Capability

Track to Train

The safety of passengers on railways is enhanced with the introduction of a new generation of Track to Train CCTV transmission system which overcomes the limitations of mirrors, platform end monitors and leaky feeders.

There are two versions, one is a short range analogue system, the other a long range digital equipment. Both provide multiple broadcast quality videos from platform mounted cameras to driver's cabs to show the views before the train arrives and continuously until it clears the station.

In this way drivers can be alerted to potential incidents where people may be trapped by the train or fallen onto the track. Up to 3 real time, full colour videos can be transmitted simultanously.

Train to Track

The digital transmission system can also be configured to transmit images from the trains to the stations, and from there to the railway's control centre. In this way safety and security personel can see inside the carriage of any selected train.

The system uses broadcast DVB-T technology to provide high resolution images over non line of sight paths of up to 2 km. When there is a line of sight, the range is increased to 30 km.

Features

The systems are unique in many ways
  • They can use any microwave frequency from 1 to 31 GHz. They do not need to operate in the licence exempt 2.4 and 5.8 GHz public bands where interference is becoming an increasing problem
  • Relative to IR systems, the transmissions are unaffected by weather
  • The systems can transmit many videos over the same path, which simplies the installation because discrimination between platforms or trains is provided by frequency selection rather than antenna alignment
  • They use space diversity in which the same video is received in different antennas with automatic selection to ensure the best pictures are always available, even when there are reflections and obstructions
  • They provide the highest level of video quality with little or no latency, both of which are essential requirements for a safety critical equipment

Trial system seen under the cab of a London Underground train
An MTR Corporation train fitted with the Ogier Track to Train CCTV system
Kowloon Canton Railway train on the new West Rail