Houston Radar PNL18 User manual

PNL18
OEM Radar Speed Sign Kit
Installation and User Manual
K-Band Doppler Speed Measurement and Display Kit
Rev 1 December 20, 2021
© 2005 to 2021 Houston Radar LLC
702 Julie Rivers Drive, Sugar Land, TX 77478
http://www.houston-radar.com
Toll Free: 1-888-602-3111

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This device conforms to the CE mark and conforms to the requirements of the applicable
European Directives as follows:
EN 60950-1
ETSI EN 300 440-1 V1.4.1
ETSI EN 300 440-2 V1.2.1
ETSI EN 301 489-1 V1.7.1
EN 55022 Class B
EN 61000-4-2 8 kV/4 kV
EN 61000-4-3 3 V/m
FCC ID: TIADR600
This device meets the FCC requirements for RF exposure in public or uncontrolled
environments.
This device complies with FCC part 15 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 approved by Houston Radar could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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IC ID: 21838-DR600
This device meets the IC requirements for RF exposure in public or uncontrolled
environments.
Cet appareil est conforme aux conditions de la IC en matière de RF dans des
environnements publics ou incontrôlée.
IC Warning
This device complies with Industry Canada license exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: 1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Cet appareil est conforme avec Industrie Canada RSS standard exempts de licence (s).
Son utilisation est soumise à Les deux conditions suivantes: 1. cet appareil ne peut pas
provoquer d’interférences et 2. cet appareil doit accepter Toute interférence, y compris
les interférences qui peuvent causer un mauvais fonctionnement du dispositive.
Warning: DR600-OFD 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............................................................................................................. 6
INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................. 7
DIRECTION POINTING:...................................................................................................... 7
RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURE FOR THE PNL18:................................................................ 7
HOOKUP:.......................................................................................................................... 9
Power Input: ............................................................................................................... 9
Data/PC Connection:.................................................................................................. 9
Measured Speed Output:............................................................................................. 9
IO CONNECTOR SIGNAL DESCRIPTIONS:........................................................................ 10
J1 - DB9 RS232 Female Connector: ........................................................................ 10
J8 - AUX Connectors:............................................................................................... 10
J9 - IO Connectors: .................................................................................................. 11
J5 - 100’s Digit board............................................................................................... 11
J6 - Pwr In (Molex Micro-Fit).................................................................................. 12
J7 - Pwr In (Terminal Block).................................................................................... 12
J10 –Slow Down ...................................................................................................... 12
USE................................................................................................................................... 13
FORCE ACTIVATING DISPLAY ........................................................................................ 14
Option 1:................................................................................................................... 14
Option 2:................................................................................................................... 14
TRIGGERING AN EXTERNAL CUSTOM MESSAGE: ........................................................... 14
LED Driver External Strobe (Slow Down) Output:.................................................. 14
DR600 Open Drain Outputs:.................................................................................... 15
COLLECTING AND ANALYZING IN-RADAR TRAFFIC STATISTICS............ 15
REAL TIME TRAFFIC STATISTICS IN THE RADAR:......................................... 15
Internal Clock:.......................................................................................................... 15
CONFIGURING THE PNL18: ..................................................................................... 16
Connect To The Unit:................................................................................................ 16
Read The Radar Configuration: ............................................................................... 17
Setup The Display Limits (Permanent Location, Rotary Switch Disabled): ............ 18
Setup The Display Limits (Portable Sign, Rotary Switch Enabled): ........................ 19
Setup White Strobe Configuration:........................................................................... 20
Additional PNL18 Configuration Option:................................................................ 21
PNL18 LED Driver Calibrate: ................................................................................. 22
Write the Configuration to the PNL18: .................................................................... 22
Setup Additional Radar Configuration Options:...................................................... 23
PNL18 SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................... 24
GENERAL ....................................................................................................................... 24

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APPROVALS ................................................................................................................... 24
DATA INTERFACES......................................................................................................... 24
OPTICAL......................................................................................................................... 24
MECHANICAL................................................................................................................. 24
PERFORMANCE............................................................................................................... 24
MECHANICAL OUTLINE DIMENSIONS:............................................................... 26
APPENDIX A: PLASTIC WINDOW LOCATION AND SIZE WHEN USING
FRONT METAL MASK................................................................................................ 27
APPENDIX B: ACTIVATE AN EXTERNAL LED MESSAGE ABOVE A PRESET
SPEED.............................................................................................................................. 28
APPENDIX C: HOUSTON RADAR “SLOW DOWN” PANEL.............................. 29
APPENDIX D: EXPANDING TO AN OPTIONAL 3RD DIGIT TO MAKE A 3
DIGIT SPEED SIGN...................................................................................................... 30

