JAMAR Technologies DB-100 User manual

i
Vol. 3.1 February 2003

DB-100 User’s Manual
If you have any questions about the use of the DB-100, please call the
following number:
1-215-491-4899
Monday — Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern time
You may also contact us by fax at:
1-215-491-4889
or via e-mail at:
[email protected]
For more information on our products, or for the latest news in product
development, visit our web site at:
www.jamartech.com
Address any correspondence to:
JAMAR Technologies, Inc.
151 Keith Valley Road
Horsham, PA 19044-1411
ii

iii
Table of Contents
Technical Support...................................................................................ii
Quick Setup Guide for the DB-100 ......................................................iv
Introduction to the DB-100.................................................................1-1
What is the DB-100?.......................................................................1-2
MaintainingYour DB-100...............................................................1-3
How is the DB-100 Powered?.........................................................1-3
Programming the DB-100...............................................................1-3
Using the Count Keys .....................................................................1-4
Doing a Count .................................................................................1-5
Operation of the DB-100 .....................................................................2-1
Start-up Screens ..............................................................................2-2
Main Menu......................................................................................2-3
Count Menu ....................................................................................2-4
New...........................................................................................2-4
Continue .................................................................................2-10
Status ......................................................................................2-11
Clearing the Memory ....................................................................2-11
Utilities Menu ...............................................................................2-12
Tests........................................................................................2-12
Time/Date ...............................................................................2-17
Options ...................................................................................2-18
Retrieving the Data From the DB-100...............................................3-1
Downloading to the Computer........................................................3-2
Local Download to a Computer ...............................................3-4
Baud Rate Selection .................................................................3-5
Modem Transfer to a Computer ...............................................3-5
Phone Number Selection ..........................................................3-6
Retrieving Data Using the Review Menu .......................................3-7
Battery Care.........................................................................................4-1
Installing Batteries ..........................................................................4-2
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................5-1
Appendix..............................................................................................A-1
Computer Interface Notes ..............................................................A-2
Menu Tree ......................................................................................A-4
Specifications .................................................................................A-6
Field Worksheet .............................................................................A-7
Table of Contents

DB-100 User’s Manual
iv
Quick Start Guide for the DB-100
1. Turn the DB-100 ON. Once
the start-up process is complete,
the main menu will be dis-
played. Press DO while Count
is flashing.
2. On the next screen, to start a
new count, press the TAB until
New is flashing then press the
DO key.
3.You are then given the option
to enter a site code for the study.
This can be an 8-digit number
or the street names of the inter-
section being counted (Alpha).
4. Once a site code has been en-
tered, you are prompted to se-
lect an interval length.The most
commonly used interval is 15
minutes. Press the TAB key to
highlight the interval desired
then press the DO key.
5. When starting a new count,
always try to begin as close to
anintervalboundary as possible,
such as xx:00, xx:15, xx:30, or
xx:45.
6. Press any of the grey keys to begin counting and the DB-100 will
start recording data.
7. Once you have finished your count, turn the DB-100 off and the
data will be stored internally.
COUNT REVIEW DUMP
CLEAR UTILITIES
DoTurning Movement
count. -bat: OK
NEW STATUS EXIT
Start a newTurning
movement count.
Count # : 001
Interval #: 001
--Any Key to Start--
07:59:37
8-DIGIT ALPHA EXIT
Select 8-digit site
code mode.
1 5 15 30 60 EXIT
Select interval
duration (minutes).
Press DO to accept

Chapter 1
Introduction
to the DB-100
1-1
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the DB-100

DB-100 User’s Manual
What is the DB-100?
The DB-100 is an electronic hand-held device that enables you to do the
most common of all manual data collection studies: intersection turning
movement counts.
Multiple studies can be stored in the DB-100, using up to a total of 312
intervals of data. For each count, the unit stores the date and time, the
number of intervals used, a site code, and the data. While collecting data
you can record up to 16 distinct movements per intersection.
While the data that has been collected with the DB-100 can be manually
extracted from its display, the device is designed to be downloaded to a
computer. At any convenient time, you can transfer the data to your com-
puter through the RS-232 serial port. The PETRA (Professional Engineers
Traffic Reporting and Analysis) software allows you to easily read, edit
and store the data, as well as print a variety of reports and graphs.
1-2

