[[File:Overview photo horizontal.jpg|border|center|CINQ Edge Installed on a Track]]
= Introduction =
= Introduction =
Welcome to the installation guide for your new SensorLink system. This article provides instructions to ensure a safe and efficient installation. Safety is paramount throughout this process. Railroad environments present unique hazards, and strict adherence to all safety protocols is mandatory. Precise workmanship is equally critical for the reliable operation of this SensorLink system. Carefully follow each step, double-check connections, and ensure all components are securely mounted. Your diligence in both safety and workmanship will guarantee a successful and long-lasting installation.<br>
Welcome to the installation guide for the hardware used by your new CINQ Edge Railcar Tracking Service. This article provides instructions to ensure a safe and efficient installation. Safety is paramount throughout this process. Railroad environments present unique hazards, and strict adherence to all safety protocols is mandatory. Precise workmanship is equally critical for the reliable operation of this CINQ Edge system. Carefully follow each step, double-check connections, and ensure all components are securely mounted. Your diligence in both safety and workmanship will guarantee a successful and long-lasting installation.
'''Read Instructions Thoroughly Before Beginning; Understanding all of the Steps will Help Avoid Difficult Situations'''
'''Read All Instructions Thoroughly Before Beginning; Understanding all of the Steps will Help Avoid Difficult Situations'''
== Scope of Supply ==
== Scope of Supply ==
The installation package includes all necessary components for the complete installation of your SensorLink system.
The installation package includes all necessary components for the complete installation of your CINQ Edge system.
*NEMA Enclosure, which houses the CINQ Edge System
*4x4 Galvanized Metal Post
**CINQ Edge Processor
**MPRX
**Surge Suppression
**Cellular Modem
**Cellular antenna (mounted on top of enclosure)
**Battery Charger
**Sodium Ion Battery<br>
*Two 4" x 4", 10-foot Galvanized Metal Posts
*Cables, Conduit and Fittings for system connections
*Cables, Conduit and Fittings for system connections
*Two RFID Antennas
*Two RFID Antennas
Line 18:
Line 27:
== Tools and Materials Needed ==
== Tools and Materials Needed ==
Installer will be required to provide the following.
Installation also requires:
*200lbs sack concrete (recommended)
*Basic hand tools
*Basic hand tools (imperial and metric)
*Drill driver with Phillips and star bits
*Two-person auger w/ 8" diameter bit<br>
*Pickaxe
*Two-person auger, with a bit that is 8" in diameter and 36" long
== Process Overview ==
*250 lbs dry concrete
The following is a general installation process overview for a SensorLink system, broken down into key stages:
*5 gallons of water
#Site Preparation and Planning:
*Two magnetic levels
##Site Survey: Conduct a thorough site survey to determine optimal reader and antenna placement, identify potential obstructions, and assess power and cabling pathways.
*Block-and-tackle rig (recommended)
##Permitting and Approvals: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals from relevant authorities.
*6-foot ladder
##Safety Planning: Develop a detailed safety plan, including emergency response procedures as sites are often remote.
##Material Acquisition: Gather all required materials, including those provided in the scope of supply and those the installer is responsible for (concrete, electrical supplies, tools, etc.).
#Post and Ground Rod Installation
#SensorLink Subsystem Assembly
#Electrical Installation
#System Configuration and Commissioning (Optimization)
##Power-Up and Initial Checks: Power on the system and perform initial checks to verify proper operation.<br>
##Tag Testing: Perform tag testing to verify accurate tag reads and system performance.
##Data Verification: Verify that the system is transmitting data correctly to the designated data collection system.
#Final Inspection and Documentation:
##Final Inspection: Conduct a thorough final inspection to ensure all components are properly installed and functioning.
##Documentation: Complete all necessary documentation and optimization checklist.<br>
= Site Considerations =
== Site Considerations ==
*Site should be readily accessible to nearby roads to facilitate maintenance.
*Site should be readily accessible to nearby roads to facilitate maintenance.
*Site should be located near commercial power source.
*Site should be located where ample sunshine is available''' (NOT necessary for electric installations).'''
*Site should be located near commercial power source '''(NOT necessary for solar installations)'''.
