9" and 12" Value Radar Speed Sign Setup Guide

9" and 12" Value Radar Speed Sign Setup Guide

Setup Guide for 9" and 12" Value Radar Speed Signs
Info
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the 9" Value Radar Speed Sign from TraffiCalm. Your commitment to enhancing road safety through advanced technology is greatly valued. This guide aims to ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance of your new speed sign.  

What’s in the Box?

For All 9" Value Signs Signs

  • 1 9" Value Radar Speed Sign
  • 1 Mounting Bracket
  • 1 Instruction Manual

For 9" Value Portable Variations

  • 1 Pole/Post Side Bracket
  • 1 20Ah Battery Integrated into the Sign
  • 1 Indoor Rated AC Charger and Cord for the Portable model only
  • 2 Keys for Portable model only

Items Not Included

  • AC Power Supply for the AC powered units only, must be factory setup to accept AC power.
  • Mounting Hardware: Due to diverse mounting techniques, consult a local expert for the appropriate hardware required for installation.
Notes
Note:  See attachments for printable Quick Start Guide 

Device Overview

The 9" Value Sign is a compact radar speed sign that integrates a driver feedback display, logic controller, and radar detection system, designed for easy maintenance and reliable operation. This model offers various power options, including 20W solar, 60W solar, and AC power, depending on your solar calculation and the recommendation of your regional sales manager. Additionally, there is a portable version often utilized by police departments and schools.

Applicable Models

  1. M75-009SE-000x: 9" Radar Speed Value Sign, 20W Solar System
  2. M75-009SE-002x: 9" Radar Speed Value Sign, 60W Solar System
  3. M75-009SE-006x: 9" Radar Speed Value Sign - AC Power Supply
  4. M75-009SE-PK0x: 9" Value Portable Radar Speed Sign, 20Ah Battery

Powering Portable Signs

All variation of the 9" Value Portable Radar Speed Sign features an integrated 20Ah battery except the AC powered option.

  • The wall Charger: Use the provided AC charger designed to optimize battery life. It charges the battery for 6 hours and then automatically shuts off to prevent overcharging.

Mounting Options

  • Primary Mounting Method: The mounting bracket is designed to be either banded or anchored/bolted to the mounting structure. For areas prone to high winds or requiring enhanced crash integrity, anchoring and bolting are recommended over banding.

Mounting Hardware

  • Preferred Hardware: Pelco Systems

    • Pelco Bands: Part Number: US-8124-06
    • Pelco Banding Buckles: Part Number: US-8124-56
    • Installation Tools:
      • Pelco Tool Handles: Part Numbers US-8120-01 and US-8120-06
    Contact Pelco

    For product inquiries or to order, contact Pelco directly at 1 (405) 340-3434.

    Alternative Hardware Options

    • EZ-Band Kit: Part Number: US-8500 (one per band), suitable for easy installation. Available in combination with:
      • US-8122-06 banding, or
      • US-8504 with US-8124-62 banding
Notes
Note on Tool Usage
While standard tools can tension these bands, they are generally less secure because the same tools can also remove them. Consider this when choosing your installation method, especially in less secure or high-traffic areas.

Tools Required

  1. Adjustable Wrench and Socket Set: For tightening bolts and nuts.
  2. Screwdriver Set: For opening the panel and adjusting components inside the sign.
  3. Power Drill: If drilling is necessary for mounting brackets.
  4. Banding Tool: Essential for securing the sign to round poles.
  5. Metal Bands: Used with the banding tool for mounting on round poles.
  6. Mounting Hardware: Depending on your installation surface, acquire suitable mounting hardware.
  7. Measuring Tape: To measure installation heights and distances for optimal positioning.
  8. Level: To ensure the sign is mounted straight for accurate radar detection.
  9. Safety Equipment: Including gloves and safety glasses to protect against potential hazards during installation.

Installation

Step 1: Select the Proper Pole

Choose a Suitable Pole: Opt for a pole that supports the weight, wind load, and additional equipment like solar panels. Consider a break-away pole for enhanced safety. Ensure the pole allows the sign to be mounted about 7 feet above ground level.

Step 2: Remove the Bottom Bolt

Access the Clamshell Bracket: Start by removing the bottom bolt from the clamshell bracket at the back of the sign to allow it to hinge outward and slide up for easy adjustment or removal.

Step 3: Attach and Secure the Mounting Bracket

Mount the Bracket: Secure the mounting bracket to the pole using appropriate hardware:
For Banding: Use a minimum of 2 bands centered on the bracket.
For Bolting: Use at least 3 each, 3/8” bolts with flat washers, arranging them in a 3-point structure for stability and crash worthiness.

Step 4: Connect the Sign to the Mounting Bracket

Install the Sign: Align and attach the sign (Component A) to the bracket (Component B) as illustrated in the image below.

Aiming the Sign

The 9" Value Sign features an internally mounted radar speed detector that requires proper alignment for accurate vehicle speed detection:

  • The sign should face into oncoming traffic, nearly parallel to the traffic flow for optimal operation.
  • The angle of incidence (the angle between the face of the sign and the direction of traffic) should ideally be 5 degrees or less.
  • Angles greater than 10 degrees may result in displayed speeds that are slower than actual vehicle speeds.
  • For maximum detection range, avoid positioning the sign such that lanes of receding traffic fall within the radar detection area.


