5. VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGNS
The following sections provide the general provisions shall apply to all types of Variable Message Signs (VMS).
A. GENERAL WARRANTY PROVISIONS
A manufacturer's guaranty shall be provided for all equipment and materials furnished as part of the pay items for all variable message sign equipment and materials described under this section.
1. Guarantee Terms: The terms of the VMS equipment and materials guaranties shall stipulate that the VMS manufacturer is fully responsible for all parts, labor, diagnosis, removal, shipping, handling, and reinstallation for the repair or replacement of any malfunctioning, failed, problematic, or otherwise unacceptable VMS equipment. This shall include full responsibility for providing all access to the components and any maintenance of traffic which may be required to safely access the VMS or its components to effect diagnosis and repair. The terms of the VMS equipment and materials guaranties shall be in effect for one calendar year after final acceptance. Any component or electronic or electrical assembly or sub-assembly which experiences more than three failures while the guaranty is in effect shall be replaced with a new component, assembly or sub-assembly.
1.1 All electronic and electrical assemblies and subassemblies shall be permanently marked with the manufacturer’s name, model number, date of manufacture, and a unique serial number. The model number (and revision if applicable) shall be consistent with the VMS documentation for assembly drawings, schematics, bills of materials, and maintenance manuals.
2. Conditions: The warranty provisions shall state that, upon final acceptance of the project where the VMSs are used, the agency designated by the DEPARTMENT will be recognized as being the original purchaser and owner of all equipment as new. Non-compliance with the terms of the guaranty shall be cause for suspension of certification.
3. Licensing: Under the terms of this contract, the VMS manufacturer is required to supply complete documentation for all software and firmware provided as part of the VMS system. The VMS supplier shall ensure that all licensed software provided as part of the VMS system shall be transferred to the DEPARTMENT.
3.1 Under the requirements of this contract, the VMS manufacturer shall supply a copy of the source code for all VMS system firmware and software used under this contract. This includes but is not limited to all lap-top software, diagnostic software, controller software, E-prom firmware, and central software provided under this contract. The source code shall be provided in both printed (one bound copy) and electronic form on PC readable 3.5 inch floppy disks or other approved media. The VMS manufacturer shall provide a fully licensed copy of all software, editors, assemblers, compilers, linkers, loaders, libraries, make files, etc. necessary to convert the source code into the operational firmware or software for the VMS system and elements. The Department shall have the unrestricted right to use this software and to make modifications as deemed necessary for use on the manufacturer’s VMS in the state of Utah. The department shall have the right to provide the source code and all licensed software to third party consultants and/or software developers to make any changes deemed necessary for the VMS. All software source code provided shall include commented listings, and a description of the software structure, database utilization, and instructions necessary to convert the source code into an operational system. The department shall maintain confidentiality agreements with any third party agents used to develop changes to the software. Software provided by the VMS manufacturer shall only be used on signs provided by the manufacturer.
B. ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES
The Department will, at its discretion, conduct acceptance procedures for any VMS provided under contract at four times:
- Upon conclusion of sign production at the factory;
- Upon delivery to UDOT, the construction contractor, or job site;
- Upon installation by others;
- Upon final system integration
1. Scope. This section sets forth acceptance procedures for the supply of Variable Message Signs. All costs associated with acceptance testing and procedures shall be paid for as a part of the CONTRACT pay items and the DEPARTMENT shall make no separate payment for acceptance testing and procedures.
2. General Requirements. Unless otherwise stipulated, the CONTRACTOR shall develop, provide all equipment for, and perform all acceptance testing for all Variable Message Signs supplied. The CONTRACTOR shall develop detailed and thorough test procedures with full test plan descriptions, test and measurement equipment listings, and test results data sheets. As part of the submittal data requirements, test plans shall be submitted to the Department for approval. The Department will notify the CONTRACTOR of the approval or disapproval of the test procedures. Only test procedures approved by the Department shall be used.
2.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide all necessary testing equipment, facilities, communications, and transportation between test sites. The CONTRACTOR shall have a complete copy of all material and equipment submissions and all documentary items on hand at all acceptance testing sessions. This shall include but not be limited to manufacturer’s data sheets for all components, certifications where applicable, mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, assembly drawings, construction notes, software listings, operations and maintenance manuals.
2.2 The CONTRACTOR shall, for each VMS supplied, perform and certify the required tests and record the results as provided in the approved test plan.
2.3 At the conclusion of a given acceptance test for a given VMS, the CONTRACTOR shall provide a thorough and detailed test report in accordance with the test plan which documents the outcome of all tests and provides complete test result data. The CONTRACTOR shall deliver seven (7) copies of this report to the Department within ten (10) calendar days after the conclusion of that test.
2.4 All testing shall be performed in the presence of the Department. Upon receipt of the CONTRACTOR's test report for a given VMS, the Department shall provide a written acceptance or rejection of that test within ten (10) calendar days. If the outcome and/or results of a given test are rejected, the CONTRACTOR shall be notified of the specific reasons for non- acceptance. The CONTRACTOR shall make all necessary corrections and revisions to the subject materials and/or equipment and any accompanying documentary items. Once the contractor has completed all necessary corrections and revisions, the CONTRACTOR shall request a retest in writing. The CONTRACTOR's request for a retest shall include complete written summary of all corrections and revisions performed and, if applicable, revised documentary items. No retesting shall commence without the Department's prior approval. All retests shall be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the initial test.
2.5 Specific equipment or materials that have been rejected as part of any submission review or testing may be offered for consideration again by the CONTRACTOR provided all non-compliance has been corrected and pretested by the CONTRACTOR and provided that the CONTRACTOR has requested in writing that this specific equipment or materials be reconsidered.
3. Factory Acceptance Testing. The CONTRACTOR shall perform Factory Acceptance Testing on each variable message sign. The purpose of the factory acceptance test is to verify that the sign fully conforms to the requirements of these specifications including design, materials, quality, documentation, and "maintainability".
3.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide a complete Factory Acceptance Test Plan. The Factory Acceptance Test Plan shall be a detailed and thorough procedure that fully demonstrates that the complete variable message sign meets all CONTRACT requirements. These requirements shall include, but not be limited to, all design, construction, materials, equipment, assembly, environmental, performance, communications, VMS central control system communications (including validation using a data analyzer), light emission, VMS display alignment, and documentary requirements. The Factory Acceptance Test procedure shall contain a method by which the actions and status of a given VMS as reported by the central control system can be positively verified by actual field observation.
3.2 Factory Acceptance Testing shall commence only after all of the following requirements have been met:
a. All documentary items have been approved by the Department.
b. The testing schedule and travel arrangements for Factory Acceptance Testing have been approved by the Department.
3.3 If the facility at which the CONTRACTOR proposes to conduct the Factory Acceptance Testing is more than 100 miles from Salt Lake City, or is outside the state of Utah, the CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for all travel costs of one (1) Utah Department of Transportation representative and up to four additional representatives for the DEPARTMENT. Travel costs shall include all transportation and per diem costs and the DEPARTMENT reserves the right to pay for these travel costs from monies due the CONTRACTOR under the contract. The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for all travel costs as specified herein for all Factory Acceptance Testing and Retesting.
3.4 The CONTRACTOR shall request a Factory Acceptance test for one or more signs, as directed by the Department, in writing a minimum of 30 calendar days in advance of that test session. [Note: it is anticipated that multiple signs will be tested during a single session; the Engineer shall determine the number of signs which shall be verified (i.e. tested) during a specific session.] The CONTRACTOR shall permit the Department to adjust the proposed schedule of the Factory Acceptance Test by up to seven (7) calendar days at no cost to the DEPARTMENT to allow for availability of DEPARTMENT representatives. Any given Factory Acceptance Testing session shall be completed within five (5) consecutive working days unless otherwise approved by the Department. If the CONTRACTOR delays the testing for any reason, the DEPARTMENT shall have the right to adjust the proposed schedule by up to 7 an additional calendar days at no cost to the DEPARTMENT. The CONTRACTOR shall plan for the possibility of such delays and shall not be eligible for contract time extensions because of such delays requested by the DEPARTMENT.
3.5 If, during the scheduled factory acceptance testing, the VMS fails to meet the specification requirements (e.g. fails to perform properly), The VMS supplier shall correct the problem and reschedule the testing as required above. If a re-test is required, then the VMS supplier shall be responsible for all costs associated with the re-test which shall include any consultant costs, travel and per diem costs for all observers. Such amounts shall be deducted from any monies due, or which will become due, the CONTRACTOR under the contract.
4. Field Installation Acceptance Testing. The CONTRACTOR shall perform Field Installation Acceptance Testing on each variable message sign following installation by UDOT's construction contractor. The purpose of the field acceptance test is to verify that the VMS has been installed properly and that the sign has not been damaged in transit, storage, or installation.
4.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide a complete Field Installation Acceptance Test Plan submission.
4.2 The Field Installation Acceptance Test Plan shall be a detailed and thorough procedure that fully demonstrates that the complete variable message sign installation is satisfactory to provide proper function and operation of the VMS. The Field Installation Acceptance Test procedure shall contain a method by which the actions and status of a given VMS as reported by the central control system can be positively verified by actual field observation.
