The following recommendations allow you to provide reliable power and communication to the SmartSensor Matrix.
The 6-conductor cable has conductors for one power and two communication channels, each with its own requirements and length limitations:
Proper sensor functionality requires DC power and one communication channel. Having a second communication channel allows for sensor configuration without detection data interruption.
This document discusses power and communication requirements for the SmartSensor Matrix in more detail and provides recommendations on how to achieve sensor functionality in various applications based on voltage, needed cable length, and desired number of communication channels.
The operating voltage for the SmartSensor Matrix is 10–28 VDC. The recommended power supply voltage is 12–24 VDC, with a 5% voltage tolerance.
Due to Matrix power consumption, DC power can only travel a maximum of 600 ft. (182.3 m) along the 6-conductor cable. However, the 6-conductor cable is specified for cable runs up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), based on RS-485 capability. To extend DC power to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), sacrifice the second twisted pair of RS-485 conductors in the cable and combine them with the power conductors when terminating the cable into a Click device.
Since the sensor only requires one RS-485 communication line to function, the second pair of conductors can be sacrificed to extend DC power up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC.
Follow the steps below to correctly terminate the 6-conductor cable into a Click device and achieve a maximum cable length of 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC:
As mentioned above, while only one communication channel is needed for sensor functionality, a second communication channel allows you to connect to the sensor for configuration without interrupting the data being sent from the sensor.
The 6-conductor cable contains two twisted pairs for RS-485 communication. Using both pairs for communication allows for cable runs of up to 600 ft. (due to power drawn by the sensor).
The following table gives recommendations for various applications based on power, cable length, and number of communication channels. For more information or support, contact your Wavetronix representative.
The table below shows applications based on power voltage, and the conductors needed to achieve maximum cable length.
Below are Wavetronix recommendations for alternative communication cables. If you need an alternative power cable, any 2-conductor copper wire at the proper gauge will achieve the desired result.
Note. For cable runs up to 600 ft. (182.9 m), we recommend you use a Wavetronix cable; if you choose to use an alternative cable, it must meet or exceed Wavetronix cable specifications. For cable runs longer than 600 ft. (182.9 m), ensure the alternative cable used meets specifications for the power and communication standards being used. Failure to do so could cause devices to function improperly.
The table below shows the voltage and wire gauges needed to provide DC power up to 2000 ft. (609.6 m).
To achieve reliable wired communication, the selected baud rate must be compatible with the length of the cable run. The table below shows the cable length recommendations for wired communication.
*This is possible with an alternative cable.
The following recommendations allow you to provide reliable power and communication to the SmartSensor Matrix.
The 6-conductor cable has conductors for one power and two communication channels, each with its own requirements and length limitations:
Proper sensor functionality requires DC power and one communication channel. Having a second communication channel allows for sensor configuration without detection data interruption.
This document discusses power and communication requirements for the SmartSensor Matrix in more detail and provides recommendations on how to achieve sensor functionality in various applications based on voltage, needed cable length, and desired number of communication channels.
The operating voltage for the SmartSensor Matrix is 10–28 VDC. The recommended power supply voltage is 12–24 VDC, with a 5% voltage tolerance.
Due to Matrix power consumption, DC power can only travel a maximum of 600 ft. (182.3 m) along the 6-conductor cable. However, the 6-conductor cable is specified for cable runs up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), based on RS-485 capability. To extend DC power to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), sacrifice the second twisted pair of RS-485 conductors in the cable and combine them with the power conductors when terminating the cable into a Click device.
Since the sensor only requires one RS-485 communication line to function, the second pair of conductors can be sacrificed to extend DC power up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC.
Follow the steps below to correctly terminate the 6-conductor cable into a Click device and achieve a maximum cable length of 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC:
As mentioned above, while only one communication channel is needed for sensor functionality, a second communication channel allows you to connect to the sensor for configuration without interrupting the data being sent from the sensor.
The 6-conductor cable contains two twisted pairs for RS-485 communication. Using both pairs for communication allows for cable runs of up to 600 ft. (due to power drawn by the sensor).
The following table gives recommendations for various applications based on power, cable length, and number of communication channels. For more information or support, contact your Wavetronix representative.
