Houston Radar SS300 Series User manual

SS300
Installation and User Manual
K-Band Doppler Speed Sensor
Built Type: SS300-DFT, SS300-OPF
Rev 6, 22nd January 2010
Houston Radar LLC
13814 Sherburn Manor Dr. Cypress .TX
Http://www.Houston-Radar.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 1-888-602-3111
SS300 in Weatherproof Enclosure
SS300-DFT
SS300 Open Frame Version
SS300-OPF

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This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Any modification or use other than specified in this manual will strictly void the
certification to operate the device.
This device carries FCC modular approval and as such is labeled with FCC ID
TIASS300. If this label is not visible when the module is installed inside another device,
then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display a label
referring to the enclosed SS300 module. This exterior label can use wording such as the
following: “Contains Transmitter Module FCC ID: TIASS300” or “Contains FCC ID:
TIASS300.” Any similar wording that expresses the same meaning may be used.

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Warning: SS300-OPF radar is supplied in an open frame format with exposed antenna
and electronics and thus is a static sensitive device. Please use static precautions when
handling. Warrantydoes not cover damage caused by inadequate ESD procedures and
practices.
Note: Specifications may change without notice.
Note: Not liable for typographical errors or omissions.

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Table Of Contents
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 5
INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................. 5
MOUNTING: ..................................................................................................................... 5
DIRECTION POINTING:...................................................................................................... 6
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE FOR THE SS300-OPF: ........................................................ 6
HOOKUP:.......................................................................................................................... 7
Power Input: ............................................................................................................... 7
Serial Connection: ...................................................................................................... 7
Measured Speed Output:............................................................................................. 7
Setting Detection Sensitivity via the ASCII Interface: ................................................ 8
WIRE SIGNAL DESCRIPTIONS: .......................................................................................... 9
USE................................................................................................................................... 10
Internal Clock: .......................................................................................................... 11
Configuring the Unit:................................................................................................ 11
Setting Variables in the Radar:................................................................................. 13
SS300 SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................. 15
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 15
APPROVALS ................................................................................................................... 15
DATA INTERFACES ......................................................................................................... 15
MECHANICAL................................................................................................................. 15
PERFORMANCE............................................................................................................... 16
APPENDIX A: HOOKING UP TO THE TRIGGER OUTPUTS ON THE RADAR
........................................................................................................................................... 17
APPENDIX B: OPTIONAL BREAKOUT IO BOARD CONNECTIONS: ............. 18

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Houston Radar directional Doppler Speed
Sensor SS300. This state of the art 24GHz K-band microwave Doppler radar is
specifically designed for the license free battery operated speed measurement and
monitoring market.
Utilizing high performance, ultra low power DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology
and microwave components based on a planar patch array antenna with integrated low
power PHEMT oscillator, you will find that this high quality product meets your exacting
standards for performance and reliability.
Some of the highlights of this product include:
 Best in class low power usage of only 9 mA at 12VDC (0.1 Watt)
 Unprecedented small size to allow incorporation into virtually any location
 Advanced DSP based algorithm yields consistent performance and speed
detection
 Typically 90+ m (300+ feet) of pickup distance for incoming vehicles on open
and level road
 Two trigger outputs. Each output is capable of sinking 130 mA and is activated
upon vehicle detection
 Radar internal software is upgradeable in the field via RS232 PC interface.
 Optional rotary/thumbwheel switch input allows changes to speed threshold
 All radar configuration parameters can be set by user via RS232 serial port.
 Extensive built-in self test.
INSTALLATION
Mounting:
SS300-OPF is supplied in an “open frame” format. It requires a weatherproof enclosure
before it may be used outdoors. Alternatively it may be mounted as a component in
another product that already has a weatherproof enclosure.
The SS300-OPF should be mounted such that the connector points left or right as shown
in the picture on the front page.
The SS300-DFT is supplied in a weatherproof encapsulated enclosure with a pigtail
connection. This unit may be mounted outside without any further protection from the
environment. The SS300-DFT should be mounted such that the text “Houston Radar” on
the face of the unit is horizontal.
The unit may be rotated 90degrees from the suggested optimal mounting. However, in
this case, the detection range may be reduced by about 25%.