4.3 Field Installation Acceptance Testing at a given VMS location shall commence only after all of the following requirements have been met:
a. All work required for the specific VMS location is completed;
b. Factory Acceptance Testing for the VMS was successfully completed;
c. All communications between the given VMS location and at least one fully operational control center has been established; and,
d. The Field Installation Acceptance Test Plan and testing schedule have been approved by the Department.
4.4 The CONTRACTOR shall request a Field Installation Acceptance Test in writing a minimum of 15 calendar days in advance of that test session. The CONTRACTOR shall permit the Department to adjust the proposed schedule of the Field Installation Acceptance Test by up to seven (7) calendar days at no cost to the DEPARTMENT to allow for availability of personnel.
4.5 The CONTRACTOR shall provide radio or other two-way voice communications between the central control center and the VMS location being tested.
4.6 If, during the scheduled field acceptance testing, the VMS fails to meet the specification requirements (e.g. fails to perform properly), due to problems/failures which are or should have been within the CONTRACTOR's control, the CONTRACTOR shall correct the problem and reschedule the testing as required above. If a re-test is required, then the CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for all costs associated with the retest which shall include consultant costs, travel and per diem costs for all observers. Such amounts shall be deducted from any monies due, or which will become due, the CONTRACTOR under the contract.
5. System Conditional Acceptance Testing. The CONTRACTOR shall perform System Conditional Acceptance Testing on the entire VMS system. The purpose of the conditional system acceptance testing is to ensure that the VMS system, as a whole, including communications and the central computer, function as an integrated system in accordance with these specifications.
5.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide a complete Field Installation Acceptance Test Plan submission for approval by the Department.
5.2 The System Conditional Acceptance Test Plan shall be a detailed and thorough procedure that fully demonstrates that the complete variable message sign meets all CONTRACT requirements. These requirements shall include, but not be limited to, a demonstration that all VMS can be operated simultaneously as one cohesive integrated system. The System Conditional Acceptance Test procedure shall contain a method by which the actions and status of all VMS as reported by the central control system can be positively verified by actual field observation.
5.3 System Conditional Acceptance Testing shall commence only after all of the following requirements have been met:
a. All Field Installation Acceptance Testing for all VMS in this project has been successfully completed; and,
b. The System Conditional Acceptance Test Plan and testing schedule have been approved by the Department.
5.4 The CONTRACTOR shall request a System Conditional Acceptance Test in writing a minimum of 15 calendar days in advance of that test session. The CONTRACTOR shall permit the Department to adjust the proposed schedule of the Field Installation Acceptance Test by up to seven (7) calendar days at no cost to the DEPARTMENT to allow for availability of DEPARTMENT representatives. The System Conditional Acceptance Testing session shall be completed within five (5) consecutive working days unless otherwise approved by the Department.
5.5 The CONTRACTOR shall provide radio or other two-way voice communications between the central control center and the VMS location being tested.
6. Burn-In Period for Variable Message Sign Installations.
6.1 General Requirements: A 180-day burn-in period will be required for all work and equipment included in the CONTRACT. The burn-in period shall consist of the field operation of the variable message sign system in a manner which is in full accordance with the variable message sign system requirements described above. An acceptance test procedure is not required for the system burn-in.
6.2 The burn-in period shall commence only after all of the following requirements have been met:
a. All work required in all CONTRACT DOCUMENTS (except this burn-in period) is completed;
b. All System Conditional Acceptance is successfully completed;
c. All equipment and materials furnished and installed as part of the CONTRACT are functioning Properly,
6.3 The CONTRACTOR shall request in writing to commence the burn-in period at least seven (7) calendar days in advance of requested burn-in commencement, but no less than 15 calendar days after successful completion of any of the requirements in (a), (b), or (c) above.
6.4 The burn-in period shall commence upon written authorization by the DEPARTMENT to commence and will terminate 180 consecutive days thereafter unless an equipment malfunction occurs. The burn-in period will be stopped for the length of time any equipment is defective. When the equipment is repaired and functions properly, the burn-in period will continue from the point it was stopped. However, if the malfunction has not been corrected within 72 hours from notification to the CONTRACTOR, then the observation period shall be restarted from the beginning. The CONTRACTOR shall provide a toll free telephone number which is available 24 hours a day for notification of VMS problems. Notification shall be deemed to have occurred whenever DEPARTMENT personnel shall provide a verbal notification to the CONTRACTOR’s 24 hour answering service.
6.5 Successful completion and acceptance of the burn-in period will be granted on the 180th day unless:
a. Any equipment is malfunctioning on the 180th day, in which event final acceptance will be withheld until repair is completed and all equipment is functioning properly for 30 days after repair.
b. Any equipment has malfunctioned during the 150th through 179th day of the burn-in period, in which event final acceptance will be withheld until all the equipment is functioning properly for 30 days after repair.
6.6 When a specific piece of equipment has malfunctioned more than three times during the 180 day burn-in period, the CONTRACTOR shall replace that equipment with a new unit.
6.7 Records of equipment malfunctions shall be maintained by the Department. The CONTRACTOR shall furnish written reports to the Department noting all failures reported, the date and time of the report, the affected systems or subsystems, and a detailed report of all components used to repair the problem. Repairs shall be documented in a manner which notes the exact procedures used to determine the cause of the problem, all components used for repair, and all testing performed to verify that all necessary repairs have restored the equipment to full operation.
6.8 The Department shall review the operation and maintenance history of the signs during the burn-in period. If analysis of the failures indicates that there is a design defect in the VMS, then the 180 day burn-in period shall be halted until such time as the CONTRACTOR corrects the problem for all VMS. The 180 day burn-in shall then be restarted from the beginning. During any suspension, the contractor shall be responsible for continuing operation and maintenance of the VMS as noted below, even though the burn-in period has been suspended. Use of the VMS by the DEPARTMENT during this period shall not be construed as acceptance of the VMS.
6.9 CONTRACTOR Responsibilities. During the burn-in period, the CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for the maintenance of all work under this CONTRACT. Failure to restore any work or equipment to proper operating condition within seventy-two (72) hours after notification shall constitute default by the CONTRACTOR. The CONTRACTOR shall be liable for any impairment to the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic resulting from any work or equipment not in proper operating condition as conditionally accepted at the beginning of the burn-in period.
6.10 DEPARTMENT Responsibilities. DEPARTMENT responsibilities during the burn‑in period shall be as follows:
a. Arrangements for electrical energy costs which are paid for by the DEPARTMENT.
b. Expeditious notification of CONTRACTOR upon failure or malfunction of equipment.
c. Repair or replacement of any part of the installation damaged as a result of natural causes and those resulting from vehicular or pedestrian traffic not associated with CONTRACTOR activities.
(Note: The CONTRACTOR (equipment vendor) shall work with the Departments construction contractor, who will install the VMS, to ensure that proper surge protection devices and techniques are used for the installation of the VMS. The CONTRACTOR (equipment vendor) shall be liable for all damage to the VMS that should have been eliminated due to the installation of industry accepted protection devices. Since this specification does not detail the electrical characteristics of the interfaces which are external to the sign, the CONTRACTOR (equipment vendor), through the construction contractor, shall ensure that all conductors which enter or leave the VMS and related control cabinets shall be properly protected. This shall include but not be limited to power, data, control and monitoring lines, and communications connections. The CONTRACTOR (equipment vendor), through the construction contractor, shall also be responsible for all grounding necessary to support the VMS and it’s protection devices.)
d. In the event that the CONTRACTOR does not provide the services enumerated above under his contract responsibilities, the DEPARTMENT or its authorized agents may in the interest of public safety take emergency action to provide for adequate traffic control. The CONTRACTOR will be responsible for any costs incurred as a result of these emergency actions. Such action by the DEPARTMENT will not void any guaranties or warranties or other obligations set forth in the CONTRACT.
7. Final Acceptance. Final acceptance of the CONTRACT will be made after satisfactory completion of the required burn-in period and on the basis of a comprehensive final construction inspection of the entire VMS subsystem. The semi-final construction inspection shall not serve as the final construction inspection unless otherwise approved by the Department. All final construction inspections shall be made in the company of a responsible CONTRACTOR's representative.
8. Manufacturers Tests and Certifications. For any materials or equipment which may not require formal testing, the DEPARTMENT reserves the right to require certifications from the manufacturer of such equipment and material, to the effect that they meet all requirements of the CONTRACT, and, in the event of questionable equipment or material, to require that such material or equipment be tested by a recognized laboratory or other entity of its choice at no expense to the DEPARTMENT.
8.1 The DEPARTMENT reserves the right to withhold any payments which may be due, should it be discovered that the equipment does not meet the requirements of the CONTRACT.
9. Requirement for Continuous Operation. The contractor shall schedule his work such that not more than 30 calendar days shall elapse between the installation of the VMS and the ability to control and use the sign from the control center. Variable message signs which cannot be interconnected for operation from the control center will not be eligible for payment. Further, once the signs have completed their field installation test, the CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for maintaining the signs in a usable condition and shall allow the Department to utilize the VMS. Such use shall not affect the scheduling of further acceptance testing. Use of the signs by the department shall not constitute acceptance of the signs or any work to complete the VMS. Use of the signs does not constitute a waiver of any required testing.
