SPECIFICATIONS FOR APM-N ELECTRONIC PARKING METER MECHANISM
1.0 General Specifications
Electronic parking meters shall be fully electronic with solid state components and free-fall coin chute. All materials shall be new and unused, manufactured and assembled 100% in the USA, and of the highest quality in durability and workmanship. Electronic meters shall be capable of operating in a temperature range of -40° F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C), and under extreme street conditions (grime, rain, sleet, snow, vibrations). Electronic meters shall fit pre-existing POM/Rockwell Models N or S style housings and/or vaults currently installed throughout the meter system. Electronic meters shall be powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries. There shall be no handles to turn, no thumb slides to push, etc. The mechanism shall be programmable to give time for up to 16 different coins and/or tokens plus optional ParkCard stored value chip cards.
An APM-N mechanism only shall upgrade a Model N meter to electronic; a mechanism with front assembly kit shall upgrade a Model S meter to electronic – specify aluminum, zinc, or iron front and paint color, to match existing back casting.
2.0 Indication
2.1 Electronic parking meter shall feature a 4-digit (including negative sign) liquid crystal display on
the front of the meter capable of registering paid parking time and negative (expired) time. Hours and minutes shall be separated by a flashing colon (:). A simple means for determining malfunction shall be programmed in the EPROM to show on this LCD; available icons or messages include: FAIL, LOW or Low, Err, JAM, OFF, STOP, or any other word or abbreviation that can be made with four 7-segment digits. Additionally, the words “Out of Order” shall appear at the top of the LCD display when the mechanism is in failure mode.
2.2 A rear LCD shall be available to flash “Expired” in red when time is expired; shall flash “Out of Order”
in red during failure; and shall include the international no-parking symbol with either of these messages, in flashing red. During paid time runoff, the LCD shall show steady gray.
2.3 As an option for drive-by enforcement, the rear display shall be a rotary status indicator that is visible
from a distance of at least 70 feet, not affected by angle of view, window glare, or low light conditions. When time registers on the electronic meter, the status indicator shows bright green (or optional blank silver). When time expires, the status indicator shows the word “Expired” on a bright red background. A yellow mode shall appear to indicate jam/error. Optional custom icons or messages may be printed on the wheel, limited only by the size of the display window. The rotary status indicator shall be driven by a low-power stepper motor. Except for the initial switch of mode, no power shall be required to keep the status indicator in its current mode. Magnified windows on either side of the front digital display allow frontal viewing of the rotary status signal (for street enforcement when the meters face the street).
2.4 Optional for night enforcement, a flashing red and/or green LED shall be available for the front and/or
back of the mechanism. When the LED flashes and the speed of the flash shall be preprogrammed at the factory.
3.0 Coin Acceptance
3.1 The electronic mechanism shall be able to recognize and give time for up to 8 different coins and/or
tokens (including an optional ParkCard stored value chip card). The mechanism shall be reprogrammable to change coin/token/ParkCard recognition. The coin discriminator shall incorporate no contact points which could be affected by grime and moisture. Washers or spurious coins shall not register time. The chute shall incorporate an anti-backup method to prevent retrieval of coins. Coins shall fall straight through the chute to minimize the possibility of coin jams.
3.2 Coins passing through the mechanism shall be deposited into the coin box in the meter vault
when the mechanism is properly installed in the upper housing.
3.3 Time and rate structures shall be pre-programmed to customer specifications before shipment
from factory, and reprogrammable thereafter by customer or factory personnel through use of rate conversion software and accessories.
4.0 Rate Capabilities
Electronic meters may be programmed for a variety of rate structures, including:
Fixed rate: same rate all day, every day. This may include minimum time; non-cumulative operation; and one split based on amount of time purchased.
Multi-rate: 4 rates per day including Meter Off, No Parking, or Free Parking (or Escrow) modes, with a weekday rate, Saturday rate, Sunday rate, and up to 10 holiday or special event rates. Multi-rate definition may allow or disallow buying from one rate period into another, and may include negative time.
Block time: requires minimum purchase in specified blocks of time.
Seasonal Schedule: Allow up to 12 different date ranges within which a choice of 9 different rate schedules may be chosen. The meters will automatically charge the new rate on the first day of the season.
