Radio Frequency Identification Systems

RFID for OS reports – It’s always hard to get crews to perform an unprototypical station report (OS) especially when the phone is busy with the DS writing orders, take this off line by using  mmall Radio Frequency Identification Tags (“kitty chips”) mounted on Locomotives and cabooses and readers at key stations. OS Reports are displayed on a computer, tablet or smart phone for the Dispatcher or Operator

RFID for Switch Lists – If you prefer switch lists for car forwarding, it’s always stressful to write them up under time pressure with crews waiting, and the handwritten lists are often messy and inaccurate. Using tags on your rolling stock and readers at yard throats, you can generate accurate “wheel reports” instantly

 “Last seen” reports are handy for clubs as they show the last yard or reader where a car was recorded. This makes for easier inventory management at clubs where members bring equipment and take it home

RFID Reader Shield – this is a standard Uno/Leonardo shield that interfaces with an ID-20LA reader. The sketch for the Uno uses Ethernet or CMRINet to report back to a server.

RFID server – this is a dedicated Raspberry Pi (one per system) that maintains the car and motive power roster and serves up the reports via an internal web page. Reports may be read on an computer browser, tablet or smart phone.

Chips – Our RFID systems use 125KHz, EM4100 chips. These are small chips (similar to the tags veterinarians use to identify pets) that can be mounted on trucks or under the under frame of your cars