BMA TLC - Operating manual

Document version: 1.0
Document status (date): March 16, 2026
Manufacturer: Bernard Technologies GmbH, Auweg 20, 6112 Wattens, Austria

The BMA TLC enables Adaptive Traffic Control through continuous detection of moving traffic and communication to the traffic light controller (via BMC).

1. Product overview

Product identification

Product name: BERNARD Mobility Analyser Traffic Light Controller (BMA TLC)
Models:
- BMA-TLC-V3-27 (2.7 mm focal length)
- BMA-TLC-V3-60 (6.0 mm focal length)
Hardware revision: v3

Short description

The BMA TLC captures image data using an integrated camera and evaluates it directly on the device. Objects are detected and classified within the image area. Event triggers generate events that are transmitted to the traffic light controller via the BMC using potential-free contacts. Central management is handled via the Control Center.

Target group and qualification

Installation and commissioning may only be carried out by trained specialist personnel.
Operation is only permitted for instructed users.

Operator responsibility

The operator is responsible for integrating the BMA TLC into a higher-level system and for evaluating and using the provided detection data and events.

Intended use

The BMA TLC is intended for continuous traffic detection in adaptive traffic control applications.

traffic-dependent detection for traffic light systems
triggering event outputs via the BMC
detecting vehicles and other road users within the detection area

Improper use

The BMA TLC is not intended for:

safety-critical functions where incorrect or missing detection could lead to injury or property damage
legally binding evidence collection or surveillance in the context of public-authority tasks
operation outside the specified operating conditions or with an obstructed / unsuitable field of view

2. Safety

Signal words and symbols

DANGER

Hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

Hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

Hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.

NOTICE

Possible property damage or important additional information.

General safety

Installation only by qualified personnel.
Secure ladders or lifting platforms when working at height.
Secure the work area against falling parts during installation.

Electrical safety

Disconnect the power supply before installation and wiring; work on electrical connections must only be performed in a de-energized state.
Only establish the power supply in accordance with the product specification.
Check cables and connectors for damage before commissioning.
Take the BMA out of operation and contact support if cables or connectors are damaged.

Mechanical safety

Only install on suitable, load-bearing poles / substructures.
Ensure that detector and mounting bracket are firmly attached.
Tighten all fastening elements properly.
Perform a visual inspection after installation (secure fit, no loose parts).

IP protection and environmental conditions

To maintain the IP protection rating, point cable connections downward and fully lock all plug connections.
Route cables properly and ensure strain relief.
Operate the detector only within the specified operating conditions (see Technical data).
Do not open the device (no serviceable parts inside; opening voids the warranty).

3. Technical data

General
Function	Continuous detection of moving traffic and communication to the traffic light controller (via BMC).
Typical applications	Adaptive Traffic Control
Captured object classes (model Traffic & Parking Accuracy+)	12+1 (see Traffic & Parking object classes)
Detection accuracy* (model Traffic & Parking Accuracy+) _{*) With optimal alignment and calibration}	Counting accuracy: >95% Classification Main classes >95% Subclasses >90%
Virtual loops	Up to 12 via BMC
Lanes	Up to 4
Day / Night	Yes / Yes (with IR illumination)
Mounting parameters
Mounting type	Pole mounting, clamping range diameter 60-150 mm
Mounting height	3.5 to 12 m Note: A greater mounting height can help reduce occlusion of objects by large vehicles.
Horizontal mounting angle	0°-360° Note: A mounting angle of approximately 15° generally provides better classification results because more object details become visible from the side, e.g. wheels and axles.
Electrical characteristics
Power supply	Power is supplied via the BMC (30 V DC)
Maximum power consumption	20 W
Average power consumption	Standby: 4.5 W Operation, IR off: 7 W Operation, IR on: 10 W
Connectivity
Technology	LTE Cat-4
4G bands	Global: B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B8_US, B9, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26, B28
SIM format	Nano-SIM
Transmission protocol/format	MQTT / JSON (Event schema)
Environmental conditions
Operating conditions	-20° C to +50° C
Protection class	IP65
Dimensions and weight
Device dimensions without bracket	17.8 cm x 11.9 cm x 10.9 cm (L x W x H)
Device weight with bracket	880 g
Packaging dimensions	32.5 cm x 23.5 cm x 23 cm (L x W x H)
Packaging weight	2.3 kg

Dimension drawing

Distances to objects

The following distance ranges show at which distances objects can be detected depending on focal length and alignment.