The table below shows applications based on power voltage, and the conductors needed to achieve maximum cable length.
Below are Wavetronix recommendations for alternative communication cables. If you need an alternative power cable, any 2-conductor copper wire at the proper gauge will achieve the desired result.
Note. For cable runs up to 600 ft. (182.9 m), we recommend you use a Wavetronix cable; if you choose to use an alternative cable, it must meet or exceed Wavetronix cable specifications. For cable runs longer than 600 ft. (182.9 m), ensure the alternative cable used meets specifications for the power and communication standards being used. Failure to do so could cause devices to function improperly.
The table below shows the voltage and wire gauges needed to provide DC power up to 2000 ft. (609.6 m).
To achieve reliable wired communication, the selected baud rate must be compatible with the length of the cable run. The table below shows the cable length recommendations for wired communication.
*This is possible with an alternative cable.
The following recommendations allow you to provide reliable power and communication to the SmartSensor Matrix.
The 6-conductor cable has conductors for one power and two communication channels, each with its own requirements and length limitations:
Proper sensor functionality requires DC power and one communication channel. Having a second communication channel allows for sensor configuration without detection data interruption.
This document discusses power and communication requirements for the SmartSensor Matrix in more detail and provides recommendations on how to achieve sensor functionality in various applications based on voltage, needed cable length, and desired number of communication channels.
The operating voltage for the SmartSensor Matrix is 10–28 VDC. The recommended power supply voltage is 12–24 VDC, with a 5% voltage tolerance.
Due to Matrix power consumption, DC power can only travel a maximum of 600 ft. (182.3 m) along the 6-conductor cable. However, the 6-conductor cable is specified for cable runs up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), based on RS-485 capability. To extend DC power to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), sacrifice the second twisted pair of RS-485 conductors in the cable and combine them with the power conductors when terminating the cable into a Click device.
Since the sensor only requires one RS-485 communication line to function, the second pair of conductors can be sacrificed to extend DC power up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC.
Follow the steps below to correctly terminate the 6-conductor cable into a Click device and achieve a maximum cable length of 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC:
As mentioned above, while only one communication channel is needed for sensor functionality, a second communication channel allows you to connect to the sensor for configuration without interrupting the data being sent from the sensor.
The 6-conductor cable contains two twisted pairs for RS-485 communication. Using both pairs for communication allows for cable runs of up to 600 ft. (due to power drawn by the sensor).
The following table gives recommendations for various applications based on power, cable length, and number of communication channels. For more information or support, contact your Wavetronix representative.
The table below shows applications based on power voltage, and the conductors needed to achieve maximum cable length.
Below are Wavetronix recommendations for alternative communication cables. If you need an alternative power cable, any 2-conductor copper wire at the proper gauge will achieve the desired result.
Note. For cable runs up to 600 ft. (182.9 m), we recommend you use a Wavetronix cable; if you choose to use an alternative cable, it must meet or exceed Wavetronix cable specifications. For cable runs longer than 600 ft. (182.9 m), ensure the alternative cable used meets specifications for the power and communication standards being used. Failure to do so could cause devices to function improperly.
The table below shows the voltage and wire gauges needed to provide DC power up to 2000 ft. (609.6 m).
To achieve reliable wired communication, the selected baud rate must be compatible with the length of the cable run. The table below shows the cable length recommendations for wired communication.
*This is possible with an alternative cable.
The following recommendations allow you to provide reliable power and communication to the SmartSensor Matrix.
The 6-conductor cable has conductors for one power and two communication channels, each with its own requirements and length limitations:
Proper sensor functionality requires DC power and one communication channel. Having a second communication channel allows for sensor configuration without detection data interruption.
This document discusses power and communication requirements for the SmartSensor Matrix in more detail and provides recommendations on how to achieve sensor functionality in various applications based on voltage, needed cable length, and desired number of communication channels.
The operating voltage for the SmartSensor Matrix is 10–28 VDC. The recommended power supply voltage is 12–24 VDC, with a 5% voltage tolerance.
Due to Matrix power consumption, DC power can only travel a maximum of 600 ft. (182.3 m) along the 6-conductor cable. However, the 6-conductor cable is specified for cable runs up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), based on RS-485 capability. To extend DC power to 1000 ft. (304.8 m), sacrifice the second twisted pair of RS-485 conductors in the cable and combine them with the power conductors when terminating the cable into a Click device.
