GSMR Flashcards
What is GSM-R?
GSM-R provides high quality communications from the cab of a train to the signaller, control, ECO, or selected TOC/FOC numbers. It includes a single press emergency button.
How is the GSM-R system structured?
The system is made up of a network of radio stations installed at the side of the track every 5/6km, including coverage in tunnels.
What are the types of calls in GSM-R?
There are point-to-point calls and group calls.
What is a point-to-point call?
A point-to-point call is a call between two people that continues until either person ends it.
What is a group call?
A group call connects to everyone in a vicinity specific to the GSM-R.
What are examples of point-to-point calls?
Standard point-to-point call, Urgent point-to-point call, Public address call (received only), Berth triggered broadcast call (received only).
What are examples of group calls?
Railway Emergency Call (REC), Shunting group call, Shunting emergency group call, Broadcast area call (received only).
What is a normal point-to-point call?
A conventional phone call.
What is an urgent point-to-point call?
The network gives it a higher priority than a normal call. When made from the cab radio, it only goes to the signaller.
What is a broadcast call?
A one-way announcement from the signaller (or operations controller) to all GSM-R cab radios in a predefined area. Broadcast calls are normally pre-recorded.
What is a broadcast acknowledgment call?
Signallers can caution drivers with operational safety messages using a GSM-R berth triggered broadcast. Drivers can confirm receipt using the GSM-R ‘ST’ acknowledgment button.
What is a railway emergency group call?
The network gives it the highest priority. All GSM-R users within a certain area will automatically be connected to the call, which can only be ended by the person who made it or someone using a fixed terminal.
What is a public address announcement?
The signaller can make a call over a train’s PA, necessary on all driver only (DO) passenger services. Train operations controllers may also use it.
What can the signaller send from the fixed terminal?
The signaller can send:
• Contact signaller.
• Wait (in response to a SG message from the cab radio).
What can the driver send from the cab radio?
The driver can send:
• Standing at signal (SG).
• Acknowledge (ST).
What happens if the DSD is not canceled?
Failure to cancel the DSD will generate a text message to the signaller.
What is the purpose of the railway emergency group call?
Used to make a railway emergency group call.
What is an urgent call used for?
Used to make an urgent call to the signaller.
What does ST signify?
Used to acknowledge to the signaller that a broadcast has been received and understood.
What does the brightness function do?
Increase/decrease the brightness of the display or scroll right if a text is longer than 20 characters.
What is the test button used for?
Used to test the train radio.
What does the menu provide access to?
Provides access to the in-built menu.
What is the function of volume/menu navigation?
Used to scroll upwards/downwards through the screen or menu options or to change the volume.
What does the accept button do?
Used to answer calls and accept user entries on the display.
What is the keypad used for?
Used to enter digits or letters.
What does the cancel button do?
Used to reject or delete entries on the display or to end a call.
What is the purpose of the Reg/De-reg function?
Enables registration and deregistration of the train radio. Turns driver’s control panel on when pressed for two seconds.
What does standing at signal indicate?
Used to inform the signaller that the train is at a stand at a signal.
What does the TOC phonebook provide access to?
Provides access to the train operator’s phonebook.
What is the purpose of calling the signaller?
To make a call to the signaller.
What is required to register the GSM-R?
A code must be entered.
What do the first 4 digits of the registration code represent?
The train’s head code.
What do the last 3 digits of the registration code represent?
They are obtained from either the signal ID plate, an alias plate, or a ‘99X wild card.’
What is an example of a wild card for EMR?
EMR’s wild card is 997.
When should the emergency call facility be used?
Only when it is necessary to stop or caution trains, or to call emergency services in connection with an accident, obstruction, or other exceptional incident.
What must you do if you receive a REC?
You must bring your train to a stand immediately and listen to the message.
You must not consider the REC to be ended until the signaller has said ‘End of railway emergency group call.’
When can you restart your train after a REC has been ended?
You may restart your train if you are sure it is not affected by the emergency and the signaller has not instructed you to remain at a stand.
What must you do after restarting your train?
You must proceed at caution as far as the next stop signal or proceed as indicated by the movement authority displayed.
What should you do in all other situations before restarting your train?
You must get authority from the signaller before you restart your train.
What is dial-up cell-based call routing?
A method where calls are routed through a signaling gateway (SG) that may sometimes contact the wrong signaller.
What happens when the SG button contacts the wrong signaller?
A phone number would be listed on a plate showing no ‘SG’.
