carmanah MX 300 Crosswalk RRFB or Sign Cabinet Module Installation Guide

: October 30, 2023
: carmanah

MX 300 Crosswalk RRFB or Sign Cabinet Module

MX 300 Cabinet Module

The MX 300 Cabinet Module is a component of Carmanah’s MX Series systems. The Solar version includes additional solar charge controller circuitry and a battery, while the AC version includes an AC-DC power supply. Both versions come with a schedule function, day/night determination, radio for wireless synchronization, remote connectivity hardware, and system-level settings.

Before installation, it is recommended to review the MX Series LEVEL 1 System Planner, which provides an overview of the system’s features, operation standards, and installation procedures. Failure to comply with the instructions detailed in that document could void the warranty. The LEVEL 1 System Planner is available online at support.carmanah.com. After reviewing the LEVEL 1 System Planner, this document provides instructions for installing the MX 300 Cabinet Module. Once installed, other modules and/or kits can be installed separately to complete the system installation. The factory default settings will be activated once the system is installed and energized. The settings can be changed using the MX Field App, which can be downloaded from carmanah.com/app. Remote access is available through the MX Cloud at MXcloud.live. It is important to note that batteries are shipped fully charged and should be handled with extreme caution as they can generate hazardous short-circuit currents. Remove all jewelry before handling batteries. Do not let battery terminals contact any exposed metal, and do not connect battery and solar panel harnesses until all system wiring is completed.

The product warranty begins on the earlier of in-field commissioning or 6 months after the original ship date. If the system is powered up prior to being installed in the field, the warranty will start.

MX Series Product Level Document Overview

Introduction

The MX 300 Cabinet Module is available in Solar and AC versions. Solar versions contain additional solar charge controller circuitry and a battery, while AC versions contain an AC-DC power supply. All versions contain a schedule function, day/night determination, radio for wireless synchronization, remote connectivity hardware and system-level settings.

Before installation, thoroughly review the MX Series LEVEL 1 System Planner which will familiarize you with the
features, operation standards and installation procedures of Carmanah’s MX Series systems. Failure to comply with the use, storage, maintenance, installation or placement instructions detailed in that document could void the warranty. MX Series documentation is also available online at support.carmanah.com.

After reviewing the LEVEL 1 System Planner, this document is the next step to installing your MX Series system.

Carmanah power modules provide key system functionality, including:

Power for connected devices:
- MX RRFB/Beacon/LED Sign Modules (referred to as flasher modules)
- Triggers (push buttons, passive detectors, radars)
- Regulated power output
Schedule programming
Wireless connection to other modules, such as an adjacent crosswalk flasher
Remote connectivity hardware
System details (name, GPS location, health)

First, install the MX 300 Cabinet Module using this guide; then, install any other modules and/or kits, with their included guides, to complete the installation.

Once the system is installed and energized, it will operate to its factory default settings which, depending on the application, may include some of the following:

Flash pattern
Trigger mode
Night dimming
Radio operation
Intensity
Network settings

TO COMPLETE SETUP: Use MX Field App to program/link modules and change default settings. Download: carmanah.com/app
FOR REMOTE ACCESS: Log into MX Cloud: MXcloud.live

Batteries are shipped fully charged. Use extreme caution when handling batteries as they can generate hazardous short-circuit currents. Remove all jewelry (bracelets, metal-strap watches, etc.) before handling batteries.

Electrical shock hazard. Do not let battery terminals contact any exposed metal. Do not connect battery and solar panel harnesses until all system wiring is completed.
Product warranty begins on the earlier of in-field commissioning or 6 months after the original ship date. (If the system is powered up prior to being installed in the field, the warranty will start.)

Installation Notes
For solar versions, ensure the solar panel installation location has an unobstructed view of the sun’s path. Obstructions such as trees or buildings could significantly reduce the amount of energy collected by the solar panel. All solar panels should face approximately the same direction and be pointed south (in North America). Shade analysis is highly recommended to understand how shadows will change according to the time of year. Contact Carmanah for a detailed solar site assessment and Solar Power Report (SPR) that demonstrates expected system performance over a 12-month period.
To increase the reliability of radio communications, the MX 300 Cabinet Module should be located and oriented to ensure there is direct line-of-sight between the antennas of multiple systems and so structures or sources of interference (large signs, overpasses, powerlines, etc.) are as far away from the communication path as possible. If it is not possible to locate and orient the MX 300 Cabinet Module for optimal radio performance, antenna extension kits are available–contact Carmanah for more details.

