What do trains use to communicate?

In the modern CBTC systems the trains continuously calculate and communicate their status via radio to the wayside equipment distributed along the line. This status includes, among other parameters, the exact position, speed, travel direction and braking distance.



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ATO systems refer to the technology which allows trains to operate with little to no human intervention. The systems use a combination of sensors, computers and communication platforms to control the speed, acceleration and braking of trains.

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A low-voltage electric current is sent between the two rails via a series of relays like the ones in this photo. When a train approaches, the current runs through the train's metal wheels and axles instead of the relays. This short circuit activates the crossing signal.

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Signals may be of the searchlight, color light, position light, or color position light types, each displaying a variety of aspects which inform the locomotive operator of track conditions so that they may keep their train under control and able to stop short of any obstruction or dangerous condition.

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Most railroads use a set of 97 frequencies between 160 and 162 MHz. Most operations are in “Conventional/Analog” mode, that means they do not usually use trunking, digital or other complicated modes.

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The railways use a train detection systems which can tell signallers exactly where every train is and how fast they are going. There are also systems that can automatically stop trains if the driver doesn't take the correct course of action or passes through a red signal.

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Why do trains sound their horn? Federal law requires the train crew when approaching a road crossing to sound the horn at all public crossings for the protection and safety of motorists and pedestrians regardless of whether crossings with gates and lights are present.

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The horn alerts people that a train is approaching a railroad crossing. It can also be used to warn animals or trespassers in our right-of-way along a section of track.

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Most likely, it's just a coincidence. Before radio communication, locomotive engineers used a dozen or so signals to communicate their intentions. With so many signals, all using short and long horn sounds, nearly all of them match up with some letters in Morse code.

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Usually the signals are manually controlled from a remote office. Outside CTC limits, a sophisticated ABS system that can detect train direction also will use them to protect movement between sidings. Such a system is termed an Absolute Permissive Block System.

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Defective or damaged track circuits and axle counters are leading causes of signal failures. Damage to these components can be caused by moisture penetration, cuts, exposure to high temperatures, or rusting. In some cases, the damage may be caused by cable thieves who have pilfered cables for their copper content.

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Train Horn Requirements Train horns must be sounded in a standardized pattern of 2 long, 1 short, and 1 long blasts.

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