Re: [Melb] POTS (Position of Trains System)

[Jackson Harding <jaxsonjo@camtech.net.au>]

Gareth Lumsden at Minyos wrote:
> 
> On Sun, 14 Nov 1999, Richard wrote:
> 
> > So these guys never heard of GPS...no silly parts on the tracks to worry
> > about or get vandalised...existing off the shelf technology.....ah thats
> > it...cant ever use anything simple or existing in Victoria ...can we
> 
> Dear Richard,
> Before you can criticise, I think you better do a little bit of research -
> Melbourne sparks have been using GPS since the TNT system was
> discontinued.  For some reason, the GPS system did/is not work/ing
> properly in Melbourne, trains were constantly being lost.  Just ask
> "Railvic", who works at a Melb spark station, and must record all car
> numbers as they go into the yard for stabling.
> I think you better get your finger off the full stop key and do some
> research before you start raving.
> 
> > For the short time anything is in the loop some other form of plug in
> > technology...something simple could be used...its a bit harder to
> > vandalise in the loop.
> 
> I'm not sure if it's me, but I can't understand what you are saying here.
> No location systems are really need to be used in Melbourne's loop, trains
> go in and come out the other end - simple.  And yes, "short term" tactics
> are being used to keep track of trains, manually writing them down.
> 

I think what he is commenting on is the fact that GPS won't work
underground (or indoors for that matter).  I am surprised to hear that
it isn't working on the sparks.  Given that it works reasonably well
with taxis and other fleet vehicles it should work for trains.  

-- 
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Jackson & Jo Harding
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