Operating Manual

™
ADR SABRE
Automatic Data Recorder
Operating Manual

ADR Sabre
Automatic Data Recorder

10/29/2013
p/n: 99-585 Rev 1
Contents

Copyright © 2013 Peek Traffic Corporation.

All rights reserved.

Information furnished here is believed to be accurate and reliable, however Peek Traffic does not warranty
the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for use of any of the information furnished. No license is granted by
implication or otherwise under any intellectual property. Peek reserves the right to alter any of the
Company's products or published technical data relating thereto at any time without notice.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or
via any electronic or mechanical means for any purpose other than the purchaser’s personal use without
the expressed, written permission of Peek Traffic Corporation.

Peek Traffic Corporation

2906 Corporate Way
Palmetto, FL 34221 U.S.A.

Trademarks
ADR Sabre is a trademark of Peek Traffic Corporation, in the USA and other countries. Idris and Idris
Products are registered trademarks of Diamond Consulting Services, Ltd. Microsoft and Windows are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Other brands and their products are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and should be noted as such.

WARNING:
This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used
properly as described in the product manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been
designed to comply with the limits of a class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in
which case, users, at their own expense, would be required to take whatever measures may be required to
correct the interference.

ii ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Contents
Contents ....................................................................................................... 1
Table of Figures ................................................................................................................... 4
Preface — About This Manual.............................................................................................. 8
Purpose and Scope ........................................................................................................ 8
Using this Manual ........................................................................................................... 8
Assumptions ................................................................................................................... 8
Related Documents ........................................................................................................ 9
Technical Assistance ...................................................................................................... 9
Conventions Used in this Manual ....................................................................................... 10
Typographic Conventions ............................................................................................. 10
Keyboard and Menu Conventions................................................................................. 10
Symbol Conventions ..................................................................................................... 11
Chapter 1 — Introduction .......................................................................... 13
The ADR Sabre .................................................................................................................. 14
ADR Sabre Features .................................................................................................... 14
ADR Sabre Connectors ................................................................................................ 16
Ancillary Hardware Options .......................................................................................... 16
Security......................................................................................................................... 19
Array Selection Options ................................................................................................ 19
Array Selection Table ................................................................................................... 22
Chapter 2 – Quick Start ............................................................................. 23
Initial Steps ......................................................................................................................... 24
Wakeup LCD ................................................................................................................ 24
Startup Screen Settings ................................................................................................ 25
Setup Menu ........................................................................................................................ 27
Navigating Setup Menu Content ................................................................................... 27
Setting Parameters ....................................................................................................... 28
Setup Menu Headings and Contents ............................................................................ 30
Set Date, Time, and DST ................................................................................................... 33
Chapter 3 – Communicating with the Sabre............................................. 35
Using the Communications Ports ....................................................................................... 36
RS-232 Port .................................................................................................................. 36
USB Micro-B “DEVICE” Port ......................................................................................... 39
USB “HOST” Slot .......................................................................................................... 40
File Types ..................................................................................................................... 41
Using A Modem .................................................................................................................. 41
Chapter 4 – Setup Basics .......................................................................... 43
Typical Study Setup Considerations ............................................................................. 44
Pre-Study Checks and Settings .......................................................................................... 45
Check Battery Status .................................................................................................... 45
Check Memory Status .................................................................................................. 46
Check Installed Sensor Boards .................................................................................... 47
Basic or Global Settings ............................................................................................... 48

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 1

Contents

Basic Study Setup .............................................................................................................. 49

Study Setup Overview .................................................................................................. 49
Site Name / Station ID .................................................................................................. 50
Select and Configure Array ........................................................................................... 51
Select Data File Types .................................................................................................. 51
Setting Up the Bins ....................................................................................................... 52
Select Record Interval / Start / End ............................................................................... 59
Post Study Options ....................................................................................................... 62
Load Study Setups and/or Classification Tree .............................................................. 65
Menu Abbreviations and Meanings .................................................................................... 67
Example Volume Count, Step-by-Step ............................................................................... 68
Using the PVR Monitor ....................................................................................................... 74
Special PVR Indications................................................................................................ 75
Change PVR Monitor Display ....................................................................................... 76
Chapter 5 – Road Tube Arrays .................................................................. 77
Road Tube Array Selection ................................................................................................ 78
Configuring Road Tube Arrays ........................................................................................... 79
Setting Tube Parameters .............................................................................................. 79
Debounce Adjustments ................................................................................................. 79
Single-Tube Array ......................................................................................................... 80
Short / Long Tube Count Array ..................................................................................... 84
Directional Two-Tube Count Array (1-foot spacing) ...................................................... 85
Two-Tube, Wide-Spaced, Class by Direction Array ...................................................... 87
Four-Tube Class by Lane Array .................................................................................... 88
Two-Tube Class by Direction Array (High-Accuracy) .................................................... 90
Road Tube Installation Guidelines ...................................................................................... 92
Connecting to Sabre Road Tube Inputs ........................................................................ 92
Road Tube Installation Guidelines ................................................................................ 93
Road Tube Calibration .................................................................................................. 95
Special Considerations for Multiple Roadtube Setups .................................................. 95
Chapter 6 – Loop Arrays ........................................................................... 97
Configuring Loop Arrays ..................................................................................................... 98
Setting Loop Parameters .............................................................................................. 98
Loop Sensor Adjustments – Sensitivity and Hysteresis ................................................ 98
One Loop Array (per Lane) ........................................................................................... 99
Two Loop Array (per Lane) ......................................................................................... 100
Basic Loop Theory............................................................................................................ 102
Loop Construction ....................................................................................................... 102
Installing the Loop ....................................................................................................... 103
Chapter 7 – Piezo Arrays ......................................................................... 109
Configuring Piezo Arrays .................................................................................................. 110
Setting Piezo Parameters ........................................................................................... 110
Piezo Settings and Adjustments ................................................................................. 111
Single-Piezo Count Array............................................................................................ 111
Piezo-Piezo Array ....................................................................................................... 113
Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays ..................................................... 115
Configuring Weight-in-Motion (WIM) Arrays ..................................................................... 116
Setting WIM Parameters ............................................................................................. 116

2 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Table of Figures

WIM-WIM Array .......................................................................................................... 120

WIM-Loop-WIM Array ................................................................................................. 122
Loop-WIM-Loop Array ................................................................................................ 124
Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays ........................................................................ 127
Configuring Mixed Arrays ................................................................................................. 128
Axle (Piezo) and Loop Arrays ..................................................................................... 128
Road Tube and Loop Arrays ....................................................................................... 132
Appendix A — Maintenance and Troubleshooting ................................ 137
Sabre Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 138
Battery Usage ............................................................................................................. 138
Clearing Memory Space ............................................................................................. 139
Other Maintenance ..................................................................................................... 141
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................ 142
Battery Troubleshooting.............................................................................................. 142
Tips for Improving Battery Performance ..................................................................... 142
The Recorder is Unresponsive ................................................................................... 142
The LCD is Blank ........................................................................................................ 142
Vehicles Not Recorded Correctly ................................................................................ 143
Overcounting When Using Axle or Tube Sensors ...................................................... 143
Undercounting When Using Axle or Tube Sensors..................................................... 143
Sabre Reset ................................................................................................................ 144
Appendix B – Connecting the Battery .................................................... 145
Connecting the Battery ..................................................................................................... 146
Appendix C – Rerunning the Study Data with New Settings ................ 149
Recording Event Files for Reuse, Post-collection............................................................. 150
Configure and Run Study to Record Event File .......................................................... 150
Event File Retrieval and Playback .............................................................................. 151
Appendix D – Sensor Connection Details .............................................. 153
Connecting Sensors to the Sabre ..................................................................................... 154
Sensor Inputs on the Sabre ........................................................................................ 154
Connecting Inductive Loops ....................................................................................... 155
Connecting WIM or Piezo Sensors ............................................................................. 155
Connecting Contact Closure Devices ......................................................................... 156
Connecting Mixed Arrays ............................................................................................ 156
Appendix E – ADR Sabre Hardware Specifications ............................... 157
ADR Sabre Specifications ................................................................................................ 158
Glossary ................................................................................................... 159
Index ......................................................................................................... 165

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 3

Contents

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1 – The ADR Sabre ......................................................................................................... 14

Figure 2 – The ADR Sabre’s top panel features ........................................................................ 14
Figure 3 – Back of Sabre with connectors (example) ............................................................... 16
Figure 4 – Power/Charger cable .............................................................................................. 16
Figure 5 – Serial RS-232 cable ................................................................................................. 16
Figure 6 – GPS connector cable ............................................................................................... 17
Figure 7 – Serial Modem cable ................................................................................................ 17
Figure 8 – USB Micro B cable ................................................................................................... 17
Figure 9 – Sensor connector harnesses .................................................................................... 17
Figure 10 – Securing with lock and chain ................................................................................ 19
Figure 11 – Example - Two-tube class-by-lane diagram .......................................................... 19
Figure 12 – Example - One loop array per lane diagram ......................................................... 20
Figure 13 – Example - Single-piezo counting arrays diagram .................................................. 20
Figure 14 – Example - WIM-Loop-WIM array diagram ............................................................ 21
Figure 15 – Example - Axle-Loop-Axle arrays diagram ............................................................ 21
Figure 16 – LCD with Startup Screen ....................................................................................... 24
Figure 17 – Startup screen settings ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 18 – The ADR Sabre LCD and startup menu .................................................................. 26
Figure 19 – Checking the battery voltage ................................................................................ 26
Figure 20 –Setup menu (“config” content shown) ................................................................... 27
Figure 21 – Sabre Keypads ....................................................................................................... 27
Figure 22 – Setup menu screen ................................................................................................ 27
Figure 23 – Arrays listing selected on the <site> menu ........................................................... 28
Figure 24 – Loop is selected on the 1) arrays line ................................................................... 28
Figure 25 – Selecting Tube array type on the <array> line ...................................................... 28
Figure 26 – Alpha-numeric entries ........................................................................................... 29
Figure 27 – Selecting right bracket (>) ..................................................................................... 29
Figure 28 – Shifting screen content ......................................................................................... 29
Figure 29 – <config> contents ................................................................................................. 30
Figure 30 – <site> contents ..................................................................................................... 30
Figure 31 – <study> contents ................................................................................................... 31
Figure 32 – Bin sub-menu contents ......................................................................................... 31
Figure 33 – <files> contents ..................................................................................................... 32
Figure 34 – <status> content ................................................................................................... 32
Figure 35 – <config> heading contents.................................................................................... 33
Figure 36 – Select 1) date ....................................................................................................... 33
Figure 37 – Set date ................................................................................................................ 33
Figure 38 – Set DST start and end times .................................................................................. 34
Figure 39 – Set DST On/Off ...................................................................................................... 34

4 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Table of Figures

Figure 40 – RS-232 Connector.................................................................................................. 36

Figure 41 – Select the COMMS parameters ............................................................................. 36
Figure 42 – Change COMM_ID ................................................................................................ 37
Figure 43 – Get the GPS settings ............................................................................................. 38
Figure 44 – USB Device port .................................................................................................... 39
Figure 45 – USB “Device” port (UsbDev) On ............................................................................ 39
Figure 46 – USB HOST slot ...................................................................................................... 40
Figure 47 – The USB slot setting .............................................................................................. 40
Figure 48 – USB file transfer .................................................................................................... 40
Figure 49 – Study prompt to arm unit ..................................................................................... 41
Figure 50 – <status> menu ...................................................................................................... 45
Figure 51 – Checking M0 memory (internal) ........................................................................... 46
Figure 52 – Checking M1 memory (SD Card) ........................................................................... 46
Figure 53 – Sensor information details under the <status> heading ...................................... 47
Figure 54 – Config heading and content................................................................................. 48
Figure 55 – GPS coordinates .................................................................................................... 48
Figure 56 – <site> menu selected ............................................................................................ 50
Figure 57 – Sabre keypad ........................................................................................................ 50
Figure 58 – Entering site information ...................................................................................... 50
Figure 59 – <site> content with arrays selected ..................................................................... 51
Figure 60 – Record file types ................................................................................................... 51
Figure 61 – BIN “>” selected .................................................................................................... 53
Figure 62 – BIN sub-menu with default headers, range values ............................................... 53
Figure 63 – BIN sub-menu headers .......................................................................................... 54
Figure 64 – BIN range values ................................................................................................... 54
Figure 65 – Changing number of columns ............................................................................... 55
Figure 66 – Changing number of study pages ......................................................................... 57
Figure 67 – Selecting new study page ..................................................................................... 57
Figure 68 – Array as set up on <site> heading ........................................................................ 57
Figure 69 – Selecting BIN “>” ................................................................................................... 58
Figure 70 – BIN sub-menu ....................................................................................................... 58
Figure 71 – Changing number of bins for Speed ...................................................................... 58
Figure 72 – Set start time ........................................................................................................ 60
Figure 73 – Set end time .......................................................................................................... 61
Figure 74 – Startup screen, and arming the study................................................................... 61
Figure 75 – Startup screen showing “ARMED” ........................................................................ 61
Figure 76 – study selected ....................................................................................................... 63
Figure 77 – Alpha-numeric Desc entry ..................................................................................... 63
Figure 78 – USB folders and study folder contents .................................................................. 64
Figure 79 – Example Report in Viper, based on study “binned” data ...................................... 65
Figure 80 – usb:Get selected ................................................................................................... 66
Figure 81 – <site> heading with CTREE listed .......................................................................... 66

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 5

Contents

Figure 82 – A single-tube, single-lane counting array ............................................................. 68

Figure 83 – <site> menu selected ............................................................................................ 68
Figure 84 – Sabre keypad ........................................................................................................ 69
Figure 85 – Entering site information ...................................................................................... 69
Figure 86 – Setting array parameters ...................................................................................... 69
Figure 87 – Setting array details .............................................................................................. 69
Figure 88 – Setting array debounce ......................................................................................... 70
Figure 89 – The <study> menu ................................................................................................ 70
Figure 90 – Setting array ......................................................................................................... 71
Figure 91 – Setting study headings .......................................................................................... 71
Figure 92 – Setting study start ................................................................................................. 72
Figure 93 – Setting record interval .......................................................................................... 72
Figure 94 – Creating the study................................................................................................. 73
Figure 95 – Naming the study.................................................................................................. 73
Figure 96 – Startup screen, and arming the study ................................................................... 73
Figure 97 – PVR Monitor selected............................................................................................ 74
Figure 98 – PVR Monitor headings .......................................................................................... 74
Figure 99 – Entering Tube array information ........................................................................... 79
Figure 100 –Tube array sub-menu ........................................................................................... 79
Figure 101 –Tube sensor sub-menu ......................................................................................... 79
Figure 102 – Single-tube counting arrays – 1-lane or 2-lane (totaled in one channel) ............ 80
Figure 103 – Entering site information .................................................................................... 81
Figure 104 – Setting array details ............................................................................................ 81
Figure 105 – Setting array 1AxVTO.......................................................................................... 81
Figure 106 – Setting array debounce ....................................................................................... 82
Figure 107 – Record file types ................................................................................................. 82
Figure 108 – Bin sub-menu ...................................................................................................... 82
Figure 109 – Changing number of columns ............................................................................. 83
Figure 110 – Setting up bin study headings ............................................................................. 83
Figure 111 – Short/long tube count array................................................................................ 84
Figure 112 – Directional two-tube counting array (1-foot spacing) ........................................ 85
Figure 113 – Two-tube class-by-direction array....................................................................... 87
Figure 114 – Four-tube class-by-lane array ............................................................................. 88
Figure 115 – Four-tube class-by-lane lanes / channel assignments (for “Sep” directions only)
................................................................................................................................................. 90
Figure 116 – Two-tube class-by-direction arrays (high-accuracy) ........................................... 90
Figure 117 – Road Tube inputs ................................................................................................ 92
Figure 118 – Entering Loop array information ......................................................................... 98
Figure 119 – Loop array sub-menu .......................................................................................... 98
Figure 120 – Loop sensor sub-menu ........................................................................................ 98
Figure 121 – One loop array per lane ...................................................................................... 99
Figure 122 – Two loop arrays per lane ................................................................................... 100

6 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Table of Figures

Figure 123 – Loop wire installation ........................................................................................ 104

Figure 124 – Wire Splicing Guidelines .................................................................................... 106
Figure 125 – Wiring for Harness( p/n 81-303) ....................................................................... 106
Figure 126 – Entering Tube array information ...................................................................... 110
Figure 127 – Loop array sub-menu ........................................................................................ 110
Figure 128 – Piezo (Axle) sensor sub-menu ........................................................................... 110
Figure 129 – Single-piezo counting arrays ............................................................................. 112
Figure 130 – Piezo-piezo array ............................................................................................... 113
Figure 131 – Entering WIM array information ...................................................................... 116
Figure 132 – WIM array sub-menu........................................................................................ 116
Figure 133 – WIM array AutoCal sub-heading ...................................................................... 116
Figure 134 – WIM (Piezo) sensor sub-menu .......................................................................... 116
Figure 135 – WIM array sub-menu with Calibration Factor .................................................. 118
Figure 136 – WIM array sub-menu with AutoCal settings .................................................... 118
Figure 137 – WIM-WIM array ............................................................................................... 120
Figure 138 – WIM-Loop-WIM array ...................................................................................... 122
Figure 139 – Loop-WIM-Loop array....................................................................................... 124
Figure 140 – Axle-Loop-Axle arrays ....................................................................................... 128
Figure 141 – Loop-Axle-Loop arrays ...................................................................................... 130
Figure 142 – Tube-Loop-Tube array ....................................................................................... 132
Figure 143 – Loop-Tube-Loop arrays ..................................................................................... 134
Figure 144 – Power adapter connector ................................................................................. 139
Figure 145 – Deleting event file ............................................................................................ 140
Figure 146 – Deleting study file ............................................................................................. 140
Figure 147 – Format prompt ................................................................................................. 141
Figure 148 – Front panel screws ............................................................................................ 146
Figure 149 – Removing front panel ....................................................................................... 147
Figure 150 – Battery cable connected) array ........................................................................ 147
Figure 151 – Aligning battery connector ............................................................................... 148
Figure 152 – Startup screen ................................................................................................... 148
Figure 153 – <study> content with record selected .............................................................. 150
Figure 154 – <files> content .................................................................................................. 151
Figure 155 – Running an event file ........................................................................................ 152
Figure 156 – Event file playback status ................................................................................. 152
Figure 157 – Typical Sabre sensor inputs and ports .............................................................. 154
Figure 158 – Sensor connector harnesses – loop/piezo (top) and contact closure ................ 154
Figure 159 – Loop connections .............................................................................................. 155
Figure 160 – WIM (piezo) connections .................................................................................. 155
Figure 161 – Contact closure connections ............................................................................. 156

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 7

Contents

PREFACE — ABOUT THIS MANUAL

Purpose and Scope

This manual describes features and operation of the ADR Sabre automatic data
recorder from Peek Traffic Corporation. This information describes setting up the
ADR Sabre (or “Sabre”) for use in the field, including how to configure its operation
using the LCD menus and keypad. Also provided are instructions for setting up the
different types of traffic of studies possible, with guidelines on installing and setting up
each type of sensor that can be used with the Sabre.
Available Peek software applications for Microsoft Windows (Viper, Vision, etc.) that
can be used for connecting to and interacting with the Sabre are mentioned in this
manual, but no detailed instructions are provided. Please refer to the respective
operating manuals or online help for more information about using those applications
with the Sabre and the data provided by the Sabre.

Using this Manual

This manual is organized so that a new user can first become familiar with the Sabre
features and capabilities, gain facility using the Sabre keypad and menus, and then
set up the Sabre and arrays to conduct traffic studies. To best use this manual:
 Read Chapter 1 for an Introduction to the Sabre capabilities and features.
 Read Chapter 2 for initial device startup information, for an introduction to the
Sabre setup menus and content, and for basic instructions on navigating
menus and selecting parameters, including how to set date, time, and DST.
 Read Chapter 3 for instructions on using Sabre communications ports,
including connection with GPS devices, and using USB thumb drives.
 Read Chapter 4 for basic setup steps necessary and common to all studies,
regardless of sensors or arrays used.
 Read Chapters 5-9 for detailed setup information specific to the different
sensor and array types.
 Refer to the Appendices as needed for reference on hardware specifications,
charging and battery connection, sensor connections, maintenance and
troubleshooting, etc.

Assumptions
This manual makes these assumptions about the installation environment and the
personnel who will be operating the ADR Sabre:
 The installers and operators of the ADR Sabre are field qualified to work in and
around traffic recording sites and have been approved for such actions by the
local/regional traffic regulating agency.

8 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Preface — About This Manual

 The personnel who will be installing and operating the equipment are familiar
with and will follow all necessary work-site and public safety procedures when
installing and using the equipment.

Related Documents
These documents provide additional information which may be useful during the
installation and operation of an ADR Sabre:
Table 1 – Related documentation
Title p/n
Getting Started with ADR Sabre 99-587
Release Notes 99-584
Tech Note - Recording Event Files for Reuse, Post-collection 99-595

Technical Assistance
If you need assistance or have questions related to the use of this product, contact
Peek Traffic Customer Service.

Contact Information Hours of Operation

Toll free in the U.S.: (800) 245-7660 M-F, 8am-5pm, EST
phone: (941) 845-1200
fax: (941) 845-1504
email: [email protected]

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 9

Contents

CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

The following conventions are used in this manual to convey and underline certain
types of information.

Typographic Conventions
Whenever the following fonts or symbols are used, they indicate a specific situation or
meaning as noted.
Table 2 — Typographic conventions used in this manual
Description Example
Menu items or parameter values On the arrays menu line, select Fwd.
that must be selected by the user
appear in bold.
Some keypad keys are indicated by When finished selecting the desired
BOLD CAPS. parameter, press the ENT key, or the
ESC key to revert to previous setting.
Some device keypad buttons are Press the ← key to select the <config>
indicated with symbols, such as: menu.
← left arrow key Press the ↑ or ↓ key to select the array
→ right arrow key type.
↑ up arrow key
↓ down arrow key

Keyboard and Menu Conventions

Some commands are accomplished with a pair or sequence of keystrokes. These are
shown in the instructions as listed here.
Table 3 — Keyboard conventions used in this manual
Description Example
A series of keys or entries that are Select config > arrays > Tube and
operated or selected in sequence are then use select T_T.
separated by a right slant bracket (>).
A hyphen ( – ) between two or more Press SHIFT–2 to select letter D.
key designations indicates the keys be
pressed at the same time to invoke the
command or induce the input.
PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre
The Sabre LCD screen content is Wed Apr 17,2013 16:01:59 DST
depicted by a green field with the IDLE
actual text of the screen shown.
FW: 01.02_275-Mar_27_2013-08:12:57
240 T45

10 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Conventions Used in this Manual

Symbol Conventions
The following symbols are used in this manual to indicate a raised level of notice for
the accompanying text in the context of the associated topic or steps.
Table 4 — Symbol conventions used in this manual
Symbol Description
Note – indicates a pointer or tip concerning the current topic or step.

Caution – indicates risk of mechanical damage, or undesired

operational result.

Warning – indicates a risk personal physical injury, such as

electrical shock, traffic hazard, or other.

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12 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 1 — Introduction

This chapter introduces the ADR Sabre. The following topics are discussed in this chapter:

 Sabre features, p. 14
 Sabre connectors, p. 15
 Ancillary Hardware Options, p. 16
 Array selection options, p. 19

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 13

Chapter 1 — Introduction

THE ADR SABRE

The ADR Sabre Automatic Data Recorder is a portable, easily configurable, and
comprehensive automatic vehicle count and classification (AVCC) device. The Sabre
has advanced recording features, accurately collects a variety of vehicle study data,
and supports a range of sensor technologies.

Figure 1 – The ADR Sabre

ADR Sabre Features

Simple, easy-to-use interface – Use the Sabre’s keypad and LCD screen to
navigate its simple menu system:

LCD – Displays status and menu screens

for setup and checking operational
status

USB Ports – Insert a USB memory device

or connect to a PC or “Street-Link” device
via USB micro B cable.

Keypads – for menu navigation

and setup.

Figure 2 – The ADR Sabre’s top panel features

14 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 The ADR Sabre

ADR Sabre Features Summary

Long-life Battery and Memory – Conduct studies for six months (using road tubes)
without running out of power or memory, due to efficient power usage, and a large
internal memory. Available memory is also expandable via optional SD card. Also
optional is a long-life, non-rechargeable lithium battery for even longer service stints.
Battery Monitor and Recharge – Check battery level readings provided on the LCD,
and quickly recharge the battery to full charge.
Accuracy – Accuracy to 0.01 mph in speed detection, or length to 0.01 foot.
Complete study capabilities – Gather and sort vehicle data beyond volume count,
such as vehicle classification, length, headway, speed, gap, weight-in-motion (WIM),
etc., depending on sensor technology and array setup used.
Flexible scheduling and data managing – Set a start time, run for a defined time
length, or until a set end time, or indefinitely. Sort data for defined intervals, or
continuously, and set study for daily or continuous operation.
Selectable data file output – Collect data in one or more formats, including “per
vehicle records” (PVR), event recording (EVT), “binned” (BIN) or categorized data, or
ASCII formatted events (AEF).
Multiple, variable study results – Obtain a variety of study results from the same
collected event data, on the Sabre itself, by rerunning studies based on the same
event data, but with differing parameters.
PC connector (USB or Serial) – Connect to a PC using the USB port or RS232 port
(see Figure 3, p. 16). This allows you to transfer data files, perform study setup, and
monitor activity using PC software such as Peek’s Viper or Vision.
GPS input – Connect a GPS device via the RS232 port to set the device location.
USB memory device slot – Easily transfer data and study setups to and from the
Sabre using a USB plugin-type memory device (see Figure 2, p. 14).
Sensor connectors – Sensor options include road tubes, and depending on your
pre-installed hardware, piezo sensors, weight-in-motion (WIM) sensors, inductive
loops, and contact closure inputs.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 15

Chapter 1 — Introduction

ADR Sabre Connectors

Sensor options include road tubes, and depending on your pre-installed hardware,
piezo sensors, WIM sensors, inductive loops, and/or contact closure inputs.

Power adapter / RS-232

connector (eight-pin), and
GPS device connector

Road Tube Sensor connectors – for

inputs (1-4) loop, piezo, etc.
(optional)

Additional connector
port location (unused)
Figure 3 – Back of Sabre with connectors (example)

Ancillary Hardware Options

Power/Charger cable (p/n 81-1465), 120 VAC charger (p/n 81-1466-01), 220 VAC
charger (p/n 81-1466-02): Use to recharge the ADR Sabre.

Figure 4 – Power/Charger cable

Serial RS-232 cable (p/n g1120087): Use to connect the ADR Sabre RS-232 port to
the serial port on a PC.

Figure 5 – Serial RS-232 cable

16 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 The ADR Sabre

GPS Connector cable (p/n 81-933): Use to connect a GPS device to ADR Sabre
RS-232 port.

Figure 6 – GPS connector cable

Serial Modem cable (p/n 81-320): Use to connect a modem to ADR Sabre RS-232
port.

Figure 7 – Serial Modem cable

USB Micro B connector (p/n 2W16-0055): Connect to a PC through a USB slot
using the Sabre’s device port.

Figure 8 – USB Micro B cable

Sensor connector harnesses – for loops/piezos (p/n 81-303), or contact closure
(p/n G0205918). Connect plug(s) to Sabre’s sensor port(s).

Figure 9 – Sensor connector harnesses

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 17

Chapter 1 — Introduction

Street-Link™
Street-Link (p/n 81-xxxx) is a portable, hand-held interface device; use it to check the
Sabre device status (battery level, free memory, and road tube input connections and
operation), or provide the GPS location and/or satellite time sync to the Sabre.

