Ultra Start 15xx User Manual

iVol. 1.3 November 2011

TDC Ultra User’s Manual1-4office. When in the field, a cigarette lighter adapter, which comes standard with new units, can be used. This item draws powe

TDC Ultra User’s Manual13-2There are two ways in which to retrieve data from the TDC Ultra: by down-loading it to a computer or by manually retrieving

13-3Run the PETRAPro analysis software on your computer, and prepare it for download by selecting Read from the interface screen. On the Main Menu of

TDC Ultra User’s Manual13-4The TDC Ultra starts sending the data to the computer, beginning with the first interval of the first count. The screen s

13-5Retrieving Data Using the Review MenuAlthough the TDC Ultra is designed to be downloaded to a computer, some of the data that is stored in memory

TDC Ultra User’s Manual13-6The procedure to examine data for a count is very simple:Move the highlight to Count. Press Change (#14 or 15) until the de

14-1Chapter 14Battery CareChapter 14— Battery Care

TDC Ultra User’s Manual14-2Installing BatteriesThe TDC Ultra is powered by four AA cell batteries. Use of low power electronics in the TDC Ultra makes

15-1Chapter 15TroubleshootingChapter 15— Troubleshooting

TDC Ultra User’s Manual15-2TROUBLESHOOTINGThe following are some common questions/problems that can be encoun-tered when using the TDC Ultra. The poss

15-3A Real-Time Clock error appears when I turn the TDC Ultra on.There are several possible causes for this. The unit may have been affected by static

1-5Four overlays are included with the TDC Ultra. These show how the keys are used when you do the various studies other than Turning Movement with th

TDC Ultra User’s Manual15-4

A-1AppendixAppendix

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-2Installing USB DriversThe first time you are downloading the TDC Ultra to a computer using the USB port, you will need to ins

A-3After you click Next (or if you have previously instructed Windows to al-ways check the Windows Update web site for driv-ers), you&a

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-4Once the wizard is finished searching, it will begin to load the driver it has found and you'll see a screen like the o

A-5To install this second driver, follow the same steps as the first.Once the second driver is installed, you may see a message like the one below, pro

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-6To access this information, right-click on the My Computer icon then select Properties. In the System Properties window, cli

A-7Memory Usage in the TDC UltraThe TDC Ultra has a large amount of memory to store the data from your studies; the standard counter comes with

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-8Data Output FormatThe following information is not normally needed to use the TDC Ultra. It is provided for those who are in

A-9Classification:#################### leader characters (20)001 count number001 interval number01 interval length (mi

TDC Ultra User’s Manual1-6Before You Do a StudyWhen you first receive your TDC Ultra, we recommend clearing the memory before doing your first data coll

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-10Intersection Stop Delay:$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ leader characters (20)001 count number001 interval numb

A-11Enhanced Turning Movement:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA leader characters (20)001 count number001 interval number (always = 0

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-12Count NewContinueStatusContinueStatusTM,CL,DLGAP,SF, RASD,SS,TSStartReviewDumpBaudClear ConfirmUtilitiesTestsMemoryDisplayKe

A-13AppendixMenu TreeStartSite CodeIntervalTCOptionsSite CodeStartModeDef ClassFt. Ped. 1Ft. Ped. 2TM,CL,GAP, RAStartSite CodeInterval

TDC Ultra User’s ManualA-14We are pleased that you have chosen the TDC Ultra for your traffic data collection needs. We have strived to develop a unit

1-71. Is the equipment in good working condition? Can it collect, store and download data properly?2. Have all decisions been made regarding

TDC Ultra User’s Manual1-8

2-1Chapter 2Basic Operationof the TDC UltraChapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-2This chapter deals with some of the basic features found in the TDC Ultra. Chapters 3 through 12 provide more detailed infor

2-3Main MenuThe Main Menu screen is the starting point for all of the options in the TDC Ultra. The options on this screen are:COUNT Start a New coun

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-4Count MenuWhen you select Count from the Main Menu, the screen shown above is displayed. There are several options that may

2-5Site CodeThe data in the TDC Ultra includes the date and time that the count was done, but no direct information on where the count was done. Corre

TDC Ultra User’s ManualiiLIMITED WARRANTYJAMAR Technologies, Inc. warrants the TDC Ultra against defects in material and workmanship for a period of o

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-6If you select ALPHA from the Site Code Type Select Menu, the display shows the screen below.The top line of the display show

2-7The way to do this is simple:Have the people who do the counts fill out a simple worksheet that has the location, date, time and type of count

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-83. You can only Continue the last study performed. Previous studies cannot be continued.4. You can Continue a study any numb

2-9Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC UltraClearing the MemoryThe TDC Ultra stores its data in flash memory, and retains the data even if the count

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-10Utilities MenuThe Utilities Menu contains an assortment of operations that are necessary and/or helpful to the

2-11Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC UltraMemory TestThe TDC Ultra contains low-power solid state memory that is used to store the data from the

