Ritron RVS-P1 Manual

Quick TalkTM vS
RVS-P1 RITRON VEHICLE SENSOR PROBE
INSTALLATION / OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
Introduction
Please read these instructions completely. It is recommended that each system be bench tested prior to installation
and that the installer acquaint himself with the Quick Talk vS system. The sensor probe detects the disturbance to
the Earths magnetic field caused by moving ferrous metal such as steel or iron. The larger the ferrous object and
the faster the movement the further away it will be detected.This system includes the relay board installed inside the
Quick Talk enclosure and the vehicle sensor probe.If there are any questions technical support is available to
discuss problems and offer solutions.
Earth Ground
A proper earth ground of the probe is essential for the systems lightning protection and EMF shielding. Normally
burying the vehicle sensor probe is sufficient to meet the grounding requirements.
However under three conditions the probe must be grounded by attaching it to a separate ground rod: 1) in areas
with a poor earth ground;such as sandy gravel or rocky soil; 2) when the probe is inserted in a PVC pipe; or 3) the
probe is mounted above ground.
To ground the probe drive an 8 ft copper or copper-clad ground rod completely into the ground (DO NOT USE A
GALVANIZED GROUND ROD). Solder and clamp the grounding strap/braid coming out of the vehicle sensor probe
to the ground rod. For a proper solder connection the ground rod must be sanded fluxed and heated with a torch
until the solder melts onto the rod itself.
NOTE: Extra wire may be added to the grounding strap if needed (e.g., if the vehicle sensor
probe is located deep inside a VC pipe).
Location of the Vehicle Sensor robe
The sensing range of a probe buried beside the driveway is 5 to 8 ft with a small car going 5 MPH. Taking the width
of the car and the sensing range this system can cover a 12 ft driveway. Buried in the center of the driveway the
system can cover a 24 ft wide driveway...refer to Probe and Cable Installation.
The probe should be at least 35 ft back from a street on which traffic is going under 35 MPH and at least 50 ft back
from a street on which traffic is going over 35 MPH. If the probe is installed in the center of a 12 ft driveway it can be
20 or 35 ft back from traffic respectively. This is made possible by adjusting the probes GAIN sensitivity...refer to
Adjusting Probe Sensitivity.
Stationary ferrous metal near the probe will not hinder its operation. If the probe is used near a moving ferrous metal
object such as a gate surface tests should be conducted to insure that the object does not accidentally trigger the
probe. The probe can be placed into a PVC pipe under an open steel reinforced grid of a concrete roadway without
hindering its operation. The probe will not work under a solid piece of steel.
Cautions
DO NOT bury the gray enclosure containing the Quick Talk transmitter electronics.
DO NOT bury the probe within 6 to10 feet of a buried power or telephone line.
DO NOT bury the probe within 6 to 10 feet of a buried invisible dog fence.
DO NOT bury the probe within 10 feet of a natural gas line.
DO NOT bury the probe within 20 feet of a power pole with a transformer.
DO NOT bury the probe within 100 feet of railroad traffic.
DO NOT bury the probe within 200 feet of sub-station type overhead power lines.
DO NOT mount the probe vertically when used for above-ground applications
.
WIRELESS VEHICLE DETECTION SYSTEM
1
If the Quick Talk transmitter enclosure is mounted outdoors you must seal the
antenna connection on the radio. Refer to the instructions in the Quick Talk
manual page #13. Use Archer Connector Sealant Radio Shack #278-1645 or
equivalent.
robe and Cable Installation
Installation tip: Installation of the probe relative to the flow of traffic in the target area is critical. Since one end of the
probe has a positive signal and the other end has a negative signal if both ends are activated at the same time they
will cancel each other out and the probe will not detect a vehicle in the target area. Therefore avoid installing the
probe where both ends will be activated at the same time; e.g. in a vertical position above ground or perpendicular
relative to the flow of traffic in the target area.