C. VMS ENGINEERING PROVISIONS
1. Human Engineering: To the highest practicable degree, the unit shall be engineered for simplicity and ease of operation and maintenance. This shall include the following:
a. Potentiometers - No more than two potentiometers, controls, or switches may be mounted concentrically. Knobs for such devices shall have diameters in a ratio of 2:1 outer to inner. The outer knob shall have a diameter of at least one inch. Knobs shall be of large enough diameter (at least 0.5 inch diameter) and of great enough separation (at least 0.5 inch edge to edge) to assure ease of adjustment without disturbance of adjacent knobs.
b. Fuses - All fuses shall be easily accessible and shall be replaceable without the use of any tools.
c. Printed Circuit Boards - PCBs shall slide smoothly in their guides while being inserted into or removed from the frame and shall fit snugly into the plug-in PCB connectors. PCBs shall require a force no less than 5 pounds or greater than 20 pounds for insertion or removal.
d. Controls - All controls shall be clearly labeled as to their functions.
1.1 The VMS housing and all of its equipment and materials shall be designed and constructed so that all maintenance and repair is performed from within the VMS housing except for the two exceptions allowed below. The allowable exceptions to this requirement are as follows:
a. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the UV front panel; and,
b. Maintenance, repair, or replacement of the VMS housing itself or any structural component or member thereof.
1.2 The VMS equipment, components, and housing shall be designed and constructed for ease of maintenance. A single technician shall be able to remove and replace any modular assembly under adverse conditions in under 15 minutes. All electronic subassemblies subject to failure shall be easily replaced by using plug-in or fully connectorized subassemblies. Any required configuration jumpers shall be clearly marked.
2. Design Engineering: The following practices shall be employed in the design of solid state equipment circuitry:
a. Compensation - The design shall be inherently temperature compensated to prevent abnormal operation. The circuit design shall include such compensation as is necessary to overcome adverse effects due to temperature in the specified environmental range.
b. Dangerous Voltage - For reasons of personal safety, personnel shall be protected from all dangerous voltages.
3. Generated Noise: No item, component, or subassembly shall emit a noise level exceeding the peak level of 55 dBA when measured at a distance of one meter away from its surface.
4. Surge Suppression: The data cables from the local controller cabinet to the VMS shall be optically isolated at both ends, and shall employ transient suppression devices which protect all circuits from damage.
D. VMS MATERIALS PROVISIONS
1. Components.
1.1 General: Use of vacuum or gaseous tubes or electro-mechanical devices within the equipment is not acceptable unless specifically noted within these Special Provisions.
1.2 All components shall be second sourced and shall be of such design, fabrication, nomenclature, or other identification as to be purchased from a U.S. wholesale distributor, or from the component manufacturer, except as follows:
1.3 When a component is of such special design that it precludes the purchase of identical components from any wholesale distributor or component manufacturer other than the original, one spare duplicate component shall be furnished with each 10, or fraction thereof, components used. Approval from the Department shall be required for each component used. This requirement shall also apply to all programmable devices (e.g., spare pre-programmed EPROMS, PLAs, ROMs, etc. must be supplied in quantities listed above). [The bidder shall include information regarding all use of all sole sourced and custom components with his bid.]
1.4 If EPROMs, PLAs, ROMs, or other programmable devices are used, sufficient documentation shall be supplied to allow the DEPARTMENT to acquire the device.
1.5 The electronic circuit design shall be such that all components of the same generic type, regardless of manufacturer, shall function equally in accordance with the specifications.
1.6 Any component which may be loosened due to vibration shall be properly secured with hold down brackets, retainers or other means.
1.7 All damaged or defective components shall be replaced as per these SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1.8 Devices (except integrated circuits) shall not be socket mounted on the PCBs. All dual-in-line integrated circuits shall be socket mounted using high grade, industrial quality, machined pin contacts with 4 side wipe.
1.9 No component shall be operated above 80 percent of its maximum rated voltage, current, or power ratings. Digital components shall not be operated above 3 percent of their nominal voltage, current, or power ratings.
1.10 No component shall be provided for which the manufactured date is two years older than the contract award date. The design life of all components shall be a minimum of 10 years of continuous operation.
1.11 Encapsulation of two or more discrete components into circuit modules is prohibited, except for opto-isolators, silicon controlled rectifiers, transient suppression circuits, resistor networks, diode arrays, and transistor arrays. Encapsulated assemblies shall be second sourced standard items.
1.12 Except as specified above, all discrete components, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, optical isolators, triacs, and integrated circuits shall be individually replaceable.
1.13 Components shall be arranged so they are easily accessible for testing
1.14 The CONTRACTOR shall submit detailed engineering technical data on all components. A letter from the component manufacturer shall be submitted with the detailed engineering data when the proposed application of the component alters the technical data. The letter shall certify that the component application meets specification requirements.
2. Capacitors: The DC and AC voltage ratings as well as the dissipation factor of a capacitor shall exceed the worst case design parameters of the circuitry by 150 percent.
2.1 A capacitor which may be damaged by shock or vibration shall be properly supported by a clamp or fastener.
2.2 Capacitor encasements shall be resistant to cracking, peeling, and discoloration.
2.3 All capacitors shall be insulated and shall be marked with their capacitance values and working voltages.
2.4 Electrolytic capacitors shall not be used for capacitance values of less than 1.0 microfarad and shall be marked with polarity. Electrolytic capacitors shall only be used in applications where they are continuously energized.
3. Potentiometers: No potentiometers less than one watt rating shall be used (except for trimmer type function).
3.1 The power rating of any potentiometer shall be at least 100 percent greater than the maximum power requirements of the circuit.
4. Resistors: All resistors shall be insulated and shall be marked with their resistance values. Resistance values shall be indicated by the EIA color codes, or stamped value (power resistor).
4.1 Resistors shall have five percent or less tolerance
4.2 The value of the resistors shall not vary by more than five percent between -37 degrees and 74 degrees C.
4.3 Resistors that have a rating exceeding two watts shall not be used unless special ventilation or heat sinking is provided. They shall be insulated from the PCB.
5. Semiconductor Devices: All solid state devices, except LEDs, shall be of the silicon type.
5.1 All transistors, integrated circuits, and diodes shall be a standard type listed by EIA and clearly identifiable.
5.2 All metal oxide semiconductor components shall contain circuitry to protect their inputs and outputs against damage due to high static voltages or electrical fields.
5.3 The device pin "1" location shall be properly marked on the PCB adjacent to each pin on both the component and "foil" side of the PCB
6. Transformers and Inductors: All power transformers and inductors shall have the manufacturer's name or logo and part number clearly and legibly printed on the case or laminations.
6.1 All transformers and inductors shall have their windings insulated and shall be protected to exclude moisture.
6.2 All transformer and inductor leads shall be color coded with an approved EIA color code or identified in a manner to facilitate proper installation.
6.3 Where custom transformers are used, the CONTRACTOR shall provide complete specifications and fabrication information sufficient to allow the transformer to be acquired directly from the component manufacturer or from alternative sources.
7. Circuit Breakers: Circuit breakers shall be listed by UL or ETL. The trip and frame sizes shall be plainly marked on the breaker by the manufacturer, and the ampere rating shall be visible from the front of the breaker. All circuit breakers 30 amperes or greater shall be quick-break on either automatic or manual operation. Contacts shall be silver alloy and enclosed in an arc quenching chamber. Overload tripping shall not be influenced by an ambient air temperature range of from -18 degrees to 50 degrees C. Minimum interrupting capacity shall be 10,000 amperes, RMS.
7.1 Circuit breakers shall be trip free type.
7.2 Multi-pole circuit breakers shall be the common trip type.
8. Switches: The switch contacts shall be rated for a minimum of 5 ampere resistive load at 120 VAC or 28 VDC and shall be gold over brass (or equal). The switch shall be rated for a minimum of 100,000 no-load operations.
9. Terminal Blocks: Unless otherwise noted, the blocks shall be barrier type rated at 20 amperes, 600 VAC RMS minimum. The terminal screws shall be 0.3125 inch minimum length nickel plated brass binder head type with screw inserts of the same material.
10. Wiring, Cabling, and Harnesses: All electrical conductors shall be copper.
10.1 Harnesses shall be properly bundled and tie-wrapped with external protection and strain relief.
10.2 Each harness shall be of adequate length to allow any harness or conductor to be connected to or disconnected from its associated connector or termination point without stress to any conductor, harness or connector.
10.3 Harnesses shall be neat, firm, and routed to minimize crosstalk and electrical interference.
10.4 Ribbon cables shall only be used where they are not subjected to strain during normal operations or maintenance. All ribbon cable connectors shall employ ejection type sockets.
10.5 Wiring containing AC shall be bundled separately or shielded separately from all DC logic voltage control circuits.
10.6 Wiring shall be routed to prevent conductors from being in contact with metal edges. Wiring shall be arranged so that any removable assembly may be removed without disturbing conductors not associated with that assembly.
