................................................................................................ 14
Battery ............................................................................................................................................... 15
Battery charger .................................................................................................................................. 15
SECTION 3: Operating information ...................................................................................................... 18
Getting started ................................................................................................................................... 18
Switching the instrument on/off and stand-by ................................................................................... 18
Icons .................................................................................................................................................. 18
Main menu......................................................................................................................................... 18
Users ................................................................................................................................................. 20
Working with templates, series, and inspections .............................................................................. 21
Templates ...................................................................................................................................... 22
Series ............................................................................................................................................ 27
Performing an inspection .............................................................................................................. 30
Log .................................................................................................................................................... 41
View series and delete inspections ............................................................................................... 41
Delete series data ......................................................................................................................... 47
Export series data ......................................................................................................................... 47
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 52
How to perform a reference calibration ......................................................................................... 52
How to perform a dark calibration ................................................................................................. 53
Settings ............................................................................................................................................. 55
Extension pole ................................................................................................................................... 57
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Mounting the GRX onto the extension pole .................................................................................. 58
The remote button ......................................................................................................................... 59
Activating the remote button ......................................................................................................... 60
Pairing the remote button .............................................................................................................. 60
Remote button sleep mode ........................................................................................................... 60
SECTION 4: Errors and warnings ......................................................................................................... 61
At any time ........................................................................................................................................ 61
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 61
Measurement .................................................................................................................................... 62
Log export ......................................................................................................................................... 62
How to limit errors ............................................................................................................................. 63
SECTION 5: Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 65
General care ..................................................................................................................................... 65
Front lens .......................................................................................................................................... 65
Battery ............................................................................................................................................... 65
Battery charger .................................................................................................................................. 65
Calibration target ............................................................................................................................... 65
Calibration ......................................................................................................................................... 66
Appendix A: Specifications.................................................................................................................... 67
General characteristics ..................................................................................................................... 67
Common geometry parameters ........................................................................................................ 67
Electrical characteristics .................................................................................................................... 68
Environmental characteristics ........................................................................................................... 68
Mechanical characteristics ................................................................................................................ 68
Appendix B: iPad App ........................................................................................................................... 69
Availability ......................................................................................................................................... 69
Using the App .................................................................................................................................... 70
Main Menu......................................................................................................................................... 71
Manage Menu ................................................................................................................................... 76
Appendix C: Delivery ............................................................................................................................. 80
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SECTION 1: Introduction
GRX usage
RetroSign GRX retroreflectometer is a portable field instrument for on-site inspection and quality control of all types of road traffic signs, high visibility clothing, conspicuity tapes, and license plates, that are illuminated by vehicle headlights in darkness e.g. at night time or in road tunnels.
What does GRX measure?
RetroSign GRX measures the value RA (coefficient of retroreflected luminance at night). RA is a measure that indicates the visibility of the road traffic signs, high visibility clothing, conspicuity tapes, and license plates as seen by drivers of motorized vehicles in headlight illumination.
Models
RetroSign GRX is a retroreflectometer with LED source technology. It measures retroreflectivity at up to 7 observation angles.
The retroreflectometer is based on point aperture geometry comparable to laboratory readings reflecting real-world driving conditions and allows detection of incorrect sheeting application.
RetroSign GRX combines CEN and ASTM geometries in one instrument and is available in three base models:
GRX-1: one entrance/illumination and 1 observation angle
GRX-3: one entrance/Illumination and 3 observation angles
GRX-7: one entrance/illumination and 7 observation angles
When using ASTM geometry the sign is illuminated at an entrance angle of -4º, whereas CEN geometry means that the sign is illuminated at an entrance angle of +5º. DELTA can supply additional entrance/illumination angles of +10º, +20º, +30º, +40º, and +45º if required. The entrance/illumination angles are determined by the angle adapter mounted at the front of the GRX.
The exact model, with 1, 3, or, 7 observation angles, depends on the needs of the user. The observation angles available are: 0.2º, 0.33º, 0.5º, 0.7º, 1.0º, 1.5º, and 2.0º.
Depending on the chosen GRX model and the entrance/illumination angle(s) acquired, the instrument will be able to meet any angle combination stated in relevant European and US standards like EN 12899, ASTM E 1709, and ASTM E 2540 for road traffic signs, and EN 20471, ASTM 1809 for high visibility clothing.
RA is an important factor in the on-site quality control of road traffic signs.
