6 Railroad Crossings
6.1.2 Minnesota Guidestar – Passive Train Detection System
Information on the Minnesota Passive Train Detection System was obtained from The Use of ITS to Improve Safety and Mobility at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings.11
Impetus for the Activity
Very little information was provided on this system. However, this system will be used in the planned low-cost roadside warning system described below. It is envisioned that the system was developed to provide inexpensive train detection for crossings with passive control (no train detection circuitry).
Criteria for System Selection
The system was developed by DVSS, one of the project partners.
Description of the System
This system detects “Head-of-Train” (HOT) internal radio frequency communication, which is used by most railroads to coordinate front and rear train braking. Testing of the system took place in June, 1998.