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It's a device mounted in/on the ground at the tracks that monitors a passing train for potentially dangerous conditions. Such things include but are not limited to: hot boxes (overheated wheel bearings), or derailed wheels. Some also monitor for excess height cars where clearance restrictions may be nearby. Here on NS, a typical detector spiel goes something like this (in a robotic voice): NS Detector, Milepost xx.x, Track x, no defects. In ye olde Conrail days, this would also include "Total Axle Count" and "Train Speed." Detectors really look like something that might trigger grade crossing signals, but they are not. If there is a problem, a shrill noise will be heard on the radio, followed by the detector's spiel; but the "no defects" will be replaced by something like: "First hotbox, south side, axle xx." These detectors come in handy when railfanning, as they give you an extra advanced warning of a train in the area. A good radio can pick these up from up to 10 miles away. Hope all this helps.
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