EMTRAC Priority

Control System

Systems Manager
Software & Operations

Rev. 5/6/2010
 EMTRAC Priority Control – Systems Manager Software & Operations

Copyright

© 2010 STC, Incorporated

All Rights Reserved

Names and data used in examples herein are fictitious unless otherwise noted. No part of this
document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or
mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written permission of STC, Incorporated.

STC, Inc. strives to ensure the accuracy of its documentation. However, STC, Inc. is not liable for
any inaccuracies contained herein. STC, Inc. also reserves the right to make changes to its
product without prior notice.

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of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

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Contents
CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................................II
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ............................................................................................................................................... IV
SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................................................................................................. IV
EMTRAC INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................................1
ABOUT EMTRAC......................................................................................................................................................2
FREQUENCY-HOPPING SPREAD SPECTRUM RADIO .....................................................................................................3
PRIORITY CONTROL INITIATION AND TERMINATION ..................................................................................................4
VEHICLE PRIORITY LEVELS........................................................................................................................................4
SECURITY ...................................................................................................................................................................4
REPORTS AND LOGGING .............................................................................................................................................5
ETHERNET FUNCTIONALITY .......................................................................................................................................5
SYSTEM COMPONENTS ...............................................................................................................................................6
EMTRAC SYSTEMS MANAGER INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................9
THE SYSTEMS MANAGER SET-UP PROCESS .............................................................................................................10
SYSTEMS MANAGER FILE TYPES .............................................................................................................................11
INSTALLING/UPDATING SYSTEMS MANAGER...........................................................................................................12
SYSTEMS MANAGER INTERFACE ..............................................................................................................................13
Systems Manager Toolbars.................................................................................................................................14
EMTRAC Map Tools...........................................................................................................................................14
Drawing or Deleting Streets on the EMTRAC Map............................................................................................16
USING THE PATH REPLAY MODE .............................................................................................................................18
THE SYSTEMS MANAGER DATABASE.......................................................................................................................19
DEFAULT SYSTEM SETTINGS ....................................................................................................................................20
Setting Daylight Savings Time Ranges ...............................................................................................................22
EMTRAC HARDWARE INTERFACE..................................................................................................................25
UPDATING FIRMWARE IN EMTRAC UNITS .............................................................................................................26
Updating Firmware with the Firmware Upgrade Cable ....................................................................................26
Updating Firmware Through an Ethernet Connection: .....................................................................................28
VEHICLE COMPUTER UNIT .......................................................................................................................................29
Connecting to the Vehicle Computer Unit ..........................................................................................................29
Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit ..........................................................................................................30
Restoring VCU Defaults .....................................................................................................................................31
Retrieving the Vehicle Device Log......................................................................................................................32
Sending Test Transmissions from Vehicle Computer Unit..................................................................................33
PRIORITY DETECTOR ................................................................................................................................................34
Connecting to a Priority Detector ......................................................................................................................36
Restoring Priority Detector Defaults..................................................................................................................37
Displaying Priority Detector Communication Rates ..........................................................................................38
Retrieving the Priority Detector Log ..................................................................................................................39
Setting the Priority Detector Date and Time ......................................................................................................40

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Reassigning Receiver Output Pins......................................................................................................................41

Priority Detector Network Functionality ............................................................................................................43
Remotely Testing Priority Control Requests.......................................................................................................45
Monitoring Priority Detector Status ...................................................................................................................47
Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) ........................................................................................................................48
ETA Configuration Window ............................................................................................................................................ 49

SETTING UP YOUR EMTRAC SYSTEM ............................................................................................................51

VEHICLE SETUP........................................................................................................................................................52
Vehicle Window Field Definitions ......................................................................................................................52
Adding or Editing Vehicles .................................................................................................................................55
Adding Zones to Vehicles....................................................................................................................................56
Deleting Vehicles ................................................................................................................................................57
Printing or Viewing Vehicle Reports ..................................................................................................................57
INTERSECTION SETUP ...............................................................................................................................................59
Intersection Window Field Definitions ...............................................................................................................59
Creating New Intersections with the Map...........................................................................................................60
Creating New Intersections by Driving ..............................................................................................................61
Editing Intersections ...........................................................................................................................................63
Printing or Viewing Intersection Reports ...........................................................................................................63
ZONE SETUP .............................................................................................................................................................66
Zone Window Field Definitions ..........................................................................................................................67
Zone Setup Basics ...............................................................................................................................................70
Creating Zones with the Map..............................................................................................................................72
Creating New Zones Using Bread Crumbs.........................................................................................................74
Zone Editing Considerations ..............................................................................................................................76
Creating New Zones by Driving .........................................................................................................................77
Changing the Length of a Zone...........................................................................................................................82
Applying Zone Edits to Vehicles .........................................................................................................................83
Creating Zone Time Intervals .............................................................................................................................84
Editing Zone Time Intervals................................................................................................................................85
Printing or Viewing Zone Data...........................................................................................................................87
Creating and Managing Zone Types...................................................................................................................88
DETECTION ZONE LAYOUT...............................................................................................................................89
SIMPLE DETECTION ZONES ......................................................................................................................................90
CURVED INTERSECTION APPROACH STREETS ..........................................................................................................91
ALTERNATE HEADING VARIANCES ..........................................................................................................................92
L-SHAPED INTERSECTION APPROACHES ..................................................................................................................93
MULTIPLE CLOSE-PROXIMITY INTERSECTIONS ........................................................................................................94
INTERSECTIONS WITH SHARP ANGLES .....................................................................................................................96
TIMEPOINT PRIORITY ZONES ....................................................................................................................................98
POTENTIAL ZONE ISSUES .......................................................................................................................................101
GLOSSARY OF TERMS .......................................................................................................................................103
INDEX ......................................................................................................................................................................105

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Technical Support
EMTRAC Support Line

Phone:
(618) 643-4412 or (866) 618-2678

EMTRAC Systems, Mt. Vernon, IL

www.emtracsystems.com

Safety Information
The EMTRAC system is designed to aid in the transit of designated vehicles through
signalized intersections to their destination. It is imperative that the drivers of each type
of vehicle equipped with the EMTRAC system be made aware of the response they can
expect from the traffic control system.

While STC personnel may assist with installing and configuring the EMTRAC system, it
is the customer’s responsibility to make sure the traffic control system properly responds
to equipped vehicles. It is also the customer’s responsibility to educate each driver of an
equipped vehicle to expect the appropriate response from the EMTRAC system.

At no time should a driver of an EMTRAC-equipped vehicle expect to be guaranteed a

protected right-of-way through signalized intersections. Drivers of vehicles that operate
outside the normal traffic laws and conventions must always take responsibility for
ensuring the safe passage of their vehicles through an intersection, regardless of the
operation, or non-operation, of the EMTRAC system.

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EMTRAC Introduction
The EMTRAC priority control system enables emergency and transit vehicles to request signal
priority for quick passage through intersections. In many ways, the EMTRAC system performs
like a “virtual” loop-detection system, where each equipped class of vehicle is recognized
differently by the system. This is accomplished by the following steps:

• Emergency and transit vehicles are equipped with EMTRAC computers and GPS/UHF
antennas so they are able to transmit priority requests for green signals.
• For each intersection, one EMTRAC detector antenna is installed on a traffic pole (or
other location) so the priority requests from the vehicles can be received and sent to the
traffic controller.
• Each intersection traffic cabinet is equipped with an EMTRAC Priority Detector so they
are able to feed priority requests to the traffic controllers in the cabinet.
• Detection zones are defined for each intersection so as equipped vehicles approach the
intersection, the EMTRAC system recognizes the position, speed, and direction from
which they approach—and appropriately handle the priority requests.

The purpose of this document is to provide all the information necessary for the proper
configuration of the EMTRAC system for use in your city. The following manuals are also
available for the EMTRAC system:

• EMTRAC Intersection Installation manual: Provides information about installing the

EMTRAC system on intersections and connecting the system to traffic controllers.
• EMTRAC Transit Vehicle Installation manual: Provides information about installing the
EMTRAC system on transit vehicles.
• EMTRAC Emergency Vehicle Installation manual: Provides information about installing
the EMTRAC system on first responder vehicles.

The EMTRAC Introduction section contains the following topics:

• About EMTRAC
• Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Radio
• Priority Control Initiation and Termination
• Vehicle Priority Levels
• Security
• Reports and Logging
• Ethernet Functionality
• System Components

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About EMTRAC

Figure 1 – EMTRAC System, Intersection Overview

The EMTRAC priority control system utilizes real-time vehicle position data, a database
of user-programmable intersection approach detection zones, and secure wireless
telemetry to enable precise control of priority detection. Using the EMTRAC Systems
Manager software, priority calls can be restricted to specific areas of intersection
approach streets and to specific time intervals for each intersection approach.

By using an advanced GPS receiver, the EMTRAC vehicle equipment determines the
vehicle’s position, direction, and velocity to a high degree of accuracy. The rectangular
intersection detection zones are user-definable for each vehicle, and may be combined
or overlapped to handle curved roadways. Each detection zone has a particular
intersection controller’s priority request associated with it. As an EMTRAC-equipped
vehicle approaches the intersection, the vehicle computer compares the position and
direction of the approaching vehicle with pre-defined detection-zone data (stored in its
memory) to determine if a priority control request should be transmitted.

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After determining a request should be transmitted, the EMTRAC system transmits a

priority request through an encrypted radio signal to the pole-mounted EMTRAC
antenna, which is connected to the Priority Detector within the intersection cabinet. The
EMTRAC Priority Detector then places a call on the corresponding priority control input
of the traffic signal controller. Upon receiving the priority control signal, the traffic
controller at the intersection may either extend an existing green phase or terminate
opposing green phases to allow passage of the requesting vehicle.

For EMTRAC-equipped emergency vehicles, the controller is normally programmed to

allow the vehicles to proceed straight ahead or to turn left or right, at which point all
opposing traffic movement is stopped by red signals. For EMTRAC-equipped transit
vehicles, the system may be programmed differently to account for time of day,
passenger load, direction traveled, or other factors.

With this system, actual control of the intersection continues to be performed by the
controller in the traffic cabinet, which uses the EMTRAC priority control system as one of
its inputs. The Conflict Monitor Unit (CMU) in the traffic cabinet continues to check for
signal states that would cause unsafe operation. Most motorists never know a priority
control event has occurred, since traffic signals continue to display the normal sequence
from green to yellow to red with normal duration of yellow and red clearance intervals.

Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Radio

The digital radio signal used with EMTRAC provides a typical maximum range in excess
of 3,000 feet and avoids the line-of-site limitations, lens cleaning, and re-lamping
associated with optical strobe systems. Intervening trees and buildings may reduce the
maximum range, but they do not block the request signal. Radio provides reliable
operation in all weather, including rain, snow, and heavy fog. The actual activation range
is controlled by the detection zones programmed in the EMTRAC system but is also
limited to the maximum range. For most priority requests, maximum range of the radio is
not an issue.

EMTRAC uses state-of-the-art, Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum radio (FHSS).

This technology avoids the need to apply for an FCC license, as required for
conventional fixed-frequency, narrow-band radio. It also provides a high degree of noise
and interference immunity and data integrity. EMTRAC can use the entire frequency
band from 902 to 928 MHz, with “frequency-hopping” synchronization between the radio
modules.

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Priority Control Initiation and Termination

The EMTRAC vehicle equipment is powered directly by 12 VDC from the vehicle battery.
In an emergency vehicle, the equipment is normally wired so the priority control request
is automatically initiated when power is applied to the light bar (signaling onset of an
emergency run). The request signal is automatically terminated either when the air brake
is set, the automatic transmission is put into park, the driver’s door is opened, or when
the GPS receiver senses the vehicle has been stationary for a preset period of time.
Many emergency agencies favor totally automatic, hands-off operation, with this type of
automatic start and stop priority control request.

Vehicle Priority Levels

Levels of priority can be assigned depending on the types of vehicles equipped. For
example, radio transmissions from emergency vehicles can be assigned Priority Level 1,
while the transmissions from transit vehicles can be assigned Priority Level 2. Priority
Level 1 overrides Priority Level 2. Additionally, specific approaches to intersections can
be favored by having longer detection zones assigned to them. Otherwise, all priority
requests are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Security
The EMTRAC system provides a high degree of security against unauthorized signals.
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) radio was developed as a secure military
communication technology, and it requires synchronization between the transmitter and
detector. It rejects all other transmissions in the spread-spectrum frequency band. The
EMTRAC signal also uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology. To be
recognized by the Priority Detector, a signal must adhere to EMTRAC security protocol.

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Reports and Logging

The laptop computer used for initial setup of the EMTRAC system can also be used to
retrieve the setup parameters from any of the devices and retrieve time and date-
stamped priority request logs from the detector. The Ethernet ports on the Priority
Detectors also enable traffic personnel to retrieve system logs from a remote network
location. Each detector automatically records the most recent 125 priority-control events
in nonvolatile memory, with the newest data overwriting the oldest. This provides an
audit trail, allowing verification of system performance, reducing the possibility of abuse,
and providing documentation in case of litigation resulting from a traffic accident. The
EMTRAC software also enables you to read and write files, as well as print the reports.

Ethernet Functionality
The EMTRAC system includes Ethernet ports on the intersection Priority Detectors and
Vehicle Computer Units. Among other functions, these ports enable traffic personnel to
perform the following tasks:

• Configure Priority Detectors from a remote network workstation without traveling to

each intersection to connect directly to the detectors.
• Retrieve Priority Detector logs from a remote network workstation.
• Monitor specific Priority Detector activity from a remote network workstation.
• Remotely monitor Priority Detectors to verify they are working properly.
• Connect Vehicle Computer Units to laptop computers for EMTRAC-system setup or
log retrieval.

When connected locally (that is, with a laptop connected directly to the Vehicle
Computer Unit or to the LOCAL port of the Priority Detector, the Ethernet ports function
in much the same way as a serial port connection (like the RS232 port on the Priority
Detectors).

Refer to the EMTRAC Intersection Installation manual or the EMTRAC Vehicle

Installation manuals for more information about setting up communication with the
Ethernet ports.