*Site should be located with consideration to the availability of appropriate communication facilities for system reporting and maintenance (cell coverage).
*Site should be located with consideration to the availability of appropriate communication facilities for system reporting and maintenance (cell coverage).
*Site should be located to avoid discontinuities in the track structure (joints, switches, grade or rail crossings) in the immediate vicinity of the AEI system.
*Site should be located to avoid discontinuities in the track structure (joints, switches, grade or rail crossings) in the immediate vicinity of the CINQ Edge system.
*Site should provide sufficient space to install wayside equipment with respect to railroad clearance restriction requirements.
*Site should provide sufficient space to install wayside equipment with respect to railroad clearance restriction requirements.
*The site should be located in order to satisfy railroad application requirements and with a consideration of the communication and processing lead-time required by the user of the AEI data.
*When feasible, multiple track locations should be located where track centers are greatest in order to locate antennas such that AEI tag read time is maximized. Where feasible, the number of tracks should be minimized.
*High vandalism areas should be avoided.
*High vandalism areas should be avoided.
*Avoid low areas where flooding may occur.
*Avoid low areas where flooding may occur.
*Consideration should be given to consolidation with other types of railroad installations such as defect detectors.
*Site selections should be made with an understanding of the railroad traffic patterns.
*Site selections should be made with an understanding of the railroad traffic patterns. Where feasible, site selection should avoid locations where stopping, reverse moves, doubling, or light engine movements occur frequently.
*If feasible, sites should be located to avoid potential sources of interference including large metallic objects and obstructions in close proximity to the reading area, reflective surfaces, and high voltage power lines, and other fixed and portable AEI reader systems.<br>
*If feasible, sites should be located to avoid potential sources of interference including large metallic objects and obstructions in close proximity to the reading area, reflective surfaces, and high voltage power lines, and other fixed and portable AEI reader systems.
*In order to reduce the potential for interference and subsequent performance degradation, site selection should be made to avoid having two AEI systems powered on at the same frequency at the same time. Two like frequencies should be kept a minimum of 1,500 Ft. apart. AEI transmitter frequencies are: 902.25 MHz, 903.75 MHz, 910.00 MHz, '''911.50 MHz''', 913.00 MHz, 915.00 MHz, 917.00 MHz, 918.50 MHz, 920.00 MHz, and 921.25 MHz<br>
= Pre-construction =
== Pre-construction ==
#<span class="fontstyle0">Determine the transducer location first. This is the center of the site. The center of the </span><span class="fontstyle0">transducer must be located between two ties. This allows for the transducer claw to clamp under the rail.</span>
#<span class="fontstyle0">Determine the transducer location first. This is the center of the site. The center of the </span><span class="fontstyle0">transducer must be located between two ties. This allows for the transducer claw to clamp under the rail.</span>
#<span class="fontstyle0">Mark the 4x4 post locations. Posts should be directly out from the transducer 12 feet 6 inches from center of track.</span>
#<span class="fontstyle0">Mark the 4" x 4" post locations. Posts should be directly out from the transducer -- 12 feet, 6 inches from center of track. More information about post placement and installation is below.</span>
<span class="fontstyle0">Before digging, contact a qualified utility locator service. Utilities need to be marked before digging to safely avoid them. </span>
<span class="fontstyle0">Before digging, contact a qualified utility locator service. Utilities need to be marked before digging to safely avoid them. </span>
<span class="fontstyle0">Note: Comet Industries is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the service providers listed.</span>''
<span class="fontstyle0">Comet Industries is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the service providers listed.</span>
== Earthwork ==
Two 4" x 4" galvanized posts and the 1" Sealtight conduit (with the far-side antenna cable inside) need to be installed below grade.[[File:Dig trench under track png.png|200px|right|thumb|Use a pickaxe or similar tool to scratch out a 3-inch-deep channel from post to post and under the track.]]
= Earthwork =
Two 4x4 galvanized posts and 1" Sealtight conduit need to be installed below grade.
'''Post holes'''
'''Post holes'''
*Hole centered 12 feet 6 inches from center of rail.
*Holes should be located across from one another, each of them 12 feet, six inches from the center of track.
*Hole must be 8" diameter and 3' deep.