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Direction Pointing:
The SS00 is directional in nature. It may be configured to detect and measure the
speed of incoming or outgoing traffic. It then rejects traffic moving in the
opposite direction. Direction of detection is configured via a bit in the MO
variable in the radar.
For optimal performance:
 Radar should be mounted as suggested in the section titled “Mounting” earlier
 Radar should be pointed into the direction of the oncoming traffic.
 Radar should be placed along the size of the road to minimize the angle of the
oncoming traffic to the radar.
o If radar cannot be placed right along the side of the road, it should be
pointed at least 100-150 feet up the road into oncoming traffic.
 The radar may pickup rotating fans. Avoid pointing it at fans or compressors.
 Radar should be mounted at least 3 feet high from the road for optimal
performance and at least 5 feet off the ground for maximum pickup distance
Recommended Enclosure for the SS300-OPF:
The SS300-OPF radar needs to be enclosed in a weatherproof enclosure for outside use.
The following needs to be observed for optimal performance:
1. The front face of the radar (with the golden pads) is the antenna and is the face
that must point into traffic.
2. Any cover or window in front of the unit MUST be at least ¼” away from the
face.
3. Do NOT spray any conformal (or other) coating, paint or other substance on the
antenna.
4. The optimum material to use as a front window is Lexan (Polycarbonate) plastic.
5. The optimum thickness of this polycarbonate window is half wavelength of
24.125Ghz or about 3.5 to 3.7mm thick.
a. Alternatively a thin window of any plastic material may be used. The
maximum thickness in this case should be no more than 1 mm (40 mils).
6. Other plastic materials may be used as a front window, but the optimum thickness
will wary with the material’s dielectric constant. Please contact us for details.
Alternatively, you may consider weatherproof version SS300-DFT that is available from
Houston Radar.

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Hookup:
Power Input:
The SS300 radar should be powered from a nominal 12V DC source and features best in
class operational power consumption of 9mA (average). There is no other radar in the
world that even comes close to this ultra-low power usage. Competing products may
consume up to 20 times more power.
This ultra low operational power translates directly into a longer battery life or gives you
an option to power the unit from smaller batteries and smaller solar panels.
Note: The radar employs aggressive power saving measures that include turning off parts
of the circuit that are not being used at any instant. To get a true measure of the power
usage of the circuit use a multi-meter that has an averaging function and does not suffer
from autoranging during measurements. Otherwise you will get current readings that
fluctuate from 4 mA to 18 mA.
Your power supply to the radar must be capable of supplying up to 40mA of current for
up to 5 seconds at a time (startup current is higher as the radar is initializing its internal
systems).
Serial Connection:
The SS300 features a RS232 interface that is used to configure the unit as explained later
in this document.
Measured Speed Output:
The SS300 will send out the measured speed via the ASCII interface as a 3 digit speed
with an optional direction indicator. The format is:
[?,+]nnn[\r,\n]
The format of the speed output can be adjusted to any combination of:
“?”: Optional prefix sent when 000 selected to be sent when no vehicles are detected
“+”: Optional prefix sent when nnn speed is sent for incoming vehicles
“nnn”: Three digit ascii speed in the units selected via the UN variable
“\r”: Carriage Return character, optional line ending
“\n”: Line Feed character, optional line ending
At least one or both of the line endings must be selected. No line ending is not an option.
Please see serial port configuration section for details on how to select the above format.

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Setting Detection Sensitivity via the ASCII Interface:
In addition through the supplied PC program interface, the radar also allows ASCII
programmatic sensitivity setting.
Over the serial interface, send in ASCII the following commands:
Sensitivity:nn\n and
Sensitivity?\n
The fiirst command will set the detection sensitivity to "nn" where nn is from 10 to 99
and is a percentage of the maximum detection range.
If sensitivity was set correctly, the unit replies with
OK\n
The second command will report sensitivity.
Note 1: All settings, including sensitivity, are written to FLASH memory and are non-
volatile. DO NOT update settings on a periodic basis, e.g. every second or every minute.
Only change settings when the user needs it. The FLASH memory has a limited number
of write cycles and will wear out with excessive (>10,000) number of writes. On the
other hand, setting the variable to the same value repeatedly is OK because the radar
recognizes that the variable has not changed and does not update it in FLASH.
Note 2: Other configuration parameters may also be set via ASCII interface. These are
described in greater detail in our ASCII interface application note. Please contact
Houston Radar for this document.