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System Components
The components of the EMTRAC system are fairly simple by design, and fit in one of two
categories—those to be installed at the intersection and those to be installed in the
vehicles. Because there is only one external antenna per intersection, installation costs
are minimal. The following list details each system component:

Intersection Components
Omni-Directional Antenna
This antenna is externally mounted on one traffic pole per
intersection, and is the only sensing element at the
intersection. It is connected to the Priority Detector in the
traffic cabinet by a flexible 50-ohm coax cable. This antenna
automatically handles any of four channels (or directions)
that can be digitally coded in the radio signal. There is no
need for multiple sensors at the intersections or for critical
sensor positioning and alignment because the priority control
request direction is part of the radio message. Each digital
radio pulse from the vehicle (approximately one per second)
includes the intersection address number, vehicle ID number,
the priority level (1 or 2), and the request direction.

Priority Detector
The Priority Detector is installed inside the traffic cabinet at
the intersection. It provides four NEMA-level priority request
outputs (labeled NORTH, EAST, SOUTH, and WEST), which
can be wired directly to the preemption inputs of any traffic
controller with built-in priority-control software. The detector
is available in two versions: a shelf-mount version powered
by 120 VAC, or a rack-mount version, which can be inserted
directly in two adjoining card slots of a NEMA detector rack
or Model 170 card file. In the rack-mount version, all power
and signal connections are through the existing backplane,
so the only required field wire is the coax cable from the
antenna to the detector. The priority control request output
pins can be reassigned through software to accommodate
existing 170 controller software.
For more information about the detector controls, refer to the
Priority Detector Interface topic in the EMTRAC Intersection
Installation manual.

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Vehicle Components
Combo GPS/UHF Antenna
This component contains the antennas for both the FHSS
transceiver and the GPS unit, and is mounted on top of the
vehicle. The antenna is to be wired to the Vehicle Computer
Unit as described in the EMTRAC Vehicle Installation
manuals.

Vehicle Computer Unit

The unit contains the FHSS transceiver, the GPS engine,
and vehicle data processor used to initiate the priority control
system. During initial EMTRAC system installation, a laptop
PC can connect to the Vehicle Computer Unit to load
intersection and zone location data. This component is
installed in the vehicle as described in the EMTRAC Vehicle
Installation manuals.

Vehicle Power Cable

The ST-3019 power cable connects the vehicle computer unit
to the vehicle’s power source, as well as the priority control
activation source (such as the light bar). Refer to the
EMTRAC Vehicle Installation manuals for more detailed
information about these connections.

Optional Remote Control Head

The Remote Control Head enables you to test the EMTRAC
system after it is installed. This optional component displays
indicators for:
• EMTRAC Active Mode
• GPS Signal Status
• Stationary Time-Out Occurrence
• Intersection Detection Zones
Refer to the EMTRAC Vehicle Installation manuals for more
information.

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EMTRAC Systems Manager Introduction

EMTRAC Systems Manager is the control center for the entire EMTRAC system. It is where you
set up the vehicles, intersections, and zones that will be utilized for this system. While the
EMTRAC system is relatively simple to set up, it also offers the power to handle complex
applications.

For example, you may have a particular intersection that is frequently traveled by a particular
emergency vehicle at the highest allowed speeds. Because of this, it is necessary to request
priority control for this vehicle earlier at this intersection than with other vehicles or at other
intersections. With Systems Manager, you can easily configure the detection zone for that
specific vehicle and intersection so priority control is requested at an earlier point.

As another example, while setting up the EMTRAC system for transit, you may want to
configure the system so it allows a certain class of buses (such as express buses) to request
priority control if they are behind their route schedule. EMTRAC enables you to set up this type
of schedule for this class of bus. In this scenario, only express buses that are behind schedule
would request priority control. For more information about configuring these settings, refer to the
Creating Zone Time Intervals topic in this manual.

There are many other ways to set up the EMTRAC system. The important point is that EMTRAC
enables you to custom define priority control for each intersection and for each vehicle, if
needed.

The Systems Manager Introduction section contains the following topics:

• The Systems Manager Set-Up Process

• Systems Manager File Types
• Installing/Updating Systems Manager
• Systems Manager Interface
• Using the Path Replay Mode
• The Systems Manager Database
• Default System Settings

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The Systems Manager Set-Up Process

This section outlines the basic process for setting up your EMTRAC system in the
Systems Manager software. While it is not required that you follow this process exactly
as outlined, we recommend that you be familiar with the process to more fully
understand the context for each step.

Step 1: Install Intersection and Vehicle Components

While it is possible to setup Systems Manager without having the intersection and
vehicle components installed, we recommend completing this part of the process first.
After the components have been installed in at least one vehicle, you are able to enter
intersection and zone parameters while driving with the software running on a laptop
computer. Refer to the EMTRAC Intersection Installation manual or the appropriate
EMTRAC Vehicle Installation manual for more information about installing the hardware
components.

Step 2: Add Equipped Vehicles in Systems Manager

Before you drive the approach routes to set up the various intersections and zones, we
recommend adding the equipped vehicle information in Systems Manager. By doing this,
you are able to designate each vehicle’s priority level, their associated city agency, and
other details about how the EMTRAC system should handle transmissions from the
vehicle. For each intersection, it is likely you will have multiple detection zones. If
needed, Systems Manager enables you to create specific zones to be used by specific
vehicles. For example, if ladder trucks need to request priority control earlier (or for a
longer period of time) than other vehicles, you can easily create a unique zone to be
used by only ladder trucks. Refer to the Vehicle Setup section of this manual for more
information.

Step 3: Add Intersections and Zones in Systems Manager

At this point, you are able to drive in one of your EMTRAC-equipped vehicles using a
laptop and the GPS features to plot intersection center points. Systems Manager
displays intersections and zones in map format, so as you drive through equipped
intersections, setting up both intersection center points and zones, these locations are
plotted on the map. While setting up zones, you are also able to fine tune various
parameters, such as zone length, width, heading variance, and so on. Refer to the
Intersection Setup section for more information.

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Step 4: Load the EMTRAC Database to Each Vehicle Computer Unit

After you have entered the intersection and zone parameters in Systems Manager, it is
important to load that data into the Vehicle Computer Unit for each vehicle that will need
access to the intersections and zones. Refer to the Vehicle Computer Unit section of this
manual for more information.

Step 5: Test the System

We have provided some initial tests you can perform to make sure the system has been
set up properly. For more information about running these tests, refer to the appropriate
test topics, which are located near the end of each manual.

Systems Manager File Types

The following table describes the various file types used by Systems Manager. In most
cases, these files will reside in the My Documents folder on the PC.

Extension Description

.emt EMTRAC Database File: Resides on the Vehicle Computer Unit and
contains all vehicle, intersection, and zone information for the city

.bak Database Backup File: Automatically created by Systems Manager as a

backup database when any change is made to the main database file

.bcf Bread Crumbs File: Contains saved route data from the Vehicle Computer
Unit for use in Replay Mode

.pud Pre-emption Unit Data Log: Contains zone configuration data from the
Vehicle Computer Unit that has been saved as a log file
This file can be used to program an exact duplicate of an existing VCU data
file, as described in the Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit topic.

.pul Pre-emption Unit Log File: Contains priority control activity data from the
Vehicle Computer Unit that has been saved as a log file

.ssl FHSS Log File: Contains priority control activity data from the intersection
Priority Detector that has been saved as a log file

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Installing/Updating Systems Manager

The processes for installing and updating Systems Manager are very similar. However, if
you are updating from a previous version of Systems Manager, it will be necessary to
remove the previous version before installing the newer version. After you have removed
the previous version, the installation steps are the same as for a first-time installation.

To Update Systems Manager:

1. Close Systems Manager and any other applications, then click the Start button
and select Control Panel.

Depending on your version of Windows, the following steps may vary.

2. For Windows XP and Earlier: Double-click the Add or Remove Programs icon
to display a list of programs on your computer. Then select EMTRAC Systems –
Systems Manager, and click the corresponding Remove button.

Or

For Windows Vista: Click the Uninstall a program link to display a list of
programs on your computer. Then select EMTRAC Systems – Systems
Manager, and click the Uninstall button.

After the un-installation is complete, proceed with the installation steps.

To Install Systems Manger:

¾ Insert the Systems Manager disk in your disk drive, and double-click the following
file on the disk:

EMTRAC\SoftwareVersionNumber\V#_Setup\Setup.exe

The EMTRAC installation wizard guides you through the installation process.

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Systems Manager Interface

There are two main tabs in Systems Manager, which display information about the
EMTRAC-equipped Vehicles and Intersections. On these tabs, you can enter or change
basic system settings. In addition to the Vehicles and Intersections tabs, the map can
also be displayed on a tab, enabling full-screen display of intersection and zone layout
for your city. There are also tool bar and menu bar options that enable you to further
define vehicle, intersection, and zone parameters.

Refer to the Setting Up Your EMTRAC System section for more information about the
many settings you can modify.

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Systems Manager Toolbars

The options on the Systems Manager toolbars enable you to add, edit, and
delete vehicles and zones, open the online help manual for the software,
and add elements to the EMTRAC map. For more detailed information
about how to do these things, refer to the Setting Up Your ETMRAC
System section.

At the bottom of the map, the current position coordinates for the mouse
cursor are displayed. Depending on which map version you display, other
viewing controls appear that enable you to increase or decrease
magnification level, create intersections and zones, and locate addresses.

EMTRAC Map Tools

Show Full-Screen Map

Click this button to display the map in full-screen mode. When in full-screen
mode, the map displays as a tab alongside the Vehicles and Intersections
tabs. Click this button again to return to the default split-screen mode.

Show Center Point

Click this button to show the center point for the displayed intersection.

Show All Intersection Center Points

Click this button to display the center points for every intersection set up in
Systems Manager. This feature helps show where the selected intersection is
in relation to the rest of the intersections.

Draw Straight Road

For straight roads, click this button, and then click and drag the cursor on the
map.

Show All Zones

Click this button to display all of the zones that have been set up in the
Systems Manager database. This feature shows where the selected
intersection (and zones) are in relation to the rest of the elements on the
Systems Manager map.

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Draw Curved Road

Curved roads consist of four points. To create a curved road, click a starting
point, two points along the path of the road, and an ending point. The street
appears on the map after the last point is clicked. To delete a road, click the
plus sign in the Streets column for the intersection, and then right-click the
street name and select Delete this Street.

Move Map Position

When this button is selected, you can click and drag your cursor across the
screen to move the map. Notice how the cursor icon changes to a hand when
this button is selected. It may be necessary to deselect this button to use
certain map features (such as the Distance / Heading button).

Distance / Heading
Click this button, then click and drag your cursor on the map to display both
the distance between your starting and ending point and the directional
heading by degrees.

Re-Center Map
Click this button bring the selected intersection to the center of the map.

Start GPS
Click this button to use the real-time GPS feature. If EMTRAC can retrieve a
valid GPS signal from the Vehicle Computer Unit, and the vehicle is physically
close to the location displayed on the map, an arrow appears on the map
showing the current position and heading of the vehicle. A small window on
the map also shows the current position, heading, velocity, and distance from
the intersection.

Show Zone Width and Heading Variance

When this button is selected, the map displays the actual zone widths so you
can see the amount of space covered by the zones. The allowable heading
variances, as defined by the zone settings, are also displayed.

Start Bread Crumbs

Click this button to display the vehicle path as it travels. When you turn off this
feature, EMTRAC prompts you to save the path information for playback at a
later time. Refer to the Using the Path Replay Mode topic for more
information.

Auto Find Closest Intersection

When using the real-time GPS feature as the vehicle moves from intersection
to intersection, click this button to automatically center the map on the
intersection closest to the vehicle.

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Add a Zone to Map

While viewing the default Systems Manager map, select this button then click
and drag a zone on the map. The point where you first click on the map
becomes the zone finish point, and the point where you release the mouse
button becomes the zone start point. Upon releasing the mouse button, the
zone is added to both the map and zone table.

Default Map View

Click this button to display intersections and zones in the default Systems
Manager map format.

Street Map View

Click this button to display the map elements in the integrated street map
format (which requires internet access). Keep in mind, the GPS
coordinates in this format may not reflect the exact coordinates for your
area. Be sure to verify the street map's accuracy in your area before
relying on it solely for zone editing.

Compass
Hover the mouse cursor over the compass to enlarge the compass, which
can be helpful when using the map to create new vehicle-detection zones.

Drawing or Deleting Streets on the EMTRAC Map

When using the EMTRAC map, it may be helpful to draw the streets that correspond
with the intersections and zones set up in Systems Manager. This way, it is easier to
recognize exactly where the zones are in relation to other streets or intersections in the
city.

To Draw Streets on the EMTRAC Map:

1. For a straight road, click the Draw Straight Road button on the map toolbar, then
click and drag your cursor along the path of the street on the map. To complete
the road, release the mouse button at the ending point of the road (or at the edge
of the map).

Or

For a bending road, click the Draw Curved Road button on the map toolbar. Click
once to designate the starting point for the road, click twice more along the path
of the curve, and then click a fourth time at the ending point of the road (or at the
edge of the map).

Systems Manager displays the Enter the Street Name window.

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2. Type the name of the street and click OK to display the completed road on the
map.

To Delete Streets on the EMTRAC Map:

1. While viewing the Intersections tab, click to highlight the intersection associated
with the road you want to delete.

The Systems Manager map displays the zones and streets for that intersection.

2. Click the + symbol in the Streets column to display the roads associated with the
selected intersection.

3. Right-click the street you want to remove and select Delete this Street.

You can also select Change Street Name from the right-click menu to assign a
new name to the street.

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Using the Path Replay Mode

The bread crumbs feature enables you to save and replay the paths taken on various
runs for diagnostic purposes. For example, if your vehicles repeatedly drop out of a
particular detection zone, you can use the bread crumbs feature to save specific runs
through that zone to identify possible reasons for dropping out—as well as solutions. If
necessary, EMTRAC support personnel can also analyze these saved paths.

To Use the Path Replay Mode:

1. After a bread crumbs path has been saved (as described in the EMTRAC Map
Tools topic), select Tools > Replay Mode from the menu bar to display the
Replay Options window.

