Re: [NSW] Train Describer System

["Hubert Lam" <hubert@imap4.com>]

Here is an old post. I saved it up for my "Systems Development Cycle" back in November 1998 whilst
doing the HSC course Computing Studies:

(posted Saturday 28/11/98 11:29 am)

The use of the SRA Intranet system to access the TDS is only recent. I think it was only
commissioned within the last 6 months. The TDS covers three boxes: Sydney, Strathfield and
Wollongong. The train numbers are displayed on the signal diagram, and move accordingly along the
diagram as the train occupies the next section of track. The following boxes are referred to as
¡§fringe boxes¡¨ for Sydney and Strathfield: Epping, Auburn, Sefton, Sydenham, Enfield complex and
North Sydney, which is integrated into the Sydney box. These fringe boxes input the train numbers
into the TDS for the purpose of tracking trains automatically. Generally the system is
semi-automatic, where the signaller pushes a setup button, which sends the next train as per the
program setup off the working timetable. Obviously freight trains are not part of this system. This
requires manual keying in of the train number into the system. The system is not foolproof. Quite a
few readers will remember a few years ago that SL2 was wrongly diverted into the ESR. This came
about because the person operating the TDS input terminal at Sydenham wrongly put the train in out
of order. The junction at Erskineville is automatic, and it is operated by the correct TDS number in
the system. Of course the signaller at Sydney box can manually operate the signals and points if he
needs to do so, ie track work or special trains operating.

I hope this helps

Stuart Ellis (mpp_editor@my-dejanews.com)



"Paul McCabe" <pmccabe@dingoblue.net.au> wrote in message
38e6e56a$0$6534@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:38e6e56a$0$6534@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...
> But I was under the impression that the indicators were going to be
> centrally controlled, not by station staff.
>
> If you have a look at Martin Place, they "minutes to arrival" differs from
> the LED SPI system that it is fairly accurate, rather than stopping at
> either 1 minute or 0 minutes until the train finally arrives.  Does this use
> the Train Describer System I have heard about (but have no knowledge about),
> is it signal based or controlled by station staff?
>
> If a Train Describer System is operational, can anyone tell me about how it
> works?
>
>
> Hubert Lam <hubert@imap4.com> wrote in message
> 38e6cbb0$0$6510@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:38e6cbb0$0$6510@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...
> > I don't think so. There will be a computer dedicated to controlling the
> indicators whilst the DVA
> > will be on another computer (or maybe even on the SAME computer, but the
> software itself shoudl be
> > separate).
> >
> >
> > "Paul McCabe" <pmccabe@dingoblue.net.au> wrote in message
> > 38e6b463$0$6516@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:38e6b463$0$6516@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...> Exactly.  Does anyone
> know if the new indicators
> > will be "attached" to the
> > > DVA system?
> > >
> > >
> > > Hubert Lam <hubert@imap4.com> wrote in message
> > > 38e5f853$0$5058@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au">news:38e5f853$0$5058@news01.syd.optusnet.com.au...
> > > > It's the people (station staff) that stuffed it up. DVA programming is
> > > fully manual and playing an
> > > > announcement is also fully manual (e.g. user press button, computer is
> not
> > > connected to track
> > > > circuits).
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Nobody" <dweebken@NOSPAM.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> > > 38e5c404@pink.one.net.au">news:38e5c404@pink.one.net.au...
> > > > > Well it is fitting that the computer systems in cityrail are
> stuffing
> > > up.
> > > > > After all, cityrail is your basic example of artificial
> intelligence.
> > > > >
> > > > > Brendan
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>