Pole Preparation

Mark positions of cabinet, flasher module(s) and any accessories on pole.
Drill cable exit/entry points as required for equipment listed above.
Fish harness between cabinet and flasher module(s):
- run harness to each flasher module as well as MX 300 Cabinet Module (recommended), or
- daisy-chain flasher modules together (distributed approach).
As much as possible, ensure solar panel is pointing south (if you are in North America).

Tools and Materials Required

The following tools and materials may be required to mount your MX Series system depending on the model and configuration:

Imperial socket set
Crescent wrench
Tap set
Imperial hex key set
Fish tape
Level
Compass or pre-determined equatorial direction
Drill, drill bits and hole saws
Fine tip felt marker
Multi-bit screwdriver
0.138″ slotted screwdriver
Pelco Roger Wrench (optional)
Hook spanner wrench, 1.5″ trade size
Ladder or lift device
Lithium grease
Electrical Multimeter (optional)

Product Labels

The information appearing on the MX Series identification labels is described below: carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-2

The power module status LED and button operation are described on the label below:

MX 300 Cabinet Module Overview

Each Carmanah MX 300 Cabinet Module has the following parts:

carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-4

MX Series Controller Overview

carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-5

Group	Terminal	Description

Trigger

|

INPUT +

| Hardware push button or switch inputs. Multiple connections may be made in parallel.

The trigger is not a dry contact type. Until a connected button is pressed, 12-15 V is present between the input terminals, regardless of configuration. Pressing a connected button shorts the terminals and removes the voltage, triggering an activation. Failure to isolate input signals operating at different voltages or connecting devices that are designed to operate in a different voltage range could result in poor performance or equipment damage. Please contact Carmanah for additional support about non-standard input devices.

INPUT −

12V OUT +| Provides 12-15 VDC (maximum 1 A) to power devices such as audible push buttons, low power radars or third-party time switches.
12V OUT −
CONFIRM +| This terminal provides a steady 12-15 VDC signal whenever the system is activated and no faults are detected. Note the voltage across these terminals will drop 1 V for every 1 mA of current drawn. If the system voltage is 12 V and 4 mA is drawn, for example, the voltage will drop by 4 V to 8 V.

CONFIRM −

Flasher Module Connections

| SYNC| Provides synchronization and communication data between power and flasher modules. Can be daisy-chained between flasher modules to simplify wiring.
STAT
12V+| Provides 12-15 VDC to power connected flasher modules. Can be daisy-chained between flasher modules to simply wiring.
12V −
Accessory Power and Alarm Connections (Power Module only)| 12V OUT +| Available for DC-powered accessories, or switched for activated accessories (e.g., overhead lighting) to a maximum of 5 A. Consult with Carmanah before adding loads to the system.
12V OUT −
ALARM +|

A normally-closed switch (such as a door switch on cabinet-based devices) can be wired to these terminals to trigger an alarm.

ALARM −

Power Source Connections

| SOLAR +|

Solar panel connections routed to the charge controller.

SOLAR −
BATTERY +| Solar systems have two connectors that mate to one or two battery harnesses. AC cabinet systems have one connector that mates AC/DC power supply harness.
BATTERY −

Installing Nipple and/or Conduit Fitting

The MX 300 cabinet ships without openings for cable routing or conduit fittings. Nine drill point indentations are provided on the external rear and bottom surfaces of the cabinet to facilitate drilling in the desired location. Included with the system is a 1-1/4″ trade size nipple (OD 1.66″), sealing locknut and bushing for use when cables are to be run inside the pole.

Locate desired drill point indentation or other suitable location on cabinet.
Drill hole to size needed for fitting.
Deburr hole and remove chips.
Install fitting.

carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-6

Note: Take care not to damage internal components or cabling when drilling holes. Not all hole locations are suitable for all product versions.