MaintainingYour DB-100
The DB-100 is a complex electronic device. Like other electronic devices
(televisions,VCRs, computers) a certain amount of care should be taken to
ensure it has a long, productive life.While the DB-100 is a very rugged and
durable instrument, some precautions should be taken.
Like other electronic devices, the DB-100 can be affected by static electric
discharge.When using thedevice,be carefulto properlygroundor discharge
yourself, especially in cold weather when static electric build-up is more
prevalent.
The DB-100 is not waterproof. Like other electronic devices, the DB-100
can be damaged or otherwise adversely affected by getting wet. Be sure to
protect the unit properly during inclement weather. Be careful not to spill
any liquids into the unit.
How is the DB-100 powered?
The DB-100 is powered by four AA batteries. The electronics of the unit
are designed to draw as little power as necessary, so (depending on use) a
fresh set of batteries may last several months before they need to be re-
placed. The display of the DB-100 shows the status of the batteries, and
warns you when the battery voltage is starting to get low.
An optional power supply can also be used with the unit to further extend
the life of the batteries. This unit, which plugs into a wall socket, is recom-
mend for use when downloading the DB-100 to a computer. When in the
field, an optional cigarette lighter adapter can be used with the unit. This
item draws power from the car’s battery and is required for DB-100s
equipped with backlit displays.
Programming the DB-100
The DB-100 is simple to use.An OFF/ON switch on top of the unit panel is
used to turn the unit on and off.A 4-line by 20-character display helps you
select the proper entries. All options are clearly displayed, with the cur-
rently selected option shown with a blinking highlight. The bottom lines of
the display are used to explain the option that is highlighted.
Two buttons are all that are used to move from menu to menu, and to select
from the various options shown on the display. The TAB key is used to
1-3
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the DB-100

DB-100 User’s Manual
1-4
cycle through the options while the DO key is used to select an option. If
you move the highlight too far and over-shoot the desired option, just keep
pressing the TAB key until it is re-selected.
Using the Count Keys
The DB-100 is designed to make turning movement counts simple and
accurate.The buttonsare arranged tosimulate a standard intersection.There
are 16 buttons, with 12 normally used for the left, thru, and right move-
ments from each of the four approach directions. The additional four but-
tons are user-defined; they can be used for buses, trucks, bicycles, pedes-
trians, or whatever you want.
Since the DB-100 looks like an intersection, doing a count is very intuitive.
If a car makes a left turn from an approach, you simply push the button that
shows a left turn from that direction. The DB-100 keeps track of every-
thing else for you.
Doing a Count
Before you start a turning movement count, you must ask yourself the
following questions.
• What are the user defined buttons (1,5,9,13) going to be
used for, if at all?
• Can one person do the study, or will it require two or
more, using separate counters?
• How is the DB-100 going to be oriented?
The answer to these questions depends upon the experience of the people
doing the counts; there are no simple rules of thumb we can give you to
help you decide. The important thing is to use your knowledge of the people
counting, along with your experience with the traffic they are likely to see
in the field, to decide in advance what the best strategy would be.
Deciding on how the DB-100 will be oriented during the study depends on
where you will actually be located while doing the count. When the data
from the unit is downloaded to our software, the program assumes that the
1 through 4 keys were for the from north (southbound) approach, and the
rest of the keys are assigned accordingly. The DB-100’s front panel has a
symbol with compass points showing north, south, east and west.This sym-

bol is included to suggest that you align the counter so that buttons 1 though
4 faces north while you are doing the count. It is not necessary to always
conform to this practice. Sometimes it is more convenient for you to face
another direction when you do the count, especially if you want to be able
to read the display.
The analysis software allows you to select which button was facing north
during the count; it just defaults to button #3. We recommend that (if pos-
sible) you use the default direction, since it eliminates one source of error
when you do the analysis. If you don’t use the default direction, it is impor-
tant to note this. The last page of this manual contains a Field Worksheet
that can be used when performing counts. This worksheet, or a similar one,
will help to keep track of what was done during a count. If you keep good
notes in the field, you won’t have any problems, no matter which way the
DB-100 is aligned.
Once you have determined how to conduct the count, you are ready to
begin. However, before going to the site you should prepare a checklist,
like the one below, to prevent potential problems.
1.Is the equipment in good working condition? Can it col-
lect, store and download data properly?
2. Have all decisions been made regarding how the data is
to be collected?
3. Are the people doing the study familiar with how to
collect the data?
4.Are the people doing the study familiar with the equip-
ment they will be using?
5.Are the people doing the study equipped with all needed
accessories (spare batteries, watches, pens & paper, etc.)?
During the data collection itself, the first priority of those doing the study
should be safety. Data collection personnel should stay a safe distance from
the traffic, and distract drivers as little as possible.Whenever possible, data
collection personnel should work in pairs to minimize the threat of crime,
stray dogs, etc.
1-5
Chapter 1 — Introduction to the DB-100
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No
Yes No

