VISUAL
HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
SYSTEM
ASSEMBLY
OPERATION
CALIBRATION
Safety by Design
524 S.E. Transport Drive
Lees Summit, MO 64081
888-884-8182
816-525-9263 FAX: 816-525-9283
www.symtechcorp.net
INDEX
1. GENERAL Pg. 3
1.1 “SCA 1 ISOColor ” INTRODUCTION
1.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
1.3 LASER WARNING
1.4 WARNING, EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
2. ASSEMBLY Pg. 4
2.1 BASE / WHEEL ATTACHMENT
2.2 MAST / GLIDE PLATE / ROTATIONAL MAST MOUNT
2.3 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT HEAD
2.4 SIGHTING UNIT
2.5 SIGHTING UNIT CALIBRATION
2.6 FLOOR SLOPE LASER
3. OPERATION Pg. 6
3.1 ALIGNMENT BAY(s) PREPARATION
3.2 FLOOR SLOPE MEASUREMENT
3.3 VEHICLE PREPARATION, Prior to Alignment
4. HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT PG. 7
4.1 ALIGNMENT of OPTICAL HEAD TO VEHICLE
4.2 CENTERING on the HEADLAMP
4.3 SELECTING HEADLAMP PATTERN
4.4 ALIGNMENT of HEADLAMP PROCEDURE
5. LASER CALIBRATION / MAINTENANCE Pg. 8
5.1 LASER CALIBRATION
5.2 MAINTENANCE
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Pg. 9
WARRANTY Pg. 10
CUSTOMER SERVICE
888-884-8182
1. GENERAL
t
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Model “SCA 1 ISOColor” Visual Headlamp Alignment System is an economical optical alignment
tool that functions under the same principle for accuracy and dependability of an aiming screen, with the
added benefit of Symtech Corporation’s “ISOColor” technology, without the excessive use of valuable
shop space and the confusion of vertical and horizontal lamp placement. System design and operation has
been engineered with the technician in mind. The “SCA 1” features “ISOColor” technology that
facilitates headlamp alignment, with profitability and customer satisfaction as the end result.
The Model “SCA 1” is designed, manufactured and serviced by Symtech Corporation, Lees Summit,
Missouri, the industry leader in headlamp alignment technology to the service and body repair industries,
the architect of the Model “LCA 2 EZ” Visual, “CVA 3 EZ ISOColor” Visual and the ”HBA 5” Electronic
Headlamp Alignment systems along with the “AIM 200” Headlamp Intensity meter.
We are confident that the “SCA 1 ISOColor” will provide you with years of exceptional service. Thank
you for selecting a Symtech “Safety by Design” product to address your headlamp alignment needs.
1.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS
Small Parts Package
2 Large Nylon Washers
5
2
/16” Nylon Washers
1
2 ¼” x
2 ¼” x 3/16” (BLACK)Nylon
2 5/16” Self-Locking Nuts
4 ¼” x 20 Machine Screws
1 3/8” Self Locking Nut
1
/8” (WHITE)Nylon
3
/8” Flat Washer
Spacers
Spacers
Large Parts Package
2 5/16” x 5 ½” Carriage Bolts
1 Floor Slope Handle
2 Wheels
1 Wheel w/Floor Slope
Eccentric
1 3” Rotational Bearing
1.3 LASER WARNING
1.4 WARNING, EXPOSURE TO DIRECT SUNLIGHT
AVOID LOOKING DIRECTLY INTO LASER
LIGHT – POSSIBLE EYE INJURY CAN
OCCUR.
DO NOT PLACE OR POSITION “SCA 1” SO THAT DIRECT SUNLIGHT ENTERS
FRONT LENS. DOING SO WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO ISOColor SCREEN AND
VOID WARRANTY. Front lens acts like an enlarged magnifying glass which will
concentrate direct sunlight into a destructive high intensity beam on the aim screen.
