Should Conducters use PDAs and laptops in the field

[rrnut282]

Isn't CSX also involved in a trial where the signal maintainers fill out a fill-in-the-blank form on a PDA when they finish a signal job and then at night it is uploaded to another computer which then files the report with the FRA?

[Mookie]

Sigh...they really take the "romance" out of railroading, don't they! If I want to look at a puter geek, I can stay here in my office!

Mookie

[railman]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tree68

I would think the bulk of the work with PC's and PDA's would be in the cab. I don't see a conductor pulling his PDA out of his pocket to find out which car to switch. There are interface options that would preclude moving any paperwork at all, including IR printers, IR file transfers, and wireless for the laptops. An IR printer in the cab could be used for hard copies. There are ways that transfers of data could be verified. Eventually Form D's/EC-1's/track warrants could be given that way, too. Emergency services get dispatched all the time using such systems.

then you have paper again![8D]

[RudyRockvilleMD]

On a trip to Switzeerland in 1990 I noticed the conductors on their passenger trains used laptop computers to look up fares, and print tickets for passengers boarding trains at unstaffed stations. The conductors' laptops looked similar to a laptop computer my wife used when she was working, and which were manufactured by Grid Pad. A representative of Grid Pad confirmed they sold them to the Swiss Railroads.

[tree68]

QUOTE: Originally posted by dehusman

If the PDA's will only be used in the cab, won't that make it a little tough to switch with?
<SNIP>
I would think it would have to be something small enough to fit in a pocket and carry with you.
Dave H.

As others have aptly pointed out, you're right. But, as has been pointed out, it's possible. As I mentioned, you could also have the ability to upload/download from a PDA, so the work report could be transferred quite easily when done. Perhaps to the laptop in the cab, which would be wirelessly connected to the big computer in the sky...

[dldance]

One of my clients is involved with electronic dispatching of workers in a service industry using something similar to a PDA - however, these are "hardened". The PDA's are larger than those a businessman would carry but they have rubber shells, are water-resistant, and can survive a 6 foot drop. That type of PDA could be useful in yard service.

dd

[Anonymous]

I AGREE!!!! [:D]

[mvlandsw]

It would be nice to have all the timetables, operating rule books, hazardous material books, equipment handling rule books, safety rule books, signal indication books, superintendent notices, etc. that we are required to carry scanned into a PDA. That would eliminate about 15 lbs. of paper from my bag.

[Anonymous]

Oh yeah, I forgot about switchlists. I would like something that would not get wet and soggy. Those clear plastic covers only do so much. yeah, something I could stick into my pocket would be great!!!

[dehusman]

If the PDA's will only be used in the cab, won't that make it a little tough to switch with?

Kick a car.
Run up to the cab, see where the next car goes.
Run back to the pin.
Kick a car.
Run up to the cab, see where the next car goes.
Run back to the pin.
Kick a car.
Run up to the cab, see where the next car goes.
Run back to the pin.
Kick a car.
Run up to the cab, see where the next car goes.
Run back to the pin.
Kick a car.

I would think it would have to be something small enough to fit in a pocket and carry with you.

Dave H.

[tree68]

I would think the bulk of the work with PC's and PDA's would be in the cab. I don't see a conductor pulling his PDA out of his pocket to find out which car to switch. There are interface options that would preclude moving any paperwork at all, including IR printers, IR file transfers, and wireless for the laptops. An IR printer in the cab could be used for hard copies. There are ways that transfers of data could be verified. Eventually Form D's/EC-1's/track warrants could be given that way, too. Emergency services get dispatched all the time using such systems.

[mloik]

I'm wondering: Would conductors ever need to climb down off the train with a PDA to take care of "paperwork"? If they had to be used outside of a nice, warm, cab in winter it could be problematic. Most computers and PDAs have low temperature limits for operation and storage. For example, the HP iPAQ manual recommends that it not be exposed to "temperature extremes or precipitation". Recommended limits are 32 to 104F (operating) and -4 to 140F (nonoperating), and 20 to 90% relative humidity.

Michael

[Anonymous]

...it's really just a matter of time.

Like Nathan said, some places already have systems set-up.

[heavyd]

CP had rumors of issueing all conductors PDAs to use for their paper work instead. My god, they go through a ton of paper. I couldn't believe how much paper was actually used for one train for one crew. Times all crews, day in-day out. That must be expensive. If your train had alot of dangerous or special dangerous you needed a brief case! I thought PDA's would be the coolest, once you get ordered all info is sent to your unit including all needed documents and clearances. Then there are no copying errors with paper clearances.
Some day.......

[Anonymous]

CSX, and I'm sure other railroads, have already implemented electronic work orders. When on a local or yard job, I have an OBWO (On Board Work Order) that I complete on something that is very similar to a notebook. It uses cellular technology to send information. I find it very handy, although; it was a pain to learn at first.

[Anonymous]

I have seen conducters trying to read train manefests that were soaking wet and making notation on car cuts.Also if Forms would be electronic fill in the blanks that would speed things up