2. Click the Load Bread Crumb File button to display the Open window.

3. Select the appropriate bread crumb file and click Open.

4. Select the Playback Speed from the drop-down list, and then click the Replay
button to play the selected path on the EMTRAC map.

If necessary, click the Auto Find Closest Zone button on the map toolbar to
display the vehicle location throughout the replay.

You can also Rewind, Pause, or Stop the replay by clicking the appropriate
buttons on the Replay Options window.

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The Systems Manager Database

When you enter the various vehicle, intersection, and zone parameters in the EMTRAC
software, Systems Manager adds that information to your city’s database, which you
must then load on each EMTRAC Vehicle Computer Unit. It is also important to save any
changes to the database before exiting the software. If you are making significant
updates to the system, we recommend that you save periodically to avoiding losing any
updates in case of power interruption or other issues.

To Save the EMTRAC Database:

1. After you have updated the EMTRAC system, select Database > Save Database
As from the menu bar to display the Save As window.

2. If necessary, locate the proper directory for the database file.

It is recommended that you save the database file to the My Documents folder
(or simply the Documents folder in Windows Vista) for the appropriate user.

3. Click Save.

If the Confirm Save As window appears and you would like to overwrite the
previous version, click Yes.

Systems Manager saves your database to the selected location.

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Default System Settings

When detection zones are created in Systems Manager, there are certain default
settings (such as units of measurement or time zones) that are applied to all zones.
Before setting up new zones, be sure to look over these settings to make sure they have
the proper defaults. You can change these default settings in the Setup Options window.
This topic provides descriptions for each field in this window.

¾ To access the Setup Options window, select Tools > Options from the menu bar.

Global Locations
For locations in North America, N (north) should be selected in the Latitude field and W
(west) should be selected in the Longitude field. In the Northern hemisphere the GPS
latitude numbers increase the farther north the location. In the Western hemisphere, the
GPS longitude numbers increase the farther west the location. The default settings for
these fields are N and W.

Measurement Units
This field designates the unit of measurement to be used throughout the system,
imperial (MPH / ft) or metric (KPH / m). Data may be entered in either method without
adversely affecting the system.

Default Heading Variance

This is the amount of heading variance assigned to newly created zones by default. If
you want to change only the heading variance for certain zones, you can change this
number in the Add a New Zone (or Edit This Zone) window. Refer to the Zone Setup
section for more information. The default setting for this field is 30°.

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Communication Type
Select the type of connection used to transfer data to and from the laptop—either Serial
(for an RS232 serial cable) or Ethernet (for a network cable).

Serial Port
If using a serial connection (as opposed to an Ethernet connection) to transfer
communication data to and from a laptop, select the appropriate serial port to be used
on your laptop.

IP Address – Vehicle Computer Unit

If using an Ethernet connection, this is the default address assigned to newly created
vehicles in Systems Manager. This address can be changed while adding the new
vehicle or edited at a later time. The assigned vehicle IP addresses are listed on the
Vehicles tab in Systems Manager.

IP Address – Priority Detector

If using an Ethernet connection, this is the default address assigned to newly created
Intersections. This address can be changed while adding the new intersection or edited
at a later time. The assigned intersection IP addresses are listed on the Intersections tab
in Systems Manager.

Transmitted Data Type

These options designate the default type of transmission used in the vehicles. In most
configurations of the EMTRAC system, FHSS should be selected (for Frequency-
Hopping Spread Spectrum). NBFSK is used in conjunction with older legacy systems.

Virtual GPS Allowance

This field designates the number of seconds the system will allow for interruption of a
GPS fix. In case of GPS fix loss while in a zone, the system will continue transmitting a
priority request for the specified amount of time. The transmission is based on the
vehicle position, direction, and speed before losing fix. For example, if one of the zones
is along a street with an overpass, the overpass could interfere with GPS satellite
reception for a few seconds. In these cases, the Virtual GPS Allowance enables the
EMTRAC system to continue sending a priority request to the intersection for a preset
period of time. The maximum allowance time is 10 seconds. If GPS fix is never lost in
the vehicle route, or only in areas outside detection zones, this setting has no effect on
operation.

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Time Settings
These fields designate the time zone to be used throughout the system. The Hours +/-
UTC amount represents the offset from Coordinated Universal Time. For locations in
U.S. Central Time, the proper entry would be - 6 (because the U.S. Central time zone is
six hours behind Greenwich, England, which lies on the zero longitudinal meridian). This
offset must be set properly so system reports show accurate local time and support time
interval zone programming. The following table shows the proper settings for each North
American time zone:

Alaskan Pacific Mountain Central Eastern Atlantic (Canada)

-9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4

After configuring this setting based on Standard Time, it is important that you also
designate the Daylight Savings Time ranges, as described in the Setting Daylight
Savings Time Ranges topic.

Enable Daylight Savings Time and DST Ranges Button

This check mark and button enable you to customize the way Daylight Savings Time
affects your location. Refer to the Setting Daylight Savings Time Ranges topic for more
information.

Setting Daylight Savings Time Ranges

If any of the detection zones in your EMTRAC system have time intervals associated
with them, it is important to configure the system time correctly because this time is also
used in system logs. As a part of this, make sure the system changes to and from
Daylight Savings Time at the proper date and time.

To Set Daylight Savings Time Ranges:

1. Select Tools > Options from the menu bar to display the Setup Options window.

2. Verify that the correct Hours +/- UTC is set. For example, if you are located in
U.S. Central Time, select -6 in this field. For Pacific time, select -8 in this field.

When entering this setting, be sure to enter it in Standard Time—rather than

Daylight Savings Time, which is specified in the next step. Refer to the Default
System Settings topic earlier in this section for more information about this
setting.

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3. Select the Enable Daylight Savings Time check box, and then click DST Ranges
to display the Daylight Savings Time Ranges window.

4. Right-click on the row and select Add a New DST Entry to display the DST
Range Entry window.

5. Select the year and precise start and end time for Daylight Savings Time, and
then click OK.

6. Repeat Step 5 for each additional year you would like to add.

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EMTRAC Hardware Interface

The topics in this section describe basic hardware setup and enable you to configure the
EMTRAC components to the point where they are ready to be used in the field (that is, after the
vehicles, intersections, and zones have been created and saved in the Systems Manager
database). Please refer to the Setting Up Your EMTRAC System section for more information
about creating these database components.

This section contains the following topics:

• Updating Firmware in EMTRAC Units

• Vehicle Computer Unit
• Priority Detector

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Updating Firmware in EMTRAC Units

There are two ways of updating firmware in EMTRAC units. The first method is
performed through a firmware upgrade cable (which uses a serial connector and 19-pin
micro-connector to attach to the EMTRAC unit). The second method is performed
directly through the Ethernet ports on the EMTRAC units.

Figure 2 – Firmware Upgrade Cable with Serial Connector and 19-Pin Micro-Connector

It is assumed that the computer used in this procedure has the proper flash.ini,
coldload.bin, and pilot.bin files in the proper directory on the user’s computer.

These procedures install an entirely new operating system on the Vehicle Computer Unit
or Priority Detector and should be performed only at the direction of EMTRAC support
personnel.

Updating Firmware with the Firmware Upgrade Cable

If your computer does not have a serial port, the firmware upgrade cable may be
connected to its USB port by using a USB-to-Serial adaptor. With this type of
connection, it may be helpful to verify the computer assigns the correct COM port setting
for the USB-to-Serial connection (which is COM1 in most cases).

The COM port number for the USB/serial port on your PC should match the Comm Port
number in the Rabbit Field Utility. Select Setup > Communications from the utility's menu
bar to display this option.

To Update Firmware with the Firmware Upgrade Cable:

1. Connect the 19-pin micro connector on the serial-ribbon Firmware Upgrade cable
(part number ST-9077) to the appropriate connector on the EMTRAC device, and
connect the unit to a laptop computer.

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2. Verify that power is supplied to the EMTRAC unit, and then start the EMTRAC
Systems Manager software on the laptop.

3. Select Tools > EMTRAC Hardware Utilities > Upgrade Firmware from the menu
bar to open the Rabbit Field Utility window.

4. Select File > Load Flash Image from the menu bar to display the Choose Flash
Image window.

5. If the desired flash image file (EMTRAC_XX_XXXX.bin) does not appear in the
field, select if from the drop-down list or click the button to the right to display the
Open window, which you can use to locate the correct file.

For Vehicle Computer Units, it is recommended that you first uninstall current
firmware settings by loading the "Clear" file that corresponds to the firmware you
will be loading. For example, if you are going to load the EMTRAC_TX_27.bin
file, you should first load the EMTRAC_TX_27_CLEAR.bin file to restore the
default firmware settings. Then load the actual firmware file.

6. Click OK to automatically load the file.

Do not interrupt the file loading process, disconnect power, or disconnect the
programming cable until the process is complete.

7. After the image is loaded, disconnect the programming cable from the EMTRAC
unit.

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8. For Vehicle Computer Units, use the EMTRAC Systems Manager software to
program the zone data in the unit.

The Vehicle Computer Unit must be reprogrammed with the zone database after
the firmware update. Refer to the Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit topic
later in this section for more information about how to complete this step.

9. Test operation of the EMTRAC unit to verify the upgrade was a success.

Updating Firmware Through an Ethernet Connection

In addition to updating firmware, the following procedure can also be used to check the
current firmware version and the GPS baud rate. It is not necessary to be connected to
the unit being updated in the Systems Manager software.

To Update Firmware Through an Ethernet Connection:

1. With an Ethernet cable connected to the computer and the EMTRAC unit to be
upgraded, start the Systems Manager application.

2. Select Tools > Manager Firmware to display the Manage Firmware window.

3. Select the appropriate Unit Type and Unit ID, then click Interrogate to verify
communication and display the device's current configuration.

After the interrogation is complete, the Status message displays as "Ready".

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4. Click the Open Binary Firmware button and select the appropriate binary file.

For Vehicle Computer Units, it is recommended that you first uninstall previous
firmware settings by loading the "Clear" file that corresponds to the firmware you
will be loading. For example, if you are going to load the EMTRAC_TX_27.bin
file, you should first load the EMTRAC_TX_27_CLEAR.bin file to restore the
default firmware settings. Then load the actual firmware file.

5. Click Flash to install the firmware on the EMTRAC unit.

When installation is complete, the Status message displays "Firmware Upgrade

Completed Successfully!"

Vehicle Computer Unit

The Vehicle Computer Unit (VCU) is the control center of the vehicle’s EMTRAC system.
It contains the database of EMTRAC configuration settings, as well as reports that show
zone data and vehicle priority-control activity.

Connecting to the Vehicle Computer Unit

Before programming zone data or changing configuration settings on the VCU, you must
first connect your PC to the VCU in Systems Manager.

To Connect to the Vehicle Computer Unit:

1. Connect your PC to the Vehicle Computer Unit with an Ethernet cable, and select
the Vehicles tab in Systems Manager.

2. On the Vehicle list (on the left side of the window), click to highlight the vehicle to
which you want to connect and verify that it is listed with the correct IP address
(in the Comm. Setting column).

If the IP address for the vehicle is incorrect, right-click the vehicle, select Edit the
Current Vehicle, then change the entry in the Vehicle Computer Unit IP Address
field.

3. Click the Connect button on the toolbar.

The Disconnect button appears in place of the Connect button—and displays the
IP address for the VCU.

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Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit

After you have configured the vehicles, intersections, and zones, program each VCU as
described in this topic. For most cases, you will program the entire database from a
laptop. However, this procedure also includes instructions for cases where you want to
make an exact duplicate of a VCU database by programming from an existing VCU data
file.

While you can make additional changes to the Systems Manager configuration at any
time, it is recommended that you complete as many of these settings as possible before
programming the Vehicle Computer Units.

To Program the Vehicle Computer Unit:

1. With the laptop computer connected to the Vehicle Computer Unit, select the
appropriate vehicle to program on the Vehicles tab.

2. Select Vehicles > Program Vehicle Computer Unit with Zone Data from the menu
bar to display the Program Zone Data into EMTRAC Vehicle Computer Unit
window.

Programming the Database from a Laptop

3. Make sure the Program using Selected Vehicle Zone Data program option is
selected.

4. Click Program to copy the Systems Manager database from the laptop to the
Vehicle Computer Unit.

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Or

Programming with an Existing VCU Data File

The following steps describe how to make an exact duplicate of a VCU data
file—including the vehicle setup. Complete these steps only if you want to
replace the VCU in a vehicle while keeping the precise settings in the previous
vehicle database.

3. Select the Program using a Vehicle Computer Unit Data File program option to
display the Vehicle Computer Unit Data File field.

4. Click the Browse button, locate the database file you want to duplicate, and
press Program to copy the selected database file to the Vehicle Computer Unit.

Restoring VCU Defaults

In some cases, it may be helpful to restore the configuration settings in a Vehicle
Computer Unit. This is most often performed when transferring a VCU to a different
vehicle, and it is a simple way of erasing old log data from the units.

To Restore VCU Defaults:

1. Connect to the appropriate VCU as described in the Connecting to the Vehicle

Computer Unit topic.

2. Start the Systems Manager software and select Vehicles > Restore Configuration
Defaults in Vehicle Computer Unit from the menu bar.

Systems Manager displays the Confirm window to verify that you want restore
the default settings.

3. Click Yes to restore the default settings to the VCU.

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Retrieving the Vehicle Device Log

Each Vehicle Computer Unit maintains a database of priority control activity for that
vehicle, which can be retrieved, saved, and printed as needed. These logs record the
date and time, intersection, zone, heading, speed, and total time elapsed for each run.

To Retrieve the Vehicle Device Log:

1. Select Vehicles > Retrieve Vehicle Computer Unit Log from the menu bar to
display the EMTRAC Vehicle Log window.

2. Click Retrieve Log to display a record of priority control activity for the vehicle,
as shown below.

If Systems Manager displays a message asking if you want to clear the log, click
No.

From this window, you can also save the vehicle log as a file, retrieve saved log
files, print the log, and export it as a Microsoft Excel file for later use.

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Sending Test Transmissions from the VCU

After you have set up the vehicle and intersection components, it is good practice to
send test transmissions to verify that the Vehicle Computer Unit sends the proper
signals to the EMTRAC Priority Detector in the traffic cabinet, and that the detector
properly handles the signals. In most cases, this procedure is performed from a laptop
computer connected directly to the Vehicle Computer Unit.