On LED
Connected LED
Power On/Off button
Low Battery LED

Memory LED

Road Tube LEDs

GPS Lock LED
Sync Location button USB adapter
(GPS) Sync Time button

Figure 10 – Street-Link and USB Type B to Micro-B adapter (p/n 81-xxxx)

Power On/Off: Press the Street Link Power On/Off button; when power on, the On
LED is ON.
Connected: The Street-Link has an integrated USB cable, but to connect Street-Link
to the Sabre, you must use a USB Type B to Micro-B adapter. With the adapter
installed, plug into the “Device” port on the Sabre (see Figure 2, p. 14).
When successfully connected to the Sabre, the Street-Link’s Connected LED is ON.
Low Battery LED / Memory LED: When Street-Link is successfully connected to
the Sabre, the Low Battery LED and Available Memory LEDs indicate the Sabre’s
battery charge level and free memory status, respectively. The Low Battery LED is
normally OFF, and flashes ON/OFF when the Sabre battery level is low.
Note: You can also read the exact battery and memory status on the Sabre menu
screen (see “Pre-Study Checks and Settings,” p. 45).
Road Tube LEDs: When Street-Link is successfully connected to the Sabre, you can
check the road tube operation. When any of four road tube inputs on the Sabre is
activated, the corresponding Road Tube LED goes ON on Street-Link.
Note: For the Road Tube LEDs to function, the Sabre must be configured for road
tube input (see “Select and Configure Array,” p. 51), with road tubes connected.
Location and Time Sync: Refer to “GPS and Time Sync Input,” p. 37, for details.

18 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 The ADR Sabre

Security
A lock and a set of keys are supplied with the ADR Sabre. Use the lock and a chain to
lock the unit to a secure post, pole or bridge when you use the Sabre for unattended
studies. One method is to wrap the chain around the post, drop both ends of the
chain through the ADR handle, and then bring one end of the chain to the left, the
other to the right, around to the front of the Sabre and hook the lock through the left
chain end, then the right chain end, then the Sabre hasp, and then lock the lock.
Remember to take the keys, and keep them in a secure place.

Figure 11 – Securing with lock and chain

Array Selection Options

The ADR Sabre is supplied with four road tube inputs, and, depending on the options
included, may also support piezo (axle) sensors, loop detectors, WIM sensors, and
contact closure (on/off switches). Some array examples are shown below:

Road Tubes
Road tubes can provide great flexibility and portability for traffic studies, as
permanent, involved installation is not necessary. The array below uses two wider
spaced tubes, and can provide data on vehicle speed, class, length (wheelbase),
volume, headway, or gap, by direction (channel), or a combination of these.

Figure 12 – Example - Two-tube class-by-lane diagram

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 19

Chapter 1 — Introduction

Loops
The inductive loop used for vehicle detection provides greater accuracy for vehicle
presence than a road tube. The array below uses a single loop per lane, and can
provide data on volume, headway, or gap, by lane, or a combination of these. You
can use up to 16 one-loop lane arrays with the Sabre.

Figure 13 – Example - One loop array per lane diagram

Piezo (Axle)
In many applications the piezo array is installed where it is desirable to collect data
that is directly comparable to historic road tube counts, but on a permanent or long
term basis. The array below uses two single piezo arrays, one in each of two lanes,
and can provide data on volume, headway or gap by lane, or a combination of these.
You can use up to 16 one-piezo arrays with the Sabre.

Figure 14 – Example - Single-piezo counting arrays diagram

Contact Closure Inputs

Some sensors provide contact closure input to the Sabre, while some sensors
(including piezo or loop sensors) can be connected to intermediary devices which
then supply only “contact closure” inputs (a closed circuit indicating sensor activation).
In these cases, you would configure the Sabre to use these inputs as either axle or

20 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 The ADR Sabre

loop inputs, respectively, setting up and utilizing the arrays accordingly – see “Loops”
and “Piezo (Axle)” headings above.

Weight-in-Motion (WIM)
Weight-in-Motion (WIM) arrays are those arrays used for the collection of Weigh-In-
Motion data with the Sabre, and typically use a “class 1” piezo sensor which has been
certified by the manufacturer for accurate linear response along its length.

Figure 15 – Example - WIM-Loop-WIM array diagram

Hybrid (Mixed)
Combined sensor arrays are used to take advantage of the strengths of each sensor
and provide improved accuracy of data. The array type below uses two axle (piezo)
sensors flanking a loop sensor, and can provide data on speed, class, length
(chassis), volume, headway, gap, or direction by lane, or a combination of these.
Using this array, the Sabre can measure speed very accurately and can then
determine classification by axle spacing and wheelbase.

A
D
Figure 16 – RExample - Axle-Loop-Axle arrays diagram

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 21

Chapter 1 — Introduction

Array Selection Table

You can use each sensor input type alone, or in combination. Depending on your
hardware, here are potential sensor arrays and the types of data possible for each.
Table 5 – Type of Array available by Sensor Type
Sensor Type Array (Displayed) Available Data Types
AXLE TUBE T Count, Gap, Headway (by axle)
SHORT/LONG tT Count, Gap, Headway, by lane (by axle)
R
O DIR TUBE TT Count, Gap, Headway, by Direction (by axle)
A
D TUBE T_T Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,
T Wheelbase, by Direction, lane (by axle)
U 4 TUBE tT_tT Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class, by
B Direction, by lane (by axle)
E TUBE T_T-2 (Smaller spacing, higher accuracy) Count,
Gap, Headway, Speed, Class, Wheelbase,
by Direction, lane (by axle)
AXLE A Count, Gap, Headway (by axle)
PIEZO
(AXLE) AXLE A_A Count, Gap, Headway, Speed , Class,
by Direction (by axle)
LOOP L Count, Gap, Headway (by vehicle)
PRESENCE
LOOP L_L Count, Gap, Headway, Speed or Length, by
(LOOP)
Direction (by vehicle)
AXLE A or A_A Axle-sensing device connected to the contact
closure inputs. See Piezo listing in this table.
Contact Closure*
LOOP L or L_L Loop(s) connected via contact closure, or
(On/Off)
other presence-sensing device. See Loop
listing in this table.
WIM W WIM, Count, Gap, Headway
WIM WIM W_W WIM, Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,
by Direction (by axle)
MIXED* AXLE AXLE-LOOP-AXLE Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,
(PIEZO) ALA Length, by Dir (by axle and by vehicle)
and LOOP-AXLE-LOOP Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class, by
LOOP LAL Direction (by axle)

AXLE TUBE-LOOP-TUBE Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,

(TUBE) TLT Length, by Dir (by axle and by vehicle)
and LOOP-TUBE-LOOP Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class, by
LOOP LTL Direction (by axle)
WIM-LP-WIM WLW WIM, Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,
WIM Length, by Dir (by axle and by vehicle)
and
LP-WIM-LP LWL WIM, Count, Gap, Headway, Speed, Class,
LOOP
by Direction (by axle)
* Contact closure can also be used in Mixed arrays – substitute for loop or axle as applicable

22 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 The ADR Sabre

Chapter 2 – Quick Start

This chapter describes how to get started using the ADR Sabre. The following topics are
discussed in this chapter:

 Initial Steps with the Startup screen, p. 24

 Setup Menu navigation, p. 27
 Setting Parameters for a study, p. 28
 Setup menu headings and content, p. 30
 Set Date, Time, and DST, p. 33

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 23

Chapter 2 – Quick Start

INITIAL STEPS

Wakeup LCD
Press any key on the keypad to “wake up” the Sabre LCD (the screen goes blank
after a set time to preserve battery). The LCD initially displays the startup screen:

PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre

Wed Apr 17,2013 16:01:59 DST
IDLE

FW: 01.02_275-Mar_27_2013-08:12:57
240 T45

Status Beacons

Figure 17 – LCD with Startup Screen

Status Beacons: A – Always on, low level, when ADR Sabre is not asleep
B – B flashes on, bright, every 60 sec. (watchdog) when the
Sabre CPU’s operation is normal.

TIP: If the LCD remains blank after you press a key:

 Try changing the screen contrast (press and hold 1 or 3 keys) in case it has
been set too high or low (see “Set Screen Contrast” in the table on p. 25).
 The battery may be disconnected internally. To check, see “Connecting the
Battery” in Appendix B, p. 146.
 If the LCD still does not display, the battery may need recharging. See
“Recharging the Battery,” p. 138.

24 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Initial Steps

Startup Screen Settings

PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre

Mon May 20, 2013 16:01:59 DST
IDLE

FW: 01.02_1275-MAR_27_2013-08:12:57
240 T45

Contrast setting LCD Timeout count

Figure 18 – Startup screen settings

With the startup screen displayed, use the keypad to do the following:
Sleep Timeout – Default LCD timeout is 60
seconds, after which, if no keys have been
pressed, the screen goes blank. To increase
timeout count (max. 300 sec.), press and
hold the ↑ key (from the startup screen
only). Count resets to the new value upon
any keystroke; if a timeout occurs, the Sabre
reverts to 60 sec. timeout upon wakeup.

Set Screen Contrast – Default is 240. On

the numeric (left) keypad, press or hold:
1 to decrease contrast
3 to increase contrast
Start Sleep Mode – Hold both the 7 and 9
keys down to manually start the sleep mode
(blank screen) from startup screen or
anywhere in the menus.
Setup Menu – Press the ← or → key on the
keypad to display the setup menu.

Press the BACK key to go back to the

startup screen.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 25

 Chapter 2 – Quick Start

Startup Screen Content

Startup screen – Initially, upon device startup, the startup screen is displayed on the
LCD (if blank, press any key on the keypad to turn on display):

DST
On
Date and PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre
Time Wed Apr 17,2013 16:01:59 DST
IDLE
Firmware FW: 01.02_275-Mar_27_2013-08:12:57
version 240 T45
LCD
Contrast Timeout
setting Count
Figure 19 – The ADR Sabre LCD and startup menu

Note Date and Time: Check the date and time on the startup screen. If time
and/or date are incorrect, see “Set Date, Time, and DST,” p. 33.

Battery Check
To quickly check the battery level, press the ← or → key on the keypad to select the
<status> heading on the Setup menu. Read the voltage on line 1):

Battery <CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><FILES><status>
voltage 0) SN-330033001547303439310000
1) 6.21V 009.2mA 001mA 000mA +073.5F
2) COUNT_MON_01 00000 00000 00000 00000
3) pvr_mon >

Figure 20 – Checking the battery voltage

Note To return to the Startup Screen from the Setup menu, from the
top headings, press the ESC or BACK button on the keypad.

For more information on navigating the setup screen – see the next section.

Note Never begin a study if battery level is at 6.0 v or less. This may allow
the ADR Sabre operation to stop before study completion. Instead,
recharge the battery first (see “Recharging the Battery,” p. 138).

26 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Setup Menu

SETUP MENU

To setup traffic studies, you will use the Setup menu. From the Startup menu (see
Figure 19, p. 26), press the ← or → key on the keypad to enter the Setup menu:

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) DATE-Mon May 14, 2012 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:O Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
043T
Figure 21 –Setup menu (“config” content shown)

Note To return to the Startup Screen from the Setup menu, from the
top headings, press the ESC or BACK button on the keypad.

Navigating Setup Menu Content

This section describes how to navigate the through the setup menu.

Numeric Arrows and

Keypad Special Keys

Figure 22 – Sabre Keypads

Using the keypads, press the ← or → key to select the different headings along the
top of the setup menu. When selected, the menu heading or item blinks, and is
shown in a lower case bold font; its content is displayed on the screen:

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
<site> content

<site> 0) SITE-000000000000000 STA-1111111111111111

selected 1) arrays Loop L 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 23 – Setup menu screen

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 Chapter 2 – Quick Start

Press ENT or the ↓key to advance through listings, or press the number (such
as 1, for arrays) for a specific item line:
1) arrays is
selected <CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE-000000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Loop L 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 24 – Arrays listing selected on the <site> menu

Once on a line, press ENT or ← and → keys to select a parameter, such as
arrays. Press BACK to go up among the menu items, or back to the top menu.

Setting Parameters
Press ENT or the ↓key to advance through listings, or press the number (such as 1,
for arrays). Once a line is selected, such as 1) arrays, set parameters – for example:
1. Press ENT or the ← or → keys to select a menu line item, such as arrays
type (Tube, Loop, etc.). When you select a parameter, it blinks:
arrays line is
selected Loop is selected
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
(blinks)
0) SITE-000000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Loop L_L 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 25 – Loop is selected on the 1) arrays line

2. Use the ↑ or ↓ key to select Tube as the array type (see Figure 26). Press
ENT to confirm. The next item in the line is selected (array type).
3. With Tube array type selected, for example, you can use the ↑ or ↓ keys to
select from the Tube array options (T, TT, etc.):
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS> Select Tube
0) SITE-000000000000000 STA-1111111111111111 array type:
1) arrays Tube T_T 01 Ln/s Fwd > T, TT, tT, T_T, etc.
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 26 – Selecting Tube array type on the <array> line

Note Changing some settings, such as arrays type (Tube, Loop, etc.),
causes other parameters to change accordingly.

28 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Setup Menu

Tip: After selecting a value, you press the ENT or ← and → keys to move to
another field and register the change, or press ESC to revert to the prior setting.
Alpha-numeric entries – In some fields, you enter alpha-numeric digits – such as for
the SITE or STA fields (site and station names) on the <site> menu:
Move along character places using arrow keys, ↓ = left, ↑ = right, or hold the
SHIFT key and then press ← or → to move left or right along the places. The
parameter characters all blink, except for the current place selected:
Alpha-numeric
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS> entries
0) SITE-MainSt00000000 STA-1111111111111111
Current place 1) arrays Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
selected 2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 27 – Alpha-numeric entries

Numbers: Press a number key to enter the respective numeric value.

Letters: Hold the SHIFT key while you repeatedly press a number key to cycle
through its associated letters, upper/lower case. For example, for 5, the cycle
would be M-N-O-m-n-o-5-M-N-O…
Right bracket (>) – Some lines or parameters list the > as an option, indicating
another sub-menu level exists. Select the > (> blinks), then press ENT to display the
sub-menu content, such as the settings for array sensor debounce.
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
> right bracket
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_0000 STA-111111111111111
selected (blinks)
1) arrays Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 28 – Selecting right bracket (>)

On some screens, lines display the > at a line’s end, indicating more content is off-
screen (to the right). Press the → key as necessary to shift columns and display the
additional content to the right, then press the ← key to move back left.

Arrln ArrTyp Dir Spc1 MaxAx > indicates more

> content to the right
01_01-T_T Fwd 1000 4500
02_02-T_T Fwd 1000 4500

Figure 29 – Shifting screen content

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 29

Chapter 2 – Quick Start

Setup Menu Headings and Contents

On the setup menu, you use the ← or → key to highlight a heading, and the content
for that heading is presented. The content for each menu heading shown below:
CONFIG With <config> selected, you will see:
<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH UNITS–US
1) DATE-Mon May 20, 2013 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001

Figure 30 – <config> contents

0) LANGUAGE: English/Spanish – Select the language for the menus
UNITS: US/Metric – Set measure units where applicable in the parameters
1) DATE (Time) – Set month/day/year, and hour/minute/second.
DST: On/Off/Set – Enable the daylight savings time (DST) adjustment and/or
go to a sub-menu to set the DST start and end – WK (week), DOW (day of
the Week), MON (month) HR (hour the change is to take affect).
2) COMMS–UsbDev: On/Off – Turn on USB DEVICE port (up to 300 seconds).
RS232: Select the serial port baud rate (300–256K).
3) COMM_ID: Set a five-digit identifier for communications on a network.
SITE With <site> selected, you will see:

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_0000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 31 – <site> contents

0) SITE: (Site Name) – Enter a 12-digit alpha-numeric name to identify device.
STA: (Station No.) – Enter a 12-digit alpha-numeric ID to further identify
device (Site and Station No. combined must be unique for each location).
1) ARRAYS – Select and configure your sensor arrays on this line:
Select Sensor used (Tube, Loop, Axle, Mixed, etc.).
Select array pattern; the parameters depend on the sensor type selected –
for Tube, for example, T, tT, T_T, etc.
Ln/s – select number of sensor arrays.
FWD, REV, BOTH, SEP (direction) – select to set the directional mode.
> – select the “>” to go to the sub-menus for the sensor/array details

30 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Setup Menu

2) GPS: (read only) – reading from GPS device input

3) CTREE: (read only) – This is the type of vehicle classification scheme.
STUDY With <study> selected, you will see:
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) RECORD: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily

Figure 32 – <study> contents

0) RECORD: (file types) – Select your file types to be recorded in the study.
Use ↑or ↓ keys to select, for each, + for record, or - for omit:
PVR – Per Vehicle Record – Record time, gap, headway, and other data as
available, per vehicle
BIN* – Bin - record bins of data as designated in the BIN sub-menu
EVT – Event - record raw event data from study (highly recommended).
AEF – ASCII Event File - records raw event data from study in a human
readable ASCII text (memory intensive, not normally recommended).
1) START– Select Start (Next Interval) or set to specific date/time
2) END– Select End (24 hrs, 48 hrs, etc.) or set to specific date/time
3) REC_INT: Select interval for file data inclusion (1 min, 2 min…60 min., or 0
min for continuous). Study data storage restarts with each new interval.
FREQ – Set to Daily, to restart intervals per 24-hour cycle, or Continuous
* BIN has a third option, “>” used to display the bin setup menu. Select “>”
for the BIN value, then press ENT to display a bin setup sub-menu, where
you set up categories for binned files (speed ranges, etc.).

study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-04 #HDR2-00 #HDR3-00

HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- -----
2-None ----- ----- ----- -----
3-None ----- ----- ----- -----

Figure 33 – Bin sub-menu contents

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 Chapter 2 – Quick Start

FILES With <files> selected, you will see:

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R *
1) USB:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:12151527=00005757 Evts

Figure 34 – <files> contents

0) MO/M1: (memory types) – Select and view storage space – M0 for device
memory, M1 for added SD card (if installed).
1) usb:Off USB not in use
usb:New+ Transfer any “new” files to the USB drive – those not sent
before – plus the current setup.
usb:New Transfer any “new” files – those created since last send.
usb:All Transfer all stored data files and setup files.
usb:Get Retrieve data and setup files from the USB jump drive
2) STUDY: New – Select to save study and/or CTree (classification).
Save up to 20 files each of study, CTree, or combined.
Get – Open and use currently existing setup file
Del – Select and delete an existing study (setup) file
3) EVT Get – Open and use currently existing event file
Del – Select and delete an existing event file
Run – Select and run a study using an existing event file

STATUS With <status> selected, you will see:

Battery <CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><FILES><status>
voltage 0) SN-330033001547303439310000
1) 6.21V 009.2mA 001mA 000mA +073.5F
2) COUNT_MON_01 00000 00000 00000 00000
3) pvr_mon >

Figure 35 – <status> content

0) (repeat pressing 0 to toggle readout from serial number to sensors)

SN (serial number) – device unique serial number, read only;
sensor(s) – installed board(s) shown (see “Check Installed Sensor,” p. 47).
1) Battery and power, etc., read only – from left, battery voltage (V), operating
current draw (mA), charging current (mA), solar panel charging current, and
internal temperature (F or C, depending on units setting).
2) COUNT _MON# – Incremental count of the vehicles detected while the PVR
monitor is running.
3) PVR_MON – Get real-time feedback on your configuration and device
settings by using the Sabre’s per-vehicle record (PVR) monitor.
Use the → key to select “>” and press ENT to display the PVR content.

32 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Set Date, Time, and DST

SET DATE, TIME, AND DST

Date and time settings may be incorrect on occasion. As a practical example of using
the Sabre menu, here’s how to set the date, time, and daylight savings time (DST):
1. On the Setup menu, select the <config> heading.

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) DATE-Tue May 15, 2012 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 36 – <config> heading contents
2. Select 1) DATE by pressing “1” on the keypad.

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) date-Tue May 15,2012 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 37 – Select 1) date
3. With date selected, press the → or ENT key to select the month field. Press
the ↑or ↓ keys to change the month. Press ENT to enter the setting and
select the next field. Or press ESC to exit the field without changing.

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) date-Wed Jun 26, 2013 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 38 – Set date
4. Likewise, use the arrow keys to select and set the day of month, year, and
time (HR:MIN:SEC).

The day of week (Mon-Sun) displayed is set automatically when the rest of
the date is set, and is not manually selectable.
5. Set DST (On or Off, or Set). With DST on, the Sabre automatically adjusts
for daylight savings time (according to DST settings; see next step).

Note DST automatically sets the time one hour ahead at the DST start
time, and one hour back at end time.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 33

Chapter 2 – Quick Start

6. To set the DST start and end times, select DST: Set, then ENT. This
displays the DST_START and DST_END (date and time). Press ENT to
select and the ↑or ↓ keys to set the parameters:

WK DOW MON HR
0) dst_start -04 Sun Mar 02
1) DST_END -01 Sun Nov 02

Figure 39 – Set DST start and end times

WK- Week of the month (01-05)
DOW – Day of week (Mon-Sun)
MON- Month (Jan-Dec)
HR – Hour (00-23)

Note Hours are in 24-hour format (00-23), where 00 is midnight,

“13” is 1 pm, etc.

7. When finished, press BACK as needed to return to the <config> menu.

8. Back on the <config> menu, with DST selected, use the ↑ or ↓ keys to
set DST to On or Off as needed.

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) date-Mon May 14, 2012 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001

Figure 40 – Set DST On/Off

34 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 3 – Communicating with the Sabre

This chapter using the communication ports on the ADR Sabre. The following topics are
discussed in detail in this chapter:

 Using the RS-232 port, p. 36

 GPS and time sync, p. 37
 Using the USB ports on the Sabre, p. 39
 Files Types, p. 41

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 35

Chapter 3 – Communicating with the Sabre

USING THE COMMUNICATIONS PORTS

You can easily operate the Sabre as a standalone device, without any connection to a
PC or network. Nonetheless, the Sabre has an RS-232 serial port, and USB micro B
(“Device”) port for connecting a PC or other devices to the Sabre. There is also a slot
for USB memory devices (jump drives) for transferring data and setup files.

RS-232 Port
The eight-pin Sabre RS-232 port connector is located on the rear of the Sabre (the
same connector is used for attaching power supply/charger). Use the RS-232 serial
port and suitable connector cable device (see “Ancillary Hardware Options,” p. 16) to
connect to a PC, modem, or GPS device.
To connect to the RS-232 port you must set the ADR Sabre to the same baud rate as
the device connected.

Power adapter / RS-232

connector (eight-pin), and
GPS device connector

Figure 41 – RS-232 Connector

RS-232 Settings
Baud Rate: To set the baud rate on the Sabre:
1. On the setup menu, use ← and → keys to select the <config> menu, then
select 2) COMMS.

<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH UNITS–US
1) DATE-Mon May 20, 2013 16:46:29 DST:On
2) comms-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 42 – Select the COMMS parameters
2. Select RS-232 field by pressing the → key, the baud rate blinks when
selected. Select a baud the using ↑or ↓ key. Press ENT key to save the
new baud rate, ESC to revert to previous value.

36 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Using the Communications Ports

Comm ID: You can set a Comm ID (communications ID). This is useful if you have
devices you are connecting on a network system. By default, the Sabre COMM_ID
value is 00001, but can be set to any number from 00001-65535.
1. On the <config> menu, select 3) comm_id by pressing the ↓ key, or ENT
key, or “3” on the keypad.
<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH UNITS–US
1) DATE-Mon May 20, 2013 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:O Rs232:115200
3) comm_id–00001
Figure 43 – Change COMM_ID
2. Select the numeric field by pressing the → key.
3. Move along character places using arrow keys, ↓ = left, ↑ = right, or hold
the SHIFT key and then press ← or → to move left or right along the
places. The character places all blink, except for the current place selected.
4. Press a number key on the keypad to enter the respective numeric value for
each digital place as needed (numeric range 00001-65535).

Note When using Street-Link, Comm ID must be set to 00001.

GPS and Time Sync Input

Direct GPS device input is the only way to set the coordinates on the Sabre. The
Sabre stores the coordinates in the file “header” of .bin or .pvr files that are created.

Note Any new GPS setting obtained remains on the Sabre until
changed by a subsequent GPS reading.

TM
You can use Peek’s Street-Link hand-held device to provide GPS (and time sync)
using the Sabre’s “Device” USB port (see Figure 46, p. 39). Or you can use the
Sabre’s RS-232 serial port for connecting to a GPS device using a serial connection
(see “Ancillary Hardware Options,” p. 16, for more device and cable information).
Serial Device Connection: Connect a GPS device which is capable of NEMA serial
communication protocol, and set to 4800 baud. Connect GPS device to the Sabre’s
RS-232 port with serial cable. When you connect the GPS device, and attempt
retrieve the GPS input, the Sabre looks for the input at 4800 baud rate for GPS
information transfer.
To get the GPS input, with a qualified GPS device correctly connected (either via
serial port, or using Street-Link connected to the USB “Device” port):

1. Go to the <site> menu, and press ENT or the 2 key to select GPS (see
Figure 44, p. 38).

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Chapter 3 – Communicating with the Sabre

2. With GPS selected, press ENT to select “GET.” The Sabre waits for the GPS
input to be automatically transferred from the GPS device.

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_0000 STA-111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GET-…Waiting for GPS
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 44 – Waiting for the GPS settings

If the transfer is successful, the GPS values for latitude and longitude are
automatically entered (see Figure 45).

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_0000 STA-111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:27d32,574’ Lon:-82d33,780’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 45 – GPS settings obtained

3. Upon accepting the GPS settings, the Sabre screen displays a prompt to set
its date and time to the GPS satellite time. Press the ↑ or ↓ key to select
Yes to set, or No to skip this time synchronization, then press ENT.
Street-Link: Connect the Street-Link to the Sabre’s “Device” port using a USB Type
B to Micro-B adapter with the Street-Link’s integrated USB cable. When successfully
connected to the Sabre, Street-Link’s Connected LED goes ON.

Note With Street-Link connected, you can check the Street-Link LEDs
for Sabre battery and memory status (see Figure 10, p. 18).

To send GPS location (and sync time, if need be), do the following:
1. Press the Sync Location button on the Street-Link; while the Street-Link
seeks the GPS satellite data, the GPS Lock LED flashes. The Sync
Location button LED also flashes.
2. When the GPS data has been obtained, the GPS Lock LED remains ON
steady. The GPS location is transferred to the Sabre automatically. When
this happens successfully, the LED on the Sync Location button goes ON
steady.
3. Verify the GPS location entry on Sabre’s <site> menu (see Figure 45).
4. If desired, press the Sync Time button to load the satellite time to the Sabre.
When successful, the LED on the Sync Time button goes ON.

38 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Using the Communications Ports

USB Micro-B “DEVICE” Port

The USB Micro-B port connector (labeled “DEVICE port”) is on the Sabre front panel
(see Figure 46, p. 39). Use the USB port for connecting a PC, or a Street-Link
device. Connect to a PC to transfer files and use software, such as Viper, or Vision, to
set up Sabre for studies, transfer files, etc. Or you can use the Street-Link to provide
GPS and/or time settings (see “GPS and Time Sync Input,” p. 37).

DEVICE – Connect ADR Sabre to a PC with

your USB micro B cable via this port.

Figure 46 – USB Device port

To connect to a PC:
1. Insert a USB micro B cable into the DEVICE socket on the Sabre front
panel, and connect the other end to an available USB slot on the PC.
There are no communication parameters to set on the Sabre for the DEVICE
port. When you insert the USB plug into the DEVICE socket, the ADR Sabre
detects this and enables the USB port, starting a 300-sec. timeout.

Note The PC must recognize the USB device connection, and the
software used must also; refer to the respective software
documentation for instructions on device connection.

2. If inactive for 300 seconds, the DEVICE connection shuts down. To reopen
USB communication, on the <config> menu, select 2) Comms. Set to
UsbDev:On and press ENT to select. The Sabre begins a 300-second
timeout (listed in parentheses next to setting – see Figure 47, p. 39):

USB Device port turned <config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>

on (300-sec. timeout)
)begins) 0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH
1) DATE-Mon Jun 14,2012 16:46:29 DST:On
2) comms-UsbDev:On(300) Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 47 – USB “Device” port (UsbDev) On

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Chapter 3 – Communicating with the Sabre

USB “HOST” Slot

The HOST slot is located on the front panel of the Sabre:

HOST – Insert a USB jump drive here to

store and retrieve data and settings.

Figure 48 – USB HOST slot

Store or retrieve data and study setups to and from a USB jump drive via this socket:
1. Insert a USB jump drive into the HOST socket on front panel of the Sabre.
2. Under the <files> heading, press 1 select usb, then press the ↑ or ↓ key
to select the usb option as needed to send files to the USB drive:

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) USB:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:12151527=00005757 Evts
Figure 49 – The USB slot setting
usb:Off USB not in use
usb:New+ Transfer any “new” files to the USB drive – those not sent
before – plus the current study setup file (if saved – see
“Save Study and Classification Tree Files,” p. 63).
usb:New Transfer any “new” files – those not sent before.
usb:All Transfer to the USB drive all stored data files and setup files.
usb:Get Retrieve data and setup files from the USB jump drive

When you transfer files, file transfer information is displayed on the screen:
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0018 File/s,0000226 UsbBlocks,8710KB
0) M0:0149MBB_0150B_00512-30716-30724 *
1) usb:All Free:044022
2) STUDY:Study_1=02-T,02Min,Cont
3) EVT:12151527=00005757 Evts
Copied-0018, Mark-0000, Skip-000

Figure 50 – USB file transfer

40 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Using A Modem

Note Data transferred to the USB is stored in a folder called “sabre.”

