Hof Opman Prism
Hof Opman Prism
Hof Opman Prism
The Aligner is intended for use by properly trained skilled automotive technicians. The safety messages
presented in this section and throughout the manual are reminders to the operator to exercise extreme
care when performing wheel alignments with this product.
There are many variations in procedures, techniques, tools, and parts for servicing vehicles, as well as
the skill of the individual doing the work. Because of the vast number of vehicle applications and potential
uses of the product, the manufacturer cannot possibly anticipate or provide advice or safety messages to
cover every situation. It is the automotive technician’s responsibility to be knowledgeable of the vehicle to
be aligned. It is essential to use proper service methods and perform wheel alignments in an appropriate
and acceptable manner that does not endanger your safety, the safety of others in the work area or the
equipment or vehicle being serviced.
It is assumed that, prior to using the Aligner, the operator has a thorough understanding of the vehicle
systems being serviced. In addition, it is assumed he has a thorough knowledge of the operation and
safety features of the alignment rack or lift, and has the proper hand and power tools necessary to per-
form wheel alignments.
When using your garage equipment, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including:
Page III
Chapter 1 - Safety
Safety INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT!! SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Risk of electrical shock. High voltages are present within the console unit.
• There are no user serviceable items within the console other than the keyboard
and printer.
• Service on the unit must be performed by qualified personnel.
• Do not open any part of the console other than noted areas.
• Turn power switch off and unplug the unit before servicing.
Contact with high voltages can cause death or serious injury.
Risk of eye injury. Debris, dirt, and fluids may drop from vehicles.
• Knock off any loose debris. Clean surfaces as needed to avoid any materials
from falling.
• Wear approved safety glasses when servicing.
Debris, dirt, and fluids can cause serious eye injury.
Risk of crushing. Vehicles may roll off alignment lift if not secured.
• Leave automatic transmission in park or manual transmission in gear unless
equipment operation steps require vehicle in neutral.
• Apply parking brake unless equipment operation steps require wheel move-
ment.
• Use wheel chocks whenever vehicle is positioned on the lift.
• Follow rack or lift manufacturer’s safety recommendations when lifting a ve-
hicle.
Vehicles rolling off lifts can cause death or serious injury.
Page IV
Risk of entanglement or crushing. There are moving parts on vehicle lifts during
operation.
• Keep all persons clear of lifts.
• Read lift manufacturer’s operation instructions carefully.
• Follow lift manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
Contact with moving parts could cause injury.
Risk of burns.
• Do not touch hot exhaust systems, manifolds, engines, radiators, etc.
• Wear gloves whenever performing a service near hot components.
Hot components can cause burns.
Page V
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................ 9
Assembly and Setup................................................................................................................... 9
Power On Sequence................................................................................................................... 9
Software...................................................................................................................................... 9
Shutting Down the Computer.................................................................................................... 10
Screen Layout and Navigation.................................................................................................. 11
Toolbar Buttons......................................................................................................................... 12
Main Carousel Bar..................................................................................................................... 14
Preferences - Setup................................................................................................................. 15
Preferences Selections:............................................................................................................ 15
Page 6
Table of Contents
Measure Menu......................................................................................................................... 37
Measuring Caster/SAI and TOOT............................................................................................. 38
Steering Level Check................................................................................................................ 39
Single Wheel Rollback.............................................................................................................. 39
Rolling Runout - (Advanced Option).......................................................................................... 41
Vehicle Dimensions - (Advanced Option)................................................................................. 43
Measuring SAI Only Elevated................................................................................................... 43
Maximum Turns......................................................................................................................... 44
Toe Curve Change .................................................................................................................. 45
Camber at Zero Toe................................................................................................................... 45
Adjust Menu............................................................................................................................. 46
Adjust Caster and/or Camber, and Toe Elevated...................................................................... 47
EZ Toe....................................................................................................................................... 48
Shims and Kits ........................................................................................................................ 49
Adjust A-Arms............................................................................................................................ 50
Wheel Off Caster, Camber, Toe Adjust..................................................................................... 51
Offset Cams and Bushings........................................................................................................ 52
Cradle Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature).............................................................................. 52
Drag Link Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature)......................................................................... 54
Single Tie Rod Adjust (Optional Advanced Feature)................................................................. 55
Calibration Menu....................................................................................................................... 56
ISO Certification........................................................................................................................ 57
Calibration................................................................................................................................ 59
Rear Calibration........................................................................................................................ 59
Front Calibration.....................................................................................................................3-61
Calibration factors..................................................................................................................3-62
Calibration history...................................................................................................................3-62
Calibration Backup and Restore.............................................................................................3-62
Sensor Diagnostics................................................................................................................3-63
Page 7
Table of Contents
Page 8
Chapter I Introduction
Introduction
The document covers basic and advanced The boot sequence will take a few moments.
