Logistical
How do you program the signals?
One of the best things about renting from STS, is that STS will program your signals as part of the job setup. You don’t need to have a whiz-bang signal programming expert anymore. STS uses the distances between signals (as calculated by the onboard GPS Systems), the speed limit, and other job specific factors into consideration to determine the safest and most efficient timing plan for your project.
Do I have to deploy the signals myself?
Your job can include set up and take down by experienced STS Technicians. STS shows new users how the signals deploy, and if you forget how give us a call and we’ll walk you through it and/or provide you with instructional videos. More complex jobs include set up and take down as part of the package. Many repeat STS customers want to set up STS signals on site themselves; it’s that easy and convenient!
Do I have to transport the signals myself?
The quote from STS may include transportation to and from the job site, or even to a staging area or construction yard. Customers find our PTS are easy to tow in tandem behind a pickup truck. Depending on what works best for your company, STS can provide as much or as little support as necessary. Sometimes customers will commit to renting many pairs of signals for one construction season, and tow the signals themselves between jobs after STS drops them off early in the season.
Can the signals be moved further apart and/or closer together on the job site?
In most cases, yes, STS signals can be moved further apart or closer together on the job site. Anytime you need to move signals, it’s a good idea to give STS a call to ensure the wireless communication systems are optimized and that the signal timing plan is updated. It’s easy and most adjustments can be made over the phone in moments.
How far apart can the signals be placed?
Because STS uses triple-redundant wireless communication which includes cellular networking, the short answer is signals can be placed miles apart. There have been several instances where STS technology and equipment has made it cost-effective to combine multiple work zones into one longer work zone, speeding up the project, and decreasing costs. But, covering long distances with signals may require additional signage, equipment, the use of a pilot car, or even driveway management units that control traffic entering the road mid-work zone. Feel free to contact us with any project specific application questions!
Will STS Signals work in pilot car operations?
STS signals are a perfect complement to pilot car operations. By replacing flaggers with signals, you can increase safety and efficiency while reducing costs. Pilot car drivers can utilize our remote control device or TESSmobile App to operate the signals on either end of the work zone, so there is no need for flaggers. Signals can even be equipped with a changeable message board to let waiting cars know there is a pilot car and approximately how long they’ll be waiting.
Can STS Signals be used in major/minor intersections?
TESS was developed to make utilizing temporary portable traffic signal systems easy in the simplest to most complex intersections. Increasing complexity does require more discussion and planning, but with our intelligent technology, devices, and systems, STS is able to temporarily control some of the most complex intersections.
What happens when I need to make a change in the middle of the night?
STS staffs and operates our Control Center around the clock. That said, sometimes the need for a change – or an emergent problem – can happen any time of the day or night. STS is here for you 24/7/365 – just give us a call! In addition, if you know your schedule ahead of time, STS can set up a timing schedule for your job with different timing plans at different times of day.
Are there remote control devices we can use on the job site?
STS has remote control devices that can be programmed and re-programmed for your job-specific functionality. And remember, the STS TESSmobile App can be used like a remote control device as well in many instances.
Can signals work in place of flaggers?
The STS PTS, along with TESS, is a SAFE and cost effective way to maintain traffic in work zone scenarios where flaggers have traditionally been used. TESS and our PTS don’t require overtime, double time, or worker’s comp insurance; they don’t need training; are always available to work in the wind, rain and mosquitos, and don’t get tired, or require breaks. Plus, you can utilize your people in places that signals couldn’t be used, expanding your working capacity!
How much extra is delivery cost?
Each quote we provide is project/job specific, and quantity, duration, and complexity of the job determine delivery costs, if any.
How do you aim the antennas?
Give us a call and we can help you aim the antennas; all you need is a ½” wrench.
Can the signals work without cell service?
Yes; cellular service does help us provide remote monitoring and control through our Real-Time Traffic Management System, but without cell service the signal systems still operate autonomously at your project site. If cell service is weak or unavailable in your work zone area, STS can set up our Remote Mobile Communications System, a self-contained satellite internet connection, to provide remote onsite internet connectivity. Now you can make every job a connected jobsite, with calling, texting, emailing, and browsing over a satellite WiFi connection.
