The basic for the train-number-identification TrainDetect is the transponder technology that is as well known under the short-cut RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).
The transponder is a low-cost "electronic lable" which can store permanently a 10-digit digital number . During production every chip receives a subsequent number given by the manufacturerer company Phillips. Therefore is it assured that never two transponder could have an identical number.
As soon as a transponder comes into the electrical field of a reader-antenna it will transmit the stored number to the transponder reader via a small aerial . For sending the tansponder number the transponder does not need an own power-supply. It uses the energy of the electric field of the reader antenna.
You will probably use this system every day: the basic of the security alarm system of your motor car is designed in accordance to the transponder system. The transponder is integrated into the car-key and the reader antenna is assembled at the steering wheel. Only the key with the correct transponder number inside the the antenna field can release the lock within the motor electronic.
We offer 2 types of transponders which have suitable dimensions for model rail roads:
- TRANS-1 as cylindrical glass-tube transponder (3,1 x 13,3 mm) and
- TRANS-2 as flat disc transponder (1mm thick) of a diameter of 20 mm.
The antenna of the transponder reader COL-10 can be assembled below or aside the rail or even above a passing trains. The reading distance is up to 40mm.
As the transponders require no power supply they can easily assembled at a suitable location at a locomotive or any carriage. If the transponders will be assembled to the moving units it with give no optical interference at the vehicle image.
The electromagnetic transmission system complys naturally with the appropriate legal regulations (e.g. field strength, interference immunity/electromagnetic compatibility) in accordance to the EC-Standard.
The Transponder-Reader COL-10 received its licens at 07/29/2003 from TÜV Rheinland.
The transponder TRANS-1 can be used for gauge Z to HO, TRANS-2 can be used from gauge N to 1. Therefore the system permits the application for all gauges from Z to LGB. There are no restrictions of first version numbering nor technical modification required (an additional adventage of the system).
Contrary to an optical systems with code carrier which have to be placed exact at the center of the vehicle and at an exact hight the transponder does not need any adjustment or constrained locations and can be assembled by glueing it at a suitable place below the vehicles (only requirement: the transponder has be inside the area of the reader antenna of about 70 x 50mm). A power supply is not required.
The relative large antenna-size allows a large side tolerance. Thus makes it possible to arrange the reading locations without restriction at a permissive option for locating the transponder at a vehicle (e.g. excentric assembly). There are no restrictions for the driving speed at passing the reading locations at all gauge sizes or even at narrow turns. Also wide swing-outs of transponders assembled at any part of the vehicle will give no interruption even by fast driving at narrow turns. Optical systems are not able to allow this extensive application at this extention because of the small side tolerance.
On the other hand by correct assembly of the antenna the design of the antenna prevents a reading of a transponder of a train driving on a reverse rail.
© 2007 by LDT