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-12To test the display, select Display from the Tests menu, and the screen shown here is displayed. Press DO to start

2-13are spelled out. Press each of the keys until the all of the switches have been tested. Press BANK1 - DO to return to the TESTS menu.If any of the

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-14- - - BEEPER MODE - - -ON OFF EXITTurn Beeper ONBeeperThe TDC Ultra has a built-in beeper that beeps wh

2-15TIME/DATE EXITEnter time/date forthis count onlyHR MIN MON DAY YR 07:00 10/ 30/ 11Change / to modifyDO t

iiiTechnical SupportIf you have any questions about the TDC Ultra that you cannot find answers for in this manual, there are several ways to get additi

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-16You are then prompted to select the type of count you want to do.The studies that can be done in Video mode are:TM – Standa

2-17During normal studies the TDC Ultra automatically keeps track of the time and stores the data at the end of the interval. In Video mode, YOU have

TDC Ultra User’s Manual2-18interval you counted is not written to memory until you advance to the next interval.

3-1Chapter 3StandardTurning Movement StudiesChapter 3 — Standard Turning Movement Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual3-2Standard Turning Movement StudiesNOTE: This chapter deals with data collection for Standard Turning Move-ment studies, in wh

3-3the regular movement keys. If a movement key is pressed, the count is reg-istered in the “primary” movements (1-16). If the BANK1 key is held down

TDC Ultra User’s Manual3-4Deciding on how the TDC Ultra will be oriented during the study depends on where you will actually be located while doing th

3-5changing when you do a study with the TDC Ultra (it beeps at the end of each interval to let you know it may be time to go home). The TDC Ultra aut

TDC Ultra User’s Manual3-6Normally you are not watching the display, you are watching the traffic. The beeps remind you that the interval is over. This

3-7If you press the TAB key a second time, the display changes to show the totals for each of the secondary movements, BANK1 1-16. This is designated

TDC Ultra User’s ManualivTable of ContentsTechnical Support ...iiiQuick

TDC Ultra User’s Manual3-8

4-1Chapter 4EnhancedTurning MovementStudiesChapter 4 — Enhanced Turning Movement Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual4-2The Enhanced Turning Movement study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to collect turning movement data, while classi

4-3When you select the MOD option, the first screen you will see is an informational one to let you know that you can change modes while in the middle

TDC Ultra User’s Manual4-4FP1 & FP2 (Foot Pedal 1 & 2)The Foot Pedal 1 and 2 options allow you to assign a default class for any Foot Pedal sw

4-5For any vehicle not in the active class, you must also press one of the class keys.In Simultaneous mode, you hold down one of the 14 class keys whi

TDC Ultra User’s Manual4-6

5-1Chapter 5Classification StudiesChapter 5 — Classification Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual5-2Classification StudiesThe TDC Ultra allows you to do many different types of classification stud-ies. Technically, both the T

5-3The TDC Ultra uses the term Classification primarily for vehicle classi-fication studies, but not exclusively. With the TDC Ultra, you can do three t

vSaturation Flow Rate Studies ... 8-1Stop Sign Delay Studies ...

TDC Ultra User’s Manual5-4any type of event. It doesn’t have to be vehicles, or even traffic related for that matter. As long as you can define a uniq

5-5There are two choices:• Scheme-F – Thirteen class federal standard• User-Def – User Defined classification of up to 16 classes.If you choose Scheme-F

TDC Ultra User’s Manual5-6Select Number of DirectionsIf you have chosen to use the FHWA’s Scheme F, or selected a User Defined scheme with 16 or less c

5-7Start StudyAfter you have selected an interval to use, you are ready to start the study. The display shows the current count num-ber and the in

TDC Ultra User’s Manual5-8There is no data stored in the counter until after the first interval. If, after starting a study, you realize that you set o

5-9Press the TAB key a fourth time, and the display changes back to the default status screen showing the time. You can continually press the TAB key

TDC Ultra User’s Manual5-10

6-1Chapter 6SignalizedIntersection Delay StudiesChapter 6 — Signalized Intersection Delay Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual6-2Signalized Intersection Delay StudiesSignalized Intersection Delay studies are one of two types of delay studies done with t

6-3Note that the data collection for this study is for one approach only. Also note that the data collection requires you to record the number of vehi

TDC Ultra User’s ManualviQuick Start Guide for the TDC Ultra1. Turn the TDC Ultra ON. Once the start-up process is complete, the main menu

TDC Ultra User’s Manual6-4How to do aSignalized Intersection Delay StudyWhen you are ready to begin a Signalized Intersection Delay study, select Coun

6-5The template for the study (shown on page 5-2) shows that keys 11 and 12 are used to count the approach vehicles. The study is started when you pre

TDC Ultra User’s Manual6-6Ending the StudyWhen you get to the last interval you want to record, keep counting until the interval ends, signaled by the

