Vol. 1.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual LIMITED WARRANTY JAMAR Technologies, Inc. warrants the TDC Ultra against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year limited warranty on parts and one (1) year limited warranty on labor from the date of purchase. For information on extended warranty call 1-800-776-0940. JAMAR Technologies, Inc. warrants each new instrument manufactured by the company to be free from defective material and workmanship and agrees to remedy any such defect.
Technical Support If you have any questions about the TDC Ultra that you cannot find answers for in this manual, there are several ways to get additional information. On the Hardware Support section of our web site at: www.jamartech.com Contact us by e-mail at: sales@jamartech.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Table of Contents Technical Support................................................................................... iii Quick Setup Guide for the TDC Ultra.................................................. vi Introduction to the TDC Ultra............................................................. 1-1 What is the TDC Ultra?.................................................................... 1-2 Maintaining Your TDC Ultra...........................................................
Table of Contents Saturation Flow Rate Studies.............................................................. 8-1 Stop Sign Delay Studies........................................................................ 9-1 Spot Speed Studies.............................................................................. 10-1 Roundabout Movement Studies......................................................... 11-1 Time-Stamped Studies........................................................................
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Quick Start Guide for the TDC Ultra 1. Turn the TDC Ultra ON. Once the start-up process is complete, the main menu will be displayed. Press DO while Count is flashing. COUNT REVIEW DUMP CLEAR UTILITIES Do Turning Movement count. -bat: 6.2 2. On the next screen, to start a new count, press TAB until New is flashing then press the DO key. NEW STATUS EXIT 3. You are then given the option of selecting the type of study you want to do.
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the TDC Ultra Chapter 1 Introduction to the TDC Ultra 1-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual What is the TDC Ultra? The TDC Ultra is an electronic hand-held device that enables you to do some of the most common manual traffic data collection. You can collect: • Standard Turning Movement Studies Collect turning movement data while classifying up to 3 groups of vehicles. • Enhanced Turning Movement Studies Collect Turning Movement data while classifying up to 14 groups of vehicles.
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the TDC Ultra Multiple studies can be stored in the TDC Ultra, which has 128KB of available memory. For each study, the unit stores the type of study, the date and time, a site code, and the data. While much of the data that has been collected with the TDC Ultra can be manually extracted from its display, the device is designed to be downloaded to a computer. At any convenient time, you can transfer the data to your computer through the USB port.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual office. When in the field, a cigarette lighter adapter, which comes standard with new units, can be used. This item draws power from the vehicle’s battery and is required for TDC Ultras equipped with backlit displays. Note : To prevent possible damage to the Ultra from a power surge, do not turn the vehicle on while the cigarette lighter adapter is plugged into the Ultra.
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the TDC Ultra Four 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 the TDC Ultra. Overlay #1 is used for Classification studies. One side shows the FHWA Scheme F classes, and the other side is designed to allow you to define your own classification scheme. The overlay material allows you to write on it with a pencil or water-based marking pen.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Overlay #4 is used for Spot Speed and Roundabout studies. These overlays also show simple instructions on how to perform the different types of studies. The overlays have four holes with serrated edges that easily snap onto the mounting studs on the TDC Ultra. It is a simple matter to pop an overlay on or off when doing a study. We suggest you keep the overlays in the carrying case when they are not being used. Replacement overlays are available if you lose one.