Wiring Instructions

Follow these guidelines and adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC) best practices. Only qualified technicians should perform these tasks.

Power Supply Connection

The 9" Value Radar Speed Sign with battery and solar come with the battery installed in the sign but disconnected at the sign access panel.  AC powered units will need the DC out connected to the sign in the access panel

Steps for Connecting the Sign to Power

For AC powered value signs:
  1. Safety First: Ensure all power sources (battery, solar, or AC) are disconnected before starting.
  2. Conduit Installation: Use a liquid-tight conduit to run from the power supply to the sign's field wiring plate, entering through one of the designated knockouts.
  3. Wiring Route: Through the conduit, run the 12VDC Positive, common, and Earth/chassis ground wires from the power supply to the sign.
  4. Ground Connection: Attach the Earth ground using a ring lug (not provided) to the stud on the field wiring plate.
  5. DC Connection: If using a barrel connector, cut the connector off, separate the wires, and strip ½ inch of insulation from each. Identify the positive wire by the white stripe.
  6. Terminal Connections:
    • Connect the positive wire to the terminal marked “+12VDC.”
    • Connect the common wire to the terminal marked “DC COM.”
  7. Reassemble: Secure the field wiring plate back onto the sign.
  8. Power Reconnection: Reconnect the power source—battery, line power, or solar panel.
  9. Testing: Once reconnected, test the sign to verify successful installation.

For Battery / Solar power connection:
  1. Open Sign Access panel.
  2. Route the solar panel wiring to the Sign Access panel
  3. Conduit Installation: Use a liquid-tight conduit to run from the power supply to the sign's field wiring plate, entering through one of the designated knockouts.
  4. Solar Terminal Connections:
    1. Connect the positive Solar wire to the terminal marked “+12VDC.”
    2. Connect the common Solar wire to the terminal marked “DC COM.”
  5. Align the purple wire to the ON position.  This connects the battery and sign should now be ON.

Battery Purple wire shown in OFF position. 

For AC powered value signs:
  1. Safety First: Ensure all power sources (AC) are disconnected before starting.
  2. Conduit Installation: Use a liquid-tight conduit to run from the power supply to the sign's field wiring plate, entering through one of the designated knockouts.
  3. Wiring Route: Through the conduit, run the 12VDC Positive, common, and Earth/chassis ground wires from the power supply to the sign.
  4. Ground Connection: Attach the Earth ground using a ring lug (not provided) to the stud on the field wiring plate.
  5. DC Connection: If using a barrel connector, cut the connector off, separate the wires, and strip ½ inch of insulation from each. Identify the positive wire by the white stripe.
  6. Terminal Connections:
    • Connect the positive wire to the terminal marked “+12VDC.”
    • Connect the common wire to the terminal marked “DC COM.”
  7. Reassemble: Secure the field wiring plate back onto the sign.
  8. Power Reconnection: Reconnect the power source—battery, line power, or solar panel.
  9. Testing: Once reconnected, test the sign to verify successful installation.
DC Connection Guide














Info
For more information about wiring TraffiCalm Radar Speed Signs, visit our wiring diagram guides. (coming soon)

Maintenance

To ensure your 9" Value Radar Speed Sign remains in optimal condition:

  • Battery Care: The integrated battery is proprietary and should only be replaced with genuine TraffiCalm components.
  • Operational Duration: The battery typically lasts about 3 days; however, as it ages, the duration may decrease.
  • Maintaining Battery Health:
    • Avoid leaving the sign turned on when not in use as it can deplete the battery.
    • If unused for more than a week, periodically power on the sign with the charger connected for about 6 hours once a week.

Configuration

This section outlines the process for configuring the 9" Radar Speed Value Sign using the TraffiCalm Value Sign Simulator. The simulator provides a virtual environment for technicians to practice and master remote control operations essential for configuring Value Series signs.

Access the TraffiCalm Value Sign Simulator:

  1. Open the Simulator: Click the provided link to launch the simulator in your web browser.
  2. Familiarize Yourself: Explore the interface, which mirrors the actual remote control used with Value Series signs.
  3. Practice Operations: Perform various operations as you would on the actual device, such as setting speed limits, configuring display messages, and adjusting sign settings.
  4. Apply Knowledge: Use the experience gained from the simulator to efficiently manage real-world sign configurations, either in your workshop or directly in the field.

Important Notes:

  • Simulator Purpose: The Value Sign Simulator is intended as a training and preparation tool. It allows technicians to practice configurations in a risk-free environment, helping to reduce setup time and potential errors in actual field operations.
  • Warning: The simulator does not program Value Series signs directly. Its purpose is solely to aid in learning and pre-planning sign configurations. Technicians must apply the configurations manually to the signs in the field after practicing in the simulator.

Useful Links:


Info
Conclusion
By following these setup and maintenance instructions, your 9" Value Radar Speed Sign will provide effective speed monitoring and traffic calming. For additional assistance or detailed configuration instructions, refer to the provided instruction manual or contact our support team.

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