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Wire Signal Descriptions:
Note 1: See Appendix A for detailed description on how to hookup an
external device to be triggered when radar detects incoming objects.
Incorrect hookup may result in the output devices being destroyed and will
not be covered under warranty.
The SS300 features TWO low impedance outputs that can trigger/turn on an
external display/device to bring it out of power saving mode when a vehicle is
detected. Both outputs are under radar software control and the typical
functionality is to turn both on together when a vehicle is detected. However, if
you need different functionality please contact us.
When a vehicle is detected and the speed is above the “LO” speed limit and
below the “HI” speed limit, both these pins are pulled down to GND and held
down to GND as long as a vehicle is detected. These pins are released as soon
as the radar detects no further traffic. This logic may be inverted via a bit in the
IO variable. See later section.
These are “open drain” (AKA open collector) outputs capable of sinking 130 mA
each. You must limit the current externally to ensure that no more than 130 mA
goes into each pin when they turn on. They may be connected in parallel to
double the sink capacity to 260 mA.
The device providing this functionality on the radar board is the ON-Semi
“NUD3160” relay driver. Please refer to the datasheet for this device on detailed
operating characteristics for these trigger outputs.
Connector
Pin #
Signal
Name
Direction
(wrt Radar)
Description
1 GND PWR Radar GND (battery “–“ terminal)
2 N/C N/C Do not connect
3 I/O0 I/O Reserved for future use
4 I/O1 I/O Reserved for future use
5 I/O2 I/O Reserved for future use
6 I/O3 I/O Reserved for future use
7 Trig O/P 1 Output “Open Drain Output 1”. See Note 1.
8 Trig O/P 2 Output “Open Drain Output 2”. See Note 1.
9 RS232 TX Output RS232 Transmit Signal from radar
10 RS232 RX Input RS232 Receive Signal into radar
11 VCC PWR +8.7 to +18VDC Power Supply
12 GND PWR Radar GND (battery “-“ terminal)

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USE
Turn on the power to the SS300 to make it operational. No other action is required. The
radar will activate OUT 1 and OUT 2 open drain outputs whenever it detects a vehicle
that is above the programmed lower speed limit (the “LO” value) and below the
programmed high limit (the “HI” value). The default limits are set at 5 mph (8 kph) and
99mph (158 kph) at the factory. The values in brackets apply if units are set to KPH.
The radar will also keep sending out the speed in user selected ASCII format over the
serial interface while an incoming vehicle is tracked.
Connect radar to PC RS232 serial port and use provided Windows configuration software
to program the high speed limit (“HI” variable). The radar de-asserts the trigger outputs
above this limit. If you do not wish an upper detection limit, set this value to 159. This
will ensure that the upper limit is never reached regardless if the units are set to MPH or
KPH.
Set the “LO” variable to set the lower detection speed limit. The outputs will be de-
asserted for vehicles below this speed limit. The lowest value this may be set is 3 MPH
(5KPH).
Green LED flashes at 1/3 Hz (1/6 duty cycle)
rate when radar is running giving a visual OK
signal. In the SS300-OPF version green LED
may be installed on the back depending on the
requested build option.

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Internal Clock:
The radar has a built in clock/calendar function. At the moment this is not used by the
firmware. However future functionality may be added that uses this functionality.
The radar does not feature a clock backup battery. So power must remain
connected to the radar for the clock to keep time. The clock may be used
as an “uptime” value. It will count the number of seconds since power up.
Configuring the Unit:
The unit’s internal parameters may be configured by connecting the radar’s RS232 port
to a PC’s RS232 serial port and using the Houston Radar Advanced Stats Analyzer
program’s configuration screen as described here.
The following internal “variables” may be set. Their functions are described below:
Radar
Configuration
Variable Name
Description
RS Sets the RS232 serial port’s baud rate and output format. Do not change
this value unless you understand implications.
UN Sets the internal speed units of the radar. All LO, SP, HI, SI speeds are
interpreted to be in this units.
0 = MPH
1 = KPH
LO Low speed cutoff. Vehicles are not detected below this speed.
Minimum value is 2. Should be set to be less than HI. Speeds above
this limit trigger the O/P1 and O/P2 outputs and sends ASCII speeds.
Note: If the Rotary switch is enabled (See MO bitmask), then the actual
Cutoff speed = (LO + Rotary Switch Setting * SI)
HI High speed cutoff. Vehicles are not detected above this speed.
Maximum value is 159. Should be set higher than LO speed.
SP Flashing speed limit. Any speed higher than this value “flashes” the
trigger output at 50% duty cycle. To “flash” the ASCII speed, 000 are
interspersed in the “nnn” speed output on the serial port. Set to HI
value to never “flash” the speed output.
ST Target detection sensitivity. Valid values are from 10 to 99 and are a
percentage of max range. So a value of 50 would yield about 150 feet
detection. Note: This is not a range setting but detection sensitivity.
Thus if large vehicles are being detected at 400 feet, a value of 50 will
reduce detection range for them to approximately 200 feet.
SF 1 = Select Fastest Target if multiple targets are detected on the road
0 = Select Strongest Target if multiple targets are detected on the road