*Holes should be aligned with wheel sensor (transducer)
'''Scratching'''
*Holes must be 8 inches in diameter and 3 feet deep.
*All conduit must be laid 3" below top of soil.
''For more information on post hole preparation, see below.''
*One 3" deep conduit channel is needed between the two post holes.<br>
'''SITE LAYOUT DIAGRAM'''
'''SITE ELEVATION DIAGRAM'''
= Posts =
'''Shallow Trench'''
4x4 galvanized posts [[400072]] with post caps [[400079]] will be installed on each side of the track.
*One 3"-deep conduit channel is needed between the two post holes.<br>
*Use the pickaxe to dig out a small trench from the base of the far-side antenna, under the track, and out the other side to connect with the Enclosure
Posts should be setback per layout, 12 foot 6 inches from center of track. They should be angled parallel with track. Both posts should be set in 100lbs of sack concrete and covered in native backfill. In most cases, adding dry concrete is sufficient. No need to cure before completing installation. Posts are to be hand backfilled and tamped, checking and adjusting for plumb, square, and level.
<br>
*Install post cap on one end of the post prior to erecting the post. A cap should be installed on both posts.
= Step-by-Step Hardware Installation Guide =
*Set the post in ballast, capped end upright.
*Mark on the posts 42.5" from top of rail. This marks where the RF antennas will be placed later.
= Ground Rods =
== Unpack ==
Drive the ground rods [[400421]] directly after back-fill before further assembly to help keep a clear workspace. If you mushroom the head of the rod during installation, it will need to be ground back to profile in order to CADweld the bonding wire to it. '''NEED PLACEMENT DIAGRAM'''
#Carefully '''disassemble wooden shipping crate''', removing lid first.
#'''Take out any boxes or items packed inside the crate''' that are not attached to the NEMA Enclosure. <br>Set those aside.
#'''Clip bands on palleted items''', providing easy access as needed.
*Drive one ground rod 2-6" from each post.
== Locate and Dig Post Holes<br> ==
*Ground Rods should be driven to 4-8" above grade.
[[image:Guys Auger use this one png.png|250px|right|thumb|Use an auger to help with the post hole digging.]]
= Subsystem Install =
'''Measure 12 feet, six inches from the center of the track''' for a spot that lines up between two railroad ties (the wheel sensor will be installed between the ties later).
#'''Mark the location '''with marking paint or in some other fashion.
#'''Directly across from that location''', measure 12 feet, six inches from the center of the track. Mark that location, as well.
#'''Dig the holes''' for the 4”x 4” mounting posts at the marked locations.
#COMET recommends that two people use a '''gas-powered auger''' with a bit that is at least 36” long and 8” in diameter.
#'''Dig the two holes 36” deep''' at the marked locations on both sides of the track.<br><br>'''''HINT:''' '''Breaking up the top few inches of soil and rocks with a pickaxe will allow the auger to penetrate the crust '''''[[File:Solar panel supported.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Attaching solar panel; note pole is supported on an aluminum ladder laid on its side.]]'''''easier.'''''
At this point, COMET suggests attaching the solar panel to the top of the near-side pole while the top end is still easily accessible. This requires, however, that the panel end of the pole be supported so that the panel does not rest on the ground.<br>'''''<br>When attaching the solar panel to the near-side pole, remember it will need to face South or Southeast (preferably South) once the pole is erected. <br><span style="color: rgb(224, 62, 45);">"The Enclosure faces away from the track; and the solar panel faces South."</span>'''''<br>'''Keep this description in mind when determining which way to attach the panel to the pole.'''
== Erecting Poles ==
#'''Place the pole with the solar panel in the near-side hole.''' The side of the pole with the brackets for the Enclosure should face away from the track, the solar panel should face South as much as possible, and the pole must be square to the track.[[File:Post planting using levels.jpg|200px|right|thumb]]
#'''Fill the hole''' around the centered pole with the dry concrete,''' packing it firmly''' as it fills.
#*(Optional) Pouring a small amount of water in the hole at two or three levels as the hole is filled can be helpful.
#*It will take about 2.5 50-pound bags to fill one hole.<br>Keep the '''pole square to the track'''.
