NEMA Standards Publication TS 4-2004 Hardware

NEMA Standards Publication TS 4-2004

Hardware Standards for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), with NTCIP Requirements

Published by

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street, Suite 1847

Rosslyn, Virginia 22209

© Copyright 2004 by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. All rights including translation into other languages, reserved under the Universal Copyright Convention, the Berne Convention for the

Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, and the International and Pan American Copyright Conventions.

Draft

: Property of NEMA. Do not copy or circulate without written permission from NEMA.

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER

The information in this publication was considered technically sound by the consensus of persons engaged in the development and approval of the document at the time it was developed. Consensus does not necessarily mean that there is unanimous agreement among every person participating in the development of this document.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) standards and guideline publications, of which the document contained herein is one, are developed through a voluntary consensus standards development process. This process brings together volunteers and/or seeks out the views of persons who have an interest in the topic covered by this publication. While NEMA administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not write the document and it does not independently test, evaluate, or verify the accuracy or completeness of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards and guideline publications.

NEMA disclaims liability for any personal injury, property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether special, indirect, consequential, or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, application, or reliance on this document. NEMA disclaims and makes no guaranty or warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein, and disclaims and makes no warranty that the information in this document will fulfill any of your particular purposes or needs. NEMA does not undertake to guarantee the performance of any individual manufacturer or seller’s products or services by virtue of this standard or guide.

In publishing and making this document available, NEMA is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or on behalf of any person or entity, nor is NEMA undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someone else. Anyone using this document should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances. Information and other standards on the topic covered by this publication may be available from other sources, which the user may wish to consult for additional views or information not covered by this publication.

NEMA has no power, nor does it undertake to police or enforce compliance with the contents of this document. NEMA does not certify, test, or inspect products, designs, or installations for safety or health purposes. Any certification or other statement of compliance with any health or safety– related information in this document shall not be attributable to NEMA and is solely the responsibility of the certifier or maker of the statement.

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4-2004 i

CONTENTS

Section 1 1-4

1.1

Scope and introduction.....................................................................................................1-4

1.2

general statements ...........................................................................................................1-5

1.3

Types of DMS signs .........................................................................................................1-5

1.3.1

Variable Message Signs (VMS)..................................................................................1-5

1.3.2

Changeable Message Signs.......................................................................................1-5

1.3.3

Blankout Signs............................................................................................................1-5

1.4

Types of Technologies .....................................................................................................1-6

1.5

References .......................................................................................................................1-6

1.6

Authorized Engineering Information .................................................................................1-8

1.7

contact information ...........................................................................................................1-8

1.8

glossary of DMS terms .....................................................................................................1-8

Section 2 2-1

2.1

ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATING STANDARDS ....................................................2-1

2.1.1

Definitions of Major Units of the DMS Equipment ......................................................2-1

2.1.2

Compliance of Major Units .........................................................................................2-2

2.1.3

Electrical .....................................................................................................................2-2

2.1.4

Transients ...................................................................................................................2-3

2.1.5

Temperature and Humidity .........................................................................................2-4

2.1.6

Vibration......................................................................................................................2-5

2.1.7

Shock..........................................................................................................................2-5

2.1.8

Time and Timing.........................................................................................................2-5

2.2

DMS EQUIPMENT TESTS..............................................................................................2-6

2.2.1

Test Facilities (except Vibration and Shock) ..............................................................2-6

2.2.2

Test Unit .....................................................................................................................2-6

2.2.3

Test Functions ............................................................................................................2-7

2.2.4

Tests For Transients, Temperature, Voltage, and Humidity.......................................2-7

2.2.5

Test J: Vibration Test...............................................................................................2-13

2.2.6

Test K: Shock (Impact) Test....................................................................................2-14

2.2.7

Test L: Power Interrupt Tests ..................................................................................2-15

2.2.8

Test M: Timing Accuracy Tests ...............................................................................2-16

Section 3 3-1

3.1

General.............................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.1

Weather-tight enclosure .............................................................................................3-1

3.1.2

Temperature Control ..................................................................................................3-1

3.1.3

Sign Face....................................................................................................................3-2

3.1.4

Galvanic Protection.....................................................................................................3-2

3.1.5

Light Leaks .................................................................................................................3-2

3.1.6

Contrast Border ..........................................................................................................3-2

3.2

FIXED-LOCATION DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGNS...........................................................3-2

3.2.1

Structural integrity.......................................................................................................3-3

3.2.2

Aluminum Housings....................................................................................................3-3

3.2.3

Housings Made of Other Materials .............................................................................3-4

3.2.4

Front and Rear Access Dms ......................................................................................3-4

3.2.5

Front Access DMS......................................................................................................3-4

3.2.6

Rear Access Dms.......................................................................................................3-4

3.2.7

Walk-In Access Dms ..................................................................................................3-4

3.2.8

Convenience OUTLETS - All Housings .....................................................................3-5

3.3

Portable DMS ...................................................................................................................3-6

3.3.1

Transport Safety .........................................................................................................3-6

3.3.2

Structural Integrity.......................................................................................................3-6

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3.3.3

Major Subsystems ......................................................................................................3-7

3.3.4

Corrosion Protection and Finishes..............................................................................3-8

3.3.5

Power Sources ...........................................................................................................3-8

Section 4 4-1

4.1

interface with sign housing ...............................................................................................4-1

4.2

wiring ................................................................................................................................4-1

4.3

Wire entrances .................................................................................................................4-1

4.4

Pixel Control Wiring..........................................................................................................4-1

4.4.1

Power Supply Locations .............................................................................................4-1

4.4.2

DMS Controller and Driver Module Locations ............................................................4-2

Section 5 5-1

5.1

General.............................................................................................................................5-1

5.1.1

Development Sources ................................................................................................5-1

5.1.2

Legibility Versus Visibility............................................................................................5-1

5.1.3

Photometric and Colormetric Requirements...............................................................5-1

5.2

contrast ratio.....................................................................................................................5-1

5.3

Cone of Vision Type Classification ...................................................................................5-3

5.3.1

Light Emitting Technology ..........................................................................................5-3

5.3.2

Reflective technology..................................................................................................5-3

5.3.3

Hybrid technology .......................................................................................................5-3

5.4

Luminance Intensity Requirements .................................................................................5-4

5.4.1

Luminous Intensity Uniformity.....................................................................................5-7

5.5

Chromaticity CLASSIFICATIONS and limits ....................................................................5-7

5.5.1

Chromaticity Limits .....................................................................................................5-7

5.5.2

Chromaticity Uniformity...............................................................................................5-9

5.6

Display Characters ...........................................................................................................5-9

5.6.1

Fonts and Font Alphabets...........................................................................................5-9

5.6.2

Required fonts by Sign Type.....................................................................................5-10

5.7

Display Change Time .....................................................................................................5-10

5.8

Moving arrows ................................................................................................................5-10

5.9

Test Methods..................................................................................................................5-11

5.9.1

General Test Parameters .........................................................................................5-11

5.9.2

Test Area ..................................................................................................................5-12

5.9.3

Considerations for Precision and Bias of Test Methods and Accuracy of Test Results5-14

Section 6 6-1

6.1

General.............................................................................................................................6-1

6.1.1

Pixel Spacing ..............................................................................................................6-1

6.1.2

Character Module Spacing .........................................................................................6-1

6.1.3

Interchangeability of Character Modules ....................................................................6-1

6.1.4

Character Module Replacement.................................................................................6-2

6.2

Shuttered Fiber Optic Light system ..................................................................................6-2

6.2.1

General .......................................................................................................................6-2

6.2.2

Fiberoptic Harnesses..................................................................................................6-2

6.2.3

Lamp Assembly ..........................................................................................................6-2

6.2.4

Light Filter ...................................................................................................................6-2

6.2.5

Shutter System ...........................................................................................................6-3

6.3

LED light system...............................................................................................................6-3

6.3.1

General .......................................................................................................................6-3

6.3.2

LED Selection .............................................................................................................6-3

6.3.3

LED Use .....................................................................................................................6-3

6.4

FiberOptic Hybrid light system..........................................................................................6-3

6.4.1

General .......................................................................................................................6-3

6.4.2

Requirements .............................................................................................................6-3

6.5

led hybrid light system ......................................................................................................6-4

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4-2004 iii

6.5.1

General .......................................................................................................................6-4

6.5.2

Requirements .............................................................................................................6-4

Section 7 7-1

7.1

General.............................................................................................................................7-1

7.2

cabinet design ..................................................................................................................7-1

7.2.1

Layout .........................................................................................................................7-1

7.2.2

Protection....................................................................................................................7-1

Section 8 8-1

8.1

Electronic Components ....................................................................................................8-1

8.1.1

General .......................................................................................................................8-1

8.1.2

Interchangeability........................................................................................................8-1

8.2

Components .....................................................................................................................8-1

8.2.1

General .......................................................................................................................8-1

8.2.2

Electronic Components...............................................................................................8-1

8.2.3

Capacitors...................................................................................................................8-2

8.2.4

Potentiometers............................................................................................................8-2

8.2.5

Resistors.....................................................................................................................8-2

8.2.6

Semiconductor Devices ..............................................................................................8-2

8.2.7

Transformers and Inductors .......................................................................................8-2

8.2.8

Triacs ..........................................................................................................................8-2

8.2.9

Circuit Breakers ..........................................................................................................8-2

8.2.10

Fuses ........................................................................................................................8-2

8.2.11

Switches ...................................................................................................................8-3

8.2.12

Wiring, Cabling, and Harnesses ...............................................................................8-3

8.2.13

Controller Indicators and Character Displays ...........................................................8-3

8.2.14

Connectors ...............................................................................................................8-3

8.3

Mechanical Requirements ................................................................................................8-3

8.3.1

Assemblies .................................................................................................................8-3

8.3.2

PCB Design and Connectors......................................................................................8-3

8.3.3

Model Numbers ..........................................................................................................8-4

8.4

Printed Circuit Boards.......................................................................................................8-4

8.4.1

Design, Fabrication, and Mounting .............................................................................8-4

8.4.2

Soldering.....................................................................................................................8-4

8.5

location and provisions of driving electronics ...................................................................8-4

8.5.1

General .......................................................................................................................8-4

8.5.2

Shuttered Fiber Optic Signs........................................................................................8-4

8.5.3

LED Signs...................................................................................................................8-4

8.5.4

Fiberoptic Hybrid Signs...............................................................................................8-4

8.5.5

LED Hybrid Signs........................................................................................................8-4

8.6

Cabinet Wiring..................................................................................................................8-4

8.7

communication .................................................................................................................8-5

8.7.1

Communication Interfaces..........................................................................................8-5

8.7.2

Communications.........................................................................................................8-5

8.8

Brightness Controls ..........................................................................................................8-5

8.8.1

Ambient Light Sensing and Dimming Control.............................................................8-6

8.9

DMS Controller Electronics ..............................................................................................8-6

8.9.1

General .......................................................................................................................8-6

8.9.2

Central Processor Unit................................................................................................8-6

8.9.3

Input/Output ................................................................................................................8-6

8.9.4

Internal Clock..............................................................................................................8-6

8.9.5

Watchdog Timer .........................................................................................................8-6

8.9.6

Loss of Power .............................................................................................................8-7

8.9.7

Communications Link Monitor ....................................................................................8-7

8.9.8

Manual Test Interface.................................................................................................8-7

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8.9.9

Controller Reset Switch ..............................................................................................8-7

8.10

controller functions.......................................................................................................8-7

8.10.1

General .....................................................................................................................8-7

8.10.2

Control Architectures ................................................................................................8-7

8.10.3

Common Functionality..............................................................................................8-7

8.10.4

Centralized Messaging Architecture .........................................................................8-8

8.10.5

Local Messaging Architecture...................................................................................8-8

8.10.6

Display Writing..........................................................................................................8-8

8.10.7

NTCIP Protocol and Command Sets........................................................................8-9

8.10.8

Other Protocols and Command Sets........................................................................8-9

8.11

local control..................................................................................................................8-9

Section 9 9-1

9.1

Display diagnostics and Monitoring ..................................................................................9-1

9.1.1

Incandescent Lamp Tests .........................................................................................9-1

9.1.2

Shutter and Disk Monitoring Pixel Service..................................................................9-1

9.1.3

LED Pixel Tests ..........................................................................................................9-1

9.1.4

LED Temperature Monitor ..........................................................................................9-1

9.2

Controller Diagnostics and Monitoring..............................................................................9-2

9.2.1

Watchdog Timer .........................................................................................................9-2

9.2.2

Results of Controller Failures .....................................................................................9-2

9.2.3

Power Line Failures ....................................................................................................9-2

9.2.4

Communication Link Failures .....................................................................................9-2

9.2.5

Subsystem Component Communications ..................................................................9-2

9.3

Error and failure log ..........................................................................................................9-2

9.4

Message Verification ........................................................................................................9-3

Section 10 10-1

10.1

Ac or DC Electrical Service........................................................................................10-1

10.2

power panels for ac only............................................................................................10-1

10.2.1

Minimum Requirements..........................................................................................10-1

10.2.2

Service Drop Advisory ............................................................................................10-1

10.3

distribution PANELS FOR dc.....................................................................................10-1

10.4

Ground to Neutral Isolation........................................................................................10-1

10.5

Surge Protection Device ............................................................................................10-1

10.6

Convenience outlets ac only......................................................................................10-1

10.7

Calculated Electrical Load .........................................................................................10-2

Section 11 11-1

11.1

General ......................................................................................................................11-1

11.1.1

Involved Parties: .....................................................................................................11-1

11.1.1

Other.......................................................................................................................11-1

11.2

Conformance Document TYPEs ...............................................................................11-1

11.2.1

Certificates..............................................................................................................11-1

11.2.2

Conformance Testing .............................................................................................11-1

11.2.3

Statement ...............................................................................................................11-1

11.2.4

Inspections..............................................................................................................11-2

11.2.5

Evaluation ...............................................................................................................11-2

11.3

Requirements ............................................................................................................11-2

11.3.1

Mandatory...............................................................................................................11-2

11.3.2

Optional ..................................................................................................................11-2

11.4

Conformance Documentation Requirements ............................................................11-2

11.5

Conformance Table ...................................................................................................11-3

Section 12 12-1

12.1

Drawing DOCUMENTATION.....................................................................................12-1

12.1.1

System Diagrams ...................................................................................................12-1

12.1.2

Wiring Diagrams .....................................................................................................12-1

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4-2004 v

12.1.3

Mechanical Drawings..............................................................................................12-1

12.2

Site Specific DOCUMENTATION ..............................................................................12-1

12.2.1

Conformance table checklist ..................................................................................12-1

12.2.2

NTCIP MIB file ........................................................................................................12-1

12.2.3

As-builtDocumentation............................................................................................12-1

12.2.4

Configuration information........................................................................................12-2

12.2.5

Rev numbers ..........................................................................................................12-2

12.2.6

Test results .............................................................................................................12-2

12.2.7

Product Burn-In.......................................................................................................12-2

12.3

Manuals .....................................................................................................................12-2

12.3.1

Service....................................................................................................................12-2

12.3.2

Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................12-2

12.3.3

Operator’s Manual ..................................................................................................12-2

12.4

Warranty Documentation...........................................................................................12-2

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Page vi

FOREWORD

This NEMA Standards Publication, TS 4-2004, “Hardware Standards for Dynamic Message Signs

(DMS), with NTCIP Requirements”, was developed as a design and implementation guide for dynamic traffic messaging equipment that can be safely installed and provided to the end user with operational features based on current technology. Within the standard, any reference to a specific manufacturer is strictly for the purpose of defining interchangeability where there exists no nationally recognized standard covering all the requirements. The manufacturer references do not constitute a preference. The TS 4

Standards Publication is intended to reduce hazards to persons and property when traffic-messaging equipment is properly selected and installed in conformance with the requirements herein.

The user's attention is called to the possibility that compliance with this standard may require use of an invention covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with respect to the validity of any claims or of any patent rights in connection therewith.

In the preparation of this Standards Publication input of users and other interested parties has been sought and evaluated. Inquiries, comments, and proposed or recommended revisions should be submitted to the concerned NEMA product Subdivision by contacting the:

Vice President, Engineering

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 North 17th Street


This standard was developed at the request of the NEMA Transportation Management Systems and

Associated Control Devices Section and by its Dynamic Message Sign Technical Committee. Section approval of the standard does not necessarily imply that all section members voted for its approval or participated in its development. At the time it was approved, the Transportation Management Systems and Associated Control Devices Section was composed of the following members:

3M, Intelligent Transportation Systems

ADDCO, Inc.

American Signal Company

DAKTRONICS, Inc.

Eberle Design, Inc.

Econolite Control Products, Inc.

Fiberoptic Display Systems, Inc.

Image Sensing Systems, Inc.

Iteris, Inc.

McCain Traffic Supply, Inc.

P.B. Farradyne, a Division of Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade and Douglas, Inc.

Peek Corporation

Safetran Traffic Systems, Inc.

Siemens Intelligent Transporation Systems

Skyline Products, Inc.

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4-2004

1-1

HISTORY AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

As the implementation of variable message signing and general light emitting technology increased in the United States during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, various transportation departments tried a number of diverse technologies to meet their signing needs. This eventually lead to a wide variety of specifications developed across the country, a number of opposing philosophies for implementation by the users, and some unsubstantiated claims by manufacturers. It also led to conflicting definitions and references from one agency to the next for what constituted a variable message sign (VMS) or its use.

In 1995, in response to a request by Mr. Crawley Parris of NEMA seeking VMS manufacturers to become members of the NEMA 3-TS Transportation Section, several companies joined NEMA. In August of that year, a proposal was made to the Transportation Section (now the Transportation Management

Systems and Associated Control Devices Section) to create this hardware standard for signing. However, at that time, the NTCIP effort was expanding, and the FHWA was hoping for considerable input from

NEMA companies to develop the NTCIP protocol.

Since the same companies would be involved in both efforts and resources were limited, it was decided within NEMA to table the work for the NEMA hardware standard until the NTCIP VMS object definitions were created. The NEMA Committee to work on the object definitions held its first meeting in

September 1995 and eventually submitted draft version 1.14 of NEMA TS 3.6-1997 in March of 1997.

With some minor editorial modification, this version of object definitions eventually became NTCIP

1203:1997, released in December 1999. This was the first combined standard to be approved by the three SDO‘s of NTCIP.

In August 1997, the VMS manufacturers formed a new committee of the NEMA Transportation

Section and met for the first time to outline a plan for developing this hardware standard. The initial outline included plans to define the hardware requirements for all the various types of implementations of variable type signage that are used in the transportation industry, such as changeable message signs, blankout signs, etc. However, once actual work began, user requests became urgent to get a standard in use, so it was decided to initially work on the VMS parts of the hardware only, and to table the other parts for future versions.

The schedule of meetings and attendance by the NEMA member companies and DMS manufacturers is listed in the table below.

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TS 4-2004

Page 1-2

X X X X X X X X X

Attending

Company (P)

Meeting Date Location

Aug. 6, 1997

Dec.

Mar. 24-25, 1998

Boston

Tucson

Las Vegas

P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P P

P P P P** P P

Jun. 1998 Denver P P P

11-12, Toronto P P

Houston

P

P P

P

30-31, Las P P

15-16, Chicago P P

Island P P P

NEMA

Seattle

St. P P P

19-20, Las

Atlanta

P P P P P

P P

Feb. 2001 Houston

NEMA

P P P P**

P

Sep. 13, 2001

Nov. 13-15, 2001

Feb. 4-6, 2002

Apr. 2002

Jul. 2002

Aug. 2002

Sep. 2002

Toronto P P P

Telecon

Rhode Island

P

P

P

P

P

P

P P

P P**

P

P

Las Vegas

Telecon

P P P P P P P

P P P P P P P

Idaho

Telecon P P P P

Telecon

Telecon

P P P P P

P P P P P P

Nov.

Feb.

Apr.

May

Jun.

2002

Jan. 13, 2002

2003

2003

2003

10,

Aug. 2003

Telecon P P P P P P

Telecon P P P P

Telecon P P P P

Telecon

Washington, DC

P P P P P P

P P P P

P P P P P Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P

P P P P P

Telecon

Telecon

P P P P P P

P P P P P

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4-2004

1-3

X X X X X X X X X

Attending

Company (P)

Meeting Date Location

Oct. 2003 Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

P P P P P

P P P P P

P P P P P P

Telecon P P P P

Dec. 2003

8,

Jan.

Telecon

Telecon

Telecon

NOTES

* Non-member

** Paid to attend meeting.

*** NEMA membership lapsed

P P P P P P

P P P P P P

P P P P P P

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Page 1-4

Section 1

GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE AND INTRODUCTION

The goal of this standard is to provide the user with safe, dependable, functional, and easily maintained

DMS Equipment.

The requirements of this standard were developed by industry consensus, taking into account current user needs, available commercial technologies, engineering research, traffic engineering applications, human factors engineering, and engineering judgment.

Periodic review and updating of this standard is required by NEMA bylaws. Further updates should include the evaluation of new technologies and research.

Original quantitative research is not within the scope or resources of this committee. Said research by others is encouraged and should be considered by the reviewing committee in support of the updating process.

The scope of this document is to define the minimum hardware and functional characteristics of electronically controlled Dynamic Message Signs used for displaying messages to travelers.

The intent of this standard is to eventually accommodate all subsets of the DMS family. However, this initial version predominantly addresses the Variable Message Sign subset.

