MN Cab-Signalling

What does MN have for cab-signalling? Or at least, what is it called? Do they have a system similar to ACSES? And are they different systems on different lines/branches?

MNCR uses the 4 aspect GRS type cab signaling , and it has ATS added to it.
The four aspects are Clear cab = max authorised speed for pass/ 45 max for freight.
limited cab= 45 pass/30 freight.
medium cab= 30 pass/15 freight
restricted cab= 15 pass/15 freight (restricted speed)
ACES is a complete differed system but is downward compatible with the GRS system.

David Telesha wrote:Does Amtrak have a second cab display for their electrics? Or does it work with the ACSES display when in MNCR territory?

ASES is an overlay on the Cab Signal Display.
(Note, there is no C in ASES, and this is from the US&S webpage, the company that designed ASES)

MNCR uses the no frills 4 aspect GRS units.
But Amtrak uses fancy 9 aspect US&S microcab display units with the ASES add on. Which are downward compatible with the older 4 aspect system. They are also compatible with a wide variety of CSS systems that Amtrak must run over and are capable of switching on the fly from one to the other. The P42DC units also have an add on to display the old ATSF Auto Train Stop system. The US&S system also is capable of switching from 60HZ to 100HZ systems. MNCRs is locked on 60HZ.

Older CSXT (ex Con) units use Harmon cab signal equipment, ex RF&P CSXT units use US&S ADU's with thier frequency changed from 100HZ to 60HZ, I am not sure what CSXT uses for thier new units. CR and CSXT was and is famous for swapping around and/or removing the CSS equipment on thier units so dont take this as gospel.

Both the GRS, US&S, and Harmon equipment are compaible as long as they are on the same frequency. Which means a GRS equiped locomotive can operate on a US&S CSS equiped CTC system. As long as the unit is on the same frequncy, 60HZ or 100HZ or can switch between them. 60HZ however is the predominant standard. (which is silly really, I know places where high voltage transmission lines have been known to interfear with the 60HZ induction circuits)

9 aspect eqiupment is fully downward compatible with 4 aspect equipment. The reverse suprisingly is also true to a point. When a 4 aspect system in in 9 aspect teriitory. The 9 aspect system senses this and sends the 4 aspect system a lower speed aspect then might be possible with a 9 aspect display.

Trivia Note: Amtrak chooses a Color Position display for thier Aspect Display Units. Esentually this is a replica of a colorized PRR signal on the desktop control stand.

Two links for your viewing....
http://www.switch.com/cab_signal/ases.html
http://www.switch.com/cab_signal/micro_cab.html

If you look at this page it is ACSES for Advanced Civil Speed
Enforcement System and thats what Amtrak calls it in their Timetable.
http://cheetah-testing.com/ptc.html