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International standards
The RetroSign GRX measures the retroreflection and calculates RA according to international CEN and ASTM standards. The instrument complies with the following European and US standards:
EN 12899: Fixed, Vertical Road Traffic Signs, part 1-5 Part 1: Fixed Signs & Part 4: Factory Production Control
EN 20471: High-Visibility Clothing - Test Methods and Requirements
ASTM E 1709: Standard Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective Signs Using a
Portable Retroreflectometer at a 0.2 degree Observation Angle
ASTM E 2540: Standard Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective Signs Using a Portable Retroreflectometer at a 0.5 degree Observation Angle
ASTM E 1809: Standard Test Method for Measurement of High-Visibility Retroreflective- Clothing at a 0.2 degree Observation Angle and an Entrance Angle of -4 degree (discontinued).
Overview of RetroSign GRX
It is very easy to operate the RetroSign GRX and requires a minimum of instruction. The instrument provides a warning message or sound in case of unreliable measurement.
The measurement results are presented on a color touch screen. Each measurement can be linked to a user/operator name and a series name which may contain user
defined data (i.e. fields). The GRX is equipped with a USB port for data export via a memory stick and is equipped with WiFi
for wireless export through an iPad app (optional feature) – see further details in Section 3 under ‘Export series data’.
RetroSign GRX is powered by a rechargeable battery, offering many hours of measurement capacity. A mains powered battery charger is supplied as customary delivery.
The majority of buttons on the RetroSign GRX are accessible via the touch screen. The physical buttons and features on the instrument are shown below.
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Front and bottom view of RetroSign GRX
Angle adaptor
The angle adaptor is attached with magnets to the GRX and can easily be removed. It defines the entrance/illumination angle and is magnetically encoded for measurement standard and main observation angle.
The backside of the angle adaptor is used for calibration and looks like this:
See Section 3 – Operating Information for details on how to calibrate the GRX.
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Touch screen
The RetroSign GRX has a color touch screen, which makes it easy to operate the instrument using these movements: tap, swipe, and pinch.
GRX features and accessories
The RetroSign GRX contains a number of standard and optional features and accessories. Standard features and accessories
High brightness 5” color touch screen
Measures RA, night visibility
Photopic corrected detector and source (illuminant A)
Easy one-step calibration procedure with built-in calibration target
Measurement possible night and day including in full daylight
Automatic color recognition
Sign legend and background retroreflectivity, calculated contrast
Sign property data collection
Record temperature and relative humidity
Automatic data storage
USB port for data transfer to memory stick
Data export to standard software programs like Excel and Google Earth
Storage of more than 2 million measurements without pictures, more than 2,000
measurements with pictures
230 V/50 Hz or 120V/60 Hz mains powered battery charger
Spare battery
Carrying case
Optional features and accessories
Built-in GPS receiver
Built-in wireless communication
Built-in camera for picture of sign, easy calibration, and scanning of barcode / QR codes
Recognition of sign orientation and correct instrument rotation
Additional entrance angle adapter (+10º, +20º, +30º, +40º, and 45º)
Extension pole kit
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SECTION 2: General information
Retroreflectometer
The RetroSign GRX retroreflectometer measures the RA (coefficient of retroreflected luminance) parameter. The parameter ‘R’ represents the luminous intensity of the road signs as seen by drivers of motor vehicles during headlight illumination.
The RetroSign GRX executes measurements automatically when the trigger is activated or a measurement is activated on the touch screen. The result and status are shown on the touch screen. The result and other related information is stored in the internal memory.
The instrument is operated from the touch screen of the retroreflectometer. A USB memory stick is used for transferring data records to a computer for further processing.
Factory calibrations
The RetroSign GRX is factory calibrated. The reference’s RA value is measured in DELTA’s DANAK accredited calibration laboratory using traceable methods and equipment.
To ensure that the GRX measures retroreflection of materials correctly it is recommended to do a daily calibration using the calibration reference supplied with the instrument. The calibration target (placed on the back of the angle adaptor) should be used for verification and calibration of the retroreflectometer.
Measurement geometry
GRX type ASTM
The illumination angle of this model is -4º. The offsets between the illumination and the primary observation angle are 0.2º (GRX-1) and the three observation angles are 0.2º, 0.5º and 1.0º (GRX-3) respectively and all available observation angles in GRX-7 (i.e. 0.2º, 0.33º, 0.5º, 0.7º, 1.0º, 1.5º, and
2.0º). The measurement area is ø 25 mm / 1 inch.
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GRX type CEN
The illumination angle of the model is +5º. The offsets between the illumination and the primary observation angle are 0.33º (GRX-1) and the three observation angles are 0.33º, 0.5º, and, 1.0º (GRX-3) respectively and all available observation angles in GRX-7 (i.e. 0.2º, 0.33º, 0.5º, 0.7º, 1.0º,
1.5º, and 2.0º). The measurement area is ø 25 mm / inch.
GRX type SAFETY
The illumination angle is +5º and the offsets between the illumination and observation angle is 0.2º. The measurement area is ø 25 mm / 1 inch.