BMA-TLC-V3-27

Focal length (mm)	Field of view H/V (°)	Orientation	Person/Bicycle (m)	Car/Van (m)	Truck/Bus (m)
2.7	93 / 61	Near range	0 — 15	0 — 15	0 — 15*
2.7	93 / 61	Far range	7 — 20	7 — 40	7 — 60

Example view for 2.7 mm focal length (range and field-of-view example).

BMA-TLC-V3-60

Focal length (mm)	Field of view H/V (°)	Orientation	Person/Bicycle (m)	Car/Van (m)	Truck/Bus (m)
6.0	55 / 30	Near range	5 — 20	5 — 20	5 — 20*
6.0	55 / 30	Far range	10 — 40	10 — 60	10 — 90

Example view for 6.0 mm focal length (range and field-of-view example).

Legend:

*: Long trucks / buses may not be fully within the field of view.
Near range: BMA mounted with a downward tilt.
Far range: BMA mounted with an almost horizontal alignment.

Note

Installation height 6 m, clear line of sight, sufficient lighting available.

Cable cross-section and maximum cable length

Maximum cable length between BMA TLC and BMC depending on input voltage and cable cross-section:

Cable cross-section	Maximum length at 24 V	Maximum length at 30 V
1.5 mm²	150 m	300 m
0.75 mm²	75 m	150 m
0.5 mm²	50 m	100 m

4. Scope of delivery

☐ 1 x BMA
☐ 1 x mounting bracket
☐ 2 x hose clamps (inner diameter 60-150 mm; width 9 mm)
☐ 1 x 15 m power cable (0.75 mm²)
☐ 1 x quick-start installation guide

Not included: installation tools or other accessories such as power supply or Ethernet cable. The BMC is not included in the scope of delivery.

5. Mounting and installation

Insert / replace SIM card (optional)

The device is supplied with a SIM card by default. In this case, this section can be skipped.

Electrical safety

Do not replace the SIM card during operation. The device must be de-energized before opening the service flap.

Recommendation

Replace the SIM card before installation in a clean, dry environment at room temperature, not in the field.

Required: tweezers, nano-SIM

Open the service flap by carefully pulling out the rubber plug.

Service flap / rubber plug
If present, remove the SIM card. Unlock it by pressing it in and remove it with tweezers.

Note

Make sure the SIM card does not fall into the housing. The housing must not be opened.
Insert the new SIM card using tweezers.
Close the rubber plug carefully and ensure that it seals completely.

Note

An incorrectly inserted rubber plug can cause leakage and damage the device.
If necessary, the APN must be configured in the network configuration of the Service Interface.

Mechanical mounting

Tools required for installation:

Tool	Figure
5 mm hex key
7 mm spanner
PH2 Phillips screwdriver

Working at height

Secure ladders or lifting platforms and secure the work area against falling parts.

