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UNITRONIC GmbH
Mündelheimer Weg 9
40472 Düss eldor f
Telefon 0211 / 95 110
Telefax 0211 / 95 11 111
info@unitronic.de
PART OF
LAGERCRANTZ GROUP
PLACEPOD SMART PARKING
SENSOR
INSTALLATION GUIDE
Instructions for physical installation of a PlacePod Smart Parking
Sensor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 PLACEPOD OVERVIEW ............................................................................................... 2
2 PRE-INSTALLATION STEPS ......................................................................................... 3
2.1 GATEWAY INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................. 3
2.2 PREPARING THE PARKING SPACE ...................................................................................................... 3
2.3 PARKING LOT MAP (RECOMMENDED) .............................................................................................. 3
3 EQUIPMENT NEEDED ................................................................................................ 5
3.1 IN-GROUND SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT .................................................................................................... 5
3.2 SURFACE MOUNT SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT........................................................................................... 5
4 INSTALLATION ON GRADED SURFACES ..................................................................... 6
5 IN-GROUND INSTALLATION PROCEDURE .................................................................. 7
5.1 PREPARING THE PARKING SPACE ...................................................................................................... 7
5.2 DRILL THE CORE ................................................................................................................................. 7
5.3 REMOVE THE CORE ............................................................................................................................ 7
5.4 PREPARE THE HOLE FOR THE PLACEPOD ........................................................................................... 8
5.5 INSERT THE PLACEPOD INTO THE HOLE ............................................................................................ 8
5.6 SEAL THE HOLE .................................................................................................................................. 9
6 SURFACE MOUNT INSTALLATION PROCEDURE ....................................................... 10
6.1 PREPARING PARKING SPOT ............................................................................................................. 10
6.2 PREPARING PLACEPOD FOR ADHESIVE............................................................................................ 11
6.3 INSTALL THE PLACEPOD WITH ADHESIVE ........................................................................................ 11
6.4 INSTALL THE PLACEPOD WITH SCREWS .......................................................................................... 11
7 POST-INSTALLATION STEPS ..................................................................................... 13
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1 PLACEPOD OVERVIEW
PlacePod™ is an IoT-enabled smart parking sensor for on-street and off-street municipal and
private parking management. It solves the most mission-critical aspects of parking
management: accurate, real-time vehicle detection and location of available parking spaces.
Key Features & Benefits
• Includes the industry’s most accurate magnetic sensing system for vehicle detection
with the combination of PNI’s high-performance magnetic sensor and vehicle detection
algorithms that accurately detect the presence or absence of a car in a parking space.
• Includes a built-in LoRa radio that communicates to a gateway or base station with
complete LPWAN compatibilit y.
• Sensors and algorithms are finely tuned for ultra-low power consumption, providing
continuous vehicle detection without missing a parking event.
• Capability for wireless software updates using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) via PNI’s
mobile application.
• Battery capacity = 8.1 Ah
Figure 1: In-Ground Place Pod
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Figure 2: Surface Mount PlacePod
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2 PRE-INSTALLATION STEPS
Before the PlacePod is installed there are some prior steps that should be performed.
2.1 GAT EWAY IN STALLATI ON
1. Ensure the LoRa Network Gateways are installed and functional.
2. Perform a site survey to ensure that the RF signal is str ong enough. PNI recommends
having an RSSI reading of around -90dBm as a reference when no vehicle is parked
on top of the parking space.
3. Provision the PlacePod onto your PNI Cloud account, or ensure it is provisioned onto
the LoRa Network you intend to use.
2.2 PRE PARING T HE PARKIN G SPACE
1. Clear any debris in the park space with a deck broom.
2. Using a tape measure or chalk snap-line, locate the center of the parking space.
3. Mark the center of each space using the chalk snap-line.
Figure 3: Align PlacePod with center of parking space
2.3 PAR KING LOT MAP (RECOMMENDED)
1. Each sensor has a unique Serial Number and barcode located on a label on the
bottom of the sensor.
Figure 4: PlacePod Identification Label
2. Before placing the sensor into is hole or bonding to pavement surface, record the
sensors unique Serial Number at its location on the map.
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Figure 5: Sample Parking Map with PlacePod Serial Numbers
3. Knowing the location of where each sensor is installed is useful for individual parking
space monitoring as well as trouble-shooting sensor performance and communication.
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3 EQUIPMENT NEEDED
3.1 IN-GRO UND SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT
• Portable core drill with 4.5-inch diameter drill bit (such as Hilt i DD-150-U drill)*
• Water source for lubricating the drill site during drilling (optional)
• Wet/dry vacuum for removing extra debris from the hole area (optional)
• Leveling sand for aligning the sensor in the hole (fine sand such as play sand works well)
• Epoxy Sealant and Applicator
o At the t i me of writing P NI recommends : Fabick Pour-Pac MP-55 polyurethane epoxy,
which can be ordered directly from the manufacturer:
o https://www.fabick.com/sealants.html
o Approximately 3 sensors per 2-part kit using minimum application.
