Re: [NSW] Automated "Stand clear, doors closing"

[craigd@lios.apana.org.au (C. Dewick)]

"Hubert Lam" <hubert@imap4.com> writes:

>wow...is it equipped with a computer somewhere or is it somehow "built in"?

I'm not sure how the door control mods are themselves controlled, but I
imagine there is probably some sort of small microcontroller running the DVA
(digitised voice announcement) part.

>"The Railway Rasputin II" <bob@fastlink.com.au> wrote in message
>38DB69C2.61FDB086@fastlink.com.au">news:38DB69C2.61FDB086@fastlink.com.au...
>> What do you want to know?
>> Most of the Surburban non Tangara roling stock has been done but is not
>> "turned on".

It's still subject to a union ban.

>> My question is, for anyone that has been on these trial cars, how does
>> it go and did it delay the train at each station whilst the thing went
>> through its paces?

Yes. I have worked on one of the sets which had the new equipment, and it
definitely does result in delays, especially the fact that if the guard
needs to open the doors again during the 3-second DVA announcement period
(before they actually close) the time delay cancels and starts again as soon
as 'door close' is pressed once more.

Some guards who have 'itchy bell fingers' and like to 'toggle' the doors
will cause large delays at each station (on average around 15+ seconds)
which on an express service will accumulate into several minute delays at
the end of the run.

>> The reason why I ask, it sound like a repeat of when the 1955 cars came
>> into service. (the single decker cars that ended up being W set cars)

It more or less is, but there were no announcements back then afaik - just
door interlocks which prevented the train from powering if any door was held
open. I actually think the interlocks are a good idea, because then it's
easy for all the other passengers to identify who's delaying the train and
take their own action to rectify the problem... 8-)

It'll also help to promote a gradual change in passenger 'culture' since
anyone who jumps into a partly closed door and gets stuck will delay the
train since the driver won't be able to power, and the more times it happens
the more the other passengers will start to think that it's a bad idea.
Hopefully anyway.

About 75 percent of minor delays to train running are caused by passengers
btw...

Regards,

Craig.
--
            Craig Ian Dewick            |       Stand clear - jaws closing
 Send email to craigd@lios.apana.org.au |  Visit my Australian rail transport
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