For example, with USB drive inserted, you can select the 2) study line, and
press ENT then select Get to retrieve a study (if you have a study saved);
you are prompted for the Study IDs (use the ↑or ↓ key to select, then press
ENT). When retrieved, you are prompted to arm the Sabre (use the ↑or ↓
key to select Yes, then press ENT to arm).
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0:0149MBB_0150B_00512-30716-30724 *
1) USB:Off
2) study:ARM_UNIT_NOW?-No
3) EVT:12151527=00005757 Evts
Figure 51 – Study prompt to arm unit

File Types
Study (.stp) – Study setup files contain all the settings for a study, and/or can also
contain the Classification tree (CTREE).
Event (.evt) – Event files contain the recorded raw, time-stamped event (sensor
activation) data from the respective study.
PVR (.pvr) – Per-vehicle records. PVR data files include records of each vehicle
recorded, and whatever data is possible via the sensor array in use – time, gap,
headway, class, and other data – per vehicle.
Binned (.bin) – This file contains the accumulated, categorized (or “binned”) data as
outlined in the array configurations (gap, headway, speed, class, etc.), with a count of
number of vehicles detected in each “bin,” or range of values.
ASCII Event File (.aef) – This file has the same raw event data as the Event file, but
in a readable form – ASCII text.

USING A MODEM

Contact Peek Technical Support for information on modems that can be used, and for
connection and configuration instructions (see “Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

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42 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

This Chapter discusses the basic settings and features common to all studies, regardless of
sensor types and array types in used. For detailed setup information on specific sensor and
array types, refer to the Chapters 5-9 in this manual. The following topics are discussed in
detail in this chapter:

 Typical study considerations, p. 44

 Pre-study checks and settings, p, 45
 Study Setup, p. 45
 Select File types, p. 51
 Set Start and End Times, p. 59
 Arming/Disarming the Sabre, 61
 Post Study Options, p. 62
 Example Study Setup, p. 67
 Using the PVR Monitor, p. 74

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 43

Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Typical Study Setup Considerations

When you install the ADR Sabre recorder at a site, you set up the device for the type
of information you want to collect, and also determine the types of sensors and arrays
to be used. A typical setup involves selecting the type(s) of sensors, choosing and
configuring the array settings, setting up bins for resulting data and types of data files
to be collected and stored, and when to start and end the study.
Thus, for each study setup, these are typical factors to be addressed:

 The physical location of study site (where sensors are installed and deployed).
 The type(s) of information to be collected and stored
 The number and direction of traffic lanes that will be studied.
 The type of sensors to be used for the study (tube, piezo, loops, mixed, etc.).
 The array layout (Single Tube, Loop/Axle/Loop, etc.).
 Proper and safe sensor installation as needed.
 Accurate array spacing and dimension measurements.
 GPS input, if used, for geographical location identification.
 Site ID and Station number (for identifying the device and location of the study)
 File type selection – PVR, Event, Binned, ASCII Event
 Study setup – volume, count, gaps, class, etc., per study
 Bin headers (data categories) and bin ranges, if binned data is used
 Study file interval (nonstop, 1 minutes, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, … 60 minutes) –
data files are generated per interval.
 Study length and time – start and end settings, and whether daily or continuous;
including when and how to start and end the study (by date/time, next interval, or
manual).
 Test and adjustment of sensors – tube debounce, loop hysteresis, etc.
 Arm the Sabre and conduct the study.
 Close and lock the ADR Sabre unit as necessary for extended, unattended
studies (see “Security,” p. 19).
 Gather study results – data files, for volume, count, gaps, class, etc.

44 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Pre-Study Checks and Settings

PRE-STUDY CHECKS AND SETTINGS

This section describes typical pre-study checks and settings for any study setup,
regardless of array or sensors used.

Check Battery Status

Be sure to check the battery status before using the ADR Sabre. To do this, go to the
<status> menu, and review line 1):
Operating
Battery <CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><FILES><status>
current draw
voltage
0) SN-330033001547303439310000
1) 6.21V 004.2mA 000mA 000mA +073.5F
2) COUNT_MON_01 00000 00000
3) PVR_MON -

Figure 52 – <status> menu

Displayed on line 1) are, from left, battery level (V), operating current (mA), charging
current (mA), solar panel charging current (mA), and internal temperature (ºF/ºC).

Note Never begin a study if battery level is at 6.0 v or less. This may allow
the ADR Sabre operation to stop before study completion. Instead,
recharge the battery first (see “Recharging the Battery,” p. 138).

Automatic Battery Level Checks

The Sabre performs self-checks for battery level, and will curtail some functionality –
according to the battery status – beginning at 5.9 volts:
 For voltage less than 5.9 V, the Sabre does not allow a firmware upload.
 For voltage less than 5.8 V, the Sabre does not allow you to arm for a study.
 For voltage less than 5.6 V, the Sabre will stop the study in progress and
return to idle mode.
 For voltage less than 5.4 V, the Sabre displays a “low battery” message (for
five seconds), then goes into standby mode (screen goes blank).

Avoid Power Drain

Some installed sensor input boards will drain the power faster than others, even
during idle, if the respective sensor type is currently selected for use as part of the
array. Refer to Figure 52 above to see how to check power consumption.
When the Sabre is not in use, it is recommended that you select Tube for array type
on the Sabre, to minimize power drain during idle times (on the Setup menu, under
the <site> heading – see “Select and Configure Array,” p. 51).

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Check Memory Status

Be sure you have enough memory for your study. The onboard memory is
designated M0, and the SD card memory, M1 (if installed). To check memory status,
go to the <files> menu. Press “0” repeatedly to toggle the memory usage for M0
(onboard) or M1 (SD card – if installed).
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS> 13.9 MB available of
15.0 MB total (M0)
0) m0:0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) usb:Off 512-byte blocks, with
2) STUDY:None 27859 free, of 30724
3) EVT:None blocks available
Figure 53 – Checking M0 memory (internal)

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS> 1.8 GB available of

1.8 GB total (M1)
0) m1:0018GB-0018GB_32768-60953-61086 R
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None 32768-byte blocks, with
3) EVT:None 60953 free, of 61086
blocks available
Figure 54 – Checking M1 memory (SD Card)
The Sabre contains 15 Mb of internal memory for storage of study and data files. The
Sabre can also include an additional SD card memory card, which can hold up to
4GB additional memory space. If installed, the SD card will hold the PVR, event, and
ASCII event (AEF) files, while the internal flash will hold setup files and bin data.
To free up additional memory, if needed, see “Clearing Memory Space” on p. 139.

Automatic Memory Level Checks

The Sabre performs memory self-checks, and will prevent arming a study according
to the memory status for internal (M0) and SD card (M1) memory. Here are the types
of status and the result.
 Memory not ready:
o If M0 is not ready (corrupt, etc.), arming the Sabre is prevented.
o If M1 is not ready (installed but not formatted, etc.), and the study would
use the card for file storage (PVR, ENT, and/or AEF files are selected),
arming the Sabre is prevented.
 Memory low:
o If Sabre determines based on study file requirements that there is less
than three days of free memory, arming is prevented.
o If there are less than 50 files, and there is less than 750k of free
memory, arming is prevented.

46 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Pre-Study Checks and Settings

Check Installed Sensor Boards

You can check to see the types of sensor input boards that are installed in your Sabre
device, into which internal slot(s), how many inputs of each type are available, how
many are currently used, and other information. To view sensor board information:
 Under the <status> heading, press the “0” key repeatedly to toggle between
the serial number and the different installed sensor listings (see Figure 55).
The display shows information for the installed board(s) and sensors used, as shown:
Sensor IDs (“03-06”)
Board location
Board no. – (“0”) Sensor inputs used (hex “0007”)
of those Type (“T”)
installed
(“Sen01-03”) 0) Sen01-03=0:04T_11-01_03-06_0007-0000 (reserved)

No. of sensors Sensor board code (“11”)

available (“04”) – firmware code (“01”)
of this type and

Figure 55 – Sensor information details under the <status> heading

For board no. – of those installed, the “Sen01-03” indicates “board 1 of 3,” etc.
For board location, 0 indicates “on board,” 1 indicates “slot 1,” 2 indicates “slot 2,” etc.
For Type, T=Tube, A= Axle (piezo), L=loop, W=WIM, and C=contact closure.
For board / firmware codes, contact Peek support (see “Technical Assistance,” p. 9).
For “sensor inputs used” (see figure above), a four-digit hexadecimal code indicates
the sensor inputs currently used. Each digital place in the code can be decoded to its
equivalent four-place binary value to reveal the sensor inputs being used.
For example, say your study used road tube inputs 1, 2 and 3. Code would be “0007”:
the “used” indication for the three road tubes would be binary 0111 – that is, going
from the most significant digit to least (left to right), this would indicate a 0 (“not used”)
for input 4, but a 1 (“used”) for inputs 3, 2, and 1. The “inputs used” code is “0007,”
since 0111 binary converts to “7” hexadecimal, and a “0” is placed for all others. And
since the sensor ID range is 03-06, sensor IDs 03, 04, and 05 would thus be in use,
for inputs 1, 2, and 3, respectively. These IDs also would be indicated in the road tube
sensor parameters (when setting debounce values for each road tube, for example).
Or, say, you had a piezo sensor board installed, and instead were using six piezo
(axle) sensors. You could, for example, depending on wiring and internal hardware,
be using sensor IDs 07-12 (decimal). The “inputs used” would then be indicated as
“003f” – as converted to hex from the binary code 0011-1111, with each “1” indicating
that sensor input is in use. In this case, these would be sensor IDs 12, 11, 10, 09, 08,
and 07 (going from MSD to LSD). You would see these respective sensor IDs when
configuring settings for each sensor (say, for debounce or sensitivity).

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 Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Basic or Global Settings

Set Language, Units

Set the Language and Units on the <config> menu:
 Language – Select 0), then press ENT or the → key to select the language
field, and use ↑or ↓ key to switch between ENGLISH or SPANISH.
 Units – Change this setting if needed (mph vs. kph, feet vs. meters, etc.).
Select Units and use ↑or ↓ key to switch between US or METRIC.
Language
<config><SITE><STUDY><FILES><STATUS> Units
0) LANGUAGE-ENGLISH UNITS–US
1) DATE-Mon May 20, 2013 16:46:29 DST:On
2) COMMS-UsbDev:Off Rs232:115200
3) COMM_ID–00001
Figure 56 – Config heading and content

Check Date and Time

On the <config> menu (see Figure 56 above), or on the Startup Screen (see Figure
19, p. 26), you can view the current date and time setting on the Sabre. If adjustment
is needed, or to set or enable DST, see “Set Date, Time, and DST,” p. 33.

Check GPS Location

Check the GPS coordinates (latitude and longitude) on the <site> menu. If a new
GPS setting is needed, see “GPS and Time Sync Input,” p. 37.

GPS <CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
coordinates 0) SITE-000000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Loop L 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 57 – GPS coordinates

48 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Basic Study Setup

BASIC STUDY SETUP

This section describes the basic steps needed to configure the Sabre for a study, with
topics listed in general order of completion. These steps are useful for any type of
array or sensors used (details specific to each array type are described in later
chapters).

Study Setup Overview

The basic steps required in configuring a study on the Sabre are described in this
chapter, and include these:
 Device identification – set the site name and station ID to identify the
device and location for the study data collected.
 Array – select sensor array configuration, number of lanes (for multi-lane)
studies, and direction considerations if available for array type.
 Array parameters – set spacings for multiple sensors and other study
parameters, such as axle ratios (for vehicle counts), axle-vehicle timeouts,
etc. (refer to the later Chapters (5-9) for more array details).
 Sensor adjustment parameters – set and/or adjust debounce, sensitivity,
hysteresis, etc., as needed, depending on sensor type used.
 File types – select the data types to be collected – PVR, event, binned, etc.
 Binned data – Set up the study bins, if binned data is collected, and set up
study pages to combine data and formulate the data needed. Set up bins for
volume count “channels” (per lane and/or direction), vehicle class counts,
speed ranges, gaps, etc.
 Start / End – Set up the Start and End times for your study.
 Interval – Set the recording interval to sort collected data by time periods.
 Frequency – Set the recording frequency – sort traffic data into daily
periods, if needed.
 Class Tree – Load a new classification tree, if needed, for vehicle class
studies.
 PVR Monitor – Use to check sensor operation and adjust study settings.
 Arm and Record – Arm the Sabre when ready to begin the study (at the set
start interval).
 Security – Be sure to close and lock the ADR Sabre unit as necessary for
extended, unattended studies (see “Security,” p. 19).

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Site Name / Station ID

To start, set the Sabre to a unique, descriptive site name and station ID. In case of
multiple devices or studies, the combination of name and station should be unique.
1. Go to the <site> menu using ← and → keys as needed.
2. In the <site> menu, press “0” or ENT or to select the 0) site line.

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site- 00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 58 – <site> menu selected
3. Press ENT or → keys to select site (ID) and set the site name in 16 alpha-
numeric characters as appropriate (the field blinks when selected, except for
the currently selected digit). Move along digit places using arrows: ↓ key =
left, ↑key = right. Or hold SHIFT and press the ← or → key to move the
cursor left or right, respectively.
To enter a numeral – press that number on the
keypad.

To enter a letter – hold down the SHIFT key and

press the respective number key for the letter
group needed (for example, 5 – MNO). Press
the number repeatedly to cycle through the
letters, upper/lower case (for example, for 5: M-
N-O-m-n-o-5-M-N-O…).

Figure 59 – Sabre keypad

4. Select and set the STA (station ID) in 16 alpha-numeric characters, entering
values as described in step above.
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site- Hwy_23_at_Main STA-1111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 60 – Entering site information

50 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Basic Study Setup

Select and Configure Array

Set up the Sabre to accommodate the sensor array you installed and connected:
1. Go to the <site> menu, using ← and → keys as needed.
2. In the <site> menu, press “1” or ENT to select the 1) arrays line.

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- 00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 61 – <site> content with arrays selected
3. Using the arrow keys, select the array type (Tube, Loop, Mixed, etc.) you are
using, the configuration (T_T, etc.), number of lanes, direction, etc.
For further details on the arrays – spacings, count ratios, sensor debounce time, loop
length, hysteresis, sensitivity, etc. – refer to Chapters 5-9, depending on the sensor
array you are using (Chapter 5 for road tubes, Chapter 6 for loops, etc.).
After doing the settings for array(s), refer back to the remaining steps in this chapter.

Select Data File Types

For your intended study, you will need to select the types of files with which you will
collect the study data (see “Data File Types,” p. 52, for descriptions of the file types).
To select the file types:
1. Go to the <study> menu.
2. In the <study> menu, press “0” to select the 0) record line.
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily
Figure 62 – Record file types
On the 0) record line you select your file types to be recorded in the study.
3. Press → to select each file type (PVR, BIN, EVT, AEF), and for each, use ↑
or ↓ keys to select:
+ for record
– for omit
The BIN file has a third option, “>,” used to display the bin setup sub-menu.
With “>” selected, press ENT to display the BIN sub-menu to set up your
study’s bin categories and ranges (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52).

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 Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Data File Types

Here are descriptions of the types of study data files (PVR, BIN, EVT, AEF):
PVR (Per-vehicle record) – (.pvr) PVR data files include data for each vehicle
recorded, and whatever data is possible via the sensor array in use – time, gap,
headway, class, and other data – collected on a per-vehicle basis, as opposed to
amassed overall traffic data.
BIN (Binned) – (.bin) This file contains categorized (“binned”) data as outlined in the
array’s “bin” setup (ranges for gap, headway, speed, class, etc.), with a count of
number of vehicles detected in each “bin,” or range of values (see “Setting Up the
Bins,” below).
EVT (Event) – (.evt) Event files contain the recorded raw, time-stamped event
(sensor activation) data from the respective study. This raw data is valuable as a
safeguard, in case some of the physical setup or study settings are faulty.

Note If you record the events during a study, you can later run the events
file, but with changed settings, get new data (see Appendix C, p. 150).

AEF (ASCII Event File) (.aef) – This file has the same raw event data as the Event
file, but in a readable form – ASCII text. This file requires much more memory than
other data, and is therefore not typically recommended for longer term study usage, if
there are memory storage limits or concerns.

Setting Up the Bins

Once you have selected your array type, and enabled the bin file (see “Select Data
File Types,” p. 51), you can use the BIN sub-menu to define your study – select the
type of categorized (or “binned”) data for your study. You specify the categories (gap,
speed, class, volume, etc.), and then the range for each “bin” within the category.
Each bin then collects a count of the vehicles detected to have fallen within that range
– for speed, gap, class, or whatever the category of data you have selected.
The available data categories (or “headers”) will depend on the sensors and array
type selected, as shown in Table 6, below (see also “Array Selection Options,” p. 19,
for more information on selecting a suitable array for your study).
Table 6 – Bin categories available, per array type
Header / Road Tubes Loop Axle WIM Mix
Arrays T T_T tT tT_tT TT T_T-2 L L_L A A_A W_W WLW LWL ALA LAL TLT LTL
Channel √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Gap √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Headway √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Speed √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Length √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Class √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
GrossWt √ √ √
Direction* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
per Lane* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Bin Sub-menu
You select the “headers” (categories) of data to record on the BIN sub-menu, and set
the value or range for each “bin” for that category. When the study is done, the count
of vehicles detected in each “bin,” or range of values, is stored in that bin.
To display the BIN sub-menu:
1. Under the <study> heading, select the 0) record line.
2. Press → to select file type BIN, then press ↑ or ↓ key to select “>.”
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN> EVT+ AEF+
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd BIN “>”
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily selected

Figure 63 – BIN “>” selected

3. Press ENT to display the BIN sub-menu: No. of columns
study page
(1_0f_1) study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05 per header by no.
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05 Bin headings
BIN “headers” 1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- ----- (BIN01, BIN02,
(categories) 2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
etc.)
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
Bin range
values Figure 64 – BIN sub-menu with default headers, range values

Note Bin “headers” and ranges are preselected for you, by default,
depending on array type selected. These are subject to your
adjustment or removal. You can also add more headers, more
columns, and/or more study pages.

The BIN sub-menu consists of the following (see Figure 64):

 study 1_of_1 – The current “study” page; a study page can list three
headers, each with a corresponding row of bin values. A study has one
page, and up to three headers. You can add pages, for up to three total, but
each page has separately organized data (see “Adding Study Pages,” p. 55).
 #HDR1, etc. – Across the top is a listing of the headers by number (HDR1,
etc.), showing the number of columns that each header (category) has. You
can add more columns for each header.
 HEADER – Column at the left, listing the study categories (1-Channel, 2-
Gap, etc.) on that study page. These headers are the categories of data you
are going to record in the study.
 BIN01, etc. – The row for each header has its columns or “bins,” each with
heading (BIN01, etc.), and each column having a value. The value entered
in each bin column defines the range to be applied for that bin; they also
represent the appropriate unit (time, length, etc.) for that measurement type.

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For example, for 2-Gap, the BIN01 value is 03000, which is 3000 hundredths
of a second, or 30 seconds. In the study, this bin would contain the count of
vehicles with a time gap from the previous vehicle of 30 seconds or less.
Likewise, BIN02 will contain the count of vehicles with a time gap of between
30 seconds and 60 seconds, etc. You can add columns to expand the
number of “bins” for a category.

Select or Change a “Header”

The Headers are provided by default for each array type; these are the categories of
data you can record in the study (Gap, Headway, etc.). The available HEADER
options depend on the kind of array you are using.
To set or change a header on the BIN sub-menu:
1. Press the number for the header (for example, press 1 for 1-Channel).
2. Press ENT to activate the selected Header field:
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05
BIN “headers” 1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
(categories) 2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
Figure 65 – BIN sub-menu headers
3. Press ↑ or ↓ key to scroll through and select from the header options
available (Channel, Gap, Headway, etc.), then press ENT to confirm choice.
When you select a header, the column headings are displayed, and default
values are provided for each bin column for that header.

Set or Change Bin Range Values

To set change the bin values for a header row:
1. Press the number for the header (for example, press 2 for 2-Gap).
2. Press → to move right to select the column whose value it is you want to
adjust. When selected, the column value blinks, except for the current
decimal place selected:
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05 Bin headings
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- ----- (BIN01, BIN02,
2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534 etc.)
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
Bin range
values Figure 66 – BIN range values
3. Move along digit places using arrow keys, ↓ = left, ↑ = right, or hold the
SHIFT key and press ← or → to move left or right along the places.
4. Use the numeric keypad on the Sabre to enter the desired value for each
digit as needed.

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5. Press ENT to save changes, or press ESC to revert to previous value.

If you find you need more columns (bins) for a given header, you can add more
columns (see “Change Number of Columns (Bins) for a Header,” below).
If you find you need more headers for a given study, you can add more pages, for up
to three (3) study pages total (see “Using Study Pages,” p. 56). Each study page can
contain three (3) headers.

Change Number of Columns (Bins) for a Header

You may want to add more bins for a particular header. To change the number of
columns for a header (thus changing the number of “bins” for that category of data):
1. On the BIN sub-menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the top line so that
study is selected (blinks).
2. Press → to move right to the corresponding header value (HDR1 for 1-
channel, etc.) whose number of columns you want to change (number
blinks).
3. Press ↑ or ↓ key increase or decrease the current value. Press ENT to
save changes, or press ESC to revert to previous value.
Top of BIN study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05
sub-menu No. of header 2
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05
columns (“05”)
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
Figure 67 – Changing number of columns
When you add more columns for a header, the new columns are
automatically populated with default values. To change these values, see
“Set or Change Bin Range Values,” p. 54.

Volume Counts per Lane and/or Direction, and Assigned Channels

When setting up a study, vehicle volume counts are stored in “Channel” bins, if used.
The specific channel bins are assigned automatically, per lane and then per
forward/reverse direction, in order, respectively. For example, here are four cases:
 A single-lane study, with forward only, reverse only, or both directions
combined, would use only one channel bin, Bin 01.
 A single-lane, with forward and reverse directions counted separately, would
use two bins – Channel Bin 01 for the forward count, Bin 02 for the reverse.
 A two-lane study with forward only, reverse only, or both directions
combined, would use – Channel Bin 01 for Lane 1, Bin 02 for Lane 2.
 A two-lane study counting forward and reverse directions separately would
use four bins – Channel Bin 01 for the Lane 1 forward count, Bin 02 for the
Lane 1 reverse count, Bin 03 for the Lane 2 forward count, Bin 04 for the
Lane 2 reverse count.

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Using Study Pages

Within the bin settings, a study in the Sabre has one “page,” initially, with up to three
headers available for use on that page (see Figure 67). You can add pages, for a
total of up to three, and thus add more potential headers, or data categories, for use.
Each study page is rather like a separate study in itself. Only the data gathered on the
same study page can be recorded for use in a “multiple-dimensional report” – that is,
a report where the collected vehicle data are combined and correlated (see Table 7).
Organize your headers and pages accordingly.
Example multi-dimensional study: Let’s say you need a study of vehicle speeds,
per lane, and also, according to vehicle class. You would go to the bin sub-menu to
select the respective headers and set the bins, accordingly, on a single study page.
For “Class,” the bins are supplied automatically (using the currently installed
classification tree). For per-lane counts, you would select “Channels” – bins are
supplied according to number of lanes selected for that array (on the <site> heading).
By putting these headers on the same study page, you can you combine the
categories of data (see Table 7).
For “Speed,” you might set bins to count vehicles traveling within certain speed
ranges (say, under 25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, and over 55).
Table 7, below, shows a partial example of some study data, combining volume by
lane, speed, and class (based on the default Class Tree). As shown, most vehicles in
the table are of class 2 (passenger cars), with 36, 36, and 118 vehicles in lanes 1-3,
respectively. Lane 3 is the busiest, with 118, 74, 6, and 20 for classes 2-5 (218 total).
There are no Class 1 types recorded (motorcycles).
Table 7 – Example if study page data
Speed Class 6,
Channel Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5
(mph) etc.
Lane 1 25 0 7 0 0 0 …
35 0 22 8 4 1 …
45 0 6 2 0 1 …
55 0 0 0 0 0 …
> 55 0 1 0 0 0 …
All speeds 0 36 10 4 2 …
Lane 2 25 0 2 0 0 0 …
35 0 14 2 0 1 …
45 0 15 1 0 0 …
55 0 5 2 0 0 …
> 55 0 0 0 0 0 …
All speeds 0 36 5 0 1 …
Lane 3 25 0 0 0 0 0 …
35 0 0 2 0 0 …
45 0 27 5 0 1 …
55 0 50 41 3 6 …
> 55 0 41 26 3 13 …
All speeds 0 118 74 6 20 …

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Adding Study Pages

When you add more pages for a study, the new pages are ready to populate (see
above sections for selecting headers, bin values, etc.). To add pages for a study:
1. On the BIN sub-menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the top line so that
study is selected (blinks).
2. Press → to move right to select the study page, second number (1_of_1);
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05
Total HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05
study 1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
pages 2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
Figure 68 – Changing number of study pages
3. Press ↑ or ↓ key increase or decrease the current value, range from 1–3.
Press ENT to save changes, or press ESC to revert to previous value. The
second page is displayed with default settings (Figure 69, p. 57):
study-2_Of_2 #HDR1-02 #HDR2-00 #HDR3-00

HEADER BIN01 BIN02

New 1-Channel 001 002
page 2 2-None ––––– –––––
selected 3-None ––––– –––––
Figure 69 – Selecting new study page
4. If you have more than one page, to change study page you are viewing:
a. Press arrow keys to select the study page (2_0f_2).
b. Press ↑ or ↓ key select the page number from those available (up
to three). Press ENT to display the selected page.

Example Bin Setup

With a three-lane, two-loop array per lane (array type L_L) configuration, set up the
bins for class, speed, and volume per lane (for study depicted in Table 7, p. 56):
 Class – Count vehicles per class category.
 Speed – Count vehicles traveling 0-25 mph, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, over 55.
 Per Lane Volume – (Channel) Volume counts for each of the three lanes.
First, the type of array would be defined on the <site> heading, something like this:
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS> “Fwd” selected
L_L array
selected 0) SITE- 00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111 (counts for one
1) arrays Loop L_L 03 Ln/s Fwd > direction)
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 70 – Array as set up on <site> heading

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Set up bin categories and ranges for your study using the BIN sub-menu:
1. Under the <study> heading (above), press “0” to select the 0) record line.
2. Press → to select file type BIN, then press ↑ or ↓ key to select “>”:
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN> EVT+ AEF+
1) START-NextInt BIN “>”
2) END-NeverEnd selected
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily
Figure 71 – Selecting BIN “>”
3. Press ENT to display the BIN sub-menu (for this array, default headings
and values are entered as shown):
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-15 #HDR2-12 #HDR3-03
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05 >
1-Class 01 02 03 04 05
2-Speed 00025 00030 00035 00040 00045
3-Channel 001 002 003 ––– –––
Figure 72 – BIN sub-menu
The headers needed are already selected by default:
Class – The Class line cannot be edited – the bins are already set to contain bins for
all classes according to the class tree in effect (see “Load Study Setups and/or
Classification Tree,” p. 65, to change the classes used).
Speed – We will need to change number of bin columns, and the values.
Channel – The Channel line, which will hold the volume counts for the three
lanes, using three bins, one for each lane, cannot be edited.
We will need to add another page and set a header for “Gap.”
4. Change the number of SPEED columns:
a. On the BIN sub-menu, use the arrow keys to navigate to the top line so
that study is selected (blinks).
b. Press → to move right to the corresponding header value (#HDR2)
(number blinks when selected).
c. Press ↓ key decrease the #HDR2 value from 12 to 05. Then press
ENT. This changes the number of columns for Speed:
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-15 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-03
No. of HEADER 2
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05 > columns
1-Class 01 02 03 04 05
(“05”)
2-Speed 00025 00030 00035 00040 00147
3-Channel 001 002 003 ––– –––
Figure 73 – Changing number of bins for Speed

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5. To set the Speed values press 2 to select the “2-Speed” line, press the →
key to select the second bin field, and use the arrows and keypad to change
its value from 00030, to 00035.
6. Likewise, set the next two Speed columns to 00045, and 00055. The last
column is preset to 00147 by default (just an arbitrary high number).
This completes the bins for the example study.

