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Overview
The terra-Q is a non-intrusive pavement condition sensor designed to detect ice, snow, or water on the roadway. The sensor utilizes an electro-optical sensor to detect pavement condition without having to install a sensor in the roadway surface. The terra-Q benefits maintenance personnel by warning them immediately when snow or ice begins to form and allows appropriate action to be taken before roads become hazardous.
The terra-Q sensor is contained within a weather-proof, durable housing to protect it from harsh weather elements. This allows the terra-Q to provide accurate readings during any weather condition.
The terra-Q is an excellent alternative in locations where invasive sensors cannot or do not want to be used. With no lane closures or cutting of the roadway required, installation is safe and easy. Additionally, maintenance
requirements are low, making the terra-Q an affordable option for road weather systems. The sensor can be mounted on an existing road weather station or other structure where a clear, unobstructed view of the pavement is available.
Benefits
- Detects formation of snow and ice on the pavement surface
- Remotely senses condition of pavement surface
- Non-intrusive results in quick and easy installations
- Affordable solution for sensing road weather
- Low maintenance costs
- Use with existing RWIS network
Features
- Remote surface sensing of ice, snow, wet, damp and dry
- Easy to install with no lane closures required
- Infrared detector with up to 50 feet (15.24 meter) range
- Rugged design to withstand and measure conditions in all types of weather
- Wiper/washer to keep lens clean
- Window heater
- Interfaces with SSI® Linux RWIS platforms
Performance Specifications
- Data output surface condition: ice/snow/wet/damp/dry
- Multiple wavelengths have the capability to detect black ice
- Measuring area diameter 36 inches at 50 feet (91.44 centimeters at 15.24 meters)
- Elevation angle 30° to 90°
Specifications
| Model Number | PCQ-2400 |
| Power Input | 12 VDC and 24 VAC |
| Maximum Power | 66 watts |
| Operational Temperature | -40°F to 150°F (-40°C to 65.5°C) |
| Sensitivity | ±1°F (±0.56°C) 0.01 inches (0.025 centimeters) ice/water 0.05 inches (0.127 centimeters) snow |
| Surface | Concrete or asphalt (factory selectable) |
| Communication | RS-485 serial link Optional RS-232 or RJ-45 |
| Data Outputs | Surface condition: ice/snow/wet/damp/dry |
| Dimensions | 12.5 inches x 3.75 inches (31.75 centimeters x 9.52 centimeters) |
| Weight | 17 lbs. (7.71 kg) |
| Lens Cleaning | Wiper/washer enclosure Window heater |
| Mean Time Between Failures | 1.5 x 106 hours |
| Contaminant | Insensitive to liquid deicing chemicals |
| Safety | Eye safe class 1 laser |
| Diagnostics | Start up BIT once digital test signal input |