In preparing this standard, the committee began with a very comprehensive and encompassing scope of work that was later trimmed so the standard could be released at an earlier date. For almost every element described, arguments could be made to include additional information or less information.

Rather than debate these issues internally and eternally within the committee, the consensus was that greater benefit would be served from end user input derived through a first implementation of a standard with a reduced scope. With this in mind, the committee anticipates that a second, market driven version of this standard will include further end user input discovered from implementations and other work on the items intentionally tabled from this version.

In all cases, the goal was to avoid, as much as possible, “specification” language that detailed how an item must be built, in favor of “standards language” that addresses functionality. At the same time, the committee realized its obligation to the end users to assure that requirements for safety, dependability, and maintenance are met, so details are often listed that were derived from many field implementations currently in use.

While the committee also attempted to keep the language open enough for development of newer technology, because representation and input from any newer technologies was not received to date, the committee focused on existing technologies currently used. As new technologies emerge, this standard can still be used as a benchmark, whereby the developers of new technologies should be able to show either their compliance to the requirements of the standard, or how the newer technology exceeds the intent of this standard. Once a newer technology is tried, used and accepted by end users or other third party agencies, representatives of newer technology should participate in future revisions and versions of this standard through the NEMA standards development process.

This standard is not meant to apply to any one piece of equipment or to any one manufacturer. Likewise, it is not intended that any one piece of equipment will meet all the requirements of this standard. The

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4-2004

1-5 standard is intended as a menu of features that are available to the end user. Conformance to the standard is defined in Chapter 0.

It is anticipated that end users will include the desired references or parts of this standard as part of their procurement specifications. In addition, the end user can require any other features they may choose outside of these requirements as part of their hardware procurement specifications.

Those areas of this standard marked as TBD (To Be Determined are identified by the committee as warranting attention in this standard, but for reasons of time were tabled for future versions. The lack of the TBD designation is not meant to preclude inclusion of any item in any future revision.

This Standard is not intended to be, or is meant to take the place of any application guides for DMS.

Items such as sign siting practices, selection of character heights, siting of cabinets and relations between legibility and travel speed, etc were all considered by the committee to be outside the scope of this document.

It is intended that the operational requirements of NTCIP 1201 and NTCIP 1203, and communications protocols as specified in the other NTCIP base standards and profiles shall be supported.

1.3 TYPES OF DMS SIGNS

The types of signs that are included in this standard as part of the DMS set are divided into three major subsets. These are Variable Message Signs, Changeable Message Signs and Blankout Signs. All of these are fully defined in the glossary. This first version of the standard is intended to fully address VMS only. However, in developing these standards, considerations were given to the needs of the CMS and

BOS. End users may choose to specify features of the VMS as part of their CMS or BOS requirements.

1.3.1 Variable Message Signs (VMS)

Variable Message Signs are classified by the type of sign display and the type of mechanical construction.

1.3.1.1 Types of VMS sign displays

The types of VMS displays that are included in this standard are defined in the Glossary as: a) Character Matrix signs b) Line Matrix Signs c) Full Matrix Signs

1.3.1.2 Type of VMS Mechanical Construction

In terms of construction, VMS shall be classified into two major categories: Fixed Location or Portable.

The type of access to the internal components shall further classify fixed location types. These shall be

Front Access, Rear Access and Walk-in. The requirements for Mechanical Construction are defined in

Chapter 0.

1.3.2 Changeable Message Signs

To be determined.

To be determined.

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1.4 TYPES OF TECHNOLOGIES

The technologies that are addressed in this standard are light emitting (Shuttered Fiberoptic, LED), reflective (Diffuse, Retroreflective), and hybrid (Hybrid Fiberoptic, Hybrid LED).

1.5 REFERENCES

Page Date Reference Organization Doc # Doc Title

Reference

"3-21,3-25"

AASHTO,

Standard

Specifications for Structural

Supports for Highway

Signs, Luminaries and

Traffic Signals

American

Association of

State Highway and

Transportation

4 th

Edition

Officials

8-5 AMP

ASCII, American Standard

Code for Information

Interchange

3-22 ASTM/SAE

CIE 1931, Standard

Observer Chromaticity

Diagram

8-5 1999-02

DIN EN

60603-2

"Connectors for

Frequencies Below 3 MHz for Use with Printed Boards

- Part 2: Detail Specification for Two-Part Connectors with Assessed Quality, for

Printed Boards, for the

Basic Grid of 2,54 mm (0,1 in) with common Mounting

Features"

7-1

"4-2, 1-9"

"4-2, 1-9"

"4-2, 1-9"

1997-10-

00

1994-05-

00

(R2000)

1998-03-

00

8-4

EIA

TIA/EIA 232

TIA/EIA 422

TIA/EIA 485

ETL

Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards (FMVSS)

Part 571

Electronic

Industries

Association

Electronic

Industries

Association

Electronic

Industries

Association

Electronic

Industries

Association

Interface Between Data

Terminal Equipment and

Data Circuit Terminating

Equipment Employing Serial

Binary Data Interchange

Electrical Characteristics of

Balanced Voltage Digital

Interface Circuits

Electrical Characteristics of

Generators and Receivers for Use in Balanced Digital

Multipoint Systems

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Page

Reference

Date Reference Organization

8-3 JEDEC

Military Specification MIL-P-

55110D

Joint

Electronic

Device

Engineering

Council

Doc # Doc Title

R-11F

Military Specification MIL-

R-13949


R-13949-G


R-22684

"Military Specification MIL-

STD 810E; Method 514.4,

Equipment Class G"

DOD

QPL-

22684-

73

"Resistors, Fixed, Film,

Insulated, General

Specification For"


STD-2000

3-26

P-1

NEC

NEC Article 280

NEMA ?Standardization

Policies & Procedures of the National Electrical

Manufacturers Ass.? 1983

(R1998)

3-24 NEMA

8-8 NEMA

3-23 OSHA

5-1 prEN

SAE J684 ?Trailer

Couplings Hitches & Safety

Chains ? Automotive Type

3-26 11/1/87

Society of

Automotive

Engineers

"Trailer Couplings, Hitches and Saftety Chains --

Automotive Type"

Trailer Tow Bar Eye And

Pintle Hook/Coupler

Performance

5-1

8-2

SAE/AWS D8.8

?Spcification for

Automotive & Light Truck

Components Weld Quality

? Arc Welding?

TR-2136

3-26 UL

Society of

Automotive

Engineers

AWS

D8.8-97

Specification for Automotive

Frame Weld Quality -- Arc

Welding

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1.6 AUTHORIZED ENGINEERING INFORMATION

The definition below is from the NEMA document, “Standardization Policies and Procedures of the

National Electrical Manufacturers Association,” approved September 1983, latest revision March 1998.

“Authorized Engineering Information consists of explanatory data and other engineering information of an informative character not falling within the classification of a NEMA Standard or Suggested

Standard for Future Design. As such, it may be included in a NEMA Standards Publication.”

In this standard, the abbreviation “AEI” is used to designate Authorized Engineering Information.

Conformance with AEI is not required to claim conformance to this standard.

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this document are encouraged. They should be sent to:

Vice President, Engineering Department

National Electrical Manufacturers Association

1300 N. 17th Street


Tel: (703) 841-3200

Fax: (703) 841-3300

1.8 GLOSSARY OF DMS TERMS

The terms indicated with an asterisk were not developed in NTCIP 1203. In the case of any discrepancy, the definitions in this document shall govern. activate: The action of placing a message in the current buffer and performing the logic of running the message. Contrast with “Display,” which manipulates the sign display to make the current message visible to the driving public. activate message: The command to direct the sign controller to display the message on the sign face. activation priority: A numeric value between 1 and 255 that the controller compares to the Run-time

Priority of the current message. If the Activation Priority is greater than or equal to the Run-time Priority of the current message, the controller can replace the message. If the Activation Priority of the new

Message is less than Run-time priority of the current message the controller rejects the activation of the new message. alternating message: A message that contains more than one page of information/text. ambient light level: The amount of light surrounding the sign location.

ASCII: American Standard Code for information interchange, a 7-bit wide code used to represent a character set. attribute: Shorthand notation for Message Attribute. Defines how a Message is displayed. See Message

Attribute. axial intensity: The brightness of light on the axis horizontally and vertically perpendicular to the sign face.

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1-9 backup lamp: In a two lamp system, the secondary lamp that is used when the primary lamp has failed.

Also, it may be turned on with the primary/normal lamp to create an over-bright illumination of the message. beacon: A device that directs light in one direction and flashes (similar to a one-section traffic intersection signal head). The device is intended to increase a driver’s attention to a message. The color is undefined

(see also Strobe Lights). bit map: A digital representation of an image having bit reference pixels.

BITMAP: A subset of the SYNTAX type OCTET STRING where every bit is a representation of a part or function (e.g. lamp 1 = bit 1, lamp 2 = bit 2).

BITMAP 8: BITMAP with 8 bits.

BITMAP 16 : BITMAP with 16 bits.

BITMAP 32: BITMAP with 32 bits. blank message: A message that is devoid of informational content (blank) and the sign face is clear (all pixels off, or shutters closed depending on the display technology). blank sign: A command or condition caused by a user command, error or fault condition, or default state in which a sign is not displaying a message, and depending on the display technology of the sign, has turned off lamps, LED drivers, etc. blank-out sign: A type of DMS that has the capability to show a blank message or one fixed message. border: The blank area (no pixels) between the outer most pixels and the outermost edge of the sign.

BOS: See blank-out sign. brightness:* See luminance. brightness control: A term that defines how the light intensity of a sign is determined/set. Automatic control uses local detection of ambient light to determine the brightness level of the sign, whereas manual control defines the brightness level by a control command. brightness level: The intensity of the light used to form a message or that would be used to form a message if one is not currently displayed. Usually selected in one of several ways. Some examples:

NONE

ON / OFF

DAY / NIGHT/ OVERBRIGHT x of y levels a percent of maximum brightness output level bulb matrix: See lamp matrix. cabinet: An enclosure that protects the device’s controller from the elements. candela: An SI unit of measure for luminance, abbreviated cd.

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Page 1-10 central computer: A computer system that operates as a control source for one or more signs in the signage system. A computer/server that is host to its signs, also referred to as the host or central computer. The signage system may be controlled by central computers installed in more than one location. Or, it may be a remotely located central computer capable of managing the operation of one or more signs. Abbreviation is CC. central control computer: See central computer. central control mode: A state whereby control of the sign is from the central computer. Preferred term for remote control mode. central override mode: A state whereby commands from a local control panel are ignored. central system (sign management) software: The software that operates on the central computer controlling/monitoring signs. changeable memory: A generic term for a type of memory that allows a user to modify the content. The content of the memory is not lost when power is turned off. See also “permanent memory,” “non-volatile memory,” and volatile memory.” changeable message sign: A sign that is capable of displaying one of two or more predefined messages, or a blank message. Abbreviated CMS. The capabilities associated with a CMS are: a) Drum sign with several faces, or pixel matrix b) Several predefined message c) Downloading of new messages, graphics or fonts not possible d) Uploading of messages and graphic definition possible e) Blank message possible f) All messages are defined g) May support more than a monochrome color scheme (each drum face may have a different color scheme, each face may have multi-color text) h) Error report capabilities similar to VMS i) Exercising of pixels changeable messages: A library of messages stored in non-volatile, memory/storage devices. See also

“permanent messages” and “volatile messages.” character: One symbol from a specific alphabet, font, or character set. character font: See “font.” character group: See “character module.” character height: The vertical pitch times the number of pixels in the column of pixels. character matrix sign: A DMS sign that uses character matrixes with a fixed amount of blank space (no pixels present) between character matrixes to achieve the inter-character spacing. There is also blank space (no pixels present) between lines of characters to achieve the inter-line spacing. character module, N: Component required to display N characters. This includes, but is not limited to, a subset of the following items based on the display technology of the sign: Lamps, fiber, shutter, color filter, LED’s, and frame to hold all of the above parts together as one unit. character size: See “character height.”

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1-11 character spacing: The spacing, in pixels, between two characters in line matrix or full matrix signs. The fixed amount of space between two characters on a character matrix sign. character width: The horizontal pitch times the number of pixels in the row of pixels. characters per line: The number of characters that can be displayed on one line. Used in character oriented signs. Line matrix and full matrix signs are described as n columns (pixels) wide. checksum: A data error-detection scheme. The result of an algorithm performed on a block of data. climate-control: The ability to control the temperature and other factors affecting the environment in which the DMS electronics operates.

CMS: See “changeable message sign.” color: The chromaticity specified in terms of the CIE 1931 Colorimetric System. A visually perceived characteristic of light, specified at a particular wavelength in nanometers. Color is one attribute used to display a message. Depending on the display technology of the sign, the color used to display a message may be fixed or selectable. column: A vertical line of pixels. communication failure: The condition when a central computer cannot communicate with the sign controller due to errors or malfunctions. communication interface: The communication port(s) on the controller used to communicate with other device(s). cone of vision: The geometric figure (cone) used to define the area in which a message on a sign can be legibly viewed. It is measured in degrees. It is twice the angle from the axis of the pixel to the 50% brightness point on an LED display. The cone of vision is also known as the “viewing angle”. configuration: The setting of the parameters within the controller to operate the sign with a defined set of ranges, parameters, and functions. configure: To change one or more settings in the device. contrast ratio: The amount of measured light emanating from the message divided by the amount of measured light reflected from the background. control mode: Defines the current method by which the sign controller receives instructions. controller: See “sign controller.” controller address: See “sign address.” controller failure: The condition caused when the DMS controller does not properly perform its intended functions. controller reset: A function that restarts the controller from an initialization process. This may be activated via time-outs of an event (watchdog, power loss), local reset button, or software command.

CRC: See “cyclical redundancy check.”

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Page 1-12 cyclical redundancy: A data error-detection scheme. A polynomial algorithm is performed on a block of data. There are different algorithms involving a different number of bits and bytes in the calculation, such as CRC-16 and CRC-32. default message: Under normal operating conditions, this term specifies the neutral message. Under default conditions, communications failure, power loss, power recovery, and communications time-out, the default message is the message displayed as defined by the corresponding objects (see Section 5).

These may or may not be the same as the neutral message. default state: A defined mode of operation assumed when no other instructions have been received. depth: The distance between the front and back of a sign or other enclosure. It may be measured as both inside and outside dimension. determine: To read information from a device. diagnostics: A set of routines operated in the controller used to verify the proper operation of DMS components. display: To reveal a message to the traveling public once it has been activated. Also, see related terms:

“Sign face” (a DMS component), “activate message” (a command), and “message” (the image). display activation time: The length of time required to display a page of text on the sign once the complete command has been received by the controller. display module: See “character module.” display technology: The means used to present a message, i.e., shuttered fiber, LED, flip disk, lamp matrix, combination of the two, etc. display times: The time parameters within a message attribute.

DMS: See “dynamic message sign.”

DMS controller:* See “sign controller.”

DMS housing:* The enclosure that environmentally protects the components of the dynamic message sign.

DMS manufacturer:* The company that maintains a factory and staff that develops, engineers, and manufacturers the complete DMS sign assembly and DMS Controller from raw materials and components. dot: One pixel in a display matrix. download: To transfer information from the central computer into the referenced field device. drum: The multifaceted cylinder, with associated lighting, motor/brake drive unit, and position sensing switches that rotates to display one face to the traveler. drum sign: A type of CMS using one or more drums to display a message.

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1-13 dynamic message sign: Any sign system that can change the message presented to the viewer, such as VMS, CMS, and BOS. It includes the following major components: Sign face, sign housing, controller and, if present, the controller cabinet. Abbreviated DMS.

EAROM: Electrical alterable read only memory. Another term for EEPROM.

EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. A variation of an EPROM chip in that instead of erasing the memory by placing it under UV light, portions of the chip can be erased electrically, and thus does not need to be removed from the circuit, provided the circuit supports erasing the chip.

EIA-232: An EIA/TIA standard describing the electrical characteristics of a particular type of serial digital communications.

EIA-422: An EIA/TIA standard describing the electrical characteristics of a particular type of serial digital communications.

EIA-485: An EIA/TIA standard describing the electrical characteristics of a particular type of serial digital communications. electromagnetic shutter: A device that can be positioned via a pulse of electricity and stays in the desired position due to an internal magnet.

EMS: See “extinguishable message sign” or “blank-out sign.” environmental controls: Equipment to control the temperature and/or humidity within an enclosure, typically the sign housing and/or controller cabinet. This can include fans, heaters, thermostats, humidistats, override timers, motorized louvers, filters, and ducting.

EPROM: Erasable programmable read only memory. A variation of a PROM chip where the contents can be changed by erasing the chip with a UV light eraser and then programming the chip again. external device: A component that is not normally considered part of a DMS, but is connected to the

DMS by some interface. external illumination: A light source shining on the face of the sign so that its message may be read by the traveler. external input: The communication interface with an external device. extinguishable message sign: See “blank-out sign.” feature: A service provided by the device. fiber optic: A slender thread-like strand of material used to carry light. fiber optic bundle: Many fiber optic strands combined into one larger group. A fiber optic bundle terminates at one end on the sign face, the other end terminates at the light source. fiber optic harness: A number of fiber optic bundles grouped together with one common end. The common end is inserted in the lamp module. fiber optic sign: A light emitting sign whose pixels are made of ends of fiber optic bundles.

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Page 1-14 fiber optic/flip-disk hybrid: A reflective flip-disk type of sign that employs a fiber optic display technology in addition to the reflective flip disk. firmware: The logical programming stored in a controller’s memory to operate the controller. flash EPROM: A type of EEPROM with rapid programming capability. flasher: A device that causes beacons to flash. flashing: A message attribute causing all or parts of a message to turn on and off. flashing beacons: See “beacon.” flashing display:* A one page message that alternates between on and off. flip disk: A two-state display technology using an electro-mechanically actuated disk for each pixel position. One side of the disk displays the ON state of the pixel and another side represents the pixel’s

OFF state. flip LED: A hybrid display technology that combines flip-disk and LED technology. font: A type style for a set of characters (letters, numbers, punctuation marks, and symbols). forced air cooling: A device used to reduce the temperature within an enclosure or housing by moving air. forced air ventilation: A device used to force out the air inside the enclosure or housing and introduce new air from the outside. frame:* See “page.” front: The side of the sign containing the visible message. front access: Access to the internal components of the sign accomplished via access panels or access doors located on the front of the sign. full matrix: A type of VMS with the entire display area containing pixels with the same horizontal pitch and the same vertical pitch without fixed lines or characters. A full matrix sign characterized by its ability to address and change each pixel independently. full standardized range: The range of values identified and fully specified within a standard. Values left for proprietary use (e.g., the value, “other,” in enumerated lists) are not a part of the Full Standardized

Range since the meaning of the value is not '”ully specified.” graphic: An image that is stored within the controller’s memory and can be inserted into a message. graphical user interface: The presentation of information to the user on a screen in graphic format.

GUI: See “graphical user interface.” host computer: See “central computer.” housing: The enclosure of the sign containing the display elements.

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1-15 hybrid:* A sign that uses a combination of reflective and light emitting technologies. Examples are flip

LED, and fiber optic/flip disk. illumination power: The energy source for message illumination. intensity: The brightness of light emanating from the display, expressed in candela per unit area. interchangeability: A condition that exists when two or more items possess such functional and physical characteristics as to be equivalent in performance and durability and are capable of being exchanged one for the other without alteration of the items themselves, or adjoining items, except for adjustment, and without selection for fit and performance. (National Telecommunications and Information Administration,

U.S. Department of Commerce) interface: An interface is a named set of operations that characterize the behavior of an element.

(Unified Modeling Language Specification) inter-line spacing: The amount of vertical space between two lines. The distance from the bottom of the bottom pixel on a line to the top of the top pixel on the line immediately below. On full matrix signs, it is measured as the number of pixel rows between lines of characters. internal illumination: A light source within the sign housing that shines through the front of the sign, so that its message may be read by the traveler. internal lighting: The lighting used for maintenance inside an enclosure or housing, independent of message illumination. interoperability: The ability of two or more systems or components to exchange information and use the information that has been exchanged. (IEEE Std. 610.12-1990: IEEE Standard Glossary of Software

Engineering Terminology) interval:* The amount of time between two specified instants, events, or states. lamp: A light source used to illuminate the utilized pixels other than on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Fiber optics technology uses lamps to illuminate bundles of pixels. lamp control module: The device used to control the power going to the lamps. lamp driver module:* An electronic board that directly supplies or disconnects power to the lamps to turn them on or off. lamp driver system: See “lamp control module.” lamp matrix: A type of display technology where an incandescent light source is used for each pixel. lamp status: The feedback data that indicates the operational status and condition of the lamp circuit.

LAN:* Local Area Network—an intelligent control network that facilitates communication between devices that sense, monitor, communicate, and control. lane-use control sign: Overhead sign having displays that permit or prohibit the use of a lane or that indicate impending prohibitions of use. (Excerpted from MUTCD, clause 4E-8.) A sign that contains multiple symbols to indicate the permissive use of the lane in the direction of travel. Abbreviated LCS.

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LCS: See “lane-use control sign.”

LED: See “light emitting diode.”

LED drive module:* An electronic board that contains the control and memory elements to provide the signals to switch the LED pixel state, and which detects the operation of each individual pixel that it controls.

LED sign: A sign with pixels made from LEDs.

