Technical Bulletin April 2010

Opticom™ Infrared System

Optical Preemption Detector Identification Guide

Overview

This document is intended to be used as a guide to identify the various manufacturers and models of optical based traffic preemption/transit signal priority detectors. There are several manufacturers of optical preemption equipment and the manufacturers have various models and vintages of detectors.

Alternate Names

Most manufacturers use the term “Detector” to describe the devices shown here. End users will sometimes use different terms to describe the detector. Terms such as “Opticon”, “Eye”, Head”, “Sensor” and “Birdie” have been used.

Opticom™ Infrared System Detectors

Opticom detectors will likely be the most commonly seen detector. Opticom has been available since the early 1970s. It was originally manufactured by 3M. Since mid 2007 it has been manufactured by Global Traffic Technologies. There have been several generations of detectors as well as several models in the various generations.

Model 105

The Model 105 may be configured for one or two directions.

Figure 1 Model 105 Detector configured for one direction

Figure 2 Model 105 Detector configured for two directions

Model 205, 500 series and 700 series

These models all look very similar. There are differences that allow you do distinguish them. Depending on the specific model, they may be configured for one or two direction operation.

Figure 3 Models 205, 521, 522, 721 configured for two directions

Figure 4 Models 205, 521, 522, 721 configured for one direction

Model 205

This model 205 detector has a small weep hole on the end of each tube. Only the Model 205 has these weep holes. All Model 205 detectors will have two detection tubes, and may be configured for one or two direction operation. (See Figures 3 & 4) There is no seam where the tubes meet the barrel. (See Figure 6) The 500 series also has no seam.

Figure 5 Model 205 With Weep holes

Figure 6 No Seams

500 Series

The 500 series consists of three models-511, 521 & 522. The Model 511 is a single tube, single channel detector that may only be configured for one direction. (See Figure 7) The Model 521 is a dual tube, single channel detector that may be configured for one or two direction operation. (See Figures 3 & 4) The Model 522 is a dual tube, dual channel detector that should only be configured for two directions. (See Figure 3) As a result of installation errors, the Model 522 might also have been configured for one direction. 500 Series detectors have no seam where the tubes meet the barrel/s. (See Figure 6).

Figure 7 Models 511 or 711

700 Series

The 700 series consists of three models-711,721 & 722. The Model 711 is a single tube, single channel detector that may only be configured for one direction. (See Figure 7) The Model 721 is a dual tube, single channel detector that may be configured for one or two direction operation. (See Figures 3 & 4).The Model 722 is a dual tube, dual channel detector that should only be configured for two directions. The Model 722 has a gray access door. (See Figure 8) As a result of installation errors, the Model 722 might also have been configured for one direction. 700 Series detectors have a seam where the tubes meet the barrel/s. (See Figure 9)

Figure 8 Model 722 with a gray access door

Figure 9 Model 700 Series with seam

Tomar Inc.

Tomar has two models of detectors. The easiest way to distinguish Tomar detectors is that they have a large label that is visible on the side of the detector. There are different vintages and models but it is believed that the form factor is one of the two models shown below.

Model 2090-XX

The Model 2090-XX has a long tube. (See Figure 10) This detector is very similar in appearance to the Opticom 511/711; the most noticeable difference is the label on the side of the 2090.

Figure 10 Model 2090-XX (label)

Model 2091-XX

The Model 2091-XX has a very short tube. (See Figure 11)

Figure 11 Model 2091-XX(label)

Tacel (Also manufactured as Preemption Devices Inc, PDI)

It is believed that Tacel has one model of detector. The Model number is unknown (See Figure 12)

Figure 12 Tacel detector

Fire Strobe

Firestrobe has one detector model typically used only in gate opener and door opener applications. (See Figure 13)

Figure 13 Firestrobe

Important Notice to Purchaser:

EXCEPT FOR THE LIMITED WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT, GLOBAL TRAFFIC TECHNOLOGIES (GTT) MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTIES AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE.

GTT will, at its sole option, repair, replace or refund any amounts paid for any OpticomTM Infrared System component found to be defective in materials or manufacture within five (5) years from the date of shipment from GTT. See “Warranty and Extended Coverage” for details and limitations of the coverage plan. GTT will provide a functioning replacement component at a standard charge per unit for an additional five (5) years.

GTT warrants future system operability coverage as described herein. The warranties set forth in this document shall not apply to (A) incandescent lamps (confirmation lights) or (B) to any Opticom infrared system components which have been (1) repaired or modified by persons not authorized by GTT; (2) subjected to incorrect installation, misuse, neglect or accident; (3) damaged by extreme atmospheric or weather-related conditions; or (4) subjected to events or use outside the normal or anticipated course.

IN NO EVENT SHALL GTT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INJURY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PERSONAL INJURY), DEATH, LOSS, OR DAMAGE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, PROPERTY DAMAGE), WHETHER DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE, REPAIR OR FAILURE TO REPAIR, ANY GTT PRODUCT. REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ASSERTED. THE REMEDIES SET FORTH IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE EXCLUSIVE.

Sale and use of the Opticom infrared system is expressly restricted to authorized agencies of government customers, within their specific jurisdictions. However, because the infrared signal generated by the Opticom infrared system is not exclusive, GTT does not warrant exclusive activation by purchaser.

Global Traffic Technologies, LLC Global Traffic Technologies Canada, Inc. Opticom and the GTT logo are trademarks of Global 7800 Third Street North 157 Adelaide Street West Traffic Technologies, LLC St. Paul, Minnesota 55128-5441 Suite 448 Used under license in Canada 1-800-258-4610 Toronto, ON M5H 4E7 Please recycle. Printed in the U.S.A. 651-789-7333 Canada @ Global Traffic Technologies, LLC 2007 www.gtt.com 1-800-258-4610 All rights reserved. 79-1000-0442-0 Rev. A