item 11680.8401m – variable message sign (vms) …permanent variable message signs. h. the front...

ITEM 11680.8401M – VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) ASSEMBLY, FLIP DISK LED

Page 1 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

DESCRIPTION: This work shall consist of furnishing and installing walk-in Variable Message Sign (VMS) assemblies consisting of reflective flip disk elements enhanced by LEDs in a line matrix configuration in accordance with the Contract documents. The Contractor shall install the VMS on sign structures described under other items. This item shall include all sign modules, sign housing, VMS controller, auxiliary control cabinet, fittings and cabling to make the sign compatible with the Joint Transportation Management Center (JTMC) sign control software defined in this document.

MATERIALS: The VMS shall meet the requirements of §730-27, Permanent Variable Message Signs, as supplemented by this special specification with the more stringent requirement governing.

To insure maximum compatibility and interchangeability with equipment furnished under previous projects, the Variable Message Sign Assembly shall be manufactured by

Mark IV Industries 6030 Ambler Drive Mississauga, Ontario L4W 2P1 using the XY2L series of lamp modules with maximum component interchangeability with existing Mark IV Variable Message Signs installed in Region 11 as part of the Cross Bronx Expressway project.

or equal as approved by the Engineer.

Manufacturer’s Experience: The vendor of the VMS assembly shall meet the following requirements: C A minimum of five (5) years experience in the manufacture and installation of variable message

signs using reflective disk/LED technology. C A minimum of ten (10) years experience in the manufacture and installation of computer

controlled outdoor disk matrix signs. As part of the thirty-day submission, the Contractor shall submit proof of compliance with the experience requirements. This shall include, but not be limited to, a list of sign installations with photographs and names, addresses and telephone numbers of operating personnel who can be contacted regarding the signs. If requested by the Engineer, the Contractor shall arrange for a demonstration of an installed sign from the proposed manufacturer using reflective disk/LED technology.

Requirements: The VMS Assembly shall meet the following requirements:

A. Variable Message Sign: The VMS shall consist of a three line continuous matrix display. Each line shall contain 105 pixels across by 7 pixels high (735 pixels). The display shall consist of pixel modules, with each module having a 5 (horizontal) by 7 (vertical) matrix of pixels. Sign and modules shall be constructed to meet the following requirements:

a. Pixel spacing such that a character 7 pixels in height is 457 mm high. b. Maximum gap between reflective disks: 12.7 mm. c. Gap between lines: 229 mm. d. All maintenance performed from within the sign. e. Equal horizontal and vertical pixel spacing. f. Maximum total weight of the VMS: 2270 kg. g. Maximum current required by the VMS: 50 A. h. All pixel modules, assemblies, and components compatible and interchangeable between signs


Page 2 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

provided under this item. i. Shielding of the electronics to prevent adverse interference with operation of a wireless modem (e.g.,

CDPD) mounted in the sign housing. j. Each pixel enhanced by a cluster of 7 LEDs, closed or opened by a shuttering device using

electromagnetic flip disk technology, and warranted for 5 years against defective operation. The LEDs shall be switched off when the pixel is shuttered and on when the pixel is opened.

k. The shutters shall meet the following requirements: • Each shutter consists of a single flat circular disk, that will rotate on a horizontal or diagonal axis

on a stainless steel pivot or Teflon bushing. • Control the shutters (disks) by electromagnetic pulses with the disks remaining in their state after

the pulse is removed. • Zero power consumption by the electromagnetic shutters when the shutters are in a stable

position. • Shutters rated at 100,000,000 operations, minimum. • The flip disk shall be reflective yellow on one side and flat black on the other. The reflectivity

shall enhance the target value of the display in daylight and shall enlarge the viewing angle in excess of 60 degrees centered around the optical axis when viewed from 30 m. during daylight and night. The disk material shall consist of a layered process of mylar and lexan. Painted disks are not acceptable.

• Contains an aperture located approximately on the center of the disk through which the LED light is transmitted for the “on” position and the transmission of light is blocked in the "off” position. Accomplish this by rotating the disk 180o; or by providing a shroud on the back of the disk, approximately on the center of the disk, and rotating the disk 90o.

l. The LEDs shall meet the following requirements: • High output aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) type with a minimum output of 4

candela each when driven at the manufacturer’s recommended forward current and a viewing angle of 15 degrees (50% of the normalized intensity) centered about the horizontal axis.

• Amber emitted color with a nominal wavelength of 592 nm. • Average service life of the LEDs shall be rated by the manufacturer for 100,000 hours of

continuous duty at the operational characteristics specified by the manufacturer. • Batch sorted such that the brightest LED shall not be more than twice as bright as the dimmest

LED. • Servicing of the LEDs from the inside of the sign and without the use of any special tools or

removal of the shuttering devices. • Power to the LEDs shall be continuous direct current and shall be adjusted by pulse width

modulation. Strobing of the LEDs with current pulses shall not be used. • To minimize the change of LEDs being pushed out of alignment with the sign’s optical axis, the

LEDs shall be mounted no more than 0.25 mm from the front side of the printed circuit board. The LEDs shall be mechanically protected to prevent contact with them when the module is gripped or dropped.

• The current provided to the LEDs at maximum brightness shall be adjustable in finite increments


Page 3 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

to permit adjustment to offset the dimming of the LEDs due to aging. • Automatic extinguishing of the LEDs when sign is blanked.

m. The pixels and modules shall be arranged such that there is no difference in illumination between pixels within the same module or in different modules. Minor measured difference of less than 5 percent between maximum and minimum is acceptable if visible differences are undetectable.

n. Any 457 mm high character formed by the “on” pixels shall be readable from any point on the approach roadway up to 270 meters away under any lighting conditions.

