Information Station Specialists is the best known source of travelers information stations, highway advisory radio, advisory signs and services needed to reach motorists with public service information. Learn more about Information Station Specialists.
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Flashing ALERT Sign System

AEL/SEL FEMA Grant Category 03OE-03-SIGN		 Flashing ALERT Sign
The potential for flooding is a common hazard near shorelines and rivers. Shoreline community Long Branch NJ uses several Flashing ALERT Signs (like the one pictured below) to alert motorists to the danger, as they approach low areas that are prone to rising water. Beacons are triggered via UHF/VHF.
Solar panel and electronics are behind the sign panel. Traffic sees the sign panel with embedded LED Beacons.

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Wireless ● Remote Controlled ● Solar Powered for Streets & Road with Speed Limits below 60 MPH 
Ultra-visible from more than 1000 feet – even in daytime – Flashing ALERT Signs grab attention with their bright embedded flashing LED beacons. Communities, military bases and industries often use the signs in conjunction with Information Radio Stations to announce urgent message broadcasts. But the signs may also be used independently, e.g., to announce detour routes and emergency actions when beacons activate.

Flashing ALERT Sign Systems may be custom designed for each application with varying power and control methods, sign text, colors and mounting styles and may be installed apart from electrical power services, which keeps installation costs low. 

System operators trigger beacons to flash via one of a number of wireless control methods, e.g. UHF, VHF, paging, SMS/cellular, wireless modem. Bright, amber LEDs command immediate attention when activated. When beacons are off, colored panels display 24/7. 

Flashing ALERT Signs store enough flash-power to run 4 to 10 days even with no sun. With as little as 1.5 average sun hours per day, each sign's backup battery system remains fully charged around the clock. 

Within each sign location, up to four Flashing ALERT Signs may be connected to and controlled by a single Remote Control Power Unit via wire line. For example, two Flashing ALERT Signs could be placed on a busy thoroughfare, one facing each traffic direction; another pair could be placed on two busy streets that intersect that thoroughfare.

Flash patterns and sign colors comply with the Department of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (2004, Regulation 2A.08). (Check with street department and highway authorities to coordinate compliance with local/state regulations governing signs in your area.)
Technical Specifications*
Sign Panel Remote Control & Power Unit Cabinet
Face
  • Typical size: 44” high by 24” wide, customizable (price relates to size).
  • Composition: natural aluminum, standard 1/16” gauge reflective black/ yellow/blue, high intensity prismatic sheeting; customizable black/white, 2” and 3” high lettering.
  • Mount: universal L-bracket for banding, bolting to existing poles or posts.
Sign Electrical
  • LED beacons: 2, amber, weatherproof LED beacons; 41 diodes each; 4.25” diameter embedded reflectors.
  • Current draw: 100 milliamps.
  • Flash controller: 8A, 50/60 fpm, waterproof.
  • Duty cycle: 50% flash.
  • Operation time: 2-4 day flash via solar power without sunlight.


Emergency Use in Avalon, NJ
  • Size: 20” high x 16" wide x 10" deep.
  • Construction: NEMA4X, natural aluminum, single-hinge door, hasp-lock-in closure; weatherproof external antenna connector, wiring, ports.
  • Mounts: external tabs for universal mounting to existing poles or posts.
Electrical
  • Solar panel: typical 40-watt, 2.40-amp at 12-volt DC, 38.38"x12.13".
  • Solar panel mount: side-of-pole, band or bolt-on.
  • Solar controller: 6-amp current capacity, LED charge indications.
  • Low voltage disconnect circuitry.
  • Battery: 55AH, AGM, sealed type.
Controller
  • Capacity: up to 4 flashing signs.
  • Control wiring: #14 AWG, each a maximum of 1000 feet from the controller.
  • Receive frequencies/ranges: 33-50 MHz (VHF low), 150-170 MHz (VHF high) and 450-470 MHz (UHF).
  • Control codes: up to 6 simultaneous codes.
  • Code formats: DTMF (up to 12 digits); 2-tone sequential, single-tone 0.3-3.0 kHz.
  • Programming output: SPDT relay with programmable timer; laptop programming via RS232 port and Windows-based software.
  • Indicators: “ALERT received” LED indicator.
  • Speaker: 4” integral.
  • Test diagnostics: built in with LED indicators.
  • External antenna: 50-ohm BNC connector.
Custom Versions
Customized Flashing ALERT Signs may retrofit existing warning/evacuation signs to notify drivers when an event is imminent.

Applications include weather emergencies and evacuations. Evacuation signs without flashers tend to blend into local environments, especially for residents and regular commuters, but get noticed with flashers activate during crises. 		For McGuire AFB, two opposite-facing Flashing ALERT Signs have a custom military-gray/brown background with white lettering and feature optional beacon sun visors. 
 
Control Methods 
Method 3rd-Party Carrier Requires Existing Infrastructure Controls Signs in Subgroups Controls Signs via Web GUI Status Feedback Is Provided Added Hardware Costs
UHF/VHF
Using DTMF 2-Tone		 No Yes, requires UHF/VHF coverage at sign locations on available frequency. Yes No No No
Commercial Paging Yes, flat monthly. No Yes With additional software. No No
Cellular SMS Yes, per location. No Yes Yes Yes No
Network
LAN or Wireless		 Yes, only if 3rd-Party LAN or wireless provider is used. Yes, network must be accessible
at all sign locations.		 Yes Yes Yes Yes, if wireless.
Cellular DTMF Yes, per location. No No No No Yes
Quote 
Email Bill Baker for a formal quote based on your application. An illustrated instruction manual comes with the product. We offer technical support for the life of the product 24/7.  

 Sole Source. We frequently are the only source for the products and services we offer and can send you support letters to affirm that for your purchasing documentation.

Competitive Process. If you must seek competitive bids or quotes, we can supply specifications (in text form) so you can easily integrate them into bid documents.

Purchases by governmental entities can be made by purchase order, agency order on letterhead, VISA/MC (up to $3,500) or simply by signing and returning our quote sheets. Standard terms are Net 30 days.

*These specifications are subject to change without notice.
 
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PO Box 51, Zeeland, Michigan, USA, 49464-0051, Phone 616.772.2300, Fax 616.772.2966, Email Form
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Information Radio Station is a generic term synonymous with Travelers Information Station (TIS), Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) / Highway Information Systems & Low Power Radio Stations (LPR). Operation of the stations is governed by FCC Part 90.242 Rules. A FCC license is required. Information Radio Stations may be fixed or portable. Subcomponents may include transmitter, antenna and ground system, digital voice player, wattmeter, cabinet with conventional or Corbin locks, lightning arrestors for RF, power and telephone lines, coaxial cable. Most stations employ black maximized antennas to discourage ice accumulation and security measures to prevent unauthorized program access. Options include synchronization, battery backup, solar power, remote programming by local, network or telco, multi-station audio distribution via RF or LAN / WAN or wireless network.

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