Question for the Whelen gurus...

I am getting ready to install a Dominator Series traffic advisor on one of our medic units...TAD8RR to be exact. It will be controlled using a TADCTL1 controller. Most of the units in this area utilize the traffic advisor "FLASH" function when on the road non-emergency, displaying either a simple flash pattern or something like the Modu-Flash pattern. The TAD8RR has the six lamp advisor with end flashers. The traffic section is amber, the end flashers are red. When I have the bar hooked up to the controller and the switch set to "ON" the end flashers are not on when you use the traffic arrow functions, if you set the main switch to "AUX" the end flashers operate along with the traffic arrow functions, (this is normal per Whelens instructions), no problems here.


My issue is regardless of the main switch position, "ON" or "AUX", when you set the rotary function switch to "FLASH", the end flashers operate in each position. So basically instead of being able to display a random Amber pattern when travelling non-emergency, the Red end flashers are always on in the "FLASH" setting.


Is there a way that you can use the flash setting without the end flashers being on too? I figure I could open up the bar itself and re-wire it depending on type of internal flasher (well within my scope of electrical knowledge) but I'd rather not if it can be done another way (i.e., keeps the warranty intact). I figured I'd check with the brains on here first, before I fire off an e-mail to Big W.


Thanks!


Pete
 

shues

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 21, 2010
10,276
NW Indiana
Imagine if fire engines displayed flashing red lights all the time. How would motorists know whether the fire engine was responding to an emergency, or just driving to the hamburger stand for lunch?


The same is true of amber lighting. If your traffic advisor is flashing when you are not responding to an emergency, how can you expect anyone to heed its message when you are truly responding, or especially when you are operating on an emergency scene?


Displaying warning lights, red, amber, or otherwise, while traveling non-emergency seems to cause the general public to ignore them when there is an emergency because they grow accustomed to seeing them lit when there is no emergency.
 

Phillyrube

Member
May 21, 2010
1,272
Flatistan
Take a look at Virginia state code for amber lights. Tomorrow the new amber "move to left" law goes into effect for amber lights. Jared and shues both nailed it. There are no so many different types of flashing lights out there that the public, engrossed in their cell phones while driving, just don't see it anymore. It's like the stinky pet room in a house. When you first walk in, it stinks, but then your sense of smell gets numb and you no longer smell anything. It's the same way hydrogen sulfide kills.


I have made traffic stops on wreckers (rollbacks) hauling a car and flashing amber lights in the grill, along the sides, in the back, and the $2K lightbar on top. The law says


"B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, such amber lights shall be lit only when performing the functions which qualify them to be equipped with such lights." The way I view it, once the car is on the truck, it is now considered a load, and no reason to use the lights. We also write them for HAW strobes, since the code specifically allows them only on police, fire, EMS or emergency servcie vehicles.


This and window tint, my main pet peeves!!!


§ 46.2-1025. Flashing amber, purple, or green warning lights.


A. The following vehicles may be equipped with flashing, blinking, or alternating amber warning lights of types approved by the Superintendent:


1. Vehicles used for the principal purpose of towing or servicing disabled vehicles;


2. Vehicles used in constructing, maintaining, and repairing highways or utilities on or along public highways;


3. Vehicles used for the principal purpose of removing hazardous or polluting substances from state waters and drainage areas on or along public highways;


4. Vehicles used for servicing automatic teller machines, provided the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is in motion;


5. Vehicles used in refuse collection, provided the amber lights are lit only when the vehicles are engaged in refuse collection operations;


6. Vehicles used by individuals for emergency snow-removal purposes;


7. Hi-rail vehicles, provided the amber lights are lit only when the vehicles are operated on railroad rails;


8. Fire apparatus, ambulances, and rescue and life-saving vehicles, provided the amber lights are used in addition to lights permitted under § 46.2-1023 and are so mounted or installed as to be visible from behind the vehicle;


9. Vehicles owned and used by businesses providing security services, provided the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is being operated on a public highway;


10. Vehicles used to collect and deliver the United States mail, provided the amber lights are lit only when the vehicle is actually engaged in such collection or delivery;


11. Vehicles used to transport petroleum products, provided the amber light is mounted on the rear of the vehicle and is lit only when the vehicle's back-up lights are lit and its device producing an audible signal when the vehicle is operated in reverse gear, as provided for in § 46.2-1175.1, is in operation;


12. Vehicles used by law-enforcement agency personnel in the enforcement of laws governing motor vehicle parking;


13. Government-owned law-enforcement vehicles, provided the lights are used for the purpose of giving directional warning to vehicular traffic to move one direction or another and are not lit while the vehicle is in motion;


14. Chase vehicles when used to unload a hot air balloon or used to load a hot air balloon after landing, provided the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is in motion;


