Big features packed into new mini-RWIS system from High Sierra Electronics

Featured in October/November 2008 issue of Traffic Technology International (p81), High Sierra Electronics – a supplier of road weather monitoring and management systems – has revealed to TrafficTechnologyToday.com details of its Model 5470 NTCIP Mini-RWIS Remote Processing Unit.

Road Weather Information Systems (RWIS) provide important information about weather and roadway conditions, helping operations and maintenance personnel stay informed so that they can make timely decisions and improve traffic safety. Full RWIS stations typically require new right-of-way space with a dedicated pad, tower, cabinet, fence and utilities work which all contribute to the high price and complex installation. Many road weather-related decisions need to be made in locations where Advance Traffic Controller (ATC) cabinets (with power and communications) are already established.

The Model 5470 is the heart of a non-proprietary, open-architecture NTCIP-compliant Environmental Sensor Station (ESS), designed for primary deployment within existing or new ATC cabinets and Dynamic Message Sign cabinets. This approach to NTCIP-compliant RWIS allows simpler implementation at a lower cost than traditional installations.

The Model 5470 supports several ‘actionable’ weather sensors. The unit activates and deactivates isolated outputs based on user settable high and low thresholds, enabling use of locally resolved weather status information to activate local public warning devices such a flashing beacon signs or changeable message signs.  Furthermore, these outputs may be used to activate preemptions within the ATC, enabling new and innovative approaches to improving traffic safety.

In order to easily fit in the tight quarters of a traffic cabinet, the entire mini-RWIS, including NTCIP controller, sensor surge protection, power converter and weather status outputs is packaged to fit in a one rack unit mount enclosure. Sensors are deployed on existing nearby traffic poles or support structures using standard Astro-Brac or similar hardware.

Communications with the mini-RWIS is NTCIP 1204 ESS via Ethernet or EIA-232/485 connection.

‘Actionable’ sensors include: wind speed and direction, precipitation, visibility, optical road surface status, and water depth (for flood warning).

 

9 April 2009