LED/flip-disk hybrid: A type of VMS display technology that forms pixels with a combination of LED and flip disk technology. The LED is used for night viewing and the flip disk is used for daytime viewing. legend: Unchangeable text on a sign face. legibility distance: The 85 percentile distance at which people with 20/20 corrected vision can read the display. light emitting diode: A type of display technology using a semi-conductor device that emits a point of light in a controllable manner. The characteristics of the point of light are determined by the type of LED used, i.e. color, cone of vision, luminance, etc. Abbreviated LED. light output level: See brightness level. line: A horizontal row of character modules (character or line matrix signs) or number of rows of pixels

(full matrix signs) used to display text. line matrix: A type of VMS sign that has no hardware defined blank spaces (no pixels) between characters. The entire line contains columns of pixels with a constant horizontal pitch across the entire line. local control mode: One of several possible control modes to control a DMS. Local control mode is the primary control mode from the local control point (this could be a local control panel or a locally connected device, such as a laptop or a personal digital assistant (PDA)). local control panel:* A system of switches or a keyboard located at the DMS that allows a person onsite control of the DMS, as opposed to control from a remote location via external communication. locally activated messages: Stored messages that are activated from the local control panel. lumen: The unit of luminous flux emitted in a solid angle of one steradian by a uniform point source that has an intensity of one candela. luminance: The intensity of light per unit area at its source, usually measured in candela per square foot or candela per square meter.

LUS: See “lane-use control sign.” lux: A measurement of light. A unit of illuminance produced on a surface area of one square meter by a luminous flux of one lumen uniformily distributed over the surface. (1 lux = 1 lumen per square meter) magnetic memory: Memory based on magnetic power to keep an object in a desired position without the use of continuous electrical power.

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1-17 maintenance computer: See “portable maintenance computer.” maintenance portable computer: See “portable maintenance computer.” manage: To monitor, command, and/or control. management information base: Set of object definitions that define the attributes, properties, and controllable features of devices on a network, which can be remotely monitored, configured and controlled. The information is provided in a format called Abstract Syntax Notation 1 (ASN 1), which is an international standard for defining objects. management station: A computer or computer network that can interact with the device via the defined interface to realize the features of the device. management system: See “management station.” mark up language for transportation information: Name of format of the textual part of a message.

The format is defined in Section 6 of NTCIP Standard 1203 Version 2 (Section 3 of NTCIP 1203: 1997).

Abbreviated MULTI. master computer: See “central computer.” master computer software: See “central computer.” master controller: Obsolete term for “central computer.” master/slave: The master is the controlling entity on a data link. It can give permission to any slave on the same link to transmit data. A slave transmits data only in response to permission from the master, and it returns control to the master after finishing a transmission. matrix: An array of pixels that can display an image. matrix sign: A DMS that uses an array of pixels to display a message or part of a message (e.g., a line or character). Matrix signs are typically VMS because the pixel array allows for a large variety of possible displays. message: The information to be displayed to the traveler and how it is to be displayed. message attribute: The characteristics that define how a message shall be displayed. This includes how many pages of text, the amount of time each page is displayed, any flashing of text, the flashing time characteristics, and color definition. Not all technologies/manufacturers support all display attributes.

Specific support for these items is based on the type of display technology and manufacturer. message command: A controller command to activate a message on the sign. message display time: See “message duration.” message duration: The time from message activation to message deactivation.

MIB: See “management information base.” module:* One assembly of components, like several similar assemblies, that each fit together to make one larger single unit with a unique purpose.

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MULTI: See “mark up language for transportation information.” multi-drop: A communications architecture where multiple devices share a common communications channel. multi-message sign: See “changeable message sign.” multi-page message: A message that has more than one page of text/graphics. neutral message: A predefined generic message that is displayed when the sign is not commanded to show time-sensitive information. neutral state: When a sign is blank or displaying a neutral message. non-volatile memory: A generic term for memory that does not lose its content when power is turned off.

See also “changeable memory,” “permanent memory,” and “volatile memory.” normal lamp: See”primary lamp.”

NTCIP: National Transportation Communications for Intelligent Transportation System Protocol object: A data structure used to monitor or control one feature, attribute or controllable aspect of a manageable device. off-axis angle:* The angle from the optical axis of the LED, at which, the luminous intensity is one-half that at the optical center. operator: An individual who needs to interact with the device by either controlling or monitoring its operations. optical center:* The point on an LED or output end of a fiberoptic bundle where luminous intensity is at its maximum. optical fiber: See “fiber optic.” page: The information that can fit on a sign at one time, together with its message attributes. permanent memory: A generic term for memory that cannot be changed without physically replacing hardware components. See “changeable memory,” “non-volatile memory,” and “volatile memory.” permanent messages: A library of stored messages in read-only devices. See also “changeable message” and “volatile messages.” phase: See “page.” photo sensor: A light measuring device used to quantify the ambient light conditions at the sign. photocell: See “photo sensor.” photoelectric cells: See “photo sensor.” physical address: The data link identifier that differentiates a field device in a multi-drop or point-to-point communication circuit to allow the central computer to communicate with a specific field device. See also

“sign address.”

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1-19 pitch: The center-to-center distance between two adjacent pixels that is measured either horizontally or vertically. pixel: The smallest independently controllable visual element of a VMS. pixel service: A generic term for a cyclic maintenance service that exercises mechanical pixels to prevent sticking. The service may or may not be enabled during the display of a particular message. point-to-multi point: A communications architecture that supports communications between a central system and many devices. Also called multi-drop communication. point-to-point: A communications architecture that supports dedicated communications exclusively between two devices. portable maintenance computer: A portable computer running maintenance software. It can communicate with a sign controller, control activation of the sign, and perform diagnostics on the controller. Abbreviated PMC. portable remote computer: A portable computer running as a remote computer. primary lamp: In a two-lamp system, the lamp that is turned on first. primary/secondary: See “master/slave.”

PROM: Programmable Read Only Memory. A semiconductor device, memory chip that can be programmed once with a specific data set via a specialized electronic instrument, PROM programmer.

The data programmed into the chip cannot be altered once it has been programmed. protocol: A specific set of handshaking rules, procedures, and conventions defining the format, sequence, and timing of data transmissions between devices that must be accepted and used to understand each other.

RAM: See “random access memory.” random access memory: Memory that can be independently accessed at any location in a sequential or non-sequential order. Depending on the technology, the content of memory may be lost when power is turned off. Abbreviated RAM. recovery: The action(s) performed by a controller to restore normal operation after an interruption disrupts or terminates the controller’s normal operation. remaining message display time: The amount of time before the message currently being displayed is turned off. remote computer: A computer that can access the central computer from a remote location. remote computer software: The application software that runs on the remote computer enabling it to communicate with the central computer’s software. remote control mode: See “central control mode.” reset: See “controller reset.” resident software: The software located in the controller. See also “firmware.”

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Page 1-20 rotate: (1) To move a shutter to its opposite state (open or closed). (2) To move a drum to the next position. rotational shutters: A type of shutter that spins in one direction on an axis perpendicular to the light blocking device. rotor: The motor/brake drive unit and position sensing switches that rotates to display one face of a drum to the traveler. run-time priority: A numeric value between 1 and 255 that the controller uses to determine the importance of a message, 1 lowest and 255 highest. To activate a new message, the activation priority of the new message must be greater than or equal to the run-time priority of the current message. If the runtime priority of the current message is greater than the activation priority of the new message, the controller rejects activation of the new message. scenario: A preset plan which assigns specific displays or actions to a specific sign or device when a predefined condition is detected. Also known as sequence. schedule: A mechanism by which an operator can define times in the future at which the controller will perform actions. secondary lamp: The lamp that is turned on to replace a failed primary/normal lamp (see “backup lamp”). Also turned on with the primary/normal lamp to create an over-bright illumination of the message. semi-graphic character: A character font that contains graphic shapes that fit within a character matrix. sequence: See “scenario.” shutdown power: A type of power that is often referred to as “last breath power.” The exact number of minutes/seconds associated with this type of power are not defined, but it must be sufficient to allow the device's computer to save the already collected data and to safely boot down. shutter: A non-reflective device that either completely occludes or completely allows light from a light emitting pixel.

NOTE A shutter and a flip disk should not be intermingled or confused. shutter drive module:* An electronic board that supplies the low voltage pulses to move the shutters into their open or closed positions. shutter power supply module:* An electronic board that supplies and monitors power to the shutters. shuttered fiber: A type of DMS display technology using shutters and fiber optic. sign: The sign housing, all of its contents, and all items attached to the sign housing that are used as part of the sign (i.e. photo sensors, contrast shields, static message signing, beacons, etc.). sign access: The approach direction or mechanism used to gain access to the internal components of the sign, i.e. front, rear, walk-in. sign address: A unique value assigned to each device on a communication channel. Used to identify the device for which the data packet is intended. Also called controller address or drop address.

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1-21 sign controller: A device used to control and monitor the operations of a sign. It can have a variety of control interfaces, such as a local control panel, a local portable maintenance computer, or a central computer. The equipment within the controller is not specified by this term. sign erasure: The act of clearing a message from the sign face. sign face: The portion of the sign that is exposed to the environment through or upon which a message is displayed. sign height: The vertical dimension of a sign housing including any borders. sign housing: The enclosure of the sign. sign housing height:* The distance between the bottom and the top of the sign housing. It can be mesured as both an internal and external dimension. sign illuminance:* The illuminance (lux) measured at the face of the sign. sign off:* The state in which the sign is not displaying a message, and all message drivers (lamps, LED drivers, etc.) are turned off. This is different from a display that contains all spaces. sign status:* The feedback data returned from the sign controller that indicates the operational condition of the sign, or the sign’s components. sign subsystem: A primary component of the DMS that can be separately monitored. sign width: The horizontal dimension of a sign housing including any borders. sign writing:* The process of changing a sign from it previous state to displaying a message. simulation control mode:* A controller function, that when activated, does not display any message on the sign, but instead simulates that the message is displayed and reports back to the controlling devices that the message is displayed. While in simulation mode, the sign is blank. spacing:* The blank area between 2 adjacent characters. This is a hardware defined fixed distance in character matrix signs. In a line matrix sign, the horizontal (inter-character) spacing is variable and controlled by the controller software and the pixel spacing of the sign. In a full matrix sign, both horizontal inter-character and vertical inter-line spacing is variable and controlled by the controller software and pixel spacing of the sign. specification: The project-specific detailed requirements for a DMS to be purchased by an agency or a statement by a manufacturer defining the detailed features provided by the DMS. Within this standard,

“specification” often refers to the text contained in the “'Additional Project Requirements” column of the

PRL. start-up state:* Either a blank message, a default message, or the last valid display before the start-up. static display: A message that uses only one page of text. static message panel: See “legend.” status: The current condition of a referenced function or device. stored messages: All messages loaded in a sign controller’s memory.

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Page 1-22 strobe:* A form of beacon. strobe-light: See “strobe.” stroke width: The width or diameter of a pixel. sub-feature: A service that is part of a larger service. supplemental beacon: See “beacon.” temperature sensor: A device used to measure the temperature and report it to another device. temporary memory: A sign controller’s storage area, or memory, that contains a message or message library that can be manipulated while the controller is operating on-line. This feature enables a central computer to download and update a message or message library into the sign controller. text (sign text): The characters used to create a message, without any information on how the characters should be displayed.

TMC: See “traffic management center.”

TOC: See “traffic operations center.” traffic management center: The location of the central computer and equipment which allows operations staff to monitor and manage traffic through roadside field devices (i.e. vehicle detectors, VMS, etc.). Abbreviated TMC. traffic operations center: See “traffic management center.” Abbreviated TOC. traveler: A person who is using the publicly accessible transportation network. upload: To transfer information from the referenced field device to the central computer, or an attached portable computer. validate: To ensure that an item of interest is as intended. For example, to ensure that a graphic has been stored without any errors. variable message sign: A type of DMS, which allows a user to create and download the message to be displayed into the temporary memory area of the sign controller. Abbreviated VMS. ventilation: The process of replacing existing air with new air. Typically done to cool the enclosure (sign housing, controller cabinet). viewing angle: See “cone of vision.” visibility: The ability to view an object. The greatest distance at which the sign can be seen without the aid of any instruments. This term does not reflect legibility.

VMS: See “variable message sign.” volatile memory: A generic term for memory that allows a user to modify the content, however loses its content when power is turned off. See also “changeable memory,” “permanent memory,” and “nonvolatile memory.”

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1-23 volatile messages: A library of messages stored in read-write memory devices that lose their data upon loss of power. See also “changeable messages” and “permanent messages.” watchdog: Circuitry that monitors the controller software and firmware for a stall condition. While the

DMS Controller is powered on, the software polls the watchdog and resets the timing circuitry. If the watchdog circuitry times out without being reset by the software, the watchdog counter is incremented and the controller hardware is reset to clear the potential stall condition.

X by Y character matrix: An array of pixels, X-columns wide by Y-rows high, used to display a single character. The pixels are based on the display technology of the sign, fiber optic, LED, bulb, flip disk, etc.

A single character module having 5 columns and 7 rows of pixels could be called a “5 by 7 character module” or a “5 x 7 character module”

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Section 2

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Section 2 relates to environmental standards and operating conditions for Dynamic Message Sign

Equipment.

This section establishes the limits of the environmental and operational conditions in which the DMS

Equipment will perform.

This section defines the minimum test procedures, which may be used to demonstrate conformance of a device type with the provisions of the standard. These test procedures do not verify equipment performance under every possible combination of environmental requirements covered by this standard.

2.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AND OPERATING STANDARDS

The requirements (voltage, temperature, etc.) of this clause shall apply in any combination.

2.1.1 Definitions of Major Units of the DMS Equipment

For the purposes of this clause, “Major Units” of the DMS Equipment shall include:

1) Sign Controller – consisting of a CPU, power supply and input/output boards, and

2) Display Module as follows: a) For VMS – the hardware containing the minimum number of pixels required to visually display single characters of a test set consisting of the following standard ASCII characters: Upper case A-Z, numerals 0-9. For tests that require an operation to be performed over a period of time, the complete test set shall be repeated in a continuous loop for the duration of the test. b) For Drum Signs, Curtain Signs, and all others, a complete sign must be used.

3) Communications Module – The hardware interface between the CPU and the display, host, or other external communication device (less commercially available modems).

4) Drivers – The hardware necessary to change the state of a pixel (or display).

5) Environmental Sensor and Controls – devices that monitor the local environmental conditions and/or respond with an action or status.

6) Power Supplies – The hardware required to supply electrical power to the Major Units listed above.

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2.1.2

Section

Operating

Frequency

Power

Interruption

Compliance of Major Units

Table 1

COMPLIANCE’S

Major Units

Sign Controller with Power

Supply

Display Module Communication

Module

Drivers Environmental

Sensors &

Controls

Yes No Yes Yes Yes

Yes No No No No

Shock Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

2.1.3 Electrical

2.1.3.1 Voltages

Table 2

OPERATING VOLTAGES

Operating Voltage

120 VAC

240 VAC, single phase

12 VDC

24 VDC

Minimum Voltage

97 VAC

214 VAC

10.5 VDC

21 VDC

Maximum

Voltage

135 VAC

264 VAC

16.5 VDC

28 VDC

For AC power supply, the operating frequency shall be 60-hertz ±3.0 hertz.

2.1.3.3 Power Interruption for AC services

2.1.3.3.1 General AC Power Items

A power interruption is defined as zero volts alternating current (RMS).

Any power interruption of less than 50 milliseconds shall not cause the display to change to an undesirable state.

2.1.3.3.2 Sign Controller Power Interrupts

The Sign Controller Unit shall react to a power interruption as follows:

1) Interruption of more than 50, but less than 450 milliseconds: The Controller shall continue to operate, log the power interruption, and ensure that the display is in a known state.

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2) Interruption of more than 450 milliseconds and less than 500 milliseconds:

1) Shall either continue to operate ((per Section 2.2.3), or

2) Shall revert to its start-up state.

3) Interruption of 500 milliseconds or more: Shall revert to its start-up state.

2.1.3.4 Power interruption for DC Supply service

2.1.3.4.1 General DC Power Items

A power interruption is defined as below minimum voltage as defined in Table 2.

Any power interruption of less than 50 milliseconds shall not cause the display to change to an undesirable state.

2.1.3.4.2 Sign Controller Power Interrupts

The Sign Controller Unit shall react to a power interruption, upon restoration of power, as follows:

1) Interruption of more than 50, but less than 450 milliseconds: The Controller shall continue to operate, log the power interruption, and ensure that the display is in a known state.

2) Interruption of more than 450 milliseconds and less than 500 milliseconds: a) Shall either continue to operate ((per Section 2.2.3), or b) Shall revert to its start-up state.

3) Interruption of 500 milliseconds or more: Shall revert to its start-up state.

2.1.4 Transients

The DMS Equipment shall maintain all defined functions when the independent test pulse levels specified in Table 3 occur on the alternating-current power service.

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Criteria

Amplitude

Peak Power

Energy Source

Repetition

Table 3

TRANSIENT REQUIREMENTS

High-Repetition

Noise (AC Only)

1

300 Volts positive and negative polarity

2500 Watts n/a

1 pulse ~ every other cycle moving uniformly over the full wave in order to sweep 360º of the line cycle every 3 seconds

Low-Repetition

High-Energy (AC

Only)

1

600 Volts ± positive and negative polarity n/a

10 mf ± 10% oil filled capacitor, internal surge impedance less than 1 ohm

1 discharge/10 seconds

Input /Output

Terminals (AC &

DC—including

DC power service)

2

300 Volts positive and negative polarity n/a n/a

1 pulse / second for a minimum of

5 pulses per terminal

Non-destructive

Immunity (AC

Only)

3, 4

1000 Volts ± positive and negative polarity n/a

15 mf ± 10% oil filled capacitor, internal surge impedance less than 1 ohm

Applied to the

DMS Equipment once / 2 seconds for a maximum of

3 application for each polarity

Pulse Width

Pulse Position

Pulse Rise Time

Pulse Source

10 ms n/a

1 ms n/a n/a

Random over 360º of line cycle n/a n/a

10 ms n/a n/a n/a

1 ms

1000 ohms nominal impedance n/a n/a

Notes

1 Test pulses shall not exceed the conditions listed.

2 The DMS Equipment shall maintain all defined functions, when the test pulse occurs on the input/output terminals.

3 The DMS Equipment shall withstand a high energy transient having the characteristics listed applied to the alternating current input terminal and phone lines terminal (no other power connected to terminals) without failure of the test specimen.

4 After testing, the DMS Equipment shall perform all defined founctions upon the application of nominal AC power.

2.1.4.2 Electro-Static Discharge (ESD)

Electromagnetic Immunity: Testing shall be primarily guided by EN 50082. A minimum requirement of acceptability is to meet or exceed light industrial standards.

2.1.4.3 Radio Interference

Electromagnetic Emissions: Testing shall be primarily guided by EN55022. A minimum of Class B emission requirements shall be met.

2.1.5 Temperature and Humidity

The DMS Equipment shall maintain all of its programmed functions when the temperature and humidity ambients are within the specified limits defined below. The manufacturer shall take precautions to insure that the sign does not have a catastrophic failure if it is subjected to temperatures within the storage range specified. Catastrophic failure for purposes of this paragraph shall mean that the sign will not be capable of further operation when the temperature falls back within the specified limits.

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The operating ambient temperature range of Major Units (see 2.1.1) shall be from -34 o

C to +74 o

C. The storage temperature range shall be from -40 o

C to +85 o

C.

The rate of change in ambient temperature shall not exceed 17 humidity shall not exceed 95 percent. o

C per hour, during which the relative

2.1.5.2 Humidity

The relative humidity shall not exceed 95 percent non-condensing over the temperature range of +4.4

o to +43.3

o

C.

Above +43.3

o

C, constant absolute humidity shall be maintained. This will result in the relative humidity as shown in Table 4, below, for dynamic testing.

C

Table 4

WET-BULB, DRY-BULB RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT BAROMETRIC PRESSURE OF 29.92 IN. OF

MERCURY

Dry Relative Wet

Bulb Humidity Bulb o

C Percent o

C

4.4 75 2.8

10.0 80 8.3

15.6 83 13.9

21.1 86 19.4

26.7 87 25.0

32.2 89 30.6

37.8 89 36.1

43.3 90 41.7

48.9 70 42.8

54.4 50 42.8

60.0 38 42.8

65.6 28 42.8

71.1 21 42.8

73.9 18 42.8

2.1.6 Vibration

The Major Units of the DMS Equipment shall maintain its functions and physical integrity when subjected to the vibration testing of Section 2.2.5.

2.1.7 Shock

The Major Units of the DMS Equipment shall suffer neither permanent mechanical deformation nor any damage that renders the unit inoperable, when subjected to shock testing of Section 2.2.6.

2.1.8 Time and Timing

2.1.8.1 Timing Accuracy and Deviation

The DMS Equipment shall maintain all of its programmed functions within the maximum timing deviation herein.

2.1.8.1.1 Display time attributes

Display time attributes may vary by ± 50 ms.

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2.1.8.1.2 Real Time Clock Accuracy

The accuracy of the real time clock calendar shall be 0.1 second per hour drift rate at 20 ° C and shall not exceed 0.66 second per hour drift rate at each temperature extreme listed in Clauses 2.2.4.3 through

2.2.4.7.

2.1.8.1.3 Time Tolerances

The tolerance for any time that is required to be in minutes, hours or days shall be +/- one minute.

2.1.8.2 Settability and Repeatability

The range of timing and setability requirements shall be in accordance with the functional standards given in this publication, Clause 2.2.3.

