VER-MAC PCMS-1500 Use and care manual

Trailer-Mounted Message Signs
PCMS-1500 PRO Series, PCMS-1210 PRO Series, PCMS-3812 PRO Series
PCMS-1500 PRO Series PCMS-1210 PRO Series
PCMS-3812 PRO Series
Manual part number: MAN-152
Operation, Safety and Maintenance Manual

ii PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 Ver-Mac 2019
PRO Series Trailer-Mounted Message Signs
PCMS-1500 PRO Series,
PCMS-1210 PRO Series, PCMS-3812 PRO Series
Operation, Safety and Maintenance Manual
MAN-152
List of Revisions
Date
Version
Revision
2019/04/
1.0
Original
2019/11/15 2.0
•Added 1.8 Long-Term Unit Strorage
•Update chapter 10 Sign Case and 12
Battery bank

Ver-Mac 2019 PRO Series PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 iii
Manual Change Information
Customers should note that this manual is up to date at time of issue, but is not subject to automatic
update.
For additional information concerning the latest changes to this document,
please consult our website members section:
http://www.ver-mac.com/extranet/en/members
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Please leave any thought on our products in our feedback section of the support page, here
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Technical Support
For help with any difficulties concerning PCMS units or this manual, please contact Ver-Mac Support:
[e-mail]
Disclaimer
Failure to read and follow the instructions and procedures contained in this manual could result in
failure of the equipment, damage and serious injury.
The owner is responsible for the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.
Failure to properly maintain equipment can also void all guarantees.
This manual contains a complete list of all scheduled maintenance intervals for all Ver-Mac PCMS
units.
Please work safely.
We also request that you notify us of any error
or omission found in our publications.
Information contained in this manual may be modified or corrected without notice.
No part of the contents of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means
without the written permission of the publisher.
© MMXIX Signalisation Ver-Mac Inc.
All rights reserved
Ver-Mac®is a registered trademark of Signalisation Ver-Mac Inc.

iv PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 Ver-Mac 2019
Table of Contents
Table of Contents.............................................................................................................................. iv
1Overview...................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 About your PRO Series Portable Changeable Message Sign Model...................................... 1
1.2 Safety and Warning Information............................................................................................. 2
1.3 Maintenance .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.5 About Replacement Parts ...................................................................................................... 3
1.6 About Maximum Speeds........................................................................................................ 3
1.7 About Tandem Towing........................................................................................................... 4
1.8 Long-Term Unit Storage ........................................................................................................ 4
2Pre-towing and Work Site Inspections ...................................................................................... 6
2.1 Walk-Around Inspection of PCMS Unit .................................................................................. 6
2.2 Work Site Inspection (before PCMS Unit Setup) .................................................................... 8
3Unit Deployment and Removal .................................................................................................. 9
3.1 Trailer Deployment for PRO Series models PCMS-1210 and PCMS-1500 ............................ 9
3.2 Trailer Deployment for PRO Series model PCMS-3812 ......................................................... 9
3.3 Setup for PRO Series models PCMS-1210 and PCMS-1500............................................... 10
3.4 Setup for the PCMS-3812 PRO Series ................................................................................ 10
3.5 Ballast.................................................................................................................................. 11
3.6 Messages ............................................................................................................................ 12
3.7 Takedown of PRO Series models PCMS-1210 and PCMS-1500......................................... 12
3.8 Take Down for the PCMS-3812 PRO Series........................................................................ 13
3.9 Trailer Removal ................................................................................................................... 13
4Trailer Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 14
4.1 Safety and Instructions Stickers........................................................................................... 14
4.2 Pre-Maintenance Procedure ................................................................................................ 14
4.3 Trailer Structure ................................................................................................................... 15
4.4 Jacks ................................................................................................................................... 15
4.5 Trailer Lights and Reflectors ................................................................................................ 16
4.6 PCMS Unit Hardware and Fasteners ................................................................................... 17
5Tires and Rims .......................................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Trailer Tire Wear Diagnostic Chart....................................................................................... 18
5.2 Replacement Tires and Rims............................................................................................... 19
5.3 Lug Nuts on Wheel .............................................................................................................. 19
5.4 Tire and Rim Periodic Maintenance ..................................................................................... 20
6Axles and Suspension.............................................................................................................. 21
6.1 Axle Periodic Maintenance .................................................................................................. 21
7Brakes and Breakaway Systems ............................................................................................. 22
7.1 Electric Brakes..................................................................................................................... 22
7.2 Hydraulic Surge Brakes ....................................................................................................... 23
7.3 Manual Brake on the Trailer................................................................................................. 25
7.4 No Independent Trailer Braking System............................................................................... 25
7.5 Breakaway System .............................................................................................................. 26
7.6 Safety Chains ...................................................................................................................... 27
7.7 Brakes and Breakaway System Periodic Maintenance ........................................................ 28

