OVERVIEW

The Trafficmaster Q - Busta system provides the driver with “real time” traffic flow information relevant to location and direction of the vehicle 24 hours per day. The Trafficmaster network of sensors, cameras and transmitters are located alongside the length of the majority of the motorway and trunk road network of the United Kingdom (excluding Northern Ireland). When the traffic flow drops below 30 mph the system automatically transmits a report via the National Control Centre informing the driver of the expected time delay on the chosen and adjacent route of travel to within a five mile radius on adjoining roads and a ten mile horizon ahead or two junctions on motorways whichever is the greater (this is limited to three and seven miles respectively inside the M25). The reception range at which messages can be received may vary according to the topography of the area. In general assume a range of 500 metres radius from the transmission site.

OPERATION

On every journey the system has no function until passing a transmission site. Additionally, the system will time out and the LED indicators will not be illuminated if a message has not been received from a transmission site for approximately 10 minutes.

Automatic mode: Accessed by pressing the control switch twice. On approaching either the trunk road or motorway network the Q - Busta will automatically advise the driver of traffic conditions to a range of 10 miles or two junctions in all directions.

Free flowing traffic is denoted by the LED indicator in the control switch showing green. Congested traffic is denoted by the LED flashing red three times followed by an audible warning message. The LED will then display continuously red until a new signal is received and the system status is updated.

When a “clear” road signal is received the LED will flash green three times and then remain green until a new signal is received and the system status is updated.

A “clear” message reporting the vehicle’s position and direction can be accessed by pressing the control switch once.

Audible warning messages will always start with the vehicle location, followed by details of the traffic problem, the approximate length of any tailback, the likely delay and then highlighting the position of the congestion by junction numbers, as per the following examples:-

A typical approach warning:

“You are near M1 junction 14, M1 southbound, slow traffic for 4 miles between junctions 11 and 12 – expect 10 minutes delay. M1 northbound traffic flowing freely”

A typical journey warning:

“You are near M4 junction 8 westbound. M4 westbound, 6 miles of stationery traffic
between junctions 10 and 12 severe delay, avoid”

The Q - Busta will not repeat the same message unless the situation changes ahead of the vehicles position. This avoids unnecessary repetition to the driver. Traffic messages can be interrupted at any time by simply pressing the control switch once. To recall the latest message press the control switch once again.

Manual (Silent) mode: This mode allows the user to select when they wish to hear the traffic information. By pressing the control switch twice the unit will confirm that it has switched to “Manual Mode”. The LED will continue to indicate the state of traffic conditions by switching between red and green.

Pressing the control switch once will access the latest information.

To switch back to automatic mode press the control switch twice again in quick succession.

If the unit receives no signal or the control switch is not pressed within 7 minutes of receiving the last broadcast, or when the vehicle is away from the network, the unit will revert to a standby mode and LED indicator will not be illuminated.

In the presence of strong signals from an outside source, e.g. CB radios or emergency service vehicles, Q - Busta reception may be masked.

Motorway Only Mode: Accessed by pressing the control switch twice. This mode of operation allows the user to suppress unwanted information from adjacent trunk roads when  travelling on motorways for extended periods.
 
Volume mode: The pre-set volume of the unit can be adjusted by pressing the control switch three times in quick succession.

The unit will confirm that it has transferred into “Volume” mode. It will then start counting up from the standard setting, with each number the volume will increase.

When the desired volume is reached, press the control switch once again and the unit will return to the normal operating mode.