Caltrans Features Guide - 210 vs 2010ECL vs 2018ECL vs 2018KCL Signal Monitors

Basic Functionality

• Number of Channels
  • Definition: The number of signal channels the monitor can track simultaneously. Each channel typically has a Green, Yellow, and Red field input.
  • 210: 16 channels
  • 2010ECL: 16 channels
  • 2018ECL: 18 channels
  • 2018KCL: 18 channels
• Compatibility
  • Definition: Compliance with industry standards and controller types.
  • 210: Compliant with Caltrans TEES (Traffic Equipment Electrical Specifications).
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Compliant with Caltrans TEES and supports 170 and 2070 Advanced Traffic Controllers.
• Conflict Monitoring
  • Definition: Detects simultaneous conflicting Green or Yellow signal indications assigned as incompatible.
  • All models: Supported.
• 24VDC Power Monitoring
  • Definition: Monitors the 24VDC power supply in the traffic cabinet to detect voltage drops or failures.
  • All models: Supported.
• Watchdog Timer (WDT) Monitoring
  • Definition: Monitors the controller watchdog timer to detect if the controller stops executing commands correctly. The monitor enters fault mode if a logic transition is not detected in the specified time.
  • All models: Supported.

Hardware Features

• Microprocessor-Based Design
  • Definition: Uses microprocessors to perform real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
  • 210: Single microprocessor.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Dual microprocessors for improved fault detection and processing speed.
• Non-Volatile Fault Memory
  • Definition: Stores fault status and event logs even during a power failure.
  • All models: Supported.
• RMS Signal Detection
  • Definition: Uses Root Mean Square (RMS) measurement to accurately detect AC signal voltage levels, reducing sensitivity to frequency and wave distortions.
  • All models: Supported.
• Firmware Upgradability
  • Definition: Allows firmware updates to enhance functionality without hardware replacement.
  • 210: Not supported (fixed firmware).
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported via Flash memory updates.
• Internal MPU Watchdog
  • Definition: Monitors the internal Microprocessor Unit (MPU) for errors and restarts the system if a fault occurs.
  • All models: Supported.
• Datakey Configuration Support
  • Definition: Replaces traditional program cards and DIP switches with a removable Datakey containing non-volatile memory for configuration storage.
  • 210, 2010ECL, 2018ECL: Not supported (uses DIP switches or program cards).
  • 2018KCL: Supported.
• LED Field Signal Monitoring (LEDguard®)
  • Definition: Optimizes monitoring for LED signal loads, which have different electrical characteristics compared to incandescent signals.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.

Fault Monitoring Enhancements

• Red Failure Monitoring
  • Definition: Detects when no Red signal is present on a channel, preventing dark intersections.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.
• Dual Indication Monitoring
  • Definition: Detects when two different color signals (e.g., Green and Yellow, Yellow and Red) are active on the same channel simultaneously.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.
• Clearance Monitoring
  • Definition: Detects missing Yellow Clearance Interval between Green and Red signals to prevent immediate Red after Green.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.
• AC Line Brown-Out Detection
  • Definition: Detects low AC voltage and prevents false triggering of faults.
  • All models: Supported.
• Recurrent Pulse Detection
  • Definition: Identifies intermittent signal failures that occur in short pulses and might be missed by standard monitoring.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.
• Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) Support
  • Definition: Supports Flashing Yellow Arrow (FYA) Mode, ensuring correct operation in intersections with protected-permissive phasing.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.

Communication & Interface

• Serial Communication Port (EIA-232)
  • Definition: Allows connection to a PC or controller for event logging and remote diagnostics.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.
• Ethernet Communication (IP Models Only)
  • Definition: Provides remote access and diagnostics over a network.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECLip, 2018ECLip, 2018KCLip: Supported.
• Diagnostic Display Mode
  • Definition: Displays real-time signal conditions and fault states for troubleshooting.
  • 210: Basic fault display.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Advanced diagnostic display.
• Event Logging
  • Definition: Stores fault logs and channel status history for later analysis.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.

Installation & Programming

• Program Card-Based Configuration
  • Definition: Uses a diode-based program card to configure channel assignments and conflict settings.
  • 210, 2010ECL, 2018ECL: Supported.
  • 2018KCL: Not supported (uses Datakey instead).
• DIP Switch Configuration
  • Definition: Allows manual configuration of settings via DIP switches.
  • 210, 2010ECL, 2018ECL: Supported.
  • 2018KCL: Not supported (uses Datakey instead).
• Remote Configuration Support
  • Definition: Allows remote modification and monitoring using a PC or network.
  • 210: Not supported.
  • 2010ECL, 2018ECL, 2018KCL: Supported.