Manufacturers of portable changeable message signs (PCMS) have historically designed and developed controllers with software oriented around proprietary communication protocols. The proprietary software included with these controllers incorporated unique data definitions, rendering them compatible only with a given manufacturer’s product line.
The transportation industry has recognized a need in recent years for universal software compatibility, which would allow a user to communicate with all PCMS units in their fleet with one software package. This was the birth of the NTCIP (National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol).
The National Transportation Communications for ITS Protocol (NTCIP) defines a set of rules for how messages and data elements are to be coded and transmitted between electronic devices, such as PCMS controllers.
In addition, an NTCIP standardized operator language has been developed, for ease of interoperability and interchangeability. NTCIP standards require that units equipped with NTCIP compatible controllers be capable of communicating with a common software program as defined by NTCIP. This enables a user to easily communicate with all PCMS units in their fleet, regardless of the manufacturer, with one software package!
Through the employment of a dedicated software design team, Solar Technology, Inc. ensures that all Silent Messenger PCMS controllers provide complete compliance and reliable service with evolving NTCIP standards.