In this scenario, it is easy to verify proper intersection response because you are at the
intersection. However, it is also possible to test transmission range—with the
intersection out of sight. In these cases, someone at a network-connected workstation
can check the status of the Priority Detector being tested (as described in the Showing
Priority Detector Status topic) while you send test transmissions from the equipped
vehicle.

To Send Test Transmissions from a Vehicle Computer Unit:

1. Connect the laptop to the Vehicle Computer Unit and start Systems Manager.

2. Right-click your vehicle from the list on the Vehicles tab, and select Send Test
Transmissions.

The Send Test Transmissions window appears.

3. Verify that the settings are correct for how you want to send the transmission,
and then click Start Transmissions.

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Priority Detector
Along with setting up the Vehicle Computer Unit with Systems Manager, you can also
customize the way Priority Detectors react to priority-control requests. There are many
default settings you may want to change based on your particular circumstances. The
illustration below is followed by descriptions of the fields on the Priority Detector
Configuration window, which is where you can make these changes.

¾ To configure the Priority Detector, connect your laptop to the unit as described in the
Connecting to a Priority Detector topic and select Intersections and Zones > Configure
Priority Detector from the Systems Manager menu bar. Upon opening this window while
connected to a Priority Detector, Systems Manager retrieves and displays the current
settings for the unit—as noted by the "Current RX Configuration" message.

Receiver ID
This number should be the same as the Intersection ID number listed on the
Intersections tab in Systems Manager.

Beeper Enabled
Select this check box to indicate that the vehicles are configured to allow an audible
beep when transmitting priority-control requests. For the beeper to work properly, you
must also select the Zone Audible Indicator check box on the Add/Edit Vehicle window
(which is described in the Vehicle Window Field Definitions topic).

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Time to Hold Preempt After Loss of Signal

This is the number of seconds the Priority Detector will continue to send a priority
request to the traffic controller after a signal is lost. This signal loss could be a result of
passing through the finish point of the detection zone, passing through an area of signal
interference, or possibly a zone that doesn’t cover the entire intersection approach.

Maximum Preempt Time

This is the maximum amount of time the vehicle will continue sending a priority request
per zone (in seconds). After the designated maximum time is reached, the onboard
Vehicle Computer Unit stops transmitting the priority request.

Headway Time
This is the minimum amount of time that must be reached before a priority request will
be granted—after a previous priority request has already been granted.

Directional Headway
Select this option to limit the minimum headway time to directional approaches. For
example, northbound vehicles would not be granted priority within the designated
headway span if another northbound vehicle has already received signal priority.
However, equipped vehicles traveling in other directions may be granted priority within
that same span.

Output Control Options

These options enable you to set the way the Priority Detector will react in cases where it
receives simultaneous priority request from multiple vehicles. This can be done by
outputting multiple requests simultaneously and letting the controller decide which
direction receives priority (Allow for Multiple Active Outputs), accepting the priority
request that is received first (Oldest Active Transmission), or accepting the highest
priority request first (Highest Priority Transmission).

Minimum Preempt Time for [Direction]

These fields enable you to set (for each direction) a minimum amount of time that priority
request outputs will be sent to intersection controllers. This feature ensures that priority
request calls are made for a suitable amount of time while traveling through shorter
zones where the vehicle may be in the zone for only a short period.

Bitmap Output
In most cases, it is recommended that you do not change the default field entries. These
fields enable sending simultaneous or alternate outputs to the controller by entering
different bitmap numbers for the corresponding output pins. Changing these outputs
should be done only by those familiar with both bitmap programming and the controller
wiring. Refer to the Reassigning Receiver Output Pins topic for more information.

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Connecting to a Priority Detector

Before changing any Priority Detector settings, you must first connect your PC to the
Priority Detector, which can be done either locally (with a laptop at the intersection
control cabinet) or through the network. Both methods are described in this section.

To Connect to a Priority Detector:

1. From either a network-connected workstation or a laptop connected to the

Priority Detector, start EMTRAC Systems Manager and select the Intersections
tab.

If you are using an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the Priority Detector with
a laptop, be sure to use the LOCAL port on the detector.

2. On the Intersection list (on the left side of the window), click to highlight the
intersection to which you want to connect.

3. Click the Connect button on the toolbar to display the Priority Detector
Connection Path window.

Only one workstation can be connected to a particular Priority Detector at one

time. If you receive an Ethernet Error message when trying to connect to an
intersection Priority Detector, check to see if another workstation is already
connected to the same detector.

4. Select the appropriate option (either Local or Network) and click Connect.

The Disconnect button appears in place of the Connect button—and displays the
Priority Detector’s IP address.

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Restoring Priority Detector Defaults

In cases where you want to revert back to the original Priority Detector settings, follow
the steps in this procedure.

To Restore Priority Detector Defaults:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. Start the Systems Manager software and select Intersections and Zones >
Restore Configuration Defaults in Priority Detector from the menu bar.

Systems Manager displays the Confirm window to verify that you want restore
the original settings.

3. Click Yes to restore the default settings to the detector.

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Displaying Priority Detector Communication Rates

While connected to a Priority Detector, it is possible to display the firmware version,
communication rates, and radio transmission level for that unit.

While it is possible to change baud rates for communication, it is recommended that you
do not change any of the current settings unless advised by EMTRAC support or factory
personnel.

To Display Priority Detector Communication Rates:

1. While connected to the Priority Detector, select Intersections and Zones > Show
Priority Detector Status.

The Priority Detector Status window appears and displays the GPS and RF baud
rates (if available, depending on the installed firmware).

2. To view the current power level for Priority Detector transmissions, click the
corresponding Query button.

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Retrieving the Priority Detector Log

The Priority Detectors in the intersection traffic cabinets automatically record the most
recent 125 priority-control events in nonvolatile memory, with the newest data
overwriting the oldest. This provides an audit trail, allows verification of system
performance, reduces the possibility of abuse, and provides documentation in case of
litigation resulting from a traffic accident.

To Retrieve the Priority Detector Log:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. Select Intersections and Zones > Retrieve Priority Detector Log from the menu
bar to display the Priority Detector Log window.

3. Click Retrieve Log to display a record of priority control activity for the
intersection, as shown below.

From this window, you can also save the detector log as a file, retrieve saved log
files, clear the log record, print the log, and export it as a Microsoft Excel file for
later use.

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Setting the Priority Detector Date and Time

The EMTRAC Priority Detector contains a built-in clock that can be reset if necessary.
Each time a priority control request is received by a detector, the requesting Vehicle
Computer Unit also transmits accurate GPS time, and the detector clock automatically
resets to this time. As a result, the times shown on activity logs and reports continue to
reflect accurate time throughout the life of the Priority Detector, and may never need to
be reset. However, when sending transmissions between Priority Detectors, it may be
necessary to verify the correct time because GPS time is not received in these
instances.

To Reset the Priority Detector Date and Time:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. Start the Systems Manager software and select Intersections and Zones > Set
Date/Time in Priority Detector from the menu bar to display the Priority Detector
Date/Time window.

3. Reset the time as needed by using the field controls or by clicking Get Current
PC Time (which automatically inserts your computer's date and time in the
corresponding fields).

4. Click Set Receiver Date/Time to load the displayed date and time on the Priority
Detector.

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Reassigning Receiver Output Pins

Each requested priority control direction is transmitted to the receiver as a digital code,
where it activates a designated output pin on the Priority Detector. The default pin
assignments are:

• Binary 1: North
• Binary 2: East
• Binary 4: South
• Binary 8: West

With Model 170 controllers, it may be necessary to change the default assignments of
the output pins to correspond to the wiring in certain controllers. Figure 3 shows the
EMTRAC card edge connections, which can be changed by completing the steps in the
following procedure.

Figure 3 - Backplane Connections on the Rack-Mount Priority Detector

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To Reassign Receiver Output Pins:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. In EMTRAC Systems Manager, select Tools > Configure Priority Detector from
the menu bar.

If the Confirm window appears to verify that you want to change the settings for
the Priority Detector, click Yes.

The Priority Detector Configuration window appears.

3. Change the Bitmap Output for (Direction) fields to suit your desired configuration.

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Priority Detector Network Functionality

The Ethernet ports on the Priority Detectors make it possible to perform a number of
functions (such as configuring the way the detector handles signal control requests)
without traveling to the intersection and connecting directly to the detector in the traffic
cabinet. It is also possible to remotely test the Priority Detectors by sending test signal-
control requests from one intersection Priority Detector to another.

Figure 4 shows the flow of network data, where test transmissions are sent from the
Traffic Control Center workstation (with the EMTRAC Systems Manager software)
through the network to an intersection Priority Detector within radio range of the detector
being tested. Systems Manager then displays what is received (and sent to the
intersection traffic controller) by the Priority Detector.

Figure 4 – EMTRAC Ethernet Test Data Diagram

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Figure 5 shows an example of how this type of test transmission works in the field. The
Priority Detector in the Intersection 1 traffic cabinet receives the transmission request
through the network and then transmits the request to the Priority Detector for
Intersection 2. The Intersection 2 Priority Detector can then forward the request to the
traffic controller (if done through a directional output in Active mode) or simply send the
request through an unused auxiliary output. Keep in mind, the traffic cabinets must be
within radio range of each other (typically within 3,000 feet) for this test to work properly.

Figure 5 – Simple View of Priority Detector Functionality Test Transmission

In most cases, the Priority Detectors in the field will be in Active status and will send any
received priority requests through the detector outputs to the traffic controller—resulting
in a changed traffic signal. This method is advantageous when remotely testing the
traffic controller’s response. However, it is also possible to test an active Priority
Detector without sending a priority request to the traffic controller—by sending the
request through unused auxiliary outputs. Additionally, it is possible to transmit to a
Priority Detector in Standby mode without affecting the controller.

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Remotely Testing Priority Control Requests

It is possible to test transmission outputs, detector reception and response, and traffic
controller response—all from a remote network workstation. Tests are performed by
remotely transmitting a priority control request from one Priority Detector to another
Priority Detector within radio range. This procedure can often be performed from a
workstation at the traffic control center through the traffic system network. When
performing this procedure, pay close attention to which Priority Detector will be sending
the priority request and which Priority Detector will be receiving the request.

The transmitting Priority Detector and receiving Priority Detector must be within radio
range of each other (typically within 3,000 feet) for this test to work properly.

To Remotely Test Priority Control Requests:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. Right-click the intersection to receive the test transmission and select Test
Priority Detector to display the Priority Detector Test window.

The green outline around the Transmitter area and the red outline around the
Receiver area show that you are currently connected to the corresponding
Priority Detector. If there is no colored outline, your workstation is not properly
connected.

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3. Verify that the transmitter settings (on the left side of the window) are as you
intend, and then click Start Transmissions.

The selected Priority Detector transmits the request, and the right side of the
window flashes to show what is received by the second Priority Detector.

The number in the Intersection ID field (on the left side of the window) must be
the same as the Intersection you intend to test, (shown on the right side of the
window below the Priority Detector image). If the IDs do not match, the receiving
Priority Detector is different and will not show the response on your screen.

If you would like to test the Priority Detector without actually changing the
intersection traffic signals, select one of the unused Auxiliary outputs from the
Directional Code list box before starting the test transmission.

While the transmission is being sent, you can also change the Directional Code
and Priority of the transmission and view your changes on the Receiver display.

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Monitoring Priority Detector Status

Another feature of the Priority Detector network capability is the ability to display current
detector activity and communication details from a remote location. Through this
procedure, it is also possible to

To Monitor Priority Detector Status:

1. Connect to the appropriate Priority Detector as described in the Connecting to a

Priority Detector topic.

2. Select Intersections and Zones > Show Priority Detector Status from the menu
bar to display the Priority Detector Status window.

Depending on your version of Systems Manager, it may be necessary to click a

button on the Priority Detector Status window to display the window shown
above.

If any priority control activity is taking place on the selected detector, the
corresponding outputs will light up on this window.

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Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)

The EMTRAC system is capable of reporting ETA using both fixed geographic detection
and variable time-point-based detection (as shown below). The fixed geographic method
uses GPS-defined detection zones at specific points along the route to report an
approximate ETA to the Priority Detector in the control cabinet. When an equipped
vehicle enters one of these detection zones, the onboard VCU transmits the vehicle
location, which the detector outputs as an ETA value to the controller.

Figure 6 – Example of Fixed Geographic Detection to Report ETA

The time-point detection method uses calculated arrival times to determine when ETA
notifications are sent. This approach enables the EMTRAC components to adjust the
ETA amount as travel times change along the route. The EMTRAC system calculates
the vehicle’s time-distance from the intersection and transmits that amount to the
appropriate intersection Detector Unit, which then updates the controller at user-defined
points. For example, the system may be set to send ETA updates at 90, 60, 35, and 15
seconds from the intersection. The time-points are user-defined and can be set per-
intersection approach.

Figure 7 – Example of Variable Time-Point Detection to Report ETA

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ETA Configuration Window

The ETA Configuration window enables you to set the time points at which ETA values
will be output to the signal controller. To display this window, select Intersections and
Zones > Configure ETA Settings from the Systems Manager menu bar.

Time to Wait for Transmission Continue

In most cases, it is not necessary to change the value in this field. Equipped vehicles
send ETA transmissions once per second, and the value in this field is the amount of
time the Priority Detector will listen for new transmissions before dropping the vehicle's
ETA status. For example, if an equipped vehicle turns off the approach street after its
first ETA point has been reported, the Priority Detector will listen for new transmissions
for four seconds before dropping the vehicle's approach status.

EVP
The value in this field defines the time-point at which emergency-vehicle ETA will be
output from the Priority Detector to the signal controller.

Thresholds / Time-Points
This is the number of time-points to be output from the Priority Detector to the signal
controller for transit vehicles. When the threshold level is lowered, the corresponding
time-point field is disabled on the window.

Program Receiver
Click this button to assign the time-point values to the connected Priority Detector.