software features which may or may not be If any problems are encountered during the
included in all aligner models. This document Power On boot-up sequence, consult the
primarily is designed to cover software naviga- service representative in your area.
tion and features with minimum regard to the
hardware platform in which it resides. There Software
are several variations of aligner models each There are several ways to control movement
of which may utilize different features of the within the aligner program. First, each unit is
base software package. References are often shipped with a pointing device – a mouse. The
made to other sections of the Manual. unit can be equipped with an optional hand-
held remote control whose various buttons
Assembly and Setup permit full aligner function. Study the Figures
Installation and setup of a new aligner must on the following pages carefully to become
be handled by a qualified Technical Repre- familiar with the functions of each button.
sentative.
Windows® is a point-and-click software envi-
All software is loaded onto the computer’s ronment. The Aligner software follows Win-
hard drive. The software shipped with the unit dows® navigation conventions. Use the point-
serve as a backup and is not needed when ing device to navigate through the software
performing alignments. as you would with any Windows® program.
Most functions require a single mouse click
Instructions for operational setup of the aligner to initiate, while a few require double-clicks.
program are covered in detail in Section 2 of The right mouse button is not utilized within
this Operator’s Manual. The setups for the PC the alignment software.
hardware and Microsoft Windows® are preset
at the factory and should not be altered. A standard keyboard is included for data entry.
All aligner functions can also be controlled
Power On Sequence from the keyboard as well as the remote. The
The main power switch is located on the back function keys (F1 - F12) located on the top
side of the Computer Console. Turn the com- row of the keyboard have decals that are the
puter console switch ON. Some models will equivalent of the remote and keypad buttons.
automatically boot to the alignment program Refer to the diagram for identification of the
others may require pressing the on switch of icons and their respective functions.
the PC to begin the power-on sequence.
The keyboard has a “Print Screen” key. When
When the power switch is turned on, the unit this key is pressed the currently displayed
initiates the computer boot-up. Text should screen will be captured and printed.
appear on the screen as boot-up begins and
counting numbers are shown as the memory
of the unit is checked and verified. Many ad-
ditional lines of computer configuration will ap-
pear on screen and scroll up as the computer
completes the system boot sequence. The
Home screen will appear next as the software
finishes loading.
Page 1-9
Chapter I Introduction
!! IMPORTANT NOTE !!
Shutting Down the Computer
Page 1-10
Chapter I Introduction
1 2 3
4 5
Page 1-11
Chapter I Introduction
Toolbar Buttons
Toolbars are found on all screens within the software. This page describes the most common
buttons found on the Home and Readings screens, some of these buttons can also be found
on other pages.
Rack Drive-on Aid - An option allowing use of a Webcam to assist the operator in placing the
vehicle onto the alignment rack.
Shop Management - Invokes Shopkey or other optional programs used to manage alignment
results and databases.
Information Systems - Opens a wealth of databases including Tire Pressure monitoring sys-
tems, Vehicle TSBs, Shopkey Information Systems, and the MAP standards page.