10.7 All VMS harness conductors shall conform to the following color-code requirements as applicable:
a. The grounded conductors of AC circuits shall be identified by a continuous white or gray color.
b. The equipment grounding conductors shall be identified by a solid green color or by a continuous green color with one or more yellow stripes.
c. The DC logic ground conductors shall be identified by a solid white color with a red stripe.
d. The ungrounded AC+ conductors shall be identified by a solid black or black with colored stripe.
e. The DC logic ungrounded or signal conductors shall be identified by any color not specified above.
10.8 All wiring, cabling and harnesses shall terminate in connectors or on terminal blocks.
10.9 All VMS power, control, and other wiring and cabling between the VMS controller cabinet and the VMS housing shall run continuously from termination point to termination point. No splicing of VMS power, control, and other wiring and cabling in conduit, pullboxes, or any other location is permitted.
10.10 All removable assemblies shall be connectorized and shall not require that any wires be removed, cut, soldered, or spliced to remove a serviceable assembly or subassembly.
10.11 All wire shall conform to MIL 16878D Type B Vinyl - nylon jacket or THHN, stranded conductors.
11. Printed Circuit Boards (PCB)
11.1 Design, Fabrication, and Mounting: All contacts on PCBs shall be plated with a minimum thickness of 0.000030 inch gold over a minimum thickness of 0.000075 inch nickel.
11.2 PCB design shall be such that components may be removed and replaced without damage to boards, traces, or tracks.
11.3 Fabrication of PCBs shall be in compliance with Military Specification: MIL-P-13949, except as follows:
a. Only NEMA FR-4 glass cloth base epoxy resin copper clad laminates 0.0626 inch minimum thickness shall be used. Intercomponent wiring shall be by laminated copper clad track having a minimum weight of two ounces per square foot with adequate cross section for the current to be carried. All copper track shall be plated or soldered to provide complete coverage of all exposed copper track. Jumper wires will not be permitted, except from plated-through padded holes to an external component or for designed function selection with the jumper insulated and as short as possible.
b. Section 3.3.3 of Military Specification: MIL-P-13949E shall read "Pits and Dents. Grade of Pits and Dents shall be of Grade B quality (3.3.3.2) or better."
c. Section 3.3 of Military Specification: MIL-P-13949 shall be omitted.
d. Section 3.4 of Military Specification: MIL-P-13949 shall read "Warp or Twist. Class of permissible warp or twist shall be Class A (Table II) or better."
e. Sections 4.2 through 6.6 of Military Specification: MIL-P-13949 (inclusive) shall be omitted except as referenced in previous sections of this specification.
11.4 The fabrication of PCBs and the mounting of parts and assemblies thereon shall conform to Military Specification: MIL-STD-275E, except as follows:
a. All semiconductor devices required to dissipate more than 250mW or any case temperature that is 10 degrees Celsius above ambient shall be mounted with spacers or transipads to prevent direct contact with the PCB.
b. When completed, all residual flux shall be removed from the PCB.
c. The resistance between any two isolated, independent conductor paths shall be at least 100 megohms when a 500 VDC potential is applied.
d. All PCBs shall be coated with a moisture and mildew resistant coating.
e. Where less than 0.25 inch lateral separation is provided between the PCB (or the components of a PCB) and any metal surface, a 0.03125 (-0.0 to +0.0156) inch thick Mylar (polyester) plastic cover shall be provided on the metal to protect the PCB.
11.5 Each PCB connector edge shall be chamfered at 30 degrees from board side planes. The key slots shall also be chamfered so that the connector keys are not extracted upon removal of board or jammed upon insertion. The key slots shall be 0.045 (±0.005) inch for 0.1 inch spacing and 0.055 (±0.005) inch for 0.156 inch spacing.
11.6 All circuits which are routed using printed circuit traces shall be fused or protected to ensure that no damage to the printed circuit traces will occur due to circuit malfunction, component failure, connector installation or removal, or surges. This shall include protection from improper installation of control cables, or short circuits between conductors.
11.7 Soldering: Hand soldering shall comply with Military Specification: MIL‑P‑55110.
11.8 Automatic flow soldering shall conform to the following conditions:
a. Constant speed conveyor system.
b. Conveyor speed shall be the optimum to minimize solder peaks or points which form at component terminals.
c. Temperature shall be controlled to within ±8 degrees C of the optimum temperature.
d. The soldering process shall result in the complete coverage of all copper runs, joints, and terminals with solder except that which is covered by an electroplating process.
e. Wherever clinching is not used, a method of holding the components in the proper position for the flow process shall be provided.
f. If exposure to the temperature bath is of such a time-temperature duration as to come within 80 percent of any components maximum specified time-temperature exposure, that component shall be hand soldered to the PCB after the flow process has been completed.
11.9 Definitions: Definitions for the purpose of this section on PCBs shall be taken from MIL-STD-429 and any current addendum.
E. VMS MECHANICAL PROVISIONS
1. Connectors: All connectors shall be keyed to prevent improper insertion of the wrong connector or PCB.
1.1 The mating connectors shall be designated as the connector number and male/female relationship such as CAP (plug or PCB edge connector) and CAS (socket).
1.2 Pin and Socket Connectors: Pin and socket contacts shall be beryllium copper construction subplated with 0.00005 inch nickel and plated with 0.00003 inch gold. Pin diameter shall be 0.062 inch.
1.3 Connectors shall be of a standard manufacturer with quick connect/disconnect capability and thread assist, positive detent coupling. The connectors shall be UL listed Glass Filled Nylon, 94 V-I rated, heat stabilized, fire resistant.
1.4 PCB Connectors: PCB edge connectors shall have bifurcated gold plated contacts.
1.5 The PCB receptacle connector shall meet or exceed the following:
a. Operating voltage: 600VAC (RMS) at sea level
b. Insulation Resistance: 5,000 megohms
c. Contact Material: Copper alloy plated with 0.00005 inch of nickel and 0.000015 inch of gold.
d. Contact Resistance: 0.006 ohm maximum
1.6 Assemblies and PCB Design: All assemblies shall be easily replaceable and incorporate plug-in capability for their associated devices or PCBs.
1.7 Assemblies shall be provided with a minimum of two guides for each plug-in PCB or associated device (except relays). The guides shall extend to within 0.75 inch from the face of either the socket or connector and front edge of the assembly. If nylon guides are used, the guides shall be securely attached to the file or assembly chassis.
1.8 No components, traces, brackets or obstructions shall be within 0.125 inch of the board edge (guide edges).
1.9 The manufacturer's name or logo, model number, serial number, and circuit issue or revision number shall appear and be readily visible.
1.10 The mounting and choice of components shall ensure that PCBs are not damaged or discolored due to the heat generated either individually or collectively by the components.
1.11 Workmanship shall be in accordance with the highest industry standards.
1.12 All PCB connectors mounted on a motherboard shall be mechanically secured to the chassis or frame of the unit.
1.13 All screw type fasteners shall utilize locking devices or locking compounds except for finger screws which shall be captive.
1.14 Dimensions: All dimensions shall be in inches. The following tolerances shall apply unless otherwise specifically stated in these Specifications:
a. Sheet Metal 0.0525 inch
b. PCB +0, -0.010 inch
c. Edge Guides 0.015 inch
1.15 Hardware: Unless otherwise noted, all hardware used in electronic assemblies shall be stainless steel.
F. VMS SPARE PARTS PROVISIONS
1. Spare parts to be provided under this contract, when ordered by the Department, shall be supplied in separate cartons for each subassembly or assembly. Only complete assemblies or subassemblies shall be packed in each shipping carton. The shipping carton and all packing materials shall be reusable such that the containers can be used to re-ship materials for repair. Each carton shall be suitable for shipping by common carrier without special handling. All cartons shall be clearly marked on the outside with the part number, and serial number, and the manufacturer’s name and shipping address.
G. ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
This Section sets forth the minimum environmental requirements for all the VMS equipment. All such equipment shall be singularly considered in meeting these specifications. Where applicable, the testing to verify compliance with these requirements shall conform to the current NEMA TS-1 environmental testing specifications.
1. Operating Voltage and Frequency.
All equipment shall perform as specified when the voltage and frequency from the local service transformer are within the following specified limits:
Voltage: The voltage range shall be from 95 to 135 Volts (RMS) alternating current. The nominal voltage shall be 120 Volts (RMS) alternating current.
Frequency: The operating frequency range shall be 60 Hertz, plus or minus three Hertz.
2. Power Interruption.
This Article is applicable for the VMS, the VMS controller and all communications equipment. The term "controller" shall be taken to mean the entire VMS field installation.
2.1 The power interruption shall define the controller mode of operation upon restoration of power relative to the length of time the power has been interrupted.
2.2 Two or more power interruptions separated by power restoration of 1,500 milliseconds or greater shall be considered as separate interruptions, and the controller shall react to the power interruptions as follows:
a. Interruption of 500 milliseconds or less. Upon restoring power, the controller shall continue to operate as though the power interruption had not occurred.
b. Interruption of more than 600 milliseconds and less than 1,000 milliseconds. Upon restoring power, the controller shall either continue to operate as specified above or shall revert to its start-up sequence.
c. Interruption of 1,000 milliseconds or more. Upon restoring power, the controller shall revert to its start-up sequence. Three interruptions of 300 milliseconds or less which are separated by power restorations of 300 milliseconds or more shall not cause the controller to revert to its start-up sequence.
d. Sixty alternations of 500 milliseconds power off and 500 milliseconds power on over a two minute period. Upon completion of the two minute period, the VMS, VMS controller and communications equipment shall continue to operate as though the power interruptions had not occurred.
e. Continuous linear power reduction and increase, from 120 Volts (RMS) to 0 Volts (RMS) to 120 Volts (RMS) at a rate of voltage change no greater than 1 volt per second. The VMS, VMS controller and communications equipment shall revert to the start-up sequence within 500 milliseconds of reaching 95 Volts (RMS) during power increase.
f. Upon all instances of VMS controller initiation of its start-up sequence, the power fail bit shall be set as defined in Appendix A.
