Ted M.
got trains?™
See my photos at: http://tedmarshall.rrpicturearchives.net/
Dan
CNW 6000 wrote:This is available to the general public??? How do you get it?
http://www.atcsmon.com/
I didn't know what this was. Pretty neat concept and it would help out in terms of seeing where trains are...but I just wonder about legal issues.
First, you must join the ATCS Monitor Yahoo group. Afterward, you'll receive a membership questionaire. Complete it, submit it and you'll gain access to everything you need which is available on the ATCS Monitor Yahoo group web page. BTW, it's all perfectly legal since the data used is broadcast via radio from wayside mcp's. Just like scanning emergency services is legal, so is monitoring trains.
I'll be glad to help anyone who needs it, just pm me for instructions .
Sounds like either there are no servers in the area you cover or you don't have the proper profile loaded. The wayside bungalos where remote switches receive dispatch commands, constantly transmit their respective status via radio signals. These are known as mcp's. The mcp's are picked up by servers, usually a series of railfans up and down the line with scanners equipped with discriminator outputs connected to their pc's who process the data received and then contribute this data to ATCS Monitor. I may not be 100% correct on how it works, but from what I've learned in the last week, I'm not that far off base.
here's the link to get started:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/ATCS_Monitor/
I haven't seen Chad around lately, but I'm pretty sure he's using ATCS Monitor.
Additionally, for those who want to see what the system looks like, you can check out the Moffat Sub ATCS display over at the Colorado Railfan page.
-ChrisWest Chicago, ILChristopher May Fine Art Photography"In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." ~Ansel Adams
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CopCarSS wrote: I haven't seen Chad around lately, but I'm pretty sure he's using ATCS Monitor.Additionally, for those who want to see what the system looks like, you can check out the Moffat Sub ATCS display over at the Colorado Railfan page.
Are there any other sites like this for different places?
Soo 6604 wrote:How do you switch to other roads?
By loading the mcp information for the particular railroad and subdivision as a profile into the monitor program. They are available in "files", accessable once you become a member to:
http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/ATCS_Monitor/files/
Another great resource for learning is :
http://www.atcsmonwiki.org/bin/view
as well as the program inventor's website:
http://www.atcsmon.com/index.htm
Everything you need is right there.
Hello,
The line that runs near my location, the CSX New Castle Sub can be very slow at times. Running only 20-25 trains per day, it can see up to 3 hour lulls on occasion. This device sounds very useful. One problem. A while back when I tried to join the ATCS Monitor Yahoo Group, they denied my account. I have no idea why. Age was not a question in the form I had to fill out. Is it possible they did not like my reasoning for wanting an ATCS Monitor? Anyways, if someone could help me, I'd appreciate it. It would come in handy on lines like the CSX "Mountain Sub" between Cumberland and Grafton, among other lines. If they would accept my account, would it be quick and easy to retrieve the device? Is it free? And can someone explain how to get it operating?
Thanks!
alstom wrote: Hello,The line that runs near my location, the CSX New Castle Sub can be very slow at times. Running only 20-25 trains per day, it can see up to 3 hour lulls on occasion. This device sounds very useful. One problem. A while back when I tried to join the ATCS Monitor Yahoo Group, they denied my account. I have no idea why. Age was not a question in the form I had to fill out. Is it possible they did not like my reasoning for wanting an ATCS Monitor? Anyways, if someone could help me, I'd appreciate it. It would come in handy on lines like the CSX "Mountain Sub" between Cumberland and Grafton, among other lines. If they would accept my account, would it be quick and easy to retrieve the device? Is it free? And can someone explain how to get it operating?Thanks!
I was accepted pretty easily. I just basically told them that I was using this to enhance my at home experience of railfanning. It's free
I'm still trying to figure all this stuff out
Paul
I just spent 45 minutes reading this stuff and well...it is way over my head. Think I will just listen to my scanners.
ed
MP173 wrote: I just spent 45 minutes reading this stuff and well...it is way over my head. Think I will just listen to my scanners.ed
Trust me...If I can do it, anyone can. That's for sure. And believe this...once you get it working, you'll wonder how you got by without it.
Okay Ted, I might give it a try.
Give me the basics of what you need (laptop, scanner, etc) and how long it takes to get hooked up etc.
What kinda range do you get on it, just the area of the scanner range?
Wow, thanks for posting this topic--I sure am interested in checking this out. In fact I have already registerd for and been accepted to the ATCS Monitor group. Looks like I don't even need to have my scanner modified because you can also run the software in a mode where it will connect to another user's server via the internet that has the live data feed from that user's area.
BTW from a security or privacy standpoint, this does not sound any different than the websites such as FlightAware.com that have realtime commercial airline radar display and flight tracks. Will see how it goes.
CLICK HERE FOR THE CSX DIXIE LINE BLOG
MP173 wrote: Okay Ted, I might give it a try.Give me the basics of what you need (laptop, scanner, etc) and how long it takes to get hooked up etc. What kinda range do you get on it, just the area of the scanner range?ed
Ed,
Check your pm's.