5.0 Optional ParkCard Acceptance
The electronic mechanism may be equipped with an optional reader to accept a ParkCard. This card shall be an industry standard size, memory chip card preprogrammed with a maximum value, decrement value, and security codes to prevent unauthorized duplication of cards. ParkCards can be printed with instructions, maximum value, decrement value, or other graphics (such as advertising) to client specifications. Upon insertion of the ParkCard, the meter shall display, four times, the remaining value of the card, then shall begin decrementing from that value and purchasing time on the meter. When the desired amount of time shows on the meter, the card is removed. Remaining value of the card may be checked by simply inserting the card and removing it before the value flashes for the fourth time and it begins to decrement. The card reader slot shall be conveniently located, flush in the face of the meter housing, and shall be narrow enough to prevent insertion of anything wider than the ParkCard (i.e. pencils, crayons, firecrackers, etc.).
5.1 Meters with ParkCard readers may be programmed for optional Refund-A-Card feature, which refunds
unused parking meter time (value) back onto the card when the motorist returns to the meter. Refund-A-Cards each have unique programmed serial numbers, and the meter “remembers” the last card used and the amount of time purchased by the card. When the motorist returns to the meter, he may reinsert the Refund-A-Card and retrieve the unused time (only the time purchased with that card), wiping that time off the meter. This action also prevents the next motorist from parking for free on left-over time.
If the motorist returns to the vehicle and leaves without retrieving the unused time (value), the next motorist may purchase time on top of the remaining time. However, if the second motorist uses a Refund-A-Card instead of coins, he may return to retrieve his unused time, but only the amount of time he purchased with his own card.
6.0 Modular Components
The electronic meter shall consist of modular components that can be easily separated for quick repair or replacement. The coin chute and card reader shall be simply plugged into the time module unit. Most coin jams can be cleared without tools in a matter of seconds. The rear rotary status indicator and low-power stepper motor can be easily replaced without special tools in less than five minutes. The mechanism clock continues to operate for one minute to allow quick battery changes; all programming and audit data, however, is in non-volatile memory 24 hours a day and is not lost when power is removed from the meter.
7.0 Communications and Data Transfer
Each electronic mechanism shall be capable of sending and receiving data from a Palm® handheld PDA used in conjunction with POM MeterManager PC software. The communicator transmits information by infrared; a special wand attachment shall be available to attach to the communicator that, when pressed against a special alignment nib on the front window, quickly transmits the data via infrared send/receive terminals on the face of the mechanism. Optional communications shall be through special chip card inserted in card reader on models so equipped. Communications possible: retrieval and/or reprogramming of time and rate structures; retrieving audit information; retrieval of battery charge (if batteries are used); assigning of serial numbers; and retrieval of mechanism serial number for maintenance tracking purposes; putting full time on meter without affecting audit; resetting meter; updating meter’s real time clock. Program changes and upgrades may also be directly uploaded to the mechanism through the auxiliary port.
8.0 Case Construction
8.1 Upper housing shall be of high-grade die-cast aluminum with a minimum tensile strength of 40,000 psi,
treated for corrosion resistance and electrostatically painted with polyester powder paint in dark gray color, to withstand 500 hour salt spray test.
8.2 Vault shall be constructed of zinc Zamac III with minimum tensile strength of 40,000 psi.. Vault is treated with iron phosphate, a sealer inclusive of a special rust inhibitor, then polyester powder painted and baked. Computer-machined door is internally mounted and features cast-in track for rear-mounted, Changematic 8-series lock (optional locks available). Wide, sliding stainless steel lug prevents lock punching, yet is easily and quickly disassembled from inside by removing only one screw. Base of vault shall be tapered to post to prevent forced removal by upward blows of sledgehammer or similar object.
9.0 Collection System
9.1 The coins shall fall out into an open cup sitting inside the expanded capacity vault.
9.2 As an option, the coin collection system shall be comprised of a separate locked coin box for use in the
coin compartment section of parking meter. The system shall utilize a linear type lock that has been designed specifically for the security coin box and employs the use of four gears which are actuated individually by means of a four-sided, rack-type linear key. An infinite number of combinations shall be possible and no key blanks shall be commercially available except through the manufacturer of the system. With this system, no one shall have access to parking meter revenue during the collection process. The system shall operate in the following manner: when the separate lock coin box is removed from the meter, it shall be inserted into a special collection head which shall be mounted on either a portable carry pack type collection container or on a two-wheel cart. When the box is inserted it shall engage the linear key embedded in the collection head. By a simple tilting motion, the coin box shall be allowed to open and empty its contents into the special collection head. Coins shall travel through a necked down opening and then through a flexible boot which shall close automatically if the collection container is inverted and shall thus prevent the shaking of coins out of the collection container. While the separate locked coin box is in the collection head and in the tilted position, the coin box shall be not be removable from the collection head until tilted back to the locked position. No twisting or turning motion shall be required. The linear key embedded in the collection head shall be made of stainless steel and shall be virtually unbreakable in the normal use of the collection system.