Select Record Interval / Start / End

Once you have set up your study settings, you will need to schedule the study – start
and end times for recording, the data interval lengths, and whether the study data will
be continuous or daily – that is, one continuous file, or divided into daily data files.
The study does not begin until you “arm” the Sabre; then, recording starts and ends
as per start and end settings.

Record Interval
The Sabre can record and help sort traffic data into time periods, or intervals, to more
accurately reflect traffic at given times. This setting (REC_INT) determines the time
spans for the data collection intervals.
Set the interval as required for your data collection resolution; settings are 1-minute,
2-minute, 5-minute, 6-minute, 10- minute, 15-minute, or 60-minute. Or, set to 0 Min.
for continuous recording, without including time intervals.
Be sure to set at least the minimum interval (and maximum resolution) you require.
For example, if you need data for 15-minute intervals, but set to record in hourly
intervals, you cannot expect to get data accurately reflecting 15-minute intervals.
Conversely, if you need hourly information, but set up for 15-min. intervals, you can
always combine the interval counts to get hourly totals, if required.
Study intervals are hourly divisions and are aligned so that an interval starts at the top
of each hour. That is, for example, a 15-minute interval restarts the data counts each
15 minutes, on the hour, quarter-past, half-past, and quarter ‘til.
1. Under the <study> heading, press “3” to select the 2) rec_int line.
2. On the 3) rec_int line, press the → key to select the rec_int option field (the
selected option blinks).
3. Use the ↑or ↓ keys to select the rec_int option (1-min, 2-min, 5-min, etc.,
or 0 min for continuous).
Press ENT to set the rec_int option, and move to FREQ (frequency) field or
ESC to revert to prior setting.

Record Frequency
The frequency setting allows you to get the data organized into daily totals (for longer
studies), or for one continuous study without daily
1. Under the <study> heading, press “3” to select the 2) rec_int line.
2. On the 3) rec_int line, press the → key to select the FREQ (frequency) field.

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3. At the FREQ field, use the ↑or ↓ keys to select the FREQ option:
Daily – Organizes study data for multi-day studies into per-day files.
Continuous – Organizes data on multi-day studies as a continuous
sequence of files without day distinctions.
4. Press ENT to set the FREQ option selected, or ESC to revert to prior setting.

Study Start Setting

The start setting determines, upon arming the Sabre, at what point the recording of
the study starts. If you set a date and time, for example, the recording begins at the
first interval start that occurs after that time (see “Record Interval” above). To set:
1. Under the <study> heading, press “1” to select the 1) start line.
2. On the 1) start line, press the → key to select the start field (the selected
option blinks). Use ↑or ↓ keys to select a start option, as follows:
NextInt (Next Interval)* – Starts the study at the next interval (first interval
start time that occurs after arming the Sabre).
Set* – Starts the study at the next interval following a specific date/time:
a. Press ENT to go to the month field, and use the ↑or ↓ keys to select
the month, and then press ENT to go to the day field.
b. Use the ↑or ↓ keys to select the day, press ENT to go to the hour
field, select the hour, then press ENT, etc.:
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) start-Set Wed May 29, 2013 10:45
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily

Figure 74 – Set start time

3. After selecting the start option as required, press ENT.

*NOTE: If you have set the REC INT (record interval, see p. 59) to “0,”
when the Sabre is armed, the recording will start immediately, unless the
“start” is set to a time and date. In this case, recording will start at the set
start time and date.

Study End Setting

1. In the <study> menu, press “2” to select the 2) end line.
2. On the 2) end line, press the → key to select the End option field.
3. Use the ↑or ↓ keys to select the end option, then press ENT:
NeverEnd – Select to allow the study to run until stopped manually
24Hrs/48Hrs/72Hrs/7 Day (Next Interval) – Select one of the time options to
allow the study to run for the specified period).
Set – Select to specific date/time:

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a. Press ENT to go to the month field, and use the ↑or ↓ keys to select
the month, then press ENT to go to the day field.
b. Use the ↑or ↓ keys to select month, then press ENT to go to the day,
press ENT to go to the hour field, select the hour, then press ENT, etc.:
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) start-
2) END-Set NextInt Wed May 29, 2013 10:45
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily
Figure 75 – Set end time

Arming/Disarming the Sabre

When you arm the Sabre, it is enabled to record– but does not begin until the set
start interval arrives (see “Select Record Interval / Start / End,” p. 59).
The start interval can be the next interval to occur, or the first interval following
the start date and time you have set. Once begun, the study runs until the
scheduled end time – for a selected time period, or until the scheduled end time,
or indefinitely, and until you manually disarm the Sabre.
Arm the Sabre
1. At the startup screen, press ENT key to select idle (blinks in lower case), or
from any screen. With idle blinking, press the ↑or ↓ key to set the arm
prompt , or press FUNCTION and 1 from any screen, to display the prompt:
2. Set the prompt either selection as shown (see Figure 76):
ARM NOW? Yes – select this and press ENT to start the study.
ARM NOW? No – select this and press ENT to remain in IDLE mode.
PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre
Mon May 14,2012 16:01:59 DST
ARM UNIT NOW? Yes
FW: 01.02_1139-May_04_2012-14:14:14
240 059T
Figure 76 – Startup screen, and arming the study
When armed, the Sabre startup screen indicates ARMED, lists the start
interval and the End interval as set, then waits for the start interval to occur.
PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre
Mon May 14,2012 16:01:59 DST
ARMED
START: Thu May 30, 2013 10:15
END: NeverEnd
FW: 01.02_1139-May_04_2012-14:14:14

Figure 77 – Startup screen showing “ARMED”

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When the start interval occurs, the Sabre starts recording as configured. The
indication on the screen changes from “ARMED” to “REC.” The Sabre runs
the study for the selected period or until end time selected. If you selected
NeverEnd for the End setting, you must manually stop the recording.
If the Sabre set to ARMED, you can disarm the Sabre. You can also
manually stop the recording in progress (see below).
Manually Disarm the Sabre or Stop Recording
You can always disarm the ADR Sabre (and prevent the study from beginning),
or manually stop the recording as need be, whatever the End setting.
To manually disarm the “armed” Sabre:
1. Press BACK as needed to display startup screen, and at the startup screen,
press the ENT key to select armed (blinks in lower case), or press
FUNCTION and 1 from menu heading content, to display the prompt:
2. Press ↑or ↓ key to set the prompt:
Quit Armed? Yes – select and press ENT to stop, and return to Idle status.
Quit Armed? No – select and press ENT to remain in armed mode.
To manually stop a recording in progress, the procedure is similar:
1. Press BACK as needed to display to startup screen, and from the startup
screen, press the ENT key to select rec (blinks in lower case), or press
FUNCTION and 1 from any screen, to display the prompt.
2. Press ↑or ↓ key to set the prompt:
Quit Rec? Yes – select Yes, press ENT to stop study, and return to IDLE.
Quit Rec? No – select No, press ENT to continue recording.

Note A study must complete at least one full interval in order to produce any
data; otherwise, If a recording is stopped before an interval is
complete, an empty file is created, and no report can be created.

Post Study Options

After you finish a study, you will have a number of resulting data files, depending on
the file types selected in the study setup (the .bin, .evt, .pvr, and .aef files), as well as
the setup file (for more information, see “Data File Types,“ p. 41).

Rerun a Study’s Event File

With the Sabre, you can also rerun a study’s recorded events, using event files, and
see what the results are with changes to the study parameters. See “Recording Event
Files for Reuse, Post-collection,” p. 150.

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Save Study and Classification Tree Files

You can save your Sabre study settings, and/or the classification tree, on the Sabre.
These can both be stored in the same file (.stp). You can save study files, tree files,
and/or combination of both. You can store up to 10 files of each type on the Sabre.
You can store additional files by using the USB to transfer to a pc and renaming, and
reloading; they must be renamed so as not to conflict with files on the Sabre, and
must maintain a maximum of eight-character name, three-character extension (.stp).
To save either or both the Study and CTREE information:
1. Go to the <files> heading.
2. In the <files> menu, press “2” to select the 2) study line.
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R *
1) USB:Off
2) study:None
3) EVT:None
Figure 78 – study selected
3. Press the → key to select the parameter to the right of study (it blinks).
4. Press the ↑or ↓ key to select New. Press the ENT key, so that STUDY is
displayed to store the study, or CTREE to store the classification, or All.
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R *
1) USB:Off
2) STUDY:New STUDY
3) EVT:None
Figure 79 – Alpha-numeric Desc entry
5. Press the ENT key; if you selected All or Study, Desc= is displayed, with a
default name entry in the 12 alpha-numeric Desc= field (study description).
Edit the description as needed. Move along character places using arrow
keys, ↓ = left, ↑ = right, or hold the SHIFT key and then press ← or → to
move left or right along the places. The parameter characters all blink,
except for the current place.
Numbers: Press a number key to enter the respective numeric value.
Letters: Hold the SHIFT key while you repeatedly press a number key to
cycle through its associated letters, upper/lower case. For example, for 5,
the cycle would be M-N-O-m-n-o-5-M-N-O.
6. Press ENT when finished to save the file under an available name. The
name format depends on which file type you are saving. For example:
 STUDY1_1 (study)
 CTREE0_1 (classification tree)
 ST_CT0_1 (both study and classification tree)

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File Transfers
You can transfer the files to a PC for further analysis by connecting using the RS-232
port or USB Device port, or store on a thumb drive using the USB Host slot (for more
information, see “Using the Communications Ports,” p. 36, and “Data File Types,” p.
41).

USB File Folders

Files stored to a USB memory device from the Sabre (see “USB “HOST” Slot,” p. 40)
are saved in a folder called “sabre” (see Figure 80 below). Further, within this “sabre”
folder is another folder, named for the serial number of the Sabre device from which
the files are transferred. Then, within this device folder are additional folders named
for each study site – by the designated site name and station ID.

USB jump drive -

“sabre” folder study
folder
Sabre device
folder content –
.evt, .bin,
study folder .stp files,
etc.
Figure 80 – USB folders and study folder contents
Each study site folder contains related files – including all study file versions saved for
that study site, and the data files for each study as well.
For example, the figure above shows the a “Windows Explorer” view of the “sabre”
folder on a USB drive, containing the device folder “330033001547303439313235”
(based on the Sabre device serial number). Within that folder are study site folders.
The content for the folder “Axle00100000 000000NEW001” is listed in the right pane.

Renaming and Transferring Study Files

When you save study files and/or class tree files on the Sabre (see “Save Study and
Classification Tree Files,” p. 63), the Sabre uses a default naming format – for each
type – study (such as STUDY0_1), class tree (CTREE0_1), or combination (ST-
CT0_1). The Sabre can store only 20 files of each type internally. But you can store
more of these files on the Sabre by transferring them to a pc, renaming them using
the pc capabilities and transferring them back, as shown below:
1. Transfer these files to a USB memory device from the Sabre (see “USB “HOST”
Slot,” p. 40) – if you do, files are listed in the “8.3” MS-DOS file-naming format,
with an eight-character name and .stp file extension (see Figure 80 above).
2. Insert the USB into a pc to view. Rename any files needed for transfer back to
the Sabre. Remember to maintain the same “8.3” MS-DOS file-naming format

64 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Basic Study Setup

when renaming, and include no spaces, or special characters other than hyphen
(-) or underscore (_).
3. Insert the USB with the renamed files back into the Sabre “Host” slot, then use
the USB:get on the Sabre (see “USB “HOST” Slot,” p. 40).
The Sabre can store as many of these files as memory space allows, as long as
they have followed naming conventions, and are named differently than the
default names.

Using Data Files

You can use the data files you create in a study (.evt, .bin, .pvr, or .aef files – see
“Data File Types,” p. 41) utilizing external software (such as Peek Traffic’s Viper
software).

For example, show below is an example of a report created in Viper based on

imported Sabre data (for more information, refer to the Viper product Help content, or
contact Peek Traffic Technical Support – see “Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

Figure 81 – Example Report in Viper, based on study “binned” data

Load Study Setups and/or Classification Tree

The currently installed vehicle classification (CTREE) is used whenever you are
recording “class” data in your study (see an example listing in Figure 83, p. 66).

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Sabre comes with a default set of vehicle classification definitions; these are standard
industry vehicle classifications. If you have a different classification tree you need to
use, you can load it into the Sabre from a USB drive.

Caution Be sure you have properly structured classification tree data. For
additional guidance, please contact Peek Technical Support (see
“Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

To install the new file, which will be used for the study you will create:
1. Place the USB thumb drive with the new CTREE file in the HOST slot on the
front panel of the Sabre.
2. Go to the <files> menu.
3. In the <files> menu, press “2” to select the 1) usb line.

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R *
1) USB:Get
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:None
Figure 82 – usb:Get selected
4. Press the → key to select the parameter to the right of usb: (it blinks).
5. Press the ↑or ↓ key to select Get. Press the ENT key, this starts the file
transfer from the thumb drive. The Sabre recognizes the classification file
type by its contents, even though it has the same suffix as study files (stp).
6. To view the CTREE file, press the ↑or BACK key to go to the menu
headings, and then press ← or → to select the <site> heading. You can see
the new CTREE file listed.
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_Main STA-001__________
1) arrays Tube T 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 83 – <site> heading with CTREE listed

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 Menu Abbreviations and Meanings

MENU ABBREVIATIONS AND MEANINGS

Table 8 – Menu Abbreviations and Meanings

Parameter Menu location Expanded Description
1AxVTO Array parameters One-axle vehicle Timeout set to discount a single axle toward vehicle count if not
timeout followed by another axle within set time.
ArrLn Array parameters Array Lane Delineates during configuration, which of the two lanes applies
in an array, if set for two lanes.
ArrTyp Array parameters Array Type Delineates type of array selected – T, TT, T_T, A_A, etc.
AutoCal WIM parameters Auto Calculation Set up parameters for sampling WIM sensor readings
AvgSpd Array parameters Average Speed Sets average speed for lane. Sabre updates every 5 vehicles.
C Array parameters Contact (read only) Indicates if contact closure input in use (1 or 0).
CalFac WIM parameters Calibration Subheading over the settings for adjusting WIM readings to
Factor accommodate sensor input variations.
Cl WIM parameters Class Set the type of vehicle for sample readings for calibration
Count Array parameters Volume Count Count of vehicles for a tube/lane for current interval.
Cur WIM parameters Current (read only) Current count of remaining vehicles to complete
sampling for AutoCal adjustment of calibration factor.
Deb Array parameters Debounce Sets time for debounce delay for sensor (axle, tube).
Len Array (loop) Length Sets length of loop, lead edge to lag edge (6 ft. default).
parameters
(Dir) Site/Array Direction Select the traffic direction for array lane or tube:
Fwd Forward (default): For two sensors or more – lead sensor to lag
sensor direction counted.
Rev Reverse: For two sensors or more – lag sensor to lead sensor
direction counted.
Both Both: For two sensors or more – both directions counted and
totaled together.
Sep Separate: For two sensors or more – both directions counted,
but counts are kept separately.
E Array parameters Enable “1” value indicates the current sensor is enabled. Use to enable
only on AutoCal.
ID Array parameters Sensor ID Specific sensor identified in array.
Ln Arrays, various Lane Shows or allows selection of Lane, or number of lanes to be
studied, depending.
MaxAx Multiple tube Maximum Axle Sets maximum distance between axles sensed considered part
arrays parameters distance of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is indicated.
MaxVLen Multiple tube Maximum Sets maximum vehicle length that can be considered part of a
arrays parameters Vehicle length single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is indicated.
Num WIM parameters Number Set the sample size (001-999) for AutoCal feature.
Off WIM parameters Offset Set for WIM sensor input to accommodate WIM sensor type.
Ratio Array parameters Ratio Ratio of Axles per vehicle, used for calculating vehicle count (for
single tube, short-long tube, or directional tube array).
Spc1 Array parameters Space 1 Spacing for two tube array, or first pair spacing (short-long
tubes) for four-tube arrays, or mixed arrays.
Spc2 Array parameters Space 2 Spacing between tube pairs, lead tube to lead tube, in four-tube
arrays, or second to third sensor spacing in a mixed array.
Spc3 Array parameters Space 3 Second short-long tube pair spacing for four-tube arrays.
TG Array parameters Tailgate Distance between tail of one vehicle and head of next. Used for
helping distinguish whether axle spacing indicates separate
vehicles or single, multiple axle vehicles (for vehicle class).

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

EXAMPLE VOLUME COUNT, STEP-BY-STEP

This section describes how you can use a single road tube sensor with the Sabre and
set up a simple volume count in one lane (see “T” array in Table 5, p. 22). The data
that can be collected from this array would include volume, headway, or gap, in one
channel. The number of vehicles is estimated based on axle count.

Note Before performing an actual study, please refer to the road tube
installation guidelines, and observe all applicable safety guidelines.

Figure 84 – A single-tube, single-lane counting array

To set up a simple volume count in one lane:
1. First, before starting any study, do some status checks:
a. On the <status> menu, check the battery level to make sure the voltage
is above 6.0 V. If not, recharge the battery (see p. 138).
b. On the <files> menu, check to make sure you have enough memory for
the study. If not, clear memory by formatting the memory (see “Format
Procedure for Memory Media,” p. 140).
2. On the <config> menu, check the Units setting (US vs. Metric), and change
if needed for study purposes (mph vs. kph, feet vs., meters, etc.).
3. Go to the <site> menu using ← and → keys as needed. In the <site>
menu, press “0” or ENT or to select the 0) site line.

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site- 00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 85 – <site> menu selected
4. Press ENT or → keys to select site (ID) and set the site name in 16 alpha-
numeric characters as appropriate (the field blinks when selected, except for
the currently selected digit). Move along digit places using arrows:

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 Example Volume Count, Step-by-Step

↓ key = left, ↑key = right. Or hold SHIFT and press the ← or → key to
move the cursor left or right, respectively.
To enter a numeral – press that number on the
keypad.

To enter a letter – hold down the SHIFT key and

press the respective number key for the letter
group needed (for example, 5 – MNO). Press
the number repeatedly to cycle through the
letters, upper/lower case (for example, for 5: M-
N-O-m-n-o-5-M-N-O…).

Figure 86 – Sabre keypad

5. Select and set the STA (station ID) in 16 alpha-numeric characters, entering
values as described in step above.
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site- Hwy_23_at_Main STA-1111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T_T 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 87 – Entering site information
6. Select and set the arrays parameters. Set first field to Tube, the next to T
for single tube. Set Ln/s to 01. Direction is Fwd (not changeable here).

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) SITE- Hwy_23_at_Main STA-001__________
1) arrays Tube T 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 88 – Setting array parameters
7. Press ENT or → to select the “>” and press ENT to display a sub-menu:

Arrln ArrTyp Ratio 1AxVTO

x.xx
01_01-T 200 000000

Figure 89 – Setting array details

Note The number of lines listed depends on the number of tubes /

lanes.

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

8. Press ENT or → keys to select the “T” and press ENT to display the
debounce menu. Then press ENT or → keys again to select the Deb
(debounce) field. Use the number keypad to enter debounce value
(milliseconds) and press ENT. Press BACK when finished to return to
previous menu.

Arr-01 Id E Count Deb

T Msec
1)Tb-03 1 00000 0035

Figure 90 – Setting array debounce

DEBOUNCE: The debounce value is a small time interval after a sensor
input signal is received by the Sabre, during which device signals are
ignored, so that inadvertent signal noise or “bounce” is not added as a count.
As a rule of thumb, if there are higher false counts, increase the debounce
value, and if there are more skipped counts occurring, decrease the
debounce value. The default is 35 msec.
9. Use the → key to select the Ratio field (see Figure 89, p. 69), and enter the
axle per vehicle ratio preferred (use keypad as in step 6). Value is in
hundredths (x.xx appears above field when selected).
10. Use the → key to select the 1AxVTO field, to set a timeout (one-axle vehicle
timeout - for odd-number axle detected; axle ignored if timeout occurs) in
milliseconds (msec appears above field when selected).
1AxVTO Timeout: The timeout depends on the wheelbase, average speed,
and gap between vehicles. For example, at a speed of 35 mph, a 16-ft.
wheel base will have about 0.3 seconds separation. Gap between cars is
nominally 2 seconds. Thus a timeout of .5 seconds would eliminate a count
of another vehicle, and likely not affect the next axle detection.
11. Press BACK key as needed to return to the <site> menu. Next, retrieve
GPS information from an attached RS-232 GPS device, if available. To do
this, select 2) GPS and press ENT.
12. Press BACK key as needed to return to the top menu headings.
Next, set the study menu parameters:
13. On the top menu, press ENT or → keys to select the <study> menu.
<CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) RECORD: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF–
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily
Figure 91 – The <study> menu
14. Select the 0) record: line, and select your file types to be recorded in the
study. Use ↑or ↓ keys to select, for each:

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 Example Volume Count, Step-by-Step

+ include file type

– omit file type
PVR – Per Vehicle Record – record time, gap, headway, and other data as
available, per vehicle
BIN* – Bin - record bins of data as designated in the BIN sub-menu.
EVT – Event - record raw event data from study (highly recommended).
AEF – ASCII Event File - records raw event data from study in a human-
readable ASCII text (memory intensive, not normally recommended).

*BIN sub-menu: BIN has a third option, “>” used to display the bin sub-
menu. Select “>” for the BIN value, then press ENT to display the sub-
menu:
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-00 #HDR3-00
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- -----
2-None ----- ----- ----- -----
3-None ----- ----- ----- -----
Figure 92 – Setting array
15. On the sub-menu, from study, press ENT to select the page field (1_Of_1) to
set the number of study pages; you can set up from 1-3 study pages.
16. Press 1 to edit the first line of the study menu. For an array type T, you can
select Channel, Gap or Headway (more headings are available for other
array types that record speed, class, etc.):
Channel: Default setting, record a single vehicle count for a lane.
Gap: Distance between tail of one vehicle and front of next, binned by gap
times. Set the range value for each bin.
Headway: Distance between front of one vehicle and front of next, binned
by headway times. Set the range value for each bin
17. Select 2 and set to Gap, and 3, set to Headway. The respective bins appear
on the line, with default time settings (in hundredths of a second). Each bin
increments its count for each incident of a gap or headway of the respective
amount of time set for each. Set bin values as needed with keypad.

study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-01 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05

HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
3-Headway 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534

Figure 93 – Setting study headings

Notice along the top of this screen, the number of bins per line is listed. For
example, the #HDDR2-05 indicates that line 2, Gap, has 5 bins. If you select
it, it will display another descriptive line, detailing study storage statistics,
such as:
#Avail=2519 #Used-0025 #Hdr-21

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

18. With the bins set, press BACK button as needed to return to <study> menu.
19. Next set the START – select either of two choices.
Next Int: Starts at the next recording interval as set. For example, if the
study interval has been set to 15 minutes, the intervals start at each quarter
hour on the clock, and the study starts at the next interval’s start time.
Set: Allows you to set the date and time to start the study. The study starts
at the start of the next available interval after the designated start time.
<CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) RECORD: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) start-Set Mon Jun 10,2013 14:16
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily

Figure 94 – Setting study start

20. Set the study end:
NeverEnd-The study will run until the manually stopped (disarmed).
24Hrs/48Hrs/72Hrs/7 Day: The study will run for the set period. The end
time is listed.
Set: Allows you to set the date and time to end the study.
21. Set the REC_INT (study recording interval). Default is 15 Min.
<CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) RECORD: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF–
1) START-Set Mon Jun 10,2013 14:15
2) END-NeverEnd
3) rec_int -15 Min FREQ-Daily
Figure 95 – Setting record interval

Note The recording interval is the period of time a study will record the study
data before storing the interval data, and restarting the counts for the
subsequent interval of recording.

Set to 0 Min. for continuous count recording.

Study intervals always begin on hourly divisions, in line with the clock hour.
That is, for example, a 15-minute interval restarts recording each 15
minutes, on the hour, quarter-past, half-past, and quarter ‘til.
22. Set the FREQ – this setting organizes the report files of the study:
Daily – Save Study files separately into daily reports (for multi-day
studies), with each 24-hour period ending at midnight and restarting.
Cont. – Save Study files as one continuous study (for shorter studies)
23. (Optional) Name the new study, if desired, to save the setup on the Sabre:
a. On the <files> menu, press 2 for 2) study.

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 Example Volume Count, Step-by-Step

b. Press the → key to select the study parameter field.

c. Press the ↑key to select New, and ENT to select New STUDY.
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) USB:Off
2) study:New STUDY
3) EVT:None
Figure 96 – Creating the study
d. Press ENT again, to display the study New Desc field.
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) USB:Off
2) study:New Desc=01-T,05Min.,Daily
3) EVT:None
Figure 97 – Naming the study
e. A default name is listed, based on the current study settings. Edit the
name as desired using the keypad:
Move along places– Use↓ key = left, ↑key = right. Or hold SHIFT and
press ← or → key to move the cursor left or right, respectively.
To enter a numeral – press that number on the keypad.
To enter a letter – hold down the SHIFT key and press the number key
for the letter group needed (for example, 5 – MNO). Press the number
repeatedly to cycle through the letters, upper/lower case.
Now, arm the Sabre:
When ready, arm the ADR Sabre (that is, enable the study to start, as currently
scheduled):
24. Press BACK as needed to display to startup screen, and press the ENT key
to select idle (blinks) then press ↑or ↓ key to see the prompt (or press
FUNCTION and 1 to get to the prompt from any menu heading).
25. Press ↑or ↓ key to set the arm prompt:
ARM NOW? Yes – select this and press ENT to arm the Sabre.
ARM NOW? No – select this and press ENT to remain in IDLE mode.

PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre

Mon May 14,2012 16:01:59 DST
ARM NOW? Yes
FW: 01.02_1139-May_04_2012-14:14:14
240 059T
Figure 98 – Startup screen, and arming the study
When armed, the Sabre startup screen indicates “ARMED,” and waits to
start the study as scheduled. When the designated interval occurs, the

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Sabre startup screen indicates “REC” and runs the study for the selected
time period or until the selected end time.
You can always manually disarm the ADR Sabre before starting the study,
(or stop the recording in progress). If you selected never end, you must
manually stop the ADR Sabre recording in progress.
26. To manually stop the recording, from the startup screen, press ENT key to
select rec (blinks), then press ↑or ↓ keys to set the question (or press
FUNCTION and 1 to get to the prompt from any menu heading):
Quit REC? Yes – select and press ENT to stop the study, and return to Idle
status.
Quit REC? No – select and press ENT to remain in record mode.

USING THE PVR MONITOR

You can check your study configuration using the Sabre’s per-vehicle record (PVR)
monitor. This can provide “real-time” feedback, with count statistics per vehicle based
on the running activation data provided by the sensor array.
To enable the PVR monitor:
1. Go to the <status> menu, and press ENT to select PVR_MON:

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><FILES><status>
0) SN-330033001547303439310000
1) 6.21V 009.2mA 001mA 000mA +073.5F
2) COUNT_MON_01 00000 00000 00000 00000
3) pvr_mon >
Figure 99 – PVR Monitor selected
2. Press the → key to select the > at the right of the screen, then press ENT.
This actives the monitor, which then begins to accumulate statistics for the
array as configured for current traffic, and display the “live” counts on the
LCD with appropriate headings:
HH:MM:SS Ln Vnum AxAx Cl
>

Figure 100 – PVR Monitor headings

Press the → key to see more content to the right. PVR Monitor information includes:

74 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Using the PVR Monitor

Table 9 — Descriptions for PVR Monitor headings

Heading Description
HH:MM:SS Time of vehicle event, indicated by hour, minutes, seconds.
LN Lane of vehicle; also, plus (“+”) indicates forward, minus (“–“), reverse.
VNum Vehicle number in the current monitoring session.
st
AxAx Number of vehicle axles counted by the first sensor (1 Ax) and – if
nd
used, the second sensor (2 Ax).
CL Vehicle as classified.
Speed Vehicle speed measured in hundredths of a mile per hour.
Gap Gap measured in tenths of a second.
Hdwy Headway measured in tenths of a second.
Spc01 Axle spacing first to second axle measured in tenths of a foot.
Spc02 Axle spacing second to third axle measured in tenths of a foot.
Spc03 The axle spacing from the third to fourth axle measured in tenths of a
foot, etc.