DB-100 User’s Manual
1-6
An excellent source for more detailed information on collecting traffic data
is the Manual of Transportation Engineering Studies, published by the In-
stitute of Transportation Engineers. The following is excepted from the
manual:
Safe, efficient, and effective data collection requires skill, atten-
tion to detail, and common sense. The importance of “good” data
cannot be overstated. Important conclusions are drawn from field
data that form the basis for decisions that affect the expenditure of
large amounts of money and can have a significant effect on the
safety of the public at large. Data collection demands the same
level of professionalism as any other task undertaken by an engi-
neer or engineering technician.

Chapter 2
Operation
of the DB-100
2-1
Chapter 2 — Operation of the DB-100

DB-100 User’s Manual
2-2
Start-up Screens
To turn on the DB-100, use the power switch that is mounted on the top
panel of the unit.When the unit first comes on the sign-on screen is shown.
This screen shows the current version number of the firmware in the DB-
100.
After a few seconds, this screen is replaced by the status screen.
This screen shows the number of counts stored in memory, and the amount
of memory (in number of intervals) used and left for new studies. Make a
note of the amount of memory left. If you are not sure if it is enough for the
study you want to do, then you should download the data to your computer,
and then clear the memory in the DB-100 before proceeding.
After a few seconds, the status screen clears and the Main Menu is dis-
played.
JAMARTECHNOLOGIES
DB-100
Version 3.00
All rights reserved
DB-100 Status
Counts Stored: 002
Intervals Used: 032
Intervals Left: 280

2-3
Main Menu
The Main Menu screen is the starting point for all of the options in the DB-
100. The options on this screen are:
COUNT Start a New count or Continue the previous count in mem-
ory. You can also check the amount of memory left for
new counts.
REVIEW Display on the screen the data in memory for any of the
counts. This process is described in chapter 3.
DUMP Download all of the data in the DB-100 to a computer
through the serial port. This process is described in chap-
ter 3.
CLEAR Clear the memory of all count data.
UTILITIES Perform miscellaneous operations that include a variety
of hardware tests, set the time and date, and beeper con-
trol.
This screen also indicates the status of the AA batteries in the unit. The
batteries register as ‘OK’ if they have enough power for a count. They
register as ‘Low’when they should be replaced.
COUNT REVIEW DUMP
CLEAR UTILITIES
DoTurning Movement
count. -bat: OK
Chapter 2 — Operation of the DB-100

DB-100 User’s Manual
2-4
Count Menu
When you select Count from the Main Menu, the screen shown above is
displayed. There are several options that may be available on this menu.
New
Select New from the Count menu whenever you want to start a new
count. The DB-100 will then step you through a series of menus to
further define the parameters of the count, starting with the Site Code.
Site Code
The data in the DB-100 includes the date and time that the count
was done, but no direct information on where the count was done.
Correct use of the Site Code is a way for you to guarantee that the
data you think was collected at a particular site was indeed col-
lected there.
The DB-100 has two different types of site codes that you can use
to identify your counts. The first is simply an 8-digit number that
you assign to a particular count so that you can uniquely identify
the location of the count when you download the data from the
DB-100 to your computer. The second allows you to enter two
lines of twenty alpha-numeric characters, typically used to show
the North/South street name and the East/West street name at the
intersection where the count is done.
After you select NEW
from the COUNT menu,
the site code selection
screen is shown.
NEW STATUS
CONTINUE EXIT
Start a newTurning
movement count.
8-DIGIT ALPHA EXIT
Select 8-digit site code
mode.