#Using two '''magnetic levels''', keep the pole '''level both vertically and horizontally'''.
#Follow above instructions to '''erect far-side pole'''
[[image:Copper Connectors.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The bare copper wire is attached to the ground rod and enclosure bracket using copper connectors.]]
When attaching the solar panel, be aware of its position relative to the sun. In the northern hemisphere, south facing solar panels allow for optimal exposure to the sun. Depending on positioning of the rail, optimal placement may not be possible.
== Ground Rods ==
#<p>'''Drive in the ground rods on each side'''.<br>Drive them 2-6 inches from the post, where the ground has already been disturbed.</p>
#<p>Drive the rod in until only 4-8 inches remain above ground.</p>
#<p>Use the bare copper wire (supplied) and connect one end to the larger copper connector on the ground rod. Connect the other end to the smaller connector using the set screw. Then attach the small connector to the Unistrut cross bar that the enclosure is mounted on.<br><br></p>
[[File:Near side Post erected.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Near-side post erected.]]
* Assemble brackets onto solar panel.
== Far-Side Antenna Cable ==
* Attach to nearside post using provided U-bolts according to optimal placement.
#'''Lay out the far-side antenna cable. '''Starting at the near-side pole, use the shallow trench to lay the antenna cable under the track and to the bottom of the far-side pole. Pull through enough cable to reach up to the antenna connector.
#Coil any extra cable and lean it neatly against the near-side pole<br><br>
== Radar Presence Detector ==
== Install Wheel Sensor ==
The radar must be attached to the nearside post, facing the rail. '''PHOTO NEEDED, MORE PRODUCT INFO NEEDED'''
[[File:Frauscher on rail.jpg|200px|left|thumb]]
#'''Install the wheel sensor and clamp'''.
*Attach radar facing the track, using provided U-bolts, to nearside post.
#Refer to [[Frauscher Wheel Detector Installation and Optimization]] for instructions on installing the wheel sensor to the rail.
#The mounting point on the track should be in line with the poles as much as possible and between two ties.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>
== SensorLink Enclosure ==
The system is ready for the mounting of the SensorLink Enclosure ''' [INSERT PART NUMBER]'''.
! style="width: 100%; text-align: center;" | The SensorLink enclosure is heavy and awkward to handle. Plan your movements, this is a multiple person job.
|}
Before attaching the enclosure, mark on the nearside post where the enclosure will be attached. Ideal placement of the SensorLink enclosure will ensure accessibility when working inside the enclosure later. The SensorLink enclosure should be attached on the side of the post that is opposite to the track.
'''[INSERT ORIENTATION DIAGRAM]'''
*Attach to nearside post using provided U-Bolts on the side of the post opposite to the track.
#'''Take the Enclosure to the near-side pole''', on the side away from the track, and prepare to install it.
#'''Unwind the cables''' coming out of the bottom of the enclosure and spread them out and away from the track so that they won’t be in the way for installation.<br><br>'''''NOTE: At this point, COMET suggests you use a simple block-and-tackle rig to help lift the Enclosure <br>and hold it in place while connecting to brackets. <br>Doing so will make the following steps of the process much easier.'''''[[File:Block and tackle to raise box.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Use a a block-and-tackle setup to raise the NEMA box into position.]]<br>
#'''Connect one end''' of the block-and-tackle to the top of the pole and the other end to one of the two holes near the top of the box on the back side.
#'''Raise the Enclosure. '''It will rise at an angle, which is fine.
#When it is at the right height, '''secure''' the rope to hold the Enclosure in place.
#Connect the top bolt opposite the hook first. '''Do not tighten any of the bolts until all four have been started'''.
#Remove the hook and '''connect the other bolt '''near the top of the box.
#Then connect''' the bottom bolts. '''
#When all bolts have been started,''' go back and tighten bolts'''
#'''Adjust bracket''' as necessary.<br><br>
'''NEED DIAGRAMS'''<br>Two ParaPanel Antennas [[400942]] need to be installed, one on each post. The vertical center of the antenna should be 42 inches above top of rail, facing the track. If the posts were marked during [[#Posts|Posts]], the mark can be used to aid in mounting the antennas at the proper height.
