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General

NGE 230 Communications equipment

This document describe the rules for use of communications equipment in the Network.

Version 5.1, 30 September 2018

Description

This document describe the rules for use of communications equipment in the Network.

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Purpose

To prescribe the rules for using communications equipment in the Network.


Communications equipment

Communications equipment listed in the following table, or compatible with equipment listed in the table, may be used to establish spoken effective communication in the Network.

Before rail traffic travels in the Network, equipment fitted to communicate with Network Control must be working correctly.

If Network Control communications equipment is defective, the Network Controller must:

  • tell Maintenance Representatives about the faulty equipment, and
  • establish alternative communication methods.

If a train’s communications equipment becomes defective, Drivers must act in accordance with NTR 410 Defective equipment.

The following table lists the protocols to be used for each type of communications equipment.

Communications equipmentProtocolEmergency button

450.050 MHz

Open-channel

No

In-cab Communication Equipment (ICE)

Discrete-channel if communicating with Train Control, or through a pre‑set or dialled‑in number.

Open‑channel if communicating with other trains or ground staff that are using portable handset.

Yes

Digital Train Radio System (DTRS)

Discrete-channel

Yes

Government Radio Network (GRN)

Open-channel and discrete‑channel

No

UHF radios

Open-channel

No

Yard radios

Open-channel

No

Control phones

Discrete-channel

Some

Mobile phones

Discrete-channel

No

Satellite phones

Discrete-channel

No

Standard phones

Discrete-channel

No

Trackside phones

Treat as discrete‑channel

No

Note
Note

If a Network communications failure is declared, the Deputy Executive Director Network Operations must make sure that:

  • appropriate controls are in place to ensure effective communications, and
  • all Train Crews, Network Controllers and Signallers are advised of the Network Communications failure,  and
  • trains will enter the Network from Maintenance Centres, out-depots and sidings using an alternative means of communication.