OPTICAL HEAD
SIGHTING UNIT
MAST
BASE & WHEELS
FLOOR SLOPE
AXEL
FLOOR SLOPE
OPTIONAL
DUST COVER
P/N: 01016000
GLIDE PLATE
LASER
Exploded
View
Rotational
Moun
DANGER
AVOID DIRECT EYE EXPOSURE
PEA K P OW ER < 5m W
WA V ELE N G T H 400-700nm
CLASS IIIA LASER PRODUCT
LASER RADIATION
3
2. ASSEMBLY
Inspect all components of the SCA 1 ISOColor system to assure that no damage has occurred during shipment, compare
contents of package with that of the exploded view to make sure that no component has been inadvertently left out of
packaging. If a component is missing, contact our customer service department at 888-884-8182 for an immediate
replacement.
2.1 BASE / WHEEL ATTACHMENT
Place base of system on floor, or table with channel facing
downward.
Insert a 5/16” x 5 1/2” carriage bolt into each of the holes noted,
making sure that the square carriage bolt head seats securely into the
square hole placement.
Complete wheel assembly by placin g in order a large nylon washer,
wheel, small nylon washer and self-locking
bolt.
5
/16” nut on carriage
Tighten self-locking nut snug against wheel, but not so tight as to
hinder free wheel movement.
Insert floor slope eccentric and wheel into mounting block on base
(rear wheel). Tighten friction bolt until floor slope eccentric can be
moved, but not loose enough to move by itself.
2.2 MAST / GLIDE PLATE / ROTATIONAL MAST MOUNT
The Mast and Glide Plate are packaged as an assembly.
Place rotation bearing over mast stud and insert rotational mast stud
into base. Secure mast to base with
locking nut. Tighten nut securely then back-off
mast rotates freely with minor resistance.
3
/8” flat washer and 3/8” self-
1
/8 turn, or until
Move glide plate up and down the mast through its full motion, by
depressing handle.
2.3 OPTICAL ALIGNMENT HEAD
Remove optical alignment head from shipping carton.
Inspect for any damage that may have occurred during
shipment i.e. lens, case, etc..
Attach optical alignment head to the mast glide plate by
aligning mounting holes of glide plate with the holes in
the optical head. Insert ¼” x 20 x ¾” phillips machine
screw through glide plate, place a ¼” x
1
/8” (WHITE)
nylon spacer on each upper attachment screw, place a ¼”
x 3/16” (BLACK) nylon spacer on each lower attachment
screw and tighten securely.
Remove protective paper covering from viewing window
on top of optical head.
Move optical head through the full range of movement to
assure of smooth operation.
2.4 SIGHTING UNIT
Sighting unit is the “L” bracket assembly enclosed
in the accessories box.
NOTE: Mount sighting unit so that unit is
located directly over the optical head.
Insert the 5/16” x 2.5” phillips head machine screw
with thin
5
/16” nylon washer into the sighting unit.
Optical
Head
Front of Base
ROTATIONAL
BEARING
¼” x 20 x ¾”
Phillips Machine Screws
¼” x 1/8”
Nylon Spacers
(WHITE)
Glide
Plate
¼” x 3/16”
Nylon Spacers
(BLACK)
Tighten
this Bolt
4
Place a thick nylon bushing on the screw and insert
screw through the holes provided at the top of the
mast, place a thick nylon bushing on screw and selflocking nut.
Tighten to a tension that allows for movement of
sighting unit, but provides sufficient friction to hold
unit in place when unattended.
NOTE: The mast has two sight unit mounting positions, mount in
the position that is most comfortable for the technician to
sight through
Sighting unit must be calibrated to the optical head prior
to alignment of headlamps.
2.5 SIGHTING UNIT CALIBRATION
Calibration of sighting unit must be performed prior to alignment of
headlamps.
Raise optical head of SCA 1 ISOColor to the approximate center of
mast.
