Step 1 - Build the Controller Base Data  

Follow the steps below to create a controller data file for the coordination examples in this TecNote.  This will insure that the basic timings in your controller do not violate any coordination constraints (min-time violations etc).  The examples will discuss the many pitfalls to coordination and will instruct you how to use the diagnostic tools in the Naztec controller to identify coordination problems before you put your timing pattern on the street.. 

The notation "MM" below refers to the "Main Menu" on the Naztec controller.  For example, (MM->1->7) implies returning to the Main Menu and pressing the "1" key followed by the "7" key.  Remember, you can always return to the Main Menu from any screen by repeatedly hitting the "Esc" (Escape) key.

When you are completing finished with these steps, please return to the coordination example.

Building a Standard Controller File

1)    Initialize the controller data base - performing this operation copies a base data set into the controller for     8-phase operation

a) Turn the "Run Timer" OFF (MM->1->7)

b) Reinitialize the controller data (MM->8->4->1) - initialize for a STD-8phase controller

c) Turn the "Run Timer" ON (MM->1->7)

Now all the controller data is initialized to a standard 8-phase controller

2)    Modify "Unit Parameters" (MM->1->2->1)

Change "Allow <3 sec Yel" to ON

Turn off the beeper by setting "Tone Disable" ON

3)    Make the following phase time adjustments (MM->1->1->1)

Change all "Min Grn" times for phase 1 through 8 to 4"

Change all "Yellow" times for phase 1 through 8 to 2.5"

Change all "Red" times for phase 1 through 8 to 0.5"

*NOTE*   If you did not change the "Unit Parameter" above, you will get an error setting yellow < 3" (minimum recommended by NEMA). The min green and clearance times are set very short to minimize the observation time working through these examples.

 

4)    Make the following phase time adjustments (MM->1->1->2)

        Place MIN Recalls on phases 2 and 6

*Note*  Later on, when you enter the split tables for the patterns in these examples, you will be allowed to place MIN or MAX recalls on each phase in the split table.  Just keep in mind, that any recalls you enter here under (MM->1->1->2) can be replaced by the recalls in the split table when the controller is running under coordination unless a NON value is used in the split table.  We will revisit this issue when you program the split tables.

5)    Take a look at the ring and concurrent phase definitions (MM->1->4)

Initializing the controller data base sets up the concurrent phases for each ring which define the barriers in the machine for 8-phase operation.  An standard 8-phase configuration assigns the protected left-turn phases to NEMA phases 1, 3, 5 and 7 and the thru phases to 2, 4, 6 and 8.

6)    Now, take a look at the sequence table (MM->1->2-4)

Initializing the controller data base sets up a dual ring 8-phase sequence in sequence number 1.  You will need to enter in the remaining 15 sequences in the table below to be able to complete the exercises in this TecNote.

TS-2 calls for 16 separate sequence definitions per controller.  Sixteen sequences provide all combinations of leading and lagging left turns for a standard 8-phase dual-ring controller. Agencies that do not require more than 8-phases and 2 rings can develop a standard sequence chart similar to the one below to simplify the development of timing patterns which require the sequence number.

 

Typical Standard Phase Sequence Chart

This table follows the NTCIP definitions given in TS 3.5, section 2.8.3 - Sequence Table.

Enter the Controller Sequences in your controller from the Main Menu at (MM->1->2-4).

When you are completing finished with these steps, please return to the coordination example.