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How close are we to unmanned mainline freights?

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The news release below was posted on the B of LE site. It seems the technology may be a bit further ahead than I thought. Of course the other issues we I and many others have mentioned are still there and many others besides... Cattron-Theimeg to use GPS for remote control locomotives (Trimble issued the following news release on August 7.) SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Trimble today that it has been chosen as the primary Global Positioning System (GPS) timing supplier for Cattron-Theimeg, Inc.'s next generation ACCUSPEED(TM) locomotive radio remote control system. The patent-pending system allows yard operators to control the direction, speed and auxiliary functions of switching locomotives in rail and industrial yards. Trimble's GPS timing adds features that enable the system to utilize scarce and expensive radio spectrum more efficiently, while also increasing the safety and productivity of remote control locomotives in yard operations. Trimble's Acutime(TM) 2000 GPS smart antenna is strategically attached to each locomotive in the ACCUSPEED system and used for timing, positioning and safety features. ACCUSPEED works with computer-equipped switching locomotives and is a SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) solution, which enables real-time remote control of equipment. Using GPS as a timing source, up to 10 ACCUSPEED systems can be operated simultaneously in a rail yard using a single radio frequency doubling the previous maximum of five systems. GPS allows Cattron-Theimeg engineers to increase spectrum utilization to nearly 100 percent. "Applying GPS to locomotive remote control in this way is unique," said Bob Aiken, vice president of Cattron-Theimeg. "There are other timing devices available, but when you look at the cost and features, GPS makes more sense. GPS provides us with multiple system features, including accurate timing, speed and positioning, as well as performing a safety cross-check of other sensors for faults; and Trimble GPS provided the best fit for our system." Cattron-Theimeg also uses GPS for positioning to define 'geozones' in each yard. ACCUSPEED operators can then program locomotives to perform a variety of auxiliary functions in specific geozones. Locomotive auxiliary functions include automatically turning headlights on or off, ringing the bell, or slowing down and stopping within predetermined locations. Trimble GPS also enhances locomotive safety by providing a precise backup for traditional motion, speed and position input information. While axle generators on the locomotives already supply motion and speed information, situations such as wet track and broken wires can cause axle generators to provide erroneous information. GPS is used to provide a safety check to ensure the ACCUSPEED system has correct information on each locomotive. About Cattron-Theimeg With more than 57 years of service to industry, Cattron-Theimeg has implemented Remote Control Technology on nearly 3,000 national railway locomotives and over 2,000 industrial locomotives making it the world's largest supplier of portable radio remote control systems. Its products are manufactured for other industries such as shipyards, mining, material handling, primary metals and agriculture, with a total installed base of approximately 100,000 remote control systems. Cattron-Theimeg is a global leader in the development, manufacture and installation of portable radio remote control systems, RF data links and related equipment. For more information about Cattron-Theimeg visit: www.cattron-theimeg.com. About Trimble Trimble is a leading innovator of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. In addition to providing advanced GPS components, Trimble augments GPS with other positioning technologies as well as wireless communications and software to create complete customer solutions. Trimble's worldwide presence and unique capabilities position the Company for growth in emerging applications including surveying, automobile navigation, machine guidance, asset tracking, wireless platforms, and telecommunications infrastructure. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Trimble has more than 2,000 employees in more than 20 countries worldwide.
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