case studies

The video detection system that had been previously installed for a  Michigan area customer was not properly detecting vehicles. Despite  several attempts at finding solutions, a cause for the detection issue  had not been determined. 

After reviewing the hardware and wiring at one of the intersections,  Jim quickly diagnosed a faulty wiring layout and realized that they were using the wrong coaxial cable and connectors for their video cameras and overall system.

Jim also took the time to examine an additional “problem  intersection” and confirmed that the same wiring issues existed there,  as well as throughout the project.  He determined that the installation  was not performed correctly and recommended a relatively simple solution  of rewiring the affected intersections and installing the correct  cables.  Because of Jim’s thorough examination, he was able to quickly trouble-shoot the problem, saving the client from a complex and potentially expensive challenge.

Long-term and unique projects, such as the installation of a Quiet Zone  along an existing section of rail line, require a wide scope of skills  and expertise.  Because the Metro Link project was so large in scale  there were many organizations and consulting groups involved, leading to  several miss-communications that resulted in poor equipment design that  did not meet the project specifications or safety measurements required  for Quite Zones. 

Jim met with the lead design  engineers, manufacturer, client, and all consultants involved with the  project to ensure that the necessary safety measures for the railroad  crossing enhancements would sufficiently compensate for the restriction  of the locomotive horns sounding. He suggested new phasing, sequencing,  and preemption routines, and worked with the cabinet engineering team to  redesign a new interface for the railroad preemption. 

Because of Jim’s efforts in  coordinating all of the varying groups involved, the project met all  required specifications and was completed on schedule and within  budget.Because of Jim’s thorough examination, he was able to quickly  trouble-shoot the problem, saving the client from a complex and  potentially expensive challenge.

The City needed to reduce operating costs, but their current system  infrastructure, which was distributed throughout the city, was outdated  and created a challenge for upgrading or modifying intersections and equipment  

 Jim  worked with the city engineers to update and redesign the  infrastructure using a combination of fiber and twisted-pair copper,  allowing for a central control of all intersections and, thereby,  reducing overall cost.