1. Is the equipment in good working condition? Can it collect, store and download data properly? Yes No 2. Have all decisions been made regarding how the data is to be collected? Yes No 3. Are the people doing the study familiar with how to collect the data? Yes No 4. Are the people doing the study familiar with the equipment they will be using? Yes No 5. Are the people doing the study equipped with all needed accessories (spare batteries, watches, pens & paper, etc.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 1-8
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra Chapter 2 Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra 2-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual This chapter deals with some of the basic features found in the TDC Ultra. Chapters 3 through 12 provide more detailed information on how to do the data collection for specific types of studies. Start-up Screens To turn on the TDC Ultra, use the power switch that is mounted on the top panel of the unit. When the unit first comes on the sign-on screen is shown. This screen shows the current version number of the firmware in the TDC Ultra. JAMAR TECHNOLOGIES TDC Ultra Version 7.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra Main Menu COUNT REVIEW DUMP CLEAR UTILITIES Start or continue a count. -bat: 6.2 The 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 count or Continue the previous count in memory. You can also check the amount of memory left for new counts. REVIEW Display on the screen the data in memory for any of the counts. This process is described in chapter 13.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Count Menu NEW STATUS CONTINUE EXIT Start a new Turning movement count. When you select Count from the Main Menu, the screen shown above is displayed. There are several options that may be available on this menu. New Select New from the Count menu whenever you want to start a new count. You are then prompted to select the type of study you want to do.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra Site Code The 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. Correct use of the Site Code is a way for you to guarantee that the data you think was collected at a particular site was indeed collected there. The TDC Ultra has two different types of site codes that you can use to identify your counts.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual If you select ALPHA from the Site Code Type Select Menu, the display shows the screen below. North/South Street: A use / , TAB=advance ^TAB=cancel, DO=done The top line of the display shows the title North/South Street, with the cursor flashing on the letter A. You enter the street names one letter at a time, using the Change keys (14 & 15) to scroll through the alphabet until the display shows the letter you want.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra The 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, along with any other information you think is important (a sketch of the location is usually a good idea). This worksheet is brought back to the office and used as a reference when the data is transferred to the computer.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 3. You can only Continue the last study performed. Previous studies cannot be continued. 4. You can Continue a study any number of times as long as the first three rules apply. When selecting the Continue option, the TDC Ultra automatically selects the same counting interval and site code you used for the previous count.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra Clearing the Memory The TDC Ultra stores its data in flash memory, and retains the data even if COUNT REVIEW DUMP CLEAR UTILITIES the counter is turned off. However, once the data has been successfully Clear memory of all transferred to the computer there is count data. -bat: 6.2 no need to keep it in the TDC Ultra. The only way to clear the data, and make room for new studies, is to use the Clear option. To start this process, select Clear from the Main Menu.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Utilities Menu COUNT REVIEW DUMP The Utilities Menu contains an CLEAR UTILITIES assortment of operations that are Tests, time/date, necessary and/or helpful to the set options -bat: OK operation of the TDC Ultra. When you select Utilities from the main menu, the following screen is displayed. TESTS TIME/DATE BEEPER VIDEO EXIT Test memory, keys, display, You have four sub-menus from which to choose: Tests, Time/Date, Beeper and Video.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra Memory Test The TDC Ultra contains low-power solid state memory that is used to store the data from the various counts. Solid state memory is extremely reliable. However, like any electronic element, it can go bad. If you suspect there may be a problem with the memory you can easily test it. To test the memory, select MEMORY from the TESTS menu. The screen shown below is then displayed. - - - MEMORY TEST - - TESTING Please wait 037k bytes tested...
TDC Ultra User’s Manual To test the display, select Display from the Tests menu, and the screen shown here is displayed. Press DO to start the test. The display should look like the screen shown here. Each character should be an asterisk “*”, and there should not be any other dots displayed. - - - DISPLAY TEST - - Press DO after each test screen... ******************* ******************* ******************* ******************* Press DO three times.
Chapter 2 — Basic Operation of the TDC Ultra are 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 switches won’t register on the display, contact us using the information in the front of this manual to arrange to ship the TDC Ultra back for repair. Note that the 14 yellow classification keys at the bottom of the board are included as part of the key test.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Beeper The TDC Ultra has a built-in beeper that beeps when most keys are pressed. Some people like the beep. It is a positive indication that the key pressed was detected by the microprocessor. In the field, while you are busy watching the traffic, the beep can be reassuring. Other people don’t like the beep, especially in a quiet car. You can easily change the current mode of the beeper, from on to off, or from off to on. Select Beeper from the Utilities menu.
