PROGRAMMING

Portable Variable Message signs automatically adjust their brightness under varying light conditions, to maintain legibility. The computer has a display screen upon which messages can be reviewed before being displayed on the message sign. The control system is capable of maintaining memory when power is unavailable. The VMS has solar power and a battery back-up to provide continuous operation when failure of the primary power source occurs.

The VMS message sign panel is a minimum of 2.1 m above the roadway when it is in the operating mode. The text of the messages shall not scroll or travel horizontally or vertically across the face of the sign.

Positioning

The primary purpose of a VMS is temporary traffic control, to advise the road user of unexpected situations. Some typical applications include the following:

• Where the speed of traffic is expected to drop substantially
• Where significant queuing and delays are expected
• Where adverse environmental conditions are present
• Where there are changes in surface conditions
• Where advance notice of ramp, lane, or roadway closures is needed
• Where accident management is required
• Where changes in the road user pattern occur

When VMS are used for road diversion, they should be placed far enough in advance of the diversion to allow road users ample opportunity to exit the affected highway. The VMS should be sited and aligned to ensure legibility. Multiple VMS should be placed on the same side of the roadway, separated from each other at specific distances VMS should be placed on the shoulder of the roadway or in the medium strip When VMS are not being used, they should be removed; if not removed, they should be signed to read DRIVE SAFELY

MESSAGE FORMAT

Messages should be designed taking into account the following factors:

A. Each phase should convey a single thought.

B. If the message can be displayed in one phase,

• The top line should present the problem, LOW
• The centerline the location or distance ahead, BRIDGE
• The bottom line the recommended driver action, DETOUR

C. The message should be as brief as possible.

D. When a message is longer than two phases, additional screens should be used.

E. When abbreviations are used, they should be easily understood

The character height depends upon the speed of the traffic approaching the sign. The most accepted signs are the 8500 and 8700 series being 400mm high enabling traffic to read the message while approaching the sign at up to 110kph. (as per all states authority) Our signs are designed so that the traveling public can read the message twice, which enables the message to be fully comprehended.

VMSI Hand Held Controller

These instructions are for on-site programming using the VMSI Hand Held Controller. The components of programming are:

• Connecting the Controller
• Entering Access Password
• Editing a Message
• Set Current Sequence
• Set Override Sequence
• Daily Schedule
• Weekly Schedule
• Sign voltage and brightness
• Date and Time
• Blank / Un-blank Sign

Sign Status Display

The control console will display the SIGN STATUS DISPLAY while no user is using the control console. If a user is using the control console, and the user does not press a key for 4 minutes, the control console will log out the user and return to the SIGN STATUS DISPLAY. If the user presses the "SIGN DISPLAY" key while at a menu, the control console will log out the user and return to the SIGN STATUS DISPLAY.

This shows the message being displayed on the sign, face, the LED Brightness (a single digit 0-9 indicating the manually set level, or a single digit 0-9 'followed by the letter A indicating the sign's current automatic level), the current time, and the date.

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