3. Temperature and Humidity.
General: Equipment shall operate as specified when the temperature and humidity ambient inside the controller cabinet are within the following specified limits:
3.1 Ambient Temperature:
a. The operating ambient temperature range shall be from -30 °F to 165 °F.
b. The storage temperature range shall be from -50°F to 200°F.
c. The rate of change in ambient temperature shall not exceed 30°F per hour, during which the relative humidity shall not exceed 95 percent.
3.2 Humidity: The relative humidity shall not exceed 95 percent over the temperature range of 40°F (4.4°C). Above 100°°F (43.3°C). Above 110°F, constant absolute humidity shall be maintained, which results in the relative humidities shown in the table below. The relative humidities shown in the table below are for dynamic testing:
At 29.92 HG Barometric Pressure |
||
Dry Bulb (°F) |
Relative Humidity (percent) |
Wet Bulb (°F) |
40 |
75 |
37 |
50 |
80 |
47 |
60 |
83 |
57 |
70 |
86 |
67 |
80 |
87 |
77 |
90 |
89 |
87 |
100 |
89 |
97 |
110 |
90 |
107 |
120 |
70 |
109 |
130 |
50 |
109 |
140 |
38 |
109 |
150 |
28 |
109 |
160 |
21 |
109 |
165 |
18 |
109 |
4. Vibration.
The equipment shall operate as specified and maintain its physical integrity when subjected to a vibration of five to 30 cycles per second up to 0.5 gravity applied in each of three mutually perpendicular planes.
5. Shock.
The equipment shall suffer neither permanent mechanical deformation nor any change that renders the unit inoperable, when subjected to a shock of 10 gravities applied in each of three mutually perpendicular planes.
6. Transients.
6.1 Power Service: The equipment shall operate in accordance with its specified function when the following independent test pulses occur on the alternating current power service.
6.1.1 High-Repetition Noise Transients: The test pulses shall not exceed the following conditions:
a. Amplitude - 300 Volts, both positive and negative polarity.
b. Peak Power - 2,500 Watts.
c. Repetition - 1 pulse approximately every other cycle moving uniformly over the full wave in order to sweep 360 degrees of the line cycle once every 3 seconds.
d.) Pulse Width - 10 microseconds.
6.1.2 Low-Repetition High Energy Transients: The test pulses shall not exceed the following conditions:
a. Amplitude - 600 Volts, plus or minus 5 percent, both positive and negative polarity.
b. Energy Source - Capacitor, oil filled, 10 microfarads plus or minus 10 percent, internal surge impedance less than 1 ohm.
c. Repetition - 1 discharge every 10 seconds.
d. Pulse Position - Random across 360 degrees of the line cycle.
6.2 Input-Output Terminals: The equipment shall operate in accordance with specification requirements when the following test pulse occurs on the input-output terminals for any signals which leave the VMS sign enclosure or VMS control cabinet.
a. Amplitude - 300 Volts, both positive and negative polarity.
b. Pulse Source - 1,000 ohms nominal impedance.
c. Repetition - 1 pulse per second, for a minimum of 5 pulse per selected terminal.
d. Pulse Rise Time - 1 microsecond.
e. Pulse Width - 10 microseconds.
6.3 Non-Destructive Transient Immunity: The equipment shall be capable of withstanding a high-energy transient having the following characteristics repeatedly applied to the alternating current input terminals (no other power connected to terminals) without failure of the test specimen:
a. Amplitude - 1,000 Volts, + 5 percent, both positive and negative polarity.
b. Energy Source - Capacitor, oil filled, 15 microfarads, +10 percent, internal surge impedance less than 1 ohm,
c. Repetition - Applied to the controller assembly once every two seconds for a maximum of three applications each polarity.
After the foregoing, the equipment shall perform all of its functions upon application of nominal alternating current power.
H. Submittal Data Requirements.
1. Submittal data and shop drawings for all equipment and materials required in this CONTRACT shall be submitted within 30 calendar prior to any installation, unless otherwise noted in the specifications.
2. The CONTRACTOR shall prepare and submit for approval a schedule for all shop drawings and all submittal data as required herein. This schedule shall be submitted with and be an integral component of the CPM schedule. This schedule shall provide a summary description of the working drawings and submittal data with reference pay items.
3. For certified traffic control device equipment and materials, the CONTRACTOR shall submit to the ENGINEER for approval, six copies of the manufacturer's descriptive literature, technical data, operational documentation, service documentation, and other materials fully describing the equipment and materials that will be used in producing the equipment supplied.
4. Shop drawings are required for all structural support materials, changeable message sign housing materials, and all other special designs, non-electrical, non-mechanical, fabricated items which are not certified.
5. The DEPARTMENT will not be liable for any equipment or material purchased, work done, or delay incurred, prior to the DEPARTMENT's approval of said equipment or material.
6. Submittal data will be distributed by the District Traffic Operations Engineer as follows:
Copy 1 (original) District Traffic Operations Engineer
Copy 2 Construction - Project Engineer
Copy 3 Construction - Resident Engineer
Copy 4 CONTRACTOR
Copy 5 Traffic Operations
Copy 6 Controller Cabinet for each location via CONTRACTOR.
Any failure of the DEPARTMENT to discover or note any unsatisfactory material shall not relieve the CONTRACTOR of his responsibility for providing complete and operable ATMS equipment as called for under the terms of the CONTRACT.
7. Documentation for Electronic Equipment.
7.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide the documentary items specified herein for all variable message sign equipment and materials. The documentary items shall provide a complete and precise technical description of all VMS equipment and materials and shall thoroughly demonstrate that the design and construction of all VMS equipment and materials fully conform to all requirements of these specifications.
7.2 The CONTRACTOR shall provide copies of all documentary items as specified below.
7.3 All documentary items shall be neat, legible, clearly identified, and suitably bound.
7.4 All documentation shall be supplied in a single submittal; it shall be the responsibility of the CONTRACTOR to ensure that all materials are integrated into a single documentation package. Incremental and partial submittals shall not be provided, only complete submittals will be accepted by the ENGINEER.
The following documentary items shall be provided:
a. Manual fully describing the theory of operation with complete technical data including block diagrams showing operational relationships between major components, wave forms, etc.
b. Manual for troubleshooting including flowcharts, test procedures, test points, alignment procedures, etc.
c. Electronic schematics on 11" x 17" drawings. (Note that the vendor shall ensure that all information is clearly readable in this format. Simply shrinking ‘D’ size drawings will not be acceptable unless all information is clearly legible in the judgement of the Engineer.
d. Pictorial layout of components on circuit boards showing locations of all components and referencing each component to its entry in the part list/manufacturer's data sheet.
e. Complete parts lists/manufacturer's data sheets of all passive and active electrical and electronic components. Parts lists/data sheets shall provide complete technical materials and performance data, environmental specifications, manufacturer's names/part numbers, etc.
f. Drawings and materials lists of all equipment and assembly frames, mounting brackets, mechanical items, etc.
g. Diagrams of field installation wiring showing all terminal block positions and identifications.
h. Recommended routine maintenance procedures and schedules for all equipment and materials.
30 ITEM 30. FIBER OPTIC VMS ASSEMBLY, Type 1 - Freeway
30.1 SCOPE:
This Subarticle specifies the requirements for equipment, and materials of the fiber optic variable message sign (VMS) to be furnished. A variable message sign shall include:
30.1.1 A VMS sign assembly complete with all electrical and mechanical components in accordance with these specifications.
30.1.2 A local controller complete with all necessary protection devices, etc. as required.
30.1.3 A system communications modem or other required devices to connect the VMS to the system for remote control.
30.1.4 All incidental equipment, materials, wiring, conduit, cabling, testing, and work to provide a complete and accepted VMS.
30.1.5 All software for the VMS components and software for the lap-top computer used for operation and diagnostics via the local control port at the VMS control cabinet.
30.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The CONTRACTOR shall furnish a variable message sign in accordance with these SPECIFICATIONS.
30.2.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide shop drawings and submittal data for the VMS which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. All documentary items as specified herein.
b. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS display and housing;
c. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS controller and communications modem;
d. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS housing door and platform; and
e. Materials and attachment method of the horizontal and vertical conduit
f. Design, materials, and installation requirements for all connections between the sign elements and with the communications network and power.
30.2.2 All structural and electrical designs shall be certified by a registered professional engineer licensed in the State of Utah.
30.3 VMS CONFIGURATION
The VMS shall have a continuous matrix display of 105 pixels across by 28 pixels high (2940 pixels). The display shall consist of pixel modules, with each module having a 5 (horizontal) by 7 (vertical) matrix of pixels. Pixel modules shall be individually replaceable.
