Specifications for APM-E Electronic Parking Meter
1.0 General Specifications
Electronic parking meter shall be fully electronic with solid state components and straight down, free-fall coin chute. All materials shall be new and unused, manufactured and assembled 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 be powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries or one 9V lithium battery. The mechanism shall draw no more than an average of 50µA to maximize battery life. 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 smart card stored value chip card. The mechanism shall include a molded-in hanger clip to allow it to be hung on the outside of the upper housing to allow for on-street coin checking and other maintenance activities. The circuit board shall be enclosed in corrosion proof, shatter resistant Lexan, which prevents electrical discharge with the main board and renders the mechanism lightweight if dropped.
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. Minutes and seconds (or hours and minutes) shall be separated by a flashing colon (:). A simple means for determining malfunction shall be programmed to show on this LCD; available icons or messages include: FAIL, LOW or Low, Err, JAM, OFF, STOP, DEF, or any other word or abbreviation that can be made with four 7-segment digits. These messages are pre-programmed at the factory to customer specifidations, but are changeable out in the field. The words “Out of Order” shall appear at the top of the LCD display when the mechanism is in failure mode.
2.2 Standard enforcement signal shall be an LCD that, during paid time, shows solid silver;
during expired mode, shows solid flashing red. Optional programming may be ordered to show the word “Expired”, and during a jam or malfunction, show the international No-Parking symbol (silver characters on red background, or red characters on silver background).
3.0 Coin Acceptance
3.1 The electronic mechanism shall be able to recognize and give time for up to 16 different
coins and/or tokens (plus an optional Smartcard stored value chip card). The mechanism shall be reprogrammable to change coin/token/Smartcard 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-cheat method to prevent repurchases with the same coin. Coins shall fall straight down through the chute to minimize the possibility of coin jams. The coin chute shall detect metallic as well as non-metallic jams. Jam clearance shall be accomplished without special tools or disassembly of the meter. 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 The coin slot shall be a removable slot of stainless steel held in place by reinforced
ridges in the mech frame to discourage punching in the coin slot. The slot shall be easily removed when the mechanism is out of the meter housing, to accommodate changes in circulated coins.
3.4 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. Audit reports include one that shows breakdown by payment type (i.e. Quarters, dimes, nickels, Smartcards, etc.).
Multi-rate: up to 4 rate changes a day including Meter Off, No Parking, or Free Parking 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. Audit reports include one that shows breakdown by payment type.
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.
The mechanism shall be supplied with a removable rate plate displayed in the meter window. The rate plate shall be printed to show the specific meter rate as specified by the customer at the time of ordering.
5.0 Modular Components
The electronic meter shall consist of modular components that can be easily separated for quick repair or replacement. The coin chute, card reader, and rotary status indicator shall be simply plugged into the time module unit. Most coin jams can be cleared without tools in a matter of seconds. Changing battery will not lose audit data or programming, as the meter shall have 24-hour, indefinite non-volatile memory. The meter clock shall continue to operate for one minute after power is removed from the meter, after which time the clock would have to be brought to current status with the handheld communicator if multi-rate programming is used.
6.0 Communications and Data Transfer
6.1 Each electronic mechanism shall be capable of sending and receiving data from a Palm
Tungsten E2 PDA (or optional Archer Field PC) preloaded with a special program for use with these electronic parking meters and POM MeterManager PC software. The communicator transmits information by infrared; a special wand interface, when inserted in the coin chute, quickly transmits the data via infrared send/receive terminals inside the meter at 9600 baud without interference from sunlight, rain, ice, or spray paint on the window dome. Communications possible: retrieval and/or reprogramming of time and rate structures; retrieving audit information; retrieval of battery charge; assigning of serial numbers; and retrieval of mechanism serial number for maintenance tracking purposes; putting meter in test mode; putting full time on meter without affecting audit; resetting meter; updating meter’s real time clock.
6.2 The circuit board shall include flash ROM programming and can be reprogrammed
through the peripheral port by direct data transmission from the pocket PC or a regular PC. The peripheral port can also be used for implementing future upgrades and attaching accessories.