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Setting Up Your EMTRAC System

This section outlines suitable methods for entering or modifying the various Systems Manager
parameters so EMTRAC performs just as you require. In most cases, you can move through the
topics in order to fully set up your system. Typically, new EMTRAC systems are set up in the
following order:

1. Add New Vehicles: This is simply the process of setting up the EMTRAC-equipped
vehicles in the EMTRAC software. This is where specific vehicle characteristics are
defined, such as how fast the vehicle must be traveling before a priority request will be
sent. At least one vehicle must be added before any new intersections or zones
may be added.

2. Add New Intersections: This is where you define the GPS location and communication
settings of the intersections equipped with EMTRAC Priority Detector units. In most
cases, this step is completed using the integrated street map and hotkeys as described
in the Creating New Intersections topic. After an intersection is defined, detection zones
that will trigger signal priority requests for that intersection may be created.

3. Add New Zones: These are the GPS-defined rectangular detection zones that sense
vehicle presence and trigger priority requests to the associated intersections. When a
vehicle enters a zone while meeting the predefined conditions for that zone (such as
travelling above a set speed and within a set heading amount), the onboard Vehicle
Computer Unit (VCU) automatically transmits a signal to the Priority Detector in the
control cabinet.

After initial setup is complete, it is always possible to edit existing vehicles, intersections, and
zones (as well as add new ones).

This section contains the following topics:

• Vehicle Setup
• Intersection Setup
• Zone Setup

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Vehicle Setup
Each EMTRAC-equipped vehicle must be listed in the Vehicles tab in Systems Manager.
For each listed vehicle, you must also designate which zones will be active for
requesting priority control. You can also print a report of the zones (and other settings)
applied to the equipped vehicles.

Vehicle Window Field Definitions

Open the following window by selecting the Vehicles tab in Systems Manager, and then
clicking the Add a Vehicle (or Edit this Vehicle) button.

Vehicle ID
This is a unique number automatically assigned by Systems Manager for identification
purposes. It is possible to assign your own ID number as long as that number is not
already assigned to another vehicle.

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Agency
This is the name of the city agency that owns the vehicle (for example, Metropolis Fire).

Class
This is the type of vehicle being defined (for example, Bus, Ladder Truck, Rescue, and
so on).

Unit #
This is the ID number assigned to the vehicle by the city or agency and is also used for
identification purposes. This field accepts both alpha and numeric entries.

Priority
This is the priority level that the vehicle has over other vehicles with priority control
capabilities (1 being the highest, 5 being the lowest). This is not the same as the priority
control levels assigned to emergency vehicles (1) and transit vehicles (2).

Transmission Length
This feature is not used in the current version of Systems Manager.

No Motion Min Velocity

This is the vehicle speed at which the priority control unit will shutdown after the No
Motion Shutdown Interval is reached. For example, if the vehicle speed drops to one
mile-per-hour for five seconds, the priority control unit will time out and stop transmitting.

No Motion Shutdown Interval

This is the time at which the priority control unit will shutdown if the vehicle is at or below
the No Motion Min Velocity. For example, if the vehicle speed drops to one mile-per-hour
for five seconds, the priority control unit will time out and stop transmitting.

Zone Audible Indicator

If this check box is selected, the EMTRAC Vehicle Computer Unit will beep to notify you
when the vehicle is in a detection zone.

Random Delay Between Transmissions

When this check box is selected, the EMTRAC Vehicle Computer Unit places a slight
delay between transmissions, which keeps the FHSS transmissions from colliding with
transmissions from other vehicles.

Transmitted Data Type

These options designate the type of transmitter used in the vehicle. In nearly all
configurations of the EMTRAC system, FHSS should be selected (Frequency-Hopping
Spread Spectrum).

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Communication Type
Select the type of connection to be used for data transfer between a laptop and the
Vehicle Computer Unit.

Vehicle Computer Unit IP Address

Enter the IP address to be used for the Vehicle Computer Unit when connected to a
laptop through an Ethernet connection.

Auto Start
The Auto Start feature enables vehicles to automatically transmit priority requests for an
intersection as soon as an emergency run begins (which is typically initiated by powering
the light bar). This feature is particularly helpful when a fire station is located near an
intersection, and it is necessary to request priority for that intersection for a majority of
runs. To enable this feature, select the Allow Auto Start check box, designate the ID
number for the affected intersection and the direction traveled through the intersection,
and enter the desired duration of the transmitted request. In some cases, it may be
desirable to automatically request priority through two intersections, which can be done
by completing both Intersection fields. This feature is often preferred over the method
described in the Alternate Heading Variances topic.

Reset Time Out When Entering Active Mode

In cases where an emergency vehicle may be stopped (with the light bar off) long
enough to engage the No Motion Shut Down, this feature enables the vehicle to transmit
a priority request as soon as the light bar is powered on again. This feature is particularly
helpful when the vehicle is unable to move directly after turning on the light bar.

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Adding or Editing Vehicles

The steps for adding a new vehicle to Systems Manager and editing an existing vehicle
are very similar, and the following procedure describes how to do both of these options.

To Add or Edit Vehicles:

1. While viewing the Vehicles tab in Systems Manager, click the Add a Vehicle
button to display the Add a New Vehicle Window.

Or

Click to highlight the vehicle you want to edit on the Vehicles tab and then click
the Edit this Vehicle button to display the Edit this Vehicle window.

2. Enter as many of the optional settings as possible (such as Agency, Class, and
Unit), and change any of the default settings in the required fields if necessary
(such as the Priority, Transmission Length, and so on).

Refer to the Vehicle Window Field Definitions topic for more information about
the various settings on this window.

3. Click OK to save your settings.

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Adding Zones to Vehicles

As you implement the EMTRAC system throughout your city, you will likely have a
number of equipped intersections to set up. For each intersection, it is likely that you will
also have multiple detection zones. If needed, Systems Manager enables you to create
specific zones to be used by specific vehicles. For example, if ladder trucks need to
request priority control earlier (or for a longer period of time) than other vehicles, you can
easily create a unique zone to be used by only ladder trucks.

Every time you add a new zone (or update an existing one), you must complete this
procedure so the changes are reflected for each applicable vehicle.

To Add Zones to Vehicles:

1. While viewing the Vehicles tab, right-click the vehicle to which you want to add
zones, and select Add a Zone to this Vehicle.

The Please Choose a Zone window appears.

2. Select all of the zones you want to be used by the selected vehicle.

To select multiple zones, press either the Shift or Ctrl keys while selecting the
additional zones.

3. Click OK to add the zones to the vehicle.

You can now click the plus sign on the selected vehicle row to display the active
zones for the vehicle.

4. Program the Vehicle Computer Unit with your changes. Refer to the
Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit topic for more information.

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Deleting Vehicles
If needed, you can easily remove vehicles from the EMTRAC system. In cases where
you may need to replace one vehicle with another, consider editing the existing vehicle
in Systems Manager so it matches the settings for the new vehicle.

To Delete Vehicles:

1. Click to highlight the appropriate option on the Vehicles tab, and then click the
Delete this Vehicle button.

Systems Manager displays the Confirm window to verify that you want to delete
the selected vehicle.

2. Click Yes to remove the vehicle, and all applied zones and time settings, from
the EMTRAC database.

Printing or Viewing Vehicle Reports

A vehicle report displays the settings for every vehicle in the EMTRAC database. Any
time intervals that have been applied to the vehicles are included in this report.

To Print or View Vehicle Reports:

1. Click the appropriate option on the Vehicles tab, and then select Vehicles > Print
Vehicle Report (or Preview Vehicle Report) from the menu bar.

Systems Manager displays the Confirm window to ask if you would like to include
zone detail on the report.

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If you click Yes on the Confirm window, a detailed version of the Vehicle
Configuration Report prints or displays. This report shows the way each
equipped vehicle handles priority control requests, as well the zones applied to
each equipped vehicle.

If you click No on the Confirm window, the Vehicle Configuration Report prints or
displays. This report shows basic information about how each equipped vehicle
handles priority control requests.

2. Click your desired option to send the report to the printer or display it in the
Report Preview window.

Refer to the Vehicle Window Field Definitions topic for more information about
the various settings that may be applied to equipped vehicles.

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Intersection Setup
After you have installed the EMTRAC equipment in at least one vehicle, you can set up
the intersections (and zones) either by using the integrated street map or by driving the
appropriate areas with the equipped vehicle. While it is recommended that you add all
equipped vehicles in the Systems Manager software before setting up intersections and
zones, it is not required.

At this point, the procedures for installing the intersection and vehicle hardware should
already be complete. These procedures are included in the EMTRAC Intersection
Installation manual and the EMTRAC Vehicle Installation manuals.

There are three methods for creating intersections in Systems Manager, two of which
are described in this section. The third method is described in the Creating New Zones
Using Bread Crumbs topic, later in the manual.

Intersection Window Field Definitions

Open the following window by selecting the Intersections tab in Systems Manager, and
then selecting Intersections and Zones > Create a New Intersection (or Edit the Current
Intersection) from the menu bar.

Intersection ID
This is a unique number automatically assigned by Systems Manager for identification
purposes.

Intersection Code
Enter the unique code your city has assigned to the intersection you are creating in
Systems Manager. This field will accept both alpha and numeric entries.

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Intersection Center / GPS Button

These fields display the precise GPS position numbers of the intersection. Systems
Manager automatically enters these numbers when you click the GPS button.

Local Communication Type

Select the type of connection to be used when connecting a laptop to the intersection
Priority Detector for data transfers—either Serial or Ethernet.

Priority Detector Local Address

The LOCAL Ethernet port on the intersection Priority Detector is used when connecting
with a laptop to transfer data. Enter the Local IP address of the Priority Detector to allow
the laptop to locate and communicate with it.

Priority Detector Network Address

The NTWRK port on the intersection Priority Detector is used to transfer data across a
network. Enter the IP address of the Priority Detector to allow other workstations on the
network to locate and communicate with it.

Creating New Intersections with the Map

The simplest method for creating intersections in Systems Manager is with the
integrated street/aerial map. An internet connection is required to view the integrated
map, so this procedure may best be completed at a permanent workstation.

To Create New Intersections with the Map:

1. While viewing the Intersections tab in Systems Manager, click the Street Map
button to display the integrated map (as shown).

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2. If necessary, click Location (at the bottom of the map), enter your city and state,
and click OK to automatically display your area.

It may be easier to pinpoint the actual intersection center by clicking Satellite to

display the aerial photo view.

3. Verify that the Intersection and Zone Creation Hotkeys check box is selected.

4. Zoom in as close as necessary, place your cursor directly over where you want
the center point, and press "i" to place the intersection center.

The Add a New Intersection window appears.

5. Complete as many of the empty fields as possible, and click OK to add the
intersection.

Creating New Intersections by Driving

In addition to using the street map, the Systems Manager software also enables you to
drive through the areas to create intersections (and zones) while the GPS feature tracks
your location. This approach may be helpful if the integrated map is not as precise for
particular locations, or if you would like to set these points while traveling at the same
speed that the equipped vehicles will travel in operation.

While crossing equipped intersections, you can click a GPS Position button to mark
intersection center points. Before departing, it is recommended that you have a basic
idea of which intersections you will be setting up. The following procedure describes how
to do this while driving an EMTRAC-equipped vehicle.

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While it is easy to create intersections as you drive, it is recommended that there be at

least two people in the vehicle while doing so. This way, one person can enter the
parameters in Systems Manager with a laptop computer while the other person drives
the vehicle.

To Create New Intersections by Driving:

1. Before departing, connect the laptop computer with Systems Manager to the
EMTRAC Vehicle Computer Unit.

2. Start Systems Manager and select the Intersections tab.

3. As you begin driving, click the Start GPS button to verify that EMTRAC can
locate the vehicle and track it on the map.

4. Select Intersections and Zones > Create a New Intersection from the menu bar to
display the Add a New Intersection window.

5. If necessary, enter the appropriate code in the Intersection Code field.

6. As you cross through the center of the EMTRAC-equipped intersection, click the
GPS button to enter the precise location of the intersection center point.

7. Click OK to accept and save the Intersection Center.

If necessary, you can drive through the intersection and click the GPS button
multiple times to get an accurate center point. For more information about
editing, deleting, and viewing intersection information, refer to the subsequent
topics in this manual.

8. If you know the connection details for the Priority Detector at the new
intersection, select the appropriate Local Communication Type and enter the
Local and Network IP addresses for the detector.

9. Repeat steps 4 – 8 for each EMTRAC-equipped intersection.

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Editing Intersections
Follow this procedure to change the settings for intersections that have already been set
up in Systems Manager.

To Edit Intersections:

1. Click to highlight the appropriate option on the Intersections tab and then select
Intersections and Zones > Edit the Current Intersection from the menu bar to
display the Edit this Intersection window.

2. Change the settings as required then click OK to save your changes.

You can also delete an intersection by highlighting it on the Intersections tab and
selecting Intersections and Zones > Delete the Current Intersection from the
menu bar.

Printing or Viewing Intersection Reports

An intersection report displays the ID number, Code, and precise location settings for
every intersection in the EMTRAC database.

To Print or View Intersection Reports:

1. While in Systems Manager, click the Connect button to communicate with the
intersection Priority Detector through the network (or directly with a laptop
through the LOCAL port).

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2. Select Intersections and Zones > Print an Intersection Report (or Preview an
Intersection Report) from the menu bar.

Systems Manager cycles through each intersection, and displays the Confirm
window to ask if you would like to print a detailed intersection report.

If you click Yes on the Confirm window, the Intersection Detail Report prints or
displays. This report shows specific zone information, such as the starting and
finish points, width, and heading variance for each zone in the system.

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If you click No on the Confirm window, the Intersection Summary Report prints or
displays. This report shows the exact position of each intersection in the system.

3. Click your desired option to send the report to the printer or display it in the
Report Preview window.

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Zone Setup
EMTRAC detection zones are GPS-defined rectangular regions that are defined so that
EMTRAC-equipped vehicles recognize when they are in the zone and can respond
accordingly (for example, by transmitting priority requests to the controller cabinet).

