Automatic Gate Controller
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PLC Component
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In a joint
development project with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT),
Tolltex and FDOT staff designed a specialized controller to manage operations
of existing automatic gates. The design was based on a PLC-based gate
controller that Tolltex developed for FDOT in 1996 to process multiple
payment signals and control gate operations. An "ACM Control Module"
designed by FDOT was added to provide additional controls needed for the
application. Tolltex is manufacturing both units. The PLC component is
shown on the left outside of its metal enclosure.
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ACM Control Module
Click image for larger
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The
ACM Control Module is shown on the left in its die-cast enclosure. Quick
disconnect cabling connections allow for easy maintenance and each connection
is keyed differently to ensure the correct attachment of the cables. LEDs
on the front of the module indicate the status of payment and exit loop
activation's.
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Summary
The two components needed
to be mounted inside of existing Automatic Coin Machine cabinets. This restricted
the size due to the limited amount of space. The solution was to functionally
separate the control methods that were needed into two physical components.
Therefore, the amount of available space for each component was a technical
challenge that was met with the design.
The basic operation of the
gate controller is that it receives signals from the coin machine as well as
ETC payment signals. The controller sorts these signals out and controls the
Up/Down movement of the automatic gates that are used in each lane.
The initial prototypes were
built in early 2001 and tested by FDOT staff. Following the tests, an additional
12 were provided. In total, approximately 140 lanes will be equipped with the
gate controllers.
Get a cutsheet version of this page by downloading gate_control.pdf
(319K).
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© 2001 Tolltex, Inc.
