Full Matrix Portable Changeable Message Sign

The Spyder Platform is a full-size, full-matrix PCMS that meets MUTCD requirements.

Transport begins on the Jeep trailer. Once on-site, a crew member uses a cordless impact drill to adjust the Spyder Legs and lift the platform off the trailer. The tow vehicle moves the trailer out, the legs are leveled, and the platform is secured in position.

The mast is raised, the display is activated, and messages are updated directly at the sign—no laptop required—or through a remote interface as conditions change.

Impact: A clear, efficient setup process reduces labor, limits roadside exposure, and keeps field work moving without unnecessary steps.

The platform is built on a 3/16-inch steel frame that supports all major components. Spyder Legs serve as the rotating 29-inch jack stands, each with a 5,000-pound rating and adjusted using a cordless impact drill during setup.

Cleated footplates with metal teeth are integrated into the leg assemblies to establish firm ground engagement. The frame also incorporates steel-encased concrete weights for balanced mass distribution. Rubber footplates are available for use on concrete or asphalt.

A hydraulic mast, elevated battery enclosure, and a 480W opposing tilt solar configuration, complete the physical layout, forming a durable structure suited for repeated field use.

Impact: A stronger physical build reduces wear, extends service life, and minimizes the mechanical issues that interrupt field work.

The deployed footprint measures 12 by 11 feet, giving the platform a broad base that supports firm placement once the legs are leveled. The design performs reliably on uneven ground, maintaining position on slopes up to 33 percent.

The platform has been shown to withstand speeds up to 87 mph. The mast raises the display to full height while holding its alignment, allowing the board to maintain clear, readable output throughout extended use.

These behaviors combine to support long operating windows with fewer adjustments once the platform is set and reduce the likelihood of collisions or tip-overs in demanding environments.

Impact: Performance that holds under varying field conditions reduces site interruptions, limits repositioning, and keeps message delivery consistent across varied environments.

Many companies focus on acquisition cost alone, even though the larger expenses accumulate over years of batteries, tires, sandbags, field calls, and service cycles.

The platform’s design reduces these ongoing costs by avoiding the components and processes that generate them. Long-life LiFePO₄ batteries remove the cycle of frequent replacements, and the elevated enclosure limits damage that shortens battery life. With a 480W opposing‑tilt solar configuration, the system captures more usable solar input across changing sun angles and seasons, helping maintain battery charge and runtime stability over long deployments.

With no tires to maintain, no sandbag process, and fewer external parts exposed on-site, routine upkeep drops substantially. Fewer return trips for adjustments or service also reduce labor hours, fuel use, and wear on support vehicles.

Combined, these factors lower total ownership cost and improve predictability across both individual units and larger fleets.

Impact: Reduced field intervention and fewer consumable parts create meaningful long-term savings and make fleet budgets easier to plan and manage.