Turn the sighting unit until you can see the front edge of the optical
head while looking through the sighting unit lens. Line on lens
should line up with the front edge of the optical head.
If line does not line up with the front edge of optical head, loosen
the thumbscrews on the lens and move the lens into alignment.
Tighten thumbscrews.
It is important that periodical checking of calibration of the sighting
unit be performed, to assure proper calibration.
NOTE: When technicians of differing heights are using the SCA 1
ISOColor and the sighting unit is relocated to the optional
mounting position for better viewing, the sight unit must be
checked for calibration and adjustment made accordingly.
2.6 FLOOR SLOPE LASER
The floor slope laser assembly is factory calibrated, DO
NOT turn the level adjustment set screw.
The laser is used for floor slope measurement only. Remove
laser after floor slope measurements have been recorded.
Remove floor slope laser from packaging and insert front
fixture placement pin into hole on top and at front of the
rear area of the optical head, also there is an indentation
provided for the height adjustment screw to rest within.
Activate the laser by turning ON/OFF knob clockwise
(CAUTION: Excessive turning may damage laser
ON/OFF mechanism) to assure of functionality, turn off
laser. No further adjustment is required.
NOTE: Should calibration of the laser become necessary in
the future, Refer to “LASER CALIBRATION”.
Calibration, Section 5.1, Pg. 9.
Laser Battery Replacement
Unscrew back of laser and replace batteries with three (3), LR 44
button batteries or equivalent. Reverse process for assembly.
After battery replacement, CALIBRATION COULD BE REQUIRED.
Adjustment
IN
Calibration
On / Off
Knob
Optical
Head
OUT of
Calibration
Optical
Head
ON/OFF
Knob
Fixture
Placement Pin
Thumb Screws
Level Adjuster
Set Screw
5
3. OPERATION PROCEDURES
3.1 PREPARATION, ALIGNMENT BAY(s)
Prior to any headlamp alignment using the SCA 1 ISOColor, the floor slope of the bay, or bays must be
determined, this is done by using the floor slope laser assembly and noting the position of the rear floor slope
wheel.
If the correct floor slope of the bay is not adjusted prior to any headlamp alignment, the technician will align
the headlamps in a higher, or lower position than what is correct. The SCA 1 ISOColor must be on the same
plain as the vehicle that is to be aligned, if the vehicle is positioned on a floor that has an upward slope
running from fore to aft of vehicle, then the SCA 1 ISOColor must be adjusted to have the same slope.
3.2 FLOOR SLOPE MEASUREMENT
Tool Required: Tape Measure or Ruler
Move the SCA 1 ISOColor to the service bay to be used for headlamp alignment and place the SCA 1
ISOColor at the front of the vehicle, off to one side. If multiple bays are to be used, procedure for
determining floor slope will need to be performed in each bay and recorded.
Lower the optical head to the bottom of the mast. Adjust optical head by rotating eccentric wheel at rear of
base until level vial registers level. Turn the laser on with the thumbscrew on the front of the laser assembly.
MEASURE
At the center point of the front wheel of the vehicle measure the distance from the floor to the point where the
laser strikes the tape measure, RECORD.
Move to the center point of the rear wheel of vehicle and measure the point where the laser strikes the tape
measure, RECORD.
If the measurements at the front and rear wheels are not equal, the
bay has a slope.
Rotate the floor slope handle on rear wheel until equal
measurements are registered at the front and rear wheels.
NOTE: When rotating eccentric axle on SCA 1 ISOColor, both
measurements will change at front and rear vehicle wheels,
to achieve equal measurements, more than one eccentric
Note the number on the floor slope gauge and record that number
along with the bay designate on floor slope sticker provided. Repeat
procedure for other bays and record.
NOTE: After measurements have been taken, remove laser and
3.3 VEHICLE PREPARATION
• Remove ice or mud from under the fenders.
• Set the tire inflation to the values recommended by the manufacturer.