7.0 Upper Housing:
7.1 The upper housing and all its components shall be new and unused and of the latest and
highest quality. Mechanism housing and dome assembly shall be able to accept POM Model E manual or Model APM electronic mechanisms, as well as competitor mechanical or electronic mechanisms.
7.2 The upper housing shall be of die-cast zinc alloy, electrostatically painted inside and out
with polyester powder paint in standard dark gray color, and baked to a finish that will withstand ASTM B117 1000-hour salt spray test. Optional colors shall be available.
7.3 The upper housing shall be arranged to prevent access to the interior, except by secured
lock and key through the opening provided for servicing the meter mechanism. The coin box shall not be accessible through the coin drop opening at the bottom of the upper housing. The upper housing must be designed in a way that a build-up of coins cannot block the upper housing locking mechanism from operating correctly.
8.0 Upper Housing Dome
The upper housing dome shall be made of zinc alloy and shall lock in place at four corners with a secured series, multi-tumbler lock and key. A flat-face window will provide clear view of the digital display and will be made of genuine virgin Lexan®, UV stabilized to resist yellowing. The dome assembly may be removed from the upper housing when unlocked, and may be hung on the side or back of the mech housing for easy on-street repairs,
9.0 Vault:
9.1 The vault and all components shall be new and unused and of the latest and highest
quality. The vault shall be constructed of die-cast zinc alloy, having a minimum tensile strength of 45,000 psi. The design shall prevent unauthorized entry into the coin compartment by prying around the door or punching or pulling the lock. The rectangular door shall be approximately 5/16" thick and constructed in such manner as to prevent prying. Vault walls are at least 1/4" thick. Other than a small coin drop opening at the top of the vault, the coin door shall be the only other opening in this lower section of the meter housing. Accessibility to the attachment of the meter itself to the mounting post or yoke shall be possible only through the vault door. Meters shall mount to 2-inch inner diameter, Schedule 40 galvanized steel post, utilizing expanding Gripper® wedges, which feature sawtooth edges that actually “bite” into the post to prevent forced removal of the meter from the post. The base of the vault shall taper to the post to deflect upward blows meant to dislodge the meter from the post . Vault door hinges must be securely attached to the housing with Grade 8 bolts or screws that go into pre-threaded nuts or openings. The vault door shall feature a rear-loaded lock and shall be removeable without the use of tools by simply squeezing the hinges together.
9.2 The vault shall contain a round open-top coin cup. The coin cup shall hold approximately
$65 in U.S. quarters.
10.0 Vault Door Locks:
The vault door shall lock by secured series, multiple tumbler lock and key through a deep, narrow, pick-resistant corridor.
OPTIONAL -- ADD IF REQUIRED, DELETE IF NOT REQUIRED:
11.0 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), the left window indicating for the left space, and the right window indicating for the right space.
12.0 For increased visibility at night, a backlight behind the digital display shall be available to
come on during user defined hours and/or when activated by an optional photosensor cell, after insertion of each coin and/or smartcard. The duration of the backlight shall be programmable to save battery power.
13.0 For night enforcement, a blinking LED shall be available on the front and/or the back of
the mechanism. This LED can be one-color (red or green), 2-color (red and green), or 3 color (red, green, and amber). When the LED comes on, which color comes on, and how fast it blinks shall be a factory programmable feature to control battery drain.
prevent the collector's access to the meter revenue. Canister shall be of expanded capacity, which holds roughly $65 in US quarters. To collect revenue, the canister is inserted into a special round receptacle and rotated, opening a door in the side of the canister and releasing the coins. The canister can be removed from the receptacle only in the closed position.
15.1 As an option, the vault may be made of ductile iron, having a minimum tensile strength of
65,000 psi, and shall house a coin box with capacity to hold $65 in U.S. quarters. This vault door shall be a rectangular style that “falls” open when the key is turned, to minimize key wear. The vault door shall be removable when open, without the use of special tools. The vault shall be tapered to deflect upward blows meant to dislodge the meter from the post.
other meter manufacturers. The round door hinges are attached with bolts to the interior of the vault. This vault style holds $65 in US quarters, has a minimum tensile strength of 65,000 psi and features a tapered base to deflect upward blows meant to dislodge the meter from the post.
vandal resistance. The upper housing and dome shall have a minimum tensile strength of 65,000 psi. The dome assembly shall be completely removable from the mechanism housing in one piece, and may be hung on the back rim of the mechanism housing during on-street maintenance.