Typically the probe is buried 6 to10 inches deep beside and parallel to the flow of traffic in the target area. It is
advisable to bury 6 to 10 ft of extra cable (coiled-up) for future maintenance or relocation.
Above Ground Installation
When used in an above ground application do not mount the probe vertically. If the probe is incorrectly mounted in
a vertical position above ground it is possible to activate both ends of the probe at the same time. Since one end of
the probe has a positive signal and the other end has a negative signal they will cancel each other out.
Existing Pavement Installation
When installing the probe in existing pavement bore a 1.5 inch diameter hole
vertically 24 inches deep. Slice the pavement from the bored hole to the driveway
edge to accommodate the cable. Install the probe and cable and seal with a suitable
material; such as silicone.
Dirt / Gravel Installation
When installing the probe in a dirt or gravel driveway first bury a 2 inch schedule 80
PVC pipe in the center of the driveway 6 to 8 inches deep and diagonally at a 45o
angle...refer to the illustration at right. Then insert the probe and cable in this pipe
after it is in place. This prevents damage to the probe/cable from gravel and vehicles.
Also if probe maintenance is necessary it can be more easily retrieved from the
PVC pipe.
ew Construction Sites
When installation is made at new construction sites install the 2 inch PVC pipe
under the driveway as shown in the illustration to the right pour or asphalt the
driveway. Install the vehicle sensor probe and cable in this PVC pipe after
landscaping is completed.
NOTE: If the probe is housed in VC pipe, the probe itself must be grounded as described in
the Earth Ground section.
The probe cable is direct burial and does not require conduit. It may be buried underground or kept above ground
in a PVC pipe. Depth of burial depends on lawn conditions. In cultured lawn grass it is sufficient to bury the cable
2 to 3 inches deep. The root system of the grass will capture the wire for life. With a gasoline-powered lawn edger
slice a 1/4 inch wide trench across the lawn to the transmitter. Push the wire to the bottom of the slice fill and tamp.
In uncultured field grass or in soil without cultured grass bury the cable at least 6 to 8 inches deep.
When installing wire through woods and above ground, run it in VC pipe for mechanical protection, as
animals will chew through the cable.
Installing Control Unit
All the sensitive electronics have been designed into
the sensor probe making it convenient to mount the
relay control board in the same box with the Quick
Talk transmitter.
robe Connections (refer to FIG.-1)
The standard length of cable that comes with the
probe is 80 feet (longer lengths may be special
ordered). The length of cable is not critical to
performance and may therefore be shortened to any
desired length.
Before attaching leads to the terminal strip it is
recommended that all leads (probe wire power leads
ground lead and relay leads) be solder-tinned. This
will insure good contact.
Connect the black wire from the probe to the BLK
terminal on the relay board terminal strip the red wire
to the RED terminal and the shield wire to the SH
terminal.
FIG.-1 Relay Board Probe Connections
2
Install Parallel or at
450 Relative to Traffic Flow
Top iew of
Target Area
2 inch PVC pipe
450
Angle
Parrallel to Traffic
Extreme care should be taken when unrolling the probe cable. To unroll put your arm through
the center of the roll of cable remove the tape and unravel the roll one wrap at a time.

Power (refer to FIG.-1)
The control unit can be operated by a power source from 7.5 DC to 10 DC.
The negative terminal (-) on the terminal strip is common connection for the negative side of the power
supply and earth ground...refer to Earth Ground.
The positive terminal (+) on the terminal strip is for the positive side of the power supply.
NOTE: It takes at least 2 minutes after the voltage is applied before the unit can be activated.
Relay Output (refer to FIG.-1)
The relay output as indicated by COM (common) and NO (normally open) is used to activate the Quick
Talk transmitter trigger. The relay time can be adjusted by potentiometer B (TIME). Time can be adjusted
from 1/2 to 2 seconds.
OTE: A relay with normally closed contacts is available on a special order basis.
Trip-Te t Switch
The trip-test switch, located center left on the circuit board, is a tool to evaluate the system electronics
and to help in setting the time function.