15. Vehicles used for farm, agricultural, or horticultural purposes, or any farm tractor;


16. Vehicles owned and used by construction companies operating under Virginia contractors licenses;


17. Vehicles used to lead or provide escorts for bicycle races authorized by the Department of Transportation or the locality in which the race is being conducted;


18. Vehicles used by radio or television stations for remote broadcasts, provided that the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is in motion;


19. Vehicles used by municipal safety officers in the performance of their official duties. For the purpose of this subdivision, "municipal safety officers" means municipal employees responsible for managing municipal safety programs and ensuring municipal compliance with safety and environmental regulatory mandates;


20. Vehicles used as pace cars, security vehicles, or fire-fighting vehicles by any speedway or motor vehicle race track, provided that the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is being operated on a public highway; and


21. Vehicles used in patrol work by members of neighborhood watch groups approved by the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality in their assigned neighborhood watch program area, provided that the vehicles are clearly identified as neighborhood watch vehicles, and the amber lights are not lit while the vehicle is in motion.


B. Except as otherwise provided in this section, such amber lights shall be lit only when performing the functions which qualify them to be equipped with such lights.


C. Vehicles used to lead or provide escorts for funeral processions may use either amber warning lights or purple warning lights, but amber warning lights and purple warning lights shall not simultaneously be used on the same vehicle. The Superintendent of State Police shall develop standards and specifications for purple lights authorized in this subsection.


D. Vehicles used by police, fire-fighting, or rescue personnel as command centers at the scene of incidents may be equipped with and use green warning lights of a type approved by the Superintendent. Such lights shall not be activated while the vehicle is operating upon the highway.


(Code 1950, § 46-273; 1954, c. 310; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-267; 1960, cc. 156, 391; 1962, c. 512; 1966, cc. 655, 664; 1968, c. 89; 1972, c. 7; 1974, c. 537; 1976, c. 6; 1977, c. 72; 1978, cc. 311, 357; 1980, c. 337; 1981, c. 338; 1984, cc. 440, 539; 1985, cc. 248, 269, 287, 462; 1986, cc. 124, 127, 229; 1987, cc. 347, 370; 1988, cc. 339, 351; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 465; 1992, cc. 93, 410, 805; 1995, c. 727; 1997, c. 149; 1998, cc. 134, 417; 1999, cc. 18, 72, 232; 2000, cc. 84, 121, 278; 2003, c. 93; 2005, c. 574.)
 

zack A

Member
May 24, 2010
379
NC
Most of the FD's around here run the flash/warning mode on their TA's. Our policy at the FD states if our trucks are on the road its suppose to be on.
 

nerdly_dood

Member
Jun 15, 2010
2,312
Georgia
I (who live in Virginia) think that tow trucks should have their amber lights turned on if it's towing a car that crashed, or for any reason a part might fall onto the road. If the car just broke down, parked illegally or ran out of gas, just use amber lights when loading.


Fire trucks in the Washington and Roanoke areas also commonly have their traffic advisors flashing no matter what the situation. Totally pointless if you ask me.
 
Thanks for all the opinionated replies...though that was not what I was looking for. I am not looking to get into a heated debate over when and why the warning mode on a traffic advisor should be used. It is common practice in the area where I work for fire and EMS vehicles so we'll leave it at that.


So, back to the original question. Is it possible to use this TA the way I want to without any major modification. Please limit responses to that question. Thank You.


Pete
 

Phillyrube

Member
May 21, 2010
1,272
Flatistan
nerdly_dood said:
I (who live in Virginia) think that tow trucks should have their amber lights turned on if it's towing a car that crashed, or for any reason a part might fall onto the road. If the car just broke down, parked illegally or ran out of gas, just use amber lights when loading.

Fire trucks in the Washington and Roanoke areas also commonly have their traffic advisors flashing no matter what the situation. Totally pointless if you ask me.

Agree, if the vehicle is being towed, with it's wheels on the ground, then yes, tow with lights. Once the vehicle is loaded on the flatbed, it becomes a load. If a part falls off, the driver is responsible, and it's a Class 1 misdemeanor for Failure to Secure Load.
 

UndercoverVLS

Member
Jun 1, 2010
337
NY
Phillyrube said:
also write them for HAW strobes, since the code specifically allows them only on police, fire, EMS or emergency servcie vehicles.
(Code 1950, § 46-273; 1954, c. 310; 1958, c. 541, § 46.1-267; 1960, cc. 156, 391; 1962, c. 512; 1966, cc. 655, 664; 1968, c. 89; 1972, c. 7; 1974, c. 537; 1976, c. 6; 1977, c. 72; 1978, cc. 311, 357; 1980, c. 337; 1981, c. 338; 1984, cc. 440, 539; 1985, cc. 248, 269, 287, 462; 1986, cc. 124, 127, 229; 1987, cc. 347, 370; 1988, cc. 339, 351; 1989, c. 727; 1991, c. 465; 1992, cc. 93, 410, 805; 1995, c. 727; 1997, c. 149; 1998, cc. 134, 417; 1999, cc. 18, 72, 232; 2000, cc. 84, 121, 278; 2003, c. 93; 2005, c. 574.)

