Tapco Adaptive FAST-12 User manual

FAST12 POLEMOUNT
RADAR SPEED DISPLAY SIGN USER MANUAL

FAST-12 Pole-Mount Radar Speed Display Sign user Manual
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CONTENTS
1. Unpacking and Checking Carton Contents................3
Section A - Installation
1. Location Selection................................................................3
2. Hanging the Sign..................................................................3
3. Final Positioning/Fine Tuning .......................................... 4
4. Wiring .......................................................................................4
Section B - Operation
1. Power Up ................................................................................4
2. Programming the Display .................................................5
3. Readout Results ....................................................................8
4. Advanced Features ..............................................................9
5. Setting the Clock and Timed Events............................10
Section C - Technical Information
1. Specications.......................................................................11
2. Warranty ................................................................................12
3. Troubleshooting Tips ........................................................12
4. Contact Information..........................................................12
Section D - Optional Data Recording System
1. Quick Start Guide - Data Recording Unit...................13
2. In-Depth Setup Guide and Setting
Commands - Data Recording Unit ...............................14

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This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense. Changes or
modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
Thank you for the purchase of a FAST–12 Pole Mount
Radar Speed Display Sign. This Manual will guide
through the minor assembly, mounting, programming
and use. Please read and understand this Manual and
review the checklist in “Unpacking and Checking
Carton Contents“ below to be sure that you’ve
received everything you need prior to starting.
Take a moment to record the model and serial numbers
below so that you have them in a safe place for future use.
MODEL NUMBER: ________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER: _________________________________
DATE OF PURCHASE: ______________________________
OPTIONS PURCHASED: ____________________________
1. UNPACKING AND CHECKING CARTON CONTENTS
Item Qty Description
Figure 1a Figure 1b
A (1) FAST–12 Enclosed Sign W/Internal Radar
B (3) Black ¼-20x3/4”Tamper-Resistant Bolts
C (1) “YOUR SPEED” Sign
D (1) Key For Enclosure Latch
E (1) “L”Key For Signage
F (2) Key for “On/O” Switch
G (-) Mounting Hardware For A 4” Pole
SECTION A  INSTALLATION
1. LOCATION SELECTION
In-order to optimize your trac calming results, there are a few simple things to keep in mind and simple
steps to follow. You’ll want a mounting location that’s on a relatively at stretch of road and is not too close to
any stop signs, intersections, or sharp curves and the road. A clear line-of-sight relatively free of obstructions
such as large trees, fences or other landscape features is desired. The radar unit is single-directional, so only
the speed of oncoming vehicles is displayed. If solar powered, solar panel should be mounted on the South
side of the pole and be clear of shade from trees and buildings. Any shade over the panel will signicantly
reduce the eectiveness of the charging system.
2. HANGING THE SIGN
Your FAST–12 includes mounting hardware for a 4”(4.5” OD) pole. Please do not over tighten mounting
hardware at this step as you may wish to“ne tune” the exact angle of your sign for optimum results as
described in “Final Positioning/Fine Tuning” If you have special mounting needs and plan to modify the
enclosure, please be careful to ensure that your hardware does not contact interior components. Also be sure
to use a sealant to maintain a weatherproof environment inside the sign. Improper installation may cause
damage to interior components and void warranty.