Ver-Mac 2019 PRO Series PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 v
8Coupler/Hitch ............................................................................................................................ 29
8.1 Pintle Hook and Lunette Ring Combination.......................................................................... 29
8.2 Ball Coupler/Hitch ................................................................................................................ 29
8.3 Coupler/Hitch Periodic Maintenance .................................................................................... 30
9Mast Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 31
9.1 Mast Periodic Maintenance.................................................................................................. 31
9.2 Hydraulic Lift System for Mast ............................................................................................. 31
9.3 Reversible Hand Winch System for Mast............................................................................. 32
10 Sign Case............................................................................................................................... 35
10.1 PRO Series Mast Brake for PCMS-1210 and PCMS-1500 .................................................. 35
10.2 PRO Series Mast Brake for PCMS-3812.............................................................................. 35
10.3 Photocells ............................................................................................................................ 36
10.4 Radar Device....................................................................................................................... 36
10.5 Sign Display......................................................................................................................... 36
10.6 Signboard Exterior Periodic Maintenance ............................................................................ 36
10.7 Signboard Interior Periodic Maintenance ............................................................................. 38
11 Solar Array............................................................................................................................. 39
11.1 Solar Panels ........................................................................................................................ 39
11.2 Orientation and Tilt .............................................................................................................. 39
11.3 Care and Cleaning of Solar Panels...................................................................................... 40
11.4 Replacement Solar Panels................................................................................................... 40
11.5 Solar Array Periodic Maintenance........................................................................................ 41
12 Battery Bank .......................................................................................................................... 42
12.1 Sealed Battery Maintenance ................................................................................................ 42
12.2 Suggested Recharging Times.............................................................................................. 43
12.3 Charging the Batteries with the Onboard Charger................................................................ 44
12.4 Replacement Batteries......................................................................................................... 44
12.5 Battery Bank Periodic Maintenance ..................................................................................... 45
13 V-Touch Controller and Regulator ....................................................................................... 46
13.1 Controller and Regulator Periodic Maintenance ................................................................... 46
13.2 Solar Regulator.................................................................................................................... 47
14 Appendix A – Full Brake Maintenance................................................................................. 49
14.1 Full Brake Maintenance (Hydraulic and Electric Systems) ................................................... 49
15 Appendix B – Safety, Instructions Stickers......................................................................... 50
16 Appendix C –Telescopic Camera Operation ....................................................................... 54
16.1 Trailer Deployment .............................................................................................................. 54
16.2 Solar Panels and Camera Setup.......................................................................................... 54
16.3 Sign Case Setup.................................................................................................................. 55
16.4 Sign Case Takedown........................................................................................................... 55
16.5 Solar Panels and Camera Takedown................................................................................... 55
16.6 Positioning Unit for Transport............................................................................................... 56
16.7 Safety Stickers for the Camera Option................................................................................. 56
Warranty Statement ......................................................................................................................... 59

Overview Give us your thoughts
Ver-Mac 2019 PRO Series PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 1
1 Overview
This manual is intended to guide owners and operators in the safe operation and
maintenance of Ver-Mac trailer-mounted PCMS units.
The maintenance procedures and schedules described in this manual apply to Ver-Mac
manufactured PCMS units in general.
It is important to know that PCMS units:
•Differ from one model to another.
•Contain component parts from manufacturers other than Ver-Mac.
•Vary according to optional additional components and devices that may have been
added to the unit.
•May have been customized according to the original purchaser’s specifications.
Please make sure that all personnel have read and understood this manual before putting
your PCMS unit into operation.
NOTE Installation, operation and maintenance of PCMS units, as well as any necessary
repair work, should only be carried out by qualified person.
1.1 About your PRO Series Portable Changeable Message Sign
Model
This manual covers operation, safety and maintenance for all trailer-mounted models of our PRO
Series Portable Changeable Message Sign. You will find your model in the battery box or on the
vehicle identification number (VIN) plate. In JamLogic, our fleet management software, you will need
to enter pixel numbers rather than a model. Here is a table describing the various models:
Model Controller Wi-Fi Display
size (in.)
Display
Resolution
(HxW, pixels)
Particularity
PCMS-1210 PRO
Series
In battery
box Yes 71 x 133
3-line
8 characters/line
18 in. characters, V-Sync Wi-Fi
Technology, no off switch, Stealth
technology, tongue wheel jack,
indexed rod mast brake.
PCMS-1500 PRO
Series
In battery
box Yes 75 x 131
Full-Matrix
28 x 48
18 in. characters, V-Sync Wi-Fi
Technology, no off switch, Stealth
technology, tongue wheel jack,
indexed rod mast brake
PCMS-3812 PRO
Series
In battery
box Yes 53 x 91
Full-Matrix
27 x 48
12-inch characters, Manual
winch, V-Sync Wi-Fi Technology,
no off switch, Stealth technology,
tongue wheel jack, indexed rod
mast brake