3.2 SURFAC E MOUNT SPECIFI C EQUIPMENT
• Coarse Sand-Paper
• Adhesive and Applicator
o At the time of writing PNI recommends: Superior Industries #303 Bumper Mount,
which can be ordered directly from the manufacturer:
o https://www.superior-industries.com/_303_bumper_mount_product_278.html
o Approximately 6 sensors per 2-part kit using minimum application.
• Concrete Sealer Stripper
• Hammer Drill with Mason Bit
• ¼” Self-Tapping Masonry Screws
o At the t i me of writing P NI recommends : Wedge-Bolt ¼” X 1 ¾” manufactured by
Powers Fastening Innovations. Two versions are available:
o Part No 7701N - 410 Stainless steel @ $1.44 each (low magnetic)
o Part N o - Zinc plated carbon steel @ $0.24 each
*PNI strongly recommends that drilling be done by a professional concrete and pavement
drilling company, to ensure that proper safety procedures are followed.
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4 INSTALLATION ON GRADED SURFACES
IMPORTANT
PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MULTIPART APPLICATION OF THE SPECIFIED
EPOXY FILL EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED DURING INSTALLATION. THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS
DESIGNED TO ALLOW THE EPOXY TO FULLY ENCAPSULATE THE PLACEPOD ON THE TOP,
BOTTOM AND SIDES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE LONG TERM PROTECTION FROM MOISTURE,
CHEMICAL AND OTHER FORMS OF CONTACT DEGRADATION OVER THE INTENDED LIFETIME
OF THE PRODUCT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN SHORTENED PRODUCT
LIFETIME.
1. Pavement angle must be taken into account when drilling the core. The depths specified
in the following pages are based on a level surface. Depth measurements must be made
from the lowest point on the graded surface as shown in the illustration below,
particularly if the core drill rig places the core-bit perpendicular to the pavement surface.
2. When back-filling with sand, the sand needs to be as level as possible. This will allow
for even layers of epoxy to be applied. The epoxy is self-leveling, therefore the bottom
layer of epoxy will enable the sensor itself to be level once inserted into the hole.
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5 IN-GRO UND INSTALLATI ON PROCEDURE
This section outlines the steps required to physically install an in-ground PlacePod.
5.1 PRE PARING T HE PARKIN G SPACE
See Section 2.2.
5.2 DRILL T HE CORE
Have a professional drilling and coring company drill the holes for each sensor. Give them
these instructions for drilling:
1. Drill a 4.5-inch diameter hole. Do not use a drill larger than 4.5 inches in diameter.
2. Drill to a minimum depth of 1.5 inches. Drilling completely through to the bedding layer
and back-filling with sand to the 1.5 inch depth is preferred. Note: If you do not drill
through to the bedding layer, you will need an extra step to remove the core. This
usually involves an impact device such as a jack-hammer or air-chisel.
3. Optional: Flush the drilling surface with water to lubricate the drill and dampen dust.
Figure 6: Drill the hole for the PlacePod
5.3 REMO VE THE CO RE
Remove the core after drilling is done.
1. If drilling down to the bedding layer, the core may remain in the drill bit when it is
withdrawn from the hole. Remove the core from the drill bit by tapping the side of the drill
bit with a non-marring material.
2. If drilling partially into the pavement without penetrating the bedding layer, the core will
have to be broken out using an impact device such as a jack-hammer or air-chisel.
Figure 7: Remove the core from the hole
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5.4 PRE PARE THE HOL E FOR THE PLACEPOD
After the core is removed, the hole needs to be cleaned out and leveled so the PlacePod
sensor can be placed at the right height.
1. Remove leftover debris to make a relatively flat surface.
2. Backfill with sand to a depth of 1 3/4 inches if necessary.
WARNING! Mak e sure that the ho le is complete ly dry before proc eeding. If the u ncured epoxy
comes into contact with moisture, it will foam adversely affecting epoxy performance and
adhesion.
3. Add epoxy to level the surface to 1.5 inches depth f rom pavement surface Allow epoxy
to harden.
Figure 9: Bottom Layer of epoxy
5.5 INSERT THE PLACEPOD INTO THE HOLE
1. If mapping of the sensor location is being performed, record the sensor Serial Number.
2. Add a second layer of epoxy approx. 1/4 inch thick.
3. Insert the sensor into the hole so that it is seated onto the bottom of the hole, f orcing the
uncured epoxy up around the sides of the lower housing.
4. The ideal placement is to have the top of the sensor sit 1/ 4 to 3/8 of an inch below the
surface of the asphalt.
Figure 10: Sit the PlacePod in the hole (ensure top of sensor is 0.25in from surface)
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Note: To optimize signal strength orient the sensor in the middle of the space such that the
arrow (inside the half circle next to the “P”) points towards the nearest gateway.
5. Place a weight on top of the sensor to prevent it from floating in the epoxy during curing.
5.6 SEAL THE HO LE
1. Once the epoxy from the previous step has cured, remove the weight and fill the
remainder of the hole with the epoxy until it is flush with the pavement surface. To
reduce formation of bubbles, fill in any gaps between the sensor and the wall of the hole
before covering the top of the sensor.