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INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of the Houston Radar directional Doppler Speed Radar
sign kit PNL18. This state of the art two-digit speed display with integrated ultra-low
power 24GHz K-band microwave Doppler radar is specifically designed for the license
free solar power or battery operated speed sign and traffic calming sign 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 MMIC, you will find that this high quality product meets your exacting standards
for performance and reliability.
Some of the highlights of this product include:
Zero cables highly integrated design assembles into your enclosure in minutes
18” (46cm) digit height with 30% inter-character separation is matched to 2000+ ft
(600+ m) detection range of the radar for optimal display legibility
Best in class power efficiency achieved by:
Low power DR600 radar directly drives display thus eliminating display
controller
Built-in ambient light sensing and automatic brightness control
Ambient temperature compensation of the LED drive voltage
High efficiency boost regulator for LED drive voltage
When no traffic is present, the radar automatically powers down display further
reducing power consumption
Wide input supply voltage operation allows flexible power supply options ranging
from 3, 4 or 5 cell Lithium Ion packs to 8.5V or 12V Lead Acid batteries without
sacrificing sign efficiency
Built-in rotary switch allows user to set cutoff and violator speed alerts in the field
without connecting to a computer
White LED strobe light and display flashing can be optionally activated to draw
attention to speeding
An expansion connector allows addition of a third digit or a fixed custom external
message, e.g “SLOW DOWN” when speed violation is detected
Built-in radar is FCC approved with CE mark and available in 24.125GHz and
24.200GHz versions for worldwide deployment
Advanced In-Radar Traffic Statistics collection option available

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INSTALLATION
The PNL18 is supplied in an “open frame” format. It requires a weatherproof enclosure
before it may be operated outdoors.
Direction Pointing:
The DR600 radar used in the PNL18 is directional in nature. It may be configured
to detect and measure the speed of incoming, outgoing, or bi-directional traffic. It
then rejects traffic moving in the opposite direction (unless set to bi-directional).
Direction of detection is configured via the bits in the radar’s MO and MD
variables, or preferably, via the GUI. In the usual “speed sign” configuration the
radar is set to measure and display speeds of incoming vehicles and is the default
shipped from the factory.
Statistics are only gathered for incoming traffic when placed in incoming or bi-
directional mode. No statistics will be collected in outgoing mode.
To achieve optimal performance please follow a few simple rules:
PNL18 should be pointed into the direction of the oncoming traffic.
PNL18 should be placed along the size of the road to minimize the angle of the
oncoming traffic to the sign.
oIf it 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 in the unit may pick up rotating fans, compressor blades, etc. Avoid
pointing it at any machinery containing moving parts.
PNL18 should be mounted at least 3 feet high from the ground for proper
operation and at least 6 feet high for maximum pickup distance
PNL18 utilizes 15viewing angle LEDs. For maximum visibility of the digits the
sign should be pointed at the incoming traffic with better than 10accuracy.
Alternatively, the sign may be oriented towards traffic to maximize the LED
brightness from the desired viewing location on the road. We suggest providing
an adjustable mounting bracket for your enclosure that will allow at least a 15
horizontal rotation to allow the user to make an adjustment during installation.
Recommended Enclosure for the PNL18:
The PNL18 display kit must be protected by a weatherproof enclosure for outside use.
The following needs to be observed for optimal performance:
1. Any plastic cover or window in front of the unit may be mounted as close to the
LEDs as desired. However, please consider any potential damage from flexing
due to an external impact on the sign face (vandalism, etc.) being transferred to

