MB TRAFx Generation 3, TRAFx Generation 2, TRAFx Generation 4 Instructions Manual

TRAFx MANUAL: PART II  Mountain Bike Counter  2018  www.trafx.net

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(For Generation 2, 3 and 4)

Key Info

• Optimized to detect and count bicycles on trails

• Advanced microelectronic design

• Self-contained design; no external wires or tubes

• Designed to be buried

• Small and easy to hide — reduces vandalism risk

• Long battery life (G4: up to 9 months)

• Large storage capacity (millions of counts)

• Built for outside: -40C (-40F) to +55C (131F)

• Low installation, operating, and maintenance costs

• Field-proven, Generation 4 design (>10 year history)

A

OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 2

B

INSTALLATION OPTIONS ......................................................................................... 3

C

SETTINGS ................................................................................................................. 4

D SET UP IN FIELD – STEPS ...................................................................................... 5

E

CHECKLISTS ............................................................................................................. 6

F LIGHTS, BATTERIES, NOTES ................................ .................................................. 7

G

TESTING ................................................................................................................... 8

H

TROUBLESHOOTING, MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT ........................................ 9

TRAFx MANUAL: PART II  Mountain Bike Counter  2018  www.trafx.net

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A OVERVIEW

These instructions apply to Generation 2, 3 and 4 TRAFx Mountain Bike Counters (2005 – 2017+).
CAREFULLY READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE COUNTER.

Featuring an aerospace-quality magnetometer, this counter detects moving objects with ferrous
metal content (e.g., bike chains, cassettes, etc.). In essence, it’s a sophisticated metal detector.

PREPARATION

Finish TRAFx Manual – Part I first. Refer to its Quick Guide (p. 5) to understand the overall process. Download the
latest version at www.trafx.net/support
Here is the sequence:

1 2 3
TRAFx Manual TRAFx Manual DataNet Quick Guide
Part I Part II (with Part I)

You are here

WIRE GUIDE

(Note: The counter ships assembled.)
Two battery wires connect to the counter’s screw block, as shown below. Ensure wires are fully inserted and the
screws are tight. Gently tug test each wire. Incorrectly connected wires could cause damage and void the warranty.

R B 2 Battery wires

Note: the IR scope wires are only used for the TRAFx Infrared Trail Counter Conversion Kit

STUDY DESIGN

Study design is beyond the scope of this document, but key questions include: Which trails? How many
counters? How long? Is the sample size and study period sufficient statistically?

The TRAFx Vehicle Counter has three main modes: vehicle, OHV, and mountain bike. For mountain bikes,
ensure your counter is in mountain bike mode. See TRAFx Manual – Part I, p. 9 regarding how to select a
mode. View and download it at www.trafx.net/support

In mountain bike mode, the counter will also detect and count vehicles and OHVs but from much farther away
(approx. 6m / 20ft.) because they are much larger and have more metal.

TRAFx MANUAL: PART II  Mountain Bike Counter  2018  www.trafx.net

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B INSTALLATION OPTIONS

There are two main installation options: (A) middle of the trail, or (B) at the side of the trail.

• The maximum detection range is approximately 1m (3.3ft.). That is, all bikes must pass within 1m (3.3ft.) of
the counter to be counted. Installing the counter within 0.75m (2.5ft.) of passing bikes is optimum. Overall
rule of thumb: the closer, the better.

• The detection zone is spherical, extending out in all directions from the counter.

• Use Option A on trails that are wider than 1m (3.3ft.); use Option B for trails less than 1m (3.3ft) wide.

Because the detection zone is spherical, the counter can be installed under a bridge or ramp as long as the
distances specified above are respected.

bridge ramp