Logger used on trains to monitor braking systems

A leading supplier of equipment to the rail industry has chosen the dataTaker DT800 data logger to monitor and record performance of its braking systems.

A leading supplier of equipment to the rail industry has chosen the dataTaker DT800 data logger to monitor and record performance of its braking systems.

Having installed their systems they needed to periodically check pre-determined parameters that could affect braking efficiency.

The manufacturer contacted an official distributor of Datataker, Integrated Data Logging Solutions (IDLS) of Northamptonshire, to supply a system meeting their stringent requirements.

The system had not only to process and record the necessary information but also to operate under difficult conditions, whilst the train was in service.

Placing an engineer on a train or withdrawing it from service were not an option as this would prove too costly and disruptive.

A dataTaker DT800 data logger complete with DeLogger Pro software and GSM modem were supplied satisfying the operational needs.

All units were mounted in a suitable box, conforming to all regulations laid down, and the box was then mounted on the train to be monitored.

The advantage of this system is that the information from the logger can be retrieved at any time no matter where the train happens to be.

Should the GSM signal be lost, such as when the train enters a tunnel, a feature of the software will recognize this and track the amount of data downloaded up to disruption.

On resumption it will then continue to download from this point, giving complete continuity of data.

The signals received from the permanently mounted sensors on the train are fed to the DT800 and then scaled into meaningful units, e.g speed and temperature, to produce comprehensive information on braking efficiency and highlight any possible faults.

This continual monitoring and recording of information is used to show due diligence and is invaluable in future product development.

Datataker can provide systems and solutions for all types of data acquisition using the latest electronics and communication technology.

For high-speed data acquisition the DT800 can store up to 130,000 data points.

Removable ATA Flash PC cards provide additional data storage and battery-backed RAM prevents any loss of data.

42 analogue channels and 16 digital channels can be used to monitor DC and AC(RMS) voltage, current, resistance, temperature, bridges, strain gauges, 4-20mA loops and frequency.

Digital outputs control equipment and raise alarms.

For enhanced reliability built-in self-correcting features can test sensor integrity and flag suspect data.

Event management facilities provide performance analysis and changes can be identified by rapid sampling across channels.

Data manipulation includes statistical functions, calculations and sensor calibration.

Alarms can be set for all channels.

The dataTaker DT800 data logger is simple to install and operate and is very fast, despite having a wide array of functions.

Data can be downloaded to a computer via direct RS232, modem, radio or satellite links.

Ethernet and PC card interfaces are standard features.

DeLogger software can be configured to suit each application to give an immediate visual presentation for fast access to information and results.

Literature and information is available from Datataker.

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