B. VMS Housing

a. The housing shall be constructed to present a clean, neat appearance. Seals, baffles and screens to prevent the entry of water, dust and insects shall be used, as required to protect equipment located within the housing from moisture, dust, dirt and corrosion. Drainage holes shall be drilled near each corner of the base of the enclosure.

b. The housing shall contain interior non-corrosive metal cage support frames to mount the display elements. The cage support frame will withstand and minimize vibration when the sign is mounted with any number of display elements.

c. The housing and cage support frame shall be configured such that there will be a continuous unobstructed horizontal clearance from electrical components as required by the National Electric Code (NEC).

d. A weatherproof, secure access door shall be provided on the right side of the VMS housing (as seen from the front) with a minimum dimension of 1520 mm high by 610 mm wide. Provision for padlocking the cabinet when the door is closed shall be provided. Padlocks shall be provided for each cabinet. The locks shall have a solid brass case with a case-hardened steel shackle. The shackle’s diameter shall be a minimum of 4 mm. The locks shall be keyed the same as the locks provided for the Field Cabinets. Two keys shall be provided to the Engineer for each cabinet.

e. The door opening shall be positioned such that the step to the bottom door threshold does not exceed 0.3 m. Additional stairs and a safety platform shall be provided if required to provide safe access to the sign. The access door status shall be monitored with an electrical contact, such that the contact will be closed when the door is closed and open when the door is open. The contact shall be wired to the VMS controller and shall cause a bit to be set in the status message returned to the JTMC when the contact is open.

f. Two lifting eyes shall be provided on the VMS housings to permit lifting of the sign housing on to the sign structure. Though the fully assembled sign will be lifted into place using both lifting eyes, each lifting eye shall be of sufficient structural strength to allow the sign be lifted or moved without damage or permanent deformation to any part of the sign.

g. The housings shall be fabricated from 3.2 mm (minimum) thick aluminum alloy 3003-H14, 6061-T6 or 5154-H38, designed to withstand the loads specified under “Design Criteria” of §730-27, Permanent Variable Message Signs.

h. The front face of the VMS housing shall be extended 50 mm beyond the message area of the sign creating a blank, flat black border area that is integral to the housing. Add-on elements to create the border are not allowed.

i. All edges and corners shall be rounded. j. All exterior seams shall be continuously welded by an inert process only in the shop such that each


Page 4 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

weld has a uniform flow. k. Louvered vents shall be provided on both sides of the housing and below the housing, as necessary,

to provide sufficient ventilation. All fans or other forced air devices shall be thermostatically controlled and shall use standard-size removable dust filters. All fans shall have ball or roller bearings and shall be UL listed.

l. Screened weep holes shall be provided at each corner of the enclosure to allow the drainage of any water that may collect in the housing.

m. The VMS housing shall include an internal fluorescent lighting system to provide the maintenance personnel with ample working lighting in day and night conditions. These lights shall be powered from an isolated, separately controllable electrical circuit. The fluorescent ballast shall be UL listed.

n. 15 A 120 Vac duplex electrical outlets, with ground fault circuit interrupters, for use by maintenance personnel shall be mounted every 3 m along the rear interior panels. These outlets shall be powered from an isolated, separately controllable electrical circuit. The outlets shall be UL listed.

o. The Contractor shall run the power cables to energize the VMS, power the maintenance lights and power the maintenance outlets as separate circuits. A UL listed breaker box sized for a minimum of three circuits rated for 120 Vac 50 amp source shall be provided. The breaker box shall be furnished with a minimum of three circuit breakers rated at 22,000 AIC and sized as following: • as required to energize the VMS • 15 amps for the maintenance lights • 15 amps for the maintenance outlets.

p. Safety labels in accordance with OSHA, NEMA, and NEC requirements shall be used to indicate potentially dangerous or hazardous situations. The contents of safety labels shall be in accordance with the ANSI Z535.4 standard, Product Safety Signs and Labels.

q. Current carrying capacity of all conductors shall comply with the NEC. r. The Contractor shall provide surge protection for all external cabling entering the assembly. The

surge protection shall be mounted as close to the cable entry as possible. The surge protectors shall be grounded in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation. The AC power line surge protector shall be installed between the load side of the input power circuit breaker or fuse and ground. The surge protector shall meet the following requirements: • Working Voltage Rating: AC power line with a voltage rating of 130 V rms and 184 V peak. • Surge Voltage: Limit the surge voltage applied to the equipment to 650 Vpk while conducting a

peak surge current of at least 20,000 A. The surge current shall be an unsymmetrical triangle wave (8 x 20 us) that requires 8 us to reach its peak value and 20 us to fall to half the peak value.

• Energy Rating: Dissipate 50 joules of surge energy without damage to itself and shall have a 15 watt power dissipation rating.

s. The housing shall be thoroughly cleaned and then neutralized for priming. The housing shall then be treated with a phosphate coating solution and sealed as per U. S. Government Specification MIL-C-5541. The surface shall be prepared for priming per the manufacturer’s recommended pretreatment procedure. A zinc-chromate primer shall be applied 0.076-0.10 mm thick, followed by a top coat of epoxy-mastic based flat matte black paint. The primer and paint shall be compatible and from the same manufacturer. The front face shall be painted flat black.

t. The pixels within the message area of the sign shall be covered and protected with a single sheet, UV


Page 5 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

stabilized, anti-glare polycarbonate front panel. The panel shall be a minimum of 6.35 mm thick. The front panel shall be mounted to withstand a 193 kmph wind load without deflecting sufficiently to obstruct the rotation of the flip disks, and not to obscure any of the pixels in the sign. A heater strip shall be provided along the border of the face plate to prevent fogging or ice and snow build-up. The panel shall be replaceable and shatter resistant.

u. All internal diagonals and other structural supports shall be spaced so as not to hinder the movement of maintenance personnel within the sign nor interfere with the maintenance or replacement of any of the components mounted within the sign.

v. Markings: The contract number, pay-item number, and month and year of installation shall be marked using permanent ink, paint or stamping into the wall. Characters shall be 25-45 mm high, horizontal when the variable message sign is in its final position, and be located in the following locations: • The end panel of the VMS so as to be visible from the shoulder closest to the VMS. • On the inside near the middle of the panel opposite the door. Also, the manufacturer’s name, product name, model number, serial number and city and state or province of manufacturer shall be permanently marked on the outside and an easily accessible location inside the VMS.

The markings shall not be visible when viewing the VMS straight-on from the ground.

w. The housing shall include space for the mounting of wireless modem where specified or a fiber optic patch panel as described in Section E “Fiber Optics Communications Interface”. The wireless modem shall be positioned to eliminate potential electro-magnetic interference between the sign and the wireless modem.

C. VMS Controller: Each sign shall be operated by a microprocessor-based controller that provides the electronics necessary to receive and interpret commands from the VMS master, to issue a response to the VMS master, and to display messages on the sign. The VMS controller shall be housed in a cabinet mounted in the sign housing.

