11.

TRAIN DESCRIBER
INTROUDUCTION
The train describer is basically a data acquisition system, with the data being collected via
inputs from the signalling system.
The train description is a four character code which is made up of a digit for the train class, a
character for the trains destination and a two digit train number.

Equipment
In electro mechanical, the block bell system is communication system between signal boxes .
A development of equipment was simply replace the relays with logic gates of TTL or
CMOS in electronic logic system.

Computer system
Computer system consist of one or more processor,fixed memory(EPROM),dynamic memory
(RAM),input device (KEYBORD,MOUSE), etc output devices(MONITORS,PRINTERS etc)

Operators control unit

The signaller can enter the train description into the system via an operator control unit
(OCU).
An OCU consist of a monitor, a keyboard and character genrator, now usually in form of a
Personal computer.
The signaller has access to the system via a keyboard. He can;

insert or interpose train descriptions at most berth under his control.

cancel descriptions.
enter the time into the clock berth(S)
search for the location of the train.

INTERLOCKING
input for the stepping of the description to the TD system comes from the interlocking.
Interlocking may be relay type or solid state interlocking.

DISPLAY The TD (train describer) display may be CRT (cathode ray tube) or LED (light
emitting diode) .There may be also third type which is VDU (visual display unit) which can
be placed alongside a panel.

PRINTERS
Printers Can Be Used Dot Matrix or laser types.dot matrix are easy to run and cheap in cost.

AUTOMATIC TRAIN REPORTING (ATR)

Records certain movements of trains in specified area and used for further analysis when
required.

TRUST
(Train Reporting Under System Tops).It is a form of ATR with wider distribution facilities.

FRINGE Box TD
fringe box TDs are placed where small box is away from the main box and needs some and
train info. For the area it covers.

Adjacent box TD
The main TD must be able to communicate with adjacent main boxes to transmit and receive
train descriptions to and from them as the train passes from one controlled area to another.

BLOCK SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS

Block schematic diagram are used to show the stepping and facilities required to be carried
out by TD.the berth and TD are shown on the schematic diagram and a number of different
types of berth and steps are used depending on the situation.

BERTH TYPES
Berths come in different types and can have different characterstics.berths can be either a
FROM or TO berth,depending on the direction of travel.

Normal Berth-the berth displyed on VDU showing the train code.

Blind Berth-berth used as a store but not displyed on VDU.
Route Berth-used to display route set information.
Clock Berth-used to display the time of the day.

STEPPING FUNCTIONS
Different types of stepping function are

Normal Step-the description steps FROM one berth to another berth as the train
moves.
Copy Step-description copied From one TO another without clear out TO berth has
special condition.
Hold Step- description copied From one TO another without clear out FROM,but
clear out berth has special conditions.
Link Step-the train description is From one berth TO another berth whenever
The TO berth is occupied.

Sushil Kumar(DET)
13/08/2015