== Attach Antennas ==
[[File:Far side antenna.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Far side Antenna]][[File:Antenna backside.jpg|200px|left|thumb|Backside of antenna, showing bracket and cable connections]]
#Make sure antennas are installed correctly. The brand name of the antenna goes at the top, right-side up.
#'''Connect the antennas''' to their brackets with four bolts<br>'''Note:''' Mounting hardware for the parapanel antenna is '''stainless steel'''. Caution should be taken to avoid thread galling. This includes thread lubrication (best case "anti-seize"), and careful handling.
#'''Vertical center of the antenna should be 42” above the top of rail'''
#'''Adjust bracket '''as necessary
#Antennas should be at the '''same height, facing the track and each other.'''
#'''Connect Cables''' to Antennas
#For the far-side antenna, '''run the cable in the trench under the track''' and to the other side.
#Leaving enough cable to reach above to the antenna connection on the far-side pole, <br>'''loop any extra cable from both sides''' and lay it neatly against the near-side post
#On both sides of the track, attach the cables and hoods to the antennas<br><br>
<span style="background-color: rgb(251, 238, 184);">Note: Mounting hardware for the parapanel antenna is stainless steel. Caution should be taken to avoid thread galling. This includes thread lubrication (best case "anti-seize"), and careful handling.</span>
== Attach the Radar ==
*Attach L-brackets to the back of the antennas using provided screws.
[[File:Radar 2.jpg|200px|left|thumb|inside radar box]][[File:Radar from below.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Radar connection from below]]
*Mount the nearside antenna first. The antenna should be attached facing the track, opposite the SensorLink enclosure.<br>
**The provided plate sits against the long side of the L-bracket.
**The U-bolts attach around the tower post.
*Attach the second antenna directly across from the first in the same manner.
= Antenna Connections =
#Attach the radar box to its '''bracket''' on the pole
Sealtight conduit [[400514|400514]] is used to connect the RF antennas to the SensorLink enclosure. Sealtight conduit is provided in the kit for this purpose.
#A wire lead, or electric wire fishing tool, will be used to feed the gray radar cable '''up through the cable conduit on the post and out the hole midway up '''the conduit.
#Push the '''30-inch, 14-gauge aluminum wire '''(included in hardware box) through the hole midway up the pipe and push it out the bottom of the conduit. '''Attach the wire to the radar cable''' and use it as a lead to pull the radar cable up the conduit and out the hole. OR use wire fishing tool per directions.
#'''Connect the cable inside the Radar box'''. Then close and latch the box, sealing it as tightly as possible.<br><br>'''''<span style="color: #e03e2d;"><br></span>'''''<br>[[image:Battery.png|200px|right|thumb|Battery and breaker location]]
The conduit should be laid in the 3" deep channel made in [[#Earthwork|Earthwork]].
== Install Battery ==
[[image:Solar connections.jpg|200px|right|thumb]]
#'''Ensure that the breaker in the enclosure is turned off.'''
#Put the battery in the bottom of the Enclosure '''but DO NOT connect the battery cables to it at this time'''''.''<br><br><br><br>
#Take the red and black wires from under the Enclosure and feed them up the cable conduit.
#Connect them with the panel: positive to positive; negative to negative.
#Make sure they click firmly in place in the cable connectors.<br>
Refer to [[Frauscher Wheel Detector Installation and Optimization]] for instruction on installing the wheel sensor to the rail. The mounting point on the track should be in line with the antennas as much as possible.
== Finishing Up ==
*Cut the Frauscher's protective hose to the appropriate length and install using the grey cable fitting on the bottom of the enclosure.
#'''Put the End Caps on the Posts'''
*Cut the sensor wire to length, (with a service loop) and landed in the enclosure '''as shown'''. '''NEED PHOTO/DIAGRAM'''
#Using the ladder, push the plastic,''' 4” x 4” caps''' into the top ends of both posts.<br><br>
= Presence Detector Connections =
== Bringing the CINQ Edge to Life ==
'''Materials Needed'''
'''Tools Needed'''
#Check all connections
#Check that the antennas are aligned to face the track and each other
''For safety reasons, CINQ Edge's sodium-ion batteries have no charge when they are shipped. Therefore, to power up CINQ Edge and perform initial testing, the tech will hook up a small 12v battery to provide power. Once powered up, the tech will:''
= Electrical Connections =
* Check antennas -- Using test tag.