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Radar Configuration Variables Continued:
Radar
Configuration
Variable Name
Description
MO Radar mode bitmask. Bits are as follows:
Bit 0: SI3 ASCII command compat flag. Contact us for more details.
Bit 1: Enable console output on serial port
Bit 2: Reserved in SS300 radar
Bit 3: Reserved
Bit 4: Reserved
Bit 5: Reserved
Bit 6: Reserved
Bit 7: Enable Rotary Switch on SS300 Break out IO board.
Bit 8: Disable power optimized mode. RF ON all the time.
Bit 9 to 11: Reserved
Bit 12: Detection direction. 0 = only incoming, 1 = only outgoing
SI Speed Increment of the rotary switch on the optional break out board.
Effective low speed cutoff in radar = (LO + Rotary Switch Setting * SI)
HT Output Hold Time in seconds. Once the output is triggered, it is held
for this amount of seconds from the last trigger source before going
inactive. Note: Only the digital output is held. The ASCII speed output
is not held. The ASCII speed output goes to 000 as soon as target is no
longer tracked.
IO Radar IO configuration bitmask. Bits are as follows:
Bit 0: IO 1 PWM Enable for brightness control. Radars reads the
ambient light sensor connected to the IO Break out board and
adjusts load brightness via PWM. Full darkness= 5% duty cycle.
Full brightness = 100% PWM. PWM Frequency is 240Hz.
Bit 1: Set: IO 1 Active high. Clear: IO 1 active low.
Bit 2 to 7: Reserved
Bit 8: IO 2 PWM Enable for brightness control. Radars reads the
ambient light sensor connected to the IO Break out board and
adjusts load brightness via PWM. Full darkness= 5% duty cycle.
Full brightness = 100% PWM. PWM Frequency is 240Hz.
Bit 9: Set: IO 2 Active high. Clear: IO 2 active low.
Bit 10 to 15: Reserved
Note: Bit 12 of the MO variable sets direction of detection. This functionality is available
in firmware versions v115 and higher release date Jan 21st 2010. Older radars may be
upgraded to this version. Please contact Houston Radar for a firmware update.

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Setting Variables in the Radar:
1. Install the Houston Radar Advanced Stats Analyzer Windows program on a
Windows 2000, XP or Vista computer.
2. Connect the radar RS232 port to the PC’s RS232 serial port. If the PC does not
have a serial port you may buy a USB serial converter dongle (from BestBuy,
Radioshack or any Internet store).
3. Power up the radar. Ensure the green LED on the front flashes at a 1/3Hz 1/6 duty
cycle rate.
4. Start the Houston Radar Stats Analyzer program
5. Click on Start->Connect to Radar…
6. Click on “Connect” button.
7. Ensure you see a “Radar found on COM” message. The COM # will depend on
your computer
8. Click on OK. Now you are ready to configure the radar.
9. To configure the LO, SP & HI limits, click on “Radar Limits” menu bar item. The
three fields show the current values of the three variables. Change the variables to
the desired values and click on “Save”.
10. To configure any other variable, click on “Advanced->Radar Configuration”. In
the window that comes up, enter the two letter variable name in the “Variable”
field. Enter its value in the “Value” field and click on “Set Variable” button.

