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Operational Questions

Purchasing Questions

Technology Questions

Operational Questions

What type of batteries does the unit use?

            The systems were designed for standard 12V batteries.  The battery base accept a size Group 24.  Standard Automotive or Marine batteries will work.  It is recommended that a special Gel-Cell or AGM battery intended for deep draw be used.  Marine batteries also work well.  The reason for selecting these batteries is that they will last long per use, and will take the charge and discharge cycles better, thus lasting much longer than a standard automotive battery.  Also for safety and maintenance reasons, sealed batteries are highly suggested.

What if the batteries spill?

Battery spills can be nasty, because the electrolyte (juice inside) is typically a strong acid, like sulfuric.  This acid can dissolve or corrode material fairly rapidly, and can cause very bad skin irritation and chemical burns.  The best thing to do with an acid spill is to rinse the acid with large amounts of fresh water.  The action of the acid can also be minimized by applying a strong Base chemical, like Baking Soda.  Dump Baking Soda directly on the spilled acid.  The soda will foam up.  Then rinse the mess away, and repeat the soda application.

How long will the unit run?

Run time is dependant upon the unit type, operational mode, battery size, age and charge as well as environmental conditions.  Assuming that the unit is starting with a single fresh, new 55 amp hour battery that has been fully charged the following times can be expected.  NOTE:  These times have been tested, and in several cases exceeded. 

RCTL with no arrows, strobe off in Manual or Automatic mode – 20-24 hours
RCTL with arrows, strobe off in Manual or automatic mode –18-22 hours
RCTL with arrows and strobe on in Manual or Automatic mode – 14-18 hours
RCTL strobe off, in Red Flash Mode – 32+ hours
SWTL 8 inch in Flash Mode – 110+ hours
SWTL 8 inch RYG in Auto Mode – 60+ hours
RDTL 8 inch in flash mode – 100+ hours
RDTL 8 inch RYG, no detectors, in Manual or Automatic mode - 55+ hours
RDTL 12 inch in flash mode – 80+ Hours
RDTL 12 inch RYG, no detectors, in Manual or Automatic mode – 48+ hours.

Why doesn't my unit run as long as before?

Lots of factors can affect the run time.  Make sure you are using a fresh battery that has been fully charged.  Follow the maintenance and charge suggestions for the batteries.  Very damp, cold or hot weather can also affect a batteries performance.  Long Green times use more energy than short green times because the green LEDs take more power than red.  Shorter full cycles also use more energy because the radio is used more and the yellow takes the most power.  If you have additional items connected to the battery, they also take power.  Units that have an ambient light adjustment will take more power in daylight hours than nighttime hours.  Finally, the Strobe on some units can cut the time in half!

How many years will the battery last?

Battery life has a lot of variance.  With proper care and charging, batteries should last for about 3-5 years.  There are several things you can do to extend the life of the battery.  Store batteries in a cool, dry well ventilated location, between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.  Store the batteries on a wooden or plastic shelf or pallet to avoid trickle discharge.  Ventilation is required due to possible out-gassing of Hydrogen (the explosive gas used in the Hindenburg).  Run the batteries down to about 11.2 volts before recharging.  Do not run the batteries to below 10 volts.  Use a trickle charger or smart charger with the correct cutoff voltage for you battery type.  Do not store the batteries outside, uncovered.  Do not submerge batteries.  If storing batteries for long periods of time, consider a maintenance schedule of periodically discharging and recharging the batteries about once every month or two.

How many batteries can I use? How do I use multiple batteries?

IST stands are constructed to hold two batteries, but as many as four to six batteries may be used.  Batteries are to be connected in parallel to maintain 12V DC to the units.  This is accomplished by connecting positive terminals to positive terminals and negative terminals to negative terminals.  BE VERY CAREFULL WHEN CONNECTING BATTERIES!  If shorted, batteries can delivery Huge amounts of current instantaneously, which can melt wires, ignite stuff etc.,

How long can the system run on Solar Power?

