Why Do Trains Set Off K-Band?

**hankd** · 08-01-2005, 10:26 AM

Around here I always get K-band from the front of a train...what's the cause??

**hookem202** · 08-01-2005, 10:27 AM

Same thing happened to me this past weekend. I dont know what it is but your not the only one.

**SmaartAasSaabr** · 08-01-2005, 10:45 AM

They are probably SWS transmitters, should decode as "TRAIN APPROACHING".

**compu44** · 08-01-2005, 10:49 AM

Nope, no SWS here, just plain old K-Band. I'm pretty sure it's a distance sensor on the train.

**hankd** · 08-01-2005, 11:28 AM

Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr

They are probably SWS transmitters, should decode as "TRAIN APPROACHING".

I have SWS turned off...it's K-band for sure...

**sethy** · 08-01-2005, 11:35 AM

Soem SWS's detectors will report it as K band.

**jimbonzzz** · 08-01-2005, 12:13 PM

I looked around a bit, and it seems that there is a system available for trains that manage friction similar to ABS in cars.

The system uses radar to measure the ground speed of the train, and them compares this data to wheel speed sensors. Then the controls can use this information to speed up or slow down the wheel speed, to prevent the wheels from "slipping" etc...

Not sure if that is causing the alerts though...

Jim

**hankd** · 08-01-2005, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by jimbonzzz

I looked around a bit, and it seems that there is a system available for trains that manage friction similar to ABS in cars.

The system uses radar to measure the ground speed of the train, and them compares this data to wheel speed sensors. Then the controls can use this information to speed up or slow down the wheel speed, to prevent the wheels from "slipping" etc...

Not sure if that is causing the alerts though...

Jim

Cool...sounds like that's what it could be...

**KaPro** · 08-02-2005, 04:10 AM

Jimbonzz is right. Some electro motive series diesel engines incorporate radar in their anti wheel slip controls. That definitely gives you the K band alert. Good thing cars don't use it eh??