iQ1500 Setup Guide

iQ1500 Setup Guide

Setup Guide for iQ1500 Radar Speed Signs
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the iQ1500 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 iQ1500 Signs

  • 1 iQ1500 Radar Speed Sign
  • 1 Mounting Bracket
  • 1 Instruction Manual

Items Not Included

  • Power Supply: Necessary for non-portable variations; please acquire separately.
  • Mounting Hardware: Due to diverse mounting techniques, consult a local expert for the appropriate hardware required for installation.


Device Overview

  • Device Orientation: The iQ1500 is a compact 15-inch tall radar speed sign incorporating a driver feedback display, logic controller, and radar detection system designed for easy maintenance and reliable operation.

Radar Speed Sign Solar Kits

iQ1500 non-portable signs require a 12V power system:

  • Solar Kit Options:
    • 60 Watt / 35Ah Solar Kit (M75-SOLAR-000S)
    • 60 Watt / 70Ah Solar Kit (M75-SLR70-000C)
    • 100 Watt / 70Ah Solar Kit (M75-SOLAR-000C)
    • 100 Watt / 140Ah Solar Kit (M75-SLR14-000N)
    • 150 Watt / 140Ah Solar Kit (M75-SOLAR-000N)
  • AC Power Kits:
    • 60 Watt power supply (M75-ACPWR-U060)
    • 200 Watt power supply (M75-ACPWR-U200)

Powering Portable Signs

The portable variation of the iQ1500 features an integrated 20Ah battery:

  • Charging: 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
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

The iQ1500 radar speed sign comes with a built-in bracket for direct mounting.  However, we recommend a quick-disconnect bracket, that you will need to order separately at the time of purchase.

General Notes

  1. The drop-out module is removed to provide access for bolting to wood.
  2. Traditional bolts are used when mounting to a square Telespar pole.
  3. Banding is used when mounting to round poles.

Mounting to Wood

  1. Remove Drop-Out Module: Detach the drop-out module to access the mounting points on the back of the sign.
  2. Position Sign: Align the sign with the desired mounting location on the wooden surface.
  3. Pre-Drill Holes: Use template or measurements to align and pre-drill holes.
  4. Secure with Bolts: Insert lag bolts through the mounting holes and into the wood. Tighten securely.

Mounting to Square Telespar Pole

  1. Position Sign: Align the sign's built-in bracket with the Telespar pole.
  2. Insert Bolts: Use traditional bolts, washers, and nuts to secure the sign bracket to the pole.
  3. Tighten Bolts: Ensure all bolts are tightened securely for a stable installation.

Mounting to Round Poles

  1. Position Sign: Align the sign's built-in bracket with the round pole.
  2. Secure with Banding: Wrap banding straps around the pole and through the slots in the sign bracket.
  3. Tighten Banding: Ensure the banding is tight and the sign is securely attached to the pole.


Aiming the Sign

The iQ1500 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 iQ1500 may come with a TraffiCalm power supply that can be solar or AC line powered, typically ending in a DC Barrel connector (2.5mm x 5mm). If the sign is not provided with a TraffiCalm power supply, it will likely have 18 to 14 AWG insulated wires. Use at least 18 AWG wire for connections up to 6 feet; for longer distances, adjust the wire gauge accordingly to handle a 3 Amp load with less than ¼ volt drop over the length of the wire.

DC Barrell connector 2.5mm

Steps for Connecting the Sign to Power

  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.
DC Connection Guide

Wiring Diagrams

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


Maintenance

To ensure your iQ1500 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

For initial configuration and ongoing management of your iQ1500 Radar Speed Sign, you will need to use the TC Speed Connect application. This software facilitates the setup and customization of your radar speed sign's operational parameters, ensuring optimal performance tailored to specific road conditions.

Getting Started with TC Speed Connect

  • Download and Installation: Access the TC Speed Connect software by visiting TC Speed Connect Download. Download and run the installation file to get started.
  • Configuration Setup: Once installed, the software will guide you through configuring your radar speed sign. You can set parameters such as display brightness, radar sensitivity, and the flash pattern according to your specific needs.

Utilizing the Software

  • Create and Manage Profiles: Use the software to create detailed configuration profiles for your radar speed sign. These profiles include settings for speed limits, display messages, and operational modes.
  • Device Connection and Setup: Connect to your radar speed sign via WiFi to upload the configuration profiles directly to the device. This step ensures that your sign operates according to the specifications you’ve set.
For detailed instructions on every feature and step, please refer to the TC Speed Connect User Guide.



Conclusion
By following these setup and maintenance instructions, your iQ1500 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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