5Functional and operational requirements#

5.1Functional requirements#

The eTCS is required to display the messages as specified in the contract, and detailed in the Queensland MUTCD, TORUM, or TC Signs. The eTCS shall be able to display messages using a combination of LED colours, according to the specific sign face required. In general, the electronic equivalent of a standard sign in the Queensland MUTCD, TORUM, or TC signs is implemented by inverting or changing the background and message colours.

5.2Operational requirements#

The eTCS meeting the above functional requirements shall be mounted on a fixed or portable structure. Refer to Clause 7 for mounting requirements. It should be able to be controlled remotely or locally as detailed in Clause 9. The eTCS shall be able to communicate through the Principals Telecommunications Network (PTN) as specified in MRTS245 ITS Telecommunications Network (ITS TN), and provide options to be energised by solar panels, battery banks as well as mains supply as described in Clause 10.

All vehicle-mounted and trailer / concrete block mounted eTCS used in safety related applications shall only be deployed following the appropriate risk analysis undertaken to ensure safety in the event of sign failure. Example of risk mitigation could include video monitoring of the sign face.

5.2.1eTCS Master / Slave pairing#

Where two eTCS are required to be installed in pairs, one site controller from the pair shall act as the Master controller for both signs and the other as the Slave. This shall be achieved through the setting eTCS to operate either as a Master or Slave via the TMS and/or Product Host Control System (PHCS).

Where a site eTCS is set to operate in Master mode, all remote communications from a TMS, PHCS and/or Hand-Held Device (HHD) for a configured Master and Slave pair shall be accepted by this site controller.

Where a site eTCS is set to operate in Slave mode, all remote communications from a TMS, PHCS and/or HHD for a configured Master and Slave pair shall be ignored.

The connection between master and slave eTCS can be either wired or wireless and shall be reliable for the physical separation between the eTCS signs. Where wireless connection is used, it shall be a secure link.