Special PVR Indications

Here are some tips on viewing and using the PVR content:
 For AxAx, compare visual evidence of passing vehicles to PVR axle counts
(AxAx) for positive confirmation of sensor operation.
 Also for AxAx, if, when two sensor arrays are monitored, both the AxAx
values do not agree (for example, 0102), an exclamation point (“!”) is
included in the values (for example, !0102).
 For class (CL), an exclamation point (“!”) is included in the value if a vehicle
is classified by default – that is, a positive identification is not necessarily
evident, so a class is indicated by default (for example, !02).
 Also for class (CL), an asterisk (“*”) is included in the class indication if a
vehicle is classified with help of the tailgate setting (for example, *02).
 For Speed, an exclamation point (“!”) is included in the value if a vehicle
speed is not actually recorded, so the average speed is used (for example,
!14.99).
 For length (VLen), when using loop arrays, if the length is not captured, the
reading will show “– – – – –“ (five dashes).

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Chapter 4 – Setup Basics

Change PVR Monitor Display

When viewing the PVR monitor on the Sabre LCD screen, you can change the
content of the PVR display on the Sabre LCD by pressing certain keys on the Sabre,
as described in the listing below.
Table 10 — Key descriptions for PVR Monitor viewing
Key Description
1 Toggle .mmm (mSec) hide/display in time stamp
2 Toggle vehNum (vehicle number) off/on
3 Toggle gap/headway on/off
4 Toggle between displaying axle spacings and axle weights
7 Toggle Units display on/off
8 Clear screen
9 Freeze contents of screen
SHIFT- ← Display leftmost content of screen
SHIFT- → Display rightmost content of screen

76 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 5 – Road Tube Arrays

This chapter contains detailed setup information on road tube sensors and arrays.
This chapter describes manually using the setup menu specifically to define the road tube
study parameters for each array type. For more information on general study settings, such as
setting the Site ID and station name, setting start and end times, selecting file types to capture,
etc., see Chapter 4, Setup Basics. The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter:
 Read Tube Array Selection, p. 78
 Configuring Road Tube Arrays, p. 79
 Setting Tube parameters, p. 79
 Example Single-Tube Counting Array, p. 81
 Road Tube Installation guidelines, p. 92
 Road Tube Calibration, p. 95
 Special Setup Considerations for Multiple Tube Arrays, p. 95

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 Chapter 5 – Road Tube Arrays

ROAD TUBE ARRAY SELECTION

Before setting up your road tube-based study, first determine just what data is sought.
Refer to Table 11 below for general guidance in array configuration and study types,
using road tubes only.
Table 11 — Type of data available (by axle), listed by Tube Array Selection
Tube Arrays Data Types, per Array and Layout
Tube Tube Volume
Description Gap Headway Speed Class Wheelbase
Array Layout Count

One-lane,
One- tube, one-
T non-dir. Yes Yes No No No
channel volume

One short, one

long tube, close
Per-lane.
tT together (12-18”), Yes Yes No No No
two lanes, one
direction
Two tubes, close
Per-lane,
together (12-18”),
opposite-
TT directional Yes Yes No No No
dir.
volume, two
channels
Two tubes,
spaced apart ,
T_T*
directional Per-lane Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
volume, single
lane, or two lanes
Two tubes,
spaced (2-ft.)
apart, directional
T_T-2* volume, single Per-lane Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
lane, or two lanes
/ opposite
directions
Four tubes, two
short-long pairs,
tT_tT Per-lane Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
apart, two lanes,
same direction

* The T_T and T_T-2 settings are much alike, except the T_T-2 setting provides for more accuracy and
enables two-direction counts, while using smaller tube spacing (2- ft. default for T_T-2, compared to 10-ft.
for T_T).

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 Configuring Road Tube Arrays

CONFIGURING ROAD TUBE ARRAYS

Setting Tube Parameters

To set tube array parameters, as mentioned in later sections in this chapter, start on
the <site> menu; press 1 on the keypad to select the arrays line and set parameters:

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site-00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Tube T 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 101 – Entering Tube array information
Press the → key to select the “>”, and press ENT to display the array sub-menu:

Arrln ArrTyp Ratio 1AxVTO

x.xx
01_01-T 200 000000

Figure 102 –Tube array sub-menu

Press ENT or → keys to select “T” and press ENT to display the sensor sub-menu:

Arr-01 Id E Count Deb

T Msec
1)Tb-03 1 00000 0035

Figure 103 –Tube sensor sub-menu

Debounce Adjustments
Some road tube sensors are subject to possible signal “bounce” – that is, there may
be reverberations in the tube after the initial tube activation that could cause a single
axle to be counted multiple times by the Sabre. You can set a “debounce” time for
each tube input. This sets a time interval after a sensor input signal is received,
during which any further signals for that sensor are ignored. This is so possible signal
noise or “bounce” is not added as a count.
The best setting for a tube can depend on expected speeds. For example, in an area
with a typical vehicle speed of 35 mph, a setting of 80 msec may work well. Or, at 50
mph, 30 msec is more typical.
Debounce Adjustments: If there is evidence of false counts, increase the debounce
time slightly, and retest. If there are skipped counts occurring, decrease the debounce
time, and retest. Continue adjusting until results are satisfactory. Skipped counts can
also occur due to other factors, such as a faulty tube or connections. Be sure to check
the integrity of your array and connections.

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Single-Tube Array
This array includes a single road tube sensor, across a single traffic lane. Here the
Sabre records the vehicle axles passing over the tube. The data that can be collected
from this array is: volume, headway, or gap in one channel. Per-lane headway and
gap counts are valid only for the single lane tube array.

Figure 104 – Single-tube counting arrays – 1-lane or 2-lane (totaled in one channel)
Table 12 — Parameters for single-tube array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to T.
Ln/s No. of lanes – Set to 1.
(direction) Fwd – not changeable here.
> (array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Ratio (Axle to vehicle); when selected, an
sub-menu x.xx is displayed. Set as needed (default 2.0). This value is used
to calculate a vehicle count based on axles counted.
Press → key to select 1AxVTO (timeout after which Sabre stops
looking for next axle as part of vehicle, and next is counted as
start of a new vehicle).*
sensor On array sub-menu, select T on a sensor listing and press ENT
sub-menu to view.
Deb (debounce) – Set as required for accuracy (msec).Default is
35 msec.
<study> record On 0) record line, press → key to select each file type (PVR etc.),
settings use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, and/or headway, and their respective bin
ranges, as desired.

* 1AxVTO – Without using this setting, a vehicle with an odd number of axles will
result in the Sabre remaining on while awaiting the next axle strike. This will keep
the Sabre on for longer periods until the next odd-number axle vehicle, causing
the Sabre to use up its battery faster.

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Example Single-Tube Counting Array

To set up the single-tube counting array, for example, in order to count vehicles and
also record the times of vehicle gaps (less than 2 seconds, 2-3 secs, 3-4 secs, 4-5
secs, 5-6 secs, and over 6 secs):

Note Typically with a single road tube, you would connect to input 1.

1. Select the <site> heading on the setup menu.

2. On the <site> heading, press the 1 key to go to 1) arrays:
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site- Hwy_23_at_Main STA-1111111111111111
1) ARRAYS Tube T 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 105 – Entering site information
3. Press ENT or → key to select array type. Use the ↓or ↑key to set to Tube.
4. Press ENT or → keys to select the next field, and set to T for single tube.
Set Ln/s to 01. Direction is Fwd (not changeable here).
5. Press ENT or → keys to select “>” and press ENT to display a sub-menu:

Arrln ArrTyp Ratio 1AxVTO

x.xx
01_01-T 200 00000

Figure 106 – Setting array details

6. Use the → key to select the Ratio field (see Figure 106), and enter the ratio
using the keypad – this number divides to axle hits to provide the vehicle
count. Value is in hundredths (x.xx appears above field when selected).
7. Use the → key to select the 1AxVTO field, to set a timeout (one-axle vehicle
timeout - for odd-number axle detected; axle ignored if timeout occurs) in
milliseconds (Msec appears above field when selected).

Arrln ArrTyp Ratio 1AxVTO

Msec
01_01-T 200 00300

Figure 107 – Setting array 1AxVTO

8. Press ENT or → keys to select the “T” and press ENT to display the
debounce menu (see Figure 108, p. 82). Then press ENT or → keys again

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to select the Deb (debounce) field. Use the keypad to enter debounce value
(milliseconds) and press ENT. This can be adjusted later as needed.

Arr-01 Id E Count Deb

T Msec
1)Tb-03 1 00000 0035

Figure 108 – Setting array debounce

9. Press BACK key as needed to return to the top menu headings.
10. Select the <study> heading, and press 0 to select the 0) record line where
you can enable the specific file types you will create.
CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR- BIN> EVT+ AEF-
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily

Figure 109 – Record file types

11. On the 0) record line you select your file types to be recorded in your study.
Press ENT or → keys to select the file type (PVR, etc.). Use the ↓or ↑key
to enable (+) or disable (–) each file type. Enable the file types as desired.
12. Set the bin categories using the BIN sub-menu. Use the ↓or ↑key to select
“>” for the BIN value, then press ENT to display the bin sub-menu (when you
exit the BIN sub-menu, the BIN setting is automatically set to “+”).

study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-04 #HDR2-00 #HDR3-00

HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- -----
2-None ----- ----- ----- -----
3-None ----- ----- ----- -----
Figure 110 – Bin sub-menu
For an array type T, you can select Channel, Gap or Headway. For this
study, you will select:
Channel: Default setting, record a single vehicle count for a lane (selected
by default on first line).
Gap: Distance between tail of one vehicle and front of next, binned by gap
times. Select and set the range value for each bin.
13. Channel is selected by default for the first HEADER, so press 2, and ENT,
then use the ↑or ↓ key to set the Header 2 to Gap, and press ENT. With 2-
Gap selected, the respective bins appear on the line, with default time
settings (in .01 secs.); see Figure 111, p. 83.
We will set bin values as needed but first we will change the number of
columns.

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14. Change the number of columns for the HEADER “2-Gap” to accommodate
the ranges needed:
a. Use the BACK key on the Sabre keypad to navigate to the 2-Gap
Header, then use ↑ key so that study is selected (blinks).
study study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-04 #HDR2-05 #HDR3-05
selected No. of header 2
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05
columns (“05”)
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
2-Gap 03000 06000 09000 01200 65534
3-None ----- ----- ----- -----
Figure 111 – Changing number of columns
b. Press → to move right to the corresponding header value (#HDR2 for 2-
Gap; number blinks when selected).
c. Press ↑ key increase the value from 05 to 06. Press ENT to save
changes. When you add more columns for a header, the new columns
are automatically populated with default values
15. To set the Gap values, press 2 to select the “2-Gap” line, press the → key to
select the first bin field, and use the arrows and keypad to change its value
from 03000, to 00200.
Likewise, set the next Gap columns to 00300, 00400, 00500, and 00600.
The last column is preset to 65534 by default (arbitrary high number). Press
the → key to display the rightmost column.
study-1_Of_1 #HDR1-04 #HDR2-06 #HDR3-00
HEADER BIN01 BIN02 BIN03 BIN04 BIN05 >
1-Channel 001 ----- ----- ----- -----
2-Gap 00200 00300 00400 00500 00600
3-None ----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Figure 112 – Setting up bin study headings
During the recording, each bin increments its count for each incident of a
gap of the respective amount of time range for each. The first bin (BIN01) for
Gap records the count of vehicles with gap of up to 2 seconds from previous
vehicle. The second bin (BIN02) counts vehicles with gap of 2 to 3 seconds,
etc.
16. With the bins set, press BACK button as needed to return to <study> menu.
At the point, the settings are ready for the array.

Note For more information on other study settings, such as start and end
times, intervals, or to arm the Sabre, see Chapter 4, Setup Basics.

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Short / Long Tube Count Array

The data types that can be collected from this array are: volume, headway, or gap,
sorted by lane (channel). The short / long tube array can get individual lane totals on
a two-lane, one-direction road. The axles detected by the short tube are subtracted
from the count of axles detected by the long tube to get the sum for long tube lane.

Note Measure the same length of tube from the edge of the road to the ADR
for both tubes. Connect the short tube to the Sabre on road tube input 1,
the long tube to input number 2.

Figure 113 – Short/long tube count array

Note As indicated in Figure 113, always configure the array relative to traffic
flow direction, such that traffic in the short tube lane hits the short tube
before the long tube.

Typically, vehicle axles crossing the short (tube 1) then long tube (tube 2) would be counted in
Channel 1 in the study bins; vehicle axles detected only on the long tube would be counted in
Channel 2. The parameters you would set in a short / long tube count array are as follows:
Table 13 — Parameters for shot-long tube array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to tT.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set as needed, one “lane” per array.
(direction) Fwd – not changeable here.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance between
sub-menu short long tube (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 1 ft. (0.31 m)
Press → key to select ratio (Axle to vehicle); set as needed
(default 2.0). This value is used to calculate a vehicle count based
on axles count.

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Menu Parameter Description

Press → key to select 1AxVTO (this value is used to set the
timeout after axle detection, after which next axle is counted as
new vehicle).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles).
sensor On array sub-menu, select T on a sensor listing and press ENT to
sub-menu view.
Deb (debounce) – Set as required for accuracy (msec).Default is
35 msec.
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

Directional Two-Tube Count Array (1-foot spacing)

The data types that can be collected from this array are: volume, headway, or gap,
and by opposing directions (channels). The directional tube array enables the total
volume of traffic passing the array to be determined by direction.

Figure 114 – Directional two-tube counting array (1-foot spacing)

Note Measure the same length of tube from the near edge of the road to the
Sabre for each tube in a pair. At least 20-feet recommended. Both
tubes should also be of equal total length to maintain accuracy.

Typically, vehicle axles crossing the tube 1 first would be counted in Channel Bin 01 in the
study bins; vehicle axles detected crossing tube 2 first would be counted in Bin 02.

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The parameters you would set in this tube count array:

Table 14 — Parameters for short-long tube array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to TT.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1.
(direction) Fwd (Forward only): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted,
for each of the opposing directions.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance
sub-menu between tubes (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 1 ft.
Press → key to select ratio (Axle to vehicle); set as needed (in
0.01 – default 200 or 2.00 ratio). This value is used to calculate
a vehicle count based on axles count.
Press → key to select 1AxVTO (this value is used to set the
timeout after axle detection, after which next axle is counted as
new vehicle).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select TT, press ENT to see sub-menu.
sub-menu Deb (debounce) – Set as required for accuracy (msec). Default is
35 msec.
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
line (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges.

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Two-Tube, Wide-Spaced, Class by Direction Array

The data types that can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length
(wheelbase), volume, headway, or gap, by direction (channel), or a combination.
This array can record speed or classification data by direction on low volume roads
without requiring lane discipline, and is useful in areas where the roads are bi-
directional and are narrow or not center-lined. In lower speed areas (35 mph),
spacing of 8 feet is recommended. In higher speed areas (50 mph), 16 feet is
recommended. The default spacing is 10 feet.

Figure 115 – Two-tube class-by-direction array

Note Measure the same length of tube from the near edge of the road to the
Sabre for each tube in a pair. At least 20-feet recommended. Both
tubes should also be of equal total length to maintain accuracy.

The parameters you would set in this tube count array:

Table 15 – Parameters for two-tube class-by-direction array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to T_T.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but counts are kept separately
for forward and reverse.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance between
sub-menu tubes (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 10 ft.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between axles).
This value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that can
be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated (default 45 ft.).

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Menu Parameter Description

Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This value
sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be considered part
of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is indicated. Default is
110 ft.
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail of
one vehicle and head of the next. Default is 6 ft.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre). Default is
15 mph.
sensor On array sub-menu, select T_T, press ENT to see sub-menu.
sub-menu Deb (debounce) – Set as required for accuracy (msec). Default is 35
msec.
<study> record Press → key to select each file type (PVR, etc.), use ↓or ↑key to
settings enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

Four-Tube Class by Lane Array

The data types that can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length
(wheelbase), volume, headway, gap, or direction, by lane, or a combination of these.
This array collects speed or classification data by lane on low to medium volume
roads where good lane discipline is observed. This array is also useful in higher
volume areas on multi-lane roads. In lower speed areas a spacing of 8 feet between
pairs (lead sensor to lead sensor) is recommended. In higher speed areas, a spacing
of 16 feet is recommended. The default spacing between pairs is 7 ft. Default
spacing of short to long tube for each pair is 1 ft.

Figure 116 – Four-tube class-by-lane array

The parameters you would set in this tube count array (see Table 16, p. 89):

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Table 16 — Parameters for four-tube class-by-lane tube array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to tT_tT.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but counts are kept
separately for forward and reverse.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array sub- Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance
menu between tubes 1 and 2 (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 1 ft.
Press → key to select Spc2, enter the measured distance
between tube pairs, lag tube to lead tube, or tube 2 and tube 3
(in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 7 ft.
Press → key to select Spc3, enter the measured distance
between tubes 1 and 2 (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 1 ft.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between
axles). This value sets the maximum distance between axles
sensed that can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond
this a vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated. Default is 110 ft.
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the
tail of one vehicle and head of the next (.01 ft.). Default is 6 ft.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select tT_tT on the sensor line and press
sub-menu ENT to view.
Deb (debounce) – Set value as required (msec). Default is 35
msec.
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges.

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Figure 117 – Four-tube class-by-lane lanes / channel assignments (for “Sep” directions only)

Two-Tube Class by Direction Array (High-Accuracy)

The data types that can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length
(wheelbase), volume, headway, or gap, by direction (channel), or a combination.
This option can record speed or classification data by direction on low to high volume
roads without requiring lane discipline, and is useful in areas where the roads are bi-
directional and are narrow or not center-lined. The higher-accuracy algorithm allows a
smaller recommended spacing. The default spacing is two (2) feet.

Figure 118 – Two-tube class-by-direction arrays (high-accuracy)

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Note Measure the same length of tube from the near edge of the road to the
Sabre for each tube in a pair. At least 20 feet is recommended. Both
tubes should also be of equal total length to maintain accuracy.

The parameters you would set in this tube count array:

Table 17 – Parameters for two-tube class-by-direction (high-accuracy) array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Tube.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to T_T-2.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1.
(direction) Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but counts are kept
separately for forward and reverse.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance
sub-menu between tubes (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 2 ft.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between
axles). This value sets the maximum distance between axles
sensed that can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond
this a vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated. Default is 110 ft.
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the
tail of one vehicle and head of the next. Default is 6 ft.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select T_T-2, press ENT to see sub-menu.
sub-menu Deb (debounce) – Set as required for accuracy (msec). Default is
35 msec.
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and the respective bin ranges, as desired.

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ROAD TUBE INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

When you have selected your study type (see “Road Tube Array Selection,” p. 78),
installed your road tubes (see for recommendations) and set up your study (see
Study Setup Example), attach your road tubes securely to the road tube inputs on
the back side of the ADR Sabre.

Connecting to Sabre Road Tube Inputs

Typically you use the road tube inputs (see figure below) in numerical order, that is:
 Use tube input 1 for a single-tube array.
 Use tube input 1 and 2 as lead and lag sensors, respectively, for two-tube arrays.
 Use tube inputs 1 and 2 for the lead/lag sensors of the first of two short-long tube
pair in a four-tube array (the tT_tT array), and use inputs 3 and 4 for the second
short-long tube pair.
Be sure to check road tube connections for proper operation using a trial study or
PVR monitor. Adjust spacing or settings – for example, debounce) as needed for best
results (refer to “Road Tube Installation Guidelines,” p. 92).

Road Tube
inputs (1-4)

Figure 119 – Road Tube inputs

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Road Tube Installation Guidelines

Site Safety
This is not a safety manual nor is it a “how to” book for safely installing road tubes or
other sensors in or on the roadway. This manual assumes that anyone using this
guide for study site installation is a locally qualified technician and is thus qualified to
safely set up and execute traffic counting studies on the study site, and is trained in
addressing the public and personal safety factors that arise when working in such an
environment.
Safety for the installer, and for the public, should be foremost in mind at all times,
especially on site.

Warning: Consult your local authority for the best safety practices and installation
requirements in your area, before working on or near the roadway or
any such study site. Failure to do so can result in injury or even death,
or damage to equipment. Do not compromise safety.

Site Selection
A major factor in collecting usable data is the location. In selecting a location:
 Choose a location such that vehicles are traveling straight at a constant
speed when passing over the installed road tubes.
 Avoid proximity to any area where a driver may have increased tendency to
change lanes or speeds. Thus, avoid intersections, curves, hills and valleys,
turning lanes and passing lanes.
 Also avoid bumps, cracks, loose gravel or dirt, bridges, or culverts.

Road Tube Selection and Inspection

 Inspect road tubes before each use for wear, holes, punctures, cuts, and
interior cleanliness. Do not use a questionable road tube.
 Good tubes of known length are a necessity. We recommend fifty-foot road
tube of 1/4-inch inner diameter for all studies.
 Periodically blow out road tubes with compressed air to vacate any dirt,
insects or water. New road tubes should also be blown out before use to get
rid of manufacturer’s powder.
 Plug the far end of each road tube to prevent dirt, water, or insects from
entering the tube and for accuracy.

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Road Tube Installation Tips

 When necessary to be in or near the road, do so only when traffic is clear
and it is safe.
 Inspect road tubes before each use for wear, holes, punctures, cuts, and
interior cleanliness. Do not use a questionable road tube.
 Between the classifier and the near road edge, a 20-foot buffer length of
road tube prevents overdrive of the air switches. Do not use a road tube that
is too short.
 When using two road tubes for a study, both road tubes should be of the
same length from the near road edge (curb) to the Sabre unit.
 Securely fasten road tube clamps to the road. Secure the road tube in
position without pinching the road tube. Pinching can result in reduced data
accuracy and lost counts.
 Stretch out the road tube at the side of the road away from traffic before
entering the roadway.
 For each road tube, mark near the road edge where it will be in the road,
perpendicularly square to traffic flow.
 Securely fasten the far end road tube, clamp and anchor.
 From the near side, stretch the road tube length 10% before finally securing
the near side road tube clamp.
 Hold the end of each of the tubes (one at a time) about 4 inches away from
your ear and “listen” to the pulses coming from the end of the road tubes as
traffic passes across them. A good loud puff of air should be detectable from
each vehicle. If you cannot detect a puff of air from a tube, do not proceed
until you have fixed the problem by replacing the road tube or re-setting the
clamps as needed.
 Connect the ends of the road tubes to the ADR as per the diagram for the
study being performed.
 Observe the correct count and sensing of vehicle characteristics on the ADR
control panel.
 The tubes should not excessively roll, move, bounce or slap the road as
vehicles run over them. On many roads, ruts form in the wheel travel path. If
the presence of ruts causes a gap of more than 3/4 inch between the road
tube and the road surface, it is recommended that mastic or duct tape be
used to secure the road tubes at the center of the rut. Also use tape on the
lane separation lines to prevent roll or movement of the road tube.

Spacing Requirements
When installing an array with more than a single tube, setting the distance between
tubes is a strategic consideration and accuracy is a must. Make sure tube array
spacings are set up correctly and accurate measurements are taken. Then when
configuring the array in the study, make sure to enter accurate spacing values, or
data will be skewed and inaccurate.

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For example, for the tT_tT array, four tubes (two-long short pairs) are used.
Recommend spacing of close pairs is one foot (this is the default).
You will need to space the two pairs according to expected speed range. In low
speed urban areas a spacing of 8 feet is recommended. In higher speed areas, a
spacing of 16 feet is recommended. The default spacing is 10 feet (1000 x .01 ft.).

Road Tube Calibration

It is a good practice to verify and calibrate the proper operation of any sensors used
in traffic data collection due to variations at specific site locations. A simple method of
performing calibration on site is to install the road tubes on site as you expect to use
them. Then setup the Sabre to perform a single road tube count, with the number of
arrays set to the number of tubes in use. With the count ratio set to 1.00, observe the
counts as noted above, in comparison to the actual number of axles crossing each
road tube for a short period. The observed axle count and the displayed axle count
should match exactly. This checks each road tube, each input, and the operation of
the recorder. Adjust the angle, tension, and placement of the road tube if necessary
for best operation. If the road tubes are operating to expectations, you can try
adjusting the debounce settings for each input. When all of the tubes are counting
axles accurately, continue with the study setup and performance.

Special Considerations for Multiple Roadtube Setups

As a general guideline, higher traffic speeds can use greater spacing between
roadtubes than slower traffic. The standard default spacing of 16’ has been tested
and proven to work acceptably at all speeds in light to medium traffic flow conditions.
At slower speeds or in more congested areas, you may want to use a shorter
spacing. Remember to measure your installed spacing dimensions accurately and
also set the spacing accordingly when setup up the arrays in the Sabre.
Average Speed Volume of Traffic Spacing
Recommended
Any Speed Light 16 foot
default
Over 45 Mph. Medium 16 foot
default
Up to 45 Mph. Light to Medium 12 foot
Less than 25 Mph. Light 8 foot

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96 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 6 – Loop Arrays

This chapter contains detailed setup information on loop sensors and arrays.
This chapter describes manually using the setup menu specifically to define the loop study
parameters for each array type. For more information on general study settings, such as
setting the Site ID and station name, setting start and end times, selecting file types to capture,
etc., see Chapter 4, Set up Basics. The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter:

 Setting loop parameters and adjustments, p. 98

 Configuring Loop Arrays, p. 98
 Loop Construction, p. 102
 Installing the Loop, p. 103

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CONFIGURING LOOP ARRAYS

Setting Loop Parameters

To set loop array parameters, as mentioned later in this chapter, start on the <site>
menu; press 1 on the Sabre keypad to select 1) arrays line and set to Loop:

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site-00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Loop L 02 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 120 – Entering Loop array information
Press the → key to select the “>”, and press ENT to display array sub-menu:

Arrln ArrTyp Dir Spc1 MaxVLen

01_01-L_L Fwd 1000 11000

02_02-L_L Fwd 1000 11000
Figure 121 – Loop array sub-menu
Press ENT or → key to select “L” or “L_L,” press ENT to display sensor sub-menu:

Arr-01 Id E Count Len Sens Hyst

L_L
1)Lp-21 1 00000 0060 5 3
2)Lp-22 1 00000 0060 5 3
Figure 122 – Loop sensor sub-menu (default settings)

Loop Sensor Adjustments – Sensitivity and Hysteresis

The Sabre loop sensor parameters include sensitivity and hysteresis settings.
Sensitivity setting adjusts the threshold of sensor signal level above which the input
indicates a presence. If you miss counts, you may want to set a higher sensitivity, and
vice versa. Default value is “5.”
Hysteresis sets the “no presence” indication or “drop-out” at a somewhat lower level
than the sensitivity level initially indicating presence. With some longer vehicles, the
loop signal indicating presence may tend to fade. Hysteresis adjustment is used so a
fading presence signal does not “drop out” as readily, thus avoiding possible multiple
vehicle counts on longer vehicles. Default value is “3.”
Normally the default settings are fine for almost all locations. A higher setting (range
is 0-8) creates a greater resistance to drop-out. If you observe that certain trucks are
being incorrectly detected as two smaller vehicles, you may want to set the sensitivity
and hysteresis as follows:

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1. First set the sensitivity on the subject loop(s) to a value of 7.

2. Observe traffic using the Sabre’s per-vehicle-monitor feature (see “Using the
PVR Monitor,” p. 74).
3. If trucks are being incorrectly detected as two cars, set the hysteresis to a
setting of 4 and observe traffic again. If you still observe the trucks being
detected as two vehicles, you may try a hysteresis setting of 5.

Note If hysteresis is set too high, low slung vehicles (like luxury sedans)
may be detected as being over 100 feet long, as the loop vehicle
detection may tend to stay “on.” If you observe this and find that
reducing the hysteresis value to a lower setting is not acceptable,
reducing the sensitivity by one setting may achieve the desired result.

One Loop Array (per Lane)

The data types that can be collected from this array are: volume, headway, or gap, by
lane, or a combination of these.
A single-loop array counts the number of vehicles that pass over the array very
accurately. It can also provide better distinction of vehicles than single-tube or single-
piezo array. You can use up to 16 one-loop lane arrays with the Sabre. This array is
better used in free-flowing conditions where stop and go traffic and congestion are not
a problem.

Figure 123 – One loop array per lane

The diagram shows two one-loop arrays, one in each of two lanes.

Note It is recommended that the sensor loops be installed in the middle of

the traffic path to avoid detection of vehicles in adjacent lanes. In a 12-
foot wide lane this is typically a six-foot square or octagon, with four
turns of XHHW wire providing a typical, as-installed inductance of
124uH plus lead-in inductance.