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3. FINAL POSITIONING/FINE TUNING
See Figure 3a for some basic positioning tips. Keep
in mind that the 12”tall characters are readable to
750 feet. If the radar unit is picking up vehicles too
far away, simply rotate the unit clockwise so that it’s
facing the opposite curb a bit more. Likewise, if the
unit is picking vehicles up too close or not far away
enough, rotate counter-clockwise. Remember, you
may adjust the radar gun angle (aim) in the FAST–12
as well as the mounting angle of the enclosure on the
pole for maximum ne-tuning, Figure 3b.
4. WIRING
Your FAST–12 comes equipped to be powered by
12 volts D/C. The required voltage is shown on the
rating tag on rear of sign and on the inside of the
enclosure. This tag also includes your serial number
and model information. If you are unsure what you’ve purchased, please contact us
before proceeding. Enlist the services of a licensed electrical contractor for installation
assistance if needed.
Open the cabinet and wire the sign wire:
For D/C powered units, open the cabinet and wire the sign wire:
WHITE = Positive, BLACK = Negative, and GREEN = Data.
For A/C powered units, open the cabinet and wire the sign wire as noted
above for D/C:
Use a qualied electrician to wire the A/C power to AC Neutral, AC line, and the ground lug above for
earth ground.
SECTION B  OPERATION
1. POWER UP
Now that your enclosure is pole-mounted securely, the “YOUR SPEED”sign is axed,
and your wiring is completed, you are ready to power up. Find the included key, insert
into the switch at the bottom, right side of the enclosure. Turn clockwise ¼ turn to the
“ON”position.
When rst turned on, the display will show a number between zero and nine. This
number indicates the brightness level of the display indicating the brightness is being
set automatically due to the surrounding sun light. Note: The brightness control is always
on automatic but it can be checked for proper operation by the user, if needed. To check
this,refer to the paragraph“Auto Intensity Diagnostic Mode, code 9981”in the Advanced
Features Section.
You will see there is a small programming push button located underneath the display
on the bottom corner (blue arrow Figure 4a). This button or the remote will set all display
features.
Figure 3b
Figure 3a
Figure 4a

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KEY CHAIN REMOTE CONTROL
The top button directs the numbers up with the other directing down. When the sign is
in run mode, holding both buttons in for 1 second resets the sign without having to cycle
the power key.
To replace its battery, replace with a type CR2032, 12volt alkaline cell.
2. PROGRAMMING THE DISPLAY
THE SPEED CODES AND THEIR MEANINGS:
Read over the following programming codes listed in the Speed Code Table to become familiar with the two-
letter groups (modes) you want to set in the sign using the push button. Concentrate on the“Normal Mode”
(NM) and “Violator Alerts”(VA) modes only, for now. Notice that they are grouped so that for example, when
“VA” is selected, you can set the “Minimum Speed”, Flash (speed), Blank (speed), etc. As the last numbers are
entered, the display is ready and goes blank.
Speed Code Table
Two-Letter Mode Meaning Description
NM => “Normal Mode” Sign shows all speeds normally with no speed ltering
VA => “Violator Alert” “Violator Alert” MENU
MS => “Minimum Speed” Min. speed for sign to display
SL => “Slow” Speed at which “SLOW” shows
RB => “Red and Blue” Flashing“Red and Blue”speed
FL => “Flash” Speed at which to ash readout
BL => “Blank” Speed at which to blank screen
LF => “White Strobe” Speed at which to ash strobe
**ND => “No Display” Unit collects radar data with no display
Feature must be enabled - See Advanced Features Mode Section
SETTING THE SIGN IN “NORMAL MODE”
The simplest mode to put the sign into is the “NM”(Normal Mode). Instructions:
1. Turn the power on with the key. After the brightness number changes, start pushing the button and stop
on the two letter code“NM”.
2. As the display goes dark, it is now running in“Normal Mode”. In other words, the sign will display the speed
of oncoming vehicles from 5 mph (down to 1 mph is also available, see Advance Features Section) to 99
MPH without showing any alerts. So for this code only, no further programming would be needed.
PROGRAMMING THE SIGN IN “VIOLATOR ALERT” MODE
This section covers setting the standard “Violator Alert”functions including
the optional “Slow”, “Red & Blue”ashing signals.
Note: The pushbutton instructions described in the following paragraphs
also apply to the use of the key chain remote control buttons.
Turn power on. After the brightness number changes, push the button and
stop on“VA”. The display is now in“Violator Alert” setup mode. The Violator
Alerts 1 to 5 will then begin to appear in the order of the photos as shown
below.
Figure 4b
“Violator Alert”