Overview Give us your thoughts
2 PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 Ver-Mac 2019
1.2 Safety and Warning Information
Basic safety precautions and procedures as well as important points to remember
during operation of the PCMS unit appear throughout this manual.
DANGER, WARNING, and CAUTION indications, as well as Notices, are posted in
appropriate locations in this manual.
A chapter at the end of this manual contains illustrations and parts numbers for all the
decals in use on Ver-Mac PCMS units.
In addition, safety and warning decals are displayed on the PCMS units themselves for
the express purpose of alerting personnel to potential hazards.
DANGER
Indicates a high level of risk for serious personal injury.
WARNING
Indicates a moderate level of risk for personal injury and potential
for damage to equipment.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially unsafe practice and risk for minor personal
injury.
NOTE Refers to an important feature that the operator should be aware of for maximum
operating efficiency of the equipment or to help in completing a procedure.
1.3 Maintenance
Maintenance is a guide to equipment care. Regular maintenance means:
•Less likelihood of equipment failure and down-time for repairs
•Greater reliability of operating
•Improved safety of personnel and public
As with all mechanical equipment, routine maintenance is best practice to preserve the
life of the PCMS unit and to ensure that it is running safely and properly.
Because PCMS units are generally stationary for relatively long periods of time in
tough worksite environments, maintenance tasks focus mainly on prevention and
removal of rust and corrosion.
Maintenance tasks are recommended at least once a year. Thorough maintenance is
especially recommended before the PCMS unit goes into long-term storage or after
hard use.
NOTE
Lack of maintenance can invalidate any and all guarantee provisions.

Overview Give us your thoughts
Ver-Mac 2019 PRO Series PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 3
Before undertaking any of the maintenance procedures in this manual please list the
following:
1. Model of the PCMS unit.
2. Braking system (hydraulic, electric or none) on the trailer.
3. Type of hitch/coupler (pintle/lunette ring or ball-type) on the trailer.
4. Type of hoist (hydraulic lift or reversible hand winch) to raise the mast.
5. Peripheral devices attached to the PCMS unit.
6. PCMS unit components not manufactured by Ver-Mac.
NOTE
For detailed information on the maintenance requirements of any PCMS unit
component assembled by, but not manufactured by Signalisation Ver-Mac,
please consult the relevant manufacturer’s Maintenance manual.
1.4 Troubleshooting
When contacting support please make sure to have the following:
Be at the unit when contacting support.
Make sure to bring a voltmeter.
The serial number will be requiring for troubleshooting.
1.5 About Replacement Parts
Replacement parts for PCMS may vary according to models. To know the correct
replacement part:
•See the PCMS Parts Manual for your unit or contact Ver-Mac Support for further
information.
•Before calling Ver-Mac for assistance, please make sure you have the
identification number of your PCMS in hand.
oVehicle Identification Number (VIN) is on the tongue of the trailer.
oSerial number is on the PCMS panel or in the control box.
1.6 About Maximum Speeds
Ver-Mac recommends a maximum towing speed of 90 km/h (55 mph) for a trailer-
mounted PCMS moving to or from worksites, in transport mode only.
WARNING
Always install the trailer in transport mode before leaving. Pulling
a trailer in operating mode could cause permanent damage to
the structure.

Overview Give us your thoughts
4 PCMS Operations, Safety & Maintenance V2 Ver-Mac 2019
1.7 About Tandem Towing
Tandem towing is possible with the PCMS-3812PRO Series only, under certain conditions stated in
this section.
WARNING
Tandem towing can pose a threat to public safety and should be avoided
whenever possible. During tandem towing, be aware that the load behind your
vehicle is heavier, longer and therefore might be an issue for street corners and
tricky displacements.
Although trailer-mounted PCMSs can be towed in tandem, Ver-Mac does not
encourage this practice. Restrictions apply. You are responsible for conforming to all
local provincial or state regulations.
CAUTION
To comply with federal laws, make sure all lights on second trailer
are working before towing tandem units.
1.8 Long-Term Unit Storage
It is recommended to follow the full maintenance procedure before storing the sign for
a long period of time
Normally, when the sign is turned off it goes into a low power stand-by mode. However,
when storing the sign for a long period of time, the power should be cut-off completely
to preserve the batteries.
Prior of storing the unit:
1. Assure the batteries are already charged before storing the sign
2. Open the battery box:
3. Find the connecter as referenced in the image below: it is a small red square
connector. The cable is labeled K-2062 and identified as Batt +