9.3 (Optional system available which includes round, cycolac coin boxes with flat, worm-groove type key
system.)
10.0 Mechanism Door
The mechanism door opens to horizontal position, providing convenient workshelf for on-street maintenance. Pressure type mechanism door lock provides infinite adjustment to take up gasket wear for years of proper sealing when door is closed. Door can be easily removed without the use of tools by dis-engaging two lock pins. Hinge pins completely concealed to discourage vandalism.
11.0 Post Attachment
Meter case attaches to 2-inch inner diameter schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe standard with a self-adjusting, three-piece wedge assembly. Access possible only when coin door is unlocked and open. These patented “gripper” wedges feature sawtooth edges that literally “bite” into the post when forced removal is attempted. Gripper wedges permit the meter to be positioned at any angle on the post. Fits any 2" inner diameter pipe standard.
Note: strike optional features from the specification if they are not required as they do affect pricing.
12.0 SmartLock
Meters with card readers must include an integrated locking system whereby the vault lock is connected lock is connected to the meter mechanism by wiring interface (SmartLock). When a special smartcard is inserted into the meter, the meter displays the number of audit records already on the card, then "AUD" indicating that the meter is now being audited, then "CL" indicating the audit is now cleared on this meter. When the meter display says "OPEN", a solenoid is energized for 5 seconds, allowing the appropriate key to turn in the lock. Remove the card, empty the coin box, shut and lock the door. Once the door is closed and locked, it may not be opened again without reinserting the card and key. This locking system requires either A) retrofitting existing vault doors for the lock interface, or B) providing new door assemblies complete with locks and interface cable (choose one option when issuing bid). Retrofit includes either A1) utilizing customer's existing lock and modifying the hardware, or A2) installing new lock and hardware. (Choose one option when issuing bid). Special software and card reader attachment shall be provided for authorizing and uploading the smartcards. Data collected shall be uploaded directly into meter management software for reporting and exporting.
13.0 Free-Time Button
An optional button shall be included, and programming, so that the meter can allow free-time when the meter is at 00:00. Push the button to receive free time, after which additional payment must be made to acquire more time on the meter.
Accessories
14.0 Collection Carts
14.1 The coin collection cart shall be constructed of materials having a minimum strength equivalent to 10
equivalent to 10 gauge steel. The cart chassis shall be mounted on one axle with two fully pneumatic ball-bearing tires (at least 12”dia. x 3” wide) and one roller caster in front. The cart shall feature a heavy duty single pull handle.
14.2 The steel coin canister shall be 8” x 11” x 20” with a wall thickness of 1/16”. The canister attaches to the
attaches to the cart chassis with a padlock. The collection head receptacle is keyed to the city’s existing code and attaches to the coin canister with a separately keyed padlock. Use of the coin cart/receptacle system to open parking meter coin box prevents the collection employee from having access to the coins.
15.0 MeterManager PC Software:
15.1 MeterManager® is an Access® database program for the Windows® operating systems 98, 2000, XP,
ME, NT, includes full Windows functionality, and operates over most networks. MeterManager facilitates management of a database of electronic parking meters. Inventory management, rate programming, revenue auditing, and maintenance history* is generated through the use of Palm® OS handheld PDA devices communicating by infrared with the meters. MeterManager features easy-to-read browse boxes, drop down menus, point-and-click functions, help files, and customizable reports. Minimum requirements: 80486-33 MHz IBM compatible, 16 Mb RAM, 4 Mb available hard disk space, one free USB port, a mouse or track ball, one printer port, a VGA monitor, and Access 2000. Suggested requirements: 300 Mhz IBM compatible or higher. 32Mb RAM, 10Mb available hard disk space, one free USB port, a mouse or track ball, one printer port, and an SVGA monitor. The system manager maintains user access and may deny admission to individual menus or menu items, which will then be “dimmed” and inaccessible to the user. File maintenance through Access 2000 allows file purging, importing and exporting, and custom report generation. Meter inventory includes location by area, post number, space number, collection route and sequence, and maintenance route and sequence. Fields to record post mounting type, color, and upper/lower lock series are available. Maintenance history includes user-defined maintenance codes and fields for recording claims generators, license plate numbers, weather conditions, and comments.