Since the sensor only requires one RS-485 communication line to function, the second pair of conductors can be sacrificed to extend DC power up to 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC.
Follow the steps below to correctly terminate the 6-conductor cable into a Click device and achieve a maximum cable length of 1000 ft. (304.8 m) at 24 VDC:
As mentioned above, while only one communication channel is needed for sensor functionality, a second communication channel allows you to connect to the sensor for configuration without interrupting the data being sent from the sensor.
The 6-conductor cable contains two twisted pairs for RS-485 communication. Using both pairs for communication allows for cable runs of up to 600 ft. (due to power drawn by the sensor).
The following table gives recommendations for various applications based on power, cable length, and number of communication channels. For more information or support, contact your Wavetronix representative.
The table below shows applications based on power voltage, and the conductors needed to achieve maximum cable length.
Below are Wavetronix recommendations for alternative communication cables. If you need an alternative power cable, any 2-conductor copper wire at the proper gauge will achieve the desired result.
Note. For cable runs up to 600 ft. (182.9 m), we recommend you use a Wavetronix cable; if you choose to use an alternative cable, it must meet or exceed Wavetronix cable specifications. For cable runs longer than 600 ft. (182.9 m), ensure the alternative cable used meets specifications for the power and communication standards being used. Failure to do so could cause devices to function improperly.
The table below shows the voltage and wire gauges needed to provide DC power up to 2000 ft. (609.6 m).
To achieve reliable wired communication, the selected baud rate must be compatible with the length of the cable run. The table below shows the cable length recommendations for wired communication.
*This is possible with an alternative cable.
Whenever possible, we recommend using one of the three different mounting locations shown in the figure below for your SmartSensor Matrix application. However, many intersections do not allow for these options, so you may have to mount the sensor somewhere else. To select the best mounting location, you must first understand how the SmartSensor Matrix works.
The SmartSensor Matrix has 16 radar beams that go out radially from the sensor (shown in the figure below). When selecting a mounting location, try to choose a location that allows vehicles to be tracked through as many of the beams as possible. The more beams the vehicles pass through, the more accurate the detections.
For counting applications, there are two things you will want to keep in mind when selecting a mounting location:
First, keep the detections close to the sensor head for better tracking and counting. Counts are usually made at the stop bar, so consider picking a mounting location that allows for the stop bar to be near the sensor head. In the figure below, you can see that the stop bar is not on the far edges of the beams, and the vehicles can be tracked all the way into the stop bar. Vehicles accelerate out of the stop bar area while still in the beam, ensuring they are tracked through the counting zone.
Second, it's best to have the vehicles enter the sensor’s radar footprint from the rounded side of the footprint. Vehicles entering on the flat edge of the sensor footprint need to meet more conditions in the sensor’s algorithms to be considered a vehicle, which means it can take the sensor a little longer to verify whether it is a vehicle when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds.
SmartSensor Manager Matrix allows you to create counting zones. These are small zones placed near the stop bar to count each vehicle as it passes through; as a general rule, we suggest putting the counting zone in front of or just at the stop bar. Also, it is helpful to change the channel type from Normal to Counting in the Zones and Channels tab in order to make the zone a pulse zone instead of a presence zone.
In the figure below, notice that none of the counting zones are in the shaded radar beam to the far left. This is intentional because, as was stated above, vehicles should enter through the rounded side of the footprint. For optimal performance, counting zones should not be in the last beam.
Note. An easy way to tell where the zone is in relation to the beam is by using the detection threshold adjust tool.
The variance in intersection geometry makes it difficult to set a single, standard mounting location. The image below shows an intersection where you might want to mount the SmartSensor Matrix. We will use this example to show how to best go about selecting a mounting location.
You may have noticed that in this example the mast arm is relatively far from the stop bar—about 43 ft. Intersections that have mast arms in advance of the stop bar like this one have a couple of mounting options.
If we followed the standard recommended mounting locations in the first figure above, we might mount the sensor on the pole near the mast arm.