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Note: If the Timer is enabled, (see “Setting the Clock and Timed Events”) the sign will run in Violator Mode
(or any other mode) only during the selected event timed program. Otherwise, if the timer is disabled,
the sign will run continuously (not recommended for overly long periods of time when on battery
power only).
VIOLATOR ALERT 1: MS  MINIMUM SPEED
After seeing the “VA” screen, the display will show“MS”(see photo below)
along with a number. The number represents the lowest speed at which
the display will start showing all oncoming vehicles. When this number
appears, the operator has 5 seconds within to start pushing the button in-
order to program this“MS” speed setting. Press the button until the desired
speed setting is reached.
Note: If the button is held down, the numbers will increment FAST without having to press the button many
times. The numbers will start over after 99 if you miss your desired speed without turning o the power.
If using the key chain remote, simply press either button to move the numbers forward or backward.
Once the desired setting is reached, stop and wait for the next screen to appear after approximately 5 seconds.
The screen will then change to the next screen for speed setting.
VIOLATOR ALERT 2: SL  SLOW
The display will now show the red“SL” (Slow) message and show a speed
setting number. The red“Slow” message is eective in helping to calm
trac. When the operator sees the setting number appear, push the button
within 5 seconds in-order to change this number until the desired speed
setting is reached.
Note: You can set the numbers even when the words“Slow” are ashing.
Once the desired setting is reached, stop pressing the button and wait for
the next screen, after approximately 5 seconds.
VIOLATOR ALERT 3: RB  RED AND BLUE FLASHING LIGHTS
The display will now show “RB” which eectively ashes the Red and
Blue ashing light pattern at the driver while displaying their speed. The
operator has 5 seconds to start pushing the button in-order to change the
number setting.
Note: You can set the numbers even when the “Red & Blues”are ashing.
Press the button until the desired speed setting is reached. Once the
desired setting is reached, stop and wait for the next screen after
approximately 5 seconds.
“Minimum Speed”

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VIOLATOR ALERT 4: LF  FLASHING WHITE STROBE
The display will now show “LF”. When drivers go over this setting, the white
ashing strobe. The operator has 5 seconds to start pushing the button in-
order to change the speed setting. Press the button until the desired speed
setting is reached. Once reached, stop and wait for the next screen to appear
after approximately 5 seconds.
VIOLATOR ALERT 4: FL  FLASHING SPEED
The display will now show “FL”. When drivers go over this setting, they will
see their over-the-limit speed ash. The operator has 5 seconds to start
pushing the button in-order to change the speed setting. Press the button
until the desired speed setting is reached. Once reached, stop and wait for
the next screen to appear after approximately 5 seconds.
VIOLATOR ALERT 5: BL  BLANKING SPEED
The display will show“BL”which is the speed limit that the display will
no longer show the oncoming vehicles speed. This setting will prevent
drivers from increasing their speed over this speed limit to see how they
can go. Press the button until the desired speed setting is reached. Wait
approximately 5 seconds and the sign will go dark. The display is now in
service and operating in“Violator Alerts”mode.
NOTES:
After this last “BL”screen, all of the violator alert settings have been
saved even after the sign is switched o. When the sign is turned on
again, it will run through all of the modes and their speed settings for the operator to review.
If changes are needed, press the sign mounted button for 5 seconds which will start the mode settings to
display again. If using the key chain remote, hold the left button in for 1 second for the same eect.
If desired, the sign can be pre-set at your base facility for transportation and set-up at a dierent location.
The violator alerts can be set in any order, but not at the same speed. If attempted,this setting will skip to
the next available number. To get the best eect from the alerts, set the speeds at least 3-4 MPH dierence.
If you wish to not use one of the violator alert settings, set the speed high, i.e. 97 MPH.
Holding the button will scroll through the numbers for quicker setup. If the desired setting is passed, the
numbers will start over after 99.
If using the optional key chain remote, the top button advances the numbers while the bottom button
reverses them.
To start over, either turn o/on the sign with the power key OR when using the key chain remote, hold the
top button in for 3 seconds for a power reset.
After setting the clock, (see “Setting the Clock and Timed Events”) the sign will revert back to Normal Mode
(NM). If Violator Alert mode is desired, it will have to be set to“VA” mode again.
“Flashing White Strobe”
“Flashing Speed”
“Blanking Speed”

