Test Equipment

The TY287 AWS Test equipment has been designed and manufactured by STS Signals in conjunction with the RSSB to provide defined and repeatable tests on AWS equipment in situ.

The AWS Tester can significantly reduce maintenance costs by allowing repeatable tests at group standard levels by a single person. Unlike the hand held magnet that it replaces, it is capable of providing repeatable testing of any trainborne AWS system, using pre-defined levels to ensure confidence it can be used as a diagnostic tool or as a means of confirming the sensitivity of the fitted receivers.

The AWS Tester can be used as a diagnostic tool or for regular maintenance and is:-

Designed for single person operation
Self powered
Menu driven to ease use
Suitable for use with all AWS installations
Lightweight and easily transported
Rugged and suitable for operation in depots or on the track

The principal components are:-

A flux generator mounted on a lightweight frame to be positioned under the train by resting on the rails.
A rugged Test handset with menu driven LED alphanumeric display to allow all tests to be performed from within the vehicle's cab.
A rugged equipment case housing the control electronics and providing storage for handset and documentation

The AWS Tester can be used in a maintenance depot with a vehicle standing over a pit, or on a ballasted track, without the vehicle actually moving. The equipment produces a magnetic field equal to the group standard and simulates the vehicle travelling at any speed over a sequence of AWS signals, producing north then south magnetic fields simulating the appropriate distance/time spacing present on the rail network.