Adju t Probe Sen itivity (Gain)
· To increase the Sensitivity or Gain, adjust the potentiometer clockwise.
· To decrease the Sensitivity or Gain, adjust the potentiometer counter-clockwise.
The Gain adjustment of the probe essentially changes the sensing range of the probe. The default sensitivity
(Gain) setting is in the 12 oclock (straight-up) position. At this setting the probe will detect a slow moving
small car about 5 to 8 feet away when the Gain control is set to the half-way mark. We do not recommend
adjusting the Gain beyond the 12 oclock position. Refer to the note below for the exception to this rule:
NOTE: The Earths magnetic field is less sensitive in some areas. If the installation happens
to be in such an area the Gain setting may need to be increased in order for the probe
to function properly or, if possible, relocate the probe several feet.
Low sensitivity is desirable when the probe is installed close to highways, power lines, etc. The lowest
amount of sensitivity is allowable when the probe is installed in the middle of the driveway...refer to
Probe and Cable Installation. Forcing the vehicle to pass over the probe allows the Gain sensitivity to
be turned down.
To test sensitivity, use a compact or sub-compact car moving very slowly past the probe. Adjust
potentiometer A (TIME) fully counter-clockwise and begin adjusting clockwise in small increments.
Wait at least one minute to allow sensitivity change to register before re-adjusting. Stop adjusting at the
point where the small car trips the system.
Te t / Fault LED
The LED, located at top left of the circuit board, will operate when the test button is activated or the probe
is activated by a passing vehicle. The LED will remain on for about one second; the relay will operate for
a minimum of 1/2 second.
If the LED fails to operate when the trip-test switch is activated or if the LED will not shut off, this indicates
a fault in the system; either the relay board or the probe could be at fault.
NOTE: If sensitivity is set very low, the trip-test switch will not activate this circuit.
3
* RQT single board units only
Field In tallation of the RVS-P1 Control Board
into the RQT-150/450 Quick Talk Radio Tran mitter *
1. Disconnect the R S-P1 Control Board from the 3-conductor cable.
2. Remove one side of the protective covering of the double-sided foam tape.
3. Place the exposed adhesive side of the double-sided tape on the bottom of the R S-P1 Control
Board. Make sure to cover the entire underside area of the board.
4. Remove the front cover of the RQT-150/450. The printed circuit board is mounted to the back side
`of the front cover. Refer to FIG.-1.
5. Remove the protective covering on the double-sided tape on the bottom of the R S-P1 board.

4
6. Adhere the R S-P1 board to the back of the
RQT front cover between the circuit board and
the front cover. Refer to FIG.-1.
7. Route the R S-P1 3-conductor cable through
the front of the water tight strain relief on the
front of the RQT. The adjustable nut may need
to be loosened to do this.
8. Reconnect the 3-conductor cable to the R S-P1
Control Board. Red wire to RED, black wire to
BLK, and shield wire to SH.
9. Connect one end of the loose black wire to  
on the R S-P1 board. Refer to FIG.-2.
10. Solder the other end of the loose black wire in
the hole next to J103 (2-pin connector on RQT
circuit board) that leads to the black wire on the
6-AA cell battery holder. Refer to FIG.-3.
11. Connect one end of the loose red wire to  +  on
the R S-P1 board. Refer to FIG.-2.
12. Solder the other end of the loose red wire in the
other hole next to J103 that leads to the red wire
on the battery holder.
13. Connect one end of the loose blue wire to COM
on the R S-P1 board.
14. Connect the other end of the blue wire to  -
SW1 on the RQT circuit board. Refer to FIG.-4.
15. Connect one end of the loose white wire to NO 
on the R S-P1 board. Refer to FIG.-2.
16. Connect the other end of the white wire to  +
SW1 on the RQT circuit board. Refer to FIG.-4.
17. Re-attach RQT front cover to back cover.
18. Tighten the adjustable nut on the water tight
strain relief. Refer to FIG.-5.
