MetroCount RoadPod VT5900 Manual

RoadPod®VT5900 - Operator Guide

This guide is an introduction to the operation

and installation of the RoadPod® VT classier.

For detailed software instructions, refer to your

MetroCount Trac Executive®User Manual

(click Help in the MTE software menu bar).

The RoadPod VT is a dual air-sensor trac

data logging unit. For short-term operations,

the counter is powered by a user-replaceable

alkaline battery pack, supporting up to 4 years

of continuous data collection. When used for

semi-permanent applications, an additional

solar panel with SLA battery can power the unit.

The main system unit is fully weatherproof.

Communication with the unit is performed

via the sealed circular connector, using a

MetroCount-supplied USB communication

cable and the MTE® software. Mechanical

protection is provided by the stainless-steel

road case.

The RoadPod VT’s LED lights provide constant

feedback about the unit’s current state and the

functionality of the air sensors.

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The Idle state is the unit’s standby mode,

meaning the counter does not log any data and

simply retains the existing data.

The unit is set to Active Logging state through

a setup. In this state, the counter logs axle hits

and runs a number of maintenance tasks. The

unit will continue to do this until a data Unload

is performed or its memory capacity is lled.

The logging start time can be deferred for up to

10 days. During this time, the unit will be active,

but will not log sensor hits. RoadPod VT5900

has an additional Zombie Mode feature, that

keeps the counter fully inert between axle hits.

Status LED lights

The RoadPod VT has three status LED’s located

near the air sensors. The A and B lights match

each of the sensors and operate in either of

♥ LED State

Flashing every 8

seconds Idle

Flashing every 2

seconds Active Deferred

Flashing every second Active Logging

On continuously Communications

Active

O continuously Data Transfer

Operating states

the active states. When a sensor is triggered

by an air pulse, the corresponding Status LED

will ash. This enables users to check sensor

installation and easily identify issues, such as

blockages. The ♥ Status LED indicates the unit’s

current state, as described in the table below:

Communications and setup

The RoadPod VT is controlled by connectingit

to a computer via the MetroCount- supplied

USB cable. For setup, you would ideally use a

Windows laptop or tablet as it allows you to

connect to the counter at the site. Users also

have the option to use a PCin the oce.

System overview

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

®Page 1

The RoadPod VT5900 has an 8MB memory

capacity capable of storing approx. 4 million

axles, which is four times the capacity of its

predecessor (MC5600).

The ash memory incorporated in the newest

RoadPod VT5900 enables it to retain data in

the absence of power supply that can occur in

the unlikely event of battery failure.

Replacing the main battery of the VT5900

is a straightforward procedure. We strongly

recommend using MetroCount supplied

replacement packs, as they will ensure the

highest reliability and the longest logging

capacity. Do not use spring-based battery

packs as these are often unstable and will

interrupt the power supply/counting if the RSU

is bumped or dropped.

Memory capacity

RoadPod VT uses a non-rechargeable, alkaline

battery pack. In its Zombie or Idle modes, the

counters draw a negligible level of current,

giving it a shelf life of ve years with minor

capacity degradation.

NOTE: The latest generation of tube counters,

launched in 2016, has brought signicant

improvements to the battery performance.

Although using the same battery pack, the

VT5900 model can run continuously for up to

4 years, while the previous MC5600 model

could only last 290 days.

Checking the battery level

To verify your unit’s battery level, please

connect the counter to your PC and check

the RSU Status > Power window in MTE.

In the RSU Status view / Power tab (see diagram

on this page), you’ll be able to see the main

battery power level in the left hand meter.

The right hand meter function will vary

depending on what model RoadPod/RSU you

are connected to and/or if an external battery

is being used. For more information, please

contact MetroCount.

Main battery replacement

The main battery pack will rarely fail suddenly,

however, you should ensure there is enough

lead time to organise a replacement. Even at

zero days remaining, you will still be able to

Unload data. In fact, it is recommended to

download any data from the counter’s memory

before changing the battery.