Determine that the setting of the real time or interval time has been provided in positive discrete increments in accordance with the functional standards given in this publication for the specific test unit.

2.2 DMS EQUIPMENT TESTS

The DMS Equipment shall perform its specified functions under the conditions set forth in this Section.

This clause defines the test procedures required to demonstrate the conformance of DMS Equipment types with the provisions of the standards.

Unless otherwise specified, all tests shall be conducted at room temperature.

In the interest of ensuring safe and reliable operation of the DMS Equipment covered by these standards, the stress levels that the tests encompass are nominal worse case conditions the units’ experience in operation. These tests are intended for type acceptance testing, not production testing. (Authorized

Engineering Information)

2.2.1 Test Facilities (except Vibration and Shock)

All instrumentation required in the test procedures, such as voltmeters, ammeters, thermocouples, pulse timers, etc. shall be selected in accordance with good engineering practices. In all cases where time limit tests are required, the allowance for any instrumentation errors shall be included in the limit test.

2.2.1.1 Variable Voltage Source

A variable source shall be used that is capable of supplying 10 amperes from 89 to 135 volts AC at 60 hz.

An environmental chamber capable of attaining temperatures and relative humidity as given in Section

2.1.5.

Transient generator(s) capable of supplying the transients outlined in Table 3.

The test unit shall consist of all Major Units necessary to operate as a small sign.

The test unit shall be sized accordingly to achieve the proper tests results as called for in the test procedures. Where test unit size becomes prohibitive because of the limitations in test equipment and facilities, the test unit shall be sized appropriately so test results can be extrapolated for worst case scenarios to prove compliance with the test parameters.

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For test units or parts of test units that are subject to loading, which may be in excess of the values realized in the test unit, the device shall be tested at its minimum and maximum loading for each electrical line. These loads may be simulated.

When connected for testing, the test unit must demonstrate the following functions:

1) Cause a test sequence with a visual display on the display module consisting of either: a. For VMS - single characters of a test set consisting of the following standard ASCII characters: upper case A-Z, numerals 0-9. For tests that require an operation to be performed over a period of time, the complete test set shall be cycled for the duration of the test. b. For Drum sign, Curtain Sign, and all others, cycle between a minimum of two messages

2) Demonstrate control of all individual pixel elements for VMS or individual messages for all non-

VMS, DMS.

3) Demonstrate the successful simultaneous operation of communication ports.

4) Demonstrate the operation of brightness control for light emitting signs.

5) Demonstrate the operation of all environmental sensors.

6) Demonstrate the timing of Section 2.1.8.

See Table 5, Test Functions, below for a summary of the test sequence and test functions.

Table 5

TEST FUNCTIONS

(All tests shall be performed sequentially as shown, except Tests J and K, which may be performed at any time.)

Test Section (Test functions shall be performed after the completion of each test section as indicated below.)

Perform 2.2.3 Test

Functions Subclause:

A

B

C

D

E

Placement and hook-up

Transient, Power Service

Low Temperature Low Voltage

Low Temperature High Voltage

High Temperature High Voltage with Humidity

F High Temperature Low Voltage with Humidity

G Test

H Appraisal of Test Unit

2.2.4.1

2.2.4.2

2.2.4.3

2.2.4.4

2.2.4.5

2.2.4.6

2.2.4.8

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

2.2.4 Tests For Transients, Temperature, Voltage, and Humidity

2.2.4.1 Test A: Placement and Hook-Up

1) Place the test unit in the environmental chamber. Connect the test unit to a variable voltage power source, a voltmeter, and a transient generator. The transient generator shall be connected to the power input at a point at least 4.6 meters (15 feet) from the power source and not over 3 meters

(10 feet) from the input to the test unit.

2) Connect test switches to the appropriate terminals to simulate the various features incorporated into the test unit. Place the switches into position for desired operation.

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3) Verify the test hook-up. Adjust the variable-voltage power to the nominal voltage and apply power to the test unit. Verify that the test unit goes through its prescribed start-up sequence and demonstrate the functions listed in Section 2.2.3.

2.2.4.2 Test B: Transient Tests (Power Service)

The test unit must continue its programmed functions during all of the following transient tests.

This test shall be performed at room temperature.

2.2.4.2.1 Transient Test B 1

1) Program the test unit to show a steady message. Verify the input voltage is 120 volts AC.

2) Set the transient generator to provide high-repetition noise transients as follows: a. Amplitude: 300 volts + 5 percent, both positive and negative polarity. b. Peak Power: 2500 watts. c. Repetition Rate: one pulse every other cycle moving uniformly over the full wave in order to sweep once every 3 seconds across 360 degrees of line cycle. d. Pulse Rise Time: 1 microsecond. e. Pulse Width: 10 microseconds.

3) Apply the transient generator output to the AC voltage input for at least 5 minutes. Repeat this test for at least two displayed messages. The test unit must continue to display the message without malfunction.


1) Program the test unit to cycle as described in Section 2.2.3. Turn on the transient generator

(output set in accordance with item 2, immediately above) for 10 minutes, during which time the test unit shall continue to cycle without malfunction.

2) Set a transient generator to provide high-repetition noise transients as follows: a. Amplitude: 300 volts +5 percent, both positive and negative polarity. b. Source Impedance: not less than 1000 ohms nominal impedance. c. Repetition: one pulse per second for a minimum of five pulses per selected terminal. d. Pulse Rise Time: 1 microsecond. e. Pulse Width: 10 microseconds

3) Program the test unit to a steady message. Verify the input voltage is 120 volts AC.

4) Apply the transient generator (output set in accordance with item 5) between logic ground and the connecting cable termination of the selected connector input/output terminals of the test unit.

A representative sampling of selected input/output terminations shall be tested. The test unit shall continue to display a message without malfunction.


1) Program the test unit to cycle. Turn on the transient generator (output in accordance with item 5) and apply its output to the selected connector input/output terminations. The test unit shall continue to cycle without malfunction.

2) Set a transient generator to provide low-repetition high-energy transients as follows: a. Amplitude: 600 volts +5 percent, both positive and negative polarity. b. Energy Discharge Source: capacitor, oil-filled, 10 microfarads. c. Repetition Rate: one discharge every 10 seconds. d. Pulse Position: random across 360 degrees of line cycle.

3) Program the test unit to a steady message. Verify the input voltage is 120 volts AC.

4) Discharge the oil-filled 10-microfarad capacitor ten times for each polarity across the AC voltage input.

5) Repeat this test twice .

The test unit shall continue to display a steady message without malfunction.


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Program the test unit to cycle in a continuous loop. Discharge the capacitor ten times for each polarity while the test unit is cycling, during which time the test unit shall continue to cycle without malfunction.

2.2.4.2.5 Non-destructive Transient Immunity:

1) Turn off the AC power input to the test unit from the variable-voltage power source.

2) Apply the following high-energy transient to the AC voltage input terminals of the test unit (no other power connected to terminals): a. Amplitude: 1000 volts, both positive and negative polarity. b. Peak Power Discharge: capacitor, oil-filled, 15 microfarads. c. Maximum Repetition Rate: applied to the DMS Equipment once every 2 seconds for a maximum of three applications for each polarity.

3) Upon completion of the foregoing, apply 120 volts AC to the test unit and verify that the test unit goes through its prescribed start-up sequence and cycles through a continuous loop in accordance with the programmed functions. The first operation of the over-current protective device during this test shall not be considered a failure of the test unit.

NOTE—For Tests C through G, follow the profile indicated in Figure 2-1 to demonstrate the ability of the test unit to function reliably under stated conditions of temperature, voltage, and humidity.

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80

74

60

40

20 21

(Ambient)

SEE NOTES

1 & 2

SEE NOTES

1 & 3

0

-20

-34

-40

A+B C D E F G

Figure 2-1

Test Profile

NOTES:

1. The rate of change in temperature shall not exceed 17 o

C per hour.

2. Humidity controls shall be set in conformance with the humidity as given in Section 2.1.5.2 during the temperature change between Test D and Test E.

3. If a change in both voltage and temperature are required for the next test, the voltage shall be selected prior to the temperature change.

2.2.4.3 Test C: Low-Temperature Low-Voltage Tests

2.2.4.3.1 Definition of Test Conditions

1) Environmental Chamber Door: closed.

2) Temperature: -34 o C.

Voltage.

4) Humidity Control: Off

2.2.4.3.2 Test Procedure:

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While at room temperature, adjust the input voltage to low voltage AC and verify that the test unit is still operable.

1) With the test unit cycling, lower the test chamber to -34 o

C at a rate not exceeding 17 o

Allow the test unit to cycle for a minimum of 5 hours at -34 o position. Then demonstrate the functions in Clause 2.2.3.

C per hour.

C with the humidity controls in the off

2) Power shall then be removed from the test unit for a minimum period of 5 hours. Upon restoration of power, the test unit shall go through its prescribed start-up sequence and then resume cycling.

3) With the test unit at -34 o a. Power Interruption Tests b. Timing Accuracy Tests c. Repeatability

C and the input voltage at 97 volts AC, the following items shall be evaluated against their respective standards:

Demonstrate the functions listed in Clause 2.2.3, and upon satisfactory completion of this test, proceed with test D.

2.2.4.4 Test D: Low-Temperature High-Voltage Tests

For the cold temperature limits, the concept is to test the equipment with whatever auxiliary environmental controls are used by the manufacturer during normal operations, such as heaters working in proportion to the size of the test unit.



2) Low Temperature: -34 o

C.

3) High Voltage: 135 volts AC.

4) Humidity Controls: off.


While at -34 o

C (-30 o

F) and with humidity controls off, adjust the input voltage to 135 volts AC and allow the test unit to cycle for 1 hour. Then, operate the test switches as necessary to determine that all functions are operable.

With the test unit at -34 o

C (-30 o

F) and the input voltage at 135 volts AC (humidity controls off), the following items shall be evaluated against their respective standards:

1) Power Interruption Tests

2) Timing Accuracy Tests

3) Repeatability

Demonstrate the functions listed in Clause 2.2.3, and upon satisfactory completion of this test, proceed to

Test E.

2.2.4.5 Test E: High-Temperature High-Voltage Tests



2) High Temperature: 74 o

C.

3) High Voltage: 135 volts AC.

4) Humidity Controls: in accordance with the humidity as given in Section 2.1.5.2.

5) For upper limit temperature tests, the tests are intended to be conducted without any auxiliary environmental controls, such as fans and coolers, so that the actual temperature at the component is the required temperature.

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2.2.4.5.2 Test Procedure

1) With the test unit cycling, raise the test chamber to +74 o

C at a rate not to exceed 17 o

C per hour.

Verify the input voltage is 135 volts AC.

2) Set the humidity controls to not exceed 95 percent relative humidity over the temperature range of

4.4

o

C to 43.3

o

C. When the temperature reaches 43 o constant absolute humidity; 43 o

C, readjust the humidity control to maintain

C wet bulb, which results in the relative humidity as shown in

Table 2-1. Verify that the test unit continues to cycle satisfactorily during the period of temperature increase and at established levels of relative humidity.

3) Allow the test unit to cycle for a minimum of 15 hours at 74 o C and 18 percent relative humidity.

Then, operate the test switches as necessary to determine that all functions are operable.

4) With the test unit at 74 o

C and 18 percent relative humidity and the input voltage at 135 volts AC, the following items shall be evaluated against their respective standards: a. Power Interruption Tests b. Timing Accuracy Tests c. Repeatability


Test F.

2.2.4.6 Test F: High-Temperature Low-Voltage Tests



2) High Temperature: 74 o

C.

3) Low Voltage: 97 volts AC.

4) Humidity Controls: 18 percent relative humidity and 43 o

C wet bulb.


Adjust the input voltage to 97 volts AC and proceed to operate the test switches to determine that all functions are operable. With the test unit at 74 o C and 18 percent relative humidity, 43 o C wet bulb, and the input voltage at 97 volts AC, the following items shall be evaluated against their respective standards:

1) Power Interruption Tests

2) Timing Accuracy Tests

3) Repeatability


Test G.

2.2.4.7 Test G: Test Termination

1) Program the test unit to cycle through all functions.

2) Adjust the input voltage to 120 volts AC.

3) Set the controls on the environmental chamber to return to room temperature, 15 o C to 27 o C, with the humidity controls in the off position. The rate of temperature change shall not exceed 17 o C per hour.

4) Verify the test unit continues to cycle correctly.

5) Allow the test unit to stabilize at room temperature for 1 hour. Proceed to operate the test switches to determine that all functions are operable.

2.2.4.8 Test H: Appraisal Of Test Unit

1) A failure shall be defined as an interruption or stoppage of the required test sequence. If a failure occurs, the test unit shall be repaired, and the failed test shall be restarted from its beginning.

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2.2.5

2) An analysis of the failure shall be performed and corrective action taken before the test unit is retested in accordance with this standard. The analysis must outline what action was taken to preclude additional failures during the tests.

3) When the number of failures during test B through G exceeds two, it shall be considered that the test unit fails to meet these standards. The test unit may be completely re-tested after analysis of the failure and necessary repairs have been made in accordance with item 2, immediately above.

4) Upon completion of the tests, the test unit shall be visually inspected. If material changes are observed, which will adversely affect the life of the test unit, the cause and conditions shall be corrected before making further tests.

Test J: Vibration Test

The test unit shall be fastened securely to the vibration test table prior to the start of the test.

2.2.5.1 Test Equipment Requirements

1) Vibration table with adequate table surface area to permit placement of the test unit.

2) Vibration test shall consist of:

3) Vibration in each of three mutually perpendicular planes. a) Adjustment of frequency of vibration over the range of 5 to 30 Hertz. b) Adjustment of test table excursion (double amplitude displacement) to maintain a “g” value, measured at the test table, of 0.5 g; as determined by the following formula: g = 0.0511 df2

Where: d = excursion in inches f = frequency in Hertz

1) With the test unit securely fastened to the test table, set the test table for a double amplitude displacement of 0.015 inch.

2) Cycle the test table over a search range form 5 to 30 Hertz and back within a period of 12-1/2 minutes.

3) Conduct the resonant sinusoidal frequency search in each of the three mutually perpendicular planes.

4) Note and record the resonant frequency determined form each plane. a) In the event of more than one resonant frequency in a given plane, record the most severe resonance. b) If resonant frequencies appear equally severe, record each resonant frequency. c) If no resonant frequency occurs for a given plane within the prescribed range, 30 Hz shall be recorded.

1) Vibrate the test unit in each plane at its resonant sinusoidal frequency for a period of 1 hour at an amplitude resulting in 0.5 g acceleration.

2) When more than one resonant frequency has been recorded in accordance with Clause 2.2.5.2

4), the test period of 1 hour shall be divided equally between the resonant frequencies.

3) The total time of the endurance test shall be limited to 3 hours, 1 hour in each of three mutually perpendicular planes.

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2.2.5.4 Disposition of Equipment Under Test

2.2.6

1) The test unit shall be examined to determine that no physical damage has resulted from the vibration tests.

2) The test unit shall be checked to determine that it is functionally operable in all modes of its prescribed operation.

3) The test unit may be removed or remain on the test table and shock testing can be performed in this axis before proceeding to the next axis.. Upon satisfactory completion of the vibration test, proceed with the shock (impact) test des

Test K: Shock (Impact) Test

It is to be noted that the test unit is not, at this time, in its shipping carton.

The test unit shall be firmly fastened to the specimen table. In each of its three planes, the test unit shall be dropped from a calibrated height to result in a shock force of 10 g.

2.2.6.1 Test Equipment Requirements

1) The test table shall have a surface area sufficient to accommodate the test unit.

2) The test table shall be calibrated and the items tested indicated. This shock test defines the test shock to be 10 g ± 1 g. a) Calibration of the test equipment for these shock tests shall be measured by three accelerometers having fixed shock settings of 9 g, 10 g, and 11 g. They shall be Inertia

Switch Incorporated SR-335, or the equivalent. These devices shall be rigidly attached to the test table. b) Calibration of the fixture for each item to be tested shall be as follows:

1. Place a dummy load weighing within 10 percent of the test unit on the table.

2. Reset the three accelerometers and drop the test table from a measured height.

3. Observe that the accelerometers indicate the following: a) The 9 g accelerometer shall be activated. b) The 10 g unit may or may not be actuated. c) The 11 g unit shall not be actuated. c) Repeat calibration test (a) and (b) adjusting the height of the drop until, on tes successive drops, the following occurs:

1. The 9 g unit is actuated ten times.

2. The 10 g unit is actuated between four to eight times.

3. The 11 g unit is not actuated on any of the ten drops.

2.2.6.2 Test Procedure

1) The calibration height of the drop for the particular item under test as determined in 2.2.6.1 shall be used in this procedure.

2) Secure the test unit to the test table surface so that the test unit rests on one of its three mutually perpendicular planes.

3) Raise the test table to the calibrated height.

4) Release the test table from the calibrated height, allowing a free fall into the box of energy absorbing material below.

5) Repeat the drop test for each of the remaining two mutually perpendicular planes, using the same calibrated height for each drop test of the same test unit.

6) The observations of the accelerometer for the three tests of the test item shall be: d) The 9 g unit is actuated for all three tests. (Repeat the calibration if the unit is not actuated. e) The 10 g unit may or may not be actuated in these tests. f) The 11 g unit is not actuated on any drop. (If the unit is actuated, repeat the calibration only if the test unit suffers damage.)

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2.2.6.3 Disposition of Test Unit

1) Check the test unit for any physical damage resulting form the drop tests.

2) Check the test unit to determine that it demonstrates the functions listed in Clause 2.2.3.

3) Satisfactory completion of all environmental tests, including the shock (impact) test is required.

2.2.7 Test L: Power Interrupt Tests

Power interrupt tests shall be performed for each nominal voltage level as applicable.

2.2.7.1 120 VAC Power Interruption Tests

The following power interruption tests shall be conducted at low input voltage (97 volts AC) and high input voltage (135 volts AC) over the temperature range described in Clause 2.1.5.1.

2.2.7.1.1 50 Millisecond Power Interruption

While the test unit is cycling in a continuous loop, remove the input voltage for a period of 50 milliseconds.

Upon restoration of the input voltage, check to insure that the test unit continues normal operation as though no power interruption has occurred. Repeat this test three times.


While the test unit is cycling in a continuous loop, remove the input voltage for a period of 450 milliseconds. Upon restoration of the input voltage, check to insure that the test unit either continues normal operation as though no power interruption has occurred, or that it reverts to its start-up state.

Repeat this test three times.


While the test unit is cycling, remove the input voltage for a period of 500 milliseconds. Upon restoration of the input voltage, check to insure that the test unit reverts to its start-up sequence. Repeat this test three times.

2.2.7.2 240 VAC Power Interruption Tests

The following power interruption tests shall be conducted at low input voltage (214 volts AC) and high input voltage (264 volts AC) over the temperature range described in Section 2.1.5.









2.2.7.3 12 VDC Power Interruption Tests

The following power interruption tests shall be conducted at low input voltage (10.5 volts DC) and high input voltage (16 volts DC) over the temperature range described in Section 2.1.5.).

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2.2.7.4 24 VDC Power Interruption Tests

The following power interruption tests shall be conducted at low input voltage (21 volts DC) and high input voltage (28 volts DC) over the temperature range described in Section 2.1.5.









2.2.8 Test M: Timing Accuracy Tests

2.2.8.1 Standard Time Clock

One or more timing devices shall be designated as the Standard Time Clocks for purposes of these tests.

Each STC used for testing shall be digital and shall be certified by its manufacturer as having a timing accuracy of a least fifteen (15) seconds per month. The range of timing for an STC shall depend on the test performed. At least one of the STCs shall be settable and readable to one millisecond.

The lowest and highest settings for any parameter requiring timing must meet or exceed the functional standards given elsewhere in this standard.

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2.2.8.3 Settability

Each timed parameter must be settable to the smallest discrete division of time required for that parameter in accordance with the functional standards given in this publication.

Display time settability shall be tested with three different displays for three different display times (nine tests). For each tested time, a display shall be posted and the duration of the display shall be measured with the STC and compared to the intended duration. The measured duration shall be within ± one half of the smallest discrete division of time required in the paragraph immediately above.

2.2.8.4 Repeatability

At all stabilized temperatures specified in Section 2, each timing parameter’s duration shall be timed with an STC for ten consecutive cycles at one setting. Any timed parameter with a deviation greater than 100 milliseconds from its set value shall be considered a failure.

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Section 3

SIGN MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION

3.1 GENERAL

This section is divided into two major parts to address the major types of DMS sign housings in terms of their mechanical construction and application. These types are Fixed-Location DMS, and Portable DMS.

All DMS housings shall provide protection for and access to items such as display devices, and other internal DMS components. DMS housings shall be constructed to present a clean, neat appearance to the traveling public.

The DMS Equipment shall be modular in design so that it is not necessary for a technician to remove or replace discrete components in the field in order to analyze and/or correct a failure.

The DMS housing, the construction of the housing, the housing’s attachment to its support structure (or trailer), and the structure (or trailer) that supports the DMS sign housing should all be considered as one integral structural system. A professional engineer should check all structural details of this system.

Authorized Engineering Information.

3.1.1.1 Water and dust resistance

The DMS housing, including its front face panels, shall be a NEMA type 3R , as described in the latest edition of NEMA Standards Publication 250.

3.1.1.2 Access panel and doorway Gaskets

Access panels and doorways shall be designed so they do not stick.