Video An increasing popular way to do manual traffic studies is to video record the location in question then later count the traffic while watching the video playback. The 'Video' selection of the Utilities is designed to let you do this in an efficient manner. By using the Video mode you can compress (or extend) the time needed to do a count by running the video faster (or slower) than real time. You can also take breaks during your counting without disrupting how the data is stored.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual You are then prompted to select the type of count you want to do. COUNT EXIT Sel. video cnt type.
During 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 control over when to end the current interval and start the new one.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual interval you counted is not written to memory until you advance to the next interval.
Chapter 3 — Standard Turning Movement Studies Chapter 3 Standard Turning Movement Studies 3-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Standard Turning Movement Studies NOTE: This chapter deals with data collection for Standard Turning Movement studies, in which vehicles can be classified by up to three different groups using the Bank 1 and Bank 2 keys located near the top of the TDC Ultra. For information on Enhanced Turning Movement studies, in which vehicles can be classified by up to fourteen different groups using the 14 yellow keys located near the bottom of TDC Ultra, refer to chapter 4.
Chapter 3 — Standard Turning Movement Studies the regular movement keys. If a movement key is pressed, the count is registered in the “primary” movements (1-16). If the BANK1 key is held down while a movement key is pressed, the count is registered in the “secondary” movements (17-32). If the BANK2 key is held down while a movement key is pressed, the count is registered in the “tertiary” movements (33-48).
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Deciding on how the TDC Ultra will be oriented during the study depends on where you will actually be located while doing the count. When the data from the unit is downloaded to our software, the program assumes that the 1 through 4 keys were for the from north (southbound) approach, and the rest of the keys are assigned accordingly. The TDC Ultra’s front panel has a symbol with compass points showing north, south, east and west.
Chapter 3 — Standard Turning Movement Studies changing 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 automatically keeps track of the time and stores the data at the end of the interval. You only have to concentrate on collecting the data. This is one of the major features of the TDC Ultra. The default value is 15 minutes, as this is the most common interval length used for Turning Movement studies.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Normally you are not watching the display, you are watching the traffic. The beeps remind you that the interval is over. This is only important if this is the last interval and you are ready to quit; otherwise, just ignore the beeps and keep counting vehicles. ********IMPORTANT******** Once you start the study, the only way to quit it is to turn the TDC Ultra off. Always wait for the end of interval beeps before turning the unit off.
Chapter 3 — Standard Turning Movement Studies If 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 by the number before the direction changing to a 2. If you press the TAB key a third time, the display changes to show the totals for each of the tertiary movements, BANK2 1-16, with the number before the direction changing to a 3.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 3-8
Chapter 4 — Enhanced Turning Movement Studies Chapter 4 Enhanced Turning Movement Studies 4-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual The Enhanced Turning Movement study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to collect turning movement data, while classifying vehicles in up to 14 groups. The data collection is very similar to the Standard Turning Movement study described in chapter 3. (If you are new to Turning Movement studies, review chapter 3 before proceeding.
Chapter 4 — Enhanced Turning Movement Studies When 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 of a study by simply pressing the TAB key. TAB key will toggle MODE during a count. Press DO to change starting MODE Press the DO key to continue and you will see the Mode selection screen.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual FP1 & FP2 (Foot Pedal 1 & 2) The Foot Pedal 1 and 2 options allow you to assign a default class for any Foot Pedal switches you are using for the study. These devices plug into the Bank 1 and 2 slots on the top of the TDC Ultra (next to the Comm Port) and allow you to use your foot to record a class rather than pressing the key with your hand. When you select either Foot Pedal 1 code:03 FP1 or FP2, you will see a screen similar to the one shown here.
Chapter 4 — Enhanced Turning Movement Studies For 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 while you record the movement. When you release the class key, the active class automatically reverts back to the default setting. In Latched mode, you press the class key but do not have to hold it down while pressing the turning movement key. Pressing the class key automatically changes the Active Class.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 4-6
Chapter 5 — Classification Studies Chapter 5 Classification Studies 5-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Classification Studies The TDC Ultra allows you to do many different types of classification studies. Technically, both the Turning Movement studies and the Gap studies are classification studies. In one, the classes are the number of vehicles making specific movements, and in the other the classes are time intervals between vehicles. In the TDC Ultra these studies are given special treatment to make them simpler to do, but they still are essentially classification studies.
