Nortech PD230 Enhanced Vehicle Detector User manual

Nortech International (Pty) Ltd
PO Box 4099 32A Wiganthorpe Road
Willowton Hub Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg 3201 South Africa
3200 South Africa Reg. No. 98/1095
Tel: [phone] Int. Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Int Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail] URL: www.nortech.co.za
PD230 Enhanced
Vehicle Detector
USER MANUAL
NORTECH INTERNATIONAL (PTY) LTD
All rights reserved.
Copyright © 2009
Document No.: 302UM0017_01
Date of issue: July 2010
This document is for information only and unless otherwise indicated it is not to form part of any contract.
In accordance with the manufacturer’s policy of continually updating and improving design, specifications contained
herein are subject to alte
rations without notice.

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Table of Contents
1.
INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................5
2. TECHNICAL DATA ....................................................................................................................7
2.1 Functional Data..........................................................................................................................7
2.2 Electrical Data............................................................................................................................7
2.3 Environmental Data....................................................................................................................8
2.4 Mechanical Data.........................................................................................................................9
2.5 Approvals ...................................................................................................................................9
3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................10
3.1 Hardware Set-up......................................................................................................................10
3.2 Switch Setting Selections.........................................................................................................10
3.2.1 Frequency Switch............................................................................................................10
3.2.2 Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................10
3.2.3 Automatic Sensitivity Boost.............................................................................................11
3.2.4 Presence Time ................................................................................................................11
3.2.5 Pulse / Presence .............................................................................................................11
3.2.6 Reset Switch....................................................................................................................11
3.3 Internal Link Selection..............................................................................................................13
3.4 Power Fail (Option) ..................................................................................................................13
3.5 Front Panel Indicators..............................................................................................................13
4. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION..................................................................................................15
4.1 Detector Tuning........................................................................................................................15
4.2 Detector Sensitivity...................................................................................................................15
4.3 Modes of Operation..................................................................................................................16
4.3.1 Presence Mode ...............................................................................................................16
4.3.2 Pulse Mode......................................................................................................................16
4.3.3 AB Logic Presence Mode (Barrier Operation).................................................................17
4.3.4 AB Logic Pulse Mode (Counting Logic)...........................................................................20
4.4 Response Times......................................................................................................................23
5. INSTALLATION GUIDE...........................................................................................................25
5.1 Product Safety Requirements ..................................................................................................25
5.2 Operational Constraints............................................................................................................25
5.2.1 Environmental Factors to Consider.................................................................................25
5.2.2 Crosstalk..........................................................................................................................26
5.2.3 Reinforcing ......................................................................................................................26
5.3 Loop and Feeder Material Specification...................................................................................26
5.4 Sensing Loop Geometry...........................................................................................................27
5.5 Loop Installation.......................................................................................................................27
6. CONFIGURATION...................................................................................................................30
6.1 PD231 Enhanced Detector : English........................................................................................30
6.2 PD232 Enhanced Detector: English.........................................................................................31
6.3 PD234 Enhanced Detector: English.........................................................................................31
7. APPLICATIONS.......................................................................................................................32
8. CUSTOMER FAULT ANALYSIS..............................................................................................33
8.1 Fault Finding.............................................................................................................................33
8.2 DU100 – Detector Diagnostic Unit ...........................................................................................34
8.2.1 Interpretation of the DU 100 readings .............................................................................34
8.2.1.1 Frequency.........................................................................................................................34
8.3 Functional Test.........................................................................................................................36
APPENDIX A - FCC ADVISORY STATEMENT..............................................................................37
APPENDIX B – INSTALLATION OUTDOORS...............................................................................38
Appendix B.1 IEC 60950-22:2005 – Outdoor cabinet...............................................................38

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Appendix B.2 IEC 60950-22:2005 - Northern Europe...............................................................38
Appendix B.3 IEC 60950-1:2005 – Overvoltage Category........................................................38
APPENDIX C - REQUEST FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT FORM..................................................39