• See that there is no load in the vehicle unusual to normal driving conditions.
• Check vehicle springs for sag or broken leafs.
• Check function of any automatic leveling systems and specific manufacturers instructions pertaining to
• Clean lenses (foggy and or yellowed lens can lessen the lamp intensity by up to 80%), check for bulb
• Stabilize suspension by rocking vehicle sideways.
axle adjustment may be required.
store in a secure place
vehicle preparation for headlamp alignment.
burnout, broken mechanical aiming pads, moisture in lens and proper beam switching.
MEASURE
FLOOR SLOPE REGISTRY
Bay# Slope Date Bay# Slope Date
_____ _____ ______ _____ _____ ______
_____ _____ ______ _____ _____ ______
_____ _____ ______ _____ _____ ______
_____ _____ ______ _____ _____ ______
6
4. HEADLAMP ALIGNMENT
R
4.1 ALIGNMENT OF OPTICAL HEAD TO VEHICLE
Place the SCA 1 ISOColor in front of the first headlamp to be
aligned. Once the SCA 1 ISOColor is in place, the lens of the
optical head should be approximately 12 inches (+/- 6 inches) from
the face of the headlamp.
Set the floor slope of the eccentric wheel for the bay in which the
vehicle has been parked.
Rotate the sighting unit so that the front of the vehicle can be seen
through the sighting unit. Locate two (2) common points on or
under the hood to align the line in the sighting unit on.
NOTE: Points can be hood stops, radiator support (s), points
While looking through the sighting unit, align the line of the
sighting unit on the two common points by rotating the optical head
of the machine.
The SCA 1 ISOColor is now aligned with the vehicle. Repeat the
alignment process for each lamp.
4.2 CENTERING on the HEADLAMP
Turn headlamps on. Move optical head up, or down to the center of the
headlamp. Position of center of the headlamp is approximate; a ± 1.5”
allowance is acceptable.
TRICK: A method of determining if position is greater than 1.5” is by
observing the illumination that appears on the front of the optical lens
housing when moving the optical head left/right and up/down.
4.3 SELECTING HEADLAMP PATTERN
Not all headlamps are created alike and different vehicles
may have different design patterns. To be certain of the
lamp pattern, a designate is located on the lamp at the
bottom of the lens. Patterns of lamps that may be aligned
with the SCA 1 ISOColor are;
• SAE HIGH BEAM: All high beam lamps. Highest
Position aimer until illumination is of equal proportion around lens.
intensity point is centered on the Horizontal /
Vertical axis.
• SAE LOW BEAM: All low beam lamps
manufactured prior to 1999, selective manufacture
after 1999. The high intensity area is located in the
lower right hand quadrant.
• FOG/DRIVING LAMPS: All fog/driving lamps the
top of the high intensity area is located 4” down and
centered on the Vertical axis.
• SAE LOW BEAM “
Right): Low beam lamps manufactured after
1999, some vehicles. The high intensity area is
located in the lower right hand quadrant and
the beam pattern is aligned by placing the right
upper portion of the beam pattern on the
Horizontal axis.
of fender, etc.
VOR” (Visual Optical
7
H
H
US Low Beam
V
US Low Beam
V
Aim Area
VO
Common Points
V
H
High Beam
V
H
Fog / Driving
Lamp
• SAE LOW BEAM “VOL” (Visual Optical Left):
Low beam lamps manufactured after 1999, some
vehicles. The high intensity area is located in the
lower right hand quadrant and the beam pattern is
aligned by placing the left upper portion of the beam
pattern on the .4 Degree (2.096”) Down Horizontal
axis.
• HID (High Intensity Discharge / Xenon) Lamps
Some HID / Xenon lamps (bright and bluish in appearance) generate
minimal Infrared emission to activate the ISOColor screen, visual
appearance of pattern on screen may have only one color and possibly
no color. However, a representative visual alignment is achieved by
observing the lamp pattern as depicted on the screen and aligning it to
the appropriate position. In the event of only one, or two colors
appearing on screen, the center of the inner most color represents the
hot spot.