* Check Presence -- Does radar detect presence.
* Check Wheel Sensor -- Passing a piece of steel along the track over the sensor.
== Grounding Connections ==
Once the tests are successfully completed, connect the sodium-ion battery. '''Make sure the Positive cable goes to the POSITIVE pole;''' make sure '''Negative cable goes to NEGATIVE pole.'''
'''Materials Needed'''
*No. 6 Bare Copper Wire
'''Tools Needed'''
*Wire cutter<br>
'''Procedure'''
#On the nearside post, partially unscrew the grounding lug's inner bolt and insert copper wire. Secure wire by tightening the inner bolt.
#Secure wire to grounding rod with grounding rod clamp.
#Cut the copper wire on the excess side of the grounding rod.<br>
#On the farside, screw ground lug to antenna.
#Repeat steps 1-3 on the farside post.
== Solar Panel Connections ==
Confirm that the battery is charging using the Victron Connect app. (The tech will instruct users on how to get and use the app to monitor battery health.)
Connections from the solar panel should be run to the enclosure. The cables should run through the second and third black cable fittings. The cable fittings are found on the bottom of the enclosure.
== Batteries ==
Coil all excess cable neatly and lean on or attach to the nearside post. Clean up any tools and/or trash at the site.
An area inside the SensorLink enclosure has been marked for battery [[400266|400266]] placement.
*Install the battery in the marked area.
Be sure to close and lock the enclosure door before leaving the site.
*Connect the battery using the color codes (Black -)(Red +)
= Final Inspection =
The next CINQ Edge action is to log into the online Railcar Tracking Service. Please see the''' [[CINQ Edge User Quick Start Guide]]'''
Calibrating the wheel sensor, checking the reader and reporting to RSM. '''NEEDS MORE INFORMATION'''
Latest revision as of 20:38, 11 May 2026
CINQ Edge Installed on a Track
Introduction
Welcome to the installation guide for the hardware used by your new CINQ Edge Railcar Tracking Service. This article provides instructions to ensure a safe and efficient installation. Safety is paramount throughout this process. Railroad environments present unique hazards, and strict adherence to all safety protocols is mandatory. Precise workmanship is equally critical for the reliable operation of this CINQ Edge system. Carefully follow each step, double-check connections, and ensure all components are securely mounted. Your diligence in both safety and workmanship will guarantee a successful and long-lasting installation.
Read All Instructions Thoroughly Before Beginning; Understanding all of the Steps will Help Avoid Difficult Situations
Scope of Supply
The installation package includes all necessary components for the complete installation of your CINQ Edge system.
CINQ Edge Shipping Contents
Provided Components:
NEMA Enclosure, which houses the CINQ Edge System
CINQ Edge Processor
MPRX
Surge Suppression
Cellular Modem
Cellular antenna (mounted on top of enclosure)
Battery Charger
Sodium Ion Battery
Two 4" x 4", 10-foot Galvanized Metal Posts
Cables, Conduit and Fittings for system connections
Two RFID Antennas
Frauscher Wheel detector and accessories
Radar Presence kit
Tools and Materials Needed
Installation also requires:
Basic hand tools
Drill driver with Phillips and star bits
Pickaxe
Two-person auger, with a bit that is 8" in diameter and 36" long
250 lbs dry concrete
5 gallons of water
Two magnetic levels
Block-and-tackle rig (recommended)
6-foot ladder
Site Considerations
Site should be readily accessible to nearby roads to facilitate maintenance.
Site should be located where ample sunshine is available (NOT necessary for electric installations).
Site should be located near commercial power source (NOT necessary for solar installations).
Site should be located with consideration to the availability of appropriate communication facilities for system reporting and maintenance (cell coverage).
Site should be located to avoid discontinuities in the track structure (joints, switches, grade or rail crossings) in the immediate vicinity of the CINQ Edge system.
Site should provide sufficient space to install wayside equipment with respect to railroad clearance restriction requirements.