Installing Pole Mount Brackets

The MX 300 cabinet can be fastened directly to a square pole or other flat surface using the two holes in the back wall of the cabinet and suitable hardware (not included): carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-
Module-fig-7

Alternatively, the MX 300 cabinet can be banded to a variety of poles using the two included pole mount brackets, bolts and sealing washers:

Insert provided bolts and sealing washers into holes in back of cabinet.
Thread pole mount brackets onto bolts and tighten.

Note: Pole mount sealing washers must be installed with the rubber side facing the back cabinet wall.

Mounting Cabinet

To mount the MX 300 cabinet to a pole with internal cable routing:

Drill 1.75″ diameter hole in pole for nipple (see reference dimensions below).
Deburr hole and fish cables.
Bring cabinet against pole and secure in place with a strap or similar.
Follow banding manufacturer’s instructions to band cabinet pole brackets to pole using up to 0.75″ wide banding.
Apply suitable sealant around nipple.

MX 300 Cabinet Module System Wiring

Wiring Modules Centralized Approach (Recommended)

carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-10

Note: System view simplified for illustration. For any point where water may collect on a cable and drip onto module electronics, a drip loop should be used.

Wiring Modules Distributed Approach

carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-12

Note: Prior to using distributed wiring approach, refer to LEVEL 1 System Planner for guidelines with respect to maximum harness lengths and number of loads.

Solar Panel and Battery Connections

Warning: Batteries are shipped fully charged. Use extreme caution when handling the batteries as they can generate hazardous short-circuit currents. Remove all jewelry (bracelets, metal-strap watches, etc.) before handling the batteries.

Install solar panel and mount kit following instructions provided with kit. Route solar cable into cabinet. Do not mate MC4 connectors to solar panel yet.
Unpack batteries and terminal hardware (packaged separately) and battery harness (packaged with MX 300).
Fasten ring terminals to battery terminals as shown:
- Red wire to positive battery terminal, black wire to negative battery terminal.
- Install screws, washers and nuts to terminals and tighten firmly.
- Place battery boot over positive terminal.
Remove solar screw terminal connector from circuit board. Ensure MC4 solar connectors are disconnected. Insert red and black wires into connector and tighten screws. Reinstall screw terminal connector onto circuit board connector. Note: Ensure solar wires are installed into correct positions on solar connector:
- ```
  * Red wire to terminal marked +
```
- Black wire to terminal marked –
- Finish installation of all modules and kits prior to powering up the system.
Install battery into cabinet. Finish other system wiring before mating battery harness and circuit board connectors as shown. Install cable ties to secure cables.
System will energize and operate at factory default settings. See LEVEL 1 guide for more detail.
Follow solar kit instructions to complete solar panel installation and mate MC4 connectors.

AC Connections

Warning: Ensure all equipment and wiring is de-energized during installation and wiring of the system.
Caution: The MX 300 AC provides supplementary overcurrent protection only. Ensure branch-rated overcurrent protection is provided when installing.
Note: The MX 300 AC cabinet accepts nominal input voltages of 120 V or 240 V and is equipped with a 4 A input fuse.

Open fuse holder as shown below.
Strip jacket of incoming AC cable by 5 6″. Strip insulation 0.35 0.40″ on the three wires.
Loosen terminal block and fuse holder screws and insert wires into terminals. Tighten to 6 in-lb. Pull test wires to ensure they are secure. Install cable tie to incoming cable jacket.
Finish other system wiring.
When incoming AC cable is powered and fuse holder is closed, system will energize and operate at factory default settings. See LEVEL 1 guide for more detail.
Note: Finish installation of all modules and kits prior to powering up the system.

Wiring Notes

MX-specific color-coded harnesses are available from Carmanah with appropriate gauges and ratings for ease of install (recommended approach).
Due to the variety of devices that can be connected, color assignments shown may not be correct in all cases. Confirm correct connectivity and polarity for each fixture or device type.
Secure cables to “dog bone” features with cable ties.

Note: Refer to the LEVEL 1 System Planner for more details on the wire types, colors and in-depth wiring information.