There will likely be multiple zones for each equipped intersection, enough to cover each
approach. The EMTRAC system allows a great deal of flexibility for the way zones are
created and configured. There are multiple methods for creating and editing zones, each
of which is described below. Each of these methods are also described in detail in the
corresponding topics later in this section:

• Creating Zones with the Map: This is the simplest method for creating zones,
and it can be done from a permanent workstation with an internet connection. It
involves locating relevant areas on the map and using hotkeys to create zones.
• Creating Zones Using Breadcrumbs: This method also uses the Systems
Manager map but can be done without an internet connection if necessary. A
previously-saved breadcrumb file must be available, from which key points can
be used to create actual zone start and end positions.
• Creating Zones by Driving: This is the most involved setup method, but may be
preferred in order to ensure GPS accuracy, particularly if the integrated maps are
not very accurate for your location.

After setting up the zones, you can later change (or “fine-tune”) these settings as
necessary. For information about the various approaches to setting up zones for
different types of intersections, refer to the Detection Zone Layout section.

Before setting up zones, be sure to set the proper system defaults as described in the
Default Systems Settings topic earlier in the manual. By entering the proper defaults,
you ensure that each new zone automatically uses the appropriate units of
measurement, time zones, and so on.

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Zone Window Field Definitions

The Add/Edit a Zone window in Systems Manager is where you can enter and review
the information about your zones, such as the zone starting point, end point, the required
vehicle heading, and other conditions that must be met for the vehicle to request priority
while in the zone. The Review tab on this window enables you to verify the zone settings
before saving the new zone (or editing an existing one).

Open this window by selecting the Intersections tab in Systems Manager and clicking
the Add a Zone (or Edit this Zone) button.

Zone #
This is a unique number automatically assigned by Systems Manager for identification
purposes.

Route Street
This is the name of the street along which the zone travels.

Crossing Street
This is the name of the street that intersects with the route street.

Intersection ID
This is a unique number automatically assigned by Systems Manager to identify the
EMTRAC-equipped intersections. Each intersection will likely have multiple zones
applied to it.

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Start (Lat & Lon)

These fields display the GPS position of the zone’s starting point by latitude and
longitude. To automatically enter these position numbers while driving, simply click the
GPS button to the right.

Finish (Lat & Lon)

These fields display the GPS position of the zone’s finish point by latitude and longitude.
To automatically enter these position numbers while driving, simply click the GPS button
to the right.

GPS Buttons
When connected to a VCU that is receiving an active GPS signal, EMTRAC is able to
locate your vehicle’s current position and these buttons become active. You can click
them to automatically enter your current position and directional heading.

Heading
Click the GPS button to enter your directional heading in this field. If you are traveling
directly north, your heading is 0°. If you are traveling directly south, your heading is 180°.

Heading Variance
This is the amount of degrees to the left and right of your heading that equipped vehicles
can travel and still transmit a priority control request. For example, if your Heading is
180° (directly south) and your Heading Variance is 30°, you will be able to travel
anywhere from 150° to 210° and still transmit a priority control request, as shown below.

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Heading Limits
This is the amount of heading variance shown in actual degrees. Systems Manager
automatically enters these numbers after you click the Heading GPS button and enter
the Heading Variance, but you can also manually enter these numbers if preferred. For
example, if you wanted 15° variance to the left (counter-clockwise) and 30° to the right
(clockwise), you would manually enter these numbers as shown below.

Directional Code
This is the direction that is sent to the priority control detector at the intersection, and it
should indicate the direction of travel through the intersection—not necessarily the
direction of travel within the zone.

Zone Width
This is the actual width of the detection zone. To increase or decrease this width,
change the amount in this field.

Zone Type
Zone types can be defined and assigned to each zone to make it easier to apply
different zone settings to different vehicles. Refer to the Creating and Managing Zone
Types topic for more information.

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Zone Setup Basics

There are certain considerations to keep in mind when creating zones. By creating
zones, we are also defining some of the conditions that must be met before the
equipped vehicle will request signal priority. These "conditions" are defined on the
Add/Edit Zone windows.

For example, let’s say we need to create a detection zone along Ellis Street heading
east toward an intersection with Laurel Street. At this point, the Ellis/Laurel intersection
has been defined in Systems Manager (as intersection 7). Our new zone should meet
the following requirements:

• We want the zone to start 1500 feet before the intersection and stop just a few
feet before the stop line.
• We want this zone to be 40-feet wide to cover the entire approach.
• We want to account for slight changes in heading (for example, if we need to pull
around a stopped car while approaching the intersection).
• We want to note the streets and other details so the zone is easy to identify in
Systems Manager.

We will be able to make changes to the zone after saving it, so we don't need to be
overly concerned with getting it perfect while creating it.

Figure 8 – Example of the Settings for Our New Zone

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The following graphic shows the Review tab of the Add a New Zone window, where we
can verify our settings before creating the new zone.

With the settings shown above, our zone will be configured like the one in the following
illustration.

Figure 9 – The Zone Resulting from the Previous Settings

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Creating Zones with the Map

The simplest method for creating zones in Systems Manager is with the integrated
street/aerial map. An internet connection is required to view the integrated map, so this
procedure may best be completed at a permanent workstation. Keep in mind, it is
necessary to create the intersections before their associated zones. Refer to the
Creating New Intersections with the Map procedure for more information.

To Create New Zones with the Map:

1. While viewing the Intersections tab in Systems Manager, click the Street Map
button to display the integrated map (as shown).

2. On the intersection list, click to highlight the intersection for which you will create
a new zone.

It may be easier to pinpoint the actual zone points by clicking Satellite to display
the aerial photo view.

3. Verify that the Intersection and Zone Creation Hotkeys check box is selected.

4. Zoom in as close as necessary, place your cursor directly over where you want
the zone to begin, and press "s" to set the zone start point.

5. Place your cursor directly over where you want the zone to end, and press "f" to
set the zone finish point.

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The Add a New Zone window appears, with the start and finish positions, as well
as default zone values (which are defined in the Setup Options window).

6. Enter the Route and Crossing street names, verify the other field entries, and
click Create Zone.

Systems Manager adds the new zone to the zone list (in the bottom panel) and
the map display.

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Creating New Zones Using Bread Crumbs

One method for creating intersections and zones is to drive the route where they will be
added while using the bread crumbs feature in Systems Manager. As with other
methods, this approach requires running Systems Manager on a laptop while driving the
route.

As you move along the route, Systems Manager enables you to keep a trail of your path
and mark key points along that path (such as zone start and end points or intersection
centers). You can then set up new intersections and zones based on the GPS
coordinates of your marked locations. One advantage to this method is that you will
know the GPS positions will be completely accurate, regardless of the integrated map
accuracy for your location.

While it is easy to record your path as you drive, it is recommended that at least two
people be in the vehicle while doing so. One person can start and stop the bread crumbs
feature with a laptop computer while the other person drives the vehicle.

To Create New Zones Using Bread Crumbs:

1. As you approach the area where the zones will be placed, click Start Bread
Crumbs on the map toolbar to begin recording your path.

The Zone Markers window appears with the bread crumb controller paused.

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2. Click Record to start dropping bread crumbs and to record your marked points.

3. While traveling the route, click the buttons on the Zone Markers window to place
the markers on the map.

4. Click Pause on the Zone Markers window, and then click the Bread Crumbs
button on the map toolbar.

5. When prompted, save the bread crumbs file so you can open it later at your
workstation.

6. Repeat Steps 1 – 5 for each set of zones to be added.

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7. At your workstation, open a saved bread crumbs file and zoom in as close as
necessary.

8. If necessary, place your cursor directly over the intersection center point and
press "i" to place the intersection. The Add a New Intersection window appears
where you can enter the remaining settings for this new intersection.

9. Place your cursor directly over your start point marker, and press "s" to set the
zone start point.

10. Place your cursor directly over your finish point marker, and press "f" to set the
zone finish point.

The Add a New Zone window appears, with the start and finish positions, as well
as default zone values (which are defined in the Setup Options window).

11. Enter the Route and Crossing street names, verify the other field entries, and
click Create Zone.

12. Systems Manager adds the new zone to the zone list (in the bottom panel) and
the map display.

Zone Editing Considerations

Systems Manager is flexible enough to allow any number of changes to zones after
they've been created. There are multiple ways to edit zone settings, and this topic
provides insight about when each method is most beneficial.

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Zone Edits with the Map: When in the default map mode, you can click and drag zone
start and end points to change a zone's length and direction. This approach is most
useful when making rough changes that you will fine tune later (using the other methods
discussed in this topic).

To click and drag zone start or end points, the map must be in the default display mode
(rather than the Aerial or Street Map mode). Also, be sure no other map tools are
selected from the toolbar.

Change Zone Length: With this tool, you can choose to increase or decrease a zone
from its start or end points. You can also enter the exact amount to change the length.
This approach is most helpful when the zone is properly placed, but the length is not
correct. Open the Change Zone Length window by right-clicking a zone in the list and
selecting Change the Length of this Zone. Refer to the Changing the Length of a Zone
topic for more information.

Edit this Zone Window: This approach enables you to edit zones using the same
settings that are applied when creating new zones. This approach is most helpful when
you know exact GPS coordinates and directional settings that you want to apply. This is
also the method used when changing zone widths. Click Edit this Zone on the toolbar to
open the Edit this Zone window.

Creating New Zones by Driving

It is helpful to have a basic idea for how your new zones will be configured before
departing. These settings may include approximate starting points, zone widths, heading
variances, and other settings. Please keep in mind that any of these settings can be
changed after the zone is saved, so it is not necessary to get them perfect when first
creating the zone. Keep in mind that new zones must be associated with intersections,
so it may be helpful to verify that all intersection centers are set before starting this
procedure.

While it is easy to create intersections and zones as you drive, it is recommended that at
least two people be in the vehicle while doing so. One person can enter the parameters
in Systems Manager with a laptop computer while the other person drives the vehicle.

To Create New Zones by Driving:

Click to highlight the intersection on the list in Systems Manager before starting
this procedure.

1. While viewing the Intersections tab, click to highlight the intersection with which
you want to associate the new zone.

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2. Before approaching the appropriate intersection, click the Add a Zone button to
open the Add a New Zone window.

Many of the buttons on the Add a New Zone window automatically retrieve
location and directional data and insert this data upon being clicked. This
functionality is noted by the GPS globe icon on the button.

3. When you reach the point where you want the zone to begin, click SET START
POINT to automatically enter the GPS coordinates for your current location and
display the Heading/Width tab.

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4. To automatically enter your current heading (and accept the default zone width
and directional code), click SET HEADING & WIDTH. The End Pt. tab displays.

5. When you reach the point where you want the zone to end, click SET END
POINT to automatically enter the GPS coordinates for your current location and
display the Int. Center tab.

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6. To accept the intersection you highlighted before opening the Add a New Zone
window, click Identification to display that tab.

Or

At the middle of the intersection, click SET INTERSECTION CENTER to define it

in the software.

7. Enter the route and cross street names, then click APPLY IDs to accept those
names and display the Review tab.

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8. Make any necessary edits to the zone in the Review tab, then click CREATE
ZONE to save the zone in Systems Manager. The new zone is added to the
intersection and displays in the zone list, as shown.

9. On the Vehicles tab, select a vehicle from the list, right-click the vehicle row, and
select Add a Zone to this Vehicle from the right-click menu.

The Please Choose a Zone window appears.

10. Select all of the zones you want to be used by the selected vehicle.

To select multiple zones, press either the Shift or Ctrl keys while selecting the
additional zones.

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11. Click OK to add the zones to the vehicle. You can now click the plus sign on the
selected vehicle row to display the active zones for the vehicle.

12. Program the Vehicle Computer Unit with your changes. Refer to the
Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit topic for more information.

If necessary, you can make changes to zones after they are set. For more
information about how to make these changes, refer to the Zone Editing topic.

Changing the Length of a Zone

If you are not satisfied with the length of a particular zone after you have created it, you
can make it longer or shorter by following these steps.

To Change the Length of a Zone:

1. On the Intersection tab, click to highlight the intersection associated with the
zone you want to change.

2. Right-click the zone you want to change on the Zone grid at the bottom of the
window, and then select Change the Length of this Zone.

The Change Zone Length window appears, as shown below.

3. Select the appropriate options on the Change Zone Length window and click OK.

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Applying Zone Edits to Vehicles

When editing zones, it is important to apply the latest changes to the zones to any
vehicles using those zones. If this is not done, any zone edits not applied to the vehicles
will not be programmed to the corresponding Vehicle Computer Units.

To Apply Zone Edits to Vehicles:

1. After editing the appropriate zones, select the Vehicles tab, right-click anywhere
in the open area, and select Add a Zone to this Vehicle from the right-click menu.

The Please Choose a Zone window appears.

2. Select all of the zones to be used by the selected vehicle.

To select multiple zones, press either the Shift or Ctrl keys while selecting the
additional zones. By selecting multiple zones, you ensure that the latest changes
to each of the selected zones are applied to the vehicle.

3. Click OK to add the zones to the vehicle.

You can now click the plus sign on the selected vehicle row to display the active
zones for the vehicle.

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4. Program the Vehicle Computer Unit with your changes. Refer to the
Programming the Vehicle Computer Unit topic for more information.

You can also delete a zone by highlighting the zone on the Intersections tab and
selecting Intersections and Zones > Delete the Current Zone from the Current
Intersection from the menu bar.

Creating Zone Time Intervals

For some vehicles, such as those used for transit, you may want to request priority
control only through certain intersections and at certain times of the day, such as when a
particular bus is behind the route schedule and needs to make up time. For situations
like these, you can add zone-time intervals, which allow priority control requests if they
are sent for the appropriate zones during designated times of the day.

Systems Manager can support up to 20 different time intervals for each vehicle and
zone.

To Create Zone Time Intervals:

1. On the Vehicles tab, click the plus sign in the Zones column for the vehicle you
would like to set the time interval.

Systems Manager displays the zones that are assigned to the selected vehicle. If
no zones are displayed, you must first assign zones as described in the Adding
Zones to Vehicles topic.

2. Right-click the zone for which you want to set up a time interval and select Add a
Time Interval for this Zone.

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The Add a New Time Interval window appears.

3. Enter the days and times for the time interval to be active and click OK to save
the new interval to the selected zone.

4. Repeat this procedure for each vehicle and zone that you want to set up zone
time intervals.

Editing Zone Time Intervals

Follow this procedure to change the settings for zones that have already been set up in
Systems Manager.