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WARNING: 1. THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED !
WARNING: 2. DISCONNECT POWER BEFORE
WORKING ON THIS UNIT !
WARNING: 3. INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
BY SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY !
WARNING: 4. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
ONLY SERVICE PERSONNEL MAY OPEN THE
UNIT TO CHANGE INTERNAL SETTINGS!
WARNING: 5. Always suspend traffic through the barrier area
during installation and testing that may result in
unexpected operation of the barrier
WARNING: 6. USA
FCC Advisory Statement – Refer to Appendix A at
the end of this document.
WARNING: 7. Europe
Disposing of the product.
This electronic product is subject to the
EU Directive 2002/96/EC for Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE). As such, this product must not
be disposed of at a local municipal
waste collection point. Please refer to
local regulations for directions on how
to dispose of this product in an
environmental friendly manner.

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1. INTRODUCTION
The “PD230 Enhanced Two Channel Inductive Loop Vehicle Detector” is a dual channel
microprocessor based detector designed specifically for parking and vehicle access control
applications. The PD230 Enhanced detector has been designed using the latest technology in order
to meet the requirements of a vast number of parking applications in terms of operating conditions. A
number of internal functional options are available to the user.
The primary function of the detector is to detect vehicle presence by means of an inductance change
caused by the vehicle passing over a wire loop buried under the road surface.
The detector has been designed around the popular PD130 series of single channel detectors for
ease of installation and convenience. The various modes are selected by changing the position of
switches on the front of the unit.
The detector oscillator is multiplexed to eliminate any possibility of crosstalk between the loops
connected to the detector.
The switches allow for different loop frequency settings, sensitivity settings and mode settings.
The unit has a number of internally selectable options for configuration of the relay outputs.
The PD230 Enhanced 2 Channel Vehicle Detector provides visual outputs (LED) on the front of the
enclosure and relay change-over contacts at the 11 pin connector at the rear of the enclosure. The
power LED indicates that the unit has been powered. The channel status LED’s below indicate that a
vehicle is present over the loop and when there is a fault on the loop. The Presence relays are
normally fail-safe and will close on a vehicle detect, loop failure or in the event of a power failure.
Available is an additional Power-fail function which enables a short (of up to ten minutes) power-fail,
to have no effect on the operation of the detector when power is restored. The detector will revert to
the same state as prior to power failure, when power is restored.
For additional information refer to the following documents:
Data Sheet - PD230 Enhanced 2 Ch Vehicle Detector Document No. 302DS0002
Installation Leaflet Document No. 879LF0006
Diagnostic Unit DU100 User Manual Document No. 895UM0001
2/4 Ch Vehicle Detector Installation Guide Document No. 879LF0006

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2. TECHNICAL DATA
2.1 Functional Data
Tuning Fully automatic
Self-tuning range 20 to 1000 µH
Sensitivity Four step switch selectable:
High 0.02% ∆L/L
Medium-High 0.05% ∆L/L
Medium-Low 0.10% ∆L/L
Low 0.50% ∆L/L
Frequency Four step selectable:
Frequency dependent on loop size
Automatic Sensitivity Boost Switch selectable
Modes Output relays may operate in the Presence ( fail-safe ),
Pulse or Direction logic modes
Presence Time Switch selectable:
Limited presence
Permanent presence
Pulse Output Duration 150/250 millisecond options
Response Times 100 milliseconds
Drift Compensation Rate Approx. 1% ∆L/L per minute
Visual Indication 1 x Power LED - Red
2 x Channel Status LEDs - Green
Relay Outputs 2 x Relays, User Configurable as Presence or Pulse outputs,
Normally Open (N/O) contacts
(Opto-Isolated Outputs are available on request. MOQ applies)
Reset Reset by push button on front of enclosure
Surge Protection Loop isolation transformer, gas discharge tubes,
and Zener diode clamping on loop input
Power Fail (Option) 10 minutes memory retention of detector state on power failure.
2.2 Electrical Data
Power requirements 120V AC ±10% 48 to 62Hz (PD231 models)
230V AC ±10% 48 to 62Hz (PD232 models)
PD231 and PD232 models: 1.5 VA Maximum at 230V
12V - 10% to 24V + 10% DC/AC 48 to 62Hz (PD234 models)