3.1.1.3 Vents and Filters

Vents shall be louvered and screened with materials sufficient to keep insects from entering. If filters are used that are specific to airflow direction, the airflow direction shall be clearly labeled for maintenance.

Space shall be provided for manuals to be stored in a weatherproof environment.

3.1.2.1 Ventilation Considerations for Housings that may be Entered

A forced air fan system must be included to refresh the air of the interior of any walk-in housing for the comfort and safety of maintenance personnel. Vents shall be provided to exchange air with the outside.

All intake and exhaust vents shall meet NEMA 3R requirements with or without power to the air venting arrangement. All vents shall be furnished with a screen to prevent insects from entering the DMS housing.

A manual override timer-switch shall be provided to manually activate the air venting system. The timerswitch shall have an adjustable minimum time range of one hour and shall turn off the fans when time expires. The timer-switch shall be located within reach of the DMS entrance door. All fans shall be maintenance free.

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If a thermostat is used, it shall have a minimum adjustable range between 77°F (25°C) to 122°F (50°C).

3.1.2.2 Temperature Considerations for Continued Sign Operation

The manufacturer shall take the proper precautions to insure continued operation of the sign within the temperature range specified in Section 2.1.5.1.

If fans are required for continued sign operation, the fans shall be either thermostatically controlled or controlled by the DMS Controller.

If temperature monitoring is required for continued sign operation, the sensors shall be located at those points that are most critical to the operation.

3.1.3 Sign Face

3.1.3.1 Sign face material

Front face material shall not preclude ongoing conformity to Section 5 for the life of the sign due to deformation by outside forces, such as wind or exposure to the sun. Accelerated testing and extrapolation by the manufacturer shall be an acceptable certification to show conformity to this Section.

3.1.3.2 Sign Face Condensation

For signs intended for areas where frost or condensation is a significant problem, a system shall be employed to control the condensation of moisture and/ or the accumulation of frost in front of the pixels to maintain the legibility of the display.

Corrosion protection shall be provided between dissimilar metals known to produce detrimental galvanic action. Non-corrosive materials should be used where possible.

The DMS housing shall be constructed in such a manner as to prohibit stray light from reducing legibility.

This stray light includes stray light viewed from the roadway surface, but is not limited to:

1) Light leaks from the interior of the DMS housing, including any leaks caused by interior service lights,

2) Reflective (non-pixel) surfaces that may be seen from the message side of the DMS, and,

3) Light leaks from behind the sign that may be seen through the front of the sign, due to parts not mating correctly.

To minimize the effects from ambient or background light and to maximize contrast ratio, a contrast border shall be used to surround the message portion of a sign. If a separate shield is used to create this area, it must be securely fastened to the sign housing and be able to withstand the wind loadings required below. The attachment of any shield to the sign housing shall mate so that no light leaks occur.

3.2 FIXED-LOCATION DYNAMIC MESSAGE SIGNS

This section defines mechanical standards for fixed-location Dynamic Message Signs, where the DMS is intended to remain. These include DMS mounted over a roadway, or DMS mounted on the side of a roadway. Typical mounting configurations for the DMS include several types of permanent supports:

1) Sign bridges that span across an entire roadway, whose main purpose is to support signing.

The sign attaches to the face of the support structure.

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2) “Tee” shaped pedestals, or butterflies, which are typically placed alongside the roadway, or in a median between roadways, with one or more signs mounted on top of the structure.

3) Cantilevers, which include a pole, and at least one mast arm that extends over the roadway, with the signs attached to the face of the support structure, and,

4) Direct attachments to the front of roadway bridge structures whose main purpose is not to support the DMS, but to carry vehicular, pedestrian or rail traffic.

For all overhead, fixed-location signs, the end user should consider the maintenance implications in the structural design by requiring catwalks to the signs, so there is a minimal impact, or need, for roadway lane closures to service the signs. Authorized Engineering Information.

Fixed-Location DMS are classified according to the type of access that is provided to the internal components of the DMS housing. The three types defined in this document include the front access type, the rear access type and the walk-in access type.

The DMS housing shall comply with the latest requirements of AASHTO’s Standard Specifications for

Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries and Traffic Signals .

3.2.1.1 Loadings

As a minimum, the DMS housing, structural frame, face covering, and mounting members shall be designed to withstand environmental loadings as specified in AASHTO, Standard Specifications for

Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires, and Traffic Signals, Clauses 3.8.5 and 3.8.6

.

Any deformation of the sign shall occur entirely in the lelastic range for all loadings up to and including the maximum wind load, so that once the loading is released, the sign shall completely revert to its original non-deformed state. In no case shall any required loading cause the sign to permanently cease working.

The design of the sign housing weighing more than seventy-five pounds shall incorporate lifting eyes for safely transporting and installing the DMS without damage or permanent deformation to the sign housing.

Lifting eyes are not required to be a permanent part of the sign housing.

The design of the housing shall include attachments or means to securely store the sign before it is mounted in its permanent location. These attachments may be removable from the DMS housing once the DMS is installed in its permanent location.

DMS housings constructed with aluminum shall have the following requirements.

3.2.2.1 Alloys and Structural Members

Alloys shall be in accordance with SAE/ASTM. Housing structural frame members (I-beams, C-channels,

Z-extrusions, and bar stock, etc.) shall be aluminum alloy suitable for the application. Exterior DMS surfaces, excluding front face module panels and/or module pixel masking, shall be covered with corrosion resistant aluminum sheeting, and with a minimum thickness of 0.100 inches. Exterior sheet seams shall be continuously welded or shall be otherwise properly gasketed and securely fastened.

3.2.2.2 Exterior Housing Finish

The top, bottom and sides of the DMS housing shall have a maintenance-free finish. Solar loading should be considered for selection of any exterior color.

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All non-transparent surfaces outside the viewing cones of pixels on the DMS front side shall be colored black to increase contrast ratio.

3.2.3 Housings Made of Other Materials

The use of other materials is not precluded by this standard.

3.2.4 Front and Rear Access Dms

The DMS housing and its components shall be designed and constructed so that sign components are accessible from either the front or rear. Any access panels shall be limited in size so they may be opened or closed by one person and shall be gasketed and sealed to prevent the elements from entering.

Access panels shall be attached to the DMS housing with stainless steel or aluminum hinges and hardware, and shall include locks to prevent unauthorized access.

Access panels shall open easily and be supported in their open position by multiple self-locking retaining devices. Means shall be designed to thoroughly support the access panel assembly in the open position in a 30-mph wind. Support systems shall be designed and configured such that one maintenance person can safely and easily open and close the access panel assembly.

In the closed position, access panels shall be securely clamped by captive locking devices, which are attached to the DMS housing wall using stainless steel or aluminum hardware..

The access panel assembly and all associated hardware shall be captive, so they cannot fall onto the roadway.

In the event that the pixel module is the access door, it may also be a point of internal access to internal components, therefore paragraphs two and three above become optional or non-applicable.

3.2.5 Front Access DMS

The DMS housing and its components shall be designed and constructed so that maintenance is performed through access panels located on the front of the DMS, without the removal of any parts.

3.2.6 Rear Access Dms

The DMS housing and its components shall be designed and constructed so that maintenance is performed through access panels located on the rear of the DMS.

The opening of a rear access door must be designed to allow immediate access to the internal electronic components and light sources without having to remove any item in the sign.

3.2.7 Walk-In Access Dms

The walk-in DMS housing, and its components, shall be designed and constructed so that maintenance is performed from within the housing.

Access to the housing shall be through a minimum of one doorway. Access to DMS housing structural members shall be excluded from this requirement.

Walkways and/or step-over thresholds shall be marked in accordance to OSHA regulations.

Doors shall open outward. DMS housing doors shall be a rain and dust-tight and shall have minimum opening dimensions of 6 feet high by 2 feet wide. DMS housing doors shall contain a stop mechanism to retain the door in a fully open position (at least 90°). When opened, the door shall not permanently deform in a 40 mph wind gust. DMS housing doors shall be furnished with a three point, draw roller, latching

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3-5 system with a door lock keyed to a tumbler lock to prevent unauthorized entry. The door latching/locking mechanism shall include exterior and interior handles, so that a person with no key and no tools cannot become trapped inside the housing.

AEI - Access doors should have a catwalk and safety railing provided by others. Both the catwalk and railing should fully extend to the access point of the DMS housing to provide safe continuous access to the

DMS, and adequate clearance to open the door.

A door switch shall be used to provide an input to the DMS Controller that will store the state of the door

(open or closed) and the time whenever the state changes. This information shall be transmitted to the

CC or PMC upon request.

The DMS housing shall provide a level, minimum unobstructed interior walkway width of 24 inches .

The housing shall provide 72 inches of clear space from the floor to the lowest overhead obstruction.

Structural members shall be designed and positioned so they do not hinder free movement of maintenance technicians throughout the DMS housing interior.

The walkway's top surface shall be covered with a slip-resistant surface, and shall be fire resistant.

The interior walkway shall be capable of supporting a distributed load of 50 pounds per square foot, with a total load not to exceed 1000 pounds within any one 10-foot section of the walkway. The yield strength of the sign floor material shall not be exceeded by a load of 300 pounds on any one square foot of the walkway.

The floor shall be designed to prevent tools and parts from being lost below. If it is possible to have materials or tools fall under the floor then the floor must be either hinged or removable in sections, which may be easily handled by one person. The floor shall not prevent the maintenance of any drainage systems.

Sign housing floors shall be designed for draining water that accumulates due to condensation. Drains shall be fabricated in a manner that prevents the entrance of insects .

3.2.7.3 NIGHTTIME SERVICE LIGHTING

The DMS housing shall contain at least one (1) 60 watt fluorescent light, 150 watt incandescent light, or equivalent for every 8 ft of housing length to provide light at floor level for nighttime maintenance purposes. Light assemblies shall be covered with a protective wire cage and shall be rated for operation at 0 degrees F. The light circuit shall be controlled by a manual timer switch having an adjustable ON time. The maximum ON time shall be at least two (2) hours. This switch shall be located just inside any door.

Service Lighting shall work within the same temperature ranges as the sign.

3.2.8 Convenience OUTLETS - All Housings

For VMS housings that solely have DC power, no AC electrical outlet shall be required.

For VMS housings that have AC power to the housing:

VMS housings greater than ten linear feet shall include a minimum of one (1) 15 amp, GFCI, 120 VAC duplex electrical outlet for every ten linear feet of VMS housing width. For housings that contain two outlets, one duplex outlet shall be located near each end of the VMS housing. Housings that contain three outlets shall have their third outlet located at the center of the VMS housing length. Access to outlets shall not require the removal of any internal VMS components.

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Each GFCI shall be resettable from inside the housing.

The electrical convenience outlets shall utilize separate breakers from the display electronics.

This section defines basic construction standards for portable dynamic message signs (PDMS). This includes but is not limited to trailer mounted signs, vehicle mounted signs and portable frame mounted signs. Except as noted within this Section, Portable DMS shall meet the applicable Sections of this

Standard.

All trailers shall meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Part 571 and SAE J684,

“Trailer Couplings Hitches and Safety Chains – Automotive Type”. This includes, but is not limited to the use of brakes, safety chains, coupling device, and lights. Manufacturer shall provide instructions stating procedures necessary to insure safe transport.

3.3.2.1 Loading

3.3.2.1.1 GVW Load

The structural frame shall be capable of supporting the gross vehicle weight (GVW) load of the trailer corresponding to the axle and tire ratings which shall be in accordance with the Federal Motor Vehicle

Safety Standards (FMVSS), Part 571.

3.3.2.1.2 Wind Load

Wind load calculations shall be in accordance with the latest version of the AASHTO publication,

“Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaires and Traffic Signals”.

3.3.2.1.2.1 Maximum Destructive Loadings

As a minimum, the DMS housing, structural frame, face covering, and mounting members shall be designed to withstand the loadings immediately below.

1) A 3 second wind gust speed of 100 mph, which is directed normal to the housing’s front or rear wall.

2) A front face ice load of 3 pounds per square foot applied to the surface per the AASHTO document referenced above.

Any deformation of the sign shall occur entirely in the elastic range for all loadings up to and including the maximum wind load, so that once the loading is released, the sign shall completely revert to its original non-deformed state. In no case shall any required loading cause the sign to permanently cease working.

During the application of the load at its maximum amount, it is permissible for the sign to temporarily cease operation.

For purposes of calculations, it shall be assumed that the sign is fully deployed and secured against lateral motion at the leveling jacks for trailer mounted signs and at the attachment points for other portable signs.

3.3.2.1.2.2 Maximum Overturning Loadings

The portable sign system shall not overturn or change orientation when it is either fully deployed and raised (sign face parallel to axle) or in the transport position (sign face perpendicular to axle). Calculations of the overturning forces shall be based on a 3 second wind gust speed of 72 mph, directed normal to the housing’s front face or rear wall.

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3.3.2.2 Welding

All welding on major structural steel components shall meet joint SAE/AWS D8.8

“Specification for

Automotive and Light Truck components weld quality – arc welding” standards.

3.3.3.1 Sign

3.3.3.1.1 Sign Lift and Support

The bottom of the sign shall be a minimum of 7 feet above the roadway when deployed.

Sign lift mechanism and framework shall be rated for the lift-load of the sign. A support means shall be provided to insure the sign will remain in its raised position in case of a lift mechanism failure.

3.3.3.1.2 Sign Positioning

A means shall be provided for positioning of the sign a full 360 ° for viewing purposes.

If a sign is capable of positioning independent of the trailer, means shall be provided to rotate the sign a full 360 ° and prevent the sign from further rotation once it is aimed. Rotation of the sign must be prevented during windy conditions while raising and lowering the sign.

3.3.3.2 Axles and tires

Axle(s and tires shall be rated for highway conditions with speeds up to 65 MPH and shall be rated for the load of the trailer in accordance withthe Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), Part 571.

Ground clearance shall be a minimum of 10 inches.

3.3.3.3 Fenders

All trailers shall incorporate fenders rated for 250 pounds total walk-on load.

3.3.3.4 Leveling

All trailers shall have leveling devices to maintain a level display over a minimum 6:1 slope in the lateral directions.

3.3.3.5 Tongue & Coupler

All trailers shall provide a coupling device rated for the load of the trailer in accordance with SAE J684,

“Trailer Couplings Hitches And Safety Chains – Automotive Type”.

If pintle couplers are required, they shall meet SAE J847.

Designated step and walk-on surfaces shall be designed to prevent slipping.

3.3.3.7 Sign Maintenance Access

The following sign components shall be accessible for servicing from the ground or a walk-on surface: sign lift control, any AC line power connect points, main sign DC power control(s), main sign DC power disconnects, main auxiliary DC power charging disconnect, sign controller, and batteries.

3.3.3.8 Operator Light

Illumination shall be provided as an integral part of the sign or trailer assembly to change the sign controller data in darkness.

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3.3.4 Corrosion Protection and Finishes

Protective coatings or processes, such as anodizing, e-coating, powder coat painting, plating, etc., shall be incorporated to protect metal surfaces from corrosion. Any non-protected metallic fasteners shall be made of stainless steel or aluminum. All components shall be of similar material, or be isolated to reduce galvanic reactions.

3.3.5 Power Sources

3.3.5.1 Photovoltaic (PV) Panels

All photovoltaic panels used on trailers shall be UL, or equivalent, rated.

3.3.5.2 Batteries

All batteries used for primary energy storage on trailers shall be deep-cycle type with a minimum rating of

600 charge-discharge cycles. Battery enclosures shall be vented to prevent the accumulation of explosive gases.

Trailer applications using a 110 VAC charging or power supply system shall meet the NEC requirements for portable equipment.

This system shall recharge the batteries from 20% state-of-charge to full charge within 24 hours.

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Section 4

CONTROLLER TO SIGN INTERFACE

4.1 INTERFACE WITH SIGN HOUSING

The DMS Sign, the DMS Controller and any cabling between the sign and controller shall be considered as one closed system. This includes systems where the DMS controller is located within the sign cabinet, or when the DMS controller is mounted on site, but in a different cabinet. The communication protocol and any command sets needed between the controller and the sign shall be dictated by the manufacturer.

These protocols and command sets shall be independent of any communication protocol and command set used by the controller to communicate to any device outside of this closed system.

4.2 WIRING

All wiring shall be in accordance with Section 8.2.12, except that non-sheathed ribbon cables shall not be allowed between a DMS Cabinet and DMS Sign.

Splices shall not be allowed in the wiring run between the sign and the controller.

Wire entrances to sign housings and DMS Cabinets shall maintain water and dust resistance integrity as listed in Clause 3.1.1.1.

4.4 PIXEL CONTROL WIRING

The number and ampacity of pixel control conductors, and the number and size of conduits necessary to protect the conductors between the DMS Controller Unit and the DMS Sign shall be designed in accordance with the:

1) Location of the power supplies, and

2) The location of the DMS Controller microprocessor with respect to the Shutter Driver Modules,

Lamp Driver Modules and/or LED Driver Modules.

4.4.1 Power Supply Locations

Power conductor sizes shall be designed to account for voltage drops, thus allowing the load device to obtain proper voltages over all normal operation current ranges.

4.4.1.1 Permanent Installation AC or DC Power Supplies in Cabinet other than DMS Cabinet

All AC power distribution must meet current National Electrical Code requirements. AC power sources shall be fed from a source that employs a service disconnect or circuit breaker.

4.4.1.2 Permanent Installation AC or DC Power Supplies in DMS Cabinet

All AC power distribution must meet the current National Electrical Code requirements. AC power sources shall be fed from a source that employs a service disconnect or circuit breaker.

4.4.1.3 Portable Solar/Battery Powered Signs

All battery powered devices shall employ a battery power disconnect method, and circuit breaking device device such as a fuse or circuit breaker.

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4.4.1.4 Battery Chargers for Solar/Battery Powered Signs

Battery chargers shall be UL or CSA listed and wired in compliance with National Electrical Code requirements.

4.4.2 DMS Controller and Driver Module Locations

The wiring scheme used between the DMS Sign Controller and the DMS Sign shall be based on the location of the DMS Controller’s microprocessor with respect to the Shutter Driver Modules, the Lamp

Driver Modules, and/or the LED Driver Modules.

4.4.2.1 DMS Sign Controller in DMS Sign

The wiring between the DMS Controller and DMS Sign shall be treated as internal wiring, only, and shall be in accordance with Section 8.2.12

If an auxiliary microprocessor is used to remotely monitor the sign from an auxiliary cabinet outside the sign (at ground level for example), the wiring between the DMS Controller and the auxiliary controller shall be in accordance with 4.4.2.2 below,

4.4.2.2 DMS Sign Controller Separate from DMS Sign Cabinet

Any data cabling between cabinets shall employ appropriate cable for the communications medium to control any pixel drivers in the DMS sign enclosure.

In the case where the pixel drivers (shutter drivers or lamp drivers) are located within the DMS controller, the associated wiring shall be point-to-point, hard-wired, and shall not support a communication medium.

.

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Section 5

DISPLAY PROPERTIES

5.1 GENERAL

5.1.1 Development Sources

The authors of this document would like to acknowledge their review of the European Draft Standard prEN

12966, 2 nd

prEN enquiry dated November 16, 2001, UK Highway Agency Standard TR-2136, issue C,

March 2002 and USDOT 23 CFR Part 655 Subpart F, Final Rule, July 2002. The final requirements of this section were based on current best American practices and technologies augmented by the European works mentioned above. These present day values were deemed adequate for the initial deployment of this standard. Further research outside the scope of this document is necessary to validate variation in technologies and the resultant photometric and colormetric values. In addition, because empirical data was used for a long time with good results, some of that data and the concepts used in the referenced documents were included below. Users should note that the ranges of values given for the various technologies in the tables of this Section may allow for a considerable range in product performance.

The requirements for the Display Properties of DMS outlined in this standard are based on commercial technologies that have been generally accepted as adequate for displaying messages to travelers. This standard describes a set of minimum functional performance properties for each DMS technology.

However, conformance to these minimum requirements does not necessarily insure adequate sign performance in all installations or applications. The choice of DMS technology for a given installation or application must be determined by the user.

5.1.2 Legibility Versus Visibility

AEI - Legibility is the ability to discern the content of a display, while Visibility is the ability to recognize that a display exists. The elements that influence legibility of a sign are: contrast ratio of the display, luminance level, the color of the display, the viewing angle of the display, and the uniformity. Character height and legibility distance are proportionally related.

5.1.3 Photometric and Colormetric Requirements

The intent of this standard is to define the minimum functional performance characteristics required for an effective DMS on the road. The objective is to define performance standards that are independent of display technology. However, the correlation between the photometric properties of differing technologies and their on-road effectiveness has not been sufficiently established at this time to support technology independent DMS performance standards. This standard addresses the three major categories of DMS display technology available: Light Emitting (Shuttered Fiberoptic, LED); Reflective (Diffuse,

Retroreflective); and Hybrid (Reflective and Fiberoptic, Reflective and LED). Minimum functional performance properties are provided for each technology.

The measurement of contrast ratio takes into consideration the degree of ambient illumination and the degree of pixel illumination. Contrast ratio shall be calculated based on luminance measured at the front of the sign with all components such as front faces or doors, or contrast shields in place.

= (L on

-L off

)/ L off

, where Contrast ratio shall be calculated as C r

C r

= Contrast Ratio

L on

= measured luminance from the display with the pixels active, at the specified sign illuminance.

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L off

= measured luminance from the display with the pixels inactive, at the specified sign illuminance.