The VMS controller shall provide the following features:

a. Support communications between the VMS master and the VMS controller operating at 9600 bps. b. Two RS232 ports for communication between the sign controller and the VMS master with each port

connected to a separate communication channel through an external modem. The controller shall respond to the last command received, which may be on either channel, and respond on both channels. The VMS master will only transmit commands over one channel at a time.

c. Sufficient EPROM memory to store a minimum of 32 two-phase messages of 63 characters per phase, in the format specified herein, for immediate display upon command from the JTMC or local control.

d. Sufficient RAM memory for downloading and uploading messages as specified herein. e. Storage of all configuration parameters in non-volatile memory that will not be affected by complete

loss of power at any point in its operation. f. Perform all messaging operations, including but not limited to, flashing on and off, horizontal tab,

vertical tab, and sequencing, as specified herein, writing any message at a minimum effective rate of 60 characters per second.

g. Incorporate a watchdog timer to detect an out-of-program condition and reset the microprocessor.

ITEM 11680.8401M - VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN (VMS) ASSEMBLY, FLIP DISK LED

Page 6 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

h. Operate on a multi-drop communications channel, with a user-assigned and user-adjustable address from 1 to 255.

i. Designed for fail-safe prevention of improper information display in the case of malfunction. As a minimum, this shall include the display of a preprogrammed message on the sign in the event of a power failure, communication failure or invalid transmission from the JTMC. The message, which may include the “null” message (sign blanked), shall be programmable in the field.

j. Diagnostic software to detect and identify burned LEDs and stuck shutters k. A local control mode where the following operations may be initiated at the sign controller:

• Operator selection of dimming levels. • Operator selection of 32 pre-stored messages. • Diagnostic routines capable of testing full sign operation.

l. A switch shall be provided on the front of the VMS controller to activate local control and a keypad and menu-driven LCD display on the controller's front panel to select the operations. The switch must be in the local position to permit entry from the keypad. A valid password must be entered within one minute of selection of the local mode for the controller to remain in the local mode. Otherwise it will revert to the remote controlled mode. While in the local control mode, the JTMC software will continue to monitor the sign's status and display. The VMS controller, however, will not respond to any commands from the JTMC.

m. An RS-232 port shall be provided for plugging in a notebook computer for running diagnostics, selecting messages, monitoring status and downloading/uploading messages. A data rate of 19.2 kbps shall be supported through this port. A password must be entered for commands from the notebook to be considered valid.

n. A second RS-232 port shall be installed in the auxiliary control cabinet. This “auxiliary” RS-232 port shall provide the same functionality as the RS-232 port provided as part of m including pass-word protection without the need to enter the sign.

o. Configured to respond to the communication protocol defined in Appendix AA - VMS Communications Protocol.

D. Auxiliary Control Cabinet: A NEMA Type 4 rated outdoor enclosure shall be mounted on the sign structure as shown in the Contract documents. The auxiliary RS-232 port, previously described, shall be installed in this cabinet.

The enclosure shall be constructed from 5052-H32 sheet aluminum alloy with a minimum thickness of 3 mm or Type 304 stainless steel with a minimum thickness of 14 gauge. All surfaces shall be clean, free from holes or blemishes, without burrs, contain a smooth natural finish with exterior corners rounded. The cabinet shall be unpainted. The cabinet shall be of adequate size to house the RS232 port and to provide space for a maintainer to rest a notebook computer.

A solid copper grounding bus shall be permanently mounted to the inside surface of the cabinet wall. The point of contact between the ground bus bar and the cabinet wall shall have less than 1 ohm resistance. The copper ground bus shall have a minimum of six (6) connector points, each capable of securing at least one #8 conductor.

Provisions for padlocking the cabinet when the door is closed shall be provided. The lock shall be keyed the same as the padlock furnished for the sign enclosure door. Two keys shall be provided to the


Page 7 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

Engineer for each lock.

E. Fiber Optic Communications Interface: At locations designated in the contract documents for the installation of fiber optic transceivers, the Contractor shall furnish and install a fiber optic patch panel in the sign housing. The Contractor shall provide fiber optic patch cable assemblies, consisting of pre-measured, pre-terminated fiber optic cable, to connect the Fiber Optics Data Transceiver (furnished and installed as part of the Fiber Optic Data Transceiver-Multidrop, Standalone item) and drop cables terminated in the patch panel. Four fiber optic patch cable assemblies are required at each location.

The Fiber Optics Patch Panel shall meet the following requirements:

a. Fabricated out of corrosion resistant sheet metal minimum 18 Gauge thick. b. Fully enclosed. c. Dimensions (maximum): 305 mm x 215 mm x 90 mm. d. Suitable for wall mounting in an outdoor cabinet over a temperature range of -20E C to +70E C in a

relative humidity of 0 to 95% noncondensing. e. Access to the fiber optic patch cable fibers from the front. f. The panel’s front face shall either be factory predrilled or preterminated with pigtails to accommodate

a minimum of twelve (12) type ST fiber optic connectors. The connectors when mated with the fiber optic patch cable assembly furnished as part of this item shall have an insertion loss not to exceed 0.5 dB. The connectors shall use ceramic ferrules with epoxy to secure the fiber to the ferrule and shall have a return loss of greater than 55 dB.

g. The Fiber Optics Patch Panel shall provide internally for the securing, storage and arranging of fiber optic drop cable fibers specified under another item.

h. If the Contractor uses a patch panel with pre-terminated pigtails, instead of preterminated drop cable, the patch panel shall contain splice trays for the storage of the splices to the drop cable and of the pig-tails and fiber optic drop cable fibers. Fusion splicing shall be used to splice the pigtails to the drop cable fibers.

i. Provide for the securing, storage and arranging of the fibers.

The Fiber Optic Patch Cable Assembly shall meet the following requirements:

a. Fiber Type: Single mode, all dielectric fully compatible with cable installed as part of this project.

b. Configuration: 2 tight buffered individual fibers in a zipcord configuration. c. Core diameter: 8 um. d. Cladding diameter: 125 um. e. Buffer diameter: 900 um "15 um (tight buffered). f. Maximum attenuation at 1310 nm: 1.0 dB/km. g. Outer diameter: 2.9 mm x 5.8 mm. h. Tensile strength - short term: 1000 N. long term: 480 N. i. Minimum bend radius- loaded 50 mm.

unloaded: 30 mm.


