User's Manual

SECTION III OPERATION
SM 7063 07/97 3-13
3.8.4 Using the Train Length Distance Function (Count Down to Zero)
Since a train can approach 2 miles in length, it is not always practical for the locomotive operator to
single-handedly determine if the rear end of the train has cleared a siding entrance or track junction so
that it will not interfere with the passage of another train or highway traffic. The Train Length Distance
function simplifies this task by indicating when the entire train has moved past a given point and how
much clearance there is behind the train.
1. To use the train length function, press the
MENU UP
or
MENU DOWN
key until the
Function Menu
Display
reads:
" TL Distance: press SET “
where, ‘TL’ refers to ‘Train Length’.
2. The locomotive operator now positions the front of the train at the junction or switch and presses the
SET
button. The
Function Menu Display
reads:
" TL Distance = ##### ft “
where ##### is the current length of the train in the currently configured units (feet or meters).
As the train proceeds past the initial starting point, the displayed length will decrement in
accordance with the distance being covered. The display will always indicate the "distance to go"
before the end of the train is clear of the point of interest.
Similar to the odometer mode, the distance displayed takes into account the state of the Reverser
Handle, so that at any point, the distance indicated on the display is the "net" distance traveled.
3. When the count reaches
00000
, the end of the train has reached the point where the locomotive
was when the function started. The sonalert will beep once to indicate that the calculated clearance
point has been reached. As the train proceeds past this point, the display begins to increment again
with a leading minus “ - ” sign to indicate the clearance distance between the end of the train and the
measuring point. The
Function Menu Display
reads:
" TL Distance = - ##### ft “
4. Subsequent presses of the
SET
key will “freeze/unfreeze” the display but the counter will keep
counting until the function is terminated using the
CANCEL
key.
5. Press the
CANCEL
key to reset the Train Length Distance function and restart from Step 1 above,
or to terminate it and advance to another menu item.
6. If the
MENU UP
or
MENU DOWN
key is used to change from the Train Length function to another
menu function before the measurement is complete, the measurement will continue and the correct
distance will be displayed when the operator returns to the Train Length menu.
NOTE
Before the Train Length measurement can be considered valid, the CDU must
be calibrated using the Measured Mile method or by direct entry of the wheel
size through the use of the Diagnostic PC.