FAQs
FAQs on the AV-400 RRFB
Our FAQs are designed to address your most pressing questions about the AV-400 Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB), ensuring you have the information needed for its effective use and understanding. All guidance provided is grounded in the current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Standards, as detailed in the 11th Edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), specifically Chapter 4L. This ensures that our recommendations and answers align with the latest safety protocols and regulatory requirements for RRFB use.
How long will the batteries of the AV-400 last?
The batteries have an expected lifespan of 3-5 years. The AV-400 is designed to keep the batteries at a near full state of charge, which is the most important factor in maximizing battery life.
How much do replacement batteries for the AV-400 RRFB cost?
The replacement batteries for the AV-400 cost $50-100 and are readily available from battery suppliers.
Can the batteries of the AV-400 handle cold temperatures?
Yes. The batteries used in the AV-400 have been used in a range of solar traffic device applications for many years in locations throughout North America, including challenging locations in Northern Alberta and Northern States in the Midwest.
Do high temperatures affect the battery life of the AV-400?
Yes. Higher temperatures will reduce the battery life, and moderate temperatures will increase battery life. The AV-400 is designed with a thermally isolated battery enclosure, which reduces battery ambient temperature to maximize battery life.
Will the AV-400 work in our location?
The AV-400 is designed and proven to perform in extremely challenging solar conditions. Ultra-efficient electronic and optical technology gives the AV-400 more operating capacity than most systems 3 or 4 times its size. This said, there are limits to every solar product. We provide a complimentary assessment and solar performance report of potential crosswalk locations to ensure system reliability.
How much does the AV-400 weigh?
The AV-400 weighs less than 20 lbs with the batteries installed.
Will the AV-400 mount to 4” Diameter poles?
Yes. The AV-400 has a universal mounting system that is compatible with all pole types, including 4” diameter poles.
What size of sign post will the AV-400 mount to?
The AV-400 will mount to 2”, 2 ¼”, and 2 ½” Square Post (Telespar) as well as any round sign post that is 2 ⅜” dia or greater.
Does the AV-400’s mounting hardware need to be ordered separately?
No, the universal mounting bracket comes installed on the AV-400 solar engine, and the lightbar mounting bracket is included with each lightbar.
Is there a different model solar engine for single-sided and dual-sided lightbars?
No, the AV-400 solar engine can power either one or two lightbars.
What type of push buttons can be used with the AV-400?
The AV-400 is compatible with the following ADA, MUTCD, and TAC Compliant push buttons:
- Polara BDSP-014 BullDog III
- Campbell 4 EVR MOAB
- Pelco Passport SE-2172
- Polara iNX / iDX Push Button Station
What is the light on the side of the AV-400 lightbar for?
The side light on the AV-400 lightbar provides a visual confirmation to the pedestrian using the system that it is flashing. The confirmation light is perpendicular to the main LED modules and is visible to the pedestrian when looking across the roadway in the direction of the crosswalk.
How visible are the lights of the AV-400 RRFB?
The brightness and beam pattern of RRFBs are specified under SAE J595 Class I. The AV-400 exceeds the minimum intensity requirements by up to three times.
Does the AV-400 RRFB dim the lights at night?
Yes, the light intensity of the AV-400 is dimmed at night, which is a requirement specified in the MUTCD 11th Edition, Chapter 4L. Night dimming is important so the light does not impair a driver’s ability to see pedestrians because of disability or discomfort glare.
Why is the angle of the AV-400 lightbar adjustable?
The RRFB beam pattern is very directional, which is one of the reasons it is so bright and visible. Because of this, it is very important to aim the lightbar to the oncoming vehicle lane(s). This is particularly important for the lightbar positioned on the left-hand side of the roadway. The AV-400 lightbar has a robust mounting bracket that is easily adjustable in the field.
What flash pattern is used by the Availed Technologies AV-400?
The AV-400 uses the standard RRFB flash pattern specified in the MUTCD 11th Edition (Chapter 4L), which is known as WW+S (wig-wag plus simultaneous).
How do you adjust the flash duration of the AV-400 RRFB?
The AV-400 controller has adjustment dials to set the flash duration.
What does the wireless feature of the AV-400 do?
Each AV-400 solar engine is equipped with wireless technology that connects all the units at the crosswalk so that when a button is pressed at any unit, all the units will flash. The solar engine has a push button wire that is connected to the local push button.
What is the wireless range of the Availed Technologies AV-400 RRFB?
The wireless range of the AV-400 is 1000 feet.
What if there are multiple crosswalks close to one another?
Crosswalk systems within one mile of another should be set to another channel to avoid crosstalk. Channel selection is an easy field adjustment using the controller dials.
Will other products with wireless technology affect the AV-400?
No. The AV-400 has a robust and secure peer-to-peer mesh network 2.4 GHz spread spectrum proprietary wireless system that is not affected by other wireless devices.
Does the wireless system of the AV-400 require configuration?
No. The AV-400 solar engine requires no configuration and will automatically communicate with one another.