Page 8 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

j. Jacket: PVC. k. NEC rating: OFNR (complies with UL 1666) l. Color code: The individual fibers shall adhere to the following color code in

accordance with EIA/TIA-598, “Color Coding for Fiber Optic Cable”: Fiber 1: blue

Fiber 2: orange

The connectors, one on each end, shall be factory installed and shall meet the following requirements:

a. Type ST twist lock to made with the fiber terminated in the patch panels. b. Uses ceramic ferrules with epoxy to secure the fiber to the ferrule. c. Insertion loss when mated: less than 0.5 dB. d. Return loss: 55 dB minimum at 1310 dB e. A strain relief mechanism shall be provided for coupling the connector to the fiber’s aramid strength

member. f. End face geometry: Meet or exceed Telcordia Generic Requirements for Single

Mode Cable Assemblies, GR-326 Issue 3. g. Temperature: -20°C to +70°C

F. Sign Dimming System: Each sign shall be provided with a system that senses the background ambient light level and provides a minimum of eight (8) field-adjustable intensities (dimming). The sign dimming system shall meet the following requirements:

a. Consist of three (3) commercially available photo-electric sensors installed in watertight metal enclosures on the VMS housing. Each of the photo-electric sensors will have a 161 sq. mm (minimum) photo-sensitive area and will be capable of being continually exposed to direct sunlight without impairment of performance. The watertight metal enclosure will have a 645 sq. mm (minimum) glass window area. The photo-electric sensors shall be placed such a way that they view the front, rear, and top of each sign.

b. Dimming sign circuitry shall be provided to select one of eight (8) levels based on the ambient light sensed by the photocells and a lookup table of intensity level vs. photocell reading. The lookup tables shall be downloadable from the JTMC. The look-up table shall contain two columns of eight rows. Each row shall contain a range of photocell readings. The readings shall vary from 0 for the brightest to 255 for the darkest ambient condition. The dimming level selected shall be determined by the row whose range corresponds to the sensed level of ambient light. Overlap will be provided in the table’s ranges to prevent flickering of the sign caused by subtle changes in the ambient light.

c. The intensity levels shall be adjustable separately through a discrete 10-turn potentiometer, or by means of a software control through the field controller, or other method approved by the engineer.

d. The dimming circuit and VMS power system shall be provided with solid-state devices (e.g., RFI filter) to minimize RFI noise generated by the VMS both on the power line and radiated by sign circuitry.

e. Intensity regulation shall be provided to compensate for changes in the LED supply voltage.

G. Central Control of the VMS


Page 9 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

The variable message signs will be controlled by an central computer communicating with the signs using a multi-point serial connection to be provided by the communications infrastructure. The VMS central control computer is called the VMS master. The VMS master is responsible for carrying out the commands selected by the users of the system. The VMS controller is the local electronics which is responsible for interpreting commands from the VMS master, displaying messages on the sign, and responding to requests for status and data from the VMS master.

This section is intended for the use of the sign manufacturer. It contains detailed technical information to allow a manufacturer to design and program a VMS controller that will function correctly with the VMS central software developed by others. All communications between the VMS and the primary control center shall be in accordance with the communications specifications contained in this section and Appendix AA. The Contractor shall immediately report in writing to the Engineer any problems, interpretive questions, or any other issue related to the Contractor's compliance with the requirements of this specification. No variance from the requirements of this section of any kind is permitted without prior approval from the Engineer. Failure of the VMS to communicate with the VMS master in accordance with the requirements of this section shall be cause for non-acceptance of the VMS installation.

In a normally operating system, the VMS master will send commands to each controller on a regular basis. These commands tell the controller to display a specific message, run a specific diagnostics test, blank the sign, or simply report on its status. In addition, special commands can be sent to the controller to read and modify the configuration of the controller.

When the VMS controller receives one of these commands, it responds with a message back to the VMS master and carries out the desired function. Usually the response to a command will report the current status of the sign. Some special commands require the uploading of configuration data back to the VMS master for verification.

The VMS system uses a poll-response method of communications over a multi-drop channel or link. The VMS master initiates all communications and only one VMS controller on the channel will respond to a command from the VMS master. Each controller on a channel is given a unique drop address. One drop address is reserved as a broadcast address. All controllers on a channel listen to transmissions to the broadcast address, but no controllers respond, thus avoiding any conflicts on the channel.

The VMS controller shall have a means of reading its drop address, either from switches, an I/O port, or via operator input at initialization. The drop address shall be stored in non-volatile memory, and may be changed only at the controller.

The VMS master expects the VMS controller to behave in a specific manner in response to commands from the central. Listed below are the various areas which define the controller's behavior.

Commands - The VMS controller shall respond to five basic types of commands: blank sign, display message, report status, execute sign test, and reset. The controller shall observe a hierarchy of command sources. Normally, commands selected locally at the sign have the highest priority and will be carried out regardless of the remotely selected message. If there is no locally selected command, the remotely selected command will be carried out. However, the VMS master may change the controller's stored configuration so that remote commands override any local commands.

When the controller receives a command to display a message or blank the sign, it shall immediately attempt to display that message or blank the sign, unless a locally commanded message is being


Page 10 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

displayed. If the message cannot be displayed due to an error, the error is recorded in the status record, and the sign is left blank. If the sign cannot be blanked, this error is recorded as well. [Note, the intent of this specification is that the sign controller reports error conditions which exist at the sign, however, the VMS master determines whether to display a message or not - given the error state of the sign. The sign should accept all display requests and make a “best effort” to display the message even if errors exist - unless the failure prevents the sign electronics from displaying any part of the message. Further, if the sign controller determines that the sign may be damaged by attempting to display the message, then it may ignore the message and blank the sign.

When the controller receives a reset command, it shall perform a warm reset, which shall re-initialize all working memory, verify the integrity of the configuration memory, and restart the controller's program.

Sign Tests - Sign tests are a special case of normal sign commands. When the controller receives a test command, it shall begin executing that particular test sequence. These test sequences shall at a minimum provide the following functions:

Pixel Test - verify that all pixels can be turned on and off. The number of failed pixels and modules shall be reported in the status record. The test shall be constructed to allow easy identification of the failed pixels and/or modules by personnel viewing the sign during the test.

Electronics Test - verify that the sign electronics have not failed. This includes verifying the operation of the photocells and A/D converters, and checking that no fuses, power supplies or power switching components have failed. Verify that the communications between the controller and the sign electronics are functioning properly.

If a test finds a failure, the test shall terminate and record the reason for the failure in the status record. For tests which can record multiple failures, such as the pixel test, the test shall record the number of failed items found. A test is normally terminated when the controller receives a command to blank the sign or display another message. If the command is received in the middle of a test sequence, it is acceptable for the test to run to completion before terminating. The controller should then carry out the latest command received.