Chapter 5 — Classification Studies The TDC Ultra uses the term Classification primarily for vehicle classification studies, but not exclusively. With the TDC Ultra, you can do three types of classification studies: 1. Vehicle Classification using the Federal Highway Administration’s vehicle classification system (scheme F). 2. Vehicle Classification using your own scheme. 3. Any type of classification study you invent. The first two are very similar.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual any type of event. It doesn’t have to be vehicles, or even traffic related for that matter. As long as you can define a unique button to a particular “class”, and an observer can distinguish one class from another, then you can do a manual study with the TDC Ultra. Applications are limited only by the imagination. One of the templates that is included with the TDC Ultra is designed for Classification counts.
Chapter 5 — Classification Studies There are two choices: • Scheme-F – Thirteen class federal standard • User-Def – User Defined classification of up to 16 classes. If you choose Scheme-F you are taken directly to the screen for selecting the number of directions to record. This screen is described in the Select Number of Directions section on the next page. If you choose User-Def, then you will see the screen shown here. Press highest key value to be used...
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Select Number of Directions If you have chosen to use the FHWA’s Scheme F, or selected a User Defined scheme with 16 or less classes, you will see the screen shown here. 1 Number of directions 2 3 EXIT Single direction, no BANK keys active This screen allows you to decide how many directions of data to collected. If you select 2 or 3, while doing the study you use the BANK keys in conjunction with the primary 16 keys to record data for a second or third direction.
Chapter 5 — Classification Studies Start Study After you have selected an Classification Count interval to use, you are ready Count: 001 Int: 001 to start the study. The display --Any Key to Start-shows the current count num- 07:59:37 ber and the interval number. In the example shown, this is the first count done, and it is at the first interval. The TDC Ultra is waiting for you to push any class button, which starts the study.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual There is no data stored in the counter until after the first interval. If, after starting a study, you realize that you set one of the parameters wrong, you can turn off the TDC Ultra and restart the study correctly. However, once an interval has finished, the study is stored in memory.
Chapter 5 — Classification Studies Press 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 to cycle through the four screens (time, primary keys, secondary keys, tertiary keys). At the end of each interval, the display automatically changes back to the default screen, so you can check to see if it is time to end the study.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 5-10
Chapter 6 — Signalized Intersection Delay Studies Chapter 6 Signalized Intersection Delay Studies 6-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Signalized Intersection Delay Studies Signalized Intersection Delay studies are one of two types of delay studies done with the TDC Ultra. Since both are commonly called stop delay studies, we have adapted a naming convention to distinguish between the two types. Signalized Intersection Delay Studies are used at signalized intersections and use a statistical method to measure delay.
Chapter 6 — Signalized Intersection Delay Studies Note 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 vehicles in the queue for an approach. If your traffic volumes are so high that you cannot count the vehicles in the queue, or see the end of the queue, this study should not be used. Doing a Signalized Intersection Delay study is actually like doing two studies at once.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual How to do a Signalized Intersection Delay Study When you are ready to begin a Signalized Intersection Delay study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select DL. You are then prompted to select a site code type and assign a site code. Refer to page 2-5 for information on selecting a site code. Interval Once you have selected the site code you’ll be prompted to select an interval time length to use for the study.
Chapter 6 — Signalized Intersection Delay Studies The 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 press one of these keys. Each vehicle is counted (as described before) as either stopping or stopped (press STOPPED) or not stopping (press THROUGH). Remember, count each vehicle only once. At the end of each interval period, the TDC Ultra beeps.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Ending the Study When you get to the last interval you want to record, keep counting until the interval ends, signaled by the triple beep. Once you hear this, turn the TDC Ultra off. Remember, the only way to stop a study is to turn the power off.
Chapter 7 — Multi-direction Gap Studies Chapter 7 Multi-direction Gap Studies 7-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Gap Studies The TDC Ultra makes it very simple to do manual gap studies. Most of traffic engineering is involved, one way or another, with managing gaps in traffic. After all, the primary purpose of a signal at an intersection is to artificially create gaps so that traffic can smoothly flow through an intersection. A gap is normally defined as the amount of time, in seconds, between the end of one vehicle and the beginning of the next.