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the PNL18. For maximum field reliability we recommend that you test the
proposed enclosure design to ensure the front face does not flex sufficiently to
transfer an impact to the PNL18.
2. The optimum material for the front window/face is Lexan (Polycarbonate) plastic.
3. The optimum thickness of polycarbonate window/sign face is half wavelength at
24.125Ghz or about 137mils to 146mils (3.5 to 3.7mm) thick.
a. Commonly available ¼” or 3/8” thick Lexan is not optimal and will
reduce pickup range. 3/16” thick Lexan is a better choice if the
recommended thickness is not available. For metric sizes, 4mm thick
Lexan is a reasonably good choice.
b. Frosted (anti-glare) plastic have been successfully used as well. It does not
matter which side (into the sign or into the traffic) the frosting faces and is
left to your discretion.
4. Other plastic materials may be used as a front window, but the optimum thickness
will wary with the material’s dielectric constant. Please contact Houston Radar for
details.
5. If you want to make a metal mask with holes for the LEDs to pass through, you
must provide a plastic window for the radar microwave beam to pass through. The
location and size of this window is shown in Appendix A.
A dxf drawing to use as a template for the metal mask is available. Please contact
Houston Radar for the drawing.
We strongly recommend that you prototype and test your enclosure on the road to
verify that the radar detection range is not affected by your choice of plastic and
mechanical design prior committing to full production.

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Hookup:
Power Input:
The PNL18 may be powered from a DC supply with output voltage between 8.5 and
18VDC. This allows great flexibility in power options including 12V (nominal) lead acid
batteries (SLA), 3, 4, or 5 cell Lithium Ion (LiOn) or Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4)
cells. In all cases, a highly efficient input power regulation system in the PNL18 adjusts
the LED drive voltage to the optimum level required by the sign based on ambient
temperature. 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.
Data/PC Connection:
The PNL18 features a standard RS232 interface that is used to configure the sign as
explained later in this document. It also sends out the measured speed over this interface
when a vehicle is detected which may be used by an external controller board to monitor
the speed measured by the radar in the PNL18 kit or display on a connected PC running
Houston Radar Stats Analyzer.
Measured Speed Output:
In addition to showing the measured speed on the LED digits, the PNL18 will also send
out the speed via the ASCII interface as a 3-digit speed with an optional direction
indicator in standard resolution mode. Extended resolution mode adds up to 3 digits after
the decimal point. The format is:
[?,+]nnn[\r,\n] or in extended resolution mode [?,+]nnn[.n[n[n]]][\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
“[.n[n[n]]]”: Optional decimal point with up to 3 digits of extended resolution selected
via UN variable.
“\r”: Carriage Return character, optional line ending
“\n”: Line Feed character, optional line ending
Please see serial port configuration section for details on how to select the above format.
The radar used in the PNL18 is the Houston Radar DR600. Please see the DR600 user
manual for more details on setting the output format and decimal point options. The LED
digits on the PNL18 will only display the whole integer speed even when the decimal
point is enabled.

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IO Connector Signal Descriptions:
J1 - DB9 RS232 Female Connector:
Note 1: Pin 1 optionally connected to +VCC (supply +) if PCB pad labeled “DB9 PWR” near DB9
connector is bridged. This may be bridged by the OEM or by us if you require this feature.
J8 - AUX Connectors:
You may optionally connect an off board speed selection switch, DB9 serial connection
port, or ambient light sensor.
Note 1: Contact us for the part number and hookup schematic for the light sensor. Two different types of
sensors may be used, passive LDR or active IC (recommended). Internal light sensor must be disabled by
removing R26 on the back of the PCB in order to use an external light sensor.
Note 2: You may also connect an external BCD rotary switch or thumbwheel switch to use in place of the
on-board rotary switch. In this case the on-board switch must be set to the “0” position or removed at the
factory
Note 3: To use 3.3V output on pin 13, JMP2 must be shorted
Connector
Pin #
Signal
Name
Direction
(wrt Radar)
Description
1
VINNote 1
PWR
Connected to input supply voltage +
2
RS232 TX
OUT
RS232 Serial port TX pin from sign
3
RS232 RX
IN
RS232 Serial port RX pin into sign
4
N/C
-
Do not connect
5
GND
PWR
Signal/PWR Ground
6
N/C
-
Do not connect
7
N/C
-
Do not connect
8
N/C
-
Do not connect
9
N/C
-
Do not connect
Connector
Pin #
Signal
Name
Direction
(wrt Radar)
Description
1
Light Note 1
IN
External Light Sensor Input
2
B1 Note2
IN
External BCD speed switch B1 pin
3
B4Note2
IN
External BCD speed switch B4 pin
4
GND
PWR
Signal/PWR Ground
5
GND
PWR
Signal/PWR Ground
6
B2Note2
IN
External BCD speed switch B2 pin
7
RS232 TX
OUT
RS232 Serial port TX from radar
8
RS232 RX
IN
RS232 Serial port RX pin into sign
9
VIN
PWR
Connected to input supply voltage +
10
+3.3VNote3
OUT
3.3V output from Radar