Operation Guide (California)

Updated 4 years ago by Kaitlynne Monaghan

This document was developed to provide operational instructions on the Child Check-Mate System’s software program ETF, TTF, TTA, TTG, TET, TTH. These software programs were developed to comply with California’s “Child Safety Alert Device” (SB-1072) requirements as set forth by the California Highway Patrol (CHP)

Operation Profile

• The System auto-activates after 5 seconds with ignition ‘ON.’
• The System deactivates with ignition ‘OFF’ only.
• All doors must be closed to deactivate the system or the horn will sound.
• The driver has 3 minutes to perform their Child Check.
• The driver has 4 minutes with the key in the accessory position before it is required to cycle the key, in order to extend loading or unloading time. 
• Horn will sound for up to 30 minutes if the system is not deactivated.  
• Dome lights illuminate during Child Check and will remain on for 1 minute after deactivation.

System Operation

This system was designed specifically to comply with the California Highway Patrol specification. In order to fully comply with the specification, it is important that your systems are installed according to Child Check-Mate System instructions, recommendations, and best practices. You can find the recommended installation schematic here. Best practices can be found on our support site.

Activation

The system auto-activates within 5 seconds of the ignition being turned to the ‘ON’ position. When this is done you will hear; 

• The 'ignition tone' after ignition is ‘ON’ to confirm that the system is operating, and
• The 'auto activation tone' at 6 seconds to indicate that the system is active.

If you have our external Speaker you will hear "Child Check Activated."

If you do not hear these tones or voice prompts during your circle check, you should report this to your supervisor/technician immediately.

During Your Route

With the ignition ‘ON’ the bus will operate without any restriction,s allowing the driver to open or close any of the floor level doors (entrance door, emergency exit door, or rear door).

Accessory Feature 

The accessory feature was designed to accommodate loading and unloading when the engine is not permitted to be running. Whilst in accessory position the doors can be opened and closed to offload passengers. The accessory power source will provide the driver 4 minutes for unloading passengers. This can be extended by cycling the key from the ‘OFF’ position back to the accessory position when the driver hears the warning tones from the module. If you have our external speaker you will hear "to continue waiting, please cycle your key." This process can be repeated as needed.

Road Crossing Feature

Child Check-Mate System is of the opinion that the Brown Activation Wire (6-PH Wire #5) for the road crossing feature should be connected to the 8-way overhead lights.

This feature allows a driver to turn the vehicle off and remove the key from the ignition (for no more than 10 minutes) in order to assist with the loading or unloading of children or to perform escort duties.

For this feature to function correctly the 8-way overhead lights need to be activated prior to turning the ignition ‘OFF’ and must remain activated until the task is complete. Once the 8-way overhead lights are activated the ignition can then be turned ‘OFF’ and the key can be removed. The driver will then have a maximum of 10 minutes to complete their task and to return the key to the 'ON' position. The driver does not have to perform a Child Check at this time. They are able to turn the ignition back 'ON' and continue their route.

Deactivation

1. Apply vehicle handbrake.  
2. Close all floor level doors (emergency, front and rear doors).
3. Turn off the road crossing feature activation source.
4. Position the ignition Key to 'OFF.' 
5.  You will hear the three beep Child check tone. If you have our external speaker, you will hear "Please do your child check now".
6. Walk to the rear of the bus and conduct your Child Check. 
7. Deactivate the system by depressing the deactivation button for 2-3 seconds, located at the rear of the vehicle.
   1. A deactivation audible tone will be heard and dome lights will flash twice. If you have our external speaker, you will hear "Child Check Deactivated".

Dome (Interior) Lights

• Dome lights will come on during Child Check
• Dome lights will remain on for 1 minute after the system has been deactivated.
• Dome lights will activate with ignition ‘ON’ for 20 seconds.

Parking Brake Connection (If connection is made)

• Apply the parking brake prior to shutting the ignition 'OFF.'

When will the Horn engauge?

• The horn will sound if the system is not deactivated within 3 minutes of ignition 'OFF.' 
• Prior to deactivation, the horn will sound if the ignition is 'OFF' and any of the floor level doors are opened.
• The horn will sound if the ignition is 'OFF' and the parking brake is not applied. 
• The horn will sound if the accessory feature times out (4 minutes). 
• The horn will sound if the road crossing feature times out (10 minutes). 

Silencing the Horn

To silence the horn, please perform the following 3 steps:

1. Close all vehicle doors.
2. Apply Handbrake.
3. Turn key to ignition 'ON' position.  

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