Flashing Sign Systems Quickstart Guide
The TraffiCalm team would like to express our deep appreciation for your purchase and support. Our products represent a huge leap forward in road safety technology, but it was by your choice to use them that makes you our Heroes!
Every TraffiCalm device is designed to be intuitive to set up and enjoyable to own. However, there are some best practices that should be outlined to ensure product longevity and successful operation. This quickstart guide highlights possible pain points you may experience while setting up the myriad of Flashing Sign Systems available.
TraffiCalm Flashing Sign systems ship in a variety of forms to suit your project. Most typical systems consist of a Flash Controller (some call them solar engines), a Sign Ring, and an input device like a push button or Radar sensor.
However, some systems can become very complex based on the input and output requirements of the system. For instance, a Pedestrian Crossing System can consist of a Modem Equipped Flash Controller, a Flash Collaborator, two push buttons, 2 flashing LED Signs, 4 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons, and 2 Crosswalk Illuminators.
This guide serves to summarize ALL potential systems into their most common components, but will not cover every variety of installation or project
Jump into SETUP: For details please read further. This section is just the quick SETUP.
If your model is a BASIC (BSC?) such as M75-SA300-BSC? you have the option to flash 24/7 or be Radar Activated.
1. Flash 24/7 - Leave jumpers on INPUT 1 and 2 and power on the system and it will flash 24/7
2. Radar Activated System - Remove jumpers on INPUT 1 and 2. Wire in Radar and be sure Radar is plugged in prior to plugging in the power connector. As the unit boots up it will recognize the radar and know it is RADAR activated.
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All other Models require getting connected to the WiFi and going through setup. The Controller contains the WiFi and remains on for 2 hours only so Setup needs to be completed in the 2 hour window before it shuts down or you will have to reboot the Controller.
1. Open phone, tablet, or laptop that is WiFi capable and get into WiFi settings to connect to the system. The WiFi network may say, Trafficalm, push2cross, chevron, All Flash and include its 6 Digit Colab ID.
Password for WiFi and TC Connect: Tr@ffiCalm
Be sure to stay connected to the WiFi.
2. Now open an internet browser, Edge, Chrome, Safari, FireFox, ect... In the URL bar type in SETUP.TRAFFICALM.COM. Not case sensitive. If the system has never been setup before you will see the page to download manuals, you can continue past that then have the option to have the system setup as you need, for Push2Cross, Chevron, High Water, Conflict Intersection or All Flash. All Flash is the general flash system for like school zone flasher or stop rings.
Dig around our knowledge base here and you can find links to troubleshooting guides, setup videos or if you just want to know the systems a bit better, look around.
What's in the box?
Note
Your shipment will have come with many parts and pieces, depending on the complexity of the order and your project. Preceding installation day, it is highly recommended that you orient yourself with the various parts and pieces that will be utilized.
All "Solar Engine" models (Basics, Controllers, and Collaborators) include:
All "Fiberglass Box" models (AC or Solar Controllers, and Collaborators) include
NOTE
For all "E" Box assemblies (M75-TCR00-CTLE, for example) a separate solar panel is required to power the system.
All LED Sign Rings include
All Radar Detectors you will have received:
All RRFB assemblies include
All LED Chevron signs include:
Info
Push buttons, beacons, and other peripheral devices may be supplied, please refer to included documentation for specific details.
System Orientation
As previously stated, our Flashing Sign System has a broad list of applications that it can be adapted to. However, there are some basic principles in play within every system as follows:
- Power must be connected by either AC input or a Solar Panel and Battery Supply. Most systems integrate the power into the flash controlling device
- We sell three flash controllers - "Basic" (BSC), "Controllers" (CTL), and "Collaborators" (CLB)
- The Basic units appear the same as their Controller and Collaborator counterparts, however they have reduced functionality
- Controllers and Collaborators appear the same as each other, but they perform unique, specific tasks
- The Controllers and Collaborators add wireless radio communication for device 2 device syncing, as well as full configuration capabilities and advance input modes that the Basic Systems do not require.
- Other acceossry components will include LED sign rings, RRFBs, Push Buttons, radar detectors, and many other peripherals. All of these will often ship in individual packages as part of the shipment, and identified by their respective part numbers.
Building A System
Typical Pedestrian Safety System (aka Push 2 Cross) Build
NOTES
This simple example system provides warning to drivers from both approaches and activation from either side of the crossing.
System expansions include warning on both the front and back of the post, audible ASA push buttons, and additional posts for leading signage or refuge island signage.
Typical Curve Warning System - Single Direction of Warning Build
NOTES
This simple example system provides detection-activated warning to drivers approaching from the top of the image.
System expansions include LED curve ahead signs, warning both approaches (back to back signs), radar detection at both approaches, and up to 16 posts through a large curve.
Basic System - Stop, Rail Crossing, Warning Signs, etc.
NOTE
This system, while typically applied to Stop Signs, can also be used to increase awareness to a wide variety of signs such as rail crossing, stop ahead, and yield signs. Powered by our Basic Solar Engine, this system features plug and play installation with radar as a possible option.
Device Intro
The images below detail the most typically accessed parts and pieces of any given device.
For Solar Engine models (M75-TCR00-CTL2, M75-SA300-BSC2, M75-SA300-CTL3, M75-SA300=CLB2, etc.) notable features include...
For "E Box" models (M75-TCR00-CTLE, M75-SA300-CTLE, M75-SA300=CLBE, etc.) notable features include...
For other components please refer to the articles below for further details
Push Buttons (not yet released)
Radar Detector (not yet released)
Ice Detector (not yet released)
Water Presence Detector (not yet released)
Sign Rings (not yet released)
RRFB (rectangular rapid flashing beacons) (not yet released)
Flasher Beacons (not yet released)
Chevron Plates (not yet released)
Mounting Provisions
Every component we sell is specifically designed to be mounted to most any industry-common roadway infrastructure. This includes round post of any size, drilled square post, wooden post, pedestal poles, street lights, even flat walls. However, some creativity and additional hardware may be required to accomplish your specific installation. The images below serve as a starting point for installation planning.
FAQ
Q: My Controller cannot find Collaborators during the pairing setup
A: There are a bevy of reasons why this may be. But, typically - check power to the system, check that the devices your trying to add are Collaborators (M75-SA300-CLBx), and check that antennas are all installed
Q: Do you offer Apple compatible software?
A: Yes! Our flashing sign system is configured by any wi-fi equipped device. This includes tablets, phones, and PCs of virtually any make.
Q: But, I don't have cell signal/wi-fi/internet at the installation?
A: That's just fine. Our system generates a local wi-fi network for your device to connect to, and all the configuration interface (ie. software) is hosted on the device itself.
Q: Can I configure and access my system remotely?
A: TraffiCalm TC-Remote accomplishes just that. After initial installation and on-site configuration, the system can be called up on our TC-Remote website from virtually any computer in the world.
Q: I cannot find my Controller's Wi-Fi to set it up
A: The built in Wi-Fi network shuts off after 2 hours, a power reset is required to renew connectivity. Additionally, a wi-fi reset fob can be supplied for wireless resetting of the system.
Q: Is all this security really necessary?
A: While the pay-off is relatively low, connected devices like these can be exploited by even novice criminals. The minimal security required for the systems provides a fool-proof method to protect the system and your road users.
Q: What are my passwords?
A: We know, it's inconvenient to have to do, but please reach out to our support team for credentials.
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