CMR Signals Group
Electric Signals
Early in 2006 CMR formed a new signal group to complete the installation and upgrade
of the manual electric signals controlled from B Cabin. It was decided that a
complete new
system would be the most effective outcome. To this end a full rewire, signal heads,
24VDC power supply and control unit were installed. This signalling system now forms
the train movement and approach control to Niana station. Two CCTV video cameras allow
the signal crew at B Cabin to view trains approaching from the short loop and Canning
lines. Work on this signal upgrade was completed in the latter
half of 2006.
Approach signals and platform
indicator at Niana
Signal with CCTV camera on top at the members' car park crossing
CCTV monitoring of Canning line from B Cabin
B Cabin signal control unit
Electronic Signals
With the success of the manual electric signals at Niana a more
ambitious approach was undertaken in 2007 to upgrade the rest
of the CMR signalling network. This has seen the introduction of
totally self contained stand alone electronic controlled
signals. The signals are controlled by a micro controller via a
radio data network. The signals use ultra sonic to detect a
train with in a controlled block section and send any detections
or changes to other signals and signal control via a high speed
radio data network. The signals utilize very high output LED's
as their colour lights, and in turn the LED's are connected to
the micro controller allowing full control of the display. Some
of the signals have the letter A located just under the main
signal head indicating an automatic signal, and if red the train
may continue with caution after waiting for a short delay. Some
of these signals are used for point control as well as their
normal function. The signal is connected to a frame at the
points via a cable and plug. The frame contains a 12V car wiper
motor connected to the points; the motor acts as an actuator and
can change the points. These signals are also equipped with a
direction indicator board to inform train crews of the points
direction. As the signal is used to control points the direction
indicators remain on even when the signal is red, unless the
point direction is changed. Another change from its full size
counterpart is that there are only 4 white lights in the direction
indicator rather than the usual five. The signal is about 1/4
size of a normal full size signal. This scale was chosen as it
made the signal stand out over the top of a train carrying
passengers. All power for these devices is from a 12V 7 A hr
sealed lead acid battery. A control box located at the
appropriate signal cabin can be used to take full control of the
area signals. Wilson park station D Signals are also used to
trigger the PA announcements and control the advisory walking
LED sign.
A notebook or PC can be loaded with the CMR signal control
software allowing full control and viewing of the signal
network. A remote control (like a garage door remote) can be
used by train crews to change the direction of some of the
points. This allows for more flexible operations and trains can
control there own destinations. As the network develops a
control centre will be set up at Niana A Cabin to assist with all
train operations on the CMR network. For security all electronic
signals are removed and stored in the club rooms when not in
use.
Electronic signal
Wilson D Signal control unit
Electronic signal and point motor
Point motor and battery
Wilson D Signals computer control software
Semaphore