FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) brake testing app.
BrakeTester is a performance meter designed to test the braking performance of your vehicle to FMCSA standards. In use it displays a braking gauge to monitor performance and the speed. When performing a test the results can be displayed on screen and are stored in a CSV file for easy export if further analysis is required. A PDF summary of the test is also created. Both types of file can be accessed through the Files screen.
A calibration check feature is also available in the Pro-version so you can check the accuracy of the accelerometers.
To use the app, your iPhone should be mounted in the vehicle with the long edge of the phone perpendicular to the direction of travel. The device doesnt have to be perfectly level, approximately level is fine.
Drive to the area where the test is to be performed and press the RESET button to level the device to the road. The Reset button can also be used to recalibrate the device at any time and is best performed when the vehicle is stationary. This avoids any bumps in the road distorting the calibration. You can change the type of vehicle you want to test using the Select Test Type screen which can be accessed by pressing the Menu button.
For Brake tests press the Arm button when you are ready to begin the test and perform the test. You can press the Arm button at any time, even when the vehicle is in motion. The results will be displayed automatically once the test is complete and includes two seconds of data prior to the start of the test and a short time after the test has finished. The limits of the test are highlighted on the result graphs.
For ease of use, double tapping the main braking guage duplicates the Arm / Cancel button.
A brief summary of the results of the last test performed in any session is available by swiping down in the right hand panel (where the digital speedo is displayed). The summary panel can be removed by swiping up.
Upgrading to the Pro-version adds in the facility to perform Emergency brake tests in addition to the standard Service brake Tests.
Note that some auto-levelling features are deliberately disabled during brake testing. For this type of testing it is important therefore to press the Reset button to calibrate the device when the vehicle is in the same position as where braking is to take place. The gyro based auto-levelling remains active for all types of testing (if enabled).
General app options and vehicle options are available from the Settings screen.The app uses a combination of GPS, accelerometer and other sensors and is only accurate when the device is operated correctly and all sensors are receiving suitable signals. Please note that continued use of GPS can dramatically decrease battery life.
This app is designed for use off-road and any brake testing should only be performed off the public road network. At all times you must comply with all traffic regulations applicable to your location. J Neades can accept no liability for any injury, loss or damage which may occur while using this app.