Solar Power requires the panel to be exposed to sunlight to operate.  Assuming that the unit is placed in a sunny area, with the panel properly tilted and facing due south,  most areas can expect an average of 5 charging hours per day.  For a 64 Watt solar panel, this means that it can provide about 26 amp hours of charge per day.  For most IST products, this is sufficient to recharge the battery every day, thus extending the run time indefinitely (i.e. weeks).  However, if there are lighting problems from weather or high amounts of dirt deposited on the panel, the effectiveness of the solar panel can be greatly decreased.  For smaller flasher signals and sings that run during selected hours, an 11 Watt or 22 Watt panel may be sufficient.

Purchasing Questions

What is the best system for me?

Selecting the best system requires review of the application and budget.  IST's sales force can assist you in determining the best solution that meet both.  For 3 way or 4 way intersections (special events, emergency traffic direction), the RCTL is the best choice.  The RCTL has 4 full signal faces, and is very adaptable.  It can also be used for very short two-direction single lane work, such as tree trimming, sewer work, accident management, gate control or parking management.  For most single lane work, the SWTL, SWTL-RTC or RDTL will work the best.  The SWTL is typically used to assist flaggers or for gate control, and are intended mostly for attended applications.  The SWTL-RTC is used for similar applications as the SWTL, plus are good for unattended use over a shorter time period ( 1 or 2 days) in the same location.  The SWTL-RTC is also good for jobs with a restricted budget.  The RDTL is more advanced, and provides several benefits that make the system more robust, adaptable and meets more stringent contract requirements.  IST also provides several other systems for more specific applications, like mobile directional control signals, networked warning systems, ramp meters and driver training systems.  IST can also provide engineered solutions to unique traffic control problems.

Are the systems approved for use in my state?

IST has developed products to meet the applicable specifications required by most states for these types of devices.  The primary specification used as a model is the Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).  Each state is required to use this manual as the basis for its specification.  However, every state has it's own criteria for “Approval” that can include certain laws, ordinances, purchasing requirements and pre-approval lists, or other restrictions beyond those found in the MUTCD.  Sometimes these requirements may affect the configuration required for the system.  Typically, even if a device is not listed in a pre-approved list, it may still be used within the state, but may require that a local DOT safety officer review the unit or spec. and possibly sign a contract waiver clause.  Additionally use and configuration of a traffic control device may be dependant upon location and who is using the system.  DOT's in most states require any contractor to have some approval on State and Federal highways, even with approved devices.  Police agencies in most states have special authority due to code that allows them to use various means to direct traffic in emergencies and at special events.

What is the MUTCD?

The Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices is developed by the United States of America Federal Department of Transportation.  This manual is adopted by all State DOT's as the minimum requirements for traffic control.  The MUTCD details specifications for all types of regulatory, warning  and informational devices including signals, signs, symbols, pavement marking and other delineators.  Furthermore, the manual provides guidance on installation and operations, as well as procedures and calculations for the use of such devices.  The MUTCD covers both permanent and temporary installation.  Individual states may include additional requirements beyond the MUTCD.

What is ITE?

The Institute of Transportation Engineers is a professional organization that reviews and recommends specifications that deal directly with transportation devices.  Most notably, the ITE developed recommendations on traffic signal visibility characteristics, including size, color and distributed light intensity.

What is IMSA?

The International Municipal Signal Association is a professional organization that provides resources to the traffic control and communications industry.  IMSA provides a body for the certification of traffic signal installation technicians.

What is NEMA?

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association is a professional organization that provides research and recommends specifications on a variety of electrical apparatuses, installations and equipment.  In the traffic industry, specifications from NEMA include housing/enclosure specifications, wiring recommendations and a specification for traffic controllers.  Typically the NEMA spec(s) for traffic controllers is mainly concerned with issues surrounding permanent installations, and includes items on AC Power requirements, spare I/O requirements and interoperability of devices from different manufactures.  Many of the NEMA T1 or T2 specification items do not apply to standalone portable device requirements.  NEMA specifications for housings and enclosures and wiring techniques are applicable, however.

What is the NFPA?

The National Fire Protection Agency is a body that publishes specifications that deal with the construction of structures and how it relates to safety, particularly with regard to fire prevention.  The NFPA publishes the National Electrical Code, used for wiring in lighting applications, and other types of equipment.

What is the FCC?

