Application: All locomotives at interchange or run-through service must be equipped with narrowband capable clean cab radios to meet the railroad industry’s self-imposed deadline of July 1, 2010, and after January 1, 2013, no wideband operation at all is allowed, as mandated by the FCC.
Results: After researching the possibilities, Ragland turned to tri-mode capable clean cab radios by Ritron for the BB’s 14 locomotives. “They’re built as a complete RF platform for the locomotive environment, not as a shell with a mobile radio inside of it,” says Ragland
Summary: “With the tri-mode capable radios, our locomotives get crystal clear 25-KHz and 12.5-KHz communication right now, and with a slight change we’ll be ready for digital 6.25-KHz when that’s finalized,” says Ragland. “Compared to hardware-based tri-mode radios, we’re saving thousands per radio. We won’t have to replace or overhaul our radios again because we have the flexibility to meet the latest NXDN standard as it’s developed.” “Ritron makes the outside of the radio work as well as the inside,” concludes Ragland. “It’s clear that the company thinks about their railroad users.”