Vertical pole

Mount the BMA on the pole.
- Feed 2× hose clamps through the two openings in the bracket and fasten them to the pole (PH2 Phillips screwdriver). Horizontal alignment is done by rotating the device on the pole.
Mounting on a vertical pole. Horizontal alignment.
Align the BMA.
- Slightly loosen the 4× socket head screws (5 mm hex key).
- Align the device vertically. Then tighten all screws.
Vertical alignment

Horizontal pole

Prepare the mounting bracket for horizontal pole mounting.
- Loosen the 4× hex nuts on the back (7 mm spanner).
Prepare bracket for horizontal pole mounting
- Rotate the bracket by 90°.
- Reattach the bracket (4× hex nuts, 7 mm spanner).
Torque

Observe a maximum tightening torque of 1.3 Nm.
Mount the BMA on the pole.
- Feed 2× hose clamps through the two openings in the bracket and fasten them to the pole (PH2 Phillips screwdriver).
- Align the BMA vertically by rotating it on the pole.
Mounting on a horizontal pole. Vertical alignment.
Align the BMA.
- Slightly loosen the 4× socket head screws (5 mm hex key).
- Align the BMA horizontally.
Horizontal alignment

Visual inspection

Perform a visual inspection after installation (secure fit, no loose parts).

Alignment / IP protection

Point the device upward, cable connections downward.

Electrical connection

Electrical safety

Disconnect the power supply before installation and wiring; work on electrical connections must only be performed in a de-energized state. Supply power to the BMA only via the sensor outputs of the BMC in accordance with the product specification. Check cables / connectors for damage before commissioning.

Connect the supplied cable directly or via an extension to the sensor output of the BMC. The polarity of the connections is not relevant. Observe the maximum cable lengths according to Cable cross-section and maximum cable length.

Connecting the BMA to the sensor output of the BMC
Connect the power plug to the device until an audible click is heard.

Power connector on the detector (insert until an audible click is heard)

Note

Connect the mounting bracket to the local grounding point using the shortest possible cable to optimize interference immunity.

6. Commissioning

Energize the power supply.
- Expected LED behavior:
  - Power LED (left) lights red at first, then flashes red and then turns solid green. Time until the LED remains solid green: < 1 minute.
  - Connectivity LED (right) flashes blue at first and then turns solid green. Time until the LED remains solid green: < 3 minutes.
- If the actual behavior differs, see Troubleshooting.
Setup
- Retrieve the camera image of the device in the Control Center and fine-tune the mounting alignment if necessary.
- See solution description: Adaptive Traffic Control.

7. Operation / use

7.1 Operation via Control Center

During normal operation, the BMA is managed centrally via the Control Center.

Perform device configuration: model selection, event triggers, and rule definition. See: Device configuration in the Control Center.
Monitor device status and connectivity and create alerts: Monitoring & Status, Monitoring Alerts
Apply updates regularly: Device update

7.2 Service Interface

The Service Interface is intended for local commissioning and on-site diagnostics.

Requirements

Notebook with Windows 11, macOS, or Linux; Google Chrome is used as the browser (mDNS must be supported).
Ethernet cable with M12 plug (D-coded, 4-pin) and RJ45 plug.

Access steps

Connect the M12 plug to the BMA (remove the protective cap from the M12 socket on the BMA first).
Insert the RJ45 plug into the notebook.
Under Linux, you may need to select the IPv4 method “Link-Local only” for the network interface.
Open the browser and call http://bma.local (direct notebook ↔ BMA connection).
- If mDNS is not available for the direct connection, use http://169.254.42.1 as fallback.
- If the BMA is integrated into the network via DHCP, access is via http://<serial-number>.local, e.g. http://G-A2603-0001.local.
After disconnecting the cable, reattach the protective cap to the M12 socket on the BMA.

Change password (mandatory)

Standard login for the Service Interface: username admin, password = first segment of the device ID (shown in the Control Center up to the first -).

Example: device ID 39b7b668-c7fd-4e91-9d65-b3ab96ebe3f2 → initial password 39b7b668.

The initial password is device-specific and should be changed on first login. Password policy: see Account in the Service Interface.

Note

The Service Interface is intended for on-site service. In normal operation, management is performed via the Control Center.

Functions in the Service Interface

The Service Interface supports service technicians during commissioning, on-site checks, and troubleshooting.