Regional Settings - Allows selection of the desired screen language and the regional specifica-
tion data base to be used in the alignment process.
Select Wizard - Several Wizards can be selected based on the vehicle or procedures required
by the service shop.
About - Reveals the current software version and the specifications database.
Page 1-12
Chapter I Introduction
Aligner Diagnostics - When in any of the Readings screens select this function to view
the camera image or view the camera data. This feature is useful in the event the cameras
cannot “See” a target for some reason.
Rolling Runout (Advanced Option) - Select this feature to allow runout compensation
without raising the vehicle. This feature is useful for vehicles which display a tendency to
not return to ride height after being raised for conventional runout.
Single Wheel Rollback - Select this feature to compensate only one wheel. If the target
has been removed to replace parts or service the wheel assembly, select to re-compensate
only that one wheel. The wheel assembly is raised to perform compensation.
Page 1-13
Chapter I Introduction
Diagnostics - Certain alignment system diagnostics are accessed through this selection. These
diagnostics are generally used by qualified service personnel to assist with problem solving.
Data Base Utilities - Select to back-up, restore or trim the customer database.
Vehicle Selection - Select the vehicle make, year, model and sub-model to be measured.
Begin Alignment - Select to start the alignment wizard and all its content path. Selections
include choosing or adding a customer name, choosing a vehicle, and performing all the neces-
sary functions for reliable alignment readings.
Quick Alignment - Select to get alignment readings quickly without the tasks of selection cus-
tomer name or performing inspections etc. This feature is helpful when checking a vehicles
conformance to specification before the customer commits to the actual alignment.
Alignment modification Wizard - This is useful for making vehicle modifications. This icon
invokes the Vehicle Modification Wizard (Advanced Option only). It is used to recall a previ-
ous Vehicle Modification session or to start a new one. Recalling a previous session recalls
readings for comparison.
Vehicle Specifications - Select to view the specifications of the vehicle currently selected.
Specs can be edited and renamed as a “Custom Vehicle” from this screen as well.
Preferences - User desired characteristics can be tailored to the operators “Preferences” in this
selection. Security of the system, the system configuration, store name and address, units of
measure, languages, and others are selected for the user.
Calibration - Various subsystems are calibrated with this selection. Calibration factors can also
be backed-up and restored from here.
Page 1-14
Chapter II Setup - Preferences
Preferences - Setup
Preferences is used to setup various functions and features
within the Aligner software. Numerous operating attributes
or “preferences” can be altered to suit the operators indi-
vidual tastes. Although the Aligner is shipped with the most
common elements selected as default, an operator is able
to tailor several elements of the alignment process as well
as the display features to customize his machine. Operator
preferences can be altered before the alignment process
begins or any time thereafter.
Preferences Selections:
Preferences is located near the bottom of the Carousel bar.
The Preference icon allows access to the following setup
selections, each identified by an icon:
Page 2-15
Chapter II Setup - Preferences
Page 2-16
Chapter III Operation
Regardless of the reasons for alignment, it is important that the technician performs these Basic steps neces-
sary to address and correct all problems. Other diagnostics are available for advanced testing.
1. Gather information from the vehicle owner – ask about any symptoms of misalignment. Inquire if the vehicle
has been in a collision or has had any parts replaced recently.
2. Perform a test drive to verify owner’s complaint – try to recreate the problem. If unable to duplicate, have
the vehicle owner explain further or have him/her drive with you.
3. Place vehicle on the alignment lift – center the vehicle on the lift and turntables. Raise the lift to a solid,
level lock position.
4. Inspect the tires for any signs of abnormal wear – tires often reflect many misalignment conditions.
5. Perform a thorough component inspection. Replace defective parts prior to performing the alignment. Always
check tire pressure and ride height.
6. Mount measuring targets/pods to the vehicles wheels. Use the safety straps in the event of grip failure.
10. Determine what needs to be done – Examine the vehicle and any reference materials to determine the pro-
cedures for angle corrections. Determine what items are needed to correct any problems (i.e. aftermarket
kits, special tools, etc.).