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Table 18 — Parameters for one-loop per lane array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Loop.
1) array (L, L_L) (array type) – Set to L.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set from 1 to 16 as needed
(direction) Fwd – not changeable here.
> (array/sensor sub-menus – at “>,”press ENT to view).
array No settings
sub-menu
sensor On array sub-menu, on array line, select the “L” and press ENT to
sub-menu display.
Len (length) – Set to measured value of lead edge to lag edge of
loop. The default setting is 6 ft.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and the respective bin ranges, as desired.

Two Loop Array (per Lane)

The data types that can be collected from this array are: speed, length (chassis),
volume, headway, or gap, by direction, by lane, or a combination of these. You can
use up to eight two-loop per lane arrays with the Sabre. A loop array such as this is
best used in free-flowing conditions where stop and go traffic and congestion are not
a problem.

3 4

1 2

Figure 124 – Two loop arrays per lane

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The diagram shows two arrays, one in each of two lanes. Notice the numbering;
typical the sensor inputs are analogous to this – that is, the lead sensor input is odd,
followed by the lag sensor input, which is the subsequent, even-numbered input.

The parameters you would set in this count array:

Table 19 — Parameters for Two Loop (per Lane) Array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Loop.
1) array (L, L_L) (array type) – Set to L_L.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-8 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately in
separate channels.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance between
sub-menu the two loops (trailing edge of lead loop to leading edge of lag loop)
in the lane (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 10 ft.
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated. Default is 110 ft.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, on array line, select “L_L” and press ENT to
sub-menu display.
Len (length) – Set to measured value of lead edge to lag edge of
loop. The default setting is 6 ft.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

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BASIC LOOP THEORY

The inductive loop as used for vehicle detection is comprised of two elements: the
electronic detector module; and the wire which makes up the inductive loop coil in the
road and its connecting lead in cable. The loop wire and its connecting lead in cable
are the inductive elements of the detection system and possess a combination of
resistance and capacitance (both inter-wire and wire to earth capacitance). The loop
wire is wound to form a coil (usually 4 turns) where the magnetic field becomes more
concentrated, creating the zone of detection. All conductors or wires carry an
electrical current produce magnetic flux as long as the current is flowing through the
wire. The effect of this flux is the electrical property called inductance, which is
measured in henrys (h).

Loop Construction
Quality loops, carefully installed as consistently matched equals, are recommended.

Loop Wire
Inductive loops, connecting lead in wire and cables typically use multi-stranded #12 or
#14 AWG copper wire with low AC and DC resistance. The wire thickness is
important, however, most critical is the quality, thickness and type of insulation
covering the wire. Several types of insulation are available but only cross-linked
polyethylene (XHHW) should be used for vehicle detection loops. The insulation
must withstand wear and abrasion from shifting streets as they expand and contract
from high summer heat and winter cold as well as attacks from moisture, solvents and
oils. Multi-stranded copper wire is recommended as better than solid wire because of
its mechanical characteristics and is easier to correctly install without damage.
Stranded wires withstand bending and stretching better than solid wire.

Recommended Loop Wire:

 XHHW (#14 or 12 SWG), or equivalent, cross-linked polyethylene insulated,

copper wire, multi-stranded.

 Rated 90° C in dry locations and 75° C in wet locations

Size of Loops
Loops for vehicle detection in traffic data applications are commonly 6‘ x 6’ (or 2m x
2m) dimension, with 4 complete wraps (turns) of wire around the sensing area.
Although described as a square, the actual installation requires rounded corners to
eliminate stress points at the corners. If two loops are used for speed measurement,
exact pairs are required in a lane.

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Note For operation within permitted guidelines, install loops and equipment
as specified. Any changes or modifications not expressly approved for
use by Peek Traffic could void the user's authority to legally operate
the equipment. For more information, consult with Peek Traffic
Technical Support (see “Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

Loops smaller than 6 ’x 6’ may result in the early loss of detection for high body
vehicles and should not be used if accurate truck traffic data is expected. Loops are
usually installed as wide enough to span the path where detection is required, without
being so wide as to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes or adjacent loops. Install loops
three feet away from the nearest edge of lane line, if possible, and six feet away from
any other loops. All loops should always be at least 4’ away from any moving metal
objects, gates or doors. On narrow two lane roads with a loop in each lane it is better
to keep the loops apart from each other than to make them smaller.
For large vehicle detection, such as trucks and tractor trailers or semis, use 6’ x 6’
loops or greater. With smaller loops the high ground clearance between axles can
cause detection drop out problems, where each axle or group of axles will be seen as
a separate detection on a small loop.

Height of Detection
The height of detection is the maximum height above the installed loop at which a
reliable detection can be achieved. Normally, in the field test measurements will
achieve a height of detection equal to one-half to two-thirds the length of the shortest
side of a loop; that is, for example, a 6’ x 6’ loop would produce reliable detection to a
height of 3’ to 4’ above the loop wires.

Installing the Loop

Site Safety
This is not a safety manual nor is it a “how to” book for safely installing road tubes or
other sensors in or on the roadway. This manual assumes that one using this guide is
a locally qualified technician and is thus qualified to safely set up and execute traffic
counting studies on the study site, and is trained in addressing the public and
personal safety factors that arise when working in such an environment.

Safety for the installer, and for the public, should be foremost in mind at all times,
especially on site.

Warning Consult your local authority for the best safety practices and
installation requirements in your area, before working on or near the
roadway or any such study site. Failure to do so can result in injury
or even death, or damage to equipment. Do not compromise safety.

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Site Selection
A major factor in collecting usable data is the location. In selecting a location:
 Choose a location such that vehicles are traveling straight at a constant
speed when passing over the installed loops.
 Avoid proximity to any area where a driver may have increased tendency to
change lanes or speeds. Thus, avoid intersections, curves, hills and valleys,
turning lanes and passing lanes.
 Also avoid bumps, cracks, loose gravel or dirt, bridges, or culverts.

Loop Wire Installation

With the loop wire, form a continuous run of wire from the detector electronics to the
loop slot square, around the square 4 times (called 4 turns) and return back to the
detector electronics.
Loops are normally wound into slots cut in the road surface. Two people should count
the number of wire wraps (turns) around the sensing area of the loop as the wire goes
into the slot. Slots are typically 1/4” to 5/16” (9.5 to 10 mm) wide by 1 ½” to 2” (50 to
75 mm) deep and completely backfilled with sealant grout that will totally encapsulate
the wires in the slot. Thoroughly clean and dry the slot before placing the wire into
the slot. The bottom of the slot should be smooth and at the same depth all the way
around. Lay wire neatly in the slot in a vertical stack and apply sealant grout to fill the
slot to level with the road surface. Do not allow voids or depressions in the hardened
sealant which might allow sharp objects or moisture into the slot with the wire.

Figure 125 – Loop wire installation

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Note The 300 meter maximum connecting lead in length makes the assumption
that there is at least 2” (50 mm) separation between the loop and any
reinforcing in the roadway and that the connecting lead in wire used has an
inductance per meter not greater than 0.73 uh. A normal value for the total
inductance of the loop and connecting lead in wire is approximately 200 uh.
Any new installation measured at less than 100uh should be suspect and
checked, and corrected.

For connecting lead in wire and loop tails, use at least 5 twists per foot (15 twists per
meter). Loop tails can be untwisted over a short distance where the loop tails are
taken across a lane to a connection point immediately at the roadside. The maximum
length of the untwisted loop tails must not exceed 100 feet (30 meters). The purpose
of the twisting is a self-canceling effect on the unwanted detection field which exists
on the connecting wires from the sensing area (detection zone) back to the detector
electronics. It is not advisable to have loop tails from different detectors in the same
common slot. Not more than 50 feet (15 meters) of tails from any other loop should
be laid in a common slot without twisting and shielding. It is not advisable to mix pairs
from different detectors in a multi pair cable.
The loops and connecting lead in wire must have an insulation resistance to earth
greater than 10 megohms measured at 500 volts and a series resistance of less than
10 ohms. New loops should test to better than 100 megohms measured at 500 volts
and a series resistance of less than 5 ohms.

Splicing Loop Wires

Spliced loop wires can be subject to contamination; moisture penetration and thus
early failure (see Figure 126, p. 106). Commonly loops are installed at multi-lane
sites using the specified XHHW wire for the sensing area for the loop, with the loop
tail (ends of the loop wire) going immediately to a curb side hand hole or pull box. In
the pull box, high quality waterproof splices may connect to a special lead in or home
run cable which is a twisted pair, foil shielded, with drain wire, and which is gel filled
to prevent moisture entry. This is high quality cable specially made for detection loop
connections. The weak point of the installation is the splice itself. Take care in this
area to achieve a waterproof connection. There are two preferred methods of
physically connecting the loop tails to the lead in cable – twist and solder, or crimp
and solder. Both methods employ soldering of the connection. Soldering has proven
to provide the lowest resistance, and is less susceptible to corrosive degradation.
Once the wires are spliced, seal the area of the connection. To protect against
weather, moisture, abrasion, etc. any of the following are acceptable as long as the
integrity of the waterproofing is maintained: Self-sealing heat shrinkable tubing (with
the goop inside), special gel splice packs, pill bottles filled with sealant, or the original
four layer coating of brush on liquid tape, wrapped with vinyl electrical tape, and then
again coated with brush on liquid tape and finally wrapped again with a final
protective coating of vinyl tape.

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TO ADR
TO LOOP TWISTED PAIR W/ SHIELD

PILL BOTTLE SPLICE

STRIP, TWIST AND SOLDER WIRES

CAP THE ENDS WITH A WIRE NUT

USE A 2" DIAMETER PILL BOTTLE FILLED 3/4 WITH SEALANT

STICK THE CAPPED ENDS OF SPLICED WIRES INTO THE

SEALANT IN THE BOTTLE

SPLICES SHOULD GO ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM OF THE

BOTTLE AND SEALANT SHOULD OVERFLOW THE BOTTLE

THE SPLICES MUST BE COMPLETELY SUBMERGED

HANG THE BOTTLE UNTIL SEALANT IS DRY AND HARD

Figure 126 – Wire Splicing Guidelines

Using the Harness (p/n 81-303)

The standard PEEK harness (typically referred to as an ADR loop and/or piezo
harness), may be used for the loop connections between the ADR series recorders
with the Amp connectors and the field sensors.

Figure 127 – Wiring for Harness( p/n 81-303)

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Any unused sensor connection wires should be isolated from earth ground. This helps
prevent the possible electrical noise from being served as an unwanted input by the
Sabre.

Note Do not connect the shields to the earth ground wire. If you are using
shielded twisted pair loop lead-in cables, the shields should only be
connected to earth ground in the cabinet, and not in the pull box or at the
loop end. It is preferred to have the shields be left “floating” or isolated
completely from earth.

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108 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Chapter 7 – Piezo Arrays

This chapter contains detailed setup information on piezo (axle) sensors and arrays.
This chapter describes manually using the setup menu specifically to define the piezo study
parameters for each array type. For more information on general study settings, such as
setting the Site ID and station name, setting start and end times, selecting file types to capture,
etc., see Chapter 4, Set up Basics. The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter.
The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter:

 Configuring Piezo Arrays, p. 110

 Using the Harness (p/n 81-303), p. 114

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CONFIGURING PIEZO ARRAYS

The piezo array is installed to collect data that is directly comparable to road tube
counts, but possibly on a permanent or long-term basis.
It is recommended that the piezo sensor be installed so as to only have wheels on
one side of the vehicles “hit” the piezo sensor. In a 12-foot wide lane this might be
achieved by using a 7-foot long piezo installed on the right side of the lane as shown
in the diagram.

Setting Piezo Parameters

To set piezo (axle) array parameters, as mentioned in later sections in this chapter,
start on the <site> menu; press 1 on the Sabre keypad to select the arrays line:

<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site-00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays Axle A_A 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508
Figure 128 – Entering Tube array information
Press the → key to select the “>”, and press ENT to display the array sub-menu:

Arrln ArrTyp Dir Spc1 MaxAx

>
01_01-A_A Fwd 1000 4500
02_02-A_A Fwd 1000 4500
Figure 129 – Loop array sub-menu
Press ENT or → keys to select the “A” or “A_A” and press ENT to display the sensor
sub-menu:

Arr-01 Id E Count Deb Sens

A_A
1)Ax-07 1 00000 0000 6
1)Ax-08 1 00000 0000 6
Figure 130 – Piezo (Axle) sensor sub-menu

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Piezo Settings and Adjustments

Below are listed the adjustable sensor settings for piezo sensor arrays. Note that you
may need to adjust the different settings for a particular sensor either separately, or in
combination, to get the best results.

Debounce Setting
Some piezo sensors are subject to possible signal “bounce” – that is, there may be
reverberations in the sensor after the initial activation that might cause a single axle to
be counted multiple times by the Sabre.
For this reason, when you configure a piezo array, you can set a “debounce” time for
each piezo input. This sets a time interval after a sensor input signal is received,
during which any further signals for that sensor are ignored. This is so possible signal
noise or “bounce” is not added as a count.
The best setting for your array can depend on the expected vehicle speeds. For
example, in an area with a typical average vehicle speed of 35 mph, a setting of 60
msec may work well. Or, with an average speed of 50 mph, 40 msec is more typical.
Debounce Adjustments: If there is evidence of false counts, increase the debounce
time slightly, and retest; if there are skipped counts occurring, decrease the debounce
time, and retest. Continue adjusting until results are satisfactory.

Sensitivity Setting
The Sabre allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the piezo sensors input. Different
sensor installations may be more subject to false triggering, or may fail to pick up a
vehicle when it passes over the sensor. Thus you can set the “sensitivity” of the input
from 1 (very low) to 8 (highly sensitive). A setting of 0 disables the sensor input.
Sensitivity Adjustments: If there is evidence of false counts, try decreasing the
sensitivity slightly, and retest; if there are skipped counts occurring, increase the
setting, and retest. Continue adjusting until results are satisfactory.

Single-Piezo Count Array

The data types that can be collected from this array are: volume, headway or gap by
lane. You can use up to 16 one-piezo arrays with the Sabre (see Figure 131, p.
112).
The diagram below shows two single piezo arrays, one in each of two lanes. Using
this array, the Sabre records the total volume of axle traffic passing on each array.
The number of vehicles is determined by a count ratio or time-out value (or both); for
example, a count ratio of two divides the number of sensor detections by two to
determine the number of vehicles. The space between the two piezos would ideally
be more than the maximum expected width of wheel track for traffic on the road. This
spacing would help prevent one vehicle from being counted on both piezo sensors.

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Figure 131 – Single-piezo counting arrays

Table 20 — Parameters for piezo (axle) array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Axle.
1) array (A, A_A) (array type) – Set to A.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-16 as needed.
(direction) Fwd – not changeable here.
> (array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Ratio (Axle to vehicle); when selected, an
sub-menu x.xx is displayed. Set as needed (default 2.0). This value is used to
calculate a vehicle count based on axles counted.
Press → key to select 1AxVTO (timeout after which next axle is
counted as start of a new vehicle).
sensor On array sub-menu, on array line, select the “A” and press ENT to
sub-menu display.
Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR etc.), use ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

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Piezo-Piezo Array
The data types to be collected from this array are: speed, class, length (wheelbase),
volume, headway, gap, or a combination of these, by direction and by lane.

2
Figure 132 – Piezo-piezo array
The diagram shows two piezo-piezo arrays, one in each of two lanes. Using this
array, you can measure speed very accurately and also determine classification by
axle spacing and wheelbase. Use in free-flowing highway conditions where a loop
detector is not needed. The space between the opposing lane piezos would ideally be
more than the maximum expected width of wheel track for traffic on the road. This
spacing would help prevent one vehicle from being sensed in both lanes while
supporting detection of all traffic in each lane.

The parameters you would set in this array:

Table 21 — Parameters for piezo-piezo array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Axle.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to A_A.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-8 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance between
sub-menu the two piezos in the lane (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 10 ft.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between axles).
This value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that
can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle

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Menu Parameter Description

count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated (default is 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail
of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select the “A_A” and press ENT to display.
sub-menus Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 0-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p .52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

Using the Harness (p/n 81-303)

The standard PEEK harness (typically referred to as an ADR loop and/or piezo
harness) may be used for the connections between the Sabre and the field sensors.
Table 22 — Harness wire connections (p/n 81-303)
The harness has nine wires as listed here: Connect to:
Twisted Pair #1 Red Sensor #1 “+” (center conductor)
Black (the “red-black” wire) Sensor #1 “–” (shield)
Twisted Pair #2 White Sensor #2 “+” (center conductor)
Black (the “white-black” wire) Sensor #2 “–” (shield)
Twisted Pair #3 Green Sensor #3 “+” (center conductor)
Black (the “green-black” wire) Sensor #3 “–” (shield)
Twisted Pair #4 Blue Sensor #4 “+” (center conductor)
Black (the “blue-black” wire) Sensor #4 “–” (shield)
Single wire Green with yellow tracer Earth (chassis) ground

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 Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays

This chapter contains detailed setup information for using Weight in Motion (WIM) arrays.
This chapter describes manually using the setup menu specifically to define the study
parameters for each mixed array type. For more information on general study settings, such as
setting the Site ID and station name, setting start and end times, setting the interval, selecting
file types to capture, etc., see Chapter 4, Set up Basics.
The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter:

 Setting WIM Parameters, p. 116

 WIM-WIM array, p. 120
 WIM-Loop-WIM Arrays, p. 122
 Loop-WIM-Loop Arrays, p. 124

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Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays

CONFIGURING WEIGHT-IN-MOTION (WIM) ARRAYS

Weight-in-motion (WIM) arrays are those arrays used for the collection of weigh-in-
motion data with the Sabre. WIM arrays typically include “class 1” piezo sensors for
weight detection, which are certified for accurate, linear response along their length.
This chapter includes mixed array types, such as the WIM-loop-WIM arrays, which
are often used in WIM applications. For more information on the sensor types
included in these arrays, such as installation guidelines for a specific type of sensor,
see the respective chapter for that sensor array type in this manual.

Setting WIM Parameters

To set WIM (piezo) array parameters, as mentioned in later sections in this chapter,
start on the <site> menu; press 1 on the keypad to select the arrays line, and select
the type of array (WIM), sensor configuration (W_W, etc.) and number of lanes:
<CONFIG><site><STUDY><FILES><STATUS>
0) site-00000000000000 STA-1111111111111111
1) arrays WIM W_W 01 Ln/s Fwd >
2) GPS-Lat:00d00,000’ Lon:000d00,000’
3) CTREE-FHWA_USA defADR3 HiBit 051508

Figure 133 – Entering WIM array information

To display the array sub-menu, press the → key to select the “>”, and press ENT:

Arrln ArrTyp Dir Spc1 MaxAx

>
01_01-W_W Fwd 1000 4500
02_02-W_W Fwd 1000 4500
Figure 134 – WIM array sub-menu
Press → on the array sub-menu key to see further WIM array settings:

Arrln ArrTyp _____AutoCal_____

< E Cl .01Kp Num Cur >
01_01-W_W 1 09 1000 025 025
02_02-W_W 1 09 1000 025 025
Figure 135 – WIM array AutoCal sub-heading
Press ENT or → keys to select the “W” or “W_W” on the array sub-menu and press
ENT to display the WIM sensor sub-menu:

Arr-01 Id E Count Deb Sens Off _CalFac__

W_W
1)W-07 1 00000 0000 6 035 0000-0000
1)W-08 1 00000 0000 6 035 0000-0000
Figure 136 – WIM (Piezo) sensor sub-menu

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Debounce Setting
Some WIM sensors are subject to possible signal “bounce” – that is, there may be
reverberations in the sensor after the initial activation that might cause a single axle to
be counted multiple times by the Sabre. For this reason, when you configure a WIM
array, you can set a “debounce” time for each piezo input. This sets a time interval
after a sensor input signal is received, during which any further signals for that sensor
are ignored. This is so possible signal noise or “bounce” is not added as a count.
The best setting for your array can depend on the expected vehicle speeds. For
example, in an area with a typical average vehicle speed of 35 mph, a setting of 60
msec may work well. Or, with an average speed of 50 mph, 40 msec is more typical.
Debounce Adjustments: If there is evidence of false counts, increase the debounce
time slightly, and retest; if there are skipped counts occurring, decrease the debounce
time, and retest. Continue adjusting until results are satisfactory.

Sensitivity Setting
The Sabre allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the piezo sensors input. Different
sensor installations may be more subject to false triggering, or may fail to pick up a
vehicle when it passes over the sensor. Thus you can set the “sensitivity” of the input
from 1 (very low) to 8 (highly sensitive). A setting of 0 would disable the input.
Sensitivity Adjustments: If there is evidence of false counts, try decreasing the
sensitivity slightly, and retest; if there are skipped counts occurring, increase the
setting, and retest. Continue adjusting until results are satisfactory.

Piezo Offset
The Sabre allows you to adjust the “offset” to accommodate the different types of
piezo sensor input from different manufacturers. The appropriate offset value range
differs, depending on piezo type (see Figure 136, p. 116, for setting sub-menu):
(000 thru 099): Setting to 000-099 sets the level to 0-99% for positive going signals
from Piezo sensors (MSI, Phillips, IRD and ECM). Piezo sensors with high positive
signals and a slight negative signal may require a user to lower the Offset setting to
adjust for the higher signal.
Alternatively, piezo sensors with low positive signals and a considerable negative
signal may require a user to raise the Offset setting to allow for the additional
negative signals.
(200 thru 299): Setting to 200-299 sets the level to 0-99% for negative going signals
from piezo sensors (Kistler). This gives the ADR the ability to interface directly (to the
Kistler Lineas-Quartz sensor) without the use .of a separate charge amplifier.

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Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays

Calibration Factor
The calibration factor is a multiplier that effectively adjusts the associated WIM (piezo)
sensor reading. This allows the Sabre to accommodate the ongoing variations in a
WIM sensor input level, variations that can be due to temperature changes and/or
other outside factors.
The calibration factor has two four-digit fields – the left field is the “current” value and
is manually settable, and the right field is the “base” value, which is read only (see
figure below). The base factor is the calibration factor that is being applied. The
current factor is manually set, and sets or affects the base factor.
Arr-01 Id E Count Deb Sens Off _CalFac__ Current value
W_W Base value
1)W-07 1 00000 0000 6 035 1121-1000
1)W-08 1 00000 0000 6 035 1012-1000

Figure 137 – WIM array sub-menu with Calibration Factor

Setting the value: You can set the current value from 0000-9999. This initially also
sets the base value in effect. A value of 1000 is recommended to start.
Setting effects: A base value of 1000 (100%) leaves the sensor readings as is,
without adjustment. This is equivalent to using “100%” of the WIM sensor input value.
A value of 1100 (110%) would increase the gain by 10 percent, while a value of 500
(50%) would reduce the signal input value by half.
Automatic adjustment: You can also enable the “Autocal” feature on the WIM array
sub-menu, which automatically adjusts the calibration factor base value, according to
trends in samples of actual sensor readings (see “AutoCal Settings” below).

AutoCal Settings
The WIM array sub-menu includes a section of settings under the “AutoCal” sub-
heading. Use these AutoCal settings to set up how the Sabre will automatically
update the calibration factor (as described in section above).
How it works: The AutoCal feature collects a sample of WIM sensor readings from
passing vehicles, but only for the first axle of vehicles of the selected class. You set
the class (“Cl”) for which you will take axle weight samples. You set the expected
reading (.01Kp) for the axles to be sampled. You set the sample size. The Sabre
then collects readings as vehicles traverse the sensor, and compares the sample
average to the .01Kp setting, to determine how much to increase or decrease the
calibration factor base value (see section above).
Arrln ArrTyp _____AutoCal_____
< E Cl .01Kp Num Cur >
01_01-W_W 1 09 1000 025 025
02_02-W_W 1 09 1000 025 025
Figure 138 – WIM array sub-menu with AutoCal settings

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The AutoCal settings are used for the following (see Figure 138, p. 118):
E Use the ↑or ↓ keys to set to 0 (disable) or 1 (enable) to enable/disable the
Autocal feature.
Cl Set from 1-15, to select the specific class of vehicle you will be sampling.
.01Kp Use this to set the kp (kilo-pounds of force) value to what you expect to see
for the first axle weight of the vehicles you are sampling. For class 9, you
might expect 10 kp, so you would set to 1000 (1000 x .01kp = 10 kp).
Num Set this value from 001-999, to set the number of vehicles per sample.
Cur This value is read-only, and counts down the remaining vehicles left to
complete the sample number (as set in the Num column). Thus it starts at
the number set in the Num column, and decrements each time a qualified
vehicle axle reading is added to the sample.
When “Cur” (current) value reaches 0, the sample is complete, and the
Autocal calculation is performed. At this point, the calibration factor “base” is
updated according to the calculation. The “Cur” value is reset to the Num
value, and the countdown for the next sampling starts.
Calibration results: The AutoCal works integrally with the calibration factor “current”
and “base” values. As the AutoCal sample readings are collected, the readings are
compared to the “.01Kp” setting. If sampled values are trending higher than the
“.01Kp” setting, then the “current” value of the calibration factor is set to a value
proportionately lower than 1000 to accommodate for the higher readings, so that the
results are closer to the set .01kP value. If sampled values are lower than the “.01Kp”
setting, then the "current” value of the calibration factor is set proportionately higher
than 1000 to bring the sensor reading values up to the set .01Kp value.
The “current” value of the calibration factor, then, reflects the up-to-the-minute
calculations of the AutoCal feature as the sampling of sensor readings is collected.
When the sample number is completed (“Cur” value is “0”), the “current” value of the
calibration factor becomes the new “base” value of the calibration factor. Then a new
sample group is started.
Example – how to set the AutoCal parameters:
On the WIM array submenu (see Figure 138, p. 118):
1. Press ENT or → key to select the “E” value, and use the ↑or ↓ keys to set
to 1 (enable).
2. Press ENT or → key to select the “Cl” value, and use the ↑or ↓ keys to set
the class (“Cl”) for which you will take axle weight samples. Typically this is
class “09.”
3. Press ENT or → key to select (.01Kp), then enter the value for axle
readings. For class “09” this might be 1000 (.01kp) or 10 kp (10,000 lbs.).
4. Press ENT or → keys to select the “Num” value to set the sample size.

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Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays

WIM-WIM Array
This array utilizes two WIM sensors only. Data types that can be collected from this
array are: gross vehicle weight, axle weight, speed, class, length (wheelbase),
volume, headway, gap, or direction, by lane, or a combination of these. You can
connect and use up to four of these arrays with the Sabre.

Note In the array selections, for WIM, you can select the “W” option for
single WIM sensor. This single WIM sensor array is not typically usable
in actual studies, but is provided on the Sabre for single sensor testing
purposes only.

Figure 139 – WIM-WIM array

The diagram shows a single WIM-WIM array. This array is often used as a “portable”
installation with an ADR and temporarily affixed WIM sensors for short term survey
work, but can also be used as a permanent installation on free flowing open
highways.
This array provides very good weight data in free flowing traffic. It is recommended
that the piezo sensors be installed so as to assure both wheels on an axle “hit” the
WIM sensors equally. In a 12-foot wide lane this might be achieved by using 11-foot
long piezos installed as shown in the diagram.
The standard distance from the first WIM sensor crossed by a vehicle front axle to the
second WIM sensor in the same lane is typically 10-feet. Other settings may be used
as long as the spacing is set to match the spacing used. An 8-foot spacing is
recommended for use in low speed areas.
The parameters you would set in this array are shown in Table 23 (p. 121):

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Table 23 — Parameters for WIM-WIM array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to WIM.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to W_W.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-4 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to select Spc1, enter the measured distance between
sub-menu the two piezos in the lane (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 10 ft.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between axles).
This value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that
can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle
count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated (default is 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail
of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to set AutoCal sub-heading entries – see “AutoCal
Settings,” p. 117.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select the “W_W” and press ENT to display.
sub-menus Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 0-8).
Off (offset) – Set or adjust as needed (%). Default is 035 (35%).
CalFac (calibration factor) –
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

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Chapter 8 – Weight in Motion Arrays

WIM-Loop-WIM Array
This array utilizes two WIM sensors flanking a loop sensor. The data types that can
be collected from this array are: gross vehicle weight, axle weight, group weight, kips,
and, speed, class, length (wheelbase), volume, headway, gap, or direction, by lane,
or a combination of these. You can connect and use up to four of these arrays with
the Sabre.