Overview

View device information (e.g. serial number, OS version).
Device status:
- Application status (Curiosity): status of video processing.
  - Error: application error (see 8. Troubleshooting).
  - Standby: the application is currently inactive.
  - Running: application active, processing and rule evaluation operate normally.
- Connectivity status:
  - None: no active connection (see 8. Troubleshooting).
  - Internet: Internet connection available.
  - Control Center: connection to the Control Center active.
- Remote support:
  - Available: remote support is possible.
  - Not available: remote support is currently not possible.
Modem status:
- signal strength
- network operator
- access technology
- connection duration
- transferred data (RX = received, TX = transmitted)
Perform a controlled restart of the device if required.

Live video

Select available streams and use the camera image for visual inspection and alignment.

Network

Configure the APN settings of the SIM card.
Check / adjust Ethernet settings (DHCP, IP, subnet mask, gateway, DNS).

Diagnostics

Perform connectivity tests via ping and DNS.
Use latency as well as ping / DNS status for troubleshooting.
Collect logs and provide them for support cases.

Account

Change the local service password.

Password policy

At least 8 characters, at least one uppercase letter, one number, and one special character.

8. Troubleshooting

Symptom	Probable cause	Action
Power LED does not light up	No or insufficient power supply	- Check with a multimeter whether > 28 V is present at the device. - Ensure that the input voltage at the BMC is 30 V and that the power supply provides sufficient power.
Power LED remains permanently red	System not started	Contact support
- Power LED flashing red - Application status = Error	Application error / system application not running correctly	- Collect log files in the Service Interface and provide them when contacting support. - Verify that communication between BMA and BMC is working correctly. The corresponding sensor LED on the BMC lights white and flashes green periodically.
- Connectivity LED flashing blue - Service Interface connectivity status = None	No active data connection (SIM/APN/network)	- Check signal strength in the Service Interface. - Check the APN settings of the network operator in the Service Interface (leave empty for supplied SIM cards). - Check whether the SIM card is inserted correctly. - If necessary, test the SIM card in another device.

9. Transport and storage

If possible, transport the detector in its original packaging and protect it from shocks, vibrations, and moisture.
Protect protective caps / connectors from contamination; avoid tensile load on cables / connectors.
Store dry and low-dust, storage temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C.

10. Maintenance and service

The detector is maintenance-free. If necessary, clean the lens / rain hood and check the mounting (hose clamps / screws) regularly for tight fit.

Cleaning:

Clean the lens / rain hood with a soft, lint-free cloth (slightly moistened if necessary).
Do not use aggressive cleaning agents, solvents, or abrasive aids.
Do not use a high-pressure cleaner / no direct water jet on plug connections.

11. Decommissioning and disassembly

DANGER

Switch off the power supply before disassembly and make sure the detector is de-energized.

CAUTION

The metal plate on the rear of the device may become hot during operation.

Switch off the power supply.
Disconnect the connector(s) and remove strain relief / cables.
Secure the detector against falling and loosen the hose clamps.
Remove the detector with bracket and pack it for transport / storage (see Transport and storage).

12. Conformity and disposal (EU)

Data protection

The detector is intended for the collection of anonymized traffic data. The operator is responsible for compliance with data protection requirements (e.g. GDPR) in the respective deployment context.

Conformity

The product is intended for use in the EU. The device contains a radio module (LTE); therefore requirements of the Radio Equipment Directive (RED, 2014/53/EU), among others, may apply. The EU Declaration of Conformity (DoC) and information on CE marking are available from support.

Disposal

Collect packaging materials separately and dispose of them in accordance with local regulations.
Do not dispose of waste electrical equipment in household waste; collect separately and send for environmentally sound recycling.

13. Contact

If you have questions or problems:

Support Center: Support
Email: service@bernard-gruppe.com
Phone: +43 5223 5840 10160, +49 221 222825 60
For quick processing, please provide: serial number, hardware revision, installation site, brief description of the fault