MetroCount 5600 Series Roadside Unit

To further improve the user-friendly features of the MetroCount Vehicle Classifier System, we have developed the all-new, easy-to-use MetroCount 5600 Series Roadside Unit.

New design for high reliability
The MetroCount 5600’s all-new, sophisticated, modular design, with advanced firmware provides extremely high reliability, serviceability and ultra-long battery life. Now with a user-replaceable alkaline battery pack and advanced power-saving features, you can survey continuously for 290 days without replacing the batteries (even longer for less frequent use). The Roadside Unit’s firmware is designed to prevent premature flat batteries: it automatically powers down when the survey is finished, if the memory is full or if no data is logged for more than a week.

Data collection
To collect traffic information, the MetroCount 5600 Series Roadside Unit uses two rubber pneumatic tube axle sensors. Unlike most other traffic survey systems, it operates in only one mode: storing every axle – you simply set the logger running. So, you don’t need to worry about the traffic information you need before the survey – ALL data is available for subsequent analysis, anytime in the future.

User feedback features
With MetroCount, you have complete control over your survey activities. During site inspections, the Roadside Unit will give you critical feedback, via the software, about memory usage, battery condition or tube problems. Even if you don’t have a notebook computer, the MetroCount 5600 Series Roadside Unit’s LED indicators will assist you with operating and diagnostic functions.

Adaptive auto-ranging axle sensors
Our adaptive auto-ranging axle sensors (or “air switches”) will detect a huge variety of vehicles, from bicycles to heavy vehicles, without any user-adjustment. Say goodbye to end valves, routine calibrations, and other sensitivity adjustments forever.

Protection from the elements
Vital components have “Dual Level” protection: the outer stainless steel road case provides robust mechanical protection, while the electronics and axle sensors are sealed, totally weatherproof, in the Main System Unit’s PVC enclosure.
To frustrate vandals, the unique “Drawer” arrangement secures the road tubes without additional fasteners. Virtually any padlock can be used to lock the Roadside Unit while still allowing data access without unlocking. Ergonomic design allows up to four units to be carried easily.

Why use pneumatic tubes?
Detecting axles with rubber pneumatic tube is easily the most cost-effective traffic sensing method, especially for short-term surveys. Pneumatic tubes are cheap, accurate and reliable, and operate effectively over a huge range of environmental conditions.
Throughout the world, all detailed vehicle class schemes are based on axles. Many systems have tried inductive, optical or magnetic methods. Only axle detectors, however, give precise speeds and wheel positions over the entire vehicle spectrum, from motorcycles through to heavy vehicles.
Surveys with traditional tube-based systems may be frequently plagued by tube bounce, vehicle speed and trajectory problems. The MetroCount Vehicle Classifier System, however, has revolutionised the tried-and-tested use of pneumatic tubes. With all axles retained, MetroCount deals with these factors very effectively.

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MetroCount 5600 Series Features

• All-new, totally weatherproof, modular design for ultra-high reliability.
• Massive memory: 512kB to 2MB. Stores up to 1,000,000 individual axles.
• No classes, speed bins, or time steps required. With all axles retained, you decide later which classes, speeds, etc to report.
• User-replaceable alkaline battery pack, with advanced power saving features for long battery life – survey continuously for 290 days without replacing batteries.
• Automatic shut-down when memory is full, the battery runs low, when not in use, or if no data logged for more than a week.
• Adaptive auto-ranging axle sensors detect bicycles through to heavy vehicles, eliminating sensitivity adjustments, end valves, bleed holes and any other periodic user calibration.
• Adjustable software debounce to eliminate bad tube data.
• Unit issues warnings via the software during site visits, advising of tube or battery problems.
• High intensity LED status indicators to check operation without a computer.
• Robust comms connector with screw-on dust-proof cap.
• Easy-to-carry, stainless steel road case with integral tube clamping to deter vandalism.

MetroCount 5600 Series Hardware Specifications

Internal battery	User replaceable battery pack 6V 18Ah, 4 D alkaline cells
Battery life	290 days at 25°C in continuous Run mode
Current drain	Run – less than 1.8mA. Stop – less than 100µA. Comms – less than 8mA
Memory	512kB, 1MB and 2MB CMOS RAM
RAM backup	3.6V Nickel Cadmium
Baud rate	9,600 or 38,000bps, using Block method with Acknowledge
Sensor type	Pneumatic tube
Time resolution	Better than 1ms
Sensor spacing	800mm to 1200mm
Enclosure	Dual system with outer stainless steel road case and internal PVC Main System Unit
Dimensions	Stainless steel road case – 350mm x 124mm x 95mm. PVC Main System Unit – 243mm x 107mm x 82mm
Weight	Stainless steel road case – 2.5kg Main System Unit without battery pack – 1.06kg Battery pack – 570g
Storage temp	-20°C to 70°C
Operating temp	-10°C to 60°C with reduced battery life at temperature extremes
Operating humidity	0 to 95%, non condensing
Altitude	0 to 3000 metres
Accessories	Traffic Executive™ software Operating and reference manual Data communications cable
Optional accessories	Traffic survey field kit Notebook computer Printer

Estimated Battery Performance*

Duty Cycle	Example of Usage	Battery Life (approx)
100%	Continuous surveys	290 days / 0.8 yr
50%	1 week survey / 1 week off	540 days / 1.5 yrs
25%	1 week survey every 4 weeks	1080 days / 3.0 yrs

*Based on 4xD alkaline battery pack supplied by MetroCount

Individual Axle Capacity

Memory	Total Axle Events Logged (approx)
512kB	250,000
1MB	500,000
2MB	1,000,000