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bestonnet_00
Skeptic Friend
Australia
358 Posts |
 Posted - 08/20/2001 : 01:42:12 [Permalink]
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I have read about systems that turn the traffic lights green when a cop car or other emergency vehicle approches the traffic lights.
From what I read they use a strobe light system. If you can find out the timing you could even make your own device which will allow you to fool the traffic lights into thinking you are an emergency vehicle and giving you right of way.
As for roads with no speed limits. It can be very bad when you crash.
Radioactive GM Crops.
Slightly above background.
Safe to eat.
But no activist would dare rip it out.
As they think it gives them cancer. |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2001 : 17:38:25 [Permalink]
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quote:
I have read about systems that turn the traffic lights green when a cop car or other emergency vehicle approches the traffic lights.
Yes, I've heard about that for years. Wasn't quite sure if it was for real or not. Did wonder how it could work.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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ktesibios
SFN Regular
USA
505 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2001 : 19:04:44 [Permalink]
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Some of the Metro buses here in the Valley are using a transponder system that holds lights green as the bus approaches. I know that there are a couple of express routes on Ventura Blvd doing it, and I think some others as well.
Apparently a small transmitter on the bus emits a signal which is picked up by a receiver in the light's controls. Kind of like a garage door opener.
The only tricky bit I could see would be preventing the bus signal from affecting lights farther away than the one being approached, but given the length of a typical block here, just controlling output power and radiation pattern might be enough.
Boris Karloff died for your sins. |
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Penyprity
Skeptic Friend
64 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2001 : 19:23:02 [Permalink]
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quote:
Some of the Metro buses here in the Valley are using a transponder system that holds lights green as the bus approaches. I know that there are a couple of express routes on Ventura Blvd doing it, and I think some others as well.
Apparently a small transmitter on the bus emits a signal which is picked up by a receiver in the light's controls. Kind of like a garage door opener.
The only tricky bit I could see would be preventing the bus signal from affecting lights farther away than the one being approached, but given the length of a typical block here, just controlling output power and radiation pattern might be enough.
Boris Karloff died for your sins.
I never heard of that. But it explains the "I own the road" attitude I have noticed from the bus drivers on Ventura.
Make your vote count. Become a supreme court justice......Peny |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2001 : 20:18:33 [Permalink]
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quote:
quote:
Some of the Metro buses here in the Valley are using a transponder system that holds lights green as the bus approaches. I know that there are a couple of express routes on Ventura Blvd doing it, and I think some others as well.
I never heard of that. But it explains the "I own the road" attitude I have noticed from the bus drivers on Ventura.
So what you are saying is, get along side the bus in the next lane and drive in tandem with him and never have to stop for a signal, heh he.
How come I'm always the one who gets stuck behind one of those buses while they pick up passengers or are too early for their route and wait?
ps. I hate that stretch of Ventura Blvd. from Van Nuys to Sulpulvda, all the morons seem to congregate there.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Lisa
SFN Regular
USA
1223 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2001 : 20:40:40 [Permalink]
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quote:
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That is so cool. I've never been to Germany. I wouldn't mind brushing up on my German either. Are there still no speed limits there?
Auf Wiedersehn
I lived there for nine years and never had an accident. Other than throwing a rod in my Eagle Talon while going about 110mph.
As to speed limits over there, yes, sort of. There are speed limits on secondary roads. Also on the autobahn in high traffic areas around cities, or when several autobahns merge. Elsewhere on the autobahn, there's a "recommended" speed of 130kph, but it's not mandatory to follow it. However, if you have an accident and you're exceeding 130kph, you can be ticketed, and good luck with your insurance agency.
Sorry it took me so long to respond Snake, I had to wrest control of the computer from my husband. Not easy.
Lisa
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 08/21/2001 : 00:46:24 [Permalink]
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quote:
Elsewhere on the autobahn, there's a "recommended" speed of 130kph, but it's not mandatory to follow it. However, if you have an accident and you're exceeding 130kph, you can be ticketed, and good luck with your insurance agency.
Sorry it took me so long to respond Snake,
Lisa
It wasn't all that long ago for the post. Thanks for the info
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Penyprity
Skeptic Friend
64 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2001 : 18:40:35 [Permalink]
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quote:
quote:
quote:
Some of the Metro buses here in the Valley are using a transponder system that holds lights green as the bus approaches. I know that there are a couple of express routes on Ventura Blvd doing it, and I think some others as well.
I never heard of that. But it explains the "I own the road" attitude I have noticed from the bus drivers on Ventura.
So what you are saying is, get along side the bus in the next lane and drive in tandem with him and never have to stop for a signal, heh he.
How come I'm always the one who gets stuck behind one of those buses while they pick up passengers or are too early for their route and wait?
ps. I hatethat stretch of Ventura Blvd. from Van Nuys to Sulpulvda, all the morons seem to congregate there.
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art.
Why do you get stuck? I guess its just carma...get it? Car-ma?
I think that strip on Ventura should have a warning sign on it..enter at your own risk. The strip between Whitsett and Laurel Canyon is really bad too.
But I would still object to cameras on the traffic lights there too.
Make your vote count. Become a supreme court justice......Peny |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2001 : 22:25:34 [Permalink]
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quote:
I think that strip on Ventura should have a warning sign on it..enter at your own risk. The strip between Whitsett and Laurel Canyon is really bad too.
But I would still object to cameras on the traffic lights there too.
Peny
I was just there the other day at the Bed, Bath and Beyond. There's that other curve a ways up from there too where everyone thinks they are in the Indy 500. The jerks!
But I also agree with you about the cameras. Let the insurance companies work it out when people crash, 
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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Snake
SFN Addict
USA
2511 Posts |
Posted - 08/23/2001 : 22:28:42 [Permalink]
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quote:
Why do you get stuck? I guess its just carma...get it? Car-ma?
Oh and PS. I forgot.
Ha Ha.
LOL
Rap Crap is to music what Paint by Numbers is to art. |
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bjones
Skeptic Friend
Australia
82 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2001 : 18:17:09 [Permalink]
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quote:
Here in good ol' Alabammy, a local issue popping up (and indeed, all over the country) is adding cameras to stop lights and intersections that take pictures of drivers and license plates when they run a red light. What do you think?
(Oddly enough, it's a Republican who is leading the effort for it, and a Democrat who is leading the opposition to it.)
I was in a traffic accident myself and it was only a photgraph taken by the traffic light camera that I had as evidence that the other guy was in the wrong.
Bob
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PhDreamer
SFN Regular
USA
925 Posts |
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Wendy
SFN Regular
USA
614 Posts |
Posted - 09/02/2001 : 03:24:49 [Permalink]
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quote:
Good thing this wonderful publication (to which I am a 10 year subscriber) puts its best stuff on its website as well as in the magazine. This column is by the editor-in-chief, who was once an engineer at Ford.
Thank you, PhDreamer, for the link to an excellent article.
Wendy Jones |
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Garrette
SFN Regular
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 09/05/2001 : 04:01:44 [Permalink]
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Thanks, PhD. An excellent example of how good intentions can lead to bad actions. See, bestonnet, why I question all infringements by the government unless they are backed up by substantial need and rigorous study?
My kids still love me. |
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@tomic
Administrator
USA
4607 Posts |
Posted - 09/15/2001 : 12:48:04 [Permalink]
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I have to admit that adfter reading that article I am really pissed off now. Some excellent points were raised and the part about Lockeed Martin getting a city to agree not to alter the yellow light duration totally ticked me off.
@tomic
Gravity, not just a good idea...it's the law! |
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