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VIOLATOR ALERT SETTINGS SUMMARY
1. Push button until display shows“VA”
2. Wait ve seconds for MS (Minimum Speed) to display.
Push the button to set the desired speed.
3. Wait ve seconds for SL (SLOW) to display.
Push the button to set desired speed.
4. Wait ve seconds for RB (Flashing Red & Blue) to display.
Push the button to set desired speed.
5. Wait ve seconds for LF (Flashing Strobe) to display.
Push the button to set desired speed.
6. Wait ve seconds for FL (Flashing Speed) to display.
Push the button to set desired speed.
7. Wait ve seconds for BL (Blanking Speed) to display.
Push the button to set desired speed.
8. After ve seconds the last speed sets and the display goes dark
TRAFFIC SETUP EXAMPLES
35 MPH NEIGHBORHOOD SPEED LIMIT
Set the “MS”(the radar detected Minimum Speed limit) at 5 mph, the “SLOW” message at 35, “Flashing Speed”
at 40mph, the“Red & Blues”at 50 and the Blanking Speed at 60. This is what will happen: Oncoming vehicles
speeds will be shown on the sign traveling from 5 to 34 MPH. If the vehicle is traveling 35 to 39, the SLOW
message will ash. Between 41 and 49, their speed will be displayed while ashing. Over 50MPH, the display
will show the Red & Blue ashing lights pattern. At 60 and above, the display is blank. As the vehicle slows, the
appropriate“Violator Alert” will show for their speed until they reach 34 MPH where their speed is displayed
normally.
SCHOOL ZONES
Set the “MS”(the radar detected Minimum Speed limit) at 15 mph (so drivers in a school zone obeying the
speed limit are not distracted), the“Flashing Speed” at 16mph and the “Blanking Speed” for 40mph. This is
what will happen: For speeds under 15 MPH, no speed will be displayed. The display will ash the speed for
vehicles traveling between 16 and 39 MPH. No speed will be displayed above 40 MPH.
3. READOUT RESULTS
The readings from the radar unit are ltered. The radar unit is very sensitive, so for continuity of the oncoming
driver, not every reading may be displayed. If there is a dierence between vehicle speeds of more than 3
miles per hour per second (extreme acceleration or deceleration), the display will simply hold the last recorded
speed for a few seconds rather than jumping back and forth between speeds. A couple of examples:
Example 1: If a vehicle is traveling at 35mph and the car behind him is traveling at 40mph, the sign will display
the rst vehicle at 35 until it passes. The rst vehicle’s speed will show for 1-1/2 seconds after it
passes, so the radar can establish and display vehicle two’s speed at 40mph.
Example 2: If a vehicle accelerates towards the sign from a stop at greater than 3 miles per hour per second,
no speed will be displayed. If a vehicle accelerates at 3 miles per hour per second or less, the sign
will display the speed as it increases.

