Re: Computer Question - DTC

["Notagunzel" <notagunzel@bigfoot.com>]

Switched On <yaropolk@hotmail.com> wrote in message
MM744.194$Kr6.8729@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net">news:MM744.194$Kr6.8729@nsw.nnrp.telstra.net...
> Notagunzel wrote in message ...

> >It did seen an unusual way to do things, but I gather that without the
> >correct version database, the startup codes given by the driver to the
> >controller would have been rejected by the office computer.

> Everything on the DTC is password based so that it can be verified correct
> by the controller. This is one of its strong selling points - short of a
> driver going psycho or a train failing mechanically, nothing can happen
> without controller confirmation - including an upgrade to the database.
> Imagine if drivers updated to a new database before they were authorized
> to - ie before the controller had updated his dBase. What chaotic
mysteries
> would be unleashed then, I shudder to think, but fortunately we don't have
> to find out. DTC has it covered.

> >Several locos didn't have the V1.0.7 database installed, so they had to
be
> >worked with manual forms.

> I guess these must have missed out on that particular day because they
were
> unavailable (ie out in the field), but they'll get around to it. Rome
wasn't
> built in a day.

Ahh yes... I could point out that changing the Database in the ASW system
didn't require installing new software in all the locomotives. |-) |-)

> >I think the change had something to do with integrating GPS with the DTC
> >computer in the loco, AFAIK the GPS co-ordinates aren't sent back to
> >Control.  How is the GPS co-ords sent to the DTC computer?

> This is a good question. In the words of the great Joh Bjelke-Petersen..
you
> just wait and see... you notagunzels are a curious breed... and so...
> anonymous... who knows, you could be working for those socialists down
south
> there... :-)

Us southerners aren't interested in modern systems anymore... in the last 6
months we've removed ASW in lieu of Train Orders, and removed Train Orders
in lieu of Staff & Ticket |-)

> >The only computer
> >I had a good look at was in a RM with no GPS.  Kinda narrows down which
> >service I travelled on doesn't it. |-)

> Was it the shiny metal box with a flip-top lid kind of computer or the
> bolted-to-the-roof ultra-industrial space-age indestrucible variety? All
> depends on what kind of loco it came from...

This one was in a *timber* box, which the driver mounted on a removeable
stand next to him.  The power was plugged into the box with a three(?) pin
connector.  I gather the 2800's have fixed DTC computers?

> >I have seen the recent IRSE paper on all the QR computer systems, but it
> >didn't really get into the guts of the DTC system.

> No, it didn't - probably because the new version of the DTC system is
still
> under development and is very interesting to a lot of other rail operators
> around the world because it leaves paper-based safeworking for dead. It
> would be hoped that other operators might purchase this technology off QR,
> since it is unique and highly innovative, and much much better than
anything
> in the ballpark.

Just to think, V/Line had similar high hopes with the ASW once upon a time.
|-)

However, gazing into my crystal ball, methinks the ARTC will have to move to
something other than their current 100% manual train orders beyond Pt Pirie
one day, who knows - the airwaves on the nullabour might be filled with
"Command Code 387 563 643..."  "proceed to Block Limit Board CK23..."

> It's nice to see something run smoothly for a change, isn't it?

Except when the axle counters near Proserpine die, during a 'Road Closure'
as you Northerners call it, delaying the Spirit of the Tropics by 1hr20ish.
|-)

(Signal Electrician: "I want to reset the axle counter" - Train Controller:
"No - the Road is under Closure", mind you there were track machines in the
section at the time...)

--
Mr Notagunzel.
Rail Transportation Connoisseur
notagunzel@bigfoot.com
(Regrets to announce there will be no further moves at
http://www.geocities.com/nota_gunzel until further notice is issued from
this office)