The Federal Communications Commission provides regulation of electronically broadcasted information in the United States of America.  The FCC determines which frequencies are used for which bands, and provides guidance on emission (power level) standards.  Certain frequencies and power levels are totally restricted, others require FCC Licensing, while others do not require special approval to use.  Radio controls for most of IST's products are in the license free UHF (303MHz, 315MHz and 418MHz) and ISM (900MHz) bands.  IST does provide other frequencies and power ranges to specific customers that either have licensing, are in different countries, or have other approval (i.e. military etc.)

What is the FAA?

The Federal Aviation Administration provides regulation for the Aviation industry.  The FAA specifies construction requirements for Airfield equipment and lighting.  The FAA also determines rules for equipment (i.e. radios and lights) usage in and around airfields.

What is the typical delivery time?

IST keeps a few selected items in stock, and can deliver them at order acceptance.  However, due to the custom nature of most of IST's products, product is typically built to order.  IST keeps most of the building blocks on hand.  Some items are “off the shelf” components, while other items are fabricated to IST specifications either in-house or by contract.  Most standard products can be shipped in 3-4 weeks.

Can I get a discount on price?

IST's pricing is based on predetermined schedules that include incentives for volume, financing, security and contract performance.  This ensures that customers are treated fairly and equally.

Can you ship to my location?

IST can ship to nearly any location in the world.  Specific restrictions may apply to products going to places that have embargos or other sanctions in place.  IST will work with your purchasing department to ensure that your order arrives at the proper place, at the right time and with the minimum hassle from customs and carriers.

What type of duty will I pay?

Most of IST's equipment falls into the Traffic Light Equipment category of the US Department of Commerce's Universal Harmonizing Traffic Code #8530.90.  In many countries, there is no duty on this type of equipment.

What is the shipping cost?

Shipping costs vary with the size and weight of the order and delivery requirements and location.  Shipping cost includes handling, packaging and crating fees, carrier insurance, local and SED documentation fees.  Customers are expected to pay any duties, taxes or tariffs, as well as any unexpected security or legalization fees.

Technology Questions

What is the difference between LED's and Incandescent Bulbs?

For portable traffic light systems, LED technology offers much greater reliability and lower power consumption than Incandescent lamps.  Typically LED's use 1/10^th of the power, allowing the unit to run 10 times as long on the same battery charge.  LEDs are solid state devices that do not have filaments to burn out or break.  LEDs are very mechanically shock resistant.  Signals made from LEDs include many individual lamps.  If one lamp fails, the Signal can still function.  LED signals have life expectancies of 5 – 20 years, while the best Incandescent bulbs only last two years.

Why are LEDs so expensive?

LED signals are more expensive than incandescent for several reasons.  First is that they are worth it!  Over time LED will pay for themselves in energy and maintenance cost savings.  Incandescent bulbs have been around since Edison in the late 1800's.  Over the years, mass production and consumption has driven the cost of light bulbs very low.  LED technology has been around since the 1960's, but was not advanced enough to use for outside lighting until the mid 1990's.  Since IST was conceived, we have seen rapid and tremendous growth in this technology.  In fact, the bluish green technology only became available to the market right as IST was starting up.  Over time LED prices will decrease, but it will take a long time to beat the incandescent market.

What type of radio do you use for the RC/Wireless Control?

IST uses a UHF Band fixed carrier transmitter receiver pair that can operate up to 900 feet away.  Each remote pair is preset with matching ID's for secure, individual communication.  For systems requiring extra security, IST can also provide alternative, unique ID systems.

What type of radio do you use for Unit-to-Unit communication?

IST uses an ISM 900Mhz band spread spectrum frequency hoping two-way transceiver.  This radio is FCC License free, and the software provides a good deal of signal reliability and security.

What is Spread Spectrum?

Spread Spectrum Frequency Hopping is a method where the communication on the radio is broadcast in small parts on different frequencies.  A predetermined sequence is used, so the radios can stay synchronized.  The benefit of this technique is that the communications is slightly more secure, and is more reliable by avoiding interference problems introduced by competing systems and physical factors.

Do I need a License to operate the units?

Most IST equipment does not require an FCC license to operate.  See the section on the FCC.

What if I want another radio frequency or type?

Other radios or frequencies may be requested.  There are compatible frequencies spread spectrum bands for other countries in Europe, Asia and South America.  IST has also provided highly secure single frequency narrow band radios for use in the UHF range.  FCC or other regulatory approval may be required.  Unique radio systems may require additional engineering efforts, or custom hardware. 

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