Display Generation and Updates

a. Messages shall be stored in the form of plain ASCII text with special formatting characters embedded in the text. These formatting characters shall execute the following special functions: • Turn flashing on and off. • Turn inverse character display on and off (dark characters on a bright background). • Turn on directional arrows or blank-out displays. • Move the cursor horizontally a specified number of pixels. • Move the cursor vertically a specified number of pixels (full matrix signs only). • Make the next character animated, and specify the number of pixels to move the character each

time and the total width of the animation area. • Go to a new line. • Recall another stored message for display.

b. Flashing characters shall flash at the rate specified in the message. This rate is defined as an "on" time and an "off" time in tenths of seconds. Note that specific fields (and/or characters) may be


Page 11 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

flashed as part of any message display. For example, only a portion of a line or a segment of the sign may be flashed while the balance of the message remains static. For 2 phase messages, each phase may contain flashing fields. The sign shall support simultaneous flashing and animation as described below.

c. Any character may be animated such that it moves from right to left or left to right over a specified distance. No other characters or graphics will be permitted in the animation area. The user chooses how many pixels the character will move each time. If this number is positive, the character shall move from left to right. If it is negative, it shall move from right to left. The time between successive moves is selected by the update rate of the message which is also specified in tenths of seconds. For multiphase messages, the sign controller shall reset the character to the start of the animation area (left edge for right animation and right edge for left animation) at the beginning of each phase. Animation shall be smooth and continuous. Animating the sign in multiple sections is not acceptable.

d. A message may be too large to fit on a single display. To accommodate long messages, the controller shall support multiple phases of message display. The VMS operator specifies the message for each phase, the length of time each phase of the message should be displayed, and the length of time the sign should be blanked between phases. The phases alternate on the sign for as long as the message is being displayed. Note: the off (or blank) time shall between displays may be specified to be zero in which case the message alternates directly between presentations without a blank time.

e. Any special arrow matrices, freeway shields, drums, and other blank-out displays shall be turned on by special characters embedded in the text of the message.

Configuration Download / Upload: The VMS controller shall store many pieces of information to operate correctly. This information is downloaded from the VMS master into nonvolatile RAM in the VMS controller. This information includes messages, access passwords, control parameters, and the time of day. The VMS master also requires information from the VMS controller to determine its status and to identify failures. This information includes the controller status, specific memory locations, and control program version information. These blocks of information (hereafter called logical blocks) are downloaded and uploaded to and from the controller on an as-needed basis.

a. When the controller receives a new logical block, it shall wait until no other process is using the old logical block, and then transfer the new information into its memory data base.

b. The sign controller shall store in non-volatile memory a font 7 pixels high (height of capital letters, not including descenders or inter-line spacing), and a variable number of pixels wide, depending upon the character font. The font shall have proportional spacing, and special symbols. This font shall be stored as font number 1. If a message is selected which specifies a font other than font number 1, an error shall be generated and the message shall not be displayed. The Contractor may provide additional characters.

c. The font shall contain special graphics characters, such as arrows or circles, which may be of any width and may be as tall as the font height. Special non-printing characters in the text of the message can affect how and where the character images are placed in the display buffer.

d. The sign controller shall store 32 messages plus provide storage for a temporary message. These messages shall be downloaded from the VMS master after the controller has been initialized. The 32 stored messages shall be capable of being recalled for display both locally and remotely. These messages are labeled 1-32. In addition to the stored messages, the VMS master may download a


Page 12 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

message for immediate display. This message shall be accepted by the VMS controller and shall remain in the controller's memory only as long as the message is being displayed. The immediate message is message 33. In addition to these messages, message zero (0) shall blank the display.

e. The sign's intensity is controlled through a look-up table downloaded from the VMS master. Each sign shall have three photocells which shall provide outdoor ambient lighting levels in the range of 0 to 255.

f. To limit access to the sign through the local control interface, a table of passwords is sent to the controller. These passwords are used to limit the access to the sign. Only authorized users shall be able to make changes to the sign display or run diagnostic tests.

g. The sign status record contains information on the current status of the sign, such as which message is being displayed, which source requested the message, and what the current photocell readings are. It also contains information on any errors or failures which have occurred, and more detailed information, such as the time and reason for the last error which occurred.

h. Additional control parameters are downloaded to the sign controller to override local message selection and set the communications time-out value. A software version string shall be up loadable from the controller to determine the current software running in the controller.

i. The other information which may be uploaded from the controller is any block of memory up to one kilobyte in size. This capability is built in for diagnostic purposes only.

Error Reporting - When an error occurs in the sign controller's operation, it shall be recorded in the sign status record for later retrieval by the VMS master. The software shall record an error number, any specific data value which caused the error, the address in the code where the error occurred, and the time and date that the error occurred. The sign controller shall maintain a real-time clock for this purpose. A more detailed description of the types of errors which are to be recorded follows. When the VMS master sends a command, the response message contains a byte with each bit summarizing the errors or failures which have occurred.

The error record is cleared or partially cleared in three ways. When the status record is downloaded to the controller, the last error field, the failure counters and the error flag bits are cleared. The data actually downloaded is ignored. When the clear status bit in a command message is set, the error flag bits in the status record are cleared, but the last error record is not cleared. When a time broadcast or time download is received, the power failure flag bits in the status record are cleared.

Communications Protocol: The sign shall comply with the communications protocol contained in Appendix AA of these contract documents.

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS: The Contractor shall install the VMS housing on the sign structure as shown in the contract documents and as directed by the Engineer.

The Contractor shall make all power connections to the VMS controller cabinet assembly. The neutral bus shall be isolated from the cabinet and equipment ground. The Contractor shall ground the sign in accordance with §680-3.12, Grounding. A direct ground wire shall be installed between the power distribution panel within the sign and the nearest ground rod. Grounding through the sign structure is not acceptable.

The Contractor shall install the auxiliary cabinet as shown in the contract documents and the cabling between the sign controller and the RS-232 port housed in the cabinet. The Contractor shall ground the


Page 13 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

cabinet in accordance with §680-3.12, Grounding. A direct ground wire shall be installed between the cabinet’s grounding bus and the nearest ground rod. Grounding through the sign structure is not acceptable.