2-5
Select 8-DIGIT to use a simple 8 digit site number to identify the
location of the count, or selectALPHA and enter the actual names
of the streets where the count is being done.
If you select 8-DIGIT the display changes to:
It is simple to enter the Site Code. Use the keys 1-10 like a key-
board (10=0). Enter the number you want. The display shows the
numbersas you type them in. If you make a mistake, press BANK1-
TAB and start over. When the number on the display is correct,
press DO and you will go to the interval menu.
If you select ALPHA from the Site Code Type Select Menu, the
display shows the screen shown below.
The top line of the display shows the title North/South Street, with
the cursor flashing on the letter A. You enter the street names one
letter at a time, using the Change keys (14 & 15) to scroll through
the alphabet until the display shows the letter you want.You then
press the TAB key to select that letter and advance to the next
letter. The display now shows a blank character, which is the de-
fault character to start with each time. You can use the up arrow
key to move to the letter A, or you can use the down arrow key to
go to the number 9. In this way you can quickly select each letter
you need.You have 20 characters for each street address, and you
can use any letter from A-Z, and any number from 0-9. You can
also use spaces. No other characters are available.
Site code:
Enter up to 8 digits
Press DO to accept,
BANK1-TAB to cancel.
Chapter 2 — Operation of the DB-100
North/South Street:
A
use / ,TAB=advance
^TAB=cancel, DO=done

DB-100 User’s Manual
2-6
You continue in this manner until the entire street address is vis-
ible on the display. If you make a mistake, press BANK1-TAB to
cancel the operation. When the display is correct, press the DO
key. The display then shows a similar screen for the East/West
street. Repeat the procedure explained above. When you are done
with the second street address, press DO and the DB-100 goes on
to the interval menu.
The titles say North/South Street and East/West Street, but that
isn't necessarily what you have to enter.You have two lines of char-
acters you can use any way you want. Which of the two types of
site codes you use is a matter of preference.
The ALPHA input is more precise, with the actual names of the
streets entered with the data, but some people don't like to enter
the names one letter at a time. The 8-Digit site code is certainly
easier to use, but then you have to have some sort of system to link
the site code entered into the DB-100 with the names of the streets.
This can be done by using the Field Worksheet located in the back
of this manual. Have the people who do the counts fill out the
information on the worksheet, along with any other information
you think is important (a sketch of the location is usually a good
idea). This worksheet should then be brought back to the office
and used as a reference when the data is transferred to the com-
puter.
This is a simple system that has worked well for many different
agencies. It avoids the occasional problem of trying to remember
exactly where a particular count was done, especially if the person
who did the count is not available for one reason or another.
What Site Code scheme you use is entirely up to you. Some agen-
cies have developed elaborate coding schemes to uniquely iden-
tify every possible counting location in their area, usually using a
map reference system (123 456 7 8 might mean location at grid
point 123,456 facing direction 7, counted by tech # 8), others sim-
ply start at 1 each day and add one for each count. As long as you
are consistent with your scheme, and keep a separate worksheet
record, you won’t have any trouble.

Once you have entered the site code, you will be taken to the Inter-
val menu
Interval
Once you have programmed a site code for the study, you are
prompted to choose the interval length that will be used.
You are given the choice of 1, 5, 15, 30, or 60 minute intervals.An
Interval is the amount of time the DB-100 collects data before it
stores the accumulated totals in memory.You are barely aware of
intervals changing when you do a count with the DB-100 (the
counter beeps at the end of each interval to let you know it may be
time to go home). The counter automatically keeps track of the
time and stores the data at the end of the interval.You only have to
concentrate on collecting the data. This is one of the major fea-
tures of the DB-100.
The default value is 15 minutes, as this is the most common inter-
val length used for Turning Movement studies. We recommend
that you use 15 minutes unless you have special requirements.
Press DO once you have selected the interval length you wish to
use.
Start Count
After you have selected an
interval to use, you are
ready to start the count.
The display shows the cur-
rent count number and the
interval number. In the example shown, this is the first count done,
and it is at the first interval.
2-7
1 5 15 30 60 EXIT
Select interval
duration (minutes).
Press DO to accept
Chapter 2 — Operation of the DB-100
Count # : 001
Interval #: 001
--Any Key to Start--
07:59:37