Figure 140 – WIM-Loop-WIM array

This array has proven to provide the highest accuracy of those shown as standard in
this document. The WIM-loop-WIM array calculates the same data as the WIM-WIM
array, but uses the loop to improve classification accuracy in situations where
tailgating is a problem. The diagram shows two WIM-loop-WIM arrays, one in each of
two lanes. Using this array, the ADR can measure speed very accurately and can
then determine classification by axle spacing and wheelbase. Additionally, every
wheel on a vehicle passes over two WIM sensors and this allows the weights to be
more accurately reported. In a 12-foot wide lane this might be achieved by using 11-
foot WIM sensors installed on the right side of the lane as shown in the diagram.

Note For clarity in the diagram, the connecting wiring for the axle sensors in
lane 2 are shown as going to the far side of the road. Normally this
would go to a “hand” or “pull” box on the far side and then return to the
ADR in conduit bored under the road. The return wiring and conduit are
not shown.

The standard distance from the first WIM sensor “hit” by a vehicle wheel to the
second piezo in the same lane is 16 feet. The loop is shown as a standard 6 foot
square and is centered between the WIM sensors. It is recommended that the sensor
loops be installed in the middle of the traffic path to avoid detection of vehicles in
adjacent lanes. In a 12-foot wide lane this is usually a 6-foot square or octagon with 4

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turns of XHHW wire providing an as installed typical minimum inductance of 124uH

plus lead in inductance. The parameters to set in this array are shown in Table 24:
Table 24 — Parameters for WIM-Loop-WIM array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (T, T_T, etc.) (array type) – Set to WLW.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-4 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → to set Spc1, dist. from first piezo to leading edge of loop.
sub-menu nd
Press → to set Spc2, dist. from lagging edge of loop to 2 piezo.
Press → key to select MaxAx (maximum distance between axles).
This value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that
can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle
count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated (default is 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail
of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to set AutoCal sub-heading entries – see “AutoCal
Settings,” p. 117.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select the “WLW” and press ENT to display.
sub-menus Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Off (offset) – Set or adjust as needed (%). Default is 035 (35%).
CalFac (calibration factor) –
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

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Loop-WIM-Loop Array
This array utilizes two loop sensors flanking a WIM sensor. The data types that can
be collected from this array are: gross vehicle weight, axle weight, speed, class,
length (wheelbase), volume, headway, gap, or direction, by lane, or a combination of
these. You can connect and use up to two of these arrays with the Sabre.

Figure 141 – Loop-WIM-Loop array

The diagram shows two Loop-WIM-Loop arrays, one in each of two lanes. The space
ideal spacing between the adjacent lane piezo sensors should prevent one vehicle
from being sensed in both lanes while also assuring accurate weight measurement
for all traffic in each lane.
The standard distance from the first loop edge crossed by a vehicle’s front bumper to
the second loops first edge in the same lane is 16 feet. The loops are shown as
standard six-foot squares and the WIM sensor is centered between the loops. Often
the WIM sensor is placed in the center between the leading loop edges, which would
be two feet behind the first loop. This placement is not critical to the data collection.
It is recommended that the sensor loops be installed in the middle of the traffic path to
avoid detection of vehicles in adjacent lanes. In a 12-foot wide lane this is usually a
six-foot square or octagon with four turns of XHHW wire providing an installed typical
minimum inductance of 124uH plus lead in inductance.
Any unused sensor connection wires should be twisted together and isolated from
earth ground. This helps prevent the possible electrical noise from being served as an
unwanted input by the Sabre.
The parameters you would set in this array are shown in Table 25, p. 125:

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Table 25 — Parameters for Loop-WIM-Loop array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (ALA, etc.) (array type) – Set to LWL.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → key to set Spc1, distance between the lagging edge of
sub-menu lead loop to piezo (in .01 ft. or .01 m). Default is 10 ft.
Press → to set Spc2, distance from piezo to 2nd loop leading edge.
Press → key to set MaxAx (maximum distance between axles).
This value sets the maximum distance between axles sensed that
can be considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle
count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length). This
value sets the maximum vehicle length sensed that can be
considered part of a single vehicle, beyond this a vehicle count is
indicated (default is 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail
of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to set AutoCal sub-heading entries – see “AutoCal
Settings,” p. 117.
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select the “LWL” and press ENT to display.
sub-menus Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Off (offset) – Set or adjust as needed (%). Default is 035 (35%) –
see “Piezo Offset,” p. 117.
CalFac (calibration factor) – see “Calibration Factor,” p. 118.
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to view
study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52) for
channel, gap, etc., and their respective bin ranges, as desired.

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 Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays

This chapter contains detailed setup information for using mixed arrays, and describes
manually using the setup menu specifically to define the study parameters for each mixed
array type.
For mixed array types with WIM sensors, refer to Chapter 8, Weight in Motion (WIM) Arrays (p.
115). For more information on general study settings, such as setting the Site ID and station
name, setting start and end times, selecting file types to capture, etc., see Chapter 4, Set up
Basics.
The following topics are discussed in detail in this chapter:

 Axle (Piezo) and Loop Arrays, p. 128

 Road Tube and Loop Arrays, p. 132

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Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays

CONFIGURING MIXED ARRAYS

Combined sensor arrays are used to take advantage of the strengths of each sensor
and provide improved accuracy of data. Included in this chapter are the setup
instructions for axle / loop arrays (Axle-Loop-Axle and Loop-Axle-Loop), and road
tube / loop arrays (Tube-Loop-Tube and Loop-Tube-Loop).

Note For mixed array types with WIM sensors, refer to Chapter 8 (see p. 115).

Axle (Piezo) and Loop Arrays

Note It is recommended that the piezo sensor be installed so as to only have

wheels on one side of the vehicles “hit” the piezo (see below). In a 12-
foot wide lane this might be achieved by using a 7-foot long piezo
installed on the right side of the lane as shown in the diagram.
It is recommended that the sensor loops be installed in the middle of
the traffic path to avoid detection of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
For more information on the sensor types included in these arrays,
such as installation guidelines for a specific sensor type, see the
respective chapter for that sensor array type in this manual.

Axle-Loop-Axle Array
This array utilizes two axle (piezo) sensors flanking a loop sensor. The data types that
can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length (chassis), volume, headway,
gap, or direction by lane, or a combination of these. You can connect and use up to
four of these arrays with the Sabre.

Figure 142 – Axle-Loop-Axle arrays

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The diagram above (Figure 142) shows two axle-loop-axle arrays, one in each of two
lanes. The axle-loop-axle array calculates the same data as the two-piezo array and
uses the loop to improve classification accuracy in situations where tailgating is a
problem. Using this array, the Sabre can measure speed very accurately and can
then determine classification by axle spacing and wheelbase.

Some parameters for axle-loop-axle array (see Table 26):

Table 26 — Parameters for axle-loop-axle array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (LAL, ALA) (array type) – Set to ALA.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-4 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → to set Spc1, dist. from first piezo to leading edge of loop.
sub-menu nd
Press → to set Spc2, dist. from lagging edge of loop to 2 piezo.
Press → key to select MaxAx (max. distance between axles) - set
the maximum distance between axles still considered part of a
vehicle; beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length) - set
the maximum vehicle length still considered part of a vehicle;
beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the tail
of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, press ENT to see settings. Then select a line
sub-menu for Ax (axle) or Lp (loop) for parameters according to sensor.
Axle Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Loop Len (length) – Set to measure loop lead-to-lag edge distance.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
sub-menu (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52).

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The standard distance from the first piezo “hit” by a vehicle wheel to the second piezo
in the same lane is 16 feet. The loop standard size is a 6 foot square; the loop
centered between the piezos.

Note For clarity in the diagram (see Figure 142, p. 128) the connecting
wiring normally would go to connector box on the far side and then
return to the Sabre in conduit beneath the road surface (not shown).

Loop-Axle-Loop Array
This array utilizes two loop sensors flanking an axle (piezo) sensor. The data types
that can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length (chassis), volume,
headway, gap, or direction by lane, or a combination of these. You can connect and
use up to four of these arrays with the Sabre.

3 4

1 2

A
D
Figure 143 –RLoop-Axle-Loop arrays
The diagram above shows two loop-axle-loop arrays, one in each of two lanes. Very
comparable to the axle-loop-axle array, the loop-axle-loop array can usually be
installed at a lower cost.
Using this array, the Sabre can measure speed very accurately and can then
determine classification by axle spacing and wheelbase.
The standard distance from the first loop edge crossed by a vehicles front bumper to
the second loops first edge in the same lane is 16 feet. The loops are shown as
standard 6 foot squares and the piezo is centered between the loops. Many agencies
place the piezo centered between the leading edges, which would be 2 feet behind
the first loop. This placement is not critical to the study settings
Parameters on the <site> heading for loop-axle-loop array (see Table 27, p. 130):

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Table 27 — Parameters for loop-axle-loop array

Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (LAL, ALA) (array type) – Set to LAL.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-4 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → to set Spc1, dist. from first loop trailing edge to piezo.
sub-menu nd
Press → to set Spc2, dist. from piezo to 2 loop leading edge.
Press → key to select MaxAx (max. distance between axles) -
set the maximum distance between axles still considered part of
a vehicle; beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length) - set
the maximum vehicle length still considered part of a vehicle;
beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the
tail of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, select LAL, then press ENT to see settings;
sub-menu the lines have respective parameters according to sensor type.
Axle Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Loop Len (length) – Set to measure loop lead-to-lag edge distance.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as needed for accuracy (range 1-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
settings (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and the bin ranges, as needed.

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Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays

Road Tube and Loop Arrays

For more information on the sensor types included in these arrays, such as
installation guidelines for a road tube or loop, see the respective chapter for that
sensor array type in this manual.

Tube-Loop-Tube Array
This array utilizes two road tube sensors flanking a loop sensor. The data types that
can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length (chassis), volume, headway,
gap, or direction by lane, or a combination of these.
You can connect and use up to two of these arrays with the Sabre, but single-lane
usage is recommended, since a tube would not be lane-specific. For two lanes, use of
a piezo sensor would be recommended instead of the tube.

Figure 144 – Tube-Loop-Tube array

The diagram above shows the tube-loop-tube arrays. The tube-loop-tube array
calculates the same data as the axle-loop-axle array. One uses the road tube in
situations where road tube installation is more convenient or cost-effective than a
piezo, and if multiple lanes of sensors are not required. Using this array, the Sabre
can measure speed very accurately and can then determine classification by axle
spacing and wheelbase.

Parameters on the <site> heading for tube-loop-tube array (see Table 28, p. 133):

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 Configuring Mixed Arrays

Table 28 – Parameters for tube-loop-tube array

Menu Parameter Description

<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (LTL, TLT) (array type) – Set to TLT.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-2 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – select “>” and press ENT to view).
array Press → to set Spc1, distance from first tube to lead loop edge.
sub-menu nd
Press → to set Spc2, distance from lag loop edge to 2 tube.
Press → key to select MaxAx (max. distance between axles) -
set the maximum distance between axles still considered part of
a vehicle; beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length) - set
the maximum vehicle length still considered part of a vehicle;
beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the
tail of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On sensor sub-menu, select a sensor line and press ENT to see
sub-menu settings. Set to required value, respectively, per sensor.
Tube setting Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as required for accuracy (msec).
Default is 35 msec.
Loop Len (length) – Set to measured value of lead edge to lag edge of
settings loop. The default setting is 6 ft.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as required (range 0-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
line (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and the respective bin ranges, as desired.

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Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays

Loop-Tube-Loop Array
This array utilizes two loop sensors flanking a road tube sensor. The data types that
can be collected from this array are: speed, class, length (chassis), volume, headway,
gap, or direction by lane, or a combination of these. You can connect and use up to
four of these arrays with the Sabre, but single-lane usage is recommended, since a
tube would not be lane-specific. For multiple lanes, use of a piezo sensor would be
recommended instead of the tube.

Figure 145 – Loop-Tube-Loop arrays

The diagram above shows the loop-tube-loop arrays. The loop-tube-loop array
calculates the same data as the loop-axle-loop array. One uses the road tube in
situations where road tube installation is more convenient or cost-effective than a
piezo, and if multiple lanes of sensors are not required.
Using this array, the Sabre can measure speed very accurately and can then
determine classification by axle spacing and wheelbase.
Parameters on the <site> heading for loop-axle-loop array (see Table 29):
Table 29 — Parameters for loop-axle-loop array
Menu Parameter Description
<site> (Tube, etc.) (sensor type) – Set to Mix.
1) array (LTL, TLT) (array type) – Set to LTL.
Ln/s No. of Lanes – Set to 1-2 as needed.
(direction) Fwd (Forward): Lead sensor to lag sensor direction counted.
Rev (Reverse): Lag sensor to lead sensor direction counted.
Both: Both directions counted and totaled together.
Sep (Separate): Both directions counted, but are kept separately.
> (Array/sensor sub-menus – press ENT to view).
array Press → to set Spc1, dist. from first loop lagging edge to tube.
sub-menu nd
Press → to set Spc2, dist. from tube to 2 loop leading edge.
Press → key to select MaxAx (max. distance between axles) –
set the maximum distance between axles still considered part of

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 Configuring Mixed Arrays

Menu Parameter Description

a vehicle; beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 45 ft.).
Press → key to select MaxVLen (maximum vehicle length) - set
the maximum vehicle length still considered part of a vehicle;
beyond this, vehicle count is indicated (default 110 ft.).
Press → key to select TG (tailgate). The distance between the
tail of one vehicle and head of the next (default is 6 ft.).
Press → key to select AvgSpd (set the estimated average speed,
which is then recalculated every five vehicles by the Sabre).
sensor On array sub-menu, one the sensor line, with sensor selected (lp
sub-menu or ax), press ENT to see settings
Tube sensor Deb (debounce) – Set or adjust as needed (msec). Default is 0.
Loop sensor Len (length) – Set to measured value of lead edge to lag edge of
loop. The default setting is 6 ft.
Sens (sensitivity) – Adjust as required (range 1-8).
Hyst (hysteresis) – Adjust as required (range 1-8).
<study> record Press 0 to select 0) record, then → key to select each file type
line (PVR, etc.), use the ↓or ↑key to enable (+) or disable (–).
For Bin files, use the ↓or ↑key to select (>) and press ENT to
view study page(s). Set up bins (see “Setting Up the Bins,” p. 52)
for channel, gap, etc., and the respective bin ranges, as desired.

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Chapter 9 – Mixed Arrays

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136 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Appendix A — Maintenance and
Troubleshooting

The following topics are discussed in detail in this appendix:

 Battery Usage, p. 138

 Clearing Memory Space, p. 139
 Other Maintenance, p. 141
 Troubleshooting, p. 142

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Appendix A — Maintenance and Troubleshooting

SABRE MAINTENANCE

Battery Usage
After a full charge of a good battery, the ADR Sabre should operate (with only
roadtube sensors) for six months without a re-charge being required (with road tubes
only). Note that battery capacity is affected by extreme cold temperatures. Battery
manufacturers recomend that lead-gel batteries used in critical or severe service
applications should be replaced after 200 service cycles of charge and discharge or
every four years, which ever occurs first. With proper care in normal service, your
Sabre battery should last for 5 to 10 years.
The ADR Sabre is an extremely power-efficient device, designed to operate on
minimal power for long periods of time. Nonetheless, be sure to check, prior to any
study, that adequate power remains in the device to serve at least for the life of the
study.

Normal Battery Service

Ready for use, the battery voltage display will typically read 6.40 to 7.00 volts. Do not
start a traffic study with a battery voltage reading less than 6.00 volts. The ADR
Sabre will shut down if the battery voltage falls below approximately 5.5 volts.

Checking the Battery

The ADR will quit recording data if the voltage falls below 5.50 volts. In low voltage
situations, all data is saved. To check the battery level, see “Battery Check,” p. 26.
The Sabre also performs battery level self-checks (see “Automatic Battery Level
Checks,” p. 45), and curtails functionality according to battery level.
If pressing a key will not awaken the LCD display, or otherwise seems to require
recharging, refer to “Recharging the Battery” below.

Recharging the Battery

Inside the weatherproof case of the Sabre is a sealed rechargeable battery which will
typically provide six months or more of recorder operation between charges for
roadtube operations. Loops or other sensors use the battery more and require
recharging more often. It is recommended that the battery should be recharged via
the external connector at least every 2 months (see “Ancillary Hardware Options,” p.
16). The battery voltage should never be allowed to fall below 5.75 volts.
Recharge the ADR Sabre battery when voltage is at or below 6.0V or lower (see
previous page for instructions on checking battery status).

Warning Observe all safety precautions when working with electrical circuitry and
equipment. Failure to do so can result in injury or damage to equipment.

138 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Sabre Maintenance

To recharge the ADR Sabre battery:

1. Connect the ADR Sabre 12VDC power adapter cable (see “Ancillary
Hardware Options,” p. 16) to the eight-pin connector (see figure below) on
the back of the ADR Sabre.

Caution Be sure to use only the charging cable above. Otherwise

equipment damage and possible personal injury may result.

Power adapter / RS-232

connector (eight-pin)

Figure 146 – Power adapter connector

2. Connect the other end of the 12VDC power adapter to a suitable power
outlet socket.
3. Allow unit to charge for an adequate period of time; overnight is
recommended.

Note When the charge is fully completed, the charging circuit will
continue in “trickle” mode, so that overcharging does not occur,
and the full charge is maintained.

4. When charging is complete, disconnect power adapter from power source,

and disconnect cable from ADR Sabre.
5. Recheck the battery voltage (go to the <status> menu, first entry on line 1).
6. Repeat above steps to continue with further charging, if necessary. If the
battery fails to take a charge, a new battery may be required. If necessary,
contact Peek Traffic Technical Support (see “Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

Clearing Memory Space

Delete Stored Files

You can delete stored Study and Event files, though this will not free up internal
memory (see “” below). You may want to download such files first, to a USB jump
drive or to a PC; see “Using the Communications Ports,” p. 36.
To delete event files (from internal memory), for example:

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Appendix A — Maintenance and Troubleshooting

1. Go to the <files> heading. Select evt: press ENT, and use ↑or ↓ key to
set to Del.
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) evt:Del 12151527-Yes
Figure 147 – Deleting event file
2. Press ENT, and then use ↑or ↓ keys to select the name of file to delete.
3. Using ↑or ↓ keys, select Yes to delete, or select No to not delete the file,
and press ENT.
To delete study files (from the SD card, if installed):
1. Go to the <files> heading. Select study and press ENT, and use ↑or ↓
key to set to Del.

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M0: 0139MB-0150MB_00512-27859-30724 R
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) evt:Del 12151527-Yes
Figure 148 – Deleting study file
2. Press ENT, and then use ↑or ↓ keys to select the name of file to delete.
3. Using ↑or ↓ keys, select Yes to delete, or select No to not delete the file,
and press ENT.

Format Procedure for Memory Media

If you run low on memory space, the Sabre will not record your data – either the
Sabre will not arm for a study, or, it will shut down the study when memory is used up.
You can free up memory – the internal memory and/or SD card – by reformatting
them. You can also delete individual study files stored on the SD card (or event files
in Sabre internal memory, but doing so does not actually free up internal memory).
Reformatting clears all data from either memory. When you reformat internal memory,
the firmware remains, but otherwise no data remains. When you reformat the SD
card, all the data on the SD card will be deleted.

Note Before reformatting memory, save files first, if needed, to a USB jump
drive or to a PC (see “Using the Communications Ports,” p. 36).

To format and clear internal or SD card memory:

1. Go to the <files> menu, and press “0” to select the first item, 0) m0.

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 Sabre Maintenance

2. Press the “0” key as needed to toggle the memory select – M0 or M1. M0 is
the internal memory, and M1 (if installed) is the SD card.
3. To format the selected memory, press the “6” key on the keypad. This
displays a prompt to format, and whether to include new files, with a prompt
No as default response:
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
Format M1:011 New Files? No
0) m1:0018GB-0018_32768-61015-61086
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:None

Figure 149 – Format prompt

4. Press the use ↑or ↓ key to switch between Yes (to format) or No (do not
format), then press ENT to confirm the choice.

Other Maintenance

Checking the Weatherproof Seals

Check that the weatherproof seals are undamaged. When you close the lid of the
ADR, you should always check that no dirt, grass or other debris has become trapped
in the weatherproof seals.

Cleaning the ADR Sabre

If fitted, clean the solar panel at each visit to the site. If you need to clean inside the
unit, use a barely-damp, lint-free cloth. Never attempt to clean the ADR Sabre using
aerosol cleaners, abrasives or other cleaning agents. Take particular care not to
scratch the polycarbonate display screen.

Checking the Condition of the Sensors

Make sure that all tube sensors are in good condition, and replace if necessary. All
loop installations should be inspected regularly for surface hairline cracks and
damaged sealant. Any indication of damage to the loop wire should be repaired
immediately to prevent moisture from making contact with the wire. It is
recommended that all loop installations are checked at least once a year, preferably
in late autumn or early spring.

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Appendix A — Maintenance and Troubleshooting

TROUBLESHOOTING

Battery Troubleshooting
If the display does not turn on at all, try replacing the battery with a known good one.
If the main battery is removed, all data files and the internal clock are retained for
approximately 7 years by a separate lithium battery mounted on the CPU board. The
ADR battery charger may be connected to a unit with the main battery removed
without damage to the unit or the charger.

Tips for Improving Battery Performance

Fully charge the battery before use. The battery inside the Sabre requires between
several hours to overnight to reach full charge, depending on its condition at start.
Piezo inputs which are not being used can be a source of “noise” inputs to the CPU
which then uses battery power and processing to “wake-up” in response to the
undesired input. Typically, the CPU in the Sabre is operating in a low power mode
between vehicle sensing and processing activities. When any input activity occurs,
the CPU of the Sabre “wakes up” to process the sensor input. This uses power. If
piezo array type is selected, but a piezo input is not being used, you can turn off a
given piezo input by setting the sensitivity of that input to “0.” See “Setting Piezo
Parameters,” p. 110.

The Recorder is Unresponsive

If the LCD is blank and the Sabre does not respond to keys pressed, check that the
battery is charged and correctly connected (and “Connecting the Battery,” p. 146). If
connected, possibly the battery is dead or very low. Replace battery or recharge if
needed (see “Recharging the Battery,” p. 138).

The LCD is Blank

The ADR Sabre has a power-saving feature that blanks the display after no buttons
have been pressed for the amount of time (60 seconds, by default). Simply press any
key to activate the display.
In extremes of temperature (hot or cold), the LCD may appear blank, but the ADR
Sabre should be operational. If this occurs you should be able to communicate with
the ADR using a laptop PC and a serial RS-232 cable, or USB micro-B cable. If
possible, move the ADR Sabre to a moderate environment (such as inside your
vehicle) for a short while with the ADR Sabre lid open; the LCD should operate.

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 Troubleshooting

Vehicles Not Recorded Correctly

Check the following:
 See that the sensors are correctly connected.
 Check that the correct array type is selected and configured correctly.
 Check that all terminal-block connections are clean and tight.
 Check sensor operation by using the PVR MONITOR option in the <status>
menu (see “Using the PVR Monitor,” p. 74).
 If tubes are being used, check that the tubes in an array are the same length.
Small variations in tube length can cause errors. When tubes are being used in
the Short / Long or four roadtube array configurations, it is essential that the air
pulses from the shorter tubes arrive before tube of the longer tubes. Adjust the
length of the short tube or long tube to correct the problem.
 If a loop analyzer is available, check the earth leakage and inductance of any
loops used. Suggested values for readings can be obtained from loop supplier.
Loop resistance must be less than 5 ohms. The resistance of each loop cable to
earth (insulation test) when measured at 500 volts should be greater than 100
megohms on new loop installations and must be greater than 10 megohms.

Overcounting When Using Axle or Tube Sensors

If you are experiencing overcounting with an axle sensing array, confirm that the
value entered for the RATIO and/or One-axle Vehicle Timeout (1AxVTO settings are
appropriate. Refer to the array configuration information for the array you are using
(typically, go to the <site> heading; on line 1) arrays, select the > at the right and
press ENT key to see the array sub-menu with these settings). Typical values are 2.0
and 2 seconds respectively and are applicable for most of survey installations.
While in these settings sub-menus, you may want to increase the debounce time to
see the effects.

Undercounting When Using Axle or Tube Sensors

If you are experiencing undercounting with an axle sensing array, confirm that the
value entered for the RATIO and/or One-axle Vehicle Timeout (1AxVTO) settings are
appropriate for the class or speed of vehicles using the road (refer to Chapters on
Road Tubes and Piezo Arrays, and the configuration information for the array you are
using (typically, go to the <site> heading; on line 1) arrays, select the > at the right
and press ENT key to see the array sub-menu with these settings).
If you still experience problems, you may want to decrease the debounce time to see
the effects (refer to the respective chapter for the array type you are using).

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Appendix A — Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Also, for road tubes, check the road clamps for pinching of the tubes. Check for
blockages in tubes, and blow out the tubes. If the tubes (or piezos, as well) appear
old or worn, you may need to replace them.
Check whether undercounting could be attributable to axles on different vehicles
hitting the tube sensors simultaneously. If this appears to be the case, either move
the sensor to a different location to reduce the chance of simultaneous hits, or
increase the number of channels by using additional available sensor inputs.

Sabre Reset
To reset the Sabre, at the startup screen:
1. Press the ↑and 0 key, then hold down the ESC key about 5 seconds, until
the prompt for reset appears:
Reset: No?
2. Press the ↑key to select Reset? Yes, then press ENT. This causes the
Sabre to shut down, and restart. When reset finishes, the startup screen
appears.

144 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Appendix B – Connecting the Battery

This appendix discusses connecting the Sabre battery, in cases where the Sabre is shipped
with battery disconnected.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 145

Appendix B – Connecting the Battery

CONNECTING THE BATTERY

If the ADR Sabre is shipped with battery disconnected, or if there are indications that
the battery may be disconnected, such as if the LCD does not display when the key is
pressed, you can open the Sabre, to see if the internal battery is connected, and
connect if needed.

Warning: Observe all safety precautions when working with electrical circuitry within
the unit. Also take care to prevent damage from electrostatic discharge, and
avoid contact with circuit board traces and components. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury or damage to equipment.

To check and make the battery connection:

1. Place the ADR Sabre on a clean, flat working surface if possible, and in an
area which provides protection from weather elements.
2. Unscrew, remove, and save the six screws holding the faceplate to the unit.

Faceplate screws Faceplate screws

Figure 150 – Front panel screws

3. Carefully lift the faceplate up but not far away from the Sabre body, so as not
to disconnect or stress the connections between the Sabre faceplate and the
internal circuit board (see Figure 151, p. 147).

146 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Connecting the Battery

Figure 151 – Removing front panel

4. Locate the battery cable, a two-wire (black and red) cable, and check to see
if connected to the receptor on circuit board:

Battery cable
(connected)

Figure 152 – Battery cable connected) array

5. To connect, align the battery cable connector with the receptor on the circuit
board. The plug and socket are keyed to match for correct insertion.

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Appendix B – Connecting the Battery

6. Insert the aligned battery cable plug. The detent lever on the side of the
connector will snap into place and hold when fully inserted.

Battery cable
detent latch

Figure 153 – Aligning battery connector

7. After connecting the battery cable, immediately check the faceplate briefly –
if the battery is connected (and charged), the startup screen is displayed:

PEEK TRAFFIC ADRsabre

Mon May 14,2012 16:01:59 DST
IDLE

FW: 01.02_1139-MAY_04_2012-14:14:14
240 T45

Figure 154 – Startup screen

8. Reattach the faceplate, reinserting and hand-tightening the six retaining
screws removed in step 2.
9. Check the battery voltage level by pressing the the ← or → key to select the
<status> heading, and check the voltage (“V”) on line 1).
If voltage level less than 6.0 volts, recharge the battery (see “Recharging the
Battery,” p. 138) before arming the ADR Sabre to conduct a study.

148 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Appendix C – Rerunning the Study Data with
New Settings

This appendix describes the procedure to set up the ADR Sabre for event (EVT) file recording
during a study, and then “play back” this file with different study settings.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 149

Appendix C – Rerunning the Study Data with New Settings

RECORDING EVENT FILES FOR REUSE, POST-COLLECTION

This appendix describes how to set up the ADR Sabre for event (EVT) file recording
during a study, and then “play back” this file with different study settings. That is, you
can set up and perform a study, recording the event data, and, after reconfiguring the
study, replay event data. You get new results – new .bin files – using the same data,
but with different parameters. You can process the new .bin files as normal.

