Buckeye Upgrades 'Wireless' System with STC Solar Ped-X
TEMPE, AZ - 09/24/2013 -- Buckeye, AZ, a suburb west of Phoenix, upgraded
an existing crosswalk to a solar Ped-X system from Solar Traffic Controls.
The town had previously purchased an 'all-in-one' flashing beacon system
with significant problems. One of which, optical output from the system's
beacons has been documented by STC in a comparison video
(http:www.solar-traffic-controls.com/video.html) at the invitation of the
town's traffic crew.
In lieu of adequate support from the manufacturer, STC stepped in to help
improve the situation. Working with the town's traffic signal technician and
Scouten Engineering, the town's contract traffic engineering firm, a solar
Ped-X system was proposed at the crossing using STC 12-inch amber, DC LED
lamps.
Since the crosswalk is adjacent to a T-intersection the engineer in charge
of the project at Scouten was concerned that drivers turning left from the
side street would not be able to see the crosswalk flasher in time.
Therefore, a flashing LED NO LEFT turn signal was also included facing the
side street. Whenever the flashing beacons are active, the NO LEFT sign
flashes to warn motorists not to attempt the turn.
The new system is based on the STC Solar Ped-X product line
(https://solar-traffic-controls.com/pdf_datasheets/Wireless_PedX.pdf) of
'wireless' crosswalk systems. The system uses a Frequency Hopping Spread
Spectrum radio to communicate between poles and is configured as a
master/slave system so the two units must be operational for either unit to
respond to pedestrian input. The previous units would allow a single beacon
assembly to flash even if the other unit was not fully operational as is
typical in a peer-peer network configuration.
Each pole in the system uses a 15-foot spun aluminum pole assembly with
breakaway base to mount all the equipment. The indications are 12-inch amber
DC LED lamps from STC; made in USA; with a typical max bright output of >950
Cd on center. The controls include a logic module with a project specific
software package.
Since the operation of the old equipment was sketchy at best, children using
the new equipment were happy to see the cars stopping when they pressed the
button to cross. There was a very positive response to the Polara Bulldog
button's visual and audible response when pushed by users. New signs for the
installations were not ready the day of the installation so the town opted
to temporarily reuse the existing signs pending receipt of the new diamond
grade FYG W11-2 signs and the W167P arrow signs in the same sheeting.
The LED NO LEFT sign was manufactured for the project by Wells Sign
manufacturing. Installation was by Trafficade Services and the Town of
Buckeye with STC supervision on site. Traffic engineering for the project
was performed by Scoutten Engineering.
Celebrating our 12th year designing and manufacturing solar-powered traffic
control systems. For more information on STC's products and services, please
stay here on our website or send an email to info@solar-traffic-controls.com
or call 480.449.0222.
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