What had to be solved
The task was to let the operator control a locomotive outside the cab during shunting operations while keeping machine-state feedback, communication and predictable behavior in abnormal conditions.
Projects / Special equipment and demanding operating conditions
Locomotive remote-control system
Remote-control system for a shunting locomotive: portable operator console, stationary onboard unit, radio command exchange and telemetry.
What the project reached
A complete applied remote-control system was developed: portable operator console, onboard unit, charging unit, embedded software, screen menu, command and telemetry exchange, self-diagnostics and a technical documentation package.
Project materials
Photos and working materials
Customer: AVP-Technologiya
Engineering context
Important constraints
The operator works outside the cab.
The system integrates with locomotive electronics.
Predictable behavior is required during communication loss, errors and abnormal states.
The portable console must operate autonomously.
The equipment is used on industrial sites and in different weather conditions.
The public description is intentionally limited and does not disclose protected project details.
Work done
What was included
Circuit design for the operator console, onboard unit and charging unit.
Embedded software for both sides of the system.
Screen menu and operator-interface logic.
Application protocol for command and telemetry exchange.
Integration with the onboard control system.
Self-diagnostics and settings storage.
Light, sound and vibration indication.
Ergonomics and mechanical-design direction for the units.
Technical and design documentation.
Details
Engineering project description
System composition
The system consists of a portable operator console and a stationary onboard unit. The console transmits control commands and service information; the onboard unit returns key technological parameters and system statuses to the console.
Operating scenario
The solution is intended for situations where the operator works outside the cab: shunting operations, train rearrangement and work on industrial rail transport. In normal operation, the console regularly transmits the state of the controls and power system, while the onboard unit returns parameters and status data.
Operator interface and telemetry
The operator screen shows radio-signal level, power state, selected machine, connection mode and working parameters. Light, sound and vibration indication are used to attract attention.
Development scope
- circuit design for the operator console, onboard unit and charging unit
- embedded software for the console and onboard unit
- screen menu and operator-interface logic
- registration and locomotive-selection mechanism
- self-diagnostics and internal settings storage
- ergonomics and mechanical-design direction
Predictable behavior
The project included self-diagnostics, battery-state monitoring, communication-loss handling and transition to a predefined safe state during errors or abnormal operating modes.
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