All Traffic Solutions InstAlert 18 User manual

InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide
Thank you for purchasing an All Traffic Solutions InstAlert 18 variable message sign. This
Quick Start Guide will show you how to install, power, and configure your new sign.
NOTE:If your purchase includes the Integrated Solar option, please refer to either the
ATS3 Trailer with Integrated Solar Setup Guide or Pole Mounting Signs with Integrated Solar
Option that came with your sign and available on www.alltrafficsolutions.com/support.
Step 1:Unpacking the equipment
Upon receiving your new InstAlert, check to ensure that you have all of the items ordered. If you notice any damage or
missing items, contact ATS Technical Customer Support immediately.
Remove the InstAlert, batteries, charger, and other optional equipment from the boxes.
If your InstAlert includes batteries, they should be fully charged before
deployment, as explained in Step 2:Charging the batteries on the next page.
InstAlert signs can accommodate up to two lithium batteries internally.
Although only one battery is required, two batteries are recommended to
increase average sign runtime. Without a solar panel, continuous runtime
with two batteries is typically between 2 and 4 days.
For all steps involving batteries, repeat for the second battery as necessary.
To remove the batteries:
A. Place the InstAlert face down on a flat surface and remove the
mounting bracket by unlocking the lock with the supplied key and
lifting up on the bottom of the bracket. Then pull to remove.
B. Next, remove the battery compartment cover by removing the
thumb screws. Set the key, bracket, and thumb screws aside.
C. Slide the battery or batteries out of the battery compartment, as
shown in [Figure 1] below.
D. Disconnect the connectors, as shown in [Figure 2] below.
[Figure 1] Slide the battery [Figure 2] Disconnect/connect
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2024 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.03 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

Step 2:Charging the batteries Page 2 All Traffic Solutions
Step 2:Charging the batteries
If your InstAlert includes batteries, it arrives with the batteries partially charged and they need to be fully charged
before deployment.
WARNING:RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK ANDDAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT The charger is not intended for
outdoor use. Only charge and store the batteries in a controlled environment.
A. Connect a battery to the charger.
B. Plug the charger cable into a power outlet. The light on the charger displays red while charging and changes to
green when charging is nearly complete. A charge can take up to 11 hours for the 12V 16.5Ah LFP batteries
supplied with the sign.
C. When the indicator on the battery charger turns green, repeat for the second battery if applicable, and then
proceed to the next step.
D. Disconnect the battery from the charger.
Step 3:Installing the charged batteries
Follow these steps to install the charged batteries.
CAUTION:Use only the SHORT (3/8"-length) thumb screws to fasten the battery covers. Do NOT use longer
screws in these holes. Screws longer than 3/8" can damage the sign LEDs.
A. Place the InstAlert face down on a flat surface and remove the mounting bracket and battery cover.
B. Connect the battery wiring harness to the connector inside the battery compartment, as shown in [Figure 2] on
the previous page.
C. Tuck the connector into the space in the top of the battery compartment.
D. Holding the connector in place, slide the battery into the compartment.
E. Replace the cover and fasten it down using the thumb screws.
Step 4:Configuring the InstAlert locally
If you have a TraffiCloud subscription, you should use this step only to power on your InstAlert, and instead
configure the InstAlert online, setting the sign display options, creating messages, and setting up alerts. See the
Getting Started with TraffiCloud guide for your sign.
If you don't have a TraffiCloud subscription, you can do any of the following (see details next page)to perform initial
InstAlert configuration locally, either at your office or after the sign is mounted at the roadside.
Use the InstAlert mode buttons
»You can configure the InstAlert using the buttons.
Use the TraffiCloud Mobile app for Android
»You can configure the InstAlert locally using the TraffiCloud Mobile app for Android over a Bluetooth
connection.
Use TraffiCloud Sign Manager
»You can also configure the InstAlert locally using TraffiCloud Sign Manager for Windows over the included
USBconnection or optional Bluetooth.
NOTE:Before attempting a Bluetooth connection, make sure the option was purchased for your
equipment.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2024 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.03 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