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Battery
The instrument is powered by a Li-Ion battery, which under normal use requires no maintenance. The battery is a standard Bosch Li-Ion battery.
The battery is equipped with a thermal sensor that only allows charging within a range between 0ºC and 45ºC (32ºF and 113ºF). This ensures long battery life.
A substantial drop in obtainable measurements on a fully charged battery indicates that the battery is worn out and must be replaced.
For your safety
Do not expose the battery to heat or flames: Danger of explosion. Do not place the battery on a heater or expose to direct sunlight for long periods.
The battery can be stored within a temperature range between -10°C to +60°C (14°F to 140°F), but we recommend storage between 0°C to +30°C (32°F to 86°F), due to lifetime considerations of the battery.
Allow a warm battery to cool before charging. When handling or storing the battery take special care to avoid possible short circuiting the battery
contacts. Do not insert the battery in the charger if the battery is cracked. Using a damaged battery may result
in electric shock or fire. See further details in the battery user guide.
Safety precautions:
The battery should be protected against impact. Do not open the battery.
Store the battery in a dry and clean place.
Due to environmental protection do not dispose the battery with household waste.
Battery charger
A battery charger is provided as a standard accessory for charging the battery from the mains. The battery charger comes in two models:
Bosch AL1130CV, 230V AC, 50/60 Hz
Bosch BC330 Fast Charger, 120V AC, 60 Hz
The battery will be fully charged in approx. 45 minutes. Due to the intelligent charging method, the charging condition of the battery is automatically detected
and the battery is charged with the optimum charging current, depending on battery temperature and voltage.
To recharge the battery, first make sure that the RetroSign GRX is turned off, remove the battery from the handle and insert it in the charger. Make sure the battery and battery charger is clean and dry before and during charging takes place.
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The battery charger will during charging give the following information:
Charger AL1130CV
If the green indicator light is on, the charger is plugged in but the battery is not inserted, or the battery is fully charged and is being trickle charged.
If the green indicator light is flashing, the battery is being fast-charged. Fast-charging will automatically stop when the battery is fully charged. Note: The rapid-charging procedure is only possible when the battery temperature is within the allowable charging temperature range (see below).
If the red indicator light is ‘flashing’, the battery cannot accept a charge. The battery may be defect or the contacts of the charger or battery are contaminated. Clean the contacts of the charger or battery and check. Change the battery is no solution can be found.
If the red indicator light is on, the temperature of the battery is not within the allowable charging temperature range. As soon as the allowable charging temperature range is reached, the battery charger automatically switches to rapid charging.
Charger BC330
If the green indicator light is off, the charger is not receiving power from power supply outlet.
If the green indicator light is on, the charger is plugged in but the battery is not inserted, or
the battery is fully charged, or the battery is too hot or cold for fast-charging. The charger will automatically switch to fast-charging once a suitable temperature is reached.
If the green indicator light is flashing, the battery is being fast-charged. Fast-charging will automatically stop when the battery is fully charged.
For your safety
Read all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electrical shock, fire and/or serious injury.
The battery and the charger are specifically designed for use in conjunction with one another. Charging should be done only with the charger delivered with the instrument.
Protect the battery from rain and moisture. The penetration of water in a battery charger increases the risk of electric shock.
Do not insert battery pack in charger if battery is cracked. Using damaged battery may result in electric shock or fire.
Do not disassemble charger or operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, been dropped or otherwise damaged in anyway. Incorrect reassembly or damage may result in electric shock or fire.
Keep the battery charger clean. Contamination may cause the danger of electric shock.
Check the battery charger, cable and plug each time before using. Do not use the battery
charger when defects are detected. Do not open the battery charger yourself and have it repaired only by qualified personnel using original spare parts. Damaged battery chargers, cables and plugs increase the risk of electric shock.
Do not operate the battery charger on easily inflammable surfaces (e.g. paper, textiles, etc.) or combustible environments. There is danger of fire due to the heating of the battery charger during charging.
Do not store battery in charger. Storing the battery in the charger over a long period of time could lead to battery damage and fire.
See further details in the charger user guide.
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Practical advice
With continuous or repetitive charging cycles without interruption, the charger can warm up. This is of no consideration and does not indicate a technical defect of the unit.
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SECTION 3: Operating information
Getting started
Turn the RetroSign GRX on by pressing the red power button underneath the instrument. After some time the system has booted and the instrument is ready for use.
The RetroSign GRX automatically switches to stand-by mode if the instrument has not been used for a specific amount of time (see ‘Settings’ in this section). From stand-by mode the instrument is ready within 1-2 seconds.
Calibrate the instrument if necessary (see Calibration’ later in this section). To ensure high quality of data DELTA recommends calibrating the instrument minimum once a day, typically in the morning before commencing the measurements.
