Tests of the DAC with Powerline Train Backbone & Automatic Brake Test successfully completed

As part of the  FP5 TRANS4M-R project, a prototype test train has successfully tested the most important automated functions using the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). The tests carried out with a prototype train have shown that the new Powerline PLUS communication technology can be quickly adapted. In view of these promising results, significant developments are now required to achieve a production-ready solution for the digital automatic coupler.

On board the pilot train was PJM's Automatic Brake Test, one of four automated train functions. ‘The system integrated into the PTB communication system worked perfectly. The data was transmitted via PTB and the brake tests were successfully performed using the existing PJM WaggonTracker system,’ reads the summary of the report.

The other three train functions were train composition detection, train integrity monitoring and automatic uncoupling.

Further information

Video

Photo: With courtesy taken from the video "FP5 TRANS4M-R tests and demos"

2025-04-15 12_55_04-FP5 TRANS4M-R tests and demos-PJM

Tatravagónka and PJM cooperate on digital train functions

Tatravagónka, the leading freight wagon manufacturer in Europe, is integrating PJM's digital freight train functions and automated applications into its equipment range. Hence, the efficiency-enhancing monitoring and automation features are now available ex works for wagon purchasers.

Due to its extensive wagon portfolio, the Slovakian manufacturer is the largest in Europe. Wagon types for the transport of all types of products are developed and manufactured in several plants in Slovakia, including tank and bulk goods wagons, flat wagons, intermodal wagons and steel coil transport wagons. In order to make the benefits of automation and digitalization available to the sector in an efficient way, Tatravagónka is now offering the functionalities of the overall digital system WaggonTracker. The monitoring features include real-time brake analysis and brake system monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring, IDDS derailment diagnostics paired with real-time in-train communication (direct communication with the train driver), load weight monitoring and automatic brake testing. The majority of the functions are offered exclusively by PJM, the Automatic Brake Test is the European reference system, with broad support from railway undertakings and wagon keepers. The technical applications create a number of essential benefits: lower costs, higher availability of the goods train, faster train preparation and, above all, greater safety. By ordering ex works, the PJM system is optimally integrated into the freight wagons and delivered to the customer.

‘Tatravagónka and our overall digital system complement each other perfectly: as a leading manufacturer, Tatravagónka is constantly developing innovations and optimizations. Our monitoring system, automatic brake testing and load weight monitoring are unique functions that make rail transport safer and optimize it in terms of efficiency, availability and cost-effectiveness. For wagon keepers and railway undertakings, the step towards digital train functions and the associated benefits is very simple. Tatravagónka hands over the required equipment ex works,’ says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJ Monitoring GmbH. ‘This partnership ensures that the rail freight transport sector receives an advanced, reliable and future-proof overall solution’, says Günter Petschnig

In addition to Tatravagónka, leading wagon hire companies also offer intelligent train functions from PJM in their equipment portfolio: VTG, TRANSWAGGON and GATX equip wagons with automatic brake testing, load weight monitoring or other monitoring functions according to customer requirements.

Check out further information in the press release

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