The Contractor shall connect the VMS controller and the modem, either fiber optic or wireless modem. Where a fiber optic modem is specified, the connection to the fiber optic cable plant shall be through the fiber optic patch panel. All cabling shall be neatly routed and tied back so as not to interfere with access to other cabling or equipment or maintenance of the sign. All cabling shall be permanently identified as to its termination point.

Test Software: The Contractor shall provide test software that will run on a notebook computer under the Windows operating system to emulate the central software. This software shall permit downloading and uploading of the commands and responses specified in Section G of the Material section of this special specification through the RS-232 port of the VMS controller (Paragraph C subsection k of the Material Section) and the auxiliary port. Three copies of the test software on disk shall be delivered to the Engineer.

Documentation

Sign Control Parameters: As part of the thirty-day submission the Contractor shall include a definition of all required control parameters necessary for the proper operation of this sign and not defined in this document. These shall include but not be limited to the following:

• Range and definition of photocell readings • Diagnostic tests • Error and status bits

Shop Drawings: The Contractor shall submit ten (10) copies of manufacturer’s shop drawings, schematics, performance specifications, circuit descriptions, and catalog cut sheets to the Engineer for approval prior to ordering the piece of equipment. Included in the shop drawings shall be parts lists, schematics, wiring lists, mechanical details including material, dimensions, and finish, and assembly drawings. The Contractor shall develop and deliver shop drawings approved by a licensed New York State Professional Engineer which illustrates, in detail, how to mount and connect the VMS enclosure to the structure shown in the Contract documents.

The submission shall be of adequate detail for the Engineer to determine compliance with the specification and shall be neatly drawn or legible. The submission shall be complete and clearly indicate the contract item number for which the submission is being made and the model or part number for which approval is being sought. Incomplete submissions will be returned for resubmission. The Contractor shall allow the Engineer ten (10) working days for review of the complete submission.

Design Calculations: In accordance with §730-27, Permanent Variable Message Signs - Design Criteria, the Contractor shall submit design calculations and shop drawings to show the sign’s ability to withstand the design loads.

Manuals: The Contractor shall furnish ten (10) sets of maintenance and operations manuals. These manuals shall contain maintenance and trouble shooting charts and fault isolation procedures to permit fault isolation to a replaceable assembly. The equipment manuals shall as a minimum contain the


Page 14 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

following:

a. Complete and accurate schematic diagrams b. Complete installation and operation procedures c. Complete performance specifications (functional, electrical, mechanical and environmental) of the

unit. d. Complete list of replaceable parts including names of vendors for parts not identified by universal

part numbers such as JEDEC, RETMA or EIA. e. Complete maintenance and troubleshooting procedures. The Contractor shall submit to the Engineer six (6) copies of review manuals for approval prior to the final submission. The review copies shall be submitted prior to the start of the system acceptance test. The final copy shall be submitted within 30 calendar days of receipt of review comments from the Engineer. Any changes resulting from the testing of the signs shall be incorporated into the final submission.

Testing

Design Approval Test: The following tests shall be performed as part of the design approval test in addition to those specified in the General Requirements. The Design Approval Test shall be performed on a complete VMS assembly. While performing these tests a test set shall be used to issue commands to the sign controller to verify that the sign remains operational throughout the test:

a. Power variation: Test the sign with the line voltage at the maximum, minimum and nominal specified values. Using a power interruption meter, at each of these voltages interrupt the power for 0.1 seconds five times. Repeat for a 0.5 second interruption and for a 1 second interruption.

b. Transient immunity: Using a transient generator set to the following conditions: • Amplitude: 300 volts +5 percent, positive and negative polarity • Peak power: 5000 watts • Repetition: 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.

• Pulse rise time: 500 ns. • Power line surge: Discharge a 25 uF capacitor charged to plus and minus 2000

volts applied directly across the incoming ac line at a rate of once every 10 seconds. Perform the test 10 times for each polarity. The unit shall be operated at 120±12 Vac.

c. Demonstration running of sign diagnostics. d. Using two notebook computers loaded with software provided by the Engineer to emulate the central

control software demonstrate the following with the computer connected to each of the input port of the controller: • Exercising of all sign functions as defined in this document. • Simulation of error and fault conditions to demonstrate the detection and reporting of the status

conditions defined in this document. This includes open cabinet door and the status conditions reported in Logical Block 6.


Page 15 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

• Repeat this test transmitting different messages through each of the notebooks to demonstrate that the sign responds to the last command received.

e. With the notebook computer loaded with the test software provided by the sign manufacturer demonstrate operation through the local port of the sign controller.

f. Repeat of e. with the notebook connected to the serial port in the auxiliary cabinet. g. Water Test: Conduct the following on the sign housing: Using a garden house with water flowing at

a minimum rate of one-half gallon per minute direct the water at the housing from above at an angle of 45o from horizontal for ten minutes. At the completion of the test, verify that the inside of the housing is dry.

h. Measurement of LED output level to verify compliance with the specification.

Pre-installation Test: Prior to erection, the Contractor shall perform a pre-installation test at its facility. This test shall include a visual inspection of the sign to verify that the sign has not been damaged in shipment and a demonstration of operation of the sign using the test software.

Operational Stand-Alone Test: After installation and prior to integration of the VMS into the system, the Contractor shall perform an operational stand-alone test in the field for each unit. The test, as a minimum, shall demonstrate operation of the VMS sign using the previously described test software running on the note book computers. This test shall be run on each of the two communication channel. The test software provided by the sign manufacturer shall be used to demonstrate operation of the VMS in local mode and through the auxiliary test port.

As part of the Operational Stand-Alone Test, the sign shall be operated for thirty-days in a test mode that shall continuously exercise the flip disks. At the end of the thirty-day period, operation of the sign using the test software shall again be demonstrated. If a failure occurs, the sign shall be repaired and the thirty-day test repeated. A test pattern, approved by the Engineer, shall be displayed during the test.

Site Verification Test: The VMS Equipment Group Site Verification Test shall consist of two parts. The first part shall be a Local Site Verification Test whereby the VMS sign is operated through its modem. Where the modem is a Fiber Optic Data Transceiver the test shall be performed with a notebook computer running the test software connected to the corresponding Fiber Optic Data Transceiver at the hub through which the sign communicates. For a VMS where communications is through a wireless modem, communications shall be through the notebook computer, running the test software, connected to a Contractor furnished wireless modem, and operated from another cell. The Contractor shall be responsible for all costs involved in registering the wireless modem used for the test and the usage leasing costs incurred.

