TasRail, TAS, Australia

After considering options, TasRail contracted Tait and local partner Tasmanian Electronic & Communications Services (TECS) to design, deliver and install a complete VHF digital mobile radio (DMR) Tier 3 packet data solution, across 10 sites statewide. Data across the train control system interfaces with Tait mobile radios and radio network infrastructure via linking units supplied by  MiMOMax.

The Tait DMR radio data network supplied to TasRail is highly reliable and comprises four sub-systems:

1. Tait DMR Tier 3 radio system (with dual-node controllers for redundancy).
2. Backhaul system with MiMOMax UHF and SAF microwave links for 1+1 redundancy.
3. Power system with a mix of battery banks, Mains AC, solar and generator power for redundancy.
4. Local network management, monitoring via SNMP Traps such as Tait EnableMonitor.

The Tait DMR solution signals where TasRail trains are at designated points on the track and enables TasRail to increase the number and frequency of trains and freight they can through more efficient use of the track. In addition to these efficiency gains, the DMR network has the capability to provide full automation of work orders – for instance, requesting and granting permissions to move to another section of track – further improving worker and asset safety.

TasRail selected a Tait DMR radio data network because it is open standards-based, provides data capability and location information with improved coverage and spectral efficiency. The digital data network operates in parallel with the analog voice network for added redundancy. If TasRail's requirements change, the DMR network is also easily expandable, with the capability to carry both voice and data traffic.