Based on the above formula, the sign shall meet the minimum contrast ratio requirements of Tables 5.2 for any color when measured on-axis (0 ° horizontal and 0 ° vertical in relation to the center of the sign face) under 40,000 lux illumination by a solar simulator (see 5.9). DMS to be used solely for tunnel applications shall be tested under 400 lux illumination.

Table 5.2.1

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – YELLOW

Sign Illuminance

(lux)

≥ 400 to 40000

Light Emitting

6

Reflective

1

Hybrid

1

Sign Illuminance

(lux)

≥ 400 to 40000

Table 5.2.2

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – WHITE

Light Emitting

10

Reflective

1

Hybrid

1

Table 5.2.3

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – WHITE/YELLOW

Sign Illuminance

(lux)

≥ 400 to 40000

Light Emitting

8.5

Reflective

1

Hybrid

1

Table 5.2.4

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – GREEN

Sign Illuminance

(lux)

Light Emitting Reflective

≥ 400 to 40000 3 1

<400 3

Sign Illuminance

(lux)

≥ 400 to 40000

Table 5.2.5

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – RED

Light Emitting

2.5

Reflective

1

Hybrid

1

3

Hybrid

1

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(lux)

≥ 400 to 40000

Table 5.2.6

MINIMUM CONTRAST RATIO REQUIREMENTS – BLUE

Sign Illuminance Light Emitting

1

Reflective

1

Hybrid

1

5.3 CONE OF VISION TYPE CLASSIFICATION

The Cone of Vision type classes are defined in Table 5.3, below.

Cone of Vision shall be type classified for both daytime and nighttime operating conditions defined as

40,000 lux and < 4 lux illumination by the solar simulator, respectively (see 5.9), DMS to be used solely for tunnel applications shall be tested under 400 lux illumination.

5.3.1 Light Emitting Technology

5.3.1.1 Daytime

DMS type class under daytime operating conditions (40,000 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the luminance is at least 50% of the minimum required on-axis

(0º horizontal, 0º vertical) luminance according to the Luminance Limits (Table 5.4). No point within the cone of vision shall be less than 50% of the minimum luminance of the center point (0º horizontal, 0º vertical).

5.3.1.2 Nighttime

DMS type class under nighttime operating conditions (<4 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the luminance is at least 50% of the minimum required on-axis (0º horizontal, 0º vertical) luminance according to the Luminance Limits (Table 5.4). No point within the cone of vision shall be less than 50% of the minimum luminance of the center point (0º horizontal, 0º vertical).

5.3.2.1 Daytime

DMS type class under daytime operating conditions (40,000 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the contrast ratio is at least the minimum required on-axis (0º horizontal, 0º vertical) contrast ratio according to the Contrast Ratio Requirements (Table 5.2). No point within the cone of vision shall have a contrast ratio less than 50% of the minimum contrast of the center point (0° horizontal, 0° vertical).


DMS type class under nighttime operating conditions (<4 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the coefficient of retroreflection measured at a 0.5 degrees observation angle under Source A illumination is at least 50% of the value at (5º horizontal, 0º vertical)

(see 5.9).

5.3.3.1 Daytime

DMS type class under daytime operating conditions (40,000 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the contrast ratio is at least the minimum required on-axis (0º

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DMS type class under nighttime operating conditions (<4 lux illumination) is determined by a set of three viewing angles from center, at which the luminance is at least 50% of the minimum required on-axis (0º horizontal, 0º vertical) luminance according to the Luminance Limits (Table 5.4). No point within the cone of vision shall be less than 50% of the minimum luminance of the center point (0º horizontal, 0º vertical).

Table 5.3

CONE OF VISION TYPE CLASSIFICATION

Type class a b c d

Viewing Angle

Horizontal degrees

± 5

Vertical degrees

0 each

0 -5

± 7.0 0

0 -5

± 10 0

0 -5

± 10 0

0 -10 e f

± 15 0

0 -10

± 30 0

0 -20

The roadway geometry and design speed will determine the selection of the cone of vision for the sign.

Therefore, the cone of vision should be selected to cover the required travel lanes and the sign should be located to take best advantage of the off-axis limits related to the selected cone of vision. Authorized

Engineering Information.

5.4 LUMINANCE INTENSITY REQUIREMENTS

Tables 5.4 define the required levels of DMS luminance when measured under laboratory conditions (see

5.9). Luminous intensity shall be measured at the front of the sign with all components such as front faces or doors, or contrast shields in place. For the testing of Light Emitting and Hybrid Technologies, the photocell controlling intensity must be illuminated by the solar simulator at the plane of the sign face.

The user shall select the appropriate parameter classes relevant to the application. Care is needed because some class-combinations are not possible and/or not effective.

NOTES TO TABLES 5.4

1) DMS used solely for tunnel applications shall only be required to meet the luminance requirements for 400 lux and below.

2) The values in the columns for Light Emitting @ Full Connected Power shall apply when a DMS is connected to AC power, whereby the source of electrical power is essentially continuous and virtually unlimited.

3) The values in the columns for Light Emitting @ Reserve Power shall apply when a DMS operates under a power source that has a limited amount of power such as on batteries, whether or not the batteries are in the charging state.

4) The absolute minimum values to be compliant with this standard shall be those listed for the Light Emitting @ Reserve

Power. This level shall satisfy the user need when it is more critical to have an operable message at lower luminance, than it is to have a message at higher luminance that extinguishes earlier.

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Table 5.4.1

LUMINANCE INTENSITY LIMITS IN CD/M

2

FOR ON-AXIS (0º HORIZONTAL, 0º VERTICAL)

TEST ANGLES – FOR YELLOW

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @

Full Connected Power

Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

40,000 7,440 37200 3720 NA 5000 5000 NA

4000 1,320 6600 660 NA 500 500 NA

40 150

≤ 4 45 225 36 225 NA 45 450

** NA = Not Applicable – see 5.3.

Table 5.4.2


2

FOR ON-AXIS (0º HORIZONTAL, 0º VERTICAL)

TEST ANGLES – FOR WHITE

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

40 250

≤ 4 75 375 60 375 NA 75 750


Table 5.4.3

2

FOR ON-AXIS (0º HORIZONTAL, 0º VERTICAL) TEST

ANGLES – FOR WHITE/YELLOW

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

= ± 10 %)

52700 5270 NA 5000 5000 NA

4000 1870 9350 935 NA 500 500 NA

40 213

≤ 4 64 319 51 319 NA 45 640

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Table 5.4.4

2


ANGLES – FOR GREEN

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

40,000 3720 18600 1860 NA 650 650 NA

40 75

≤ 4 23 113 18 113 NA 20 225


Table 5.4.5

2


ANGLES – FOR YELLOW/GREEN

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

Light Emitting @


Min Max

= ± 10 %)

40,000 NA NA

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

400 NA NA NA

40 NA NA

≤ 4 na = Not applicable at this time


Table 5.4.6

2


ANGLES – FOR RED

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

40,000 3100 15500 1550 NA 650 650 NA

40 63

≤ 4 19 94 15 94 NA 20 190

Table 5.4.7

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2


ANGLES – FOR ORANGE

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min

2500

4000 na na na na

Max

40 na

≤ 4 na na na na NA 45 190 na = Not applicable at this time


Table 5.4.8

2


ANGLES – FOR BLUE

Sign illuminance

(lx)

(Tolerance

= ± 10 %)

Light Emitting @


Min Max

Light Emitting @

Reserve Power

Min Max

Reflective Hybrid

Min Min Max

40,000 1240 6200 620 NA 250 250 NA

40 25

≤ 4 7.5 38 6 38 NA 7 75

5.4.1 Luminous Intensity Uniformity

The luminous intensity uniformity shall be separately met for each pixel color.

The luminous intensity of the sign shall appear substantially uniform to the naked eye. In the event that the sign does not appear uniform, the following shall apply:

The luminous intensity of the highest and lowest appearing pixels shall be measured and the intensity ratio

) between the two shall be less than 3:1. (L

1

/L

2

, where L

1

> L

2

Luminous intensity shall be measured at the front of the sign with all components such as a front faces or doors, or contrast shields in place.

5.5 CHROMATICITY CLASSIFICATIONS AND LIMITS

Tables 5.5.1 through 5.5.3 define the acceptable colors for DMS when measured under laboratory conditions (see 5.9). The four pairs of chromaticity coordinates determine the allowable color limits in terms of the CIE 1931 Standard Colorimetric System calculated for the CIE 1931 (2 o ) Standard Observer.

The illumination conditions required for measurement of the DMS color are defined for each DMS

Technology. Chromaticity shall be measured at the front of the sign with all components such as a front faces or doors, or contrast shields in place (see 5.9.1).

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5.5.1.1 Light Emitting Technology

Chromaticity shall be measured under < 4 lux illumination.

Table 5.5.1

CHROMATICITY LIMITS FOR LIGHT EMITTING DMS TECHNOLOGY

Color

Red

Orange

Yellow *

White/

Yellow

Green

Blue

White

Corner

Point x y x y x y x y x y x y x y

1 2 3 4

0.660

0.320

0.595

0.405

0.536

0.445

0.479

0.520

0.009

0.720

0.109

0.087

0.300

0.342

0.680

0.320

0.560

0.405

0.547

0.452

0.300

0.342

0.284

0.520

0.173

0.160

0.440

0.432

0.710

0.290

0.636

0.330

0.613

0.387

0.300

0.276

0.209

0.400

0.208

0.125

0.440

0.382

* This range is also called “Amber” in some documents.

0.690

0.290

0.669

0.331

0.593

0.387

0.440

0.382

0.028

0.400

0.149

0.025

0.300

0.276

5

0.618

0.382

5.5.1.2 Reflective Technology

Chromaticity shall be measured under 40,000 lux illumination by the solar simulator with the angle between the solar simulator and the detector set at 45 degrees (i.e. 45/0 illumination/viewing geometry in accordance with CIE 15.2 - Colorimetr y) (see Figure 5.9.2).

Table 5.5.2

CHROMATICITY LIMITS FOR REFLECTIVE DMS TECHNOLOGY

Color

Red

Orange

Yellow

Yellow

Green

White/

Yellow

Green

Blue

White

Corner

Point

X y x y x y x y x y x y x y x y

1 2 3 4 5

0.648

0.351

0.636

0.364

0.557

0.442

0.369

0.546

0.274

0.329

0.026

0.399

0.078

0.171

0.368

0.366

0.735

0.265

0.570

0.429

0.479

0.520

0.428

0.496

0.479

0.520

0.166

0.364

0.150

0.220

0.340

0.393

0.629

0.281

0.506

0.404

0.438

0.472

0.460

0.540

0.557

0.442

0.286

0.466

0.210

0.160

0.274

0.329

0.565

0.346

0.558

0.352

0.498

0.412

0.387

0.610

0.368

0.366

0.207

0.771

0.137

0.038

0.303

0.300

0.303

0.300

The above values are derived from a) the USDOT FHWA 23 CFR Part 655: Traffic Control Devices on

Federal-aid and other Streets and Highways; Color Specifications for Retroreflective Sign Materials –

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Daytime color Specification Limits (Final Rule dated July 31, 2002); and b) the addition of a White/Yellow derived from the combined limits of White and Yellow for Reflective Technology. Authorized Engineering

Information.

5.5.1.3 Hybrid Technology

Chromaticity shall be measured under < 4 lux illumination (see 5.9.1).

Table 5.5.3

Color

Red

Orange

Yellow

Yellow/

Green

White/

Yellow

Green

Blue

White

CHROMATICITY LIMITS FOR HYBRID DMS TECHNOLOGY x y x y x y x y

Corner

Point x y x y x y x y

1 2 3 4 5

0.650

0.348

0.595

0.405

0.480

0.520

0.480

0.520

0.479

0.520

0.007

0.570

0.033

0.370

0.475

0.452

0.620

0.348

0.560

0.405

0.473

0.490

0.473

0.490

0.300

0.342

0.200

0.500

0.180

0.370

0.360

0.415

0.712

0.255

0.636

0.330

0.569

0.394

0.569

0.394

0.300

0.276

0.322

0.590

0.230

0.240

0.392

0.370

0.735

0.265

0.669

0.331

0.610

0.390

0.610

0.390

0.440

0.382

0.193

0.782

0.091

0.133

0.515

0.409

0.618

0.382

The chromaticity uniformity shall be separately met for each pixel color.

The chromaticity of the sign should appear substantially uniform for the same apparent color to the naked eye, regardless of whether the apparent color is derived from a single color of one pixel or a blend of colors from several pixels. Authorized Engineering Information

5.6.1 Fonts and Font Alphabets

The VMS shall be capable of displaying from 20 hex to 7E hex inclusive of the ASCII character set.

NOTE Solid character is equivalent to the ASCII Code 7E.

The VMS shall support a vertical and horizontal stroke block alphabet.

The Standard Font set shall contain 5 X 7 pixels per character as follows:

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5.6.2 Required fonts by Sign Type

The VMS controller shall contain the following minimum sets of fonts per sign type.

5.6.2.1 Character Matrix Signs

The Standard Font shall be 5 x 7 pixels per character.

5.6.2.2 Line Matrix Signs

The Standard Font shall be 5 x 7 pixels per character.

All display characters shall use a proportional width font. The following font sets shall have nominal configurations, where the number of pixel columns is allowed to vary depending on the character:

1) Condensed Font (4 x 7 pixels per character)

2) Expanded Font (6 x 7 pixels per character)

3) Double Stroke Font (7 x 7 pixels per character)

A full matrix sign shall support all fonts of a Line Matrix. Use of other fonts and graphics shall adhere to

NTCIP 1203.

5.7 DISPLAY CHANGE TIME

The display shall change from one page of text to another page of text within 500 ms maximum, based on an OFF Time of zero seconds. This change time is exclusive of communication between the Central

Computer and the DMS controller.

VMS shall be capable of displaying moving arrows by the method defined by NTCIP 1203, Section 3.4.10:

“Moving Text Tag.” The minimum supported moving arrow rate interval shall be in the range of 0.2 seconds to 1.4 seconds.

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5.9.1 General Test Parameters

5.9.1.1 Geometric Configuration of Test Equipment

The measurement configuration of the sign, solar simulator and the detector system shall be arranged according to Figure 5.9.1 and 5.9.2, as applicable.

Figure 5.9.1

GEOMETRIC CONFIGURATION OF TEST EQUIPMENT FOR DETERMINATION OF LUMINANCE AND

CONTRAST FOR ALL TECHNOLOGIES AND CHROMATICITY OF LIGHT EMITTING AND HYBRID

TECHNOLOGIES

Figure 5.9.2

GEOMETRIC CONFIGURATION OF TEST EQUIPMENT FOR DETERMINATION OF CHROMATICITY

OF REFLECTIVE TECHNOLOGY

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5.9.1.2 Solar Simulator Used for Illumination

The solar simulator is intended to provide a representation of natural daylight. The correlated color temperature of the solar simulator shall be within the range of 5,000 K to 6,500 K. For luminance and contrast measurements under solar simulator illumination, the geometry between the solar simulator and the sign is fixed.

The solar simulator, in conjunction with an optical attenuation device, shall be capable of achieving the required illuminance levels in Table 5.4 uniformly (+/- 10%) over the area of measurement. The illumination shall be measured at the sign face.

The luminous sources shall have been in operation for sufficient time to be stabilized before making measurements. A light source is considered to be stable when its light output does not change more than

+/- 2% over a time period of 15 minutes.

5.9.1.3 Tolerance to the Solar Simulator Off-axis Angle

The beam divergence of the solar simulator at the area of interest shall not be larger than 3 ° . The aperture angle of the object lenses of the solar simulator, as seen from the test module, shall not be larger than 2 ° . Finally, the solar simulator shall have a spectral content close to that of natural daylight and a correlated color temperature within the range of 5000 K to 6500 K.

5.9.1.4 Coefficient of retroreflection

Coefficient of retroreflection shall be determined in accordance with ASTM E810.

5.9.2 Test Area

The test area shall meet the following criteria:

The whole of the optical test area must be fully populated with elements.

The minimum size is 100 x 100 mm, including the outer dimensions of the equivalent areas of the elements.

It must contain at least 5 x 5 = 25 elements.

The spacing of the elements must be constant in horizontal and vertical direction, but can be different for these two orthogonal directions (see Figure 5.9.2).

Separations of the elements shall be representative for the separations on the real sign.

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5-13 s v s h a

A s v s h b

A s v s v s h

A s h

A c d

Figure 5.9.2

LAYOUT EXAMPLES FOR A TEST MODULE AND THE POSITIONING OF THE MEASURING AREA

(CIRCLE).

When the test module has 5 x 5 elements the measuring area shall just encompass the extremities of the equivalent areas of the five elements in both the horizontal and vertical direction (Figure 5.9.2a).

When the test module has more than 5 x 5 elements the measuring area shall comprise a circle with a diameter of at least 100 mm (Figure 5.9.2b).

When the element spacing of the horizontal and vertical direction is not equal, the measuring area shall just encompass the extremities of the equivalent areas of the five elements in direction with the largest element spacing (Figure 5.9.2c).

It is also allowed to use a non-rectangular grid when it is possible to modify it to a rectangular grid by moving rows of element along horizontal and vertical lines (Figure 5.9.2d).

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5.9.3 Considerations for Precision and Bias of Test Methods and Accuracy of Test Results

There have been no standardized tests methods established for the measurement of the photometric, colorimetric or optical properties of DMS.

The repeatability, reproducibility, and accuracy of test methods included in the referenced source documents (e.g. prEN 12966, TR2136, etc.) have not been established.

The correlations between laboratory measurements and field performance of DMS have not been validated.

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6-1

Section 6

OPTICAL COMPONENTS

6.1 GENERAL

Pixels shall be mounted onto character modules with identical horizontal spacing and with identical vertical spacing. The horizontal and vertical spacing are not required to be equal.

6.1.2 Character Module Spacing

6.1.2.1 Character Matrix Signs

The horizontal spacing between two character modules shall be a minimum of 2/5 of the standard character width.

The vertical spacing between two character modules shall be a minimum of 1/3 of the standard character height.

6.1.2.2 Portable Character Matrix Signs

The horizontal spacing between two character modules shall be a minimum of 1/5 of the standard character width.

The vertical spacing between two character modules shall be a minimum of 1/4 of the standard character height.

6.1.2.3 Line Matrix Signs

The horizontal spacing between two character modules shall be such that the horizontal pitch between all pixels is equal.

The vertical spacing between two character modules shall be such a minimum of 1/3 of the standard character height.

6.1.2.4 Portable Line Matrix Signs

The horizontal spacing betwee two character modules shall be such that the horizontal pitch between all pixels is equal.

The vertical spacing between two character modules shall be a minimum of ¼ of the standard character height.

6.1.2.5 Full Matrix Signs

The horizontal spacing between two character modules shall be such that the horizontal pitch between all pixels is equal.

The vertical spacing between two character modules shall be such that the vertical pitch between all pixels is equal.

6.1.3 Interchangeability of Character Modules

Any character module in a sign shall be fully usable and replaceable for any other character module of the same model number and revision within the sign.

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Exception: If the controller function is integrated into one of the character modules.

6.1.4 Character Module Replacement

The replacement of any character module shall be possible with no more than simple non-vendor-specific hand tools (such as screwdrivers or wrenches) without any physical modification to the character module.

6.2 SHUTTERED FIBER OPTIC LIGHT SYSTEM

6.2.1 General

Shuttered fiberoptic technology utilizes light transmitted solely from a lamp source, without any reflective, retro-reflective, or other light, to create the illuminated display on the front of the sign. The means of transmission from the lamp to the front of the sign is through fiberoptic bundles. Messages are created and changed by a combination of turning the lamps on or off, and by changing the shutter position.

In a shuttered fiberoptic system, the character modules are constructed together to consist of character groups. Each character group contains lamp assembly, light filters, character modules with shutters, and fiberoptic harnesses with convergence cones. For redundancy and maximum light intensity, two lamps shall be used for each lamp assembly. The pixels that create the character module include the shutter assemblies.

Each character group shall include at least one fiberoptic harness with multiple legs to distribute the light to the pixels. The output or display ends of the optical fiber leg shall be equipped with a convergence cone that aims and focuses the light. These output ends shall be firmly secured into the pixels on the character modules. All fiberoptic legs shall unite at the end closest to the lamps.

Each fiberoptic harness shall be sheathed with a PVC (or better) jacket to prevent damage from handling, vibration, environmental contaminants, or small radius turns.

The optical fiber contained in the fiberoptic harness shall be manufactured from high quality step index glass-on-glass optical fiber with maximum light transmission characteristics to give the greatest pixel-topixel uniformity, and other optical performance as listed in this document.

Each fiberoptic harness shall be tested and any legs that do not produce optimum results shall be clearly identified.

Each fiberoptic harness shall contain spare fiber legs.

Two lamps shall be used to illuminate each fiberoptic harness. In the event that high intensity output is required, both lamps shall be illuminated at full intensity. In the event that one lamp fails in normal operation, the second lamp shall be used as the source of light.

Each lamp shall include a parabolic reflector to maximize the light output.

Lamps shall be replaceable without the use of any tools.

A stabilized and heat resistant glass color filter shall be installed between the lamps and the fiberoptic harness. The chromaticity traits of the filter shall be in accordance with Table 5.5 for all brightness levels.

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Low voltage pulses shall control the shutters to either completely occlude or completely allow the light to be passed from the fiberoptic pixel. Once a shutter change is made, the shutter shall remain in a stable position and consume no electrical power until the next control pulse is received.