Battery life

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

+61 8 9430 6164

[email protected]

Australia

+44 208 782 8999

[email protected]

United Kingdom

+1 301 497 6101

[email protected]

United States

+31 10 268 01 84

[email protected]

Netherlands

Page 2

!NOTE: Never allow the two battery pack

terminals to make contact!

This tube counter can be installed in a variety

of ways, depending on your data collection

goals. The most common approach, resulting

in the best achievable classication and count

accuracy is the Classier Sensor Layout (two

tubes of equal length, of equal length from

the kerb to the counter, parallel to each other,

spaced one meter apart).

Counter installations should be done by skilled

and, where possible, duly qualied personnel.

An adequate supply of simple, yet high-quality

tools is essential for safe, speedy tube setup. A

minimum set includes:

!NOTE: Installers and users should

ensure that they have referred to and

have regarded all relevant statutes and

regulations in force in the locality where

installation and use are to be made.

Steps to main battery replacement

1. Using the supplied 4mm hex driver, remove

the six screws from the unit’s lid.

2. Remove the lid.

3. Lift the existing battery pack from the base.

4. Disconnect both battery pack terminals.

5. Connect the new battery pack, ensuring

you colour-match the leads; the counter is

protected against reverse polarity.

6. Place the new battery pack centrally in the

battery compartment.

7. Neatly route each battery lead on opposite

sides of the pack, ensuring the leads are not

caught under.

8. Reposition the lid, ensuring it is correctly

aligned with the Status LEDs.

9. Replace the lid screws. Make sure not to

over-tighten them; a quarter turn past the

point that the lid mates with the base.

10. After changing the battery pack, a warning

message might appear. This is perfectly

normal and will disappear the next time the

unit is setup.

Connector tips

The battery tab connectors used in the

RoadPod VT counters are designed for

maximum reliability. Some tips on how to use

them:

• The terminals are best separated using a

rocking, side-to-side action.

• Always grip the terminals; try to avoid

pulling on the leads.

• Consider using a pair of pliers to grip the

terminals.

• When reconnecting, the terminals should

click into place.

RoadPod®VT installation

• Small mallet / heavy duty claw hammer /

electric drill

• Crowbar

• Side cutters or pliers

• Chalk or lumber crayon

• Tape measure or 1m stick

• High-quality safety equipment

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MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

®Page 3

The quality of your trac data can be aected

by a number of site characteristics. While some

conditions are unavoidable, here is a list of

points to consider when selecting a survey site:

• Select roads where most trac is travelling

at a constant speed across the tubes.

If possible, avoid sites where vehicles

are accelerating/decelerating due to

bends, steep inclines, trac signals or

intersections.

• Avoid sites where vehicles stop over the

tubes.

• Ensure that trac runs perpendicularly to

the tubes. Avoid sites where vehicles will

turn across the sensors.

• Minimise single tube hits by avoiding

excessive swerving or lane changing.

• Ensure there is a suitable point for securing

the unit, such as a post or tree.

When installing one unit across two lanes of

bidirectional trac, careful consideration must

be paid to the level of data quality degradation.

Since sensors are placed parallel to each other,

issues appear when two vehicles traverse them

simultaneously. The sequence of axle hits

produced by such an event makes it dicult to

discern actual vehicles.

There is no rule-of-thumb for when a single

unit can be used for bidirectional trac. If the

occurrence of two vehicles crossing the tubes

simultaneously is very low, then data

Site selection

Bidirectional sites

When surveying a bidirectional trac ow, the

approved installation method is to use one

RoadPod VT unit per lane. This approach will

ensure the best achievable accuracy for a site,

in terms of volume, classication and speed.

Site type

quality will not be aected. As the number of

simultaneous crossing events increases, data

quality will decrease. It is a matter of assessing

the convenience of a single unit against the

acceptable data quality for any given site.

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

+61 8 9430 6164

[email protected]

Australia

+44 208 782 8999

[email protected]

United Kingdom

+1 301 497 6101

[email protected]

United States

+31 10 268 01 84

[email protected]

Netherlands

Page 4

A two-lane road with a central median requires

two RoadPod’s to properly monitor both lanes.

