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Short Line Data Systems Inc. – ROCS Update August 2006
Website: www.sdsrocs.com
Greetings –
Well I could make a joke here about how hot it has been this summer, but I think that we’ll just let the facts speak for themselves. I was fortunate to miss the three days of 100 degree weather here in New Jersey, but only because I was in the drier 100 degree weather in Oklahoma. In the last month we have been on the road a bit doing installs of ROCSDispatch at both the Arkansas & Missouri and Farmrail, and we have started work on our track and signal inspection system. We also have some new features that we have been working on for both the classic ROCS system and ROCSDispatch, and we’ll describe some of the work that has been going on.
On the Road Again
We have made a couple of road trips this month, one to the Arkansas & Missouri, and the other, just completed, to Farmrail. In both instances we installed our GCOR version of ROCSDispatch, but the two systems are very different in how they handle track condition situations. The Farmrail installation is very close to the GCOR book as written, while the A&M uses a different system to do speed restrictions, tracks out of service, and grade crossings out of service. Neither of the situations posed a problem, and were handled as part of the regular setup process. One thing that both of the visits did produce was some ideas for new features for all of the installations. We thank the staffs of both railroads for their hospitality, and look forward to a long and productive relationship.
ROCS Classic Changes
We have continued the development of our automatic communications system, with a new schedule, and further work on the NextPath message translation. For the automatic communications system, we have changed the transmit/receive times to reflect the tighter event reporting windows, and also put some redundancy in the system to ensure that the messages get through. We are also looking at a possible FTP manager change to improve reliability. We are also continuing with the development of a message translator utilizing Railinc’s NextPath messaging system, and we have had success with both inbound and outbound messages.
Another new feature that we have been working on is the ability to transmit waybills to a portable messaging device, such as a Blackberry or other smartphone. Our initial efforts have been successful, but we are finding that with the small screens on these devices, you really need the ability to print the bill out. We may have found a solution in a thermal printer made by Pentax, that prints on full size paper, is battery powered, has wireless connectivity, and most importantly is reasonably priced (under $550 for a full installation). We will keep you posted on our developments with this feature, and will let you know when they have been added to the customer systems.
ROCSDispatch Improvements
The message transmission function will not be limited to the classic ROCS system. We are also planning on using this feature and equipment to transmit Track Warrants, Forms D, and the like to Blackberries and smartphones. We have already put a limited system into the Farmrail dispatch system for their Track Condition Messages, and will keep working on this feature for full deployment in the near future.
We have also added a new line to both the Forms D and Track Warrants that are printed out or transmitted from ROCSDispatch. This line indicates how many lines are in effect, and gives a positive indication of what lines are being used on the form.
Other Goings On
We have started work on a track and signal inspection record keeping system. The system has a PC side and a PDA side, and is designed to be a cost effective means of keeping these records electronically. We are working with the track and signal departments at the M&E and at our other customers to find the best combination of forms and reports, and we will work with the FRA to make sure that what we do complies with all regulations.
The deployment of PET ROCS, our passenger ticketing system at the Maine Eastern Railroad has been successful, with no paralyzing problems, and new features and reports being added on a constant basis.
Well, that’s all for now. We’ll be back at start of September with more news and a report of what went on at the Ethanol conference in Kansas City .
Stay safe,
Steven Friedland President |
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