High vandalism areas should be avoided.
Avoid low areas where flooding may occur.
Site selections should be made with an understanding of the railroad traffic patterns.
If feasible, sites should be located to avoid potential sources of interference including large metallic objects and obstructions in close proximity to the reading area, reflective surfaces, and high voltage power lines, and other fixed and portable AEI reader systems.
Pre-construction
Determine the transducer location first. This is the center of the site. The center of the transducer must be located between two ties. This allows for the transducer claw to clamp under the rail.
Mark the 4" x 4" post locations. Posts should be directly out from the transducer -- 12 feet, 6 inches from center of track. More information about post placement and installation is below.
Before digging, contact a qualified utility locator service. Utilities need to be marked before digging to safely avoid them. See below a non-comprehensive list of utility locator services. Local authorities need to be notified before work begins.
Note: Comet Industries is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of the service providers listed.
Earthwork
Two 4" x 4" galvanized posts and the 1" Sealtight conduit (with the far-side antenna cable inside) need to be installed below grade.
Use a pickaxe or similar tool to scratch out a 3-inch-deep channel from post to post and under the track.
Post holes
Holes should be located across from one another, each of them 12 feet, six inches from the center of track.
Holes should be aligned with wheel sensor (transducer)
Holes must be 8 inches in diameter and 3 feet deep.
For more information on post hole preparation, see below.
Shallow Trench
One 3"-deep conduit channel is needed between the two post holes.
Use the pickaxe to dig out a small trench from the base of the far-side antenna, under the track, and out the other side to connect with the Enclosure
Step-by-Step Hardware Installation Guide
Unpack
Carefully disassemble wooden shipping crate, removing lid first.
Take out any boxes or items packed inside the crate that are not attached to the NEMA Enclosure. Set those aside.
Clip bands on palleted items, providing easy access as needed.
Locate and Dig Post Holes
Use an auger to help with the post hole digging.
Measure 12 feet, six inches from the center of the track for a spot that lines up between two railroad ties (the wheel sensor will be installed between the ties later).
Mark the location with marking paint or in some other fashion.
Directly across from that location, measure 12 feet, six inches from the center of the track. Mark that location, as well.
Dig the holes for the 4”x 4” mounting posts at the marked locations.
COMET recommends that two people use a gas-powered auger with a bit that is at least 36” long and 8” in diameter.
Dig the two holes 36” deep at the marked locations on both sides of the track.
HINT:Breaking up the top few inches of soil and rocks with a pickaxe will allow the auger to penetrate the crust Attaching solar panel; note pole is supported on an aluminum ladder laid on its side.easier.
Attach Solar Panel to Top of Near-Side Pole
At this point, COMET suggests attaching the solar panel to the top of the near-side pole while the top end is still easily accessible. This requires, however, that the panel end of the pole be supported so that the panel does not rest on the ground. When attaching the solar panel to the near-side pole, remember it will need to face South or Southeast (preferably South) once the pole is erected. "The Enclosure faces away from the track; and the solar panel faces South." Keep this description in mind when determining which way to attach the panel to the pole.
Erecting Poles
Place the pole with the solar panel in the near-side hole. The side of the pole with the brackets for the Enclosure should face away from the track, the solar panel should face South as much as possible, and the pole must be square to the track.
Fill the hole around the centered pole with the dry concrete, packing it firmly as it fills.
(Optional) Pouring a small amount of water in the hole at two or three levels as the hole is filled can be helpful.
It will take about 2.5 50-pound bags to fill one hole. Keep the pole square to the track.
Using two magnetic levels, keep the pole level both vertically and horizontally.
Follow above instructions to erect far-side pole
The bare copper wire is attached to the ground rod and enclosure bracket using copper connectors.
Ground Rods
Drive in the ground rods on each side. Drive them 2-6 inches from the post, where the ground has already been disturbed.
Drive the rod in until only 4-8 inches remain above ground.
Use the bare copper wire (supplied) and connect one end to the larger copper connector on the ground rod. Connect the other end to the smaller connector using the set screw. Then attach the small connector to the Unistrut cross bar that the enclosure is mounted on.
Near-side post erected.