Although the sensor will work at this location, the large distance from the stop bar to the mast arm makes this spot less than ideal because vehicles are entering the radar beam through the flat edge of the footprint. When the distance from the stop bar to the mast arm is greater than 30 ft., we recommend mounting the sensor on an adjacent mast arm (shown below).
When mounted at this location, vehicles will enter the radar beam on the rounded side of the footprint. This gives the sensor a chance to track the vehicles through the far reaches of the beams. It also allows the sensor to look at both the face and body of the approaching cars, allowing for accurate counting.
It is important to be aware of occlusion when the sensor is mounted in this location. If there are trees or poles in the way, it would be better to mount it like in the image above with the red footprint.
Keep the sensor’s general placement guidelines in mind when selecting a location, including a mounting height of about 20 ft. If the sensor is 20 ft. or more away from the detection area, mount the sensor higher than 20 ft.. The sensor must also have a clear view of the detection area—poles, mast arms, signal heads or other objects should not block the view.
The following table provides sensor mounting recommendations given different intersection parameters:
To help visualize and facilitate the SmartSensor Matrix installation, you can place Matrix footprints on plans and in Google Earth. This document will instruct you on how to create these footprints and correctly place them into plans.
Placing Footprints in PDF Plans
4. Browse to the folder where you saved the footprints and change the Files of type: drop-down to PNG.
5 .Click on one of the footprints and click Select.
6. Make sure the footprint that you have selected appears in the Select Image for Custom Stamp window and click OK.
7. Type in a new category name (e.g. Matrix), give the stamp a name (e.g. Green Footprint) and click OK.
8. Place the newly created stamp on the plans by going to Tools > Comment & Markup > Stamps > [category] > [name]. If you’re using Acrobat X, click on Comment and the Add Stamp icon again and the category you created will appear in the drop-down menu.
9. Click anywhere on the plans to place the stamp.
10. After you have placed the stamp, rotate and reposition it as necessary: to rotate, click on the stamp again, and rotate by dragging the circular handle. To reposition, simply click and drag the stamp.
11. Resize the stamp to fit the scale of the drawing. Click on the stamp, then drag the corners to the appropriate size, using the scale on the drawing as a guide.12. To place additional footprints, you MUST create and place a different stamp. If you place the same stamp a second time and then rotate it, all placements of that same stamp will be rotated.
To help dealers and customers plan for the deployment of the SmartSensor Matrix at an intersection, Wavetronix is providing 3D models of the radar’s footprint that can be added to a satellite view of an intersection using Google Earth. Google Earth can be downloaded for free by going to http://earth.google.com/. The Pro edition is not required.
There are two ways you can search for an intersection using Google Earth. You can enter the two street names, the city and state (for example: Pacific and Cedar, Everett, WA), or you can enter the longitude and latitude of the intersection (for example: 42°44’0.03”N 83° 8’8.90”W).
Once the intersection has been located, you can add the footprint by following the instructions below:
4. In the New Folder window, enter a name and click OK.
5. Add the footprint by right-clicking on the folder you created above and then selecting Add and then Model.
6. In the New Model window, click Browse.
7. Locate the footprint you want to use and click Open.
8. In the New Model window, give the footprint a name (for example: “Westbound”). Do not click OK. The model can only be positioned while the Properties window is open.
Note. Press the R button on your keyboard to return to the top-down and north-up view.
Move the footprint by placing the mouse in the center of the square. Once the mouse changes from a hand to a pointer, you can click and drag the square. Rotate the footprint by moving the mouse over the green diamond shape on the left side of the footprint. Once the mouse changes from a hand to a pointer, you can click and hold to rotate the footprint.
Note. Do not grab the sides or the corners of the square. Dragging these points will resize the footprint.
When you are done positioning the footprint, click OK in the New Model window. Use the information in this section to add multiple footprints. If you want to move a footprint once you have closed the New Model window, right-click on the footprint under the Places tab and select Properties.
Once you have added a footprint for each approach, follow the steps below to create a file that contains the footprints and their locations:
You can send the KMZ file to a customer, and if they have Google Earth installed, it will open Google Earth and take them right to the intersection with the footprints visible.
If the intersection is bonded, safely ground the Wavetronix sensor by grounding it to the pole, as shown below.
