Railway Bridge Enhances Safety with Large LED Countdown Timer System that Monitors and Meters The Raising and Lowering
- By : DC-Digital sales & marketing
- Category : Countdown Timer, Outdoor Timer, Portable Clocks & Timers, Secondary, Synchronized Timers, Timers
- Tags: Black Powder, Black Powder Coated, C-Channel Mounting, Count Down Timer, Countdown Timer, DC-150, Dc-Digital, IP-66, IP-66 rated, Junction Box, master-timer, PLC, secondary, Synchronized System
Our DC-150T-DN-BCD Master-Secondary Bridge Opener and Closer Countdown Timer is a purpose-built solution engineered for precision timing and synchronized visual control in demanding industrial environments. This custom order is heading to Faith Technologies, an engineering and manufacturing facility that will utilize both units as a coordinated countdown system to control bridge raise and lower cycles while ships pass through.
In this application, when the bridge raises, the countdown immediately begins—clearly dictating how long the bridge will remain open. Once the countdown completes, operators have a precise visual reference to proceed with lowering the bridge. The result is improved timing accuracy, operational coordination, and enhanced visibility for personnel and vessel traffic alike.
This configuration includes a true master-secondary setup. The secondary unit is fully redundant to the master, meaning whatever is displayed on the master unit is simultaneously mirrored on the secondary display. The units are interconnected via twin data wires located at the top of the junction boxes on both enclosures. This direct data line ensures consistent, real-time synchronization between both displays at all times.
Both units are powered via plug-and-play grounded power cables and interface through push-button control wiring housed within the junction boxes. For demonstration purposes, we utilized temporary push-button switches to simulate operation. The customer will integrate their own plug-and-play switching devices to control the system within their infrastructure.
Operational control includes three core functions:
- Start and Stop function
- Reset and Start function
- Reset function
With a single press of the Start/Stop button, the timer begins counting down in tenths of a second. The system is capable of counting down from a maximum of 99 minutes and 59 seconds. Pressing the same button pauses the countdown. While paused, the Reset and Start button simultaneously resets the display to its preset time and immediately begins counting down again. The dedicated Reset button restores the preset countdown time without restarting the timer, allowing operators full control of timing sequences.
Time configuration is handled directly on the master unit via integrated BCD rotary switches located on the bottom right side of the enclosure. Using a flathead screwdriver, operators can precisely set the desired countdown time for minutes and seconds. Once adjusted and reset, both the master and secondary units instantly reflect the updated time. For example, adjusting the rotary switches to five minutes and pressing reset will display 05:00 on both units. Activating the timer then initiates a synchronized five-minute countdown across both displays.
From a hardware standpoint, these units are built for durability and outdoor performance in bridge and marine-adjacent environments.
Key physical and performance specifications include:
- Extruded aluminum enclosure
- IP-66 outdoor, wet-location, waterproof rating
- Black powder-coated finish resistant to dust and fingerprints
- Four-digit display with 15-inch numerals
- Visibility up to 700 feet
- Countdown capability up to 99 minutes and 59 seconds
- 120–240 VAC grounded power input (individual power cables per unit)
- C-Channel mounting system
- Integrated junction boxes housing control wiring and master-secondary data line
- BCD rotary switches for precise time adjustment
The master-secondary data connection originates from the first junction box on each unit, ensuring clean, organized wiring and reliable communication. Both enclosures house the necessary control wires for Start/Stop, Reset/Start, and Reset functionality, providing installation flexibility based on the customer’s switching configuration.
This DC-150T-DN-BCD configuration delivers synchronized visibility, rugged outdoor protection, and precise timing control—making it an ideal solution for bridge management systems where coordinated countdown timing is critical for safe and efficient vessel passage.
See product: DC-150T-DN-BCD-IN
See tutorial video on YouTube
See DC-Digital Store
No Comments