Re: Computer Question - DTC

[phaedrus@ultra.net.au (darryl)]

"Notagunzel" <notagunzel@bigfoot.com> wrote:

>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)
  
 The signal from the satelite is rcvd. by the loco radio which then
shoots it back upstarirs to the fat controller. The accuracy is
officaly + or - 100 metres. So he/they dont know if you're in the up
or down road at a  station. Also tells the FC wot speed you are doing,
but would assume it's also + or - 10% :-)
DDT.