7-1Chapter 7Multi-directionGap StudiesChapter 7 — Multi-direction Gap Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual7-2Gap StudiesThe TDC Ultra makes it very simple to do manual gap studies. Most of traffic engineering is involved, one way or a

7-3You can do either a one direction or two direction GAP study with the TDC Ultra. It takes practice to do a two direction gap study, especially if t

TDC Ultra User’s Manual7-4How to do a Gap StudyWhen you are ready to begin a Gap study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then sele

7-5The TDC Ultra is waiting for you to push a Count or Gap button, which starts the study. The display in the lower left corner shows the current time

TDC Ultra User’s Manual7-6down until the front of the next car crosses the line. The display shows the time in seconds of the current gap as it is bei

8-1Chapter 8Saturation Flow Rate StudiesChapter 8 — Saturation Flow Rate Studies

1-1Chapter 1Introductionto the TDC UltraChapter 1 — Introduction to the TDC Ultra

TDC Ultra User’s Manual8-2Saturation Flow StudiesThe Saturation Flow Rate study in the TDC Ultra is actually a way to measure several sep

8-3This manual does not attempt to explain what is meant by terms such as saturation flow rate, or arrival type. If you are not familiar with the terms

TDC Ultra User’s Manual8-4Saturation Flow Rate TemplatePage 7-2 shows the template that is used for Saturation Flow Rate studies. It is color coded to

8-5What Data Do You Need to Collect?There are three ways of collecting data for saturation flow studies. The first is a basic study where you assume all

TDC Ultra User’s Manual8-65. Continue pressing buttons 1C-4C until the last queued vehicle crosses the stop bar.6. When the signal turns yellow, press

8-7How to do a Saturation Flow Rate StudyNote: This section describes doing Type 3 data collection, which may provide more data than you need

TDC Ultra User’s Manual8-8be consistent) press the corresponding 1C-4C key on the TDC Ultra.Keep pressing the keys as each car crosses the stop bar. W

9-1Chapter 9Stop Sign Delay StudiesChapter 9 — Stop Sign Delay Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual9-2Stop Sign Delay StudiesThe Stop Sign Delay study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to measure the traffic characteris

9-3This is a simple study to understand. You press one key when a vehicle stops at the end of the queue, and you press another key when a vehicle (not

TDC Ultra User’s Manual1-2What is the TDC Ultra?The TDC Ultra is an electronic hand-held device that enables you to do some of the most com mon manual

TDC Ultra User’s Manual9-4How to do a Stop Sign Delay StudyWhen you are ready to begin a Stop Sign Delay study, select Count from the Main Menu, then

9-5Chapter 9 — Stop Sign Delay Studies********IMPORTANT********The Lane Queues shown on the TDC Ultra should always match the actual queue lengths on

TDC Ultra User’s Manual9-6Use at Signalized IntersectionsThis study is specifically designed for intersections controlled by stop signs, but it may app

10-1Chapter 10Spot SpeedStudiesChapter 10 — Spot Speed Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual10-2Spot Speed StudiesThe Spot Speed study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to measure the speed characteristics at a

10-3The accuracy of this method depends upon several factors:• The speed of the vehicle is assumed to be constant while driving from the start line to

TDC Ultra User’s Manual10-4If you do want to classify vehicles while recording the speeds, rather than just pressing the number 8 key when the vehicle

10-5Start StudyOnce you have entered the distance the display shows the type of study and the current time so that you can start the study at a

TDC Ultra User’s Manual10-6

11-1Chapter 11RoundaboutMovementStudiesChapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studies

1-3Maintaining Your TDC UltraThe TDC Ultra is a complex electronic device. Like other electronic devices (computers, digital cameras, etc.) a certain

TDC Ultra User’s Manual11-2Roundabout Movement StudiesModern Roundabouts are one of the more popular new developments in traffic engineering and are be

11-3Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studiesand u-turn movements from each of the four approach directions. If a car makes a right movement from an ap

TDC Ultra User’s Manual11-4Preparing to do aRoundabout Movement StudyBefore you start a standard turning movement study, you must ask yourself the fol

11-5Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement StudiesHow to do a Roundabout Movement StudyWhen you are ready to begin a Roundabout Movement study, select Count

TDC Ultra User’s Manual11-6RoundaboutCount: 001 Int: 00108:01:23 Rem 13:37The TDC Ultra is waiting for you to push any moveme

11-7Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement StudiesSimilarly, if a vehicle makes a through movement, press the through movement key for the approach it came

TDC Ultra User’s Manual11-8If you press the TAB key while counting the display changes to show the totals for each of the primary movements, buttons 1

12-1Chapter 12Time-Stamped StudiesChapter 12 — Time-Stamped Studies

TDC Ultra User’s Manual12-2The Time-Stamp study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to collect data in a raw, unaltered format. Every key press

13-1Chapter 13Retrieving Data from the TDC UltraChapter 13 — Retrieving Data from the TDC Ultra