FAST-12 Pole-Mount Radar Speed Display Sign user Manual
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4. ADVANCED FEATURES
In addition to the standard features there are some advanced features available mainly for troubleshooting.
To enter the Advanced Feature mode, turn the unit ON and press the programming button ve (5) times
before the intensity number blinks. First an “A”will appear on the left digit and a number on the right. Press the
programming button until the appropriate number is shown for that slot. Wait for a“B” to appear and repeat
this for“C” and“D” as well. This will put you into that mode until the unit is turned o and back on again.
See below a list of codes and slots for these advanced features.
A B C D
9 9 6 9 Minimum Speed Mode
9 9 7 1 Alternate Slow Mode
9 9 7 3 Demo mode (see further instructions)
9 9 7 5 Show Serial Number
9 9 7 9 Display Diagnostic Mode
9 9 8 1 Auto Intensity Diagnostic Mode
9 9 8 3 Turn On & O - Radar Acceleration Filter
9 9 8 9 Turn On & O - Set Time Availability
MINIMUM SPEED MODE CODE 9969
Lower speeds of 5 mph are distracting in most applications but are desirable in some. As a default, the display
will only show down to 5 mph but down to 1 mph is available. Putting in the minimum speed code will turn
on and o the down to one mode. If after putting in the minimum speed code, the display shows “S1” then the
speed will show down to 1 mph. If“S5” shows then the speed will only show down to 5 mph.
ALTERNATE SLOW DOWN MODE CODE 9971
The display can show either the“Slow Down”(default) or “Red-Blues”ashing alert in two ways. The rst is
that either one is shown if the vehicle speed is over a set speed. The other is that either one shows then the
vehicle speed will show alternating between the two until the vehicle slows below the set speed. Both are
very eective but one could be preferred above the other. To switch from one or the other, push-button in the
code 9971 then push-button select either “SL”or “RB”. Now select either “ON”or “OF”(o). If you selected “ON”,
then only the “Slow Down” (or“RB”) message will display. If “OF”(o) is selected, then the display will alternate
between “Slow Down” (or“RB”) and their speed.
Note: The“Slow Down”and “Red & Blue”ashing alerts are options. Unless they have been included with your
order, you may not be able to program code 9971.
DEMO MODE CODE 9973
The display will show DM for Demo Mode and then a number. Change the number to the desired demo:
1 Counts down from 22, DIM to bright at the end, then“Slow Down” and R/B bars
2 Counts down from 43 to 33 ashing, 32 to 23 solid, DIM to bright at the end, then“Slow Down” and R/B bars
3 Counts down from 64 to 54 ashing, 32 to 23 solid, DIM to bright at the end, then“Slow Down” and R/B bars
4 “Slow Down”
5 R/B bars
6 Snow akes falling
If the button is pressed during the Demo, the display will allow you to re-select another demo.

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SHOW SERIAL NUMBER MODE CODE 9975
Serial Number mode will display seven (7) two (2) digit numbers. This is your software serial number .
DISPLAY DIAGNOSTIC MODE CODE 9979
Display diagnostic mode will make several patterns on the display used to test the display integrity. Pressing
the program button ve (5) times while the display is blank just after The red and blue test will exit and return
to Main Menu.
AUTO INTENSITY DIAGNOSTIC MODE CODE 9981
Auto Intensity Diagnostic Mode will test the ability to auto adjust the brightness of the display according
to the ambient light. A small sensor in the center of the sign reads the outside light so the processor may
determine how bright to make the display. Once in this mode, the outside light can be varied and will show a
number from 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 the highest. Putting your hand over the sensor can change
this reading.
TURNING THE RADAR ACCELERATION FILTER ON AND OFF CODE 9983
Once this code is put in the display will show either an “On” or “O”. “On” means the lter was o and will now
be turned on. “O” means the lter was on and will now be turned o. We recommend the Filter be “On” for
most applications.
TURNING THE SET TIME AVAILABILITY ON AND OFF
This feature simply leaves the Set Time mode in or out of the main menu.“On” means the Set Time Availability
was o and will now be turned on.“O” means the Set time Availability was on and will now be turned o. We
recommend the Set Time Availability be “O”for most applications.
5. SETTING THE CLOCK AND TIMED EVENTS
Note: Unless the sign is to be powered on and o automatically at certain times, it is not necessary to set the
clock
The internal timer is a 24 clock used to turn o the display’s system to extend battery life or to prevent
disturbing residents at late or early hours. This feature will not take into account weekends, holiday or daylight
savings time. The Set Time function must rst be “turned on”in-order to set the On/O times. See “Advanced
Features”, code 9989 to activate this function.
Once the feature is activated, you will see the following codes added to the startup display setting:
Timer Code Chart
ST => “Set Time” Time Set Menu
EN => “Enable” Turn on the timer feature
DS => “Disable” Turn o the timer feature
OH => “On Hour” Hour at which sign is to turn on
OM => “On Minute” Minute at which sign is to turn on
FH => “O Hour” Hour at which sign is to turn o
FM => “O Minute” Minute at which sign is to turn o
HR => “Hour” Set current time hour (24 hour)
MN => “Minutes” Set current time minute