All Traffic Solutions Page 3 Step 4:Configuring the InstAlert locally
To power up the InstAlert:
»Power up the InstAlert by pressing the Power button on the back, inside the mounting channel.
The InstAlert will go through start-up and self-check sequences. Once the self-check is complete, the sign is
fully operational.
To set up the InstAlert using the onboard buttons:
A. Verify or set the display mode on the InstAlert. The default is Single Message Mode for message-
enabled signs.
B. To change the mode, press the Display Mode (or Display Settings) button until the desired mode
displays on the sign.
For details about sign modes, see "InstAlert Display Modes" on the next page.
NOTE:To reduce the risk of tampering, the buttons deactivate five minutes after you power on the sign.
To reactivate them, press the Power button, wait a few seconds, and press it again.
To configure the InstAlert using the TraffiCloud Mobile app for Android:
If you purchased an Android tablet from us, the TraffiCloud Mobile app has been pre-
installed. If you have your own Android device, you can purchase a TraffiCloud Mobile
perpetual license from ATS and then download the app from the Google Play Store. Using
the app you can control a wide range of tasks, such as downloading traffic data, setting
the speed limit and display mode, creating Sites, message display, and checking battery
power.
To connect with the app, do the following:
A. Sign into the TraffiCloud Mobile app on your Android device using your
TraffiCloud credentials.
B. Scan for your InstAlert. You can connect to any ATS device registered to your
account within Bluetooth range. Only one connection is permitted at a time.
C. Use the Bluetooth pairing code "ATS" to connect to your InstAlert.
To configure the InstAlert using TraffiCloud Sign Manager for Windows:
A. First, for TraffiCloud Sign Manager for Windows installation details, please see the TraffiCloud Start-Up
Instructions included with your shipment and available from our Technical Customer Support page at
https://www.alltrafficsolutions.com/support/. For details about using TraffiCloud Sign Manager for Windows,
in the application, click Help > Software User’s Manual.
B. Then, do one of the following:
lPlug the supplied USB-A-to-mini B cable into the back of the sign and then into your computer. The
mini-B port is located above the buttons inside the sign's mounting channel, or
lIf you're connecting from an ATStrailer, connect the supplied USBcable inside the trailer battery box to
your laptop computer, or
lConnect to the InstAlert over the optional Bluetooth connection (use pairing code "ATS"). Once the
device is paired, run TraffiCloud Sign Manager and select Bluetooth under the Connection menu.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2024 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.03 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

Step 5: Mounting the InstAlert Page 4 All Traffic Solutions
InstAlert Display Modes
Here is a summary of the InstAlert Display Modes:
Display
Mode Description
MSG
MODE
Single Message mode: Selects from the messages saved in the sign to display.
ALL
MSGS
All Messages mode: Displays all of the messages saved in the sign, in sequence.
DEP
MSG
Dependent Messages mode: Can be used as a timer, to display different messages based on the
value of the internal timer. Often used for New Year's countdowns or casual race information. The
timer is controlled with TraffiCloud Sign Manager.
DISPLAY
OFF
Display Off mode:Turns off but the display but the sign is still active and gathering sign status. Also,
referred to as "stealth mode".
SP LMT
SIGN
Speed Limit Sign mode: Sets the Speed Limit to display.
Step 5: Mounting the InstAlert
Use the instructions in this step for details about mounting the InstAlert.
To install the InstAlert mounting bracket:
A. If you are mounting the InstAlert on a round pole, thread two stainless steel banding straps
(not included)through the sign mounting bracket, and then tighten the bracket and straps
around the pole. Thread the ends of each banding strap together and then tighten them onto
the pole.
B. If you are mounting the InstAlert on a U-shaped or square pole, bolt the sign mounting
bracket to the pole using the supplied carriage bolts or U bolts and wing nuts.
The wing nuts will be concealed inside the back of the sign to prevent tampering.
To mount the InstAlert:
Before you mount the InstAlert, make sure it's turned on. See Step 4:Configuring the InstAlert locally
on page2.
A. Set the top channel on the back of the InstAlert onto the tab at the top of the mounting
bracket.
B. Rotate the InstAlert down until it's flush with the bracket.
C. Push the locking pin up to lock the InstAlert into place.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2024 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.03 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

All Traffic Solutions Page 5 Contacting Technical Customer Support
Contacting Technical Customer Support
For support for your All Traffic Solutions products,
»visit the Technical Customer Support page at https://www.alltrafficsolutions.com/support/,
»send email to [email protected], or
»call 1-866-366-6602, Option 2 anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday to Friday.
Technical documentation and training
If you have a TraffiCloud subscription, please visit our ATS Start-Up Guides page at
https://www.alltrafficsolutions.com/get-started/ for links to the most recent versions of our technical
documentation, including the Getting Started with TraffiCloud series. If you don't have a subscription, please visit the
Technical Customer Support page.
Please contact Technical Customer Support to discuss your TraffiCloud training options. For online training
resources, please visit our TraffiCloud Training Videos Hub at https://flow.alltrafficsolutions.com/hub-training-
video-trafficloud-0-0-0-0.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2024 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.03 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.