30.3.1 Signs shall have the following parameters:
a. Pixel spacing shall be such that seven pixels in height shall fall be 18 inches (+- .5 inches) from the top of highest pixel to bottom of lowest pixel;
b. Equal horizontal and vertical pixel spacing, center to center and gap between pixels;
c. The total weight of the VMS shall not exceed 4800 pounds;
d. The sign shall be readable from a minimum of 900 feet away under all weather and lighting conditions.
30.3.2 All components and subassemblies shall be interchangeable between the signs of the same character height. VMS controllers shall be identical for all signs.
30.3.3 Indicators: All indicators shall have a minimum ±45 degrees cone of visibility with its axis perpendicular to the front panel. All indicators shall be readily visible at a radius of up to four feet within the cone of visibility when the indicator is subjected to 9,000 foot-candles of white light with the light source at 45 (±2) degrees to the front panel. All indicators shall have a rated life of 100,000 hours minimum.
30.3.4 VMS Pixels: Each fiber optic pixel shall consist of at least one light point made up of a fiber optic bundle with its end fitted with a lens.
30.3.4.1 The lighting source for the fiber optic pixels shall consist of two 50-watt quartz halogen lamps consisting of a primary lamp and a "backup" lamp per module group. The maximum lamp voltage shall not exceed 10.8V RMS.
30.3.4.2 The average service life of the lamps shall be 8,000 hours. The lamp and reflector shall be a single unit. It shall be possible to service the lamps from the inside of the sign and without the use of any special tools.
30.3.4.3 Each "primary" lamp shall be backed up by a "secondary" lamp. Switching from the "primary" lamp to the "secondary" lamp (and vice versa) shall be automatic. It shall be possible to light the "primary" and "secondary" lamps simultaneously (overbright condition) to increase the light output of each pixel, Each lamp shall be monitored by the VMS controller for subsequent transmission of lamp status information to the control center.
30.3.5 Circuitry shall be provide to "soft-start" the lamps to extend filament life. Light output from each pixel shall be at least 33 cd. The color of the emitted light shall be amber.
30.3.6 Alternative lighting source arrangements will be considered for approval by the Department.
30.3.7 Only high quality step index glass optical fiber shall be used. Each fiber optic harness shall contain spare bundles equal to 5 percent of the total bundles used per module. Each optical fiber light guide end shall be fitted with a lens which shall produce an emission controlled angle equal to 14 degrees centered around the optical axis.
30.3.8 All materials used in the fabrication of the pixel display modules shall not be damaged by direct exposure to sunlight.
30.4 VMS CONTROLLER
The VMS controller equipment and associated wiring shall be furnished in as specified below.
30.4.1 VMS controller equipment shall be mounted in the EIA Rack.
30.4.2 VMS controller circuit breakers, fuses, switches, and indicators shall be readily visible and accessible when the VMS controller cabinet front door is open.
30.4.3 The assembly or panel depth dimension shall include the terminal blocks and assembly mounted part of any connectors.
30.4.4 All assemblies and panels shall allow air circulation through the top and bottom unless specifically called out otherwise.
30.4.5 Assemblies shall be fabricated of 0.0625 inch minimum thickness aluminum or stainless steel sheet. The metal surface shall be treated with clear chromate.
30.4.6 Local control shall be accessed via a hexidecimal keypad and LCD text display. The LCD shall be a minimum of .25 inch letters and shall be back-lit for visibility at night.
30.4.7 The VMS controller shall include an industry standard DB-9 connector which shall allow attachment of a lap-top computer for operation of local diagnostics and verification of proper sign operation.
30.5 SIGN OPERATION
The sign shall have the capability to be operated either locally or centrally.
30.5.1 Central Operation: The controller shall accept commands and issue responses through an RS232C data port at a selectable speed from 1200 bps to 19,200 bps, 8-bits, odd/even/no parity, 1 stop. The controller shall be capable of responding to each data message type as listed in Appendix A (of Category 5 - Variable Message Signs), issue a response to central, and cause the sign at its location to respond visually as indicated in Appendix A.
30.5.2 Local Operation: The controller shall be capable of operating in a local control mode. Local control operations shall be possible without the need for any external device. The following minimum operations are required:
a. Operator selection of dimming levels.
b. Operator selection of up to 32 pre-stored downloadable messages.
c. Diagnostic routines capable of testing full sign operation.
30.5.2.1 Local control shall be switch-activated inside the VMS controller cabinet, and shall be accomplished via a keypad with menu-driven LCD display. While in the local control mode, the VMS master shall continue to monitor the sign’s status and display. It shall be possible to over-ride all local controls or resume central control from the central controller without the intervention of field personnel.
30.5.2.2 Local Timeout Operation: The following timers are required:
a. Hardware watchdog timer - this shall reset and cause the sign to blank whenever communications with the hardware has failed for 30 seconds. This is intended to detect the failure of the VMS controller (not the central system).
b. Communications Watchdog - this timer shall ensure that if no communications are processed during the Communications Timeout (configurable per Appendix A, default 10 minutes). When the timeout occurs the sign shall return to a blank state.
c. Local Timeout - The controller shall resort to central communications after 30 minutes of no activity at the local controller. This shall be configurable from the local keypad.
30.5.2.3 Local reset capabilities - The sign shall be designed for unattended operation and shall include the capability of resetting the communications modems, power supplies, and other related devices when required. The CONTRACTOR shall detail the method used to effect VMS and communications reset to eliminate the necessity to cycle the power on the sign to correct an apparent problem.
30.5.3 Performance Characteristics - The VMS shall meet the following minimum performance specifications:
a. The time delay between the receipt of a message (from the central system) and the display of the message shall not exceed 1 second.
b. Timing parameters for the display of the messages, flash times, on times and off times shall not vary with the complexity of the message being displayed.
c. The time required to fully transition from one display to the next presentation, whether blank or another message shall not exceed .5 (one-half) second. Further, the time required to fully transition from a blank condition to a valid message display shall not exceed one-half second.
d. The time delay between the reception of a command and the start of a response to central shall not exceed 50 ms.
30.6 COMMUNICATIONS MODEM
The CONTRACTOR shall furnish an industry-standard communications modem to provide a fully functional communications interface between the central control center and the VMS controller. All cables, connectors, interfaces, filters, protection devices, and incidental items required for full operation shall be in accordance with the modem manufacturer's requirements
30.6.1 The modem shall meet the minimum requirements specified below:
a. The modem shall have indicator lights for the following signals: Carrier Detect, Data Transmit, & Data Receive. The indicators shall be visible in the normal operating position of the modem.
b. The modem may be housed in its own cabinet or be a plug-in board to the main VMS controller.
30.6.2 The system communications modem shall be fully compatible with and fully support all functionality of the system communications modem installed at the central control center.
30.7 VMS DIMMING SYSTEM
Each VMS shall be provided with a system which shall sense the background ambient light level and provide a minimum of seven field-adjustable intensities (dimming).
30.7.1 The dimming system shall contain three commercially available photo-electric sensors installed in water-tight metal enclosures on the VMS housing. The photo-electric sensors shall have a 0.25 square-inch (minimum) photo-sensitive area. The photo-electric sensors shall be capable of being continually exposed to direct sunlight without impairment of performance. The water-tight metal enclosure shall have a 1.00 square inch area (minimum) glass window area. (Note - a circular window may be used with 1 square inch area) The photo-electric sensors shall be placed so that they view the front, rear, and top of each sign.
30.7.2 The dimming system circuitry shall select one of seven levels from either the sensed ambient light when operating in local mode or from commands sent from the central control system, when operating in remote mode. The dimming system shall be capable of sending readings from all three photocells (255 levels each) to the central control system.
30.7.2.1 Dimming shall be implemented by voltage or phase control of the lamps and by the number of lamps selected.
30.7.2.2 All seven intensity levels shall be separately adjustable with a discrete 10-turn potentiometer, or other method approved by the Department.
30.7.2.3 The set points for each of the seven ambient light levels shall also be adjustable with a discrete 10-turn potentiometer, or other method approved by the Department.
30.7.3 The dimming circuit and VMS power system shall have electrical devices installed to minimize RFI noise generated by the VMS both on the power line and radiated by sign circuitry.
30.7.4 The controller circuitry shall determine the operating mode (local or remote) and select the appropriate method of implementing dimming.
30.7.5 Alternative dimming systems will be considered for approval by the Department.
30.8 VMS HOUSING
General Requirements: Housings shall have interior non-corrosive metal cage support frames to mount the display elements. The cage support frame shall be designed to withstand and minimize vibrational effects to the display and/or electronic elements.
The VMS housing shall meet all wind loading requirements as specified in the DEPARTMENTs Structures Design Guidelines.
30.8.1 The VMS housing shall be provided with two lifting eyes to be used when placing the housing on the sign structure. The lifting eyes shall be located such that the sign will remain level while being lifted. Each eye shall have a minimum diameter of 1.00 inch. The fully assembled sign shall be lifted into place using both lifting eyes. Each lifting eye, however, shall have sufficient structural strength to allow the sign be lifted or moved without damage or permanent deformation to any part of the sign.