11. Make any needed angle corrections – center the steering wheel carefully when prompted. Use this order
of adjustment:
a. Rear camber
b. Rear toe
c. Front caster
d. Front camber
e. Front toe
12. Re-center the steering wheel and readjust front toe if needed – crooked steering wheels are the leading
cause of customer dissatisfaction with wheel alignments.
13. Print the results – the printout is useful for showing the customer before and after results. Many shops keep
a printout on file for future reference.
Page 3-17
Chapter III Operation
Basic Alignment Procedures
8. Raise the alignment lift, then lower the lift onto its
mechanical stops.
Page 3-19
Chapter III Operation
Run Wizard
Click on the Run Wizard icon on the Home Screen
Carousel Bar.
Quick Align
Selecting this icon starts the alignment procedures while
skipping screens such as “Entering Customer Data”.
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Chapter III Operation
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Chapter III Operation
Vehicle Manufacturer
This screen shows the vehicle manufacturers in speci-
fication database. The vertical scroll bar on the right
indicates there are additional choices further down the
page. Click on the down arrow on the scroll bar or scroll
up/down the selections with the mouse wheel. Once
the desired manufacturer is in view, double-click on
the name to expand out the year or model selections.
Double-click again to contract.
Page 3-22
Chapter III Operation
Vehicle Year
Select the year of manufacture using the up/down
keys or pointing device on the scroll bar to move up
or down to the desired year, then double-click or press
the right arrow key to expand out the years this model
was made.
Vehicle Model
Use the direction keys or pointing device to select the
model of the vehicle, then select “OK”, press Enter, or
double click the selection.
Page 3-23
Chapter III Operation
View Specifications
This screen displays Year, Manufacturer, and Model
of the selected vehicle with Minimum, Preferred and
Maximum specifications for the front and rear wheels.
Dashes in any position indicate there are no manufac-
turer specifications for that wheel or angle. For angles
not displayed on this screen, refer to the specification
book included in the literature package. The “Informa-
tion Systems” icon at the top of the screen contains
access to assistance available for adjusting that angle.
Clicking on the desired icon launches the adjustment
help features described on the next page. The Edit
Specs toolbar button (F8) allows editing of the displayed
specifications prior to beginning the measurements.
This is useful if a Technical Bulletin has been issued
that alters manufacturer’s specifications.
Editing Specifications
Use the pointer to click on the specification edit icon
as shown to the left. Click on the number to be edited
(i.e. left camber). Once it is highlighted, enter the
desired value.
Page 3-24
Chapter III Operation
Adjustment Animations
Illustrations of adjustments specific to the selected
vehicle can be viewed by clicking on the “INFO” icon
on the Toolbar. Animations are also accessible from
the readings screens. An animation of the adjustment
procedure will appear on the screen. Animations can
be paused, stopped and restarted at the operators
preference by using the controls at the immediate bot-
tom of the animation screen. Select “OK” or “Cancel”
to return the operation to the current screen.
Additional Assistance
Included to the right of the animation window is a text
box which illustrates three types of information regarding
the current alignment adjust procedure. Information is
requested by clicking on the icon associated with the
assistance. These icons are:
1 Adjustment Instructions
Adjustment instructions are provided by selecting
the first of three function buttons on the Animation
screen.
2 Parts Required
The center selection displays parts required to
complete the alignment process, parts such as
1 2 3 shims, eccentrics or other aftermarket supplied
parts.
3 Special Tools
The third icon button displays any special tools
which may be required to perform the alignment
properly.
Page 3-25
Chapter III Operation
Charging the Pods
The batteries used in the Portable Aligner Pods
are long life and do not require charging between
alignments. It is recommended to monitor the
battery condition LEDs and place them on the
charger when below 40% or when only two LEDs
are illuminated. In any case always place pods
on the charger at the end of the days work and
charge overnight.
