Hire and Rental News - February 2019

New secure, cloud based software A secure and seamless cloud based software program that makes it easy to access, monitor and manage equipment from any Internet- connected device anywhere in the world is about to be launched by LDC Equipment. T o be launched in March, Cloud Director will give LDC users and owners more security and flexibility with their trailer mounted VMS message boards. LDC Equipment’s General Manager, Nik Morcus said owners and users will have the ability to change messages and manage traffic devices remotely, all in real time. “Our new Cloud Director program will enable our customers to manage their electronic traffic safety equipment more effectively,” Nik said. Cloud Director began development 18 months ago after LDC Equipment found a need for a more secure and accessible program. Formerly, access was PC based only. “Customers will now be able to manage their equipment settings from any Internet- connected computer or device including changing sign messages individually or in bulk and make changes live in under one minute. “Cloud Director will allow the equipment owner to grant access to the programming of these devices to their own clients so they can manage their own messages while on hire and in use. “Cloud Director will improve workflows, optimise resources and cut down on workforce hours. Hire companies will save time and labour by getting clients to program the equipment themselves.” Nik said LDC Equipment plans to continue developing the software to add further equipment and devices such as radar speed check signs, Variable Speed Limit Signs and solar lighting towers. “The long term plan is for our customers to be able to manage every component of their portable signage and traffic equipment with our software platform Cloud Director.” n Contact: 07 5529 1188 or visit: www.ldcequipment.com.au Are your Variable Message Signs compliant? The critical nature of Variable Message Signs (VMS) to directly influence safety and traffic conditions means they should be 100% compliant with Australian standards to ensure reliability, performance and avoid potentially life threatening safety risks, DataSigns CEO Arnold Venema said. “A ccording to AS 4852.2- 2009 Variable Message Signs – Portable signs, any LED traffic management sign needs to be fully visible at viewing angles of both 45° and 30° to an axis perpendicular to the display face and have anti-glare properties,” Arnold said. “It should also have a surrounding border with a minimum of 100mm in width, all to ensure effective and prompt communication of messages. “Displayed messages should be clearly legible in all lighting conditions. In order to do this, the sign needs light sensing capabilities that automatically adjust the output in response to external and environmental light factors. The sign should also be located well away from obstructions and take into account the observation angle. “Being unsure whether your equipment is compliant or purchasing equipment not up to Australian standards can put you at risk of safety hazards including injuries and loss of life.” Arnold said. The trailer supporting the VMS board needs to comply with the applicable Australian Design Rules for trailers, which encompasses door latches and hinges, trailer brake systems and more, Arnold said. “According to the Australian standard, the sign should also maintain its intended position when subjected to wind-loading conditions as stated in AS/NZS 1170.2 Structural design actions: wind actions. The stability of the sign should also not be unacceptably affected by wind gusts from passing vehicles,” he said. Since VMS are frequently located in remote locations or locations without access to power, a solar panel array is required to ensure the ability to operate and recharge the battery as required when unattended. “Under Australian standards the solar panel array for a VMS board should be capable of operating ‘for a continuous period of 24 hours under a solar irradiation of 40,000lx for four hours while still charging the reservoir battery,” Arnold said. “The solar panels are also required to tilt to maintain the best angle for maximum sunlight collection. The reservoir battery should have the capacity to be charged and discharged continuously as required and have a minimum life of 12 months. “Compliance with the Australian Standard is the first thing to look for when purchasing a VMS board since it is the quickest and easiest way to know if you’re getting high-quality, reliable equipment,” he said. “All of our VMS boards are compliant with AS 4852 because we know what an important tool they are. Our trailers are fitted with ballast tanks that, when filled, can keep the boards stable through wind gusts up to 134km/h. The solar panel array can be tilted and rotated 360 degrees to maintain maximum sunlight exposure, and our LED displays are NATA certified to ensure the best visibility.” n Contact: 1300 850 785 or visit: www.datasigns.com.au HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS FEBRUARY 2019 P51 PORTABLES