Each shutter shall be mechanically independent, and shall not require the removal of any other shutters to replace or service a single shutter.

To assure maximum contrast ratio and legibility over the useable life of the sign, each shutter shall be black and colorfast.

Reflective materials shall not be used as part of a shutter system for shuttered fiberoptic signs.

6.3 LED LIGHT SYSTEM

6.3.1 General

LED technology VMS utilize the light output of LED’s to produce displays. Individual LED’s produce the light intensity required by this standard, for each pixel. A failure of one pixel shall not effect the operation of any other pixel. Changes to displays are performed by turning the LED’s in a pixel either on or off.

All LED’s used to create a display in a single sign shall meet the following requirements:

For purposes of this standard, the LED component manufacturer’s Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF) shall be a minimum of 5 years for the operating conditions listed herein, where MTBF shall be defined as the point at which an LED’s luminous intensity has degraded to 50% or less of its original level.

The currents through an LED shall be limited to the manufacturer’s recommendation under any conditions.

Each LED character module shall be rated for use over the environmental range in Section 2 (including heat absorption due to sunlight).

All LED’s shall be mounted so that they present a uniform and legible display.

The minimum number of LED’s per pixel shall be determined by the VMS manufacturer to meet the minimum optical requirements and redundancy requirements of this standard.

6.4 FIBEROPTIC HYBRID LIGHT SYSTEM

6.4.1 General

Fiberoptic Hybrid Light Systems utilize reflective materials on one surface to reflect sunlight for each pixel.

In addition to the reflective surfaces, pixel illumination is augmented by the light output of lamps, which transmit light through the pixel, by fiberoptics. Message changes are accomplished by showing a nonreflective surface of the pixel in combination with occluding the light output of the fiberoptics and the turning of the lamps on or off.

6.4.2 Requirements

Each pixel shall consist of at least one light point made up of a fiberoptic bundle with its end fitted with a lens, which is closed or opened by a shuttering device.

6.4.2.1 Reflective Pixel System

The reflective device shall appear black when in the closed position and reflective (fluorescent or retro-reflective) when in the open position.

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The pixels shall be controlled by electrical pulses. When the pulses are removed, the pixels shall retain their position and the power consumption of the pixels shall be zero.

The Mean Time Between Failures of the pixel system shall be rated for a minimum of 100 million operations.

6.4.2.2 Fiberoptics Light System

The light source for the pixels shall consist of a redundant lamp system.

Fiberoptics shall be in accordance with Section 6.2.2.

Lamp assemblies shall be in accordance with Section 6.2.3.

Light filters shall be in accordance with Section 6.2.4.

6.5 LED HYBRID LIGHT SYSTEM

6.5.1 General

LED Hybrid Light Systems utilize reflective materials on one surface of a pixel to reflect light. In addition to the reflective surfaces, pixel illumination is augmented by the light output of an LED(s). Message changes are accomplished by shuttering the reflective surface, and controlling the LED output.

6.5.2 Requirements

Each pixel shall consist of at least one light point made up of an LED(s).

6.5.2.1 Reflective Pixel System

The reflective device shall appear black when in the closed position and reflective (fluorescent and/or retro-reflective) when in the open position.

The pixels shall be controlled by electrical pulses. When the pulses are removed, the pixels shall retain their position and the power consumption of the pixels shall be zero.

The Mean Time Between Failure of the pixel system shall be rated for a minimum of 100 million operations.

6.5.2.2 LED Light System

The light source for the pixels shall consist of LED’s. The number of LED’s per pixel shall be designed to meet minimum optical requirements in this standard.

The LED’s used for this technology shall meet all requirements of Section 6.3.2 and Section 6.3.3, above.

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Section 7

DMS CONTROLLER CABINET

7.1 GENERAL

The control cabinet shall be provided to house all material needed to interconnect and interface the DMS

Controller to the sign, including cables and connectors.

7.2.1 Layout

The enclosure shall be equipped with shelves, panels or an EIA mounting 19-inch rack, to house the equipment.

A shelf shall be provided for temporary utilization of a laptop PC, without the need to move any other equipment.

All components inside the control cabinet shall be accessible without disconnecting any unassociated wires or components.

An internal light shall be provided for all cabinets to illuminate the work area.

7.2.2 Protection

External cabinets shall offer a protection of the internal components to the minimum requirements of

NEMA Type 3R.

All doors shall use stainless steel hinges and shall be key lockable. Multiple door cabinets shall have identical keys for each type of door.

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Section 8

ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL

8.1.1 General

In CASE of CONFLICT with other individual chapters or sections of this document, the individual chapter or section shall govern over this chapter.

8.1.2 Interchangeability

The electronic circuit designs shall be such that all components of the same generic type, regardless of manufacturer, shall function equally in accordance with this standard.

8.2 COMPONENTS

8.2.1 General

All components shall be second sourced and shall be of such design, fabrication, nomenclature or other identification as to be purchased from a wholesale distributor or from the component manufacturer, except as follows:

When a component is of such special design that it precludes the purchase of identical components from any wholesale distributor or component manufacturer, one spare duplicate component shall be furnished with each 20, or fraction thereof, components used. The manufacturer shall list all such components.

Components shall be arranged so they are easily accessible, replaceable and identifiable for testing and maintenance. Where potential damage by shock or vibration exists, the component shall be supported mechanically.

Where the component cannot be clearly marked, it shall be identified with its values on the documentation.

Unless a device is programmable and/or meant to be field changeable, it shall not be socket mounted.

No component shall be operated above 80% of its maximum rated voltage, current or power ratings.

Digital components should not be operated outside of manufacturer’s ratings.

The design life of all components, operating for 24 hours a day and operating in their circuit application, shall be 10 years or longer.

All electronic components with less than a ten-year life shall be listed by the manufacturer and may be replaced.

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8.2.3 Capacitors

The DC and AC voltage ratings as well as the dissipation factor of a capacitor should be equal to or exceed 150% of the worst-case design parameters of the circuitry. Capacitor encasements should be resistant to cracking, peeling and discoloration. All capacitors should be insulated and shall be marked with their capacitance values and working voltages. Electrolytic capacitors should not be used for capacitance values of less than 1.0 microfarad and shall be marked with polarity. Authorized Engineering

Information

8.2.4 Potentiometers

Under 1 Watt potentiometers shall be used only for trimmer type function. The potentiometer power rating shall be at least 100% greater than the maximum power requirements of the circuit.

8.2.5 Resistors

All resistors shall be insulated and shall be marked with their resistance values. Resistance values shall be indicated by the EIA color codes, or stamped value. The value of the resistors shall not vary by more than 5% between -34 ° C and 74 ° C. Special ventilation or heat sinking shall be provided for all 2- watt or greater resistors. They shall be insulated from the PCB.

All non-custom transistors, integrated circuits, and diodes shall be a standard type listed by EIA and clearly identifiable.

All metal oxide semiconductor components shall contain circuitry to protect their inputs and outputs against damage due to high static voltages or electrical fields.

Device pin "1" locations shall be properly marked on the PCB adjacent to the pin.

8.2.7 Transformers and Inductors

All power transformers and inductors shall have the manufacturer's name or logo and part number clearly and legibly printed on the case or lamination.

All transformers and inductors shall have their windings insulated, shall be protected to exclude moisture, and their leads color coded with an approved EIA color code or identified in a manner to facilitate proper installation.

8.2.8 Triacs

Each triac with a designed circuit load of greater than 0.5 Amperes at 120 VAC shall be properly mounted to a heat sink, if necessary with a machine screw and nut with integral lockwasher.

Circuit breakers shall be listed by UL or approved equal laboratory. The trip and frame sizes shall be plainly marked (marked on the breaker by the manufacturer), and the ampere rating shall be visible from the front of the breaker. Contacts shall be enclosed in an arc quenching chamber. Overload tripping shall not be influenced by an ambient air temperature range of from -18 ° C to 50 ° C. Overload tripping shall occur within the manufacturer’s rating regardless of ambient air temperature. For circuit breakers 80 amperes and above, the minimum interrupting capacity shall be 10,000 amperes, RMS.

8.2.10 Fuses

All fuses shall be resident in a holder with a labeled rating. Fuses shall be easily accessible and removable without use of tools.

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8.2.11 Switches

8.2.11.1 Logic

The panel switch contacts shall be rated for a minimum of 0.3 ampere resistive load at 120 VAC or 28

VDC.

8.2.11.2 Power

The switch contacts shall be rated for a minimum of ten ampere reisistive load at 120 VAC and shall be silver over brass (or equal). The switch shall be rated for a minimum or 40,000 operations.

8.2.11.3 Relays

Relays shall be enclosed and must be clearly and legibly marked with the manufacturer’s part number and any additional information, which the manufacturer may supply. They shall be of a plug-in design and secured as required to prevent removal by vibration.

8.2.12 Wiring, Cabling, and Harnesses

Harnesses shall be neat, firm, and properly properly secured to prevent chafing. They shall be routed to minimize crosstalk and electrical interference. Each harness shall be of adequate length to allow any conductor to be connected properly to its associated connector or termination point.

Wiring containing AC shall be bundled separately or shielded separately from all DC logic voltage control circuits.

Wiring shall be arranged to prevent conductors from coming in contact with sharp edges. All internal wiring support structure shall be free of burrs and sharp edges.

8.2.13 Controller Indicators and Character Displays

Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) shall operate at temperatures of -20 ° C to +60 ° C.

8.2.14 Connectors

8.2.14.1 Keying

All connectors shall be keyed to prevent improper insertion of the wrong connector. The mating connectors shall be designated as the connector number and male/female relationship, such as C1P (plug or PCB edge connector) and C1S (socket).

8.2.14.2 Wire Terminal

Each wire terminal shall be solderless. All terminal connectors shall be crimped per the contact manufacturer’s recommendation.

8.2.14.3 Flat Cable Connector

Each flat cable connector shall have phosphor bronze contacts plated with gold over nickel.

8.3.1 Assemblies

All Controller assemblies shall be modular, easily replaceable and incorporate plug-in capability for their associated devices or PCBs. All screw type fasteners shall utilize locking devices or locking compounds except for finger screws, which shall be captive.

8.3.2 PCB Design and Connectors

The manufacturer's name or logo, model number, and circuit issue or revision number shall appear and be readily visible on all PCBS. Devices to prevent PC Board from backing out of their assembly

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The manufacturer's model number, serial number, and circuit issue or revision number shall appear on the rear panel of all equipment supplied (where such panel exists).

8.4 PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS

8.4.1 Design, Fabrication, and Mounting

All finger contacts on PCBs shall be plated with a minimum thickness of 0.0007 mm gold over a minimum thickness of 0.0019 mm nickel.

PCB design shall be such that when a component is removed and replaced, no damage is done to the board, other components, conductive traces or tracks.

Fabrication of PCBs shall be in compliance with IPC 610-B, Class B.

All PCBs shall be coated with a moisture resistant barrier.

Each PCB connector edge shall be chamfered from board side planes. The key slots shall also be chamfered so that the connector keys are not extracted upon removal of board or jammed upon insertion.

8.4.2 Soldering

All soldering shall comply with IPC 610-B, Class B.

8.5 LOCATION AND PROVISIONS OF DRIVING ELECTRONICS

8.5.1 General

The location of drivers, either in the sign housing or in a ground mounted cabinet effects the wiring interface between the sign and the DMS Controller as described in Section 4.4. - AEI

All drivers that perform the same function must be fully interchangeable within any sign.

All drivers shall be individually accessible.

All drivers must be field replaceable at the sign.

8.5.2 Shuttered Fiber Optic Signs

Shutter and/or lamp drivers may reside in either the sign or in the control cabinet.

All drivers shall reside in the sign housing.

8.5.4 Fiberoptic Hybrid Signs

Drivers shall be located as specified in 8.5.2.

8.5.5 LED Hybrid Signs

Drivers shall be located as specified in 8.5.2.

The GFCI duplex convenience outlet shall be 120 VAC, 15 Amp minimum.

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Lightning protection and terminations for electrically conducting cables shall be in accordance with Section

10.5.

Power supply and distribution system shall be as described in Section 10.5.

A single circuit breaker or disconnect shall be capable of turning off all power to the DMS Equipment. If an UPS is present, the user should be notified with a warning label next to the main circuit breaker.

Transient protection and RFI filtering for the AC power shall be as described in Section 10 .

8.7 COMMUNICATION

A minimum of two ports shall be available for communication at the DMS controller. One port shall be

Central Communication Port (CCP) and shall be used to communicate with the Central Computer over a communications network.

The second port shall be serial EIA-232, Portable Maintenance Computer (PMC) Port and shall have a DB

9 connector configured as a DCE for communication to a Portable Maintenance Computer.

All DMS shall be capable of automatically communicating through a modem.

A physical switch shall be included to select the control mode of the DMS as either central mode or local mode.

Data rate transmission shall be configurable to select from 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, or 19,200 BPS.

Higher data transmission rates are acceptable.

8.7.2 Communications

In addition to any protocols that may be available from the DMS Controller manufacturer, each controller shall support at least one communication profile from the NTCIP suite of Profile Standards.

The DMS Controller Manufacturer shall indicate the profile(s) that are supported and included with the particular DMS Controller that is submitted for testing and approval. A change in the support of a profile shall be considered as a major change that needs to be indicated by a Change Statement.

To minimize eye discomfort to the sign viewers and maintain sign legibility under various lighting conditions, the DMS Controller shall control pixel illumination with an automatic dimming system. The system shall adjust the light output to predefined brightness levels in accordance with ambient light conditions.

A light sensing system shall be used to detect ambient lighting conditions. The lux range to be monitored by this light sensing system shall be from 2 to 20,000 lux, as a minimum.

The outputs of the light sensing system shall be used as inputs to the DMS controller for determining the brightness level of the sign at any given time.

The minimum number of user selectable brightness levels shall be three. Even though the NTCIP

1203:1997 dmsIllumNumBrightLevels allows up to 256 entries, no more than 16 user selectable brightness levels needs to be provided for brightness control.

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8.8.1 Ambient Light Sensing and Dimming Control

The DMS shall contain at least one photo sensor situated to measure ambient light. The photo sensor shall be designed to continually operate in direct sunlight. The photo sensors shall be contained in a waterproof enclosure, which shall allow light sensing and be located on or in the DMS housing. The enclosure shall allow easy access to the photo sensors.

The DMS controller shall be capable of dimming all pixels of the sign collectively to compensate for surrounding ambient light levels.

The DMS controller shall have provisions for a manual dimming control of the DMS display.

8.9 DMS CONTROLLER ELECTRONICS

8.9.1 General

The DMS Controller shall meet all applicable environmental and electronic specifications in this standard.

The DMS Controller shall include a Central Processor Unit and input/output.

8.9.2 Central Processor Unit

As a minimum, the Central Processor Unit shall include:

1) A solid-state software driven, microprocessor.

2) A clock calendar to record power failures.

3) The controller’s operating system shall reside in non-volatile memory and shall reinitialize automatically at power up and run without operator intervention.

4) Non-volatile memory to store configuration variables. Data retention shall be a minimum of oneyear following a power failure.

5) Volatile memory

8.9.3 Input/Output

The DMS Controller shall have input/output interfaces to communication ports and other equipment, such as driver modules, sensors and control devices.

8.9.4 Internal Clock

The controller shall have an internal clock that will satisfy the following requirements:

1) Clock operation shall be maintained even in the absence of any external power sources. If a battery is used, the certified minimum life of the battery shall be 10 years. In either case, the clock drift rate shall be accurate per Clause 2.1.8.1.2.

2) Time shall be available in a format of NTCIP Global Objects and shall include year, month, day of month, hour of day, minute of hour, and second of minute.

3) Hours of the day shall be entered in 24-hour (military) format.

4) The internal clock shall automatically compensate for leap year.

5) The programming to enable or disable daylight savings time changes shall be accomplished in such a manner that reprogramming each year is not necessary.

6) Programming for daylight savings time changes shall not conflict or interfere in any way with communications between the DMS controller and the CC.

The controller shall contain a “watchdog timer” which shall detect a controller failure, and initiate a controller reset. A failure is the inability to process events in real time.

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8.9.6 Loss of Power

The controller shall be capable of detecting the power losses as defined in Section 2.1.3.3 and/or Section

2.1.3.4.

It shall also be possible to set configurable time duration of a power failure as per NTCIP 1203:1997

(dmsShortPowerLoss).

8.9.7 Communications Link Monitor

Activating remote mode shall qualify as a communication session.

Each DMS Controller shall be uniquely addressed per NTCIP requirments.

8.9.8 Manual Test Interface

The sign controller shall have a front panel interface to initiate a manual test of each pixel on the sign. It shall not be necessary to use a PMC to perform this function.

8.9.9 Controller Reset Switch

A controller reset switch should be at the control panel and should be protected to prevent accidental resets. Authorized Engineering Information.

8.10.1 General

The DMS controller shall monitor the sign, in accordance with the performance requirements stated in

Section 9, independent of any external commands, and shall cause the signs to display the appropriate message at the correct display times.

A current display shall not be affected when the DMS controller performs other functions, with the following exceptions:

1) When changing a display,

2) Blanking the display, or

3) Performing pixel diagnostics.

There are two major architectures of how to control DMS messages. Each affects the choice of functionality required in a DMS Controller, and the type of Central Software that will be used. Either method is acceptable to this standard. Authorized Engineering Information.

8.10.2.1 Centralized Messaging

The first, Centralized Messaging, is based on centralizing control from the CC where messages are created and stored for downloading. In addition, scheduled control and the accumulation of local logging data takes place at the CC.

8.10.2.2 Local Messaging

The second, called Local Messaging is to create and store a library of messages at the local DMS

Controller for selection by the CC.

For any controller architectures, the DMS Controller must be support the following functionality.

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8.10.3.1 Display Modes

As a minimum, the DMS Controller shall, have the following user-selectable modes of display: display

2) Flashing display - in conformance with the defaultFlashOn and defaultFlashOff objects of

NTCIP1203and the flashing tags of MULTI language

3) Alternating display shall use the Page Time tag and New Page tag of MULTI language

8.10.3.2 Changing to a new Display

Changing to a new message display shall require that the previous display be erased.

8.10.3.3 Recording and Logging

The DMS Controller shall be capable of locally recording a minimum of 256 events consisting of equipment malfunctions (Section 9) and/or message changes for transfer to a locally connected PC or the

Central Computer, in accordance with Section 8.10.7, and Section 8.10.8.

8.10.3.4 Access Rights

Access rights shall be controlled from the CC or PMC in conformance with any requirements of NTCIP

1203. Authorized Engineering Information.

8.10.3.5 Stored Messages

The DMS Controller shall have the ability to store and display a minimum of 16 messages locally for maintenance use.

8.10.4 Centralized Messaging Architecture

8.10.4.1 General

The generating and formatting of individual messages and the maintenance of message libraries shall take place at the CC or the PMC, and shall be transmitted to the DMS Controller.

The CC or PMC shall transmit the messages to be displayed, with their associated attributes.

8.10.4.2 Message Libraries

Messages shall be created or modified, and stored in libraries in the CC.

8.10.5 Local Messaging Architecture

8.10.5.1 Message Libraries

The library size and configuration shall be established in procurement specifications.

In the event that the library size and configuration are not established in procurement specifications, at least one changeable message shall be supported.

8.10.5.2 Message Scheduling

The DMS Controller shall be capable of scheduling stored messages.

The ability of a DMS system to write messages is limited by a combination of sign hardware and controller hardware.

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8.10.6.1 Display Writing Control

A method should be employed to prevent erroneous or incomplete messages from being displayed, due to limitations or faults of hardware that essentially change the display message from the requested message.

8.10.7 NTCIP Protocol and Command Sets

In addition to any command sets that may be available from the DMS Controller manufacturer, the DMS

Controller must support the NTCIP functionality of NTCIP 1203, National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) Object Definitions for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS.

As a minimum, the DMS Controller hardware shall support the mandatory objects listed in Section 5 of

NTCIP 1203 listed, above.

8.10.8 Other Protocols and Command Sets

The manufacturer may choose to support other protocols and command sets within the DMS Controller, in addition to the above, including functionality that may not be defined in NTCIP. Authorized Engineering

Information.

User interface shall be provided at the DMS Controller Cabinet for the selection and display of messages.

The DMS Controller cabinet shall include provisions for a PMC interface as described in Section 8.7

In addition to the PMC interface, if required by the procuring agency, a local control panel shall be located within the DMS Controller cabinet. It shall have the capability of performing the following functions without requiring a PMC:

1) Control Mode Selection - to determine the DMS mode of operation (Remote or Local),

2) Message Selection - to select a blank message or any one of the messages stored in non-volatile memory of the DMS Controller (when Control Mode is set to Local),

3) Test - activates a set of diagnostic test patterns,

4) Display - activates the selected message;

If a local panel is not required by the procuring agency, then user interface shall be provided by the PMC interface per Section 8.7.1

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Section 9

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

This section describes the monitoring of the DMS system during regular operation.

9.1 DISPLAY DIAGNOSTICS AND MONITORING

9.1.1 Incandescent Lamp Tests

The following tests shall be performed for systems with incandescent lamps as light sources for displays:

The DMS Controller shall test the status of every individual lamp in the sign when the lamp is on. If a lamp is not operational, the DMS Controller shall automatically select a backup lamp. If the primary and any of its backup lamps are not operational, then the DMS Controller shall turn off the entire sign to prevent the display of an incomplete or erroneous message.

