K&K Systems MB14821 - User Manual

This document is an operating manual for a Changeable Message Sign manufactured by K&K Systems, Inc., a traffic safety products company established in 1997. The manual provides comprehensive information on the device's functionality, programming, troubleshooting, and maintenance.

The Changeable Message Sign is a mobile LED display designed for traffic safety applications. It can be mounted on a service vehicle or a trailer, utilizing either a winch-type or hydraulic lift system. The signs feature energy-efficient LED displays and solar panels, ensuring bright and continuous message display in various weather conditions, day or night. The units are fabricated from aluminum with a flat black powder coat finish for durability and rust prevention.

Function Description:

The primary function of the Changeable Message Sign is to display predefined and custom messages, alphanumeric text, and, for Full Matrix Message Signs, MUTCD graphics and animations. The message signs are designed to capture motorists' attention, with an option to make the message flash.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Power Source:
  • Trailer Mount: Incorporates a 12-volt battery pack. Standard configurations include four 12-volt sealed batteries (400 amps total) or two 12-volt batteries (200 amps total). Units come standard with 140 watts of solar power. A solid-state charge controller/low voltage disconnect, built into the CrossTalk system, regulates the battery bank, preventing gassing and over-discharging.
  • Vehicle Mount: Comes with a 25ft power cable for integration into the vehicle's existing power system. A smart controller prevents battery drain when the message board is off. Arrow boards are designed for operation when the vehicle's engine is on, but can be operated sparingly when off.
• LED Display: Super bright LED technology with a 100,000-hour rating.
• Message Sign Types: Available in one-line, two-line, and three-line configurations, with various mounting options and sizes. Full Matrix Message Signs can display graphics and animations.
• Connectivity: Wireless connectivity via K&K cloud-based CrossTalk software, Bluetooth-connected tablet with installed software, or an on-board qwerty keyboard.
• Battery Box (Trailer Mount): Ventilated, steel-fabricated with a top-mount lid, sealed with hardware to protect batteries, charger, and hydraulic system.
• Control Box: Contains the control panel, on/off switch, main processing unit, keyboard, solar charge controller, Bluetooth tablet, and CrossTalk Controller. Constructed of heavy-duty aluminum and weatherproof.
• Trailer: Fabricated from tubular steel with a tubular steel axle. Powder-coated in safety orange, black, or white (custom colors available). Features adjustable jacks at each corner, a wheeled jack on the tongue, and dual combination reflective taillights with stop, tail, and turn signals. Standard with five-lug wheels and tires.

Usage Features:

• Programming:
  • Keyboard Programming: Allows creation and editing of Changeable Messages (custom messages), display of Permanent Messages (predefined), and creation of Message Sequences (multi-page messages).
    • Changeable Messages: Can be 2, 3, or 4 lines of text, with varying character counts per line depending on font style.
    • Permanent Messages: Predefined text and graphic messages (listed on pages 21-27 of the manual) activated by typing a corresponding number.
    • Message Sequences: Messages spanning multiple pages, displayed sequentially, created from Changeable or Permanent Messages or a combination.
    • Font Styles: Users can select Regular, Bold, Tall, or Short font styles.
    • Message Flash: An option to make Changeable Messages flash to attract attention.
  • Quick Selection Thumb Wheel: Located on the on-board controller keyboard, it provides access to 16 frequently used messages without requiring login. Users can create and assign messages (1-16) to this wheel for quick display.
  • Bluetooth Tablet Programming: Utilizes a handheld tablet with K&K's SignMaster software for creating and sending messages.
    • Message Editor: Allows typing new messages (max 8 characters per line), editing, and selecting Preset Messages.
    • Formatting Text: Options to blink messages, align text (flush left, centered, flush right), adjust letter spacing (horizontal, vertical), and change text size and style.
    • Arrow Modes: For Full Matrix displays, MUTCD-approved arrow patterns can be selected and animated.
  • Wireless Programming (CrossTalk Online Software): Cloud-based software accessible via http://www.kkCrossTalk.com.
    • CrossTalk Controller: An advanced, solar-powered lighting controller with on-board cellular technology (3G/4G) and short-range wireless (900MHz). Provides real-time access, status monitoring, diagnostics, and control for multiple units.
    • Locations Menu: Displays available units, allowing for name and description editing.
    • Message Commander: Allows entering custom messages, selecting preset messages, editing messages, and selecting arrow modes.
    • Preset Messages: Users can select from a list of predefined messages and customize them.
    • Custom Messages: Create and save custom messages.
    • Arrow Modes: Select MUTCD-approved arrow patterns for Full Matrix displays.
    • Settings: Controls message timing, flash rate, dimming, radar enable/disable, radar message selection, radar time-out, and speed limit settings.
    • Control: Provides access to confirm date and time settings, perform tests, and receive information on current working status and location.
• Trailer Setup: Involves positioning the trailer, chocking wheels, bracing and leveling with jacks, and optionally removing the tongue.
• Elevating/Lowering Sign: Operated by a toggle switch (RAISE/LOWER) on the controller. Requires unlocking/locking the hand brake and inserting a locking pin at maximum height.

Maintenance Features:

• General Precautions: Inspect unit upon delivery for loose wires/plugs, periodically inspect trailer/unit components (wheels, tongue, pins, chains, lights, nuts, bolts, cable clamps), off-load traffic cones/barricades before deployment, properly set up and level trailer with jack stands, use safety chains and proper hitch ball, and tow in the down position.
• Solar Panels: Clean every 6 months with soapy water and a soft cloth to maintain efficiency. Periodically check wiring connections and inspect for damage. Ensure the panel is facing South.
• Batteries: Sealed batteries. Check terminals for proper connection, tightness, and corrosion every 6 months. Charge if below 12.3 volts. Recommended charging every 3-6 months regardless of weather. Dispose of batteries according to local laws.
• Battery Charger: Preset in automatic position; settings should not be changed. Plug into a standard 120-volt AC for charging.
• Long-Term Storage:
  • Trailer Mount: Store outdoors in a sunny area to maintain battery charge. If stored indoors, keep plugged into AC charger. Inspect all systems before re-operation.
  • Vehicle Mount: Turn POWER switch OFF. Inspect all systems before re-operation.
• Troubleshooting: Comprehensive guides for Vehicle Mount and Trailer Mount (Keyboard and Wireless) issues, covering problems like the sign not powering on, LCD initializing, messages not saving, dim/bright issues, sign not raising/lowering, dead pixels, and incorrect LED panel displays.
• Fuse Location & Replacement (CrossTalk): Instructions for accessing and replacing the 10 amp Low Profile Mini Fuse on the CrossTalk controller.
• Keyboard Battery Location & Replacement: Instructions for locating and replacing the CR2032 battery on the motherboard.