Here's something Everybody Needs...

[MNBoxster]

Hi,

Check this out... makes the Perfect Christmas Gift for an Enthusiast!
http://www.sportsimportsltd.com/misttrlich.html

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[bhduxbury]

sweet.

i assume it only works in cities where they installed lights controllable by emergency vehicles?

now, does this unit really work? do cities combat it by reprogramming the lights? is there a single protocol for all such lights across cities?

please advise.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by bhduxbury

sweet.

i assume it only works in cities where they installed lights controllable by emergency vehicles?

now, does this unit really work? do cities combat it by reprogramming the lights? is there a single protocol for all such lights across cities?

please advise.

Hi,

The original Semaphore Control System was invented by 3M Co. and went by the name OptiCom. My Late Father (Former 3M Executive VP) was involved in it's initial phases and the city where I live - St. Paul, MN (and 3M's HQ) was the first city to employ the System - a SweetHeart Deal with 3M for Beta Testing it. It works using codified light pulses, whether these pulse frequencies vary by Municipality I cannot say, but I suspect not, doesn't seem any point to it.

This item would seem to work since they are advertising it, although not exclusively, for Police Depts., smaller, more Budget strapped ones in particular.

That is not to say that it is legal for private use. I can't imagine there isn't some regulation on it's use. Still, would be a most convenient gadget to have...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[spine911]

Yep, the most convenient way to get you into an accident. Last thing i need is some crazy idiot messing around with the traffic lights.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by spine911

Yep, the most convenient way to get you into an accident. Last thing i need is some crazy idiot messing around with the traffic lights.

Hi,

You're missing the point. This device turns the light Green and the Crosstraffic light Red, through the regular, albeit sped up cycle. When the sensor gets the signal, it either holds the light Green, if it was already, or it immediately turns the Crosstraffic light to Yellow, then Red and the light on your street Green, just as usual except it breaks the normal rhythm. Also, the sensor on the Semaphore also has an indicator light to tell you that it has received the signal and is cycling the light to Green, letting you know it's safe to proceed. No way it'll cause an accident, it may inconvenience you and make you wait if your in the Crosstraffic...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[Tool Pants]

This type of device is true. My city has it.

About 4 years ago I had a client who worked for the fire department. I noticed that some of our traffic lights had some type of sensor.

I thought back then it was for speed.

He drove his fire truck to my office and showed me a flashing strobe light on the front bumper, that changed the light to green. The traffic light has to have a sensor or the strobe light will do nothing.

The strobe light points up to the sky.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Tool Pants

This type of device is true. My city has it.

About 4 years ago I had a client who worked for the fire department. I noticed that some of our traffic lights had some type of sensor.

I thought back then it was for speed.

He drove his fire truck to my office and showed me a flashing strobe light on the front bumper, that changed the light to green. The traffic light has to have a sensor or the strobe light will do nothing.

The strobe light points up to the sky.

TP,

It's called OptiCom, made by 3M, my Dad worked on it. Have had it here in St. Paul for more than 20 years, as it was the Beta Test Site (which my dad arranged), 3M wired half the lights in the City, and half the emergency vehicles (ParaMedic, Police, Fire) for Free as long as the City agreed to do the rest, which they did. It works with either an Optical Light Pulse or an IR Pulse, coded for Frquency so as not to activate from False Alarms, the Setting Sun or simply someone shining a light toward the sensor.

There is a competing system out there as well, but it is inferior and has a very small piece of the Market. It essentially works identically to OptiCom...

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[cfos]

I agree with spine911. I think those types of devices are dangerous and can lead to accidents. Sure, I don't doubt that the lights on the cross roads will change from green to red as your light changes from red to green. Problem is, what if you are at the cross light and yours suddenly changes from green to red, are you paying enough attention to adjust? I'm sure many of us drive the same route to work and have a pretty good idea about how long the lights are either green or red. Let's say you are alone and you approach the light and suddenly it starts changing -- are you really going to be able to stop? Will you get rearended or do the same to the person in front of you? Heck, how many of you (and others) use cell phones while driving -- no accidents? Please...

And if you are, do you think everyone else will? Before anyone tries to argue that the police and emergency vehicles do this and no one crashes, blah blah blah, keep in mind that these emergency vehicles also have flashing lights and sirens that will alert people and (hopefully) people move aside regardless of the color of the light. These items are/were in the news, off and on. We already deal with horrible drivers and hot-rod teens that street race, do we really need to promote these types of items or post about them? I don't know about you, but I'll freely admit that my life isn't that important that I need something like this. I can only imagine what happens (if the traffic lights respond) in California traffic or NYC traffic if someone gets ahold of these. It might be worse in NYC because you have so many people crossing streets on foot. You'd hope that the pedistrian signs would like wise change, wouldn't you? I've been to downtown MN and those blocks are pretty short to cross on foot. Many cities have wider blocks and these changes will likely affect them in addition to the people in cars.

[nautiquelfe]

Hey guys I like a well informed arguement as much as the next person. It gives me a chance to see detailed opinions in regards to products, service, and personal preference in maintaining and customizing boxsters. It gives myself and many others the chance to see "both sides" of the fence. This helps many to make the best decision and form our own opinion. I for one would like to request that personal attacks and insults stay out of the forum. This has always seemed to be a more mature and informative boxster forum for enthusiasts to visit. I frequently visit several others daily but find myself coming here 5x's more often because I can count on more substance and less banter. Let's try to keep this site thriving w/ information and leave the petty feelings for other sites.