15.2 The handheld communicator shall be a Palm® handheld PDA (any model that runs Palm OS 4.X and has
OS 4.X and has 16-pin interface connector). The Palm PDA is lightweight and easy to use and employs touchscreen technology. The program (POMComm) shall feature password security and encrypted data transmission. Simple drop-down menus allow the user to perform rate changes, record maintenance history, audit revenue, check batteries, and run other utility functions. The Palm device shall have memory expansion capabilities. Accessories include a docking cradle for recharging the battery and for uploading/downloading data; protective carry case and shoulder strap; and a proprietary infrared wand attachment that directs the communications beam into the coin entrance of the electronic parking meter. For meters equipped with a smartcard reader, an optional smartcard interface can perform communications through the card slot. These patented methods ensure correct alignment of the data stream without interference and fast communications at 9600 baud.
16.0 Prepaid Smartcards
The electronically programmable chip cards (smartcards) shall be standard commercially produced size, produced size, encoded with a maximum value, decrement value, and a unique ID for each individual card. Optional rechargeable, electronic purse smartcards shall also be available. The smartcards shall be supplied preprinted with design/copy (to be provided by the City) and consecutive inventory control serial numbers.
17.0 Smartcard Reprogramming Software Kit
A software kit shall be available for use on an IBM compatible PC. The software shall be capable of reading the serial number and remaining value on a smartcard when inserted into the special card reader peripheral. The remaining value may be edited (increased or decreased), and a database log of transactions generated for customized reporting.
18.0 Twin or Quad Mounting Adapter
18.1 The dual mounting adapter shall allow mounting of two parking meters on one post. The quad mounting
quad mounting adapter shall allow mounting of four parking meters on one post. Both the dual and quad adapters shall be constructed of die cast aluminum, with optional powder paint finish (gray color) by six-step process to withstand the ASTM B117 1000-hour salt spray test. Each dual and quad adapter shall include a set screw and allen wrench for tightening the adapter to a standard 2” Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe. Each adapter shall include a 4” grade 5 bolt and nut for mounting the parking meters to the adapters. When meters are installed, access to the set screw shall not be possible.
18.2 The iron version dual mounting adapter shall allow mounting of two parking meters on one post. The
one post. The dual adapter shall be constructed of ductile cast iron, with powder paint finish (gray color) by six-step process to meet the ASTM B117 1000-hour salt spray test. Each dual adapter shall include an expansion wedge assembly for mounting the adapter to a standard 2” Schedule 40 galvanized steel pipe, and a plug for prohibiting access to the mounting bolt. Each iron dual adapter shall include two 4” grade 5 bolts and nuts for mounting the parking meters to the adapter.
19.0 Antique-Look Decorative Post Accessories
A die-cast aluminum, decorative base flange shall be available, powder painted to match the meter and other city sidewalk fixtures, i.e. light posts, benches, sign posts, etc. The die-cast aluminum base flange may be used alone, or in conjunction with a die-cast fluted post cover, also powder painted to match. The post cover and base simply slip down over the pole before mounting the meter (or meters and twin mounting adapter).
20.0 WedgeLok Post Mounting System
The WedgeLok post mounting system incorporates a post anchor sleeve that is set in an 18”x18” hole of concrete, flush with the sidewalk. The post anchor sleeve is made of 15-5/8” steel tube with a 2-1/3” inside diameter and is open at the bottom to allow water drainage. The 2” i.d. post has specially cut notches to hold an upsidedown V wedge made of ¾” CRS bar. The notches in the post allow the wedge to flatten out through the sides of the post. Inside the post anchor sleeve is a milled section into which the steel wedge will expand, locking the post in place. A special installation tool includes a flat tip for flattening the inside wedge, and a pointed tip for re-bending the wedge for post removal.