The second part of the Site Verification Test shall consist of verifying the sign by operating it through the VMS Master at the JTMC.

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT: Variable Message Sign Assembly, Flip Disk LED, will be measured as a unit, completely installed, successfully tested, and operational.

BASIS OF PAYMENT: The unit price for each VMS Assembly shall include the cost of furnishing all labor, materials and equipment necessary to complete the work. All miscellaneous hardware and software, required for the installation and testing of the unit shall be included under this item. Payment for the wireless modem or Fiber Optic Data Transceiver - Multidrop will be made under their respective items.


Page 16 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

Payment for all documentation, testing and test equipment and software shall be included under this item. Progress payment will be made as follows:

• Twenty-five percent of the bid price for the sign will be paid upon completion of the Pre-installation Test.

• Twenty-five percent of the bid price for each item will be paid when the sign is installed and having passed the stand-alone test.

• Twenty percent of the bid price will be paid upon successful completion of the Local VMS Equipment Group Site Verification Test.

• Twenty percent of the bid price will be paid upon satisfactory completion of the Remote VMS Equipment Group Site Verification Test.

• Ten percent of the bid price will be paid upon system acceptance.


APPENDIX AA VMS COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL

Page 17 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

The National Transportation Communications for ITS Communications protocol (NTCIP) will be implemented for communications between the VMS field controller and the VMS Master (provided by others) located in the Joint Transportation Management Center.

The following defines the detailed NTCIP communication requirements for the Variable Message Signs covered by the various VMS bid items.

DEFINITIONS

The following terms shall apply within the scope of this procurement specification:

DMS - A Dynamic Message Sign, includes the sign display, controller, cabinet, and other associated field equipment.

FSOR - Full, Standardized Object Range

Full, Standardized Object Range B Support for, and proper implementation of, all valid values of an object as defined within the object's OBJECT-TYPE macro in the subject NTCIP standard; this is further defined in two distinct sub-requirements. (1) If the ACCESS of the object is read-write, a Management System shall be able to set the object to any valid value as defined by the SYNTAX and DESCRIPTION fields (except that the value of 'other' need not be supported when such a value is defined) and the indicated functionality shall be provided. (2) The value indicated by the object (e.g., in response to a >get=), regardless of the ACCESS, shall reflect the current condition per the rules specified in the object=s DESCRIPTION. Management System B A computer system used to control a DMS. This includes any laptop software used for field control as well as the central control software.

NTCIP Component B A DMS or a Management System.

NTCIP System B A Management System plus the various DMSs controlled by the Management System.

Response Time B The time to prepare and begin transmission of a complete response containing the requested Application Layer information. This is measured as the time from receipt of the closing flag of the request to the transmission of the opening flag of the response when the device has immediate access to transmit.

ACRONYMS

IP - Internet Protocol

NEMA - National Electrical Manufacturers Association

NTCIP - National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol

PMPP - Point-to-Multi-Point Protocol

PPP - Point-to-Point Protocol

UDP - User Datagram Protocol



Page 18 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

REFERENCES

This specification references several standards through their NTCIP designated names. The following list provides the full reference to the current version of each of these standards. In many cases, the standard is more widely known by its original NEMA assigned number; in these cases, the NEMA number is also identified. The content of the NEMA standard is identical to that of the NTCIP standard.

Each NTCIP Component covered by these project specifications shall implement the most recent version of the standard that is at the stage of Recommended or higher as of October 30, 2003, including any and all Approved or Recommended Amendments to these standards as of the same date. It is the ultimate responsibility of the sign manufacturer to monitor NTCIP activities to discover any more recent documents.

Table 1: NTCIP Standards

Abbreviated Number Full Number

Title

Known Amendments

NTCIP 1201

NTCIP 1201:1997(NEMA TS 3.4-1996)

Global Object Definitions

Amendment #1 dated November 2, 1998.

NTCIP 1203

NTCIP 1203:1997(NEMA TS 3.6-1997)

Object Definitions for Dynamic Message Signs

Amendment #1 dated July 3, 2001.

NTCIP 2101

NTCIP 2101:2001(NEMA TS 3.SP PMPP232)

Point-to-Multi-Point Protocol using RS 232 Subnetwork Profile

NTCIP 2201

NTCIP 2201:v01.14 (recommended) (NEMA TS 3.3-1996 Clauses 3.4 and 3.5)

Transportation Transport Profile

NTCIP 2301

NTCIP 2301:2001

Simple Transportation Management Framework (STMF) Application Profile

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

Subnet Level

Each NTCIP Component shall conform to NTCIP 2101 with data rates of 9600 bps, 4800 bps, 2400 bps, 1200 bps, 600 bps, and 300 bps.

NTCIP Components may support additional Subnet Profiles at the manufacturer's option. At any one time, only one Subnet Profile shall be active on a given serial port of the NTCIP Component. If the



Page 19 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

NTCIP Component has a serial port that supports multiple Subnet Profiles, the NTCIP Component shall be configurable to allow the field technician to activate the desired Subnet Profile and shall provide a visual indication of the currently selected Subnet Profile.

Transport Level

Each NTCIP Component shall conform to NTCIP 2201.

NTCIP Components may support additional Transport Profiles at the manufacturer's option. Response datagrams shall use the same Transport Profile used in the request. Each NTCIP Component shall support the receipt of datagrams conforming to any of the identified Transport Profiles at any time.

Application Level

Each DMS shall conform to NTCIP 2301 as a Managed Agent and shall meet the requirements for Conformance Level 1 (NOTE - See Amendment to standard). An NTCIP Component may support additional Application Profiles at the manufacturer's option. Responses shall use the same Application Profile used by the request. Each NTCIP Component shall support the receipt of Application data packets at any time allowed by the subject standards.

Information Level

Each NTCIP Component shall support the Full, Standardized Object Range of all objects required by these procurement specifications, unless otherwise indicated below or approved by the Project Engineer. The maximum Response Time for any object or group of objects shall be 200 milliseconds.

The DMS shall support all mandatory objects of all mandatory Conformance Groups as defined in NTCIP 1201 and NTCIP 1203. Table 2 indicates the modified object requirements for these mandatory objects.