Chapter 7 — Multi-direction Gap Studies You 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 the two approaches are at right angles to one another, but it can be done. Like many other things, practice makes perfect. The TDC Ultra actually keeps track of three different gaps, even though you only measure two.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual How to do a Gap Study When you are ready to begin a Gap study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select GAP. You are then prompted to select a site code type and assign a site code. Refer to page 2-5 for information on selecting a site code. Interval Once you have selected the site code you’ll be prompted to select an interval length. 1 5 15 30 60 EXIT Select interval duration (minutes).
Chapter 7 — Multi-direction Gap Studies The 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, so it is easy to synchronize the start of the study to the beginning of the desired interval. You do not have to push the first button exactly when the seconds roll over to zero. The analysis software rounds the start of the count to the nearest minute automatically.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual down until the front of the next car crosses the line. The display shows the time in seconds of the current gap as it is being measured, although there is not much need to watch the display while doing the study. If you are also counting the cars, then you need to press the COUNT button once for every vehicle that goes by. The display shows the current count value as well. If you are doing a two direction study, then you need to duplicate the above procedure for Direction 2.
Chapter 8 — Saturation Flow Rate Studies Chapter 8 Saturation Flow Rate Studies 8-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Saturation Flow Studies The Saturation Flow Rate study in the TDC Ultra is actually a way to measure several separate but related traffic parameters. With one study you can measure: • Vehicle headways for one to four lanes. • Lost times for one to four lanes. • Arrival types. • Signal timing, on a phase by phase basis. • Approach volume counts for each signal phase. • Saturation Flow Rates.
Chapter 8 — Saturation Flow Rate Studies This 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 then you should consult a reference such as the Highway Capacity Manual, published by the Transportation Research Board. The procedure implemented in the TDC Ultra is based on accurately measuring the time that events happen.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Saturation Flow Rate Template Page 7-2 shows the template that is used for Saturation Flow Rate studies. It is color coded to make the study easier to perform. The Signal Phase keys at the bottom of the template show the proper colors. The keys labeled 1C-4C are primarily used during the green phase of the signal, therefore they are surrounded by a green border. The keys labeled 1S-4S are used only during the red phase, so they are surrounded by a red border.
Chapter 8 — Saturation Flow Rate Studies What 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 cars are part of the saturation flow (i.e. all vehicles recorded with the 1C-4C keys were in the queue at the start of green). No signal timings or arrival types can be calculated. The second is similar to the first, except that signal timing is recorded.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 5. Continue pressing buttons 1C-4C until the last queued vehicle crosses the stop bar. 6. When the signal turns yellow, press the YELLOW key. 7. When the signal turns red, press the RED key. 8. When you have recorded enough signal changes, turn off the TDC Ultra or go back to step 2 to record more data. Type 3 Saturation Flow with Signal Timings and Arrival Types This study is the most difficult to perform, but yields the greatest amount of data.
Chapter 8 — Saturation Flow Rate Studies How to do a Saturation Flow Rate Study Note: This section describes doing Type 3 data collection, which may provide more data than you need for your particular study. Refer to the What Data Do You Need to Collect? section on page 7-5 for more information. When you are ready to begin a Saturation Flow study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select SF. You are then prompted to select a site code type and assign a site code.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual be consistent) press the corresponding 1C-4C key on the TDC Ultra. Keep pressing the keys as each car crosses the stop bar. Watch the light and be ready for a light change. When the light turns yellow, press the YELLOW key. Keep pressing the 1C-4C keys if any vehicles cross the stop bar after the yellow. Press the RED key when the light turns red. Again press the 1C-4C keys if any vehicles run the red light.
Chapter 9 — Stop Sign Delay Studies Chapter 9 Stop Sign Delay Studies 9-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Stop Sign Delay Studies The Stop Sign Delay study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to measure the traffic characteristics at an intersection controlled by a stop sign. Although it primarily measures delay, it also provides information about the queue length and traffic volumes at an approach. This study should not be confused with the Signalized Intersection Delay study in the TDC Ultra (Chapter 5) which is primarily used at high volume signalized intersections.
