Communications-based yard control (CB:YC/sup TM/) system

The author describes RailComm's Communications-Based Yard Control (CB::YC/sup TM/) system which is a low cost, highly reliable approach to automatic yard switch control and routing. CB::YC/sup TM/ consists of a PC-based, Windows NT application that remotely controls radio-equipped, solar-powered yard switch machines. The system utilizes no external cabling, thus eliminating the expense of bungalows and trenching. Maintenance and troubleshooting efforts are greatly improved through the modular construction of the switch machine and the system. Central control of yard routing improves efficiency, and the power switch operation reduces the risk of injury.