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PD234 models: 1 VA Maximum at 12V
Relay Contact Rating 2 x Relays rated - 5A @ 230 VAC
For ambient temperatures above 60 °C De-rate the re lay maximum
current as per graph below
Opto-Isolated Output rating 33 V 50 mA
Note - Opto-Isolated Outputs are available on request. MOQ applies
2.3 Environmental Data
Storage Temperature -40°C to +85°C
Operating Temperature -40°C to +70°C
Humidity Up to 95% relative humidity without condensation
Circuit Protection Conformal coating over the PCB and all components
IP Rating IP 30. - This product MUST be installed in an enclosure

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2.4 Mechanical Data
Housing material ABS blend
Mounting Position Shelf or DIN rail mounting
Connections 11-pin submagnal type ( JEDEC No. B11– 88 )
Size of Housing 78mm ( High ) x 41mm ( Wide ) x 80mm ( Deep )
2.5 Approvals
C.E. Regulations EN 301 489-3 Equipment Type: III
Class of Equipment: 2
EN 50293 Performance Criteria B
Safety: IEC / EN 60950-1
80 mm
75.9 mm 77.7 mm
40.6 mm

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3. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 Hardware Set-up
The PD230 Enhanced dual channel parking detector is designed to be shelf or DIN rail mounted with
the controls and visual indicators at the front and wiring at the rear of the enclosure.
The power, loop and relay outputs are all connected to the single 11-pin plug, which is mounted at
the rear of the enclosure.
3.2 Switch Setting Selections
3.2.1 Frequency Switch
Where more than one detector is used at the same site, the
detectors must be set-up to ensure that there is no CROSSTALK
(interference) between adjacent loops connected to different
detectors.
For more information about crosstalk refer to section 5.2.2.
The frequency switches are the lower two switches, numbered 1 and
2. There are four frequency selections and are set as follows:
The frequency switches allows the operating frequencies of the
detector to be shifted higher or lower depending on the switch
setting.
The operating frequency of the detector channel is determined by:
Inductance of the loop and feeder cable
Detector frequency switch settings
The operating frequency of the detector channel increases as the
loop inductance decreases and vice versa.
The inductance of the loop and feeder cable is determined by:
Size of the loop
Number of turns in the loop
Length of feeder cable
As a general rule, the detector connected to the inductive loop with the greatest inductance should be
set to operate at the lowest frequency.
When the frequency switch setting is altered, the operating frequency of both detector channels will
shift. Because the unit has a common oscillator and the multiplexer connects the loops alternatively
to this oscillator.
3.2.2 Sensitivity
S1 S2 Frequency Setting
Off Off High frequency
Off On Medium-High frequency
On Off Medium-Low frequency
On On Low frequency

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The sensitivity of the detector allows the detector to be selective as to the change of
inductance necessary to produce an output. There are four sensitivity selections and
are set as follows: -
Channel1 Channel 2
S6 S5 S4 S3
Off Off Off Off High
On Off On Off Medium-High
Off On Off On Medium-Low
On On On On Low
3.2.3 Automatic Sensitivity Boost
Automatic sensitivity boost is a mode which alters the undetect level of the detector. This mode is
selected by switch No. 7 on the front of the enclosure and is set as follows: -
S7
Off Disabled
On Enabled
Automatic sensitivity boost causes the sensitivity to be boosted to a maximum on detection of the
vehicle, and maintained at this level during the presence of the entire vehicle over the loop. When
the vehicle departs the loop and detection is lost the sensitivity reverts to the pre-selected level.
3.2.4 Presence Time
The presence time may be set to permanent presence or to limited presence. In permanent presence
mode the detector will continuously compensate for all environmental changes whilst there is a
vehicle present over the loop. In limited presence mode there will be a finite time that the detector will
remain in detect. This time is dependent on the change of inductance that the vehicle caused. The
presence mode is set with switch No. 8 and is set as follows: -
S8
Off Limited Presence
On Permanent Presence
3.2.5 Pulse / Presence
The channel’s relay may be set to either Pulse Mode or Presence Mode with switches No. 9 & No.
10 as shown in the table below: -
Channel1 Channel 2
S10 S9
Off Off Presence
On On Pulse
3.2.6 Reset Switch
The detector automatically tunes to the inductive loops connected to it when power is applied,
whether on initial installation or after any break in the power supply. Should it be necessary to retune
the detector, as may be required after the changing of any switch selections or after moving the
detector from one installation to another, momentary operation of the RESET switch will initiate the
automatic tuning cycle.