Far-Side Antenna Cable
Lay out the far-side antenna cable. Starting at the near-side pole, use the shallow trench to lay the antenna cable under the track and to the bottom of the far-side pole. Pull through enough cable to reach up to the antenna connector.
Coil any extra cable and lean it neatly against the near-side pole
The mounting point on the track should be in line with the poles as much as possible and between two ties.
Mounting the NEMA Enclosure
Take the Enclosure to the near-side pole, on the side away from the track, and prepare to install it.
Unwind the cables coming out of the bottom of the enclosure and spread them out and away from the track so that they won’t be in the way for installation.
NOTE: At this point, COMET suggests you use a simple block-and-tackle rig to help lift the Enclosure and hold it in place while connecting to brackets. Doing so will make the following steps of the process much easier.Use a a block-and-tackle setup to raise the NEMA box into position.
Connect one end of the block-and-tackle to the top of the pole and the other end to one of the two holes near the top of the box on the back side.
Raise the Enclosure. It will rise at an angle, which is fine.
When it is at the right height, secure the rope to hold the Enclosure in place.
Connect the top bolt opposite the hook first. Do not tighten any of the bolts until all four have been started.
Remove the hook and connect the other bolt near the top of the box.
Then connect the bottom bolts.
When all bolts have been started, go back and tighten bolts
Adjust bracket as necessary.
Attach Antennas
Far side AntennaBackside of antenna, showing bracket and cable connections
Make sure antennas are installed correctly. The brand name of the antenna goes at the top, right-side up.
Connect the antennas to their brackets with four bolts Note: Mounting hardware for the parapanel antenna is stainless steel. Caution should be taken to avoid thread galling. This includes thread lubrication (best case "anti-seize"), and careful handling.
Vertical center of the antenna should be 42” above the top of rail
Adjust bracket as necessary
Antennas should be at the same height, facing the track and each other.
Connect Cables to Antennas
For the far-side antenna, run the cable in the trench under the track and to the other side.
Leaving enough cable to reach above to the antenna connection on the far-side pole, loop any extra cable from both sides and lay it neatly against the near-side post
On both sides of the track, attach the cables and hoods to the antennas
Attach the Radar
inside radar boxRadar connection from below
Attach the radar box to its bracket on the pole
A wire lead, or electric wire fishing tool, will be used to feed the gray radar cable up through the cable conduit on the post and out the hole midway up the conduit.
Push the 30-inch, 14-gauge aluminum wire (included in hardware box) through the hole midway up the pipe and push it out the bottom of the conduit. Attach the wire to the radar cable and use it as a lead to pull the radar cable up the conduit and out the hole. OR use wire fishing tool per directions.
Connect the cable inside the Radar box. Then close and latch the box, sealing it as tightly as possible.
Battery and breaker location
Install Battery
Ensure that the breaker in the enclosure is turned off.
Put the battery in the bottom of the Enclosure but DO NOT connect the battery cables to it at this time.
Connect the Solar Panel
Take the red and black wires from under the Enclosure and feed them up the cable conduit.
Connect them with the panel: positive to positive; negative to negative.
Make sure they click firmly in place in the cable connectors.
Finishing Up
Put the End Caps on the Posts
Using the ladder, push the plastic, 4” x 4” caps into the top ends of both posts.
Bringing the CINQ Edge to Life
Check all connections
Check that the antennas are aligned to face the track and each other
For safety reasons, CINQ Edge's sodium-ion batteries have no charge when they are shipped. Therefore, to power up CINQ Edge and perform initial testing, the tech will hook up a small 12v battery to provide power. Once powered up, the tech will:
Check antennas -- Using test tag.
Check Presence -- Does radar detect presence.
Check Wheel Sensor -- Passing a piece of steel along the track over the sensor.
Once the tests are successfully completed, connect the sodium-ion battery. Make sure the Positive cable goes to the POSITIVE pole; make sure Negative cable goes to NEGATIVE pole.
Confirm that the battery is charging using the Victron Connect app. (The tech will instruct users on how to get and use the app to monitor battery health.)
Coil all excess cable neatly and lean on or attach to the nearside post. Clean up any tools and/or trash at the site.
Be sure to close and lock the enclosure door before leaving the site.