FIG. - 1 R S-P1
circuit board
Red Wire
White
Wire
Black Wire
Blue
Wire
FIG. - 2
Proper Procedure to Repair a Cut or Damaged Probe Cable
Follow this procedure if the black cable provided with the probe is damaged or cut.
Two items will be necessary when splicing:
·Two-wire shielded direct burial cable (unshielded cable and P C jacketed cable will not give
proper splices).
·Underground splice kit (made by 3M, Part #82-A1)
FIG.- 3
J103
Red
Wire
Black
Wire
FIG. - 4
White
Wire
Blue
Wire
FIG. - 5
Sensitivity
(Gain) Adj.
Time Adj.

FIG.-D:
Place an underground splice kit
potting container around the spliced
cable and epoxy pot.
FIG.-B:
Trim the red and black joints and tape for
proper insulation. Twist the 3 inch shield
drain wire to the 10 inch shield drain wire
and solder the connection as shown.
Note: Lightning can cause the probe to fa se if the strike is arge enough and within 1-mi e of the
probe. A we -grounded probe wi minimize fa se activation of the probe.
5
FIG.-C:
Wrap aluminum foil around the splice area.
Wrap the 10 inch shield drain wire tightly
around the outside of the foil and solder it
to itself in order to hold it in place, as
shown. This procedure insures that any
signal to the splice shield will drain to
ground and thus prevent false alarms.
FIG.-A:
Strip the outer jacket on one cable back
10 inches and cut the red and black leads
to 3 inches, leaving the shield drain wire
the full 10 inch length. Strip the outer jacket
off the mating cable back 3 inches and strip
the jacket of the red and black lead of both
cables back 1/2 inch. Twist the black to
black and red to red and solder the
connections as shown.

Designation: RVS-P1 Vehicle Sensor Probe
Power Source: 7.5 - 10 VDC
Current Drain:
Standby: < 60 micro-Amps
Tripped: 50 mA
Relay Time: 1/2 to 2 seconds
Relay Rating: Single pole single throw -
normally opens contacts
1 Amp @ 24 VDC
(1 mA @ 5 VDC min. load)
Re-trigger Hold-off: 10 seconds
Temperature Range: - 250 F to + 1500 F
(- 320 C to + 750 C)
Designation: RQT-150 VHF
RQT-450 UHF
Typical Range: Using standard antenna supplied with RQT; 1/2-mile to a portable radio line-of-sight
1-mile to the Ritron base station line-of-sight. Increased range is possible using a gain
antenna on the RQT or a radio repeater.
Battery Life: 1 year when using AA Alkaline batteries or 7 000 transmissions.
Antenna Connector: BNC 50 Ohms
Enclosure: GE-Noryl Grey Ultraviolet Stable NEMA-4-4X Water Resistant with 4 Mounting Ears.
Dimensions: 5.25 X 5.25 X 2.5
Weight: 1 lb less batteries and antenna
Switch Inputs: 2 Momentary Latching Analog or Resistance.
Coded Signalling
Encoder: CTCSS Quiet Call 51 Tones DCS Digital Quiet Call all codes.
Jumper Selectable: Wide (25 kHz or Narrow (12.5 kHz) band deviation
Compressed Transmit Audio (for use with radios using companded technology)
Message Length: 8 seconds per switch condition when 1 switch input is used. 3.25 seconds per switch
condition when 2 switch inputs are used. Plus a 3.25 second location message.
Auxiliary Messages: Low Battery Alert (1.5 seconds)
External Power Failure (1.5 Seconds)
Message Scheduling: User programmable intervals and repeat times
Programming Method: User programmable with a standard pulse dial telephone. Note: Special office telephones,
speaker telephones, and telephones with lighted dials cannot be used to program the Quick Talk.
Vehicle robe Technical Specifications
Quick Talk Transmitter Specifications
6
505 W. Carmel Drive · Carmel, IN 46032
Ph: 317-846-1201 · FX: 317-846-4978 · mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.ritron.com
P/N: 14500037 Rev B 10-03
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