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3.3 Internal Link Selection
WARNING - ONLY SERVICE PERSONNEL MAY OPEN THE UNIT TO CHANGE
INTERNAL SETTINGS!
There is one 3 way link located inside the PD230 Enhanced detector housing, which is used to alter
the mode of operation of the detector. The link has been placed inside the unit to avoid incorrect
operation due to selection by an unauthorised operator.
For a description of the AB Logic mode refer to section 4.3 “Modes of Operation” below
For the PD230 Enhanced parking detector, the default setting for both channel output relays is
presence mode (Front panel switches 9 & 10 OFF) with no AB logic (i.e. no jumper on LK1).
3.4 Power Fail (Option)
Power-Fail-Option is available on request. MOQ applies
The detector (with Power-Fail Option) is able to retain the output state for a power failure of not
greater than 10 minutes. Thus, when the power is restored, the detector will not re-tune but return to
the detect state prior to the power failure. If a vehicle was on the loop during power failure, it will
remain detected when power is restored.
3.5 Front Panel Indicators
While the detector is tuning, the Channel LED will indicate the “mode” status of the detector.
i) Any Channel output operating in the presence or pulse modes will come on and extinguish when
the system is tuned.
ii) When the AB Logic mode is selected, the Channel LED’s will alternatively flash slow and extinguish
when the system is tuned.

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If a loop fault exists the Channel LED will come on and flash indicating a fault. If the
fault is self-healing the detector will continue to operate and the LED will continue to
show the historical fault. The detector must be reset or power removed to clear the historical fault
information.
The channel LED will also glow whenever a vehicle is detected passing over the inductive loop.
The Power LED at the top of the unit will remain on to indicate that the unit is powered. This LED is
also used as the link to the diagnostic unit ( DU100 ).

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4. PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The inductive loop vehicle detector senses the presence of a vehicle over an area defined by a loop
of two or more turns of wire laid under the road or pavement surface. This loop of wire is connected
to the detector by a pair of wires called a loop feeder.
A vehicle passing over a sensing loop causes a small reduction in the inductance of the loop, which
is sensed by the detector. The sensitivity of detection is adjustable to accommodate a wide range of
vehicle types as well as different loop and feeder combinations.
Upon detection of a vehicle passing over the loop the detector operates its output relays which may
be used to indicate controls associated with the installation.
4.1 Detector Tuning
Tuning of the detector is fully automatic. The detector will re-tune if any of the following events
occur:- - When power is applied to the detector.
- A detector reset is initiated via the reset button.
- A detect of greater than 15% ∆L/L occurs.
The detector will automatically tune each channel to its connected loop. The detector will tune to any
loop in the inductance range of 20 to 1000 micro henries.
This wide range ensures that all loop sizes and feeder combinations will be accommodated in the
tuning range of the detector.
Once tuned, any slow environmental change in loop inductance is fed to a compensating circuit
within the detector, which keeps the detector correctly tuned.
4.2 Detector Sensitivity
Sensitivity of the detection system is dependent on factors such as loop size, number of turns in the
loop, feeder length and the presence of metal reinforcing beneath the loop.
The nature of the application determines the required sensitivity, which may be adjusted by means of
the front panel controls.
Sensitivity levels on the PD230 Enhanced detector have been carefully optimised for parking and
vehicle access control applications. The detection of small, unwanted objects such as bicycles and
trolleys can be eliminated by selecting lower sensitivity levels, whilst high-bed vehicles and
vehicle/trailer combinations will not loose detection by using the Automatic Sensitivity Boost (ASB)
option.