30.8.2 The VMS housing shall be designed such that the VMS can be shipped and temporarily stored without damage or undue stresses prior to installation on the overhead support structure.
30.8.3 The VMS housing shall be designed to allow mounting at angles up to +/- 3 degrees from horizontal.
30.8.4 All VMS housings shall be constructed to present a clean, neat appearance. The equipment located within housings shall be protected from moisture, dust, dirt, and corrosion.
30.8.5 Housings shall be fabricated from 0.125 inch (minimum) thick 3003-H14 or 5052-H32 aluminum alloy and shall conform to the latest AASHTO publication entitled "Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals."
30.8.6 All surfaces shall be free of dents, scratches, burrs, weld burns, or abrasions. The manufacturer's name and month and year of manufacture shall appear on the inside of the VMS housing.
30.8.7 All sharp edges and corners shall be rounded.
30.8.8 Welding: All exterior seams shall be continuously welded and each weld shall be uniform flow. All welds shall be neatly formed and free of cracks, blow holes, and other irregularities. Welding on aluminum housings shall be done by gas metal arc (MIG) or gas tungsten arc (TIG) process using bare aluminum welding electrodes. The electrodes shall conform to the requirements of the American Welding Society (AWS) A5.10 for ER5356 aluminum alloy bare welding electrodes. Procedures, welders, and welding operators for welding on aluminum shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements of AWS B3.0, "Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification," and to the practices recommended in AWS C5.6.
30.8.9 Ventilation: The VMS housing shall be provided with the necessary vents, filters, and forced air ventilation to provide ventilation for equipment and maintenance personnel inside the VMS housing.
30.8.9.1 All fans or other forced air devices for equipment shall be thermostatically controlled and shall use standard-sized easily-removable dust filters. The equipment ventilation system shall have a minimum rating of 1200 C.F.M. The thermostat shall have a minimum adjustable temperature range of 80 degrees F. to 125 degrees F. All intake and exhaust vents shall be rain-tight. All fans shall be connected to an isolated circuit, separate from the lamps and control electronics.
30.8.9.2 Fans or other forced air devices for maintenance personnel shall be in accordance with OSHA and all other applicable regulations. The maintenance personnel ventilation system shall be controlled by an adjustable timer that will turn off the fans after the set time has expired. The adjustable timer shall be adjustable to at least four (4) hours and shall be located within reach of the VMS housing door. The maintenance personnel ventilation system shall use standard-sized easily-removable dust filters.
30.8.10 Screened weep holes shall be provided to allow the drainage of any water that may collect in the housing. There shall be no less than 4 weep hole with a diameter of 1/2 inch adequately placed to ensure proper drainage of water accumulated in the sign housing.
30.8.11 Lighting and Duplex Outlets: The VMS housing shall include an internal fluorescent lighting system to provide maintenance personnel with ample working lighting in day and night conditions. The switch control for the lighting system shall be located within reach of the VMS housing door. All lighting and service outlets shall be connected to an isolated circuit, separate from the lamps and control electronics.
30.8.11.1 The VMS interior shall include a minimum of two 15 AMP 120 VAC duplex electrical outlets, with ground fault circuit interrupters, for use by maintenance personnel. At least one duplex outlet shall be located at each end of the VMS housing.
30.8.12 Painting: All outside surfaces shall be painted or anodized. The exterior color of the housing, excepting the front face, shall be flat white or flat tan, with the final color selection being approved by the Department. The inactive portion of the front face shall be flat black.
30.8.12.1 If the CONTRACTOR elects to paint the exterior of the cabinet, the method used for surface preparation and painting shall be approved by the Department.
30.8.13 Front Panel:All housings shall include a single sheet, UV stabilized, polycarbonate or Lexan front panel. The front panel shall be mounted securely so as to meet the wind loading requirements as stated above in the General Requirements under VMS Housing. The front panel shall not obscure any pixel in the sign.
The sign shall be designed to ensure that the front panel does not fog or discolor during sign operation. Further, the sign shall be designed to allow a single technician to clean the inside of the sign face in 3 hours. The outside panel and sign case shall be designed to allow cleaning with a high pressure water spray.
30.8.14 The sign background shall include a flat black border of at least 12 inches around the outside of the active display area.
30.8.15 VMS Housing Door and Platform: The VMS shall have a door and platform provided as in accordance with the statements herein.
30.8.15.1 The VMS housing door shall be a rain-tight/dust-tight door with minimum doorway opening dimensions of 5 feet high by 2 feet wide. The VMS housing door shall have a stop to retain the door open at the 90 degree and 120 degree position. The VMS housing door shall be furnished with a door lock that is keyed to a standard Type 2 traffic signal controller cabinet lock. The on-off switch for the VMS housing internal lighting shall be immediately inside the VMS housing door.
30.8.15.2 The platform shall be a catwalk-style landing area to provide access to the VMS housing door. The platform shall be designed and constructed in accordance with all applicable OSHA and AASHTO standards for signing/lighting catwalks and platforms. The platform shall have a folding handrail. The platform shall be the same width as the VMS housing side to which the platform is attached and shall have a minimum 4 foot and maximum 6 foot length. The platform shall be designed and constructed to be as lightweight and to offer as little wind resistance as possible. The platform shall be solely and fully supported by the VMS housing and the platform shall make no attachment or connection to any member or component of the overhead sign structure.
30.8.15.3 The door shall also include a door-open switch which shall be read by the sign controller and reported to the central control system whenever the door is opened. Note that even if the sign is not polled for status while the door is open, it shall store this change and report the condition at the next status poll to ensure that the central system is notified each time the door is opened.
30.9 METHOD of MEASUREMENT
Variable message Sign Assemblies for freeways shall be measured for payment by the number of units each, complete with all components and requirements provided as specified herein and delivered as directed by the Department.
30.10 BASIS of PAYMENT
Variable Message Sign Assemblies for freeways will be paid for at the contract unit price each as measured above, which shall be payment in full for all equipment, labor, tools, transportation and incidentals necessary to complete this item of work.
31 ITEM 31. FIBER OPTIC VMS ASSEMBLY, Type 2 - Surface Street
31.1 SCOPE:
This Subarticle specifies the requirements for equipment, materials, and installation of the fiber optic variable message sign (VMS) to be furnished. A variable message sign shall include:
31.1.1 A VMS sign assembly complete with all electrical and mechanical components in accordance with these specifications.
31.1.2 A local controller cabinet complete with all necessary controllers, controls, power service, protection devices, etc. as required.
31.1.3 A system communications modem or other required devices to connect the VMS to the system for remote control.
31.1.4 All incidental equipment, materials, wiring, conduit, cabling, testing, and work to provide a complete and accepted VMS.
31.1.5 All software for the VMS components and software for the lap-top computer used for operation and diagnostics via the local control port at the VMS control cabinet.
31.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
The CONTRACTOR shall furnish a variable message sign for the ATMS project in accordance with these SPECIFICATIONS.
31.2.1 The CONTRACTOR shall provide shop drawings and submittal data for the VMS which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
a. All documentary items as specified herein.
b. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS display and housing;
c. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS controller and communications modem;
d. Design, materials, and construction of the VMS housing door and platform; and
e. Materials and attachment method of the horizontal and vertical conduit
f. Design, materials, and installation requirements for all connections between the sign elements and with the communications network and power.
All structural and electrical designs shall be certified by a registered professional engineer licensed in the State of Utah.
31.3 VMS CONFIGURATION
The VMS shall have 2 continuous line matrix display of 75 pixels across by 7 pixels high (1050 pixels). The display shall consist of pixel modules, with each module having a 5 (horizontal) by 7 (vertical) matrix of pixels. Pixel modules shall be individually replaceable.
31.3.1 Signs shall have the following parameters:
a. Pixel spacing shall be such that seven pixels in height shall be 12 inches (+- .5 inches) from the top of highest pixel to bottom of lowest pixel;
b. Equal horizontal and vertical pixel spacing, center to center and gap between pixels;
c. The total weight of the VMS shall not exceed 2000 pounds;
d. The sign shall be readable from a minimum of 600 feet away under all weather and lighting conditions.
31.3.2 All components and subassemblies shall be interchangeable between the signs of the same character height. VMS controllers shall be identical for all signs.
31.3.3 Indicators: All indicators shall have a minimum ±45 degrees cone of visibility with its axis perpendicular to the front panel. All indicators shall be readily visible at a radius of up to four feet within the cone of visibility when the indicator is subjected to 9,000 foot-candles of white light with the light source at 45 (±2) degrees to the front panel. All indicators shall have a rated life of 100,000 hours minimum.
31.3.4 VMS Pixels: Each fiber optic pixel shall consist of at least one light point made up of a fiber optic bundle with its end fitted with a lens.
31.3.4.1 The lighting source for the fiber optic pixels shall consist of two 50-watt quartz halogen lamps consisting of a primary lamp and a "backup" lamp per module group. The maximum lamp voltage shall not exceed 10.8V RMS.
31.3.4.2 The average service life of the lamps shall be 8,000 hours. The lamp and reflector shall be a single unit. It shall be possible to service the lamps from the inside of the sign and without the use of any special tools.