Note This procedure presumes the user is familiar with how to configure the
Sabre, and that the ADR Sabre has already configured to perform the
required traffic study. The procedure here describes only the steps for
enabling the recording of the EVT file, starting the study, and playing back
the file.

Configure and Run Study to Record Event File

1. Press a key to wake the unit if not already awake (if LCD is blank).
2. Press the ← or → key on the Startup Screen to go to the setup menu
headings, and to navigate to the <STUDY> menu.
3. With the <study> menu displayed, on the 0) record line, select the EVT
item and press the ↑ to change the EVT option to +, and press ENT. This
enables the study to record the event files.

<CONFIG><SITE><study><FILES><STATUS>
0) record: PVR+ BIN+ EVT+ AEF+
1) START-NextInt
2) END-NeverEnd
3) REC_INT-15 Min FREQ-Daily

Figure 155 – <study> content with record selected

4. Presuming you have otherwise configured the study as needed, and the
study is all set up and ready to go, put the Sabre in the armed mode to
enable the study (press BACK as necessary to go back to the Startup
screen, press ENT, then press the ↑or ↓ key at the prompt to select ARM
UNIT NOW? Yes, and press ENT again).
When armed, the study will start at the interval or time as per your start
setting.

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 Recording Event Files for Reuse, Post-collection

Event File Retrieval and Playback

When the study is complete, and the ADR Sabre is back in IDLE mode, make sure
sensors are disconnected. Then follow these steps to retrieve and play back the
event file:
1. Verify all sensors are disconnected from the Sabre connectors.
2. At the startup screen, reset the Sabre:
a. Press the ↑ keys and 0 key, then hold down the ESC key about five
seconds, until the prompt for reset appears, then the ↑ key to select
Reset? Yes, then press ENT.
b. This causes the ASR Sabre to restart, and the startup screen appears.
3. If you are replaying the study unchanged, stop the real-time clock:

Note This step only applies if replaying the same study, unchanged. If
you will be making changes to the study, skip this step.

a. Press the ↑ key, then the 0 key.

b. Press the 5 key. Countdown timer goes to 000.
4. Retrieve the event file:
a. Press the ← or → key from the startup screen to the <files> heading.

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M1 :0018GB-0018_32768-61015-61086 *
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:Get 12151537=00002382 Evts

Figure 156 – <files> content

b. Press 3 for 3) EVT, then press ↑or ↓ to select GET and press ENT.
c. You are prompted to select the event file. Press the ↑or ↓ key to
select the appropriate EVT file, and press ENT.
5. At this point, if you are making changes to any study settings (debounce,
spacings, bins, etc.), do so now (having skipped step 2 above).
6. When ready, run the event file:
a. Navigate to the <files> menu.
b. Press 3 (EVT), then press ↑or ↓ to select Run and press ENT.
c. At the No prompt, press↑or ↓ to select Yes and press ENT.

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Appendix C – Rerunning the Study Data with New Settings

<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>
0) M1 :0018GB-0018_32768-61015-61086 *
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT:Run 12151537-Yes

Figure 157 – Running an event file

d. Verify playback by watching count of events to 100%
<CONFIG><SITE><STUDY><files><STATUS>

0) M1 :0018GB-0018_32768-61015-6108 *
1) usb:Off
2) STUDY:None
3) EVT: 12151537=>0525096_00000000_100%

Figure 158 – Event file playback status

7. Retrieve the newly created .bin file, and process as normal. Time Stamps in the
new file will be as at the actual time of the initial event recording.
8. When finished, reset the Sabre (as described in Step 1).

152 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Appendix D – Sensor Connection Details

This section provides additional details for using the harnesses to connect different types of
sensors to the ADR Sabre sensor inputs. The following topics are discussed in detail in this
appendix:

 Sensor inputs on the Sabre, p. 154

 Connecting Inductive Loops, p. 155
 Connecting WIM or piezo sensors, p. 155
 Connecting contact closure inputs, p. 156
 Connecting mixed arrays, p. 156

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Appendix D – Sensor Connection Details

CONNECTING SENSORS TO THE SABRE

Sensor Inputs on the Sabre

The back side of the Sabre has the RS-232 serial and power adapter/charger (eight-
pin) plug, road tube inputs, and can have sensor input (nine-pin) plugs – see below:

Road tube
inputs

Figure 159 – Typical Sabre sensor inputs and ports

Your Sabre unit may not include the input connectors as shown, depending on the
number and type of sensor input boards installed internally in your Sabre. Use the
appropriate cable harness for the sensors you are connecting (below):
Sensor connector harnesses – for loops/piezos (p/n 81-303), or contact closure
(p/n G0205918-01). Connect plug(s) to Sabre’s sensor port(s).

Connector harness – loops/piezos

(p/n 81-303)

Connector harness – contact closure

(p/n G0205918-01)

Figure 160 – Sensor connector harnesses – loop/piezo (top) and contact closure

154 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Connecting Sensors to the Sabre

Connecting Inductive Loops

If the loop input board is installed on your Sabre, there will be a corresponding nine-
pin loop sensor input port (see Figure 159, p. 154). This can be used to connect up to
four sensors, via the connector harness (p/n 81-303 – see Figure 160, p. 154). The
diagram below shows typical connection wiring for four loops. Be sure to connect the
loops to the appropriate twisted pair for each input. Also connect the green (with
yellow tracer) wire to ground.

Figure 161 – Loop connections

For more information on loop installation, refer to “Installing the Loop,” p. 103).

Connecting WIM or Piezo Sensors

If the WIM input board or piezo input board is installed on your Sabre, there will be a
corresponding nine-pin sensor input port. Each port can be used to connect up to four
sensors, via the connector harness (p/n 81-303 – see Figure 160, p. 154). The
diagram below shows typical connection wiring for four WIM sensors, but can be
applied to piezo sensors as well. Connect the sensor leads to the appropriate twisted
pair for each input. Also connect the green (with yellow tracer) wire to ground.

Figure 162 – WIM (piezo) connections

Note Connect the center wire for each sensor lead to the colored wire of the
twisted pair. Connect the shield wire to the black wire of the twisted pair.

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Appendix D – Sensor Connection Details

For more information on the specific array installation, refer to Chapter 7, Piezo
Arrays, p. 109, or to Chapter 8, WIM Arrays, p. 115.

Connecting Contact Closure Devices

Some sensor devices or sensor interface devices provide the “contact closure” type of
input; in this case, a closed contact indicates sensor activation.
If the contact closure board is installed on your Sabre, there will be a corresponding
nine-pin sensor input port for this. Each port can be used to connect up to eight
sensors, via the connector harness (p/n G0205918-01 – see Figure 160, p. 154).
The diagram below shows typical connection wiring for seven contact closure inputs.
Note the wiring color assignments; be sure to connect the sensor leads to the
appropriate wire for each input, and connect all common leads from the sensors to
the same harness black wire (ground). Also make sure the black wire is connected to
ground.

Figure 163 – Contact closure connections

For more information on array selection or installation, refer to the appropriate
section(s) in this manual.

Connecting Mixed Arrays

When connecting mixed arrays, be sure to follow the wiring diagrams for each
connector type (see appropriate section in this appendix for each sensor type). Also
make sure to connect the harness plug to the appropriate port for your Sabre device.
This can vary from device to device, depending on which input boards are installed
and which internal slots each may reside in. For more information on your Sabre
unit(s), contact your Peek sales representative, or Peek Technical Support (see
“Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

156 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Appendix E – ADR Sabre Hardware
Specifications

This appendix provides hardware specifications for the ADR Sabre.

ADR Sabre Operating Manual 157

Appendix E – ADR Sabre Hardware Specifications

ADR SABRE SPECIFICATIONS

Housing * Rugged, stackable, interlocking weather resistant cast

aluminum with integral handle plus brass lock and two
keys. Dimensions 5.25” H x 8.5” W x 10.5” D
(135mm H x 215mm W x 270mm D)
Environmental range -40°F to +165°F (-40ºC to +74ºC)
Up to 95% humidity, non-condensing.
Display 8 lines by 40 characters LCD.
Inputs Four (4) water-barrier air switches for road tube
connection. Optional support for contact closure, loops,
and piezo input.
Recording Interval Selectable 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 15, 30, or 60 minutes.
Study period Duration is selectable; 24, 48, or 72 hours, 7 days, or
programmable for a preset start and end time and date.
Set to one continuous file or midnight to midnight daily
files.
Memory 16MB internal serial flash. Optional expansion with SD
memory card (up to 4GB).
Autonomy period Up to 6 months with road tubes, on a full charge.
Accuracy Capable of measurement down to 0.01 mph in speed
detection, or length resolution to 0.01 foot.
Power 6-volt, 10 amp-hr. rechargeable, sealed lead-gel battery
with fast recharge (overnight or less). Optional, long-life
lithium battery (non-rechargeable). Optional solar panel.
Communications Port for USB Micro B Cable, USB slot for thumb drive, and
Serial RS232 port, with selectable 300 to 256,000 baud for
connection to PC, or modem for remote telemetry.
Classification FHWA Scheme “F,” and user-definable classification.

* The Sabre version with plastic housing is also available

(contact Peek Traffic for more information – see
“Technical Assistance,” p. 9).

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 Glossary

AC Adapter/Charger – Step-down transformer used to charge the internal battery

of an ADR Sabre (providing the required 12VDC at 1.5 A).
ADR – Automatic Data Recorder. A device that is installed next to a roadway and
which is used to count traffic flows. The more advanced units can be called “traffic
classifiers” because they do more than just count vehicles, they can also separate
them into classes and count vehicles in each class, or record PVR (per vehicle
record) data, depending on the types of sensors that are available in the roadway.
Air Switch – Pneumatic switch sensor used to sense the incoming air pressures
change from a road-tube.
Armed – This indication is displayed on the ADR display when the unit has a
completed program and is waiting for the next full interval to begin recording
Array – A sensor, or group of sensors which work together to determine information
about the vehicles passing over them. An array can span one or more Lane,
depending on array type, but are usually only one lane per array.
Axle class – Axle class is vehicle type classification based on the number and
spacing of axles on a vehicle. The most common reference for this is published as
FHWA Scheme “F.”
Bins – A bin can be thought of as a container for information or data. Bins are
established by defining their limits. An example of a bin definition is contained in the
following statement: “All of the cars traveling at (or above) 30 miles per hour and less
than 35 miles per hour are recorded in this bin.” For any one study session the ADR
can use up to 3,375 bins at once. Studies are usually described by the number of
bins utilized, for example, 15 classes x 4 lanes is a total of 60 bins (per interval).
Channel – Channel is similar in use to the word “lane” or “array” but is less specific
and may have no physical reference. The data from one lane is normally collected via
one array and is then often stored in one channel. A channel has the capability of

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Glossary

either separating the data from one array or lane (by “flow” direction) or can combine
the data from a set of arrays into one total.
Channel Mapping – The Channel Mapping setting causes the count of vehicles to
be stored in one or more “channels”. The Channel Mapping option has the following
settings (Separated, Reverse, and Both are not available for array types that cannot
determine a vehicle’s direction):
Both – The count is incremented each time a vehicle passes the array, no matter
in which direction it is traveling. Channel 1 is for array 1, Channel 2 for array 2,
etc.
Separated (by direction) – Count of vehicles from each array is stored in two
channels. Channel 1 contains the count of vehicles in the forward direction
across array 1. Vehicles that are traveling in the reverse direction across array 1
are contained in Channel 2. Note that if more arrays are used, each subsequent
array will have two channels associated with it. The forward direction is defined
as those vehicles that are traveling from the lead sensor to the lag sensor.
Forward –The count is incremented each time a vehicle passes the array in the
forward direction only. The forward direction is defined as those vehicles that are
traveling from the lead sensor to the lag sensor. Vehicles traveling in the reverse
direction are ignored. Each array will have only one channel associated with it.
Reverse –The count is incremented each time a vehicle passes the array in the
reverse direction only. The reverse direction is defined as those vehicles that are
traveling from the lag sensor to the lead sensor. Vehicles traveling in the forward
direction are ignored. Each array will have only one channel associated with it.
User– When using an array in multiple lanes (instances), this setting allows you
to assign a direction per array. For example, one array could be set to “Fwd,” and
another could be “Sep,” for applications where lane usage changes.
Class – The classification of vehicles according to a preset vehicle classification
scheme. The defining criteria of a scheme are called a Class Tree or Class table. The
widely used scheme is Scheme “F” which uses the number, spacing and grouping of
axles to assign each vehicle to one of thirteen definitions of vehicle type. Scheme “F”
is the default scheme in the ADR as supplied, with the addition of a fourteenth “Other”
type and a fifteenth category for “unclassified.”
Classification – The ADR can sort vehicles based on a variety of criteria. Commonly
used criteria are CLASS, SPEED, LENGTH (either wheelbase or chassis), GAP, or
HEADWAY. In setting up the ADR, operators can set the ranges for the criteria (which
are called “Bins”), for example in classification by SPEED, operators can specify the
number of “Speed Bins” and then can specify the limits of each of the bins as 0 to 20
mph and 20 to 30 mph and so on.
Comm ID – Option setting, value from 1 to 65534. This setting is useful when
several units are connected to the same communication device and a communication
with only a specific unit is required.

160 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Index

Continuous File – A binned or PVR file which has one header that includes all set-
up information including the start date and time and will not include an end date time
until a user ends the current recording session. This recording session could span
several days, weeks or months depending on the amount of time users desire to
allow the recorder to continue to recorder without stopping or ending the recording
session.
Daily Files – Is a binned or PVR file which is one file with a file header for each day
that includes all set-up information including the start and end date and time for each
day. These files will have a maximum of 24 hours of data from midnight to midnight or
until a user has stopped the ADR from recording data.
Debounce – Debounce value ensures that phantom signals in tubes or piezo
sensors are not regarded as axles. It is the time set to ignore any pulse after valid
axle detection. The range of possible values is from 1 to 998 msec. If the ADR is
undercounting, reduce the debounce time; if the ADR is over-counting, increase the
debounce time.
DST – Is the Daylight Saving Time adjustment, users have the option to allow the
ADR to automatically adjust for the new time
Factory Default Settings – These settings are the default settings as defined by
the firmware which have been defined and set by Peek Traffic Corp. The default
value settings may be different from one version firmware to another.
Flow – When any vehicle crosses any sensor array, it is assigned a “flow,” indicating
direction of travel. The assigned flow on single sensor arrays is a + (plus) or forward.
Arrays with two sensors in the same lane assign either a (+) plus or a (-) minus to a
vehicle passage as determined by the sequence of lead and lag sensor activations
(the lead is the first sensor activated by a vehicle traveling in the given traffic
direction, lag is the second). Travel from lead to lag sensor is assigned (+) flow
(forward) and travel from lag to lead is assigned (-) flow (reverse).
Gap – Gap is the time (in milliseconds) between the trailing axle of a vehicle and the
leading axle of the next vehicle going in the same direction. This measurement is
available when using piezo or tube sensors. Alternatively, it is the time between the
rear of one vehicle and the front of the following vehicle when using loop sensors.
Gap studies using road tube sensors should use a count ratio setting of 2.00 (or some
other means) to determine the end of a vehicle and to prevent inter-axle times
(spacings) from being recorded as gap times. One method is to combine studies as a
matrix, such as classification by gap by lane (channel) using 2 or four road tubes.
GPS – Global Positioning System. A GPS device can be connected to the ADR
Sabre to provide the precise latitude and longitude coordinates for the study location.
Headway – The time (in milliseconds) between the front axle of one vehicle and the
front axle of the next vehicle going in the same direction. This measurement is
available when using piezo or tube sensors. Alternatively, it is the time between the
front of one vehicle and the front of the next vehicle when using loop sensors.
Idle – Status indicating the ADR is not currently recording (“not armed”).

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Glossary

Inductive Loop (Loop) – A inductive loop detector is the (Loop and lead-in wire)
which forms an electrical circuit in each lane of traffic which are then connected to a
loop module.
Lag Sensor – This indicates the second sensor typically activated in a two-sensor
array, relative to a “forward” vehicle travel (in a “reverse” or opposite vehicle direction,
the lag sensor is activated first).
Lane – Within the Sabre array assignments, lane refers to an instance of the
selected array type. If you select two lanes, for example, this actually means you are
using two arrays of the selected type, not one array across two lanes. The term "lane"
is also used to refer to a physical lane on the road, typically delineated from the rest
of the road with a painted line or physical barrier.
LCD – Liquid Crystal Display refers to the ADR Sabre’s screen which displays the
menus for setup.
Length – Length is the total wheelbase length when measured by piezo or tube
sensors, or the overall length (chassis) when using loop sensors.
Loop – Loop, an inductive wire loop sensor. Typically used in long-term testing sites.
Marked Files – Binned, event, or PVR files that have previously been transferred or
marked as a read file; these will not be included in file transfers of “New” files.
Memory – Is the available room for storing files such as bin, PVR and set-up files in
the Sabre.
New Files – data files such binned or PVR files that have never been downloaded
and marked as “read,” these files may be shown as closed book in the pc software
(such as Viper) which indicates that the file has never been read before.
Per-Vehicle-Record (PVR) – Per-Vehicle-Records are individual records of each
vehicle that passes over sensors that are interfaced to the Sabre. Each record can
include items such as (if the ADR is equipped and configured for) Number of Axles,
Speed, Class, Headway, Gap, Vehicle Status, Loop Length, Total Wheelbase, Axle
Spacing, Gross Weight, Axle Weights, Temperature and Alarm codes.
Piezo (Axle) Sensor – An in-the-road or over-the-road axle sensor that is used in
an array to sense axle presence for vehicle classification, counting, etc.
PVR –Per vehicle records. Data gathered about individual vehicles that pass over the
Sabre’s sensors, such as weight and speed.
Road Tube – a simple rubber tube that can be used to send pressure pulses to any
ADR unit that accepts road tube inputs, whenever a vehicle drives over the tube.
Suited to short-term studies because of its portability, this Is a pneumatic axle sensor
that is used as part of portable traffic data collection system.
RT – see Road Tube.
Serial Cable– A cable that is used between the serial port of the Sabre and a
computer’s serial port

162 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Index

Study File – Unique instructions that can be saved as a “setup file” (.stp) and the file
can then be reloaded as needed. Loading a “setup file” can be faster and easier than
configuring a study anew.
Site –The physical location of traffic data collection equipment, and also the name
entered for the study identification, such as “Route 301 and Smith Road. The “Site”
and “STA” information can be used in combination to uniquely identify the Sabre unit
and the study data which is collected with it. For example, “Site” may specify the
general location, while the STA is used to distinguish specific device sites within the
area; in this way, recording from multiple sites in the area can help create a
comprehensive study of the overall area traffic flow of the area.
Speed – Speed is the scalar velocity of a vehicle as measured by the travel time
between from point A (lead) to point B (lag). Point A and point B can be two sensors
in the same lane of travel. Speed may be displayed as either miles per hour (mph) or
kilometers per hour (kph).
Station – A “Station” (“STA”) name is useful in uniquely identifying a study location.
When setting up an ADR Sabre for operation at a location, you can enter a Site and a
Station identifier. You can set the Station field to contain any useful reference
information desired in conjunction with the Site field.
Street-Link – Hand-held device that can provide operational status and feedback for
Sabre and other devices, and also provide GPS location and time sync.
Study – The study is the result of collecting data on vehicle traffic. Depending on the
sensor arrays selected a user may have the following to select from – Volume,
Speed, Class, Headway, Gap, and Vehicle Length.
TOPS™ – Traffic Operations and Planning Software. This is a Windows-based central
system software package available from Peek Traffic that allows users of Peek ADR
devices to store their data in a central location. The software manages the data and
can be used to automate data gathering and to generate data reports and exports.
USB – Universal Serial Bus, a type of serial connection. The ADR Sabre has a slot for
a USB jump drive (DEVICE), and a slot for connecting to a pc via a micro B USB
cable plug (HOST).
Viper – Windows software application for use with Peek’s line of ADR advanced
traffic counters, Viper is a central data collection and processing tool for use with
traffic count and classification data generated by Peek’s ADR line of advanced traffic
counters. Part of the AVCC line, Viper performs common processing operations such
as data retrieval and file conversion in the background, after set up, without need of
additional user interaction
Vision – Windows software application for use with Peek’s line of ADR advanced
traffic counters (a “field” version of the full-featured Viper software).
Volume – Volume is the count of vehicles. In the Setup procedure, the volume study
type is called “Channel Study Type.”

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164 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Index

Comm ID ..................................................... 37
A Common Study Settings .............................. 49
communication............................................. 35
Ancillary Hardware...... 13, 16, 36, 37, 142, 143
Communications Ports ................................. 36
arm the Sabre ........................................ 63, 77
config ........................................................... 30
ASCII Event File .......................................... 41
Configure and Run Study to Record Event File
AutoCal ..................................................... 122
.............................................................. 154
Axle (Piezo) and Loop Arrays .................... 132
Connecting contact closure devices ........... 160
Axle-Loop-Axle Array ......... 124, 126, 128, 132
Connecting inductive loops ........................ 159
Connecting mixed arrays ........................... 160
B Connecting road tubes ................................. 96
BASIC LOOP THEORY ............................. 106 Connecting the battery ....................... 149, 150
Battery ....................................................... 142 Connecting to the sabre ............................. 158
Battery Check .............................................. 26 Connecting WIM or Piezo Sensors............. 159
Battery Troubleshooting ............................. 146 Connectors .................................................. 16
battery voltage ........................................... 142 Conventions ................................................. 10
baud rate ..................................................... 36 CTREE .................................................. 31, 70
Bin Range Values ........................................ 56
Bin Settings ................................................. 54 D
Bin Setup, example...................................... 59
Data File Types............................................ 53
Bin Sub-menu .............................................. 55
Data Files .................................................... 69
Binned ............................................. 41, 43, 54
Date and time .............................................. 33
debounce ....................... 83, 99, 115, 121, 147
C Debounce Adjustments, roead tube ............. 83
calibration factor ........................................ 122 Debounce Setting, piezo ............................ 115
channel bins ................................................ 57 Debounce Setting, WIM ............................. 121
Check Battery Status ................................... 45 Delete Stored Files .................................... 143
Check Date and Time .................................. 48 Device port ............................................ 39, 40
Check Memory Status ................................. 46 Directional Tube Count Array ....................... 89
Checking the Battery ................................. 142 Disarm the ADR ........................................... 64
Checking the Condition of the Sensors ...... 145 DST ............................................................. 33
Classification Tree File ................................ 69
Cleaning the ADR Sabre............................ 145 E
Clearing Memory ................................. 46, 143
Event File Retrieval and Playback .............. 155
Columns (Bins) ............................................ 57
Event files ...................................... 41, 54, 143

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Glossary

Example Single-Tube Counting Array .......... 85 memory self-checks ..................................... 46

Example volume count ................................ 72 Menu Abbreviations and Meanings .............. 71
mixed array ................................................ 131
F Multiple Roadtube Setups ............................ 99
Features ...................................................... 14
Features ...................................................... 14 O
Features summary....................................... 15 One Loop Array ......................................... 103
File transfers................................................ 66 Other Maintenance .................................... 145
File types ............................................... 41, 54 Overcounting When Using Axle or Tube
Files ............................................................ 32 Sensors ................................................. 147
Format procedure for memory media ......... 144
Four-tube class by lane array ...................... 92 P
Frequency ................................................... 61
Per-vehicle records ................................ 41, 54
piezo15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 43, 103, 110, 113, 114,
G 115, 116, 117, 118, 126, 127, 128, 132, 133,
Global settings............................................. 48 134, 135, 136, 138
Glossary .................................................... 163 Piezo Offset, WIM ...................................... 121
Gps device ..................... 15, 17, 31, 36, 37, 74 Piezo Parameters ...................................... 114
Piezo-Piezo Array ...................................... 117
H Post Study Options ...................................... 64
Power drain ................................................. 45
Hardware specifications............................. 161
Pre-study checks and settings ..................... 45
Harness ............................................. 110, 118
Purpose ......................................................... 8
Headers....................................................... 56
PVR . 15, 31, 32, 41, 42, 43, 46, 53, 54, 55, 60,
Height ........................................................ 107
75, 79, 84, 86, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96, 103,
High-accuracy ............................................. 94
104, 105, 116, 118, 125, 127, 129, 133, 135,
HOST slot ..................................................... 40
137, 139, 147
PVR monitor ................................................ 79
I
Inductive loop ...................................... 20, 106 Q
Installed sensor boards................................ 47
Quick Start ................................................... 23
Installing
Loop ...................................................... 107
Loops .................................................... 106 R
Recharging the Battery .............................. 142
K Record Interval ...................................... 61, 63
Record Interval Frequency ........................... 61
Keypad to Change PVR Monitor Display ..... 80
Recording event files for reuse, post-collection
.............................................................. 154
L Renaming and transferring study files .......... 67
LCD is Blank.............................................. 146 Rerun a study’s recorded events.................. 64
Loop Construction ..................................... 106 Rerunning the study data with new settings153
Loop Parameters ....................................... 102 Reset ......................................... 148, 155, 156
Loop Sensor Adjustments .......................... 102 Road tube and loop arrays ......................... 136
loop sensors and arrays ............................ 101 Road tube array ..................................... 82, 96
Loop Theory .............................................. 106 Road tube calibration ................................... 99
Loop Wire .................................................. 106 Road tube installation guidelines.................. 96
Loop Wire Installation ................................. 108 Road tube installation tips ............................ 98
Loop-Axle-Loop Array ................................ 134 Road tube selection and inspection ............. 97
Loops ........................................ 106, 107, 108 Road tube settings ..................................... 115
Loop-Tube-Loop Array............................... 138 Rs-232 port .................................................. 36
Rs-232 settings ............................................ 36
M
Maintenance .............................................. 142
Maintenance and Troubleshooting ............. 141

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 Index

S Startup screen ............................................. 26

safety........................................................... 97 station ID ..................................................... 52
Safety Status .......................................................... 32
Site........................................................ 107 Stop the recording ....................................... 64
Save Study and Classification Tree Files ..... 65 Street-link .............................................. 18, 37
Screen Contrast........................................... 25 Study ................................. 31, 32, 65, 77, 154
security ........................................................ 19 Study End .................................................... 62
Sensitivity .................................................. 102 Study Pages ................................................ 58
sensitivity and hysteresis ........................... 102 Study Selection Guide ................................. 19
sensitivity, piezo ........................................ 115 Study Start ................................................... 62
sensitivity, WIM.......................................... 121 symbols in the manual ................................. 11
Sensor Boards ............................................. 47
Sensor Connection Details ........................ 157 T
Sensor Inputs on the Sabre ....................... 158 Technical Assistance .....................................9
Serial Modem cable ..................................... 17 Tips for Improving Battery Performance ..... 146
SET DATE, TIME, AND DST ....................... 33 Troubleshooting ......................................... 146
Set Language, Units .................................... 48 Tube-loop-tube array ................................. 136
Setting Parameters ...................................... 28 Two Loop Array ......................................... 104
Setting Tube Parameters ............................. 83 Two Tube Class by Direction Array ........ 91, 94
setup files .................................................... 41 Type of Array ......................................... 22, 82
Setup menu ................................................. 27 typical study setup considerations ................ 43
Setup Menu Headings and Contents ........... 30
Setup Overview ........................................... 49
Short - Long Tube Count Array .................... 88 U
Single Tube Array ........................................ 84 Undercounting When Using Axle or Tube
Single-Piezo Count Array........................... 115 Sensors ................................................. 147
Site ........................................................ 29, 30 USB File Folders.......................................... 66
site name ............................................... 52, 67
Site Selection ...................................... 97, 108 V
Size Vehicles Not Recorded Correctly ............... 147
Loops .................................................... 106 volume counts.............................................. 57
Sleep Mode ................................................. 25
Sleep Timeout ............................................. 25
Spacing Requirements ................................ 98 W
Special PVR Indications .............................. 80 wake up ....................................................... 24
Spliced loop wires ...................................... 109 Weatherproof Seals ................................... 145
STA ............................................................. 52 Weight in Motion ........................................ 119
start setting .................................................. 62 WIM Parameters ........................................ 120

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168 ADR Sabre Operating Manual

 Peek Traffic Corporation
2906 Corporate Way
Palmetto, FL 34221
phone: (941) 845-1200
toll-free (in U.S.): (800) 245-1200
fax: (941) 365-0837
web: www.peektraffic.com

81-1425