Using MCSetup

Before setting up the MC5805, ensure all loops are connected. If this is the first use of this version of MCSetup, check that the correct comms port has been selected in the Preferences.

To setup the unit, click the Setup button on MCSetup's main toolbar. Remember that any existing data in the RSU will be overwritten. If the RSU is already running it must be stopped via an Unload, or Factory Setup.

The MC5805's four inputs are divided into two channels. Both channels will be automatically setup together.

MCSetup's LoopScope is used for checking loop properties and verifying correct operation. To access the LoopScope, select Technical » LoopScope from MCSetup's main menu. MCSetup must be connected to a MC5805 that is running.

Initially the LoopScope shows the properties for the loop selected in the Loop drop-down list on the right. This is the default button, so each loop can be easily selected by using the up and down keyboard arrows. The loop properties update once per second.

The Status property indicates whether the loop is OK, or whether a potential problem exists. Common issues are the loop being open, shorted or having a low Q, preventing the loop from operating in its normal range. An unused input will obviously report as loop open. If the approximate resistance of a loop is known, such as by measuring the loop with a multimeter, its value can be entered in the Q factor Resistance box, and an approximate Q factor will be calculated.

To start the LoopScope's real-time view, click the Go button. The chart's vertical scale can be adjusted using the Range drop-down list.

The real-time view is a rolling chart of the relative deviation in inductance of a loop as a vehicle passes over it. Once the deviation drops below the trigger line, the loop is triggered and a count is registered in the current bin. The loop will remain triggered until the deviation increases back over the untrigger line. At this point, the lockout period starts, preventing any further counts of triggers during this period.

The baseline (top of the chart) is the steady-state inductance when no vehicle is present. The baseline is constantly adjusted internally to filter out low-frequency drift in the loop, over a period of minutes. The trigger and untrigger thresholds are relative to the current baseline.

The Raw checkbox shows an unprocessed view of the loop's inductance. In this mode, changes in inductance (both positive and negative) can be viewed, which is useful for checking loop stability and sources of interference. The displayed value is relative to when the rolling chart was last started.

Ideally the raw view will be a flat line when no vehicles are present. Rapid drift or oscillations may indicate a problem with the loop.

MCSetup's LoopMonitor is used for checking continuity of all loop connections. To open the LoopMonitor, select Technical » LoopMonitor from MCSetup's main menu. MCSetup must be connected to a MC5805 that is running.

On entering the LoopMonitor, uncheck any of the Enable boxes for loops that are not connected, and click the Reset button to clear the Latch indicators.

The Status row of indicators show the instantaneous state of each loop. A green indicator means the loop is operating within its normal range, and red indicates a possible fault, such as the loop being open or shorted. To play an alert tone when a fault condition exists, check the Play sound on fault option.

The Latch row of indicators enables intermittent faults to be detected. Any fault will cause the loop's Latch indicator to turn red, and remain red until the Reset button is pushed. Gently shake or move feeder cables and connections to detect even the shortest fault due to problems such as faulty crimps or joins. Connections away from the main cabinet, such as junction boxes, can also be inspected and the Latch indicator checked on return.

The MC5805's View mode can be accessed by clicking the View button on MCSetup's main toolbar. This displays current bin totals for the currently selected channel. The peak deviation caused by the last vehicle is also displayed. Refer to the LoopScope for further details.

The MC5805's four inputs are divided into two channels. An Unload transfers data from the currently selected channel into a standard MetroCount dataset with two inputs (A and B). Remember to unload both channels if loops from both channels are used. The current channel is displayed on MCSetup's status bar at the top, and can be changed by clicking the Channel button on the main toolbar.

To unload the current channel, click the Unload button on MCSetup's main toolbar. The dataset location uses the Base folder for unloaded data from MCSetup's Preferences. The suggested file name uses the Site field and current date. The file extension will be .ecX where X is the lane number of the A-input of the current channel. Provided each input was assigned a unique lane number on setup, the unload file from each channel will have a unique extension.

To stop the unit, ready for another setup after the unload, check the Stop the RSU after unloading data option. Stopping either channel stops both channels.

Click the Next button, confirm the file location, and the unload will begin.