The RTMS setup is performed using an IBM-compatible notebook PC. An intuitive, user-friendly setup program allows the user to define the operating mode, the required number of zones and their locations and to verify correct operation of the unit. As shown in Figure 1, during setup every vehicle within the field of view will be shown on the PC screen as a "blip" at its corresponding range. The user recognizes the blip as belonging to a vehicle he/she sees on the road at that moment, and simply moves a zone-box on the screen to surround the blip, thus defining the zone's location. A zone can include one or more lanes. After a zone is defined, its corresponding contact pair will close every time a blip is shown in it. After all zones are defined, a simple observation or manual count comparison with the RTMS count completes the calibration.

A wizard is included in the software to automate the setup process and assist users.