31.3.4.3 Each "primary" lamp shall be backed up by a "secondary" lamp. Switching from the "primary" lamp to the "secondary" lamp (and vice versa) shall be automatic. It shall be possible to light the "primary" and "secondary" lamps simultaneously (overbright condition) to increase the light output of each pixel, Each lamp shall be monitored by the VMS controller for subsequent transmission of lamp status information to the control center.
31.3.5 Circuitry shall be provide to "soft-start" the lamps to extend filament life. Light output from each pixel shall be at least 33 cd. The color of the emitted light shall be amber.
31.3.6 Alternative lighting source arrangements will be considered for approval by the Department.
31.3.7 Only high quality step index glass optical fiber shall be used. Each fiber optic harness shall contain spare bundles equal to 5 percent of the total bundles used per module. Each optical fiber light guide end shall be fitted with a lens which shall produce an emission controlled angle equal to 14 degrees centered around the optical axis.
31.3.8 All materials used in the fabrication of the pixel display modules shall not be damaged by direct exposure to sunlight.
31.4 VMS CONTROLLER
The VMS controller equipment and associated wiring shall be furnished in the VMS controller cabinet.
31.4.1 VMS controller equipment shall be mounted in the EIA Rack.
31.4.2 VMS controller circuit breakers, fuses, switches, and indicators shall be readily visible and accessible when the VMS controller cabinet front door is open.
31.4.3 The assembly or panel depth dimension shall include the terminal blocks and assembly mounted part of any connectors.
31.4.4 All assemblies and panels shall allow air circulation through the top and bottom unless specifically called out otherwise.
31.4.5 Assemblies shall be fabricated of 0.0625 inch minimum thickness aluminum or stainless steel sheet. The metal surface shall be treated with clear chromate.
31.4.6 Local control shall be accessed via a hexidecimal keypad and LCD text display. The LCD shall be a minimum of .25 inch letters and shall be back-lit for visibility at night.
31.4.7 The VMS controller shall include an industry standard DB-9 connector which shall allow attachment of a lap-top computer for operation of local diagnostics and verification of proper sign operation.
31.5 SIGN OPERATION
The sign shall have the capability to be operated either locally or centrally.
31.5.1 Central Operation: The controller shall accept commands and issue responses through an RS232C data port at a selectable speed from 1200 bps to 19,200 bps, 8-bits, odd/even/no parity, 1 stop. The controller shall be capable of responding to each data message type as listed in Appendix A (of Category 5 - Variable Message Signs), issue a response to central, and cause the sign at its location to respond visually as indicated in Appendix A.
31.5.2 Local Operation: The controller shall be capable of operating in a local control mode. Local control operations shall be possible without the need for any external device. The following minimum operations are required:
a. Operator selection of dimming levels.
b. Operator selection of up to 32 pre-stored downloadable messages.
c. Diagnostic routines capable of testing full sign operation.
31.5.2.1 Local control shall be switch-activated inside the VMS controller cabinet, and shall be accomplished via a keypad with menu-driven LCD display. While in the local control mode, the VMS master shall continue to monitor the sign’s status and display. It shall be possible to over-ride all local controls or resume central control from the central controller without the intervention of field personnel.
31.5.2.2 Local Timeout Operation: The following timers are required:
a. Hardware watchdog timer - this shall reset and cause the sign to blank whenever communications with the hardware has failed for 30 seconds. This is intended to detect the failure of the VMS controller (not the central system).
b. Communications Watchdog - this timer shall ensure that if no communications are processed during the Communications Timeout (configurable per Appendix A, default 10 minutes). When the timeout occurs the sign shall return to a blank state.
c. Local Timeout - The controller shall resort to central communications after 30 minutes of no activity at the local controller. This shall be configurable from the local keypad.
31.5.2.3 Local reset capabilities - The sign shall be designed for unattended operation and shall include the capability of resetting the communications modems, power supplies, and other related devices when required. The CONTRACTOR shall detail the method used to effect VMS and communications reset to eliminate the necessity to cycle the power on the sign to correct an apparent problem.
31.5.3 Performance Characteristics - The VMS shall meet the following minimum performance specifications:
a. The time delay between the receipt of a message (from the central system) and the display of the message shall not exceed 1 second.
b. Timing parameters for the display of the messages, flash times, on times and off times shall not vary with the complexity of the message being displayed.
c. The time required to fully transition from one display to the next presentation, whether blank or another message shall not exceed .5 (one-half) second. Further, the time required to fully transition from a blank condition to a valid message display shall not exceed one-half second.
d. The time delay between the reception of a command and the start of a response to central shall not exceed 50 ms.
31.6 COMMUNICATIONS MODEM
The CONTRACTOR shall furnish an industry-standard communications modem to provide a fully functional communications interface between the central control center and the VMS controller. All cables, connectors, interfaces, filters, protection devices, and incidental items required for full operation shall be in accordance with the modem manufacturer's requirements
31.6.1 The modem shall meet the minimum requirements specified below:
a. The modem shall have indicator lights for the following signals: Carrier Detect, Data Transmit, & Data Receive. The indicators shall be visible in the normal operating position of the modem.
b. The modem may be housed in its own cabinet or be a plug-in board to the main VMS controller.
31.6.2 The system communications modem shall be fully compatible with and fully support all functionality of the system communications modem installed at the central control center.
31.7 VMS DIMMING SYSTEM
Each VMS shall be provided with a system which shall sense the background ambient light level and provide a minimum of seven field-adjustable intensities (dimming).
31.7.1 The dimming system shall contain three commercially available photo-electric sensors installed in water-tight metal enclosures on the VMS housing. The photo-electric sensors shall have a 0.25 square-inch (minimum) photo-sensitive area. The photo-electric sensors shall be capable of being continually exposed to direct sunlight without impairment of performance. The water-tight metal enclosure shall have a 1.00 square inch area (minimum) glass window area. (Note - a circular window may be used with 1 square inch area) The photo-electric sensors shall be placed so that they view the front, rear, and top of each sign.
31.7.2 The dimming system circuitry shall select one of seven levels from either the sensed ambient light when operating in local mode or from commands sent from the central control system, when operating in remote mode. The dimming system shall be capable of sending readings from all three photocells (255 levels each) to the central control system.
31.7.2.1 Dimming shall be implemented by voltage or phase control of the lamps and by the number of lamps selected.
31.7.2.2 All seven intensity levels shall be separately adjustable with a discrete 10-turn potentiometer, or other method approved by the Department.
31.7.2.3 The set points for each of the seven ambient light levels shall also be adjustable with a discrete 10-turn potentiometer, or other method approved by the Department.
31.7.3 The dimming circuit and VMS power system shall have electrical devices installed to minimize RFI noise generated by the VMS both on the power line and radiated by sign circuitry.
31.7.4 The controller circuitry shall determine the operating mode (local or remote) and select the appropriate method of implementing dimming.
31.7.5 Alternative dimming systems will be considered for approval by the Department.
31.8 VMS HOUSING
General Requirements: Housings shall have interior non-corrosive metal cage support frames to mount the display elements. The cage support frame shall be designed to withstand and minimize vibrational effects to the display and/or electronic elements.
The VMS housing shall meet all wind loading requirements as specified in the DEPARTMENTs Structures Design Guidelines.
31.8.1 The VMS housing shall be provided with two lifting eyes to be used when placing the housing on the sign structure. The lifting eyes shall be located such that the sign will remain level while being lifted. Each eye shall have a minimum diameter of 1.00 inch. The fully assembled sign shall be lifted into place using both lifting eyes. Each lifting eye, however, shall have sufficient structural strength to allow the sign be lifted or moved without damage or permanent deformation to any part of the sign.
31.8.2 The VMS housing shall be designed such that the VMS can be shipped and temporarily stored without damage or undue stresses prior to installation on the overhead support structure. The VMS shall be provided with a temporary storage support frame that will permit the storage of the VMS in an above-ground vertical position.
31.8.3 The VMS housing shall be designed to allow mounting at angles up to +/- 3 degrees from horizontal.
31.8.4 All VMS housings shall be constructed to present a clean, neat appearance. The equipment located within housings shall be protected from moisture, dust, dirt, and corrosion.
31.8.5 Housings shall be fabricated from 0.125 inch (minimum) thick 3003-H14 or 5052-H32 aluminum alloy and shall conform to the latest AASHTO publication entitled "Standard Specifications for Structural Supports for Highway Signs, Luminaries, and Traffic Signals."
31.8.6 All surfaces shall be free of dents, scratches, burrs, weld burns, or abrasions. The manufacturer's name and month and year of manufacture shall appear on the inside of the VMS housing.
31.8.7 All sharp edges and corners shall be rounded.
31.8.8 Welding: All exterior seams shall be continuously welded and each weld shall be uniform flow. All welds shall be neatly formed and free of cracks, blow holes, and other irregularities. Welding on aluminum housings shall be done by gas metal arc (MIG) or gas tungsten arc (TIG) process using bare aluminum welding electrodes. The electrodes shall conform to the requirements of the American Welding Society (AWS) A5.10 for ER5356 aluminum alloy bare welding electrodes. Procedures, welders, and welding operators for welding on aluminum shall be qualified in accordance with the requirements of AWS B3.0, "Welding Procedure and Performan