The DMS Controller shall also monitor the lamps to check that they extinguish upon receiving a DMS

Controller command. If they do not extinguish, the DMS Controller shall automatically terminate the power supplied to all lamps.

The results of this monitoring shall be stored in the DMS Controller for transmission to the CC or PMC upon request.

9.1.2 Shutter and Disk Monitoring Pixel Service

Systems that utilize shutters, disks, or other electromechanical devices shall have a method to repeatedly exercise the equipment by automatically activating all the shutters or disks at programmed time intervals.

9.1.3 LED Pixel Tests

Tests to determine the operability of each individual pixel shall take place while the sign display is “on” or at a configurable period if the sign display is “off” (not displaying a message).

Whether the sign display is “on” or “off”, if one or more strings of LED’s in any pixel is found nonoperational, the DMS Controller shall store the address of the failed pixel.

The results of this monitoring shall be stored per NTCIP 1203in the DMS Controller for transmission to the

CC or PMC upon request.

During the LED pixel test, a visual disruption less than 100 milliseconds is allowed.

9.1.4 LED Temperature Monitor

For LED signs of any type, the DMS Controller shall monitor the free air temperature inside the sign and shall reduce light output if the temperature exceeds unacceptable thresholds. The sign controller shall perform an automatic display shutdown if the temperature exceeds an absolute threshold as determined by the manufacturer.

Current free air temperature shall be reportable to the CC or PMC via the sign controller interface. The temperature sensor(s) shall be located to detect the hottest area of the sign.

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9.2 CONTROLLER DIAGNOSTICS AND MONITORING

A “watchdog timer” shall continuously monitor for controller failures per Section 8.9.5.

9.2.2 Results of Controller Failures

In the event of a controller failure, any displayed message shall be blanked. Reflective display technologies are exempt from this requirement.

During the period of time that the controller is attempting to automatically recover from a controller failure, and until such time that the initialization process is complete, no messages shall be displayed on the sign.

Blank messages or special messages caused by controller failures shall be as per NTCIP 1203.

9.2.3 Power Line Failures

The DMS Controller shall continuously monitor for power line failures as specified in Section 2.1.3.3 and/or Section 2.1.3.4.

In addition to the requirement of the above sections, logging of a power failure shall include the current date, time, and the remaining display time of the current message.

Upon returning to power per Section 2.1.3.3.2 or Section 2.1.3.4.2, the DMS Controller shall resume

NTCIP 1203 operation, and shall store the power failure and power recovery time, and date, for transferal to the CC or PMC.

It shall also be possible to set a configurable time duration of a power failure, T1

(dmsShortPowerLossTime). If the power failure is less than or equal to T1, the sign shall display the message defined by the dmsShortPowerRecoveryMessage. If the power failure exceeds T1, the sign shall go to the message defined by the dmsLongPowerRecoveryMessage.

For non-reflective technology, during the period of time that the controller is attempting to automatically recover from a power interruption, and until such time that the initialization process is complete, no messages shall be displayed on the sign.

9.2.4 Communication Link Failures

When a DMS Controller is placed in the remote mode, the Communication Link Monitor of Section 8.9.7 shall be activated as follows.

If the time since the last communication session exceeds the dmsTimeCommLoss variable, the DMS

Controller shall activate the dmsCommunicationsLossMessage.

Once communication is restored, the CC can start any allowable message.

9.2.5 Subsystem Component Communications

For non-reflective technology, if a communications failure occurs between subsystem components that could cause an erroneous display, the sign shall be blank.

9.3 ERROR AND FAILURE LOG

Any errors and/or failures that are monitored by the controller shall be retained in the controller nonvolatile memory. The log shall contain the date and time of the error and/or failure of at least 100 of the most recent changes in error or failure states.

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The DMS Controller shall only allow messages that fit within the sign’s configuration limits.

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Section 10

POWER REQUIREMENTS

10.1 AC OR DC ELECTRICAL SERVICE

The DMS Controller cabinet shall be powered from one of the voltages specified in Section 2.1.3.1.

10.2 POWER PANELS FOR AC ONLY

A power panel shall be installed in accordance with the NEC. It shall contain, as a minimum:

A circuit breaker which shall control all power to all equipment,

Voltage surge and lightning protection,

A circuit breaker for each branch circuit

10.2.2 Service Drop Advisory

The service wiring should impose no more than a 5% voltage drop to the DMS equipment (and any associated auxiliary equipment) from no load to full load. Authorized Engineering Information

10.3 DISTRIBUTION PANELS FOR DC

A distribution panel shall contain as a minimum:

1) A circuit breaker which shall control all power to all equipment,

2) A circuit breaker or fuse for each branch circuit.

Frame ground shall not be used as a logic ground conductor. Frame ground shall be connected to the battery negative.

10.4 GROUND TO NEUTRAL ISOLATION

The wiring for equipment ground and the AC neutral conductor shall be electrically isolated, and shall only be connected at a single point in conformance with the National Electrical Code. If DC logic ground is to be connected to equipment ground it shall be connected at that same single point. When tested as separated conductors at the input terminals with 500 VDC after disconnecting these conductors from each other at the single point, each of these conductors shall be electrically isolated from the others by 500 megohms, minimum. After testing reconnect the conductors.

10.5 SURGE PROTECTION DEVICE

Electrical power surge arrestors shall be included to operate in accordance with the NEC Article 280, for circuits less than one thousand volts at each power entry point.

10.6 CONVENIENCE OUTLETS AC ONLY

When provided, convenience outlets shall be GFCI outlets and rated for a minimum of 15 amps at 120 VAC.

They shall be installed in sign housings per Section 3.2.8 and in DMS Controller Cabinets per Section 0.

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10.7 CALCULATED ELECTRICAL LOAD

The ampacity of the main breaker for the sign system shall be calculated with the sign under maximum loading. Ampacity shall be the sum of all loads including: 100% of the load for all pixels illuminated at their highest operating current consumption, plus 100% of the load for all ventilation equipment and all heating equipment or cooling equipment in full operation, plus 100% of the load for all convenience outlet circuit ratings.

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Section 11

CONFORMANCE

11.1 GENERAL

Recognizing that a DMS is a system of components and major units operating together to provide a systemlevel of functionality, different types of criteria are required to demonstrate conformance to this standard. The criteria listed below are not intended to preclude other types of testing such as functional factory testing, onsite testing, subsystem tests or system tests (communicating with an outside system) and\or testing to assure conformance to procurement specifications.

First Party shall be defined as the DMS Manufacturer.

Second Party shall be defined as the either the end user or the Purchaser of the equipment, or their representative.

Third Party shall be defined as a Party that is independent of the First or Second Party, and is able to certify results.

11.1.1 Other

The support of additional functionality or features not covered in this standard shall not classify the DMS hardware as non-conforming.

11.2 CONFORMANCE DOCUMENT TYPES

11.2.1 Certificates

Conformance certificates shall be documents provided by Third Party sources that verify that the equipment design will allow it to operate in conformance with the applicable sections of this standard.

Conformance test documentation shall be provided by either a First, Second or Third Party source that verifies the equipment is tested and that it operates in conformance with the applicable sections of this standard.

The purpose of this testing is to assure that the DMS complies with the design elements and basic limits of this standard. The Party conducting the testing will be listed in the Conformance Table below.

11.2.3 Statement

A Statement shall consist of one of the following types.

11.2.3.1 Conformance Statement

The First Party shall provide a written assurance that states that a component or major unit meets the specified criteria.

11.2.3.2 Change Statement.

The First Party shall provide a written assertion that a change made to a component does not invalidate any previous Certification (s) or that no changes were made to invalidate any previous Certification (s). All changes or a statement of no changes shall be listed.

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For electronic components as listed in Section 8.1 of this document, a letter from the component manufacturer shall be submitted, with detailed engineering data, when the proposed application of the component alters the technical data. The letter shall certify that the component application meets specification requirements.

11.2.3.3 Conditional Statement

When the criteria do not contain exacting parameters, the First Party shall provide a written assertion to identify the conditions under which the component or major unit will comply with the specified criteria.

11.2.4 Inspections

A second or third party appraisal of the product is performed to meet applicable codes and/or ordinances.

11.2.5 Evaluation

These items address whatever subjective areas exist within this standard that are not easily quantified.

These items may be subject to additional requirements in a procurement specification, and could be reviewed by either the First, Second or both Parties. An example of this type of item is the workmanship of the final product.

11.3 REQUIREMENTS

11.3.1 Mandatory

As a minimum to claim conformance to this standard, DMS devices shall adhere to the Mandatory conformance requirements specified in the Conformance Table listed below.

11.3.2 Optional

The items listed as Optional in the Conformance Table are items that a user or manufacturer may decide to include as part of their DMS hardware configuration in addition to the Mandatory items. Optional DMS hardware items selected from the Conformance Table as part of the DMS hardware configuration must meet the corresponding criteria for that item.

11.4 CONFORMANCE DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Manufacturers are required to submit documentation that demonstrates conformance to the items listed in the Conformance Table. As a minimum, this documentation shall include, but not be limited to the following:

Description of the test article including the model number with revision level, options, and/or configuration; manufacturer’s name; date work conducted; name of agency/lab performing work; test report and test method including results of testing (including any failures).

To show the level of conformance to this Standard, the manufacturer shall indicate on a copy of the

Conformance Table of Section 11.5 which requirements are met with the product(s) furnished. At the request of a procuring agency, backup documentation shall be supplied.

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Item

Type

(Test, certificate, evaluation, inspection)

ENVIRONMENTAL

Electrical 3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Transients 3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Temperature &

Humidity

3 rd

Vibration 3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Shock 3

Time & Timing rd

Party Conformance

Test

3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Power Interrupt 3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Party Conformance

Test

Weather-Tight

Enclosure

Water and Dust

Resistance

Access Panel

And Doorway

Gaskets

Vents

SIGN MECHANICAL

CONSTRUCTION

1 st or 2 nd Party

Conformance Test by type of VMS mechanical

1 construction st

or 2 nd

Party

Conformance Test

Conformance Statement


Ventilation

Considerations for Housings that may be Entered

Temperature

Considerations for Continued

Sign Operation

Sign Face

Material

Sign Face

Condensation

Galvanic

Protection

Light Leaks




Statement with explanation of conformance.

Statement

Evaluation

Mandatory

Mandatory

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Mandatory

Requirement

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Criteria

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.1.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.1.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.1.3

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.2.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.3.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.3

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.4

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.5

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.3

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.4

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.5

NEMA TS 4.x

0

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.7

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.8

NEMA TS 4.x

2.1.3

NEMA TS 4.x

3.1.1

Procedure na

2.2.4

2.2.4

2.2.4

2.2.5

2.2.6

2.2.8

2.2.7

NEMA 250

Draft


TS 4-2004

Page 11-4

Item

Structural

Integrity

Alloys and

Structural

Members

Exterior Housing

Finish

Front and Rear

Access DMS

Front Access

DMS

Rear Access

DMS

Walk-in Access

DMS

Access Doors

Work Area

Nighttime Service

Lighting

Electrical Service

Outlets

Transport Safety

Structural

Integrity

Structural

Integrity: GVW

Load

Structural

Integrity: Wind

Load

Structural

Integrity:

Maximum

Destructive

Loadings

Structural

Integrity:

Maximum

Overturning

Loadings

Structural

Integrity: Welding

Sign

Type


F IXED -L OCATION DMS

Certificate

Certificate



P

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Evaluation

Inspection

ORTABLE DMS

Inspection

Certificate


Certificate

Certificate

Certificate



Requirement

Mandatory

Mandatory

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Optional

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Criteria

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.2.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.4

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.5

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.6

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.7

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.7.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.7.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.7.3

NEMA TS 4.x

3.2.8

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2.1.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2.1.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2.1.2.1

Procedure

Mandatory NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2.1.2.2

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.2.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.1

Draft


4-2004

11-5

Item

Type


Inspection

Requirement

Criteria

Axles & Tires

Fenders

Leveling



Tongue &

Coupler

Inspection

Non-Slip Surface Conformance Statement

Sign Maintenance

Access

Operator Light

Corrosion

Protection

Photovoltaic

Panels

Batteries

110 VAC







Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Optional

Optional

Optional

Wiring

CONTROLLER TO

SIGN INTERFACE

Inspection Mandatory NEMA TS 4.x

4.2

Conduit Inspection

Power Supply

Locations

Evaluation Optional

Microprocessor

And Driver

Module Locations

Evaluation Optional

DISPLAY

Contrast Ratio

PROPERTIES

3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Mandatory

Cone of Vision

Luminance

Intensity

3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

Mandatory

Mandatory

Luminous

Intensity

“Uniformity

Chromaticity

Limits

Evaluation

3 rd

Party Conformance

Test

NEMA TS 4.x

4.4.1

NEMA TS 4.x

4.4.2

NEMA TS 4.x

5.2

NEMA TS 4.x

5.3

NEMA TS 4.x

5.4


5.4.1


5.5.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.3

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.4

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.5

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.6

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.7

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.3.8

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.4

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.5.1

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.5.2

NEMA TS 4.x

3.3.5.3

Procedure

CEN prEN

12966, Draft

July 17,2001

CEN prEN

12966, Draft

July 17,2001

CEN prEN

12966, Draft

July 17,2001

Draft


TS 4-2004

Page 11-6

Item

Type


Conformance Statement Chromaticity

Uniformity

Fonts

Font Alphabets

Conformance Statement with list of displayed characters


Required Fonts by Sign Type

Display Change

Time

Moving Arrows

Coefficient of

Retroreflection

Conformance Statement with list of displayed characters

1 st

Party Conformance Test

Evaluation

1 st Party Conformance Test

Pixel Spacing

OPTICAL

COMPONENTS


Character Module

Spacing

Interchangeability of Character



Modules

Character Module

Replacement

Shuttered

Fiberoptic Light

System

Conformance Evaluation


LED Light System Conformance Statement

Fiber Optic Hybrid

Light System

LED Hybrid Light

System



CONTROL CABINET

Layout 1 st

Party Conformance

Statement

Protection Certification

ELECTRONIC AND

ELECTRICAL

Conformance Statement General

Electronic

Components

Components

General


Requirement

Criteria

Optional

Mandatory

Optional

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

5.5.2

NEMA TS 4.x

5.6


5.6.1


5.6.2


5.7

NEMA TS 4.x

5.8

NEMA TS 4.x

5.9.1.4

Procedure

Mandatory

Optional

NEMA TS 4.x

6.1.1

NEMA TS 4.x

6.1.2


6.1.3

Optional

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

6.1.4

NEMA TS 4.x

6.2


6.3


6.4


6.5

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

7.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

7.2.2

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

8.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.1

Draft


4-2004

11-7

Item

Type


Conformance Statement Electronic

Components

Capacitors

Potentiometers

Resistors




Conformance Statement Semiconductor

Devices

Transformers and

Inductors

Triacs

Circuit Breakers




Conformance Statement Fuses

Switches

Wiring, Cabling

Harnesses

Controller

Indicators and

Character

Displays

Connectors

Wire Terminal






Flat Cable

Connector

Mechanical

Requirements

Printed Circuit

Boards

Location and

Provisions of

Driving

Electronics

Cabinet Wiring






Communication

Interfaces


Communication 1 st

Party Conformance

Testing or Change

Statement

Requirement

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Criteria

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.2

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.3

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.4

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.5

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.6

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.7

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.8

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.9

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.10

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.11

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.12

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.13

Procedure

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.14

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.14.2

NEMA TS 4.x

8.2.14.3

NEMA TS 4.x

8.3

NEMA TS 4.x

8.4

NEMA TS 4.x

8.5

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

8.6

NEMA TS 4.x

8.7.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.7.2

Draft


TS 4-2004

Page 11-8

Item

Brightness

Controls

Ambient Light

Sensing

DMS Controller

Electronics -

General

Central Processor

Unit

Input/Output

Internal Clock

Watchdog Timer

Loss of Power

Communications

Link Monitor

Manual Test

Switch

Type


2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing or Change

Statement

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing or Change

Statement









Controller Reset

Switch

Controller

Functions -

General

Display Modes

Changing to a

New Display

Recording and

Logging

Stored Messages

Centralized

Messaging

Architecture

Local Messaging

Architecture

Display Writing

Control



2 nd Party Conformance

Testing

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing


2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing




Requirement

Mandatory

Criteria

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

8.8

NEMA TS 4.x

8.8.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.2

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.3

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.4

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.5

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.6

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.7

NEMA TS 4.x

Error!

Reference source not found.

NEMA TS 4.x

8.9.9

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.3.1

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.3.2

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.3.3

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.3.5

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.4

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.5

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.6.1

Procedure

Draft


4-2004

11-9

Item

NTCIP Protocol and Command

Sets

Local Control

Incandescent

Lamp Tests

Shutter and Disk

Monitoring

LED Pixel Tests

LED Temperature

Monitor

Watchdog Timer

Results of

Controller

Failures

Power Line

Failures

Communications

Link Failure

Subsystem

Component

Communications

Message

Verifications

AC or DC

Electrical Service

Power Panels for

AC Only

Distribution

Panels for DC

Electrical

Isolation

Service

Protection Device

Service Outlets

AC Only

Calculated

Electrical Load

• If selected

Type


1 st

Party Conformance

Testing, or Change

Statement; or 2 nd

Party

Conformance Testing

1 st

Party Conformance

Testing

PERFORMANCE

MONITORING

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing


2 nd Party Conformance

Testing



2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing

2 nd

Party Conformance

Testing

POWER

REQUIREMENTS








Requirement

Mandatory

Criteria

NEMA TS 4.x

8.10.7

Procedure

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

Mandatory

NEMA TS 4.x

8.11

NEMA TS 4.x

9.1.1

NEMA TS 4.x

9.1.2

NEMA TS 4.x

9.1.3

NEMA TS 4.x

9.1.4

NEMA TS 4.x

9.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

9.2.2

NEMA TS 4.x

9.2.3

NEMA TS 4.x

9.2.4

NEMA TS 4.x

9.2.5

NEMA TS 4.x

9.4

NEMA TS 4.x

10.1

NEMA TS 4.x

10.2.1

NEMA TS 4.x

10.3

NEMA TS 4.x

10.4

NEMA TS 4.x

10.5

NEMA TS 4.x

10.6

NEMA TS 4.x

10.7

8.7.6.1.2

Draft


4-2004

12-1

Section 12

DOCUMENTATION

The following documentation shall be available from the DMS Manufacturer.

These diagrams describe the interrelationships and connections between the major components of the

DMS system, such as, but not limited to the sign, controller, communication equipment, and various cabinets.

These diagrams depict the connection points between the electrical components of the DMS system including identifying nomenclature of the transmission media between those points.

12.1.3.1 DMS Controller Cabinets

A general interior layout drawing of the cabinet that shows the location of the various components.

12.1.3.2 Sign Housing

General view of the sign housing interior and exterior that shows the layout of the various components.

External view of the sign housing that shows dimensions, weight and loading, with adequate detail for the design of a support system.

The mounting details that show the interface of the sign to the support system, and the minimum number and location of attachment points for a safe and proper installation.

12.2 SITE SPECIFIC DOCUMENTATION

Local conditions or installation requirements may dictate specific configuration information that is not common to all signs that are furnished.

12.2.1 Conformance table checklist

This is a mandatory requirement to furnish the completed Conformance Table in accordance with Section

11.5.

12.2.2 NTCIP MIB file

If NTCIP is used, this is a mandatory requirement to furnish the MIB information for the signs.

12.2.3 As-builtDocumentation

Mandatory final documentation that indicates changes, if any, from what was originally submitted in other related documentation required by this Standard. If no changes were made a simple written statement shall be provided.

Draft


TS 4-2004

Page 12-2

This is an optional requirement that shows what factory options and settings, such as jumpers, dip switch settings, baud rate, etc. were selected for the specific sign.

A list of revision numbers shall be provided that indicates the revision of hardware and software that is developed and furnished by the DMS manufacturer. This does not include any commercially available offthe-shelf products, but does include any revision that affects the operability of the sign or the list of spare parts that may be required on a board level.

If required by the procurement agency, the results of any site specific testing shall be furnished.

Mandatory certification shall be provided that shows that the product was operational and ran for a full and continuous 12 hours under ambient conditions at the factory prior to shipping.

12.3 MANUALS

Manuals shall be bound in durable covers made of either 65-pound stock paper or clear plastic. Manuals shall be printed on letter size paper, with the exception that schematics, layouts, parts lists and plan details may be on larger format sheets. Manual text font shall be Arial and shall be no more than 10 characters per 25.4 mm (one inch) with a minimum of one-and-one-half line spacing.

The following information can be furnished in any number of manuals, as appropriate.

12.3.1 Service

This information is intended for maintenance personnel of the DMS system. It includes the preventative maintenance to the system hardware that should be performed, the schedule for these activities and the recommended spare parts. It also includes the information necessary to configure the hardware for initial operation or subsequent modifications.

12.3.2 Troubleshooting

This information is intended for maintenance personnel of the DMS system. It includes interpretations of error codes and the logical steps that should be taken when a malfunction occurs.

12.3.3 Operator’s Manual

This information is intended for users of the system. It describes how to operate all parts of the DMS system. This section tells how to select settings, parameters, and perform sequences of operation required to manage displays.

A copy of the warranty shall be provided with complete terms and conditions.

Draft


NEMA Standards Publication TS 4-2004 Hardware

Hardware Standards for Dynamic Message Signs (DMS), with NTCIP Requirements

SEE NOTES

1 & 2

SEE NOTES

1 & 3

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