Commissioning Checklist

After installing and configuring an MX Series product, the following commissioning verification checklist helps ensure that the system is working as intended. Check all that apply:
General

All wires and connectors secured with strain relief inside MX 300 Cabinet Module.
Wires routed to other modules contain drip loops and are strain-relieved with cable ties.
Power module indicator flashing green after status button pressed.
Triggered systems only flash when activated (e.g., button press).
For scheduled systems (e.g., for school zones), confirm that schedule is correct and enabled. (Set up schedule using MX Field App.)
Test-flash system to visually confirm which system/linked system you are currently connected to and that all flasher modules are operational (via MX Field App).
Run Connectivity Health Check test via MX Field App to identify wiring or radio issues.
No fault messages are present (via MX Field App).

Power Module

Solar panel pointed south (or as per specific instructions provided by Carmanah).
Note possibility for nearby foliage to grow and eventually shade solar panel at a different time of year; if so, set reminder to inspect later.
Battery voltage is above 12 V (use either a multimeter or MX Field App).
Solar panel is producing voltage in sunlight (use MX Field App to confirm).
Any vents or screens are clear and intact.
Sealing gaskets on door/lid are intact.
Door is properly latched and locked.

Flasher Modules

Flasher modules are secured and pointed in correct direction toward oncoming traffic lanes.
MX RRFB Module light bar flashing starts with left module first (if applicable), RRFB is in correct orientation and verify the indicator LEDs on ends of light bars are seen by pedestrians across street.
Confirm desired MX Beacon Module alternating flash behavior.
MX Beacon Modules and MX LED Sign Modules flash when energized (default behavior is 24/7 flashing).
All linked systems are turning on and off correctly and are synchronized (if applicable).

Download MX Field App: carmanah.com/app

Replacing SIM Card

Though unlikely, if SIM card must be replaced, note its location on circuit board.
Disconnect solar panel and batteries to power down system before changing SIM card.
Place a rag under SIM card location to catch SIM card to avoid losing it.
Using a small spudger, toothpick or similar non-metallic tool inserted into square opening shown, gently slide SIM card down and out of its holder.
SIM card should now be sticking out enough to pull it out with your thumb and index finger.
New SIM Card installation is opposite of steps above with the exception that new SIM card should only be inserted far enough to line up with silkscreen SIM card profile. Confirm orientation of new SIM card.

Note: Only Carmanah-supplied SIM cards can be used with this product . carmanah-MX-300-Crosswalk-RRFB-or-Sign-Cabinet-Module-
fig-18

Caution: Use extreme care when inserting the new SIM card. Applying too much force will damage the SIM card holder and prevent network connectivity. The SIM card is fully inserted when its top edge aligns with the white outline printed on the circuit board.

Troubleshooting

For additional troubleshooting information, visit Carmanah’s Product Support Center at support.carmanah.com.

Symptom

| Possible Cause and What to Check

Check for faults via MX Field App or on-board product Status LED.

---|---
The circuit board does not activate or have LED status.| · Check if battery voltage is above 12 V. Charge or replace batteries if low.

· Check all fuses and breakers.

· Check connections of batteries and solar panel.

· Ensure solar panel is clean, clear of debris and not shaded by buildings or vegetation to allow proper battery charging.

Flasher modules on same pole do not ﬂash properly.| · Ensure wire colors and polarities are correct. Check that electrical connections are secure.
Flasher modules on same pole ﬂash properly, but other linked systems won’t also ﬂash.| · Ensure that systems are linked correctly via MX Field App.

· Ensure that systems are not too far apart (≤1000 ft unobstructed line of sight).

· Check for barriers or obstructions between systems, such as buildings or billboards.

The system does not appear in the MX Field App.| · Check MX 300 Cabinet Module status LED.

· Attempt to pair to system again.

· Another user or mobile device may be currently connected to system via MX Field App. Press and hold button in power module for >5s to terminate existing connections.

· System may have local access restricted from MX Cloud. Contact system owner for access.

· Refer to MX Field App guide through link in Support section of App.

Flasher modules are too dim or too bright when flashing.| · Check settings via MX Field App.

· Refer to the LEVEL 1 System Planner for more details on product settings.

Flasher modules flash when no button is pressed.| · Flasher modules (other than MX RRFB Modules) may be operating in factory default mode.

· Remove unwanted links to nearby systems using MX Field App.

· System is being activated by a non-button trigger, such as passive detection.

Power module will not turn on when batteries are connected.| · Check all fuses and/or breakers.

· If required, replace with equivalent 15 A automotive mini blade fuses.

Technical Support