!NOTE: Do not use this conguration for

multi-lane unidirectional sites!

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Multi-lane unidirectional sites

For multilane carriageways with unidirectional

trac, it is mandatory to use one RoadPod VT

per lane.

If the sensors of a single unit are placed across

two or more lanes with trac travelling in the

same direction, the resultant axle events of

multiple vehicles travelling in echelon may be

indistinguishable from a heavy vehicle.

For roads with no median access or greater

than two lanes, consider using a Count Sensor

Layout to obtain basic volumetric and gap data.

The following section discusses the installation

of a RoadPod unit using a Classier Sensor

Layout. The techniques mentioned here can be

carried over to Count Sensor Layout installation.

Sensor installation

2. Twist the Figure-8 Cleat to form a second

loop and slide over the end of the tube.

3. Bunch the two loops together and pull the

tube through as necessary.

1. Place one end of the pneumatic tube over

the large loop of a Figure-8 Cleat.

To attach a Figure-8 Cleat

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

®Page 5

1. Prepare two road-tubes by cutting your roll

into equal lengths, suciently long enough

to cover the required lanes and reach the

unit’s securing point.

2. Using a tape measure or one-metre stick,

mark the one-metre tube spacing on the

road with a lumber crayon or chalk.

3. Attach Figure-8 Cleats to one end of each

tube, using two per tube.

4. Seal the same end of each tube with vent

plugs (or two knots), adjacent to the cleats.

5. Secure both tubes to the road using a road

nail through the eyelet of each cleat.

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To install pneumatic tubes

9. Attach the Centre-Line Flaps as required

using two road nails/screws per cleat. This

will minimise lateral movement over long

distances. Using one in the centre of each

lane, in addition to between two lanes will

maximise data quality.

10. Remove the inner tray from the stainless

steel case and feed both tubes up through

the handle.

11. Attach each tube to the appropriate air

sensor (brass spigot) on the plastic main

system unit. Use the Status LEDs or the

Trac View (when connectedtoa laptop) to

verify the correct tube connections.

!NOTE: Use the convention of the A

tube being the rst one hit by a vehicle

travelling in the lane closest to the unit.

12. Place the main system unit into theroad

case and push the tubes into the locking

cut-outs, as shown below:

!NOTE: The use of Bitumen Tape may be

considered in place of road nails/cleats/

aps at some sites (contact MetroCount

for more information).

!NOTE: Ensure that the tubes are of

equal length from the kerb to the

counter, parallel to each other and

perpendicular to the direction of travel.

7. Double-check that the tube spacing is one

metre.

8. Stretch each tube 10-15% to reduce lateral

movement. If necessary, tie a cable around

the kerb side cleats to prevent slippage.

!NOTE: Ensure that the tube length from

the kerb to the air sensors is exactly the

same. A dierence in length will result in

incorrect speed and wheelbase values.

6. Attach Figure-8 cleats to the kerb side of

each tube, using two per tube, and secure

to the road using road nails or screws.

13. Slide the tray into the outer case and secure

the counter using a padlock through one of

the handle holes.

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

®Page 6

RoadPod®VT setup

The procedure for Roadside unit setup is

covered in the Help section of the MTE software

menu bar. The following sections provide a

reference for the Direction Codes, Lockout

Settings and Lane Numbering.

Direction Codes

Trac ow directions are entered during the

RoadPod setup to be used later during data

analysis. Note that the ow directions specied

at setup are purely a descriptive eld. They do

not perform any ltering function on the actual

logging of axle data.

Directions are specied as north, south, east

or west. When specifying a direction, simply

select one of these compass points that best

describes the actual direction.

For consistency across datasets, it is important

to adopt a convention of direction codes. The

recommended convention is:

The A tube should be the rst tube hit by vehicles

travelling on the side of the road on which the

RoadPod unit is installed.

The following tables provide a useful reference

for matching direction codes to tube layouts.