DB-100 User’s Manual
2-8
Count # : 001
Interval #: 001 Left
08:01:23 13:37
TheDB-100 is waiting for you to push any movementbutton,which
starts the count. The display in the lower left corner shows the
current time, so it is easy to synchronize the start of the count to
the beginning of the desired interval.You do not have to push the
first button exactly when the seconds roll over to zero. The analy-
sis software rounds the start of the count to the nearest minute
automatically. However, when starting a new count, always try to
begin as close to an interval boundary as possible, such as xx:00,
xx:15, xx:30, or xx:45.
Press any of the gray keys to begin counting and the DB-100 will
start recording data.
When you push the first
button to start the count,
the display changes to
show the amount of time
left in the present interval.
In this case, it starts at
15:00 minutes and counts down to zero. At the end of each inter-
val, the DB-100 beeps three times. Normally you are not watching
the display, you are watching the traffic. The beeps remind you
that the interval is over. This is only important if this is the last
interval and you are ready to quit; otherwise, just ignore the beeps
and keep counting vehicles.
********IMPORTANT********
Once you start the count, the only way to quit the count is to
turn the DB-100 off. Always wait for the end of interval beeps
before turning the unit off.
There is no data stored in the counter until after the first interval.
If, after starting a count, you realize that you set one of the param-
eters wrong, you can turn off the counter and restart the count cor-
rectly. However, once an interval has finished, the count is stored
in memory. So, if you realize after the first interval that you have
made a mistake, you need to either make a note to the person down-
loading the data toignore that count, orclear the DB-100’s memory,
as described on page 2-11.

2-9
You have two display options while you are doing the count. The
status screen shows the current time and the amount of time left in
the interval, among other things. Normally you do not look at the
screen while you are doing a count, you are busy looking at the
traffic. All you really need to know is the time so that you know
when the count is over.
However, some people like to be able to see the counts accumulate
in memory, especially if they have done counts for years with me-
chanical counters that show the count totals change as the buttons
are pushed. Some people just don’t believe the count is registered
if they can’t see any evidence for themselves.
If you press the TAB key
whilecounting,the display
changes to show the totals
foreachof the movements,
buttons 1-16. Each row
shows one approach. Note
that this display assumes buttons 1-4 are the North direction.
If you press the TAB key a second time, the display changes back
to the default status screen showing the time.You can continually
press the TAB key to cycle through the two screens.
At the end of each interval, the display automatically changes back
to the default time screen, so you can check to see if it is time to
end the count.As soon as you press one of the movement keys, the
display goes back to the screen you were using when the interval
ended. If you know that you are not near the end of the count yet,
you don’t have to look at the display, just keep counting.
When you get to the last interval, keep counting until the interval
ends, signaled by the triple beep. Once you hear this, turn the DB-
100 off. Remember, the only way to stop a count is to turn the
power off.
Chapter 2 — Operation of the DB-100
1N : 000 000 000 000
1E : 000 000 000 000
1S : 000 000 000 000
1W : 000 000 000 000

DB-100 User’s Manual
2-10
Continue
It is often necessary to do a study at the same location at different times
of the same day. For example, you might do a count in the morning to
count the morning peak, and then return later in the day to count the
afternoon peak. You can choose NEW and just do two separate counts
and treat them separately, or you can choose to CONTINUE the first
count.
When selecting the Continue option, the DB-100 automatically selects
thesamecountingintervalandsitecodeyouusedforthepreviouscount.
When the information is downloaded, the analysis software combines
thedata fromthetwosessionsintoonecount,andputszerosinallof the
data points between the two counts. An option in the software lets you
printjustthecollected data, so that all of the zerosarenotprintedonthe
report.
TheContinueoption isnotalwaysavailableas an option,andasaresult
is not always shown on the display. The DB-100 checks the count in
memory to determine if it is a count that you can continue.
The rules for being able to continue a count are as follows:
1. You cannot Continue a count unless it is on the same day as the
previouscount.AllstudieswiththeDB-100areconfinedtoasingleday.
2. You can only Continue the last count performed. Previous counts
cannot be continued.
With the exceptions noted above, you can CONTINUE any count, any
number of times, when you use the DB-100.