Phillyrube said:
If a part falls off, the driver is responsible, and it's a Class 1 misdemeanor for Failure to Secure Load.

THE HAMMA! Its a living and breathing Vehicle/Traffic Law. :shock: :shock: :lol:


-----


On our FD and most FD's I see, the rear amber or rotating beacons/small LEDs are on while driving non emergency on Ladder trucks. They are hazards on the road whether responding or not.
 

Cam

Member
May 20, 2010
247
MO
TheHealer said:
Thanks for all the opinionated replies...though that was not what I was looking for. I am not looking to get into a heated debate over when and why the warning mode on a traffic advisor should be used. It is common practice in the area where I work for fire and EMS vehicles so we'll leave it at that.

So, back to the original question. Is it possible to use this TA the way I want to without any major modification. Please limit responses to that question. Thank You.


Pete

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


This board has always be quick to jump on anyone they though might be a "whacker" or someone using lights/siren in a less then legal way. I'm not such how you think you might be any different but it kind of pisses me off to hear police/fire/ems bitch about construction/utility using red or whatever lights saying it reduces the value of that color and hear that one of those same people want to use "our" color just to drive around with for no reason at all. Screw you
 
Cam said:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


This board has always be quick to jump on anyone they though might be a "whacker" or someone using lights/siren in a less then legal way. I'm not such how you think you might be any different but it kind of pisses me off to hear police/fire/ems bitch about construction/utility using red or whatever lights saying it reduces the value of that color and hear that one of those same people want to use "our" color just to drive around with for no reason at all. Screw you


WOW! Oooooooookaaaaaaaaaaay... :?


In case you missed it Cam,


So, back to the original question. Is it possible to use this TA the way I want to without any major modification. Please limit responses to that question. Thank You.


;)
 

rlsllc

Member
Dec 2, 2011
164
USA/Ohio
This may not answer your question, but could be a solution;


Is there any reason you couldn't just change the end flashers from red to amber like the rest of the T/A?


I am not familiar with your set up, so if I'm way off sorry; my T/A is all amber but had the option for red ends and to tie in the stop/turns.


edit: spelling
 

therepoman

Member
Oct 10, 2010
24
phila pa usa
not trying to hijack someones thread but i am both a vol firefighter and a tow truck operator as for the comment of tow trucks riding around with loaded edge's well tow trucks spend time on the side of the road just like fire trucks my friend and the more lights ya got the more visibile you are. that being said i do not do roadside work strictly reposession and ppi towing however i have a issue because pennsylvania state law says you are only to use amber lights while loading or creating a hazard ex towing a wreck from a wheelift truck however in philadelphia they require amber lights anytime you are towing including flatbeds and truck enforcement will not hesitate to write a tow truck a nice hefty ticket for not using them.
 

One

Member
Mar 11, 2011
24
CT
Yes, it can be done. There may be two seperate wires. One controls the two end flashers and the other controls the 6 ambers that will flash random. My truck is set up as the two reds flash in emeregency (off our cencom) and the 6 center ambers are controlled off the traffic advisor control (which we have a seperate). So yes, it can easily be done!
 
V

VTfireftr

I have the same setup in my Expedition. Except I have all red modules.


If I remeber correctly, I believe you can change the patterns, flash, etc. by switching the position of the dip switches in the control head.


You can choose to have you end lights on or not with the pattern.


go to Whelen's website and click on the installation guide fir the Dominator under the traffice advisor section.
 

exphillycop

Member
Apr 18, 2012
272
Holmes Beach, Florida
In Philly you need to turn your ambers off after you have loaded on a flatbed, the vehicle in tow is now considered cargo. Anything on a wheel lift requires lighting.eg. ambers and visible stop and turn lamps. I am retired from truck enforcement. If you have any questons give me a shout....Tom

therepoman said:
not trying to hijack someones thread but i am both a vol firefighter and a tow truck operator as for the comment of tow trucks riding around with loaded edge's well tow trucks spend time on the side of the road just like fire trucks my friend and the more lights ya got the more visibile you are. that being said i do not do roadside work strictly reposession and ppi towing however i have a issue because pennsylvania state law says you are only to use amber lights while loading or creating a hazard ex towing a wreck from a wheelift truck however in philadelphia they require amber lights anytime you are towing including flatbeds and truck enforcement will not hesitate to write a tow truck a nice hefty ticket for not using them.
 
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