Chapter 9 — Stop Sign Delay Studies This 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 necessarily the same one) crosses the stop bar. The TDC Ultra accurately measures the times when you press each key. The analysis software then can calculate how long it takes each vehicle to progress through the queue and enter the intersection. The software also calculates the number of cars in the queue at all times.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual How to do a Stop Sign Delay Study When you are ready to begin a Stop Sign Delay study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select SD. You are then prompted to select a site code type and assign a site code. Refer to page 2-5 for information on selecting a site code. Start Study Stop Sign Delay After you have selected a Site Code, you are ready to start Count: 001 the study. The display shows the count number and type of 10:56:13 study.
Chapter 9 — Stop Sign Delay Studies ********IMPORTANT******** The Lane Queues shown on the TDC Ultra should always match the actual queue lengths on the street. If they do not, a mistake has been made and there may be problems with the data analysis. Use the OOPS! key if you hit the wrong key by mistake. Do not try to fix the data by pressing the Stop (1S or 2S) or Go (1G or 2G) to make the queue lengths on the display match the actual field conditions.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Use at Signalized Intersections This study is specifically designed for intersections controlled by stop signs, but it may appear the procedure would work just as well at signalized intersections. To some extent this is true. There are two limitations with this procedure at signalized intersections: 1. If the queues that build up are very long, it is very difficult to tell precisely when a vehicle stops, or even see the vehicles at all.
Chapter 10 — Spot Speed Studies Chapter 10 Spot Speed Studies 10-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Spot Speed Studies The Spot Speed study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to measure the speed characteristics at a specified location, typically an approach to an intersection. This study is not meant to replace a formal speed study using an automatic traffic recorder like those of the JAMAR TRAX series.
Chapter 10 — Spot Speed Studies The 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 the end line. If the vehicle accelerates or decelerates while in the speed course then the accuracy will be reduced. You want to pick an area where the vehicles are likely to maintain their speed, if possible. • The observer must press the buttons as accurately as possible. There is always some error due to poor reaction times.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual If you do want to classify vehicles while recording the speeds, rather than just pressing the number 8 key when the vehicle crosses the end line you can press any of the 1 through 13 keys to classify it. When the data is processed you will see several columns of speed data, each corresponding to one of the keys you used to classify the vehicles. The number of class used can be anywhere from 1 to 13.
Chapter 10 — Spot Speed Studies Start Study Once 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 specific time. Spot Speed # Speed Class 000 ----16:24:15 The TDC Ultra is now waiting for you to press the green "A" key to start the study. Wait until a vehicle crosses the start line, then press the A key.
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Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studies Chapter 11 Roundabout Movement Studies 11-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Roundabout Movement Studies Modern Roundabouts are one of the more popular new developments in traffic engineering and are being installed at an ever increasing number of locations. However, while the physical design of a modern roundabout is different from that of a standard intersection, the resulting vehicle movements are very similar - in most cases either straight, left or right.
Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studies and u-turn movements from each of the four approach directions. If a car makes a right movement from an approach, you simply push the button that shows a right movement from that direction. The TDC Ultra keeps track of everything else for you. The TDC Ultra can also double or triple the number of movements counted from 16 to 32 or 48 by using the unit’s two BANK keys in conjunction with the regular movement keys.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Preparing to do a Roundabout Movement Study Before you start a standard turning movement study, you must ask yourself the following questions.
Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studies How to do a Roundabout Movement Study When you are ready to begin a Roundabout Movement study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select RA. You are then prompted to select a site code type and assign a site code. Refer to chapter 2 for information on selecting a site code. Interval Once you have programmed a site code for the study, you are prompted to choose the interval length that will be used.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual The TDC Ultra is waiting for you to push any movement button, which starts the study. The display in the lower left corner shows the current time, so it is easy to synchronize the start of the count to the beginning of the desired interval. You do not have to push the first button exactly when the seconds roll over to zero. The analysis software rounds the start of the study to the nearest minute automatically.