4.4 ALIGNMENT OF HEADLAMP PROCEDURE
1. Locate SCA 1 ISOColor approximately 12 inches from in
front of the lamp to be aligned. Placement can be 6” to 18”
without jeopardizing alignment.
2. Position SCA 1 ISOColor in front of first lamp to be
aligned. Centering of system on headlamp is very
forgiving, as the fresnel lens provides a ± 1.5” widow for
centering.
3. Align SCA 1 ISOColor to vehicle by sighting through the
sighting unit and rotating optical head until line in sighting
unit intersects the two common points selected.
4. Headlamps should be switched on to low beam as this is
the primary driving lamp.
a. In compound lamps, where the Low Beam and
the High Beam are in the same lamp, you only
align one pattern, as by law, the other patte r n
must be within 1.5” of perfect alignment.
5. While viewing aim screen, adjust headlamp to position that
appears as graphic illustration of headlamp pattern selected.
The most inner portion of color is the high intensity zone
and this is what you center over the white dot designated
for the lamp pattern selected.
i. NOTE: Graphics on aiming screen
denote position of lamp position in
inches.
ii. Outer box denotes 8 inches, inner box
denotes 4 inches. Each hash mark
denotes 1 inch increment.
6. Repeat steps for remaining lamps.
5. LASER CALIBRATION / MAINTENANCE
5.1 FLOOR SLOPE LASER CALIBRATION
“LASER IS CALIBRATED AT THE FACTORY PRIOR TO SHIPMENT”
Aim Area
V
H
.4 Degree Down
(2.096 Inches)
US Low Beam
VOL
Headlamp Alignment Procedure
1. Position “SCA 1” in Front of first
lamp to be Aligned.
2. Adjust Floor Slope to Recorded
Bay Setting.
3. Square SCA 1 to Vehicle by
Looking Trough Sighting Unit.
4. Aligning Two Common Points with
5. Select Lamp Beam Type. While
6. Move SCA 1 to Next Lamp and
Line in Sighting Mirror.
viewing Lamp Patten, Adjust
Lamp to Pictorial Position
Repeat Steps 3 Through 5.
8
Calibration Required ONLY if Rear- LASER Adjustment Set Screw has
“
been tampered with”
Tools Required: Elevated Surface (wheel alignment, frame machine, etc.)
Level (carpenters level or other means)
6‘ Straight Edge (board or other means)
5/64” Allen Wrench
Locate an elevated surface and lay the straight edge on surface facing away from
optical head. Check straight edge for level, shim if necessary.
Move SCA 1 ISOColor to end of straight edge, turn on the laser and adjust
height of optical head so that the mounted laser will shoot down the straight edge.
Adjust the rear floor slope wheel until the level in the optical head is centered. Readjustment of
height of optical block may be necessary.
Adjust the rear height adjustment set screw of the laser assembly (Lock Tight has been installed
on screw at factory, minor pressure should break seal) till laser is viewed at both ends of straight
edge equally.
Laser is now calibrated, installing lock tight or other adhesive to adjustment screw is
recommended.
5.2 MAINTENANCE
The SCA 1 ISOColor will provide years of trouble free operation with minimum maintenance, however,
care should be taken in the day-to-day usage of this service instrument. Following are areas that should be
periodically checked and serviced;
• Check wheel axles nuts for tightness, minor lubrication is
recommended.
• Check the optical head mounting bolts for tightness and tighten as
required.
• Check all other mounting screws, bolts and nuts for tightness.
• Clean the mast area where the brake rides with a mild detergent to
assure of secure holding.
• Clean the front lens, sighting unit and viewing window with a mild
detergent being careful to use a non-abrasive soft cloth.