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Set Serial Baud Rate:
The supplied Windows configuration program can auto detect the baud rate of the radar
serial port. However if you wish to communicate with the radar from your electronics, the
radar serial port may be configured to different baud rates.
Baud Rate
(bps)
# Data
Bits
# Stop
Bits
Parity “RS” variable
value
1200 7 1 Even 10
1200 7 1 Odd 11
1200 7 1 None 12
1200 8 1 None 13
2400 7 1 Even 20
2400 7 1 Odd 21
2400 7 1 None 22
2400 8 1 None 23
9600 7 1 Even 30
9600 7 1 Odd 31
9600 7 1 None 32
9600 8 1 None 33
115200 7 1 Even 40
115200 7 1 Odd 41
115200 7 1 None 42
115200 8 1 None 43
19200 7 1 Even 50
19200 7 1 Odd 51
19200 7 1 None 52
19200 8 1 None 53
Note: Many other combinations are available and may be selected via an
Excel configuration tool. Please contact us for this tool.

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SS300 SPECIFICATIONS
General
Operating Band K-Band
Frequency 24.125 GHz ±50Mhz (US), 24.200Ghz on request
Power Output 5mW
Antenna Beam Pattern 45deg x 38 deg
Polarization Linear
Supply Voltage 8.7V DC to 18V DC
Reverse Battery Protected
Nominal Current Draw 9 mA avg. (+/-1ma,) (@+12V DC)
Operating Temp. -22°F to +185°F
(-30°C to +85°C). Electronics designed and tested to –40C.
Weatherproof Yes (SS300-DFT build option). Open frame also available.
IR Remote Programmable No
Approvals
Approvals FCC Part 15, modular approval (US Version), CE Mark.
Data Interfaces
Serial Communication RS232 for configuration
Data Rate Baud Rates from
1200 to 115200 baud
Data & Pwr Connector SS300-OPF:Molex “C Grid SL” male shrouded 12 pin RA part
#70553-0011
SS300-DFT:Molex “C Grid SL” female 12 pin (mate to above #)
Mechanical
Weight approx 33 grams (1.16 oz)
Dimensions 2.1”x1.75”x0.6” (LxWxD) 52 x 46 x 16mm
Cable Exit SS300-OPF: Side via right angle connector
SS300-DFT: Encapsulated cable from back
Mounting Four 2-56 standoff’s embedded on module
Specifications continued on next page …

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Performance
Resolution ±0.1 mph (internal) rounded to whole mph (kph) when output
over serial port.
Accuracy ±0.5% of reading + 0.1mph
Detection Range Typically 90+ m (300+ feet) for compact vehicles on open
and level road with radar mounted 1.5 m (5 feet) high and
pointed straight into oncoming traffic. 150+ m (500+ feet)
for larger trucks, lorries and vehicles with inherently large
radar cross-section. May vary with installation and road
conditions. Detection range specified is typical for speeds
between 20kph and 88kph (12 to 55 mph). It tapers off
below and above this speed range. At the low end of the
speed range (2mph (5kph), the detection range is about 34+
m (110+ feet). SS300 is not recommended for roads with
speeds above 90 kph (56 mph) due to reduced range and
tracking time. Contact factory for a different radar version
if you need to detect vehicles outside said speed range.

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Appendix A: Hooking up to the trigger outputs on the radar
The SS300 radar features two “open drain” outputs. The device used for this purpose is the On
Semiconductor relay driver NUD3160. The output configuration of this device is shown below
(from the On Semi datasheet).
The two outputs O/P1 and O/P2 are brought out on the radar connector pins (see IO connector pin
out in manual for connector pin numbers).
This device can sink 130mA of DC current at up to 48VDC (minimum 60VDC breakdown
voltage- do not operate at this breakdown voltage).
However, these are low impedance outputs, which means that you must externally limit the
maximum current that will flow into these outputs to 130mA at the worst-case head voltage. They
may be parallel together to increase this value to 260mA.
There are two ways to ensure this:
1. Connect an output device that is rated to draw no more than 130mA at your supply
voltage (+Vhead). This device can be powered up to 48VDC. For example, this can be a
12 or 24VDC relay coil rated at more than 130 mA coil current or
2. Connect an external resistor in series with the output load and the O/P1 or O/P2 pins. The
value of this external resistor should be calculated as follows (ohms law):
R (in K Ohms)= (Vhead –Vload drop)/130
Load rated to draw
max of 130mA at
+Vhead max
+Vhead
Load
+Vhead
Resistor
Load
Method 1
Load
Method 2

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Appendix B: Optional Breakout IO Board Connections:
(Non-Isolated Mosfet version with PWM Brightness Control)

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Optional Isolated IO Board. Note: PWM Brightness Control is NOT available with
Isolated AC/DC Relay outputs.