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 set up, power, and configure your new sign. If you
have a TraffiCloud subscription, you can log on to TraffiCloud to set up your signs remotely.
Non-subscribers can complete sign setup locally.
NOTE:If your purchase includes the Integrated Solar option, this guide
DOESNOTapply to your product. 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.
[Figure 1] InstAlert 18 Variable Message
Sign
Step 1:Unpack the equipment
Remove the sign, batteries, charger, and other optional equipment from
the boxes.
Batteries should be fully charged before deployment. InstAlert Variable
Message Signs can accommodate up to two 16Ah lithium batteries
internally. Although only one battery is required, two batteries are
recommended to extend the run time of the sign, on average from 7 to 10
days.
For all steps involving batteries, repeat for the second battery as
necessary.
To remove the batteries:
A. Place the InstAlert 18 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 mounting bracket.
[Figure 2] Slide the battery [Figure 3] Disconnect/connect the battery
B. Next, remove the battery compartment cover by removing the thumb screws. Set the key, bracket, and thumb
screws aside.
C. Slide the battery out of the battery compartment, as shown in [Figure 2] above.
D. Disconnect the connectors, as shown in [Figure 3] above.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2023 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.02 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide
Step 2:Charge the batteries
The InstAlert 18 arrives with the batteries partially charged and needs 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. Plug the battery into the supplied charger cable.
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 16Ah 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.
Step 3:Install 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 the
longer (3/4"-length) thumb screws supplied for the Your Speed faceplate, as they are too long and can
cause damage to your sign.
A. Disconnect the battery from the charger.
B. Place the InstAlert face down on a flat surface and remove the mounting bracket and battery cover.
C. Connect the battery wiring harness to the connector inside the battery compartment, as shown in [Figure 3] on
the previous page.
D. Tuck the connector into the space in the top of the battery compartment.
E. Holding the connector in place, slide the battery into the compartment.
F. Replace the cover and fasten it down using the thumb screws.
Step 4:Configure the InstAlert 18 locally
If you have a TraffiCloud subscription, you should use this step only to power on your InstAlert, and instead
configure the sign online, setting the sign display options and assigning a Site. It's best to perform sign setup in
advance, so that your traffic data is captured in TraffiCloud immediately. See the Getting Started with TraffiCloud guide
for your sign.
If you don't have a TraffiCloud Web subscription or the TraffiCloud Mobile app for Android (over Bluetooth), you can
configure your sign using the Speed Limit and Display Mode buttons, and TraffiCloud Sign Manager for Windows,
connecting over the supplied USB A-to-mini B cable or over Bluetooth. The mini-B port is located above the buttons
inside the mounting channel for Shields, SpeedAlert 18s, and InstAlert 18s, and inside the back of the sign for the
SpeedAlert 24s and InstAlert 24s. For Bluetooth pairing, use code "ATS".
To configure the sign locally:
A. Turn the sign on 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. A green LED on the top-left corner flashes every 10 seconds to
indicate when the sign is powered on.
B. Verify or set the display mode on the InstAlert. The default is Single Message Mode for message-
enabled signs.
C. To change the mode, press the Display Mode (or Display Settings) button until the desired
mode displays on the sign. For details about display modes, see the applicable figures and table
below for your sign.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2023 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.02 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

Step 5:Install the Your Speed sign attachment
NOTE:To reduce the risk of tampering, the buttons deactivate five minutes after you power on the sign.
To reactivate them, long press the Power button again.
InstAlert Display Modes
As mentioned, optionally you can use the sign's onboard buttons to configure a speed limit and other display
settings. Here are the available modes with the InstAlert:
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.
SPEED
DISP
Speed Display mode(Radar signs only):Displays the speeds of the approaching vehicle.
DISPLAY
OFF
Display Off mode:Turns off but the display but the sign is still active and gathering sign status for
InstAlerts, and traffic and other data for SpeedAlerts, if subscribed. Also, referred to as "stealth
mode".
SP LMT
SIGN
Speed Limit Sign mode: Sets the Speed Limit to display.
Step 5:Install the Your Speed sign attachment
To save packing space, the Your Speed sign attachment ships in the transport position.
To set the sign attachment in the deployed position:
A. Remove the 3/4" torx bolts (wrench included) and washers from the Your Speed
sign and set them aside. If there is no concern about tampering, you can use the
3/4" long thumb screws in place of the torx bolts.
B. Reposition the Your Speed sign above the display.
C. Place a washer over each hole in the sign bracket and push the torx bolts
through the holes in the Your Speed sign and the brackets and frame, as shown
in the example at right.
D. Reinstall the fasteners to finish installing the Your Speed sign.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2023 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.02 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.

InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide
Step 6: Mount the InstAlert 18
Use the instructions in this step for details about mounting the sign.
To install the sign mounting bracket:
A. If you are mounting the sign 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 the
banding straps together and then tighten them onto the pole.
B. If you are mounting the sign 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 secured inside the back of the sign to prevent
tampering.
To mount the sign:
Before you mount the sign, make sure that it's turned on. See Step 4:Configure the
InstAlert 18 locally on page2.
A. Set the top channel on the back of the sign onto the tab at the top of the
mounting bracket.
B. Rotate the sign down until it's flush with the bracket.
C. Push the locking pin up to lock the sign into place.
D. Strap the excess cable to the pole.
Getting help
We're here to help! If you have any concerns while using your new sign, please visit our Technical Customer Support
page at www.alltrafficsolutions.com/support.
ATS | Chantilly, VA | United States | Tel: [phone] | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.alltrafficsolutions.com
Copyright © 2023 | All Traffic Solutions, Inc.® | InstAlert 18 Quick Start Guide, ver. 1.02 | PN 4800244 | All rights reserved.