To Edit Zone Time Intervals:

1. On the Vehicles tab, click the plus sign in the Zones column for the vehicle you
would like to set the time interval.

2. Click the plus sign in the Valid Times column for the appropriate zone to display
the active time intervals.

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3. Right-click the time interval you want to change and select Edit this Time Interval.

The Edit This Time Interval window appears.

4. Make the necessary changes and click OK to save your changes.

You can also delete intervals by selecting Remove this Time Interval from the
right-click menu in Step 2.

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Printing or Viewing Zone Data

In addition to the zone data displayed at the bottom of the Intersections tab, Systems
Manager also enables you to retrieve the current zone data that is programmed on the
Vehicle Computer Units. You can also print or export this zone data for use at a later
time.

To Print or View Zone Data:

1. Select Vehicle > Retrieve Vehicle Computer Unit Zone Data from the menu bar to
display the Zone Data in Vehicle Computer Unit window.

2. Click Retrieve Zone Data to display the current zone information in the Vehicle
Computer Unit, as shown below.

From this window, you can also save the zone data file, retrieve saved zone
data, print the data, and export it as a Microsoft Excel file for later use.

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Creating and Managing Zone Types

Zone Types provide a way for you to organize zones into various groups, such as fire
response or police. You can then assign these zone types to vehicles, rather than
adjusting the individual settings for each vehicle.

To Create and Manage Zone Types:

1. Select Intersections and Zones > Manage Zone Types from the menu bar to
display the Manage Zone Types window.

2. Click Add to display the Add a Zone Type window.

3. Enter a name for the Zone Type and click OK.

4. Click OK to save your new zone type.

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Detection Zone Layout

Utilizing GPS technology, the EMTRAC system provides a high degree of control for
intersection priority control requests. The system performs much like a loop detector system,
where “virtual” loops can be customized for each class of vehicle. Every intersection in the
system has a unique digital address, and only the specific intersection called out in each
vehicle’s programmed approach zone receives the priority request. The rectangular detection
zones can be user-defined for each street approach to each equipped intersection. In addition,
multiple overlapping zones may be used to cover curves or irregular-shaped streets. Priority
requests can also be limited to specific time intervals per detection zone.

In order to transmit a priority control request, an EMTRAC-equipped vehicle must meet the
following criteria:

• Must be within the detection zone

• Must be traveling within the defined heading variance of the zone
• Must be in Active mode: For example, emergency vehicles must have their light bar
turned on, and transit vehicles must have the doors closed.
• Must be traveling over the defined velocity amount (as described in the Vehicle Setup
topic)
• If programmed for transit vehicles, must be within the time-of-day and number-of-riders
parameters

The figures in the following topics illustrate the various types of detection zones you may
consider setting up in your city. Zones primarily for emergency environments are discussed
early in this section while zones for transit environments are covered later in the section. For
information about setting up these zones in the EMTRAC software, refer to the Zone Setup
section of this manual.

The Detection Zone Layout section contains the following topics:

• Simple Detection Zones

• Curved Intersection Approach Streets
• Alternate Heading Variances
• L-Shaped Intersection Approaches
• Multiple Close-Proximity Intersections
• Intersections with Sharp Angles
• Timepoint Priority Zones
• Potential Zone Issues

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Simple Detection Zones

Figure 10 –Example of an Intersection Detection Zone

Figure 10 shows how a detection zone can be set up for an intersection that meets a
cross street at 90 degrees. This zone has been set up with a Heading Variance of 30
degrees, meaning the equipped vehicle must be traveling within plus or minus 30
degrees of the direction of the zone. The range of valid heading variance for this
example is a total of 60 degrees, which is typically enough to allow the equipped vehicle
to pull around parked vehicles and make other necessary moves without losing the
priority control request signal. If you were setting up this zone in the EMTRAC Systems
Manager software, you would enter the following zone parameters:

Route Street: Broadway

Crossing Street: Main St.
Heading Variance: 30°
Directional Code: E
Zone Width: 40

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Curved Intersection Approach Streets

Figure 11 – Detection Zones for a Curved Intersection Approach

Figure 11 illustrates the method for creating detection zones for an intersection approach
along a curved street. Because the zones are rectangular, it is necessary to set up
multiple zones that overlap each other to ensure that we can request priority control well
before the intersection. For approach streets with more pronounced curves, it is possible
to overlap additional zones to cover the entire approach. In the EMTRAC Systems
Manager software, it is easy to set up these zones with the following parameters:

Route Street: Elliston St.

Crossing Street: Orchard St.
Directional Code: S (South)

The only difference in the zone settings would be the Start and Finish position numbers
designating their precise latitude and longitude. It is not necessary to be concerned with
these position numbers, as EMTRAC automatically enters them during the setup
process. However, you can easily extend the length of these zones by following the
procedures in the Zone Setup section of this manual.

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Alternate Heading Variances

Figure 12 – Example of Possible Zone Heading Variances near a Fire Station

The fire station in Figure 12 is close enough to an intersection that it is necessary to

request priority control for that intersection within seconds of receiving a fire call.
However, if there is only one zone (like Zone 2) the fire truck would have to enter the
zone on the street for priority control to be requested. To ensure a green phase in
situations like these, one option is to create at least two detection zones for this
intersection approach. The first zone covers the entire fire station grounds and has a
Heading Variance of plus or minus 180 degrees. This way, an equipped vehicle can face
any direction and the priority control transmission will begin when the light bar is
powered. The parameters for the Zone 2 are similar to those for the simple zone
illustrated in Figure 10.

Zone 1 Zone 2
Route Street Market St. Market St.
Crossing Street Division St. Division St.
Heading Variance 180° 30°
Directional Code N (North) N (North)

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L-Shaped Intersection Approaches

Figure 13 – L-Shaped Pair of Detection Zones for the Same Intersection

It may be necessary to set up L-shaped (or dog-leg) approaches to intersections, like the
zones set up in Figure 13. This way, if a fire truck approaches Intersection 1 from the
south on Gulfstream Avenue, it can still transmit a priority control request early enough
to avoid a delay. For Intersection 1, there may also be many other zones set up to
request priority control from other directions. However, we show only the zones set up to
request priority control from the south on Gulfstream Avenue. Enter the following
parameters to set up these zones in the EMTRAC Systems Manager software:

Zone 1 Zone 2
Route Street Gulfstream Ave. Arlington
Crossing Street Arlington Saratoga
Heading Variance 45° 30°
Directional Code W (West) W (West)

Notice that the Heading Variance for Zone 1 is 45 degrees, which allows equipped
vehicles to turn without losing the request signal. The EMTRAC system is designed to
seamlessly handle dropping in and out of zones, so it is not required to set the Heading
Variance at 45 degrees in these scenarios. However, we show you this as an example of
the control you have over setting up these zones with Systems Manager.

It is also possible to set different variance angles to the left and right of center. For
example, we could set up the variance in this example as 45 degrees counter-clockwise
(which is actually 315°) and 15 degrees clockwise (which is 15°). Refer to the Zone
Setup section for more information about setting up these types of variances.

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Multiple Close-Proximity Intersections

Figure 14 – Detection Zones for Multiple Close-Proximity Intersections

In the example shown in Figure 14, the trucks leaving the fire station most often head
either North or East, so it’s important to request priority control for Intersections 1, 2, and
3 as soon as possible after leaving the station. This example illustrates two particular
scenarios that aren’t uncommon in many metro areas.

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If the fire trucks head north, it will be necessary to request priority control for both
Intersections 1 and 2 due to the proximity of the cross streets. Because Broadway and
Elliston Street are so close together, we should request priority control for Intersection 1
immediately after leaving the station and for Intersection 2 (Elliston Street) before
reaching Intersection 1 (Broadway). This will ensure green phases through both
intersections without delay.

If the trucks must head east, it is necessary to request priority control through both
Intersections 1 and 3 as soon as possible. The fire trucks enter the zone for Intersection
1 as soon as they leave the fire station, and enter the first zone for Intersection 3 before
reaching Intersection 1, which ensures green phases through both intersections without
delay. If you were setting up these zones in the EMTRAC Systems Manager software,
you would enter the following zone parameters:

Zone 1 (Int. 1) Zone 2 (Int. 2) Zone 3 (Int. 3) Zone 4 (Int. 3)

Route Street Wedgewood Wedgewood Wedgewood Broadway
Crossing Street Broadway Elliston St. Broadway Belmont
Heading Variance 30° 30° 30° 30°
Directional Code N (North) N (North) E (East) E (East)

Notice that the Directional Code for Zone 3 is east even though the actual direction
traveled in this zone is north. This code should be East to designate the direction of
travel through the requested intersection.

For intersection approaches with this many zones, it’s not required that each zone
number be in order. We have illustrated them in order because that is the order they
would likely be entered in EMTRAC Systems Manager. For more information about
setting up these zones, refer to the Zone Setup section of this manual.

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Intersections with Sharp Angles

Figure 15 – Sharp-Angled Intersection with Potential Signal Overlap

The intersection shown in Figure 15 illustrates the potential for signal overlaps that can
occur with sharp-angled intersections. In this example, it is remotely possible that an
EMTRAC-equipped vehicle traveling east on Ellis could transmit a request for Zone 1.
For this to happen, the vehicle would have to be in Zone 1 and be angled within the
heading variance for this zone. While this doesn’t happen frequently, you should be
aware of this potential and know how to avoid it. To avoid potential signal overlap for this
intersection, we could do any of the following things:

• Narrow the width for zone 1 (and zone 2 if desired)

• Narrow the heading variance for zone 1 (and zone 2 if desired)
• Move the finish point for zone 1 (and zone 2 if desired) farther back

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We can easily delete Zone 1 and recreate it to account for all of these changes. Figure
14 shows what Zones 1 and 2 might look like after making these changes.

Figure 16 – Sharp-Angled Intersection with Improved Zone Parameters

Notice the changes in zone width, heading variance, and the finish point for zone 1. It is
now even more difficult to cause any kind of signal overlap. Also, notice the change in
heading variance for Zone 2. Changing the heading variance is easy to do in the
Systems Manager software, so there is no need to recreate Zone 2. For more
information about changing zone parameters in EMTRAC Systems Manager, refer to the
Zone Setup section.

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Timepoint Priority Zones

The EMTRAC system offers flexibility in creating detection zones for transit
environments as well as emergency. The type of zone described in this topic better
enables transit vehicles (such as buses or light rail) to adhere to route schedules by
allowing them to request signal priority when behind schedule, which helps make up
time. However, there are times when requesting signal priority can place a vehicle ahead
of schedule and is simply not necessary. The EMTRAC system can be configured to
allow priority only if certain conditions are met, such as the amount of time behind
schedule, time of day, number of riders, and so forth.

As an example, the illustration in Figure 17 shows an eastbound map for a route with
eight stops (or timepoints). The schedule for one particular bus that travels this route is
shown in the table following the illustration.

Timepoints A B C D E F G H
st
1 Pass 5:30 5:35 5:40 5:48 5:53 5:58 6:08 6:13
2nd Pass 6:46 6:51 6:56 7:04 7:09 7:14 7:24 7:29
rd
3 Pass 8:02 8:07 8:12 8:20 8:25 8:30 8:40 8:45

Figure 17 – Bus Route Map Example with Morning Schedule for One Specific Bus

As is typical in metro areas, traffic increases significantly as the morning progresses and
then decreases as rush hour winds down. Past schedule data shows that this particular
bus has difficulty maintaining its schedule between 7:00 and 8:30 AM. The data also
shows that the bus most often lags behind schedule in the high-traffic areas between
Arlington and Ellis Streets. The goal for EMTRAC in this example is to request signal
priority for only the intersections between these streets and at this time of the morning—
and only if the bus is behind schedule.

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Figure 18 – Timepoint Priority Zones Created to Maintain Bus Route Schedules

The solution for this issue is to create zones with time intervals, so that if the bus
approaches an equipped intersection behind schedule, EMTRAC recognizes this and
requests signal priority. For the zones we will create in this example, we should consider
the following criteria:

• Signal priority should only be requested between 7:00 and 8:30 AM.
• Signal priority should only be requested for the Arlington, Laurel, Monmouth, Hwy
242, and Ellis intersections. There is no traffic signal at the Woodbine
intersection. While there are no bus stops at the Laurel, Woodbine, and Hwy 242
intersections, we can set up zones at those intersections to make up more time
in the schedule.
• Signal priority should only be requested if the bus is between two minutes and 30
minutes behind schedule.
• The time interval settings for these zones should be applied only to the bus (or
buses) that travel the schedule shown in Figure 17.

The timepoints that will be affected by the new zones are in bold in Figure 17. Notice
that the times in bold are for the targeted intersections and time frame. The process of
creating the timepoint priority zones consists of four steps in the EMTRAC Systems
Manager software:

1. Create the five new intersections, one each for Arlington, Laurel, Monmouth, Hwy
242, and Ellis intersections. Refer to the Creating New Intersections topic for
more information.
2. Create five new zones for these intersections (as described in the Creating New
Zones topic).
3. Associate time intervals for the new zones (as described in the Creating Zone
Time Intervals topic).
4. Apply the new zones to the appropriate vehicle (or vehicles if more than one bus
may drive that route) as described in the Adding Zones to Vehicles topic.

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To help identify the time intervals for each zone, it may be helpful to list the times the
bus should be at each intersection (or timepoint) as shown below:

Zone 1 2 3 4 5
Time 7:04 AM 7:07 AM* 7:09 AM 7:11 AM* 7:14 AM

*Because there are no established timepoints for zones 2 and 4, these times are based on the
estimated time the bus should be at these intersections.

Based on the times shown in the previous table, the zone time intervals should be set up
as shown in the following table:

Time Interval
Zone Start Stop Route St. Cross St. Intersection Dir.
1 7:06.01 AM 7:34.01 AM Calder Arlington 1 E

2 7:09.01 AM 7:37.01 AM Calder Laurel 2 E

3 7:11.01 AM 7:39.01 AM Calder Monmouth 3 E

4 7:13.01 AM 7:41.01 AM Calder Hwy 242 4 E

5 7:16.01 AM 7:44.01 AM Calder Ellis 5 E

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Potential Zone Issues

While uncommon, there are other possible issues that can arise from the way a
particular zone has been set up. The majority of these issues have to do with the way a
street or intersection runs, and they can be easily corrected by replacing existing zones
or simply changing the zone parameters.

