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MeteorComm is the communications supplier of choice for the BNSF HLCS wireless digital
packet communication between Hy-Rail vehicles and dispatch. BNSF went with the MCC-545C
Packet Data Radio because of a combination of features not found anywhere else in
the wireless industry including peer-to-peer communications, extended line-of-sight
(ELOS) coverage, high data rate and radio programmability.
On-rail vehicles report their position to dispatch as often as every 15 seconds.
The dispatch software converts the GPS coordinates to the track and milepost location.
Track and milepost are compared against track authorities for the vehicle. If the
vehicle is near its limit of compliance, a warning is sent to the vehicle. If the
vehicle exceeds its limit, the vehicle and dispatch are sent an alarm.
MeteorComm peer-to-peer communication provides proximity warnings when an on-rail
Hy-Rail vehicle is near another on-rail Hy-Rail vehicle or ETMS-equipped locomotive.
BNSF's HLCS has been operational since 2002. The system notifies Hy-Rail operators
when they are approaching track limits. BNSF has all transcontinental and high-traffic
coal loop routes covered with base stations to support this and other wireless communications
applications.
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