2. Make sure the epoxy completely covers the top of the sensor and is flush or slightly
below flush with the pavement surface.
WARNING! The epoxy must not protr ude abov e the pavemen t surface in or der prev ent vehicle
weight from being transferred directly onto the sensor.
Figure 11: Seal the PlacePod in the hole with sealant
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6 SURFACE MOUNT I NSTALLATION PRO CEDURE
This section will outline the steps needed to be performed when physically installing a surface
mount PlacePod.
6.1 PREPARING PARKING SPOT
1. Clear any debris in the park space with the deck broom.
2. Clean center of parking space(s) using locally available asphalt/concrete cleaner and
stiff bristle scrub brush.
3. If necessary, remove sealer from the pavement surface in the area where the sensor is
to be placed and repeat the above.
a. This is necessary for longer lasting bond.
b. Sealant layer can de-laminate from pavement while remaining attached to the
sensor housing.
4. Mark the center of each space using the chalk snap-line.
Figure 12: Align PlacePod with center of parking space
If you intend to screw the PlacePod down to the pavement follow the below steps.
Note: To optimize signal strength orient the sensor in the middle of the space such that the
arrow (inside the half circle next to the “P”) points towards the nearest gateway.
5. Place the PlacePod Surface Mount hole pattern, provided at the end of this document,
at the center of the spot and mark each screw hole location. Alternatively you can use
the PlacePod housing itself to mark the holes through the housing. ONLY mark the
holes through the housing, do NOT drill the holes through the housing.
6. Use the Hammer Drill to drill the screw holes. Do NOT drill the holes through the
PlacePod sensor as the vibration and shock from the drill can damage the components
inside the sensor.
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6.2 PRE PARING P LACEPOD FOR ADHES IVE
1. Using coarse sand-paper, lightly sand the bottom gray portion of the housing, scuffing
the surface.
Figure 13: Sand gray part of housing to scuff surface
2. Wipe off any residual particulates from the sanding.
6.3 INSTALL THE PLACEPOD WITH ADHESIVE
1. If mapping of the sensor location is being performed, record the Serial Number.
2. At minimum, apply a 1/8” to 1/4” bead of adhesive around the outer and inner rings of
the PlacePod.
3. If desired, adhesive can be applied to the ribs and to the sensor lower housing (black)
areas NOT covered by the label.
Figure 14: Apply adhesive to outer ring and any additional ribs of the gray housing
4. To optimize signal strength orient the sensor in the middle of the space such that the
arrow points towards the nearest gateway.
5. Place the sensor on the ground and press down on it firmly.
6. If desired, apply an additional bead of adhesive around the seam of the sensor and the
pavement.
Note: If you intend to also screw the PlacePod dow n ensure that you align the PlacePod with
the pre-drilled screw holes.
6.4 INSTALL THE PLACEPOD WITH SCREW S
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1. Align the PlacePod in the center of the parking space with the pre-drilled screw holes.
2. Screw the PlacePod down with the Masonry Screws, hand tighten. Do not over tighten
the screws as this can damage the PlacePod housing.
Drilling dimensions - Drill bit size determined by screw manufacturer
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Figure 25: Drill Dimensions
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7 POST-INSTALLATION STEPS
After the PlacePod has been successfully installed there are som e addit ional steps t hat s hould
be taken.
1. Activate the PlacePod, taking it out of shipping mode, such that it begins sending RF
messages.
2. Calibrate the PlacePod sensor for the empty parking space. This is important and required
of each sensor. If calibration is not properly performed the PlacePod will not detect
vehicles accurately.
Instructions for these additional steps, and other PlacePod support documentation, can be
found under your PNI Cloud account Help page.
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UNITRONIC AG
Mündelheimer Weg 9
40472 Düss eldor f
Telefon 0211 / 95 110
Telefax 0211 / 95 11 111
info@unitronic.de
Contact:
UNITRONIC GmbH
Mündelheimer Weg 9
40472 Düss eldor f
Telefon 0211 / 95 110
Telefax 0211 / 95 11 111
info@unitronic.de
PNI Sensor
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Copyright ©2018 PNI Sensor LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed
under copyright laws.
PNI Sensor LLC
2331 Circadian Way
Warranty and Limitation of Liability. PNI Sensor LLC ("PNI") manufactures its Products
from parts and
components that are new or equivalent to new in performance. PNI warrants that each Product to be
delivered hereunder, if properly used, will, for ninety (90) days following the date of shipment unless a
different warranty time period for such Product is specified: (i) in PNI’s Price List in effect at time of order
acceptance; or (ii) on PNI’s web site (www.pnicorp.com) at time of order acceptance, be free from defects
in material and workmanship and will operate in accordance with PNI’s published specifications and
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Customer, however, PNI may at any time, without such notice, make minor changes to specifications or
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remedy and PNI’s sole and exclusive liability will be, at PNI’s option, to repair, replace, or credit
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