MHCorbin NC300 Operation Manual

Follow the instructions on the CD provided for installation of
software.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
M. H. Corbin Portable
Traffic Analyzer
NC300™ is a self
contained vehicle detector
that requires no external
sensors. M. H. Corbin's
NC300 is installed under a protective cover in the center of the
traffic lane so that motor vehicles pass over the counter. No
physical contact by a vehicle is necessary. M. H. Corbin's Traffic
Analyzer uses Vehicle Magnetic Imaging (VMI) to detect vehicles
as they move through a magnetic field. Every motor vehicle has
parts that are constructed from iron. When a vehicle passes over
the NC300 Traffic Analyzer, the iron parts interfere with the
magnetic field. This disturbance creates electrical signal changes
in the NC300 Traffic Analyzer sensors. As a result, the NC300
Traffic Analyzer can determine vehicle presence, count each
vehicle, measure vehicle speed, and record vehicle length. The
NC300 also reports road surface temperature.
2.0 BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE
The maximum length of a
traffic study primarily
depends upon battery
capacity, battery charge, and
density of vehicles. The
NC300 is designed to
classify 300,000 vehicles over a period of three weeks, whichever
occurs first. The battery pack consists of three Lithium Ion
rechargeable batteries. Use the HDM software to determine the
charge of the batteries. If you are uncertain of the battery charge,
you should recharge the NC300 until the battery charger LED
displays green.
During operation, the NC300 may shut down if the battery charge
drops below the preset minimum battery voltage level. When the
battery voltage drops to this shutdown point, the unit will need to
be recharged before data can be recovered. To charge the
batteries, first insert the charging plug into the M. H. Corbin Traffic
Analyzer connector pins. Next, insert the wall charger transformer
into the 115 vac (220 vac in some countries) outlet. The NC300
will then begin charging.
CAUTION: Use only the charger provided with your NC-300.
Other chargers will not fit. The NC200 charger can be used to
charge the NC300.
M. H. Corbin, LLC.All rights reserved.
3.0 COMMUNICATION WITH THE M. H. CORBIN TRAFFIC
ANALYZER
The NC300 Communications Interface Adapter (hereinafter
referred to as the "Interface Adaptor") and Highway Data
Management (HDM) software are required for communication
between the NC300 and the computer. This interface adapter
allows programming of the NC300 and retrieval of recorded data.
The interface adapter plugs into a USB port on your computer and
the pin sockets on the NC300. Contact M. H. Corbin Sales for
pricing.
A green and a red LED are visible on the interface adapter. The
green LED is lit when the NC300 is writing to the PC and the red
LED is lit when the PC is writing to the NC300.
To communicate with the NC300, first locate the Communications
Interface Adaptor and cables. Connect the Interface Adapter to
the USB port on your PC. Connect the other end to the NC300.
The pins are configured such that there is only one way that you
can plug the Interface Adapter into the pins receptacles.
The NC300 can also be programmed using the older style NC200
data cable (with a DB9 end), and vice versa.
4.0 FRAME MODE AND SEQUENTIAL MODE
The NC300 stores data on every vehicle it detects. This
sequential data is then retrieved by HDM and binned into the
specified intervals desired.
5.0 TIME TO START (COLD START)
"Cold Start" is the time, after placement on the highway, before
the NC300 Traffic Analyzer is ready to begin traffic counting.
Unlike the NC200, the NC300 has no required cold start time, and
can be placed on the roadway at any time before (or even after)
the study start time.
6.0 PROGRAMMING THE NC300 Traffic Analyzer
Run the HDM Program and select "Histar" from the main menu
and "Program" from its the sub-menu. Complete all information
relevant to your study on the HDM Setup dialog or select a
predefined configuration by opening the appropriate *.hps file.
When you have specified your study parameters, Select
"Program" from the menu and the device type (e.g., NC300) from
the sub-menu and a new screen will appear. Click on the
"Program" button and follow the instructions on the pop-up menus
and your device will be programmed. Click on "Done" when you
are done programming the NC300.
Refer to the HDM manual for further instructions.
7.0 INSTALLATION
The NC300 should be installed in the center of the traffic lane
with the arrow on the counter pointing in the direction of traffic
flow. If the NC300 Traffic Analyzer is mounted in the reverse
direction it may count traffic but all other data will not be as
accurate. In free flowing traffic areas, the counter may be installed
at any desired location where traffic is channeled to pass over the
counter. Try not to mount the counter near curves or on wide
traffic lanes where vehicles may miss the counter. Metal bridges
should be avoided, as the counter may not be able to neutralize
the magnetic effect from the metal construction. If bridge
measurements are necessary, place the NC300 before or after the
bridge. On some bridges, ramps, and overpasses the effect may
be negligible. Only a trial test can positively determine an
acceptable location. Always try to position the NC300 Traffic
Analyzer where vehicles are moving freely for best accuracy and
results. A reusable natural rubber Protective Cover is screwed
(never nailed) to the roadway surface over the NC300 Traffic
Analyzer to hold the unit in place. The NC300 can also be
installed on gravel and unimproved roads, but 8 screws are
recommended.
IMPORTANT: When installing or retrieving any M. H. Corbin
Traffic Analyzers, be sure to wear proper safety attire;
reflective vests, safety goggles, hard hats, etc. Do not enter
traffic areas unless traffic has been stopped or safely
diverted by qualified traffic control personnel.
Customers may procure their own hardware (washers, self
tapping masonry screws, masonry drill bit and nut driver) or
purchase Asphalt installation kits or Concrete installation kits from
M. H. Corbin.
The Asphalt installation kit consists of:
1. 500 flat washers, that fit the fastener holes of the cover
2. 500 ¼" x 3 ¼" hex washer head self tapping masonry screws
3. 5 3/16" x 6" masonry hammer drill bits
4. 1 3/8" magnetic nut driver with ¼" shank
The Concrete installation kit consists of:
1. 500 flat washers, that fit the fastener holes of the cover
2. 500 ¼" x 1 ¾" hex washer head self tapping masonry screws
3. 5 3/16" x 6" masonry hammer drill bits
4. 1 3/8" magnetic nut driver with ¼" shank
The customer can use a hammer drill equipped with a standard
Jacob chuck to install the cover with either kit.
The customer may also opt to use the recommended Hilti hammer
drill with its drill/screw setting facilities.
STEP 1 – PLACEMENT: