Code 3 TriCore NarrowStik Controller - Manual (Page 8)

8
Control Head Programming
Introduction
The 8 Output LED Narrowstik™ controller was designed to offer independent 8 output control along with user programmability to
allow selection from a variety of traffic directing signals and traffic warning options. This allows the greatest flexibility when controlling
any one of the various Narrowstik™ configurations available. The end user can match the desired signal to a particular Narrowstik™
configuration whether it be an 8, 6 or 5 head configuration. The controller can also be setup to replace a current 5 output controller
for those users that have a 7 wire Narrowstik™ system.
Most controllers will come from the factory with the factory default pattern
configuration installed. The default configuration will be for an 8 head system with all building patterns ( Building 8 HD ). If it is desired
to change any pattern in any of the slide switch positions (LFT, CTR, RHT or FLSH) or if you have other than an 8 head system ( 6 or
5 head ) and you want to optimize the patterns for your particular configuration then follow the programming procedure outlined below.
Programming
As mentioned previously, most control heads will come from the factory set in the default configuration which is the Building 8HD
(output) configuration. See Table 1, page 12. The current configuration can be checked by observing the operation of the front panel
indicator LED's with the control head powered. Figure 6, Page 11, shows how to use the indicator LEDs on the front panel to deter-
mine if the control head is in an 8, 6 or 5 head configuration.
Note: It will be important to view the front panel indicator LEDs during the programming procedure while stepping through
the signal options. Review figure 6, on page 11, completely before proceeding. Signals are available for 8, 6 or 5 head con-
figurations.
Procedure
The following procedure will assume that you are programming a control head shipped for use with a Narrowsik or light bar. For pro-
gramming a control head shipped for use with a Large LED Narrowstik™ (S23179), the procedure will be the same but the available
patterns are different (see Table 2, Page 12).
Refer to the traffic directing signal options in Table 1, page 12, for the following procedure.
STEP 1
The programming input, located on the rear panel 14-position plug (see rear panel view on page 4 or 5), is activated by pulling this
terminal to GND. You will need to either temporarily connect a wire to this terminal or find another means to supply GND to this
terminal during the programming process.
STEP 2
Power-up the control head and place the front panel slide switch in the position that you wish to program (LFT,CTR,RHT,FLSH ). At
this point you can observe the front panel LED indicators. Using figure 6 on page 11 and Table 1 on page 12, determine what pattern
and configuration the control head is currently in, (if not in the factory default).
Alternatively, if desired, you can hold the programming terminal to GND until the front panel indicator LEDs go out (and the
Narrowstik if connected) and HOLD for 5 seconds, or longer, and then release to put the unit in the factory default configu-
ration. All eight indicator LEDs (and the NarrowStik if connected) will flash 3 times to indicate that the unit is in the factory
default configuration. Resetting the unit to the factory default while operating any arrow (LFT, CTR, RHT) pattern will reset all
arrow patterns. Resetting the unit to the factory default while operating the FLSH pattern will only reset the traffic warning
pattern.
Once the pattern / configuration has been determined, or you have reset the unit to the factory default, proceed to Step 3.
STEP 3
Refer to Table 1, on Page 12. This table shows the available patterns for each slide switch position and their order in program
memory. Notice that for the LFT, CTR and RHT positions there are four (4) pattern choices; Building, Building with 3 Flash, Traveling
with 3 Flash, and Build/Collapse and three (3) configurations; 8, 6, or 5HD. There are a total of twelve possible selections (1-12) and
then you return to the top selection, Building 8 HD. Starting from the first pattern in Table 1 you can step through each pattern, (1-4)
for an 8HD, (5-8) for a 5HD and (9-12) for a 6 HD configuration, by momentarily holding the programming input terminal to GND for
1-2 sec, until the indicator LEDs (and Narrowstik if connected) are OFF, and then releasing. This will step the control head to the next
pattern in Table 1 for the selected slide switch position. The new pattern is automatically stored each time.
Note: Remember to HOLD the programming terminal to GND until you are sure the indicator LEDs, and Narrowstik™ (if con-
nected), are OFF before releasing the GND from the programming terminal.