Page 3-26
Chapter III Operation
Runout Compensation
Compensating for the amount of runout of the
wheel assemblies is an important factor in the
alignment process. If not correctly determined,
there may be errors in the displayed camber
and toe angles.
Page 3-27
Chapter III Operation
Rear Runout
A. Turn the wheel forward (top of the clamp
LED will flash
during Runout
toward the front of the vehicle) to the 9
o’clock position or until the runout display
on the monitor indicates a “Stop Sign”.
The runout LED indicator stops flashing
and glows continuously when the correct
position is attained.
90º Forward
180º
270º
Page 3-28
Chapter III Operation
Front Runout
When compensating the front wheels the
companion Pod’s 5 power indicator LEDs
will blink for increased visibility if the monitor
is not visible.
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Chapter III Operation
Page 3-30
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-31
Chapter III Operation
Readings Screen
The Readings screen displays the primary vehicle
alignment information in an intuitive, three dimensional
format. The screen appears as a vehicle with the body
lifted off, viewed from the rear and above. Review the
figure above to become familiar with the screen layout
and functions.
Page 3-32
Chapter III Operation
The numeric value between the left and right toe meters
indicates the rear Total Toe (sum of individual toe).
Page 3-33
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-34
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-35
Chapter III Operation
Print Results
1 3 Select Print on the toolbar (F4) on either the Front
or Rear Readings screen to go to the Printer Menu
2 screen. The options are:
Page 3-36
Chapter III Operation
Measure Menu
When the Measure icon is selected from the toolbar
on any readings screen, a screen appears that allows
the operator to measure any wheel alignment angle.
The icons on this screen are explained below:
Page 3-37
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-38
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-39
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-40
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-41
Chapter III Operation
NOTE: If you get this message icon the pods may not
be sitting level.
Page 3-42
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-43
Chapter III Operation
Maximum Turns
Maximum Turns is selected to measure the amount
of steering angle to the right and to the left. These are
generally symmetrical and this test can help determine
if a steering linkage is damaged.
A results screen will show the left and right side values
and specifications if available. Determine any damage
by comparing any disparity between the readings.
Page 3-44
Chapter III Operation
3. Press OK to continue.
Page 3-45
Chapter III Operation
Adjust Menu
One of the most powerful features of the Aligner Series
is the assistance given to the alignment technician when
performing adjustments on a vehicle. These features
are on the Adjust menu, and are accessed through the
Adjust icon, located on all Readings Screens.
A-Arm Adjust – for vehicles whose caster and camber adjustments are located
on the suspension A-Arm, this selection allows both angles to be corrected simul-
taneously.
Wheel Off Caster, Camber, and Toe Adjust - This feature allows the operator to
remove the wheel and attach the clamp/target assembly directly to a brake rotor
for easier access to adjustment of certain angles.
Wheel Off Rear Camber, and Toe Adjust - This feature allows the operator to
remove the rear wheel and attach the clamp/pod assembly directly to a brake rotor
for easier access to adjustment of certain angles.
Offset Cam Bushing - Many 2 and 4 -wheel drive trucks utilize offset sleeves
and inserts around the upper or lower ball joints to adjust the caster and camber
angles.
Cradle Adjust – Assist with the adjustment of the engine cradle on many front
wheel drive cars.
Adjust Drag Link – Assists with steer direction and straight steering wheel when
performing toe adjustments on trucks with a drag link adjustment.
Single Tie Rod Adjust – helps with vehicles having a single tie rod toe ad-
juster.
Each of the Adjust Menu selections are described in the following pages.
Page 3-46
Chapter III Operation
IMPORTANT!
Follow all on-screen instructions carefully. Incor-
rect adjustment readings are possible if these steps
are ignored.
Page 3-47
Chapter III Operation
EZ Toe
This software routine is a an improved method of setting
front toe, making it easier to obtain straight steering
wheels. It also makes it possible to adjust toe with
the wheels turned at any angle left or right, an aide
when setting toe on cars with firewall mounted rack
and pinion units.