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ASB operates as follows. When ASB is disabled the undetect level is dependent on
the sensitivity setting of the detector. Hence as the detector is made less sensitive,
the undetect level will be reduced accordingly. When the ASB is enabled the undetect level will
always be the same irrespective of the sensitivity setting and will be equivalent to the undetect level
when the sensitivity is on maximum setting.
4.3 Modes of Operation
The PD230 Enhanced Detector may be configured for any one of the following modes:
Presence Mode
Pulse Mode
AB Logic Presence Mode (Barrier Operation)
AB Logic Pulse Mode (Counting Logic)
4.3.1 Presence Mode
Link LK1 open
To set Channel 1 to Presence mode switch OFF switch 10
To set Channel 2 to Presence mode switch OFF switch 9
In the presence mode the detector channels operate independently
In the presence mode the detector will give a continuous output during the presence of a
vehicle over the inductive loop. As the detector is designed with the permanent presence
feature, the detector will indicate vehicle presence for an unlimited period of time.
The presence outputs are known as fail-safe outputs. This implies that in the event of a
power failure or loop failure the detector will give detect outputs. (Fail-Secure Presence Mode
is available on request. MOQ applies)
If permanent presence is not selected, then the detect time will be dependent on the change
of inductance. The presence time on the limited presence setting will be approximately 1
hour for an inductance change of 3% ∆L/L.
4.3.2 Pulse Mode
Link LK1 open
To set Channel 1 to Pulse mode switch ON switch 10
To set Channel 2 to Pulse mode switch ON switch 9
In the pulse mode the detector channels operate independently.

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In the pulse mode the detector will give a pulse of 150 millisecond duration,
when a vehicle enters the loop (Pulse on Detect) (a pulse of 250 millisecond is available on
request. MOQ applies).
(Pulse on un-detect is available on request. MOQ applies)
4.3.3 AB Logic Presence Mode (Barrier Operation)
Internal link LK1 shorted from Pin 1 to Pin 2. In this mode switches 9 & 10 are ignored.
AB LOGIC Presence Mode is a direction logic mode, and is capable of determining direction
of travel of a vehicle. Two loops are laid in the direction of travel to provide the input for this
mode.
If a vehicle enters Channel 1 Loop and then proceeds to Channel 2 Loop, Channel 1 relay
contacts will close for the duration of that the vehicle is over Channel 2 Loop.
If a vehicle enters Channel 2 Loop and then proceeds to Channel 1 Loop, Channel 2 relay
contacts will close for the duration of that the vehicle is over Channel 1 Loop.
Progress of a vehicle over the loops
Case 1: (AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Forward direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop1
B - Vehicle Exits Loop 1,
C - Vehicle Enters Loop2,
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 2,
Typically caused by loops
being too far apart or very
small vehicles

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Case 2: (AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Forward direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop1
B - Vehicle Enters Loop2
C - Vehicle Exits Loop 1
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 2
This is the correct forward
operation for Presence
AB Logic
Case 3:
(AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Reverse direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop2
B - Vehicle Exits Loop 2
C - Vehicle Enters Loop1
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 1
Typically caused by loops
being too far apart or very
small vehicles
Case 4:
(AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Reverse direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop2
B - Vehicle Enters Loop1
C - Vehicle Exits Loop 2
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 1
This is the correct reverse
operation for Presence
AB Logic

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Case 5: (AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Forward direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop1
B - Vehicle Enters Loop2
C - Vehicle Starts to reverse
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 2
E - Vehicle Exits Loop 1
This case should not
happen but it does
occasionally
Case 6:
(AB LOGIC Presence Mode)
Reverse direction
A - Vehicle Enters Loop2
B - Vehicle Enters Loop1
C - Vehicle Starts to reverse
D - Vehicle Exits Loop 1
E - Vehicle Exits Loop 2
This case should not
happen but it does
occasionally
4.3.4 AB Logic Pulse Mode (Counting Logic)
Internal link LK1 shorted from Pin 2 to Pin 3. In this mode switches 9 & 10 are ignored.
AB LOGIC Pulse Mode is a direction logic mode, and is capable of determining direction of
travel of a vehicle. Two loops are laid in the direction of travel to provide the input for this
mode.
This mode is used to activate equipment requiring vehicle direction inputs such as automatic
fee collection equipment, vehicle counters, or warning devices in one-way systems.