The instrument can be operated between 0oC to +60oC / +32oF to 140oF.
Switching the instrument on/off and stand-by
Turn on: press the red power button. Stand-by: press the power button shortly to switch off RetroSign GRX and set it in stand-by mode.
The instrument can easily be switched on again by pressing the power button again. Switching off: to switch off the instrument completely press and hold the power button for a couple of
seconds until ‘Power off’ is written on the touch screen. Then tap the screen to turn off the instrument.
Be aware: The battery is drained off power if the instrument is not being switched off after user. Safety precautions. In case of any severe error condition remove the battery immediately.
Icons
The icons in the status bar at the top of the screen give information about the instrument status and operational mode:
Main menu
The various instrument actions can be accessed via the main menu.
Press at the top left corner of the GRX screen to access the main menu. You can also access the main menu by swiping the screen from the left side.
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The main menu looks like this:
The main menu consists of these elements:
Icon
Function
Explanation
Measure
Perform an inspection
Series
Select, add, or delete series of measurements
Users
Select, add, edit, or delete a user
Templates
Add, edit, or delete templates
Log
Overview of conducted measurements and series. Export or delete data
Calibrate
Calibrate the GRX
Settings
Adjust settings e.g. time, date
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Users
‘Users’ is used to identify the operator of the instrument. The user name is saved in the log together with each measurement.
At the top of the main menu the selected user is shown. To change user, or add a new user, select
‘Users’ from the main menu. This is then displayed on the screen:
Here you have these five options:
1) Activate a user by tapping the relevant user name on the list.
2) Filter or find an existing user by tapping ‘Type here to filter…’ and write the relevant filter. Complete by pressing .
3) Edit an existing user by pressing . In the pop-up box you can change the user name:
4) Add new user by pressing . In the pop-up box, enter the relevant user name of the new user and press ‘OK’:
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5) Delete a user by pressing and then ’OK’.
Working with templates, series, and inspections
Using the GRX to conduct measurements is very easy. However, the instrument quickly contains a large number of measurements which can be rather overwhelming to look at or find, if the data is not organized. The instrument helps you organize the data.
Definitions:
An inspection is defined as all the collected data and measurements on a single sign.
A template defines which measurements should be conducted for a specific inspection and
contains information of common interest for a series of inspections.
A series relates to your specific work-assignment and contains a group of related inspections including which data should be collected in new inspections.
Note: inspections are grouped in series.
In practice, when using the GRX you start deciding on a template, then set up one or more series and finally conduct the measurements:
Template Series Measurements
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Recommended daily routine after calibrating the instrument:
1. Create a series based on the selected template (or select an existing series) where you can save all your measurements related to a particular assignment. Note: If no template is created, you must create one first.
2. Conduct the measurements on-site.
3. Examine the log to check you have all the data you need.
4. Export the measurement data for further analysis and reporting.
In the following sections, these steps are described in further details.
Single shot option
The GRX has a ‘single shot’ option for situation where just a single measurement is needed (i.e. point-and-shoot). Press on the single shot icon to activate the feature.
Note: All fields (i.e. Sign ID, Vendor, Legend etc.) must be filled out in the series. You will not be prompted for them in single shot mode.
Pass/fail check
The GRX has a built-in pass/fail functionality that indicates the performance of the inspected sign. When you have completed an inspection of a sign, you will see one of these symbols:
The sign has passed the check:
The sign has failed the check:
For the pass/fail check to work properly, you must insert the threshold RA/contrast values for the background, legend, and contrast. Combine the three values to fit your needs. To turn off the functionality just delete the digits or write ‘0’. In the below example, only the background will be checked:
The results of the pass/fail check is automatically stored in the dataset, which you can see in the log file.
Using the pass/fail check is further described in the sections ‘Templates’, ‘Series’, and ‘Measurement’.
Templates
A template defines which measurements should be conducted for a specific inspection. The template specifies the data fields to be captured during an inspection e.g. name of vendor, road, or sign ID.
To choose a template, or add a new template, select ‘Templates’ from the main menu. The list of stored templates is now displayed on the screen:
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In the bottom line of the template name, a brief description of the template settings is shown.
Here, you have four options:
1) Filter or find an existing template
2) Edit an existing template
3) Add a new template
4) Delete a template
Below are instructions for each of these options.
1) Filter or find an existing template
You filter or find an existing template by tapping ‘Type here to filter…’:
Use the keyboard, which appears on the screen, to type the name of the relevant filter. When
finished, press :
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The screen now shows the template(s) that match the filter.
2) Edit an existing template
Edit an existing template by first tapping on the relevant template and then press at the top of the screen.
This is then displayed on the screen, with the name of the template written at the top:
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