ETCS basics
ETCS (European Train Control System) tells the train how far it may run and how fast, and supervises it the whole way. The driver drives by the display in the cab (the DMI) instead of the signals at the line.
Fitting a train
| Block | Where | What for |
|---|---|---|
| ETCS Computer | somewhere in the train | Makes the train an ETCS train. |
| ETCS Display (DMI) | display slot of the Driver's Console | Shows speed, permitted speed and target; a click opens the full DMI. |
| Balise Antenna | in the car floor | Needed for level 1 only: reads the Eurobalises. |
A click on the ETCS Computer of the assembled train switches ETCS off and on for that train. The computer does nothing as long as it is not part of a train. ETCS messages appear on the DMI and in the action bar of everybody on the train.
Levels
| Level | Where | Movement authority from |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2 | inside the area of a Radio Block Centre, with radio coverage | the radio block centre, continuously over the radio. See ETCS level 2. |
| Level 1 | outside radio block centres, after a Eurobalise at a signal | the balise, until the next balise. See ETCS level 1. |
| Level 0 | everywhere else, or where ETCS is switched off | none. The train runs unfitted (UN) and PZB protects it. |
Movement authority
The radio block centre looks ahead along the way the train will take: along its schedule path, or, driven by hand, where the driver steers. The movement authority ends
- in front of the first signal whose section is occupied by another train or locked by the signal box,
- or at the end of the track (a buffer stop).
Speed limits of the light signals on the way (Zs 3, the Hl speeds) become targets with a lower speed. The end of the authority is a target with speed 0.
Braking curves
From the train's braking the mod works out a curve to every target: the highest speed from which the train still stops in time (2 blocks in front of the signal). The lowest of these curves and the train's top speed is the permitted speed.
| Speed | ETCS does |
|---|---|
| up to the permitted speed | nothing |
| above it | warning: the speed turns orange, a tone sounds |
| more than 5 km/h above | service brake back down to the permitted speed |
| more than 10 km/h above | emergency brake to a stand |
| past the end of the authority | trip (TR): emergency brake, then the train stands until an order |
What happens after a trip, and the other modes, are on ETCS modes and DMI.
Scheduled trains
A train running on its schedule under ETCS is held to its permitted speed, as automatic train operation would do. Create's own driving knows nothing of braking curves; without this, it would run into the emergency brake. A train that comes under full supervision faster than the curve allows (ETCS switched on, first authority) is brought down by the service brake, not the emergency brake.
Dark signals and Ne 14
- When an ETCS train in full supervision on level 2 runs towards a Light Signal, the signal is dark for it: the train runs by the DMI. Once it has passed, the signal shows again (stop behind the train). Trains without ETCS see the signals as usual.
- Ne 14 (the ETCS stop marker, blue board with yellow arrow) exists as a signal sign, also with a plate for the block number; see Signals.
Without radio
On level 2 the train needs radio coverage from a GSM-R mast, see Train radio. Without radio the train keeps its last movement authority; it runs out ahead of the train, and the train brakes towards its end.
Cabinet and Sifa
The Train Protection Cabinet switches PZB and the vigilance device per train; the vigilance device (Sifa) makes the driver acknowledge every 30 seconds.
ETCS level 2
Set up ETCS level 2 with a Radio Block Centre - its area, radio coverage, the window that switches ETCS off for the area, and the commands.