Like Jamie said, no scanner necessary. I'm in South Florida and I'm monitoring the BNSF Aurora sub, how's that for range? The tricky thing is to load the files properly and to use the proper server's IP address for each profile. Everything is right there on the Yahoo group.
Well to quote Harry Caray, "HOLY COW!" I downloaded the application this evening and took about an hour to set it up. I ran it the first time and got the dispatcher panel for the CALTRANS Orange/Olive lines around L.A. (this is the default setup). I saw stuff changing, but since I am just a shade east of there in Atlanta, GA, it was cool to see but not very meaningful. So I found a site that has other territories and *voila!* I found a setup for the CSX Abbeville Sub, which runs about 2 miles from my doorstep. So I fire this up and *voila again!* I see the dispatcher panel for the CSX Abbeville Sub. I see the control points just up the road...now this is getting really interesting. Next, I find a website that does all the scanning for CSX in Georgia and I connect to it... *mega voila!* the dispatcher panel lights up to show the new data. I can see two southbounds coming my way and a northbound going through Athens. Finally, I stay up late enough until I see the block near my house go from green (clear) to red (occupied).
Now I fire up my scanner and sure enough after about 5 minutes I hear the nearest defect detector go off for the first southbound and shortly thereafter, CSX Q663 southbound (Greenwood-Atlanta) calls a clear signal at Old Brickyard, a stones throw from my house. Seconds later I hear the horn blowing for the crossing. Amazed, I watch the other southbound come down through Lawrenceville, then Gloster, culminating in the CSX A710 passing through a few minutes later.
Sorry if I am rambling, but it is 2:00 AM my time and I am still juiceded about finding this thing. I think my work productivity is gonna take a major hit if I "work" at home tomorrow. This thing is very cool and completely done by railfans/hobbyists. I am in awe...is there a "jaw drop" emoticon??? I'll just have to go with Jamie
Alright, you guys are killing me. Gotta figure this out.
I was watching the BNSF Aurora Sub dispatchers board and the webcam to verify the how accurate it is....talk about real time. When the block changes to red, you only have to wait less than 30 seconds and you have yourself a train in the webcam. You even know which track it will be on.
Now if I only can get the other ones working as good as this. No scanner chatter (if thats possible) off of this site for me.
Soo 6604 wrote: I was watching the BNSF Aurora Sub dispatchers board and the webcam to verify the how accurate it is....talk about real time. When the block changes to red, you only have to wait less than 30 seconds and you have yourself a train in the webcam. You even know which track it will be on.Now if I only can get the other ones working as good as this. No scanner chatter (if thats possible) off of this site for me.Paul
CopCarSS wrote: I haven't seen Chad around lately, but I'm pretty sure he's using ATCS Monitor.
Yes, I have the ATCS monitor, I also modified a scanner for mobile use in the field. It's all in storeage right now as I am between jobs though.
It is great. especially in places like Cajon where it helps to know what track to set up on for your next shot. Or on light density lines where it could save you hours of standing around with no traffic.
BTW-before anyone gets antsy to get it going be aware that only lines useing the advanced traffic controll system are compatible. There is a coverage map on the ATCS site but I have found it to be out dated.
chad thomas wrote: CopCarSS wrote: I haven't seen Chad around lately, but I'm pretty sure he's using ATCS Monitor. Yes, I have the ATCS monitor, I also modified a scanner for mobile use in the field. It's all in storeage right now as I am between jobs though.It is great. especially in places like Cajon where it helps to know what track to set up on for your next shot. Or on light density lines where it could save you hours of standing around with no traffic.BTW-before anyone gets antsy to get it going be aware that only lines useing the advanced traffic controll system are compatible. There is a coverage map on the ATCS site but I have found it to be out dated.
The site is a work in progress. Updates are being made to it continuously to keep it as current as possible. The more people that jump on the ATCS bandwagon, the more up-to-date it will become. I urge all serious railfans to join the ATCS Monitor Yahoo Group and install the program. You'll be glad you did.
choochoobuff wrote:I was a little leary about giving out some of the info the membership folks wanted. Am I being a little too cautious? It seems cool, is there any thing available for the west central Ohio? Is it really on the level? I am not one to give out a lot of info over the net, this is the only forum I frequent.
I joined about a month ago. There is not a moment of my free time that I am not messing around with ATCS. It is an amazing and innovative application. I was also wondering why so much information was required upon signup, but these guys are really devoted and take the "hobby" very seriously. It is 100% legitimate and made up of a very good group of people that really enjoy using ATCS Monitor to complement their railfanning. I highly recommend it. Not all lines are covered, but I also enjoy remotely monitoring lines that do have coverage. I believe their is a map on the ATCS group website that shows the general coverage areas.
Thanks, I may give it another look.
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