Audible Beacon Device (ABD) – Product Overview / Datasheet

Datasheet

Overview

The Audible Beacon Device (ABD) provides audible cues to assist visually impaired and non-visually impaired pedestrians when navigating signalized intersections and mid-block crossings.

The device broadcasts percussive tones or spoken messages to guide pedestrians toward the destination end of the crosswalk. When paired with a pedestrian push button or APS system, the ABD activates during the pedestrian phase to help users locate the crossing and orient themselves safely.

The ABD may operate as a standalone audible beacon or as part of a larger PedSafety pedestrian accessibility system.

Key Features

• Audible pedestrian guidance tones and voice messaging
• Destination beacon functionality for improved crosswalk orientation
• Programmable audio messages and locator tones
• Bluetooth configuration using the PedConnex mobile application
• Compatible with PedSafety Guardian APS systems
• Adjustable volume levels and night mode operation
• Supports multiple audio categories including locator, walk, and clearance messages
• Field programmable configuration settings

Typical Applications

The Audible Beacon Device is commonly used at locations where additional audible guidance is required for pedestrian safety.

Typical installations include:

• Signalized intersections
• Mid-block crossings
• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) crossings
• Push-2-Cross systems
• Accessible pedestrian signal installations

System Components

A typical Audible Beacon Device installation may include the following components:

• Audible Beacon Device (ABD)
• Signal Power Interface (SPI)
• Pedestrian signal head
• Pedestrian push button or APS station
• Traffic control cabinet
• Field wiring between cabinet and signal equipment

Operating Characteristics

The Audible Beacon Device provides several audible signaling modes depending on the configuration and system integration.

Typical audio functions include:

• Locator tone to help pedestrians locate the push button or crossing
• Walk indication audio during the pedestrian walk interval
• Clearance phase audio notifications
• Extended press messaging for accessible pedestrian signals
• Countdown messaging when configured

These audio cues assist pedestrians in identifying the crossing location and understanding when it is safe to cross.

Programmable Functions

The Audible Beacon Device can be configured through Bluetooth using the PedConnex programming interface.

Common adjustable parameters include:

• APS operating mode
• Extended press timing
• Locator tone interval
• Walk timeout duration
• Clearance operation mode
• Synchronization options
• Vibration intensity when paired with compatible APS stations
• Device naming and station identification

Audio files can also be uploaded, replaced, or removed through the programming interface.

Audio File Management

The Audible Beacon Device supports customizable audio files organized by functional category.

Supported audio categories include:

• Locator
• Acknowledgement
• Extended Press
• Walk
• Clearance
• Countdown

Audio files can be played, replaced, deleted, or saved during configuration.

Volume Control and Night Mode

The device supports independent volume control for daytime and nighttime operation.

Configuration options include:

• Daytime locator tone volume
• Daytime non-locator audio volume
• Nighttime locator tone volume
• Nighttime non-locator audio volume
• Scheduled night mode start and end times

This allows installations to reduce sound levels during nighttime hours while maintaining accessibility during normal operating periods.

Environmental Performance

The Audible Beacon Device is designed for outdoor traffic control environments.

Operating Temperature Range

• −34°C to +74°C
• −30°F to +165°F

The enclosure is designed to withstand environmental exposure typical of roadside traffic equipment installations.

Standards and Compliance

The Audible Beacon Device is designed to support accessibility and traffic control requirements, including:

• MUTCD pedestrian accessibility guidance
• NEMA environmental testing standards
• Pedestrian accessibility best practices

Installation Overview

The Audible Beacon Device is typically installed on a signal pole or pedestrian signal assembly near the destination end of the crosswalk.

The device connects to a Signal Power Interface located inside the pedestrian signal head. The SPI provides power and control signals derived from the pedestrian signal indications.

Proper installation ensures the audible signals are directed toward the crosswalk and are clearly audible to pedestrians waiting to cross.