iNS/iDS FAQs
What’s the difference between a 2 and 3-Wire APS?
A 2-wire system requires a control unit (iCCU) in the traffic cabinet; a 3-wire requires a module in the ped head. Often, a 2-wire system can be installed on the same ped call wires that may already be installed at the intersection. Where no ped call wires are present and cannot be run, a 3-wire system can be used.
See our blog post for more info https://polara.com/blog/two-wire-vs-three-wire-aps/
What is the difference between the iDS and the iNS?
The iNS is our standard accessible crosswalk push button station. The iDS includes all of the quality and features of the iNS, plus it has iDetect, an intelligent radar motion-detection sensor for touchless activation.
What is the difference between the iDS2 and the iDS3 (or the iNS2 and iNS3)?
Polara’s APS comes in four standard models: iDS2, iNS2, iDS3, and iNS3. The iDS2 and iNS2 can be installed to communicate with a control unit (iCCU) in the cabinet over 2 wires, or a control module (iPHCU3S) in the signal head over 3 wires. The iDS3 and iNS3 are specifically for 3-wire installations, and cannot operate in 2-wire mode.
Can iDetect be used as a pedestrian detector for passive detection?
Although it was not developed for passive pedestrian detection, iDetect picks up pedestrian movements within its range.
Does the iDS support “Extended Pushbutton Press” features (2009 MUTCD §4E.13)?
Yes! The iDS can be configured to play an information message, increase volume on the selected crossing, and activate audio beaconing when an extended press of the button (or an extended wave in front of the motion sensor) detected.
Does the iNS support audible beaconing?
Yes! Polara’s iNS Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) support audible beaconing, which uses an additional speaker mounted at either end of the crosswalk to help pedestrians with blindness or limited vision properly orient themselves and cross an intersection directly and safely.
Learn more about audible beaconing
Which products can communicate with "smart city" monitoring software/SNMP managers?
The 2-wire models of the iDS and iNS can be configured to send trap notifications via SNMP.
Is there a charge for having a custom message recorded for the iDS?
Polara records custom crossing messages for our customers without charge. Pre-programming custom audio on your unit may incur a fee; see your distributor for details.
What is the recording limit for custom messages, in seconds?
The length of the Walk interval is the primary limit for Walk messages. Informational messages should be kept to less than 60 seconds.
Does the iNS/iDS record how often the button is pressed so we can measure pedestrian volume?
The iNS/iDS does log push events, and those log files may be accessed with the Field Service App or networked devices. There are several types of push events that are logged separately, see the system user manual for details.
Does the iDS support scramble or “Barnes Dance” intersections?
Yes. In a 2-wire system, all buttons would be assigned to the same phase. In a 3-wire system, the iDS can use Wireless Sync to synchronize all of the crosswalk buttons to the same phase; a single 2-conductor cable is run to one button to place calls into the cabinet if needed.
Can the iDS be mounted upside down to fit into awkward spaces?
No. Mounting the iDS upside down can allow moisture to collect inside the unit, and will void the warranty. In difficult installation locations, consider using one of our extended mounts, adapters, and mounting brackets.
What size conductors are required for the iDS 2-wire system?
Engineering recommendations is to use solid AWG #14 for runs less than 300’, and AWG #12 for run lengths greater than 300’.
Why should I upgrade to the iNS/iDS from my current iNavigators?
Besides our continual release of incremental improvements to make the iNS/iDS series the most reliable and feature-rich APS on the market, the iNS/iDS includes Bluetooth 5.0, which allows for the use of PedApp, Bluetooth Sync, and faster programming speeds. The iNS/iDS also improved transient protection over the iNavigator.
Is iNS/iDS compatible with the Wireless Ped System (WPS)?
Yes. All iNS/iDS buttons are fully compatible with the WPS if the firmware is up to date.
Note: Because of the limitations of the onboard Bluetooth chip, older iNavigators are not compatible with WPS.