News Release

 

New Software From Northwest Signal Supply Obsoletes Suitcase Style Signal Controller Test Boxes

 

Tualatin, Ore. – August 3, 2009 – Northwest Signal Supply, Inc. today announced NWS Testbox, a Windows-based test suite for evaluating controller software performance under various timing scenarios. Increasingly sophisticated controllers and software demand tools equal to the task. NWS Testbox provides traffic engineers with a powerful new tool for demonstrating effects of timing values while researching timing solutions for complex, often competing, multimodal system demands.

The program works with NTCIP-compliant controllers to coordinate data flows between a PC and controller. Using an Ethernet connection, NWS Testbox accesses NTCIP controller functions to control inputs, read outputs and display timers. Each group of sent and received data is tracked and can be recorded for later playback.  Recordings can be emailed to other users and NWS support for analysis. The program is scalable and sophisticated, providing much more functionality than a suitcase tester ever could. It is the right tool for configuring and evaluating modern NTCIP-compliant controller timing.

“The limitations of traditional test methodologies and equipment become increasingly apparent as controller applications become more complex,” said Jon Meusch, president of Northwest Signal Supply. “NWS Testbox has the functionality of old suitcase testers and much more. It will allow traffic engineers to develop new testing protocols that are more thorough, efficient and effective than ever before.”

An additional advantage of using a software-based tester is flexibility. Suitcase testers cannot accommodate rapidly changing features appearing in modern controllers. For example, the 2070 controller has 20 more inputs and 8 more outputs than the 170 controllers they were designed to replace. Modifying a hardware-based tester is a major undertaking requiring much more than adding lights and switches. NWS Testbox can adapt input-output changes in seconds.

Key specifications:

• Testing protocol for standard NTCIP functions from the Global and ASC standards
• Ethernet connectivity
• Record, playback and printing capabilities with time-stamped controller I/O data
• 6 preset sets of inputs can be applied simultaneously
• Display options to meet user preferences include:

- Tabular display with customizable function prioritization
- Controller front panel display
- Custom graphics map display

• Function names in “common language” or NTCIP format
• Default function sets for quick creation of dynamic objects include:

- 8 and 16 phase formats
- 332 cabinet
- Time and pattern

• Proprietary functions for Northwest Signal Supply family of controllers
• Allows setting of NTCIP Physical Address from 1-8191
• Requires the signal controller to handle Dynamic Objects as follows: When read-only functions/objects are included in the Dynamic Object, the controller will return an error but continue to process the remaining function/objects.

Pricing and Availability

NWS Testbox will be available at the beginning of Q4, 2009 directly through Northwest Signal. List price is $2,995. NWS Testbox will work with Northwest Signal’s M1 controller or any controller running the company’s Voyage controller software. Other controller or controller software manufacturers are invited to contact Northwest Signal to have their hardware and software qualified for use with NWS Testbox. For more information, call (503) 635-4351.

About Northwest Signal Supply

Headquartered in Tualatin, Oregon, Northwest Signal Supply is one of the leading suppliers of traffic signal components in the United States. The company’s M1 ATC and Voyage traffic controller software provide the most powerful, feature-rich and easy-to-use traffic control solutions on the market. The company also manufactures metal traffic control enclosures and steel poles. In addition to being one of the only companies to offer its customers complete, end-to-end traffic control solutions, Northwest Signal Supply also offers professional traffic engineering consulting services. For more information, visit www.nwsignal.com.

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Contact:
Dean Rodgers
(503) 699-7990
KoiFish Communications
dean@koifishcommunications.com