Page 3-48
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-49
Chapter III Operation
Adjust A-Arms
Many vehicles have adjustment provisions for caster
and camber located on the suspension A-Arm (control
arm), either on the upper or lower arm. The adjustments
may be made with shims, eccentric cams, or slots
in the frame. Both angles are easily corrected to
manufacturer’s specification using the Adjust A-Arm
icon.
Page 3-50
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-51
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-52
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-53
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-54
Chapter III Operation
Page 3-55
Chapter IV Maintenance
Calibration Menu
This carousel screen selection is the hub of
user maintenance and aligner service. The
Portable Imaging Aligners are relatively
maintenance free when compared to con-
ventional systems. Some routine tasks may
be required from time to time to assure opti-
mum performance. Calibration accesses the
utilities required for these tasks. Selections
are:
Page 4-56
Chapter IV Maintenance
ISO Certification
The purpose of this procedure is the calibra-
tion certification procedure for the Imaging
family of wheel alignment products, using
traceable measurement standards and ISO
methods.
Page 4-57
Chapter IV Maintenance
Page 4-58
Chapter IV Maintenance
Calibration
Before an alignment is performed the aligner must be calibrated to the rack that alignments are done on.
Although the unit is shipped from the factory calibrated to zero we can not assume that all racks are exactly
level in the field.
Rear Calibration
5. Select the Rack to be calibrated on.
Page 4-59
Chapter IV Maintenance
8. Place the left pod on the calibration bar so that the
boom faces the rear of the rack.
9. Place the right pod on the calibration bar so that
the boom faces the rear of the rack.
10. Place the targets on the front turn plates and orient
them so that they are facing the pods. It will be
necessary to leave the targets mounted to the
wheel clamps.
11. With the Pods locked on the bar rotate the bar
FORWARD 90° to align the needle within the green
area. A Stop sign will appear indicating to hold the
position until instructed.
Page 4-60
Chapter IV Maintenance
FRONT CALIBRATION
Page 4-61
Chapter IV Maintenance
Calibration factors
1. Select the “Calibration Factors” button from the
Calibration Carousel Menu.
2. Each line item represents the current calibration
factor being used by the system during the
alignment process. It is important to note the
location of the calibration factors, the choices are
Rack A, Rack B or the Floor.
Calibration history
Calibration History is viewed on the lower part of the
Calibration Factor Screen. Calibration History is very
useful to see how each Pod and Target has maintained
consistency from 1 calibration to the next. If either a
Pod or Target shows a significant jump or drop on the
History line, it may indicate a catastrophic failure such
as a drop to either a Pod or a Target or it may indicate
that an incorrect calibration was done at that time.
Page 4-62
Chapter IV Maintenance
simply install the last known alignment cali-
bration and preference data disk and restore
the aligner back to the user’s preferred pref-
erence.
Sensor Diagnostics
This is a Service Technician mode only shown only
here for reference.
Page 4-63
Chapter IV Maintenance
DATABASE UTILITIES
Pro42 backup and restore functions should
be periodically performed in case a malfunc-
tion should occur with the Alignment System.
These periodic backups allow the customer/
technician to restore all data from that back-
up date when the Alignment System is once
again functional. When a backup on a Pro42
aligner is performed using the “database util-
ity” function, this information should only be
restored on the aligner that the backup came
from.
Page 4-
NOTES:
HOFMANN – USA
309 Exchange Ave.
Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 800 251 4500
Fax: 501 450 2085
Web: www.hofmann-usa.com
HOFMANN – Canada
6500 Millcreek Dr. Mississauga, Ontario L5N4G4
Phone: 800 267 2185
Fax: 905 821 2073
Web: www.hofmann.ca
Notice: The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Snap-on Equipment makes no
warranty with regard to this material, shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in
connection with furnishings, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright and patents. All rights are reserved. No part of
this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated without prior written consent of Snap-on Equipment.