Chapter 11 — Roundabout Movement Studies Similarly, if a vehicle makes a through movement, press the through movement key for the approach it came from, as shown below. There is no data stored in the counter until after the first interval. If, after starting a study, you realize that you set one of the parameters wrong, you can turn off the TDC Ultra and restart the study correctly. However, once an interval has finished, the study is stored in memory.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual If you press the TAB key while counting the display changes to show the totals for each of the primary movements, buttons 1-16. Each row shows one approach. Note that this display assumes buttons 1-4 are the North direction. 1N : 1E : 1S : 1W : 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 If you press the TAB key a second time, the display changes to show the totals for each of the secondary movements, BANK1 1-16.
Chapter 12 — Time-Stamped Studies Chapter 12 Time-Stamped Studies 12-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual The Time-Stamp study in the TDC Ultra is designed to allow you to collect data in a raw, unaltered format. Every key press is recorded along with a time stamp. Once this data has been downloaded, it can be used for any purpose you see fit. In most cases, the data will be exported to an external program for additional analysis. How to do a Time-Stamp Study When you are ready to begin a Time-Stamp study, select Count from the Main Menu, then select New and then select TS.
Chapter 13 — Retrieving Data from the TDC Ultra Chapter 13 Retrieving Data from the TDC Ultra 13-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual There are two ways in which to retrieve data from the TDC Ultra: by downloading it to a computer or by manually retrieving it using the Review menu. Downloading the data is the easier (and much more commonly used) of the two options. Downloading to the computer The TDC Ultra is specifically designed to allow the data to be transferred to a computer for analysis.
Chapter 13 — Retrieving Data from the TDC Ultra Run the PETRAPro analysis software on your computer, and prepare it for download by selecting Read from BAUD the interface screen. On the Main CONTINUE Menu of the Ultra, use the TAB EXIT key to highlight DUMP, then press Begin local transfer DO. The screen shown here is then at 57.6k baud displayed. Note that the baud rate that the TDC Ultra is currently set for is shown on the bottom line.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual The TDC Ultra starts sending the data to the computer, beginning with the first interval of the first count. The screen shows the count number and interval number that is being transferred. When all of the data has been transferred, the screen returns to the Dump. Assuming the transfer is successful, you can then select EXIT to return to the Main Menu. Note: The TDC Ultra has no way of knowing if the transfer is successful (for technical types, there is no handshaking).
Chapter 13 — Retrieving Data from the TDC Ultra Retrieving Data Using the Review Menu Although the TDC Ultra is designed to be downloaded to a computer, some of the data that is stored in memory can be manually viewed and transcribed using the Review Menu. If you always use the analysis software to download and analyze the data (and we certainly hope you do), then you probably will never need to use the Review option.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual The procedure to examine data for a count is very simple: Move the highlight to Count. Press Change (#14 or 15) until the desired count number is displayed. The date, time, and count type can be used to find a particular count if you are not sure of its count number. If you want to look at all of the data, then move the highlight to Bins and press Change repeatedly while reading the data displayed next to TOT. The Bins number increments each time you press Change.
Chapter 14— Battery Care Chapter 14 Battery Care 14-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Installing Batteries The TDC Ultra is powered by four AA cell batteries. Use of low power electronics in the TDC Ultra makes it possible for the batteries to last for several months, depending on use. Eventually, however, the batteries will need to be replaced. The back of the TDC Ultra contains the battery compartment. The batteries can easily be popped out and replaced. You should use high quality alkaline batteries, which you can get at any convenience store.
Chapter 15— Troubleshooting Chapter 15 Troubleshooting 15-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual TROUBLESHOOTING The following are some common questions/problems that can be encountered when using the TDC Ultra. The possible answers that are stated with them are not necessarily the only answer, but should be checked first before contacting us. If you cannot find the answer to your problem/question, do not hesitate to contact us. Contact information is listed on the first page of this manual. The TDC Ultra will not turn on. Check that the unit has enough power to operate.