Table 2: Modified Object Ranges for Mandatory Objects Object

Reference

Project Requirement

moduleTableEntry

NTCIP 1201 Clause 2.2.3

Shall contain at least one row with moduleType equal to 3 (software). The moduleMake shall specify the name of the manufacturer, the moduleModel shall specify the manufacturer's name of the component and the modelVersion shall indicate the model version number of the component.

communityNamesMax

NTCIP 1201 Clause 2.8.2

Shall be at least 2

dmsMaxChangeableMsg

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.6.1.1.1.3

Shall be at least 32**



Page 20 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

dmsMessageMultiString

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.6.1.1.1.8.3

The DMS shall support any valid MULTI string containing any subset of those MULTI tags listed in Table 3

dmsControlMode

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.1

The DMS shall support the following control modes:localexternalcentralcentralOverride

** The values of dmsMaxVolatileMsg and dmsFreeVolatileMemory may be less if the provided value for dmsMaxChangeableMsg is equal to or greater than the sum of the stated requirements for dmsMaxVolatileMsg plus dmsMaxChangeableMsg and the provided value for dmsFreeChangeableMemory is equal to or greater than the sum of the stated requirements for dmsFreeVolatileMemory plus dmsFreeChangeableMemory.

Table 3: Required MULTI Tags Code Feature

fl (and /fl)

flashing text; flash rates shall be controllable in 0.1 second increments and shall be accurate to within 50% of this value. The fl and /fl tags shall support flashing on a character-by-character basis

jl2

justification - line - left

jl3

justification - line - center

jl4

justification - line - right

jl5

justification - line - full

jp2

justification - page - top

jp3

justification - page - middle

jp4

justification - page - bottom

mv

moving text

nl

new line

np

new page; the sign shall support up to 1 instances in a message (i.e., up to 2 pages/frames in a message counting the first page)



Page 21 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

pt

page time; these times shall be controllable in 0.1 second increments and shall be accurate to within 50% of this value

The NTCIP Component shall also implement all mandatory objects of the following optional conformance groups.

• Font Configuration as defined in NTCIP 1203. The following list indicates the modified object requirements for this conformance group.

Table 4: Modified Object Ranges for the Font Configuration Conformance Group

Object Reference

Project Requirement

numFonts

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.4.1.1.1.1

Shall be at least 2

maxFontCharacters

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.4.1.1.3

Shall be at least Each font shall support character numbers from 32 (0x20) to 90 (0x5A), inclusive. Upon delivery, each character shall be set to a bit pattern that resembles the associated ASCII character.

• VMS Configuration, as defined in NTCIP 1203. • Multi Configuration, as defined in NTCIP 1203. The following list indicates the modified object

requirements for this conformance group.

Table 5: Modified Object Ranges for the MULTI Configuration Conformance Group Object

Reference

Project Requirement

defaultJustificationLine

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.6

The DMS shall support the following forms of line justification: center

defaultJustificationPage

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.7

The DMS shall support the following forms of page justification: top

defaultPageOnTime

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.8

The DMS shall support the full range of these objects with step sizes no larger than 0.1 seconds

defaultPageOffTime

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.9




Page 22 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

• Defaults shall be factory configured. • Multi Error Configuration, as defined in NTCIP 1203. • Illumination/Brightness Control, as defined in NTCIP 1203. The following list indicates the

modified object requirements for this conformance group.

Table 6: Modified Object Ranges for the Illumination/Brightness Control Conformance Group Object

Reference

Project Requirement

dmsIllumControl

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.8.1.1.1.1

The DMS shall support the following illumination control modes: photocell manual

dmsIllumNumBrightLevels

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.8.1.1.1.4

Shall be at least 8

• Status Error, as defined in NTCIP 1203 • Pixel Error Status, as defined in NTCIP 1203

The NTCIP Component shall also implement the following optional objects:

Table 7: Optional Object Requirements Object

Reference

Project Requirement

defaultFlashOn

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.3


defaultFlashOff

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.5.1.1.1.4


dmsMessagePixelService

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.6.1.1.1.8.7

FSOR

dmsCommunicationsLossMessage

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.12

FSOR

dmsTimeCommLoss

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.13

FSOR



Page 23 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

dmsPowerLossMessage

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.14

FSOR

dmsMultiOtherErrorDescription

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.20

If the vendor implements any vendor-specific MULTI tags, the DMS shall provide meaningful error messages within this object whenever one of these tags generates an error.

vmsPixelServiceFrequency

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.22

FSOR

vmsPixelServiceTime

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.7.1.1.1.23

FSOR

dmsIllumLightOutputStatus

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.8.1.1.1.9

FSOR

dmsStatDoorOpen

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.11.1.1.1.6

FSOR

tempMinSignHousing

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.11.4.1.1.5

FSOR

tempMaxSignHousing

NTCIP 1203 Clause 2.11.4.1.1.6

FSOR

DOCUMENTATION

Software shall be supplied with full documentation, including 3.5" floppy disk(s) and a CD-ROM containing ASCII versions of the following Management Information Base (MIB) files in Abstract Syntax Notation 1 (ASN.1) format:

• The relevant version of each official standard MIB Module referenced by the device functionality.

• If the device does not support the full range of any given object within a Standard MIB Module, a vendor specific version of the official Standard MIB Module with the supported range indicated in ASN.1 format in the SYNTAX and/or DESCRIPTION fields of the associated OBJECT TYPE macro. The filename of this file shall be identical to the standard MIB Module, except that it will have the extension ".man".

• A MIB Module in ASN.1 format containing any and all vendor-specific objects supported by the device with accurate and meaningful DESCRIPTION fields and supported ranges indicated in the SYNTAX field of the OBJECT-TYPE macros.

• A MIB containing any other objects supported by the device.



Page 24 of 24 6/21/03 Rev 2/16/04

The vendor shall allow the use of any and all of this documentation by any party authorized by the Procuring Agency for systems integration purposes at any time initially or in the future, regardless of what parties are involved in the systems integration effort.

ACCEPTANCE TESTING

As part of the Design Acceptance Test, the vendor shall conduct a detailed NTCIP test using the NTCIP Exerciser, or other testing tools approved by the Engineer, and shall follow the guidelines established in the ENTERPRISE Test Procedures. The Engineer reserves the right to enhance these tests as deemed appropriate to ensure device conformance to the NTCIP and compliance with these procurement specifications.

INTERPRETATION RESOLUTION

If the Engineer discovers an ambiguous statement in the standards referenced by this procurement specification, the Engineer shall provide an interpretation of the specification for use on the project.

item 11680.8401m – variable message sign (vms) …permanent variable message signs. h. the front...

Documents