Can the signals work in a mountainous or wooded area?
STS calls Montana home, and we pride ourselves in our Northwest roots! We have the most experience in helping PTS to communicate and operate effectively in challenging geographic locations. Redundancy increases reliability and our triple-redundant wireless communication systems often make challenging locations simple.
Can the signals work in all weather?
Yes, unlike flaggers, the STS signals can work day and night in all kinds of weather!
Operational
How many lanes can STS Signals Control?
The STS Truss signal is the only portable temporary traffic signal solution available that can safely and efficiently maintain three to four lanes of traffic! Coupled with our TESS Controller, we can independently detect and control left, straight, and/or right turn movements.
Can STS Signals interconnect with permanent signal controllers?
STS is finalizing the testing process to be able to interconnect with permanent signal controllers and wirelessly transmit commands back and forth. For now, we offer the ability to hardwire to existing permanent signal leads, or coordinate temporary intersections with other permanently-controlled intersections in a corridor.
How many signals can I have on a job?
There is no limit! However, complex projects often require a job specific conversation and planning. Please give us a call to discuss your project!
Do I have to program the signals myself?
No, STS programs the signals for you! It’s an incredible convenience and one of the things that truly makes STS signals so simple to use, safe, and effective. STS programs the signals so you don’t have to.
Can I control the signals myself on the job site?
STS offers remote control devices and TESSmobile app to control signals on site.
Does 24/7 support really mean 24/7 support?
Yes. We staff our control center based in Missoula, Montana 24/7/365. In addition, the 24/7 Control Center phone number rings to multiple people who are capable of taking your call and addressing your needs. Please, call anytime!
Why Choose STS
What makes STS signals different/better?
STS is the industry leader in providing Technology Enabled Smart Signal (TESS) systems. A NASA software engineer and a 35-year traffic-control-industry veteran came together to create a portable temporary traffic signal system that is intelligent, reliable, and effective. With STS’s patented Real-Time Traffic Management System, for the first time, temporary portable traffic signals can be monitored, programmed, and maintained in real-time! We took care with the design of our system to build redundancy into each device, because at STS redundancy equals reliability. STS has made portable temporary traffic signals smarter, safer, and more cost effective to use. Just give us a try on your next project!
Why do I need a user log-in?
As one of many layers of security, STS provides you with credentials, which gives you access to view your jobs in real-time from the Real-Time Traffic Management System dashboard.
Can STS signals work with signals I already own?
Yes, the STS TESS Retrofit can provide a solution to supplement your company-owned equipment for large and more complex projects. The TESS Retrofit is a simple, semi-permanent installation on any brand of temporary portable traffic signal you might own. The TESS Retrofit allows you to have all the functionality of an STS-brand signal on your signal, as well as the ability to make multiple competing brands of portable traffic signals work as one system. Put your signals in place and STS will run your signals in the same way we run our own. You’ll have access to the Real-Time Traffic Management System through our online dashboard, as well as 24/7 phone access for troubleshooting, changing signal modes (off, on, flashing) and to adjust traffic timing, too.
Does STS rent Driveway Assistance Devices?
Yes, STS can rent Driveway Assistance Devices to help facilitate traffic entering within the workzone. Similarly, STS can set up special haul-road crossing systems to facilitate safer and more efficient movement of work zone trucks and equipment needing to enter or cross the work zone roadway.
How much notice do I need to give before I need Signals?
Most quotes request 30 days of notice prior to needing your signals, however, because we are available nationwide, more often than not, we can meet your needs with shorter notice periods. Just give us a call!
Do you have signals in my area?
STS is available nationwide, and has equipment across the United States, but if we don’t have equipment available in your area, we’ll bring them out to your work zone.
Can I monitor the signals remotely?
Yes! Log onto the STS Real-Time Traffic Management System dashboard for your project from any web-enabled device to see all kinds of real-time data and information on the signal system as well as images from your workzone
Do STS Signals provide pager alerts?
Yes, we set up pager alerts for every project! However, STS is proactive in monitoring your project and we will contact you with a plan to address issues well before those issues become an emergency.