If the intersection is not bonded, safely ground the sensor by running a grounding wire from the sensor, through the pole, back to cabinet ground, as shown below.
The goal of a traffic engineer is to keep traffic running smoothly, safely and efficiently for the driving public, and often this involves making changes to specific intersections and to the overall road system. The trouble is that it can be difficult to observe and quantify just how these changes have affected traffic flow. A method to measure the effects of those changes can be an invaluable tool—but how do you do that?
The solution? A performance measurement system, which will gather data from many different detectors and collate them into useful and concrete reports, graphs and tables. A system like this takes the guesswork out of evaluating the traffic on your roads and lets you fine-tune changes until you achieve your desired results. Read on to learn how to create such a system using the Wavetronix SmartSensor Matrix and SmartSensor Advance and other tools.
These sensors are what will gather the data to send back to the TOC. (The backend software system you use will determine exactly how many total detectors and intersections you could tie into the system.)
The detectors you use need to be able to gather high-resolution data: counts in each lane, speeds of approaching vehicles, and the like. What makes the Matrix and Advance excellent choices for this application is first, the high-quality and reliable data, and second, that these sensors can gather the needed information while also performing their primary functions as intersection detectors.
So install your sensors, configure your detection channels, and then sit back while each device both delivers the necessary performance measure data and performs dilemma zone protection, stop bar detection, or any of the other useful applications these sensors can be used for.
At one corner of the intersection, put a traffic cabinet. These cabinets needs to have two devices inside:
Each traffic cabinet in the system should be connected back to the TOC; fiber is a popular choice, but your options are open for this step.
At the TOC you’ll need a server for the performance measures system. This server, running backend software that you’ve created, borrowed from another DOT, or obtained from a third party, will poll all the connected sensors and gather their detection data. It then goes through all this data and provides statistical analyses.
The backend software will then create useful graphs, tables and reports to deliver to you, the end user. This resources will allow you to see, and quantify when necessary, how well intersections are performing and whether changes you’ve made have affected those intersections.
You can see if your decisions have benefited the driving public, and you can find ways to further improve your roads.
The following shows how to wire a Wavetronix 6-conductor cable into a Click 222.
The power plant is the collection of Click devices that provides power to the sensor and other Click devices. It provides surge protection and, if necessary, AC to DC power conversion (all Wavetronix devices run on DC power).
For installations supplied with AC power, the power plant includes the following:
For installations supplied with DC power, the power plant includes the following:
The most common way to obtain a power plant is to buy a preassembled backplate, of which the power plant will be part. In that case, the only setup that needs to be done is making sure that power is supplied to the backplate.
If you have purchased the individual components of the power plant, follow the steps in this document to assemble and install it.
If you have an installation with a traffic cabinet, the power plant will most likely be installed in there. If you’re just using a pole-mount box, no cabinet, that’s where the power plant should go.
Warning. An authorized electrical technician should install and operate these modules; there is a serious risk of electrical shock if the power source is handled unsafely.
The Click 210 is a compact circuit breaker, which will interrupt an electric current if there is an overload. After a current interruption, reset the breaker by pushing the reset button (on the front of the device).
Note. For ease in troubleshooting, we recommend you follow the wire color scheme outlined here.
Note. Terminal blocks 3 and 4 are directly bonded via the metal mounting foot of the base element to the DIN rail, so there’s no need for any additional grounding.
The Click 201 provides 1 A (enough to power one SmartSensor HD). The Click 202 provides 2 A, and the 204 provides 4 A. Choose accordingly. (If you’re using the Click 203, see that chapter in the Click 100-400 Series User Guide.)
Follow the steps below to get power from the Click 201/202/204 to the T-bus, the power and comms bus that powers the rest of the installation:
The Click 210 is a compact circuit breaker, which will interrupt an electric current if there is an overload. After a current interruption, reset the breaker by pushing the reset button (on the front of the device).
Note. For ease in troubleshooting, we recommend you follow the wire color scheme outlined here.
The connector end of the SmartSensor 6-conductor cable mates to the 8-pin connector on the SmartSensor Matrix and SmartSensor Advance. The cable has seven wires. The sensor itself also contains internal wires that connect to the protective earth lug.
This figure shows the 6-conductor cable wire connections into a Click 222 surge protector.
