Traffic Box
The TrafficBox™ is a portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth travel time sensor designed to detect and track devices passing through a monitored zone. It collects data on traffic movement, which is then transmitted to the SMATS server and made accessible through iNode.
This page covers everything you need to get your TrafficBox™ up and running - from understanding its hardware components to completing a full field installation.
Components
The TrafficBox™ has several key components that work together to detect, process, and transmit traffic data. Understanding each component will help you with a successful setup and operation.
Processing Unit
The processing unit is the main component of the whole system and is responsible for the following tasks: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth scanning, data storage, sensor status monitoring, LED control, and communication via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or GSM Module.
The images below show the processing unit from two different angles, identifying the key components you'll be working with throughout this guide.
5V USB Power in Connector
The unit gets connected to the battery via the Mini USB connector using the provided short USB power cable.
Important Note
Always disconnect the USB power cable from the unit when the sensor is not in use.
Power and LEDs Switch
The power switch powers the sensor ON and OFF. After power ON, the unit boots up and the scanners, GPS processes, and all components start. At this point, the sensor is fully functional.
The LEDs switch turns on the status LEDs. Turn this switch OFF during data collection to increase battery life. It can also be used to reset the LED status in "range test" mode.
LEDs
The TrafficBox™ unit has seven LEDs that show the status of the sensor's power supply, internet connection, GPS, and scanners. The image below shows the LED positions on the unit. Table 1 describes each LED and its status definition.
GPS Antenna Connection
The GPS antenna connects to the GPS Module to locate the position of the sensor and synchronize the sensor's clock to global time servers.
Important Note
The sensor will not store detected MAC addresses on the SD card if the sensor's clock is not synced. Make sure the GPS antenna is properly connected before starting data collection.
Temperature and Humidity Sensor
The sensor's temperature and humidity can be monitored and logged in the device's internal memory. This can be useful for understanding environmental conditions during a deployment.
Scanners
The TrafficBox™ is capable of detecting Bluetooth Classic Discovery Mode, Bluetooth Classic Paired Mode, Bluetooth Low-Energy (LE) Discovery Mode, and Wi-Fi signals. The table below presents the recommended combination of two scanners that can be used together with minimal radio frequency signal interference.
When attaching antennas, keep in mind that the antennas have "male" and "female" connector polarities. Always make sure the correct antenna is used - the polarity of the antenna must be the opposite of that of the scanner.
Battery Pack
The battery pack is the main power source for the sensor and the processing unit. Charge the battery overnight before your day of data collection. Use the provided charger and charging cable to charge the battery pack.
Important Note
Charge the battery pack at room temperature.
TrafficBox Battery
The orange (Positive) and blue (Negative) wires from the TrafficBox board must be connected to the battery's Positive and Negative screw terminals. The battery should be tightly secured using the horizontal and vertical hook and loop straps.
The image below shows the correct wiring and strap configuration for securing the battery.
Important Note
The wrong polarity battery connection will damage the board and can cause a fire. Do not short-circuit the battery.
Charging
Before connecting the charger to the battery, set the charger to 5A and LiFePO4 mode.
The image below shows the correct charger settings to use before connecting to the battery.
Put the sensor's main power switch in the OFF position before connecting the charger to the battery.
The image below shows the power switch in the OFF position - confirm this before every charge.
Important Note
Charge the battery at room temperature. The wrong polarity charger connection will damage the board and can cause a fire.
Installation
The TrafficBox™ can be set up to collect data from the roadside when secured to a pole using pole-mount brackets and clamps.
Mounting Brackets
Two pole-mounting brackets are used to mount the sensor to a pole. The images below show how the mounting brackets should be attached to the sensor case.
Important Note
Make sure the bolts are tight and the plastic washer is used to avoid moisture or water getting into the sensor.
The images below illustrate the TrafficBox™ set up in the field. The recommended mounting height is 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground, with the sensor facing toward the road traffic.