Bidirectional

Direction Codes

Left-hand

Drive Example

South bound A>B

North bound B>A

West bound A>B

East bound B>A

North bound A>B

South bound B>A

East bound A>B

West bound B>A

Unidirectional

Direction Code Layout Example

North bound

A hit rst

East bound

A hit rst

South bound

A hit rst

West bound

A hit rst

Bidirectional

Direction Codes

Right-hand

Drive Example

South bound A>B

North bound B>A

West bound A>B

East bound B>A

North bound A>B

South bound B>A

East bound A>B

West bound B>A

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

+61 8 9430 6164

[email protected]

Australia

+44 208 782 8999

[email protected]

United Kingdom

+1 301 497 6101

[email protected]

United States

+31 10 268 01 84

[email protected]

Netherlands

Page 7

www.metrocount.com

Lockout

The Lockout eliminates spurious axle hits

caused by tube slap from poorly installed tubes

or slow moving vehicles, as wheels roll onto

and then o the tube.

It is important to select a lockout time that

minimises the number of spurious hits

without removing real axle hits. When a tube

spans multiple lanes, two real axle hits can

quite reasonably be only a few milliseconds

apart. The alongside table describes the

recommended lockout settings.

Lockout Description

10ms

Multiple Lane Default - Use this setting

for tubes that span more than one lane,

assuming ideal road quality.

20ms

Multiple Lane Special - Use this setting

for a tube that spans more than one

lane, where road quality is poor or trac

is slow moving.

30ms

Single Lane Default - Use this setting

for a tube that spans one lane only,

assuming ideal road quality.

40ms

Single Lane Special - Use this setting for

a tube that spans more than one lane,

where road quality is poor or trac is

slow moving.

>50ms

Single Lane Special - Use this setting for

a tube that spans one lane only, under

exceptional circumstances such as car

parks.

Lane Numbering

The lane number is used to distinguish data

collected from multiple RoadPod units at one

site. By convention, a lane number of zero (0) is

used for sites using only one RoadPod unit.

For multiple installations at a single site, adopt

a consistent lane numbering convention. For

example, number the lanes consecutively,

starting at one (1) from the north (north-south

roads) or east (east-west roads).

Count installation

To obtain short-term volume data, the

RoadPod system can also be used in several

Count Sensor Layouts. Each of the sensors can

be placed independently of each other, across

multiple lanes. Alternatively, the sensors can be

used in a split mode.

Count Sensor Layouts provide you with

basic volume information, as well as trac

characterisation, such as gap analysis.

Each pneumatic tube should be secured using

the method described for a Classier Sensors

Layout. Note that, this time around, equal tube

lengths is not an issue.

The table alongside provides some examples of

Count Sensor Layouts.

Count Sensor Layout Description

Separate Mode - Each

sensor is used independently

of the other.

Split Mode 1- Used to

obtain axle-based data

across multiple lanes. MTE

handles the necessary data

manipulation.

Split Mode 2 - This example

extends the split mode

concept across multiple

lanes. MTE handles the

necessary data manipulation.

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

®Page 8

Factory setup

Under very rare circumstances, you may

receive a Header is garbled! message when

trying to communicate with a RoadPod unit.

This message usually indicates some unusual

values in the setup information.

!NOTE: A Factory Setup side-eect is that

any data in memory might be lost. You

should try unloading any required data

before performing a Factory Setup.

If you encounter this message, you will need

to perform a Factory Setup operation in MTE.

This will reset the unit and switch it to Active

Logging state.

To perform a Factory Setup

1. In MTE, select Technical > Factory Setup.

2. Several warnings will be issued about the

side-eects of this operation.

3. Conrm that you wish to proceed.

4. If the ‘Header is garbled’ message persists,

contact MetroCount.

MetroCount

Traffic Data Specialists

+61 8 9430 6164

[email protected]

Australia

+44 208 782 8999

[email protected]

United Kingdom

+1 301 497 6101

[email protected]

United States

+31 10 268 01 84

[email protected]

Netherlands

Page 9

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