• Visually inspect alignment screen for burn holes that could have been
caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Caution should always be
exercised in storing of SCA 1, a placement of a dust cover (P/N:
01016000) on unit is recommended during storage.
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question: Level in optical head is not centered during alignment procedure?
Answer: Level vial is used ONLY when checking the calibration of the FLOOR SLOPE LASER.
Question: The high intensity (hot spot) area of one headlamp is of a different color than
the other lamp?
9
Answer: All lamps are legislated to be created equal, but this has proven not to be the case. Lamp intensities
will vary from lamp to lamp. The intensity of the lamp will determine the color of the high intensity
zone.
Question: Do I have to check for floor slope every time I perform a headlamp
alignment?
Answer: Floor slope need only be performed one time in each bay that the SCA 1 ISOColor is to be used.
When determining the floor slope, record the reading of the rear eccentric wheel on the sticker
provided, Each time you are in that bay, refer to the sticker and adjust the rear eccentric to that
measurement.
Question: Must I re-calibrate the Sighting Unit when I move the mounting of the sighting unit for taller,
or shorter technicians?
Answer: YES. It is good operating procedure to always check the Sight Unit calibration prior to all headlamp
alignments. When different height technicians are using the system, re-calibration is sometimes
required when moving the mounting of the sight unit from a high to low position and vice-versa.
Question: I cannot attain equal readings at the front wheel and the rear wheel areas when determining the
floor slope.
Answer: The only time that this can occur is when the shop bay has an abnormally excessive angle of slope.
The most frequent problem with determining floor slope is patience in adjusting until the
measurements are equal. A TRICK to assist in making this measurement is to first measure the height
of the laser at the optical head. Then turn the eccentric wheel until the laser reading matches the
measurement of the optical head at the rear wheel area. Check readings at front and rear wheel areas
and make, if any, minor adjustments to equal measurements. RECORD READING OF ECCENTRIC
WHEEL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
Question: What do I use as reference when squaring the SCA 1 ISOColor to the vehicle and do I need to
square again when moving from one lamp to another?
Answer: It is always recommended to check the alignment of the sight unit to the vehicle for every lamp to be
aligned. Some reference points that are prominent on most vehicles are the grill, hood line, radiator
support, hood bumpers, strut tower bolts and common assembly point bolts. Always pick two points
Question: Why is the aim screen not as colorful when I align Xenon headlamps?
that are of equal proportion.
Answer: Xenon lamps do not generate the IR (infra-red) of incandescent lamps and therefore less color will
appear on screen. In most instances, a minimal amount of color will appear and that is the high
intensity zone (hot spot) of the lamp. If no color appears at all, then alignment should be performed
by viewing the overall pattern of the lamp and positioning it as the illustration of lamp patterns notes
on pages 7. and 8..
WARRANTY
All Symtech Corporation products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under
normal user service for a period of one year after the sale of the product. Exception to this policy will be
individually evaluated and must be approved by Symtech Corporate. The sole obligation under this warranty shall
be to repair, or replace any defective products or parts thereof, which upon examination are deemed to the
seller’s satisfaction to be defective.
The warranty shall not apply to any product, which has been subject to misuse, negligence, or accident. The
seller shall not be responsible for any special or consequential damages and the warranty as set forth is in lieu
of all other warranties, either expressed or implied. However, the seller makes no warranty of merchantability in
respect to any products for any particular purpose other than that stated in literature and any applicable
manufacturer shop or service manuals referred to therein, including any subsequent service bulletins.
All Symtech Corporation Optical Headlamp Alignment Systems have been tested by an AMECA accredited
independent laboratory and found to comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended
practices prescribed in standards j599, j600, j1383 and j1735.
The seller makes no claims or warranties of any kind that the Symtech Corporation Optical Headlamp
Alignment Systems will align headlamps that do not conform to Society of Automotive Engineers recommended
practices described in j599, j600, j1383, and j1735.
Safety by Design
10
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