Figure 19 – Example of an Intersection Approach with a Slight Curve

The approach street in Figure 19 may not look curved to someone driving down the
street setting up zones. However, when viewed from above, it is obvious how much this
slight curve can affect your zone. If the zone is not corrected, equipped vehicles will
enter the zone from the east, likely drop out of the zone, and then reenter it as they get
closer to the intersection.

We have two options for resolving this issue:

• Create multiple zones to cover the entire approach

• Widen the current zone so it covers the entire approach

In some cases, widening the zone may interfere with other zones on other streets, so it
may be better to create multiple zones, as shown in Figure 20.

Figure 20 – Multiple Zones for a Slightly-Curved Intersection Approach

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Glossary of Terms
Advance Encryption Standard (AES)
In cryptography, the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is a block cipher adopted as an
encryption standard by the U.S. government. It has been analyzed extensively and is now used
widely worldwide. AES was announced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology
(NIST) in November of 2001 after a 5-year standardization process. It became effective as a
standard on May 26, 2002.

Conflict Monitor Unit (CMU)

A small computer located in intersection traffic cabinets that checks traffic-light sequences to
ensure continuous safe operation.

dB
Decibel. A unit for expressing the ratio of the magnitudes of two electric voltages or currents or
analogous acoustic quantities equal to 20 times the logarithm of the voltage or current ratio.

EEPROM Memory
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory is a non-volatile storage chip used in
computers and other devices to store small amounts of volatile (configuration) data. This is the
type of memory used in the EMTRAC vehicle computer unit.

FHSS
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum. This is the type of radio signal used by the EMTRAC
system, and it provides a maximum range in excess of 3,000 feet. It is also not hindered by line-
of-site limitations, such as trees or buildings. FHSS works by transmitting radio signals by
rapidly switching a carrier among many frequency channels, using a pseudorandom sequence
known to both the transmitter and receiver. For more information about this signal, refer to the
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum Radio topic.

GPS
Global Positioning System. This is a technology that uses satellites to determine precise
locations on Earth. The EMTRAC system uses GPS technology to plot the streets, intersections,
and zones used in the system. For more information about how the GPS system is used in
EMTRAC, refer to the System Components topic.

NEMA
National Electrical Manufacturers Association. NEMA provides a forum for the standardization of
electrical equipment by developing technical standards as well as serving as an agency to
gather, compile, and analyze market statistics and economic data.

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Queue Jump
A queue jump allows buses to call for an early green phase that starts a few seconds ahead of
the normal green phase. This exclusive early green phase enables buses to proceed into the
intersection and merge back into a mixed-flow traffic lane in front of regular traffic, as shown in
the illustration.

UTC – Coordinated Universal Time

Coordinated Universal Time (abbreviated UTC) is the international time standard, and is the
current term for what was commonly referred to as Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT). Zero (0)
hours UTC is midnight in Greenwich England, which lies on the zero longitudinal meridian.
Universal time is based on a 24-hour clock. Therefore, afternoon hours such as 4 pm UTC are
expressed as 16:00 UTC (sixteen hours, zero minutes).

Since a day is 24 hours long, the world may be split into 15 degree wide longitudinal bands (360
degrees/24 hours). Each band represents one hour. For example, Huntsville Alabama is located
at approximately 90 degrees west longitude, and local time lags UTC time by 6 hours.

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Index
A Combo GPS/UHF Antenna, 7
Communication
About displaying priority detector rates, 38
EMTRAC, 2 Components
EMTRAC Systems Manager, 9 hardware, 25
FHSS, 3 intersection, 6
vehicle computer unit, 29 system, 6
zone setup, 70 vehicle, 7
Add a New Intersection window field definitions, 59 Components, system, 6
Add a New Vehicle window field definitions, 52 Computer
Adding programming the vehicle unit, 30
intersections & zones with bread crumbs, 74 vehicle unit, 29
new intersections by driving, 61 vehicle unit description, 7
new intersections with map, 60 Connecting to a priority detector, 36
vehicles, 55 Connecting to the VCU, 29
zone time intervals, 84 Contact EMTRAC, iv
zone types, 88 Creating
zones, 77 intersections & zones with bread crumbs, 74
zones to vehicles, 56 new intersections by driving, 61
zones with the map, 72 new intersections with map, 60
Alternate heading variances, 92 vehicles, 55
Antenna zone time intervals, 84
omni-directional intersection, 6 zone types, 88
vehicle antenna description, 7 zones, 77
Authorized vehicles, EMTRAC, 4 zones for vehicles, 56
zones with the map, 72
B Curved intersection approach streets, 91

Backplane, reassigning output pins, 41

D
Basic EMTRAC information, 1
Baud rates Data
displaying priority detector, 38 intersection, 63
Bread crumbs mode, 18 vehicle, 57
Bread crumbs, creating intersections & zones with, 74 zone, 87
Buttons, toolbar, 14 Database, Systems Manager, 19
Date, setting in priority detector, 40
C Daylight savings time ranges, setting, 22
Defaults
Cautions, safety, iv restoring priority detector, 37
Changing restoring VCU, 31
applying zone edits to vehicles, 83 system settings, 20
firmware through Ethernet, 28 Defnitions of terms, 103
intersection data, 63 Deleting vehicles, 57
vehicle data, 55 Detection zone layout, 89
zone considerations, 76 Detector, priority
zone length, 82 connecting to, 36
zone time intervals, 85 description, 6
Close-proximity intersections, 94 displaying communication rates, 38

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monitoring current status, 47 Figures

network functionality, 43 EMTRAC system overview, 2
reassigning output pins, 41 Ethernet test data diagram, 43
restoring defaults, 37 example of fixed-zone ETA reporting, 48
retrieving the log report, 39 example of variable time-point ETA reporting, 48
setting date and time, 40 firmware upgrade cable, 26
Device log, retrieving the vehicle, 32 priority detector test transmission, 44
Displaying priority detector communication rates, 38 rack-mount priority detector backplane
Dog-leg intersection approaches, 93 connections, 41
File types in Systems Mananer, 11
E Firmware, updating, 26
Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum
Edit this Intersection window field definitions, 59 about, 3
Edit this Vehicle window field definitions, 52 FHSS Receiver Config window, 34
Editing Functionality, Ethernet, 5
applying zone edits to vehicles, 83 Functionality, priority detector network, 43
intersections, 63
vehicles, 55 G
zone time intervals, 85
EMTRAC Glossary of terms, 103
about, 2 GPS/UHF antenna, 7
delete streets on map, 17
hardware interface, 25 H
introduction, 1
security, 4 Hardware
setting up your system, 51 EMTRAC system, 6
system components, 6 interface, 25
Systems Manager database, 19 intersection, 6
Systems Manager default settings, 20 vehicle, 7
Systems Manager interface, 13 Head, remote control head, 7
Systems Manager introduction, 9 Heading variances, alternate, 92
Systems Manager set-up process, 10 History, priority control, 5
Systems Manager, installing/updating, 12
EMTRAC, streets on the map, 16 I
Ethernet
connecting to a priority detector, 36 Illustrations
connecting to the VCU, 29 alternate heading variances, 92
functionality, 5 bus route map, 98
monitoring priority detector status, 47 bus route map detail, 99
priority detector network functionality, 43 curved intersection approach zone, 91
updating firmware through, 28 EMTRAC system overview, 2
Ethernet test data diagram, 43
example of fixed-zone ETA reporting, 48
F
example of variable time-point ETA reporting, 48
FHSS firmware upgrade cable, 26
about, 3 intersection approach with slight curve, 101
FHSS Receiver Config window, 34 L-shaped intersection approach, 93
Field definitions multiple close-proximity intersection zones, 94
FHSS Receiver Config, 34 priority detector test transmission, 44
Intersection window, 59 rack-mount priority detector backplane
Setup Options window, 20 connections, 41
Vehicle window, 52 sharp-angled intersection solution, 97
Zone window, 67 sharp-angled intersections, 96
simple detection zone layout, 90

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solution, intersection approach with slight curve, hardware interface, 25

101 intersection, 6
zone setup, 70 system hardware, 6
zone setup results, 71 vehicle, 7
Initiation, priority control, 4 Menu bar, Systems Manager, 13
Installing Systems Manager, 12 Monitoring priority detector status, 47
Interface, EMTRAC hardware, 25 Multi-directional antenna, 6
Interface, priority detector, 6 Multiple close-proximity intersections, 94
Interface, Systems Manager, 13
Intersection N
alternate heading variances, 92
antenna, 6 Network
close-proximity intersections, 94 connecting to a priority detector, 36
components, 6 functionality, 5
connecting to a priority detector, 36 monitoring priority detector status, 47
creating new by driving, 61 priority detector functionality, 43
creating new intersections with map, 60
creating with bread crumbs, 74 O
curved approach zone, 91
editing an, 63 Omni-Directional Antenna, 6
field definitions, 59 Optional remote control head, 7
L-shaped approaches, 93 Output pins, reassigning on the priority detector, 41
potential zone issues, 101 Overview, EMTRAC, 2
reports, 63
setup, 59 P
sharp-angled, 96
simple zone layout, 90 Path replay mode, 18
Intervals, creating zone time, 84 Path replay, creating intersections & zones with, 74
Introduction Phone numbers, EMTRAC, iv
EMTRAC, 1 Potential zone issues, 101
EMTRAC Systems Manager, 9 Printing
FHSS, 3 intersection reports, 63
Issues, potential zone, 101 vehicle reports, 57
zone data, 87
Priority control
L history, 5
Layout, detection zone, 89 initiation and termination, 4
Length, changing zone, 82 remote testing, 45
Levels of priority for vehicles, 4 Priority detector
Logging and reports, 5 about, 34
L-shaped intersection approaches, 93 connecting to, 36
description, 6
displaying communication rates, 38
M
monitoring current status, 47
Managing zone types, 88 network functionality, 43
Map reassigning output pins, 41
bus route, 98 remote priority control requests, 45
bus route map detail, 99 restoring defaults, 37
creating zones with, 72 retrieving the log report, 39
deleting streets, 17 setting date and time, 40
drawing streets, 16 updating firmware through Ethernet, 28
tools, 14 Priority levels, vehicle, 4
zone editing considerations, 76
Material

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Priority requests, sending test transmissions from Simple detection zones, 90

Vehicle Computer Unit, 33 Streets
Programming the vehicle computer unit, 30 deleting from map, 17
drawing on the map, 16
R Support, technical, iv
System components, 6
Ranges, daylight savings time, 22 System overview, EMTRAC, 2
Rates Systems Manager
displaying priority detector communication, 38 database, 19
Reassigning receiver output pins, 41 default settings, 20
Remote control head file types used by, 11
description, 7 installing/updating, 12
Remotely testing priority control requests, 45 interface, 13
Removing vehicles, 57 introduction, 9
Replay mode, path, 18 setting up, 51
Report, priority control history, 5 set-up process, 10
Reports Systems Manager Toolbars
about, 5 toolbars, 14
EMTRAC, 5
intersection, 63 T
printing or viewing vehicle, 57
retrieving the priority detector, 39 Technical support, iv
retrieving the vehicle device log, 32 termination, priority control, 4
zone data, 87 Terms, definitions, 103
Restoring Test transmissions, sending from Vehicle Computer
priority detector defaults, 37 Unit, 33
VCU defaults, 31 Tests
Retrieving remote priority control requests, 45
priority detector log, 39 sending transmissions from Vehicle Computer Unit,
vehicle device log, 32 33
Roads Time
deleting from map, 17 creating zone time intervals, 84
drawing on the map, 16 editing zone time intervals, 85
setting daylight savings ranges, 22
S setting in priority detector, 40
timepoint zones for transit, 98
Safety information, iv Timepoint, zones for transit, 98
Security, 4 Toolbar, Systems Manager, 13
Sending test transmissions from Vehicle Computer Toolbars, Systems Manager, 14
Unit, 33 Tools, map, 14
Setting the priority detector date and time, 40 Transit, timepoint zones for, 98
Setting up your EMTRAC system, 51 Transmission requirements, 89
Settings, default, 20 Transmissions from Vehicle Computer Unit, sending
Setup test, 33
intersection, 59 Types, creating zone, 88
options, 20
Systems Manager setup process, 10 U
vehicle, 52
zone, 66 UHF/GPS antenna, 7
zone setup basics, 70 Unit
Setup Options window field definitions, 20 programming the vehicle computer, 30
Sharp-angled intersection zones, 96 vehicle computer, 29
Showing priority detector status, 47 Updating firmware in the vehicle computer unit, 26

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Updating Firmware through an Ethernet connection, vehicle reports, 57

28 zone data, 87
Updating Systems Manager, 12
W
V
Warnings, safety, iv
Vehicle
adding or editing vehicles, 55 Z
adding zones to, 56
applying zone edits to, 83 Zone
components, 7 adding a new, 77
connecting to the VCU, 29 adding to vehicles, 56
deleting, 57 alternate heading variances, 92
EMTRAC power cable, 7 applying edits to vehicles, 83
field definitions, 52 changing zone length, 82
printing or viewing reports, 57 close-proximity intersections, 94
priority levels, 4 creating time intervals, 84
restoring VCU defaults, 31 creating types, 88
retrieving the device log, 32 creating with bread crumbs, 74
setup, 52 creating with the map, 72
updating firmware in the computer unit, 26 curved approach streen layout, 91
Vehicle computer unit editing considerations, 76
about, 29 editing time intervals, 85
applying zone edits to, 83 layout, 89
connecting to, 29 L-shaped intersection approaches, 93
description, 7 potential issues, 101
power cable, 7 printing or viewing data, 87
programming, 30 setup, 66
restoring defaults, 31 setup basics, 70
updating firmware, 26 sharp-angled intersections, 96
updating firmware through Ethernet, 28 simple layout, 90
Vehicle Power Cable, 7 timepoint zones for transit, 98
Viewing transmission requirements, 89
intersection reports, 63 window field definitions, 67

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