Chapter 15— Troubleshooting A 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 electric discharge, the internal lithium battery my be failing, or some other internal component may have been damaged. If you encounter this error, perform the following: 1. Clear the memory 2. Reset the Date and Time 3. Perform a short test count by programming the unit to start counting and letting it sit for 1 hour. 4.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual 15-4
Appendix Appendix A-1
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Installing USB Drivers The first time you are downloading the TDC Ultra to a computer using the USB port, you will need to install the drivers for it. There are two drivers that will be installed, one right after the other. These drivers are available on the Downloads section of the JAMAR web site (www.jamartech.com), on the installation CD for the PETRAPro software, and as part of the Windows Update feature available from Microsoft using an Internet connection.
After you click Next (or if you have previously instructed Windows to always check the Windows Update web site for drivers), you'll see the screen shown to the right. This screen is used to tell Windows where to look for the drivers it needs. We recommend using the first selection, Install the Software Automatically. Note that whenever possible we recommend you use the drivers available through the Windows Update web site as this is the easiest method for loading the drivers.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Once the wizard is finished searching, it will begin to load the driver it has found and you'll see a screen like the one shown to the right. Note that if the Wizard finds more than one driver (like if you are using Windows Update and also have a PETRAPro CD in you drive), the Wizard will list all the available drivers. You can then select the one you'd like and then proceed. When the driver is finished installing you'll see a screen like the one shown to the right.
To 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, prompting you to restart your computer. Restart your computer to complete the process of installing the drivers. The process of installing the USB drivers has created a virtual comm port on your computer and assigned this port a number from 1 to 16. You will need to select this comm port number in PETRAPro when you go to download your Ultra.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual To access this information, right-click on the My Computer icon then select Properties. In the System Properties window, click on the Hardware Tab, then click the Device Manager button. Click the plus sign (+) next to Ports and you should see a list similar to the one shown below, showing the port number that your computer has assigned. Specifications Size — 8.5” x 6” x 1.5” Weight — approximately 1.5 lbs.
Memory Usage in the TDC Ultra The TDC Ultra has a large amount of memory to store the data from your studies; the standard counter comes with 128K of flash memory. This memory can hold many different studies and it is unlikely that you will fill the memory before you download the data to your computer. There are 10 different studies in the TDC Ultra, and each uses a different internal format to store the data.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Appendix Data Output Format The following information is not normally needed to use the TDC Ultra. It is provided for those who are interested in some of the technical aspects of the TDC Ultra. It is also provided for those customers who do not plan to use the analysis software, or who are interested in interfacing the TDC Ultra to their own computer hardware and/or software systems. The data that is sent out of the TDC Ultra is in standard ASCII (text) format.
Classification: #################### 001 001 01 nnnnnnnn or AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA s kk hhmm mmddyy nnnn,nnnn,...nnnn ... ccc leader characters (20) count number interval number interval length (min) 8 digit site code Alpha site code (20 characters) scheme code number of classes start time start date data, 10 per line checksum Multi-direction Gap: @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ leader characters (20) 001 001 01 nnnnnnnn or AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA hhmm mmddyy nnnn,nnnn,...nnnn .
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Appendix Intersection Stop Delay: $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 001 001 01 nnnnnnnn or AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA hhmm mmddyy nnnn,nnnn,...nnnn ...
Enhanced Turning Movement: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA 001 001 nnnnnnnn or AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA hhmm mmddyy ss cc (or ss ttt) ...
TDC Ultra User’s Manual Status Count New Continue TM,CL,DL GAP,SF, RA SD,SS,TS Start Status Review Dump Continue Baud Clear Confirm Utilities Tests Memory Display Keys Time/Date Beeper Video A-12 Time/Date
Appendix Site Code Interval Start TC Options Site Code Start Mode Def Class Ft. Ped. 1 Ft. Ped.
TDC Ultra User’s Manual We are pleased that you have chosen the TDC Ultra for your traffic data collection needs. We have strived to develop a unit that is easy to use and has the options that our customers require. The TDC Ultra has undergone extensive testing to verify the accuracy of its operations, and each unit is extensively tested before it leaves our facility.