16.2 The dome may be made of ductile iron in lieu of zinc, for maximum vandal resistance. A
flat-face window will provide clear view of the digital display and will be made of genuine virgin Lexan®, UV stabilized to resist yellowing. The dome assembly may be removed from the upper housing when unlocked, and may be hung on the side or back of the mech housing for easy on-street repairs,
17.0 Magnum Vault
17.1 The vault and all components shall be new and unused and of the latest and highest
quality, made in the USA. The vault shall be made of ductile iron, having a minimum tensile strength of 65,000 psi, and shall house a security coin box with capacity to hold $118 in US quarters. The design shall prevent unauthorized entry into the coin compartment by prying around the door or punching or pulling the lock. The vault door and walls shall be at least ¼” thick. Other than a small coin drop opening at the top of the vault, the coin door shall be the only other opening in this lower section of the meter housing. Accessibility to the attachment of the meter itself to the mounting post or yoke shall be possible only through the vault door. Meters shall be mounted on Schedule 40, 2-inch inner diameter, galvanized steel posts utilizing expanding Gripper® wedges. Gripper wedges feature saw tooth edges that “bite” into the post to prevent forced removal. The base of the vault shall taper to the post (or yoke) to deflect upward blows meant to dislodge the meter from the post (or yoke).
17.2 The vault door shall be internally hinged, and constructed to prevent prying. The
rectangular door shall “fall” open at the top when the lock is turned and shall not require using the key to pull the door open (thus saving on key wear and tear). When open, the vault door shall be removable from the vault without use of tools.
17.3 The vault shall house a new and unused round cycolac plastic security coin box large
enough to hold approximately $118 in U.S. quarters. The coin box shall feature a coin drop entrance with anti-back-up fingers to prevent coins from being shaken out and locked doors that can only be opened by special key in a collection cart receptacle that prevents removal of the coin box in the locked position. The coin collection person will not have access to the coins using one of these sealed coin collection systems. Key series for these coin boxes will not be available to the public nor used in other parking installations in the surrounding region.
SmartCard Reader
18.0 The electronic mechanism may be equipped with a reader to accept a smartcard. 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. Smartcards can be printed with instructions, maximum value, decrement value, or other graphics (such as advertising) to client specifications. Upon insertion of the smartcard, 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 smartcard (i.e. dimes and credit cards with raised numbers).
18.1 Meters with smartcard readers may be programmed for 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.
SmartLock
19.0 Meters with card readers must include an integrated locking system whereby the vault
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.
20.0 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
21.0 Collection Carts
21.1 The coin collection cart shall be constructed of materials having a minimum strength
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.
21.2 The steel coin canister shall be 8” x 11” x 20” with a wall thickness of 1/16”. The canister
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.
22.0 MeterManager PC Software:
22.1 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 Dell Axim X51 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.
22.2 The handheld communicator shall be a Palm Tungsten E2, which is lightweight and easy
to use and employs touchscreen technology (or optional Archer Field PC). 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 pda 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.
23.0 Prepaid Smartcards
23.1 The electronically programmable chip cards (smartcards) shall be standard commercially
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.
23.2 The smartcards shall be supplied preprinted with design/copy (to be provided by the City)
and consecutive inventory control serial numbers.
24.0 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.
25.0 Twin or Quad Mounting Adapter
25.1 The dual mounting adapter shall allow mounting of two parking meters on one post. The
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.
25.2 The iron version dual mounting adapter shall allow mounting of two parking meters on
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.
26.0 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 fits around a fluted aluminum post sleeve, 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). Acorn or cap-style finials are available to top the vintage sleeve whenever the meter is removed, or for bollard or marker applications.
27.0 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.