AAR narrowband

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I have two questions about the narrow-band mandate for the AAR Channels, since July first is the deadline for locomotive radios to be narrow-band will I still be able to receive the current channels on my scanner? Will this be digital or analog? Finally when will railroads go digital on the road channels? Please let me know thank you.

2

Have you read this:

http://www.dpdproductions.com/page_rrfreqs_newplan.html

?

3

Good info.

The short answer is that you’ll still be able to listen with your current scanner (which may even already be able to handle the 12.5 spacing.

I know of a short line that has rights on CSX that has to ensure they are narrowband capable by this summer, at least on the locomotives that will travel CSX rails. That indicates that the Class 1’s are definitely moving in that direction. Shortlines and tourist lines with limited or no contact with the Class 1’s may take a more relaxed approach.

4

And despite of all their prohibitions, the railroads will eventually turn to cell phone and fax machines to communicate. It is far cheaper to use cell/wireless technology to talk to crew (and the upcoming Positive Train Control systems) than to maintain their own VHF systems. Each locomotive will be equipped with a 4G cell/wireless voice/fax system and communication to the PTC system will be on those channels as well. The crew on the ground can use wireless technology as well (for example, skype to the brakeman on the ground). VHF radio will muddle on for a few more years and then be gone. It will go the way of the business band radios in every cement and delivery truck.

5

The four largest US Class Is bought a chunk of the 200MHz range for PTC use. Unless they are able to purchase a chunk of the radio spectrum for a 4G network that they would have exclusive rights to operate in, I seriously doubt they will switch. Very bad form to have a dropped call with an emergency stop message.

6

I’ve been told by a good source (and confirmed by another) that CSX is going to switch to narrowband on July 1st. Modulation will be analog, not digital.

Right now there is no firm date when the railroads will go digital, and for now the FCC won’t set a firm conversion date. I’ve heard 2018, but that is only speculation.

Warren