Radar

Hi guys, just wondering what does the radar do on a locomotive anyway?


thanks,


DD

Speed measurement perhaps? The true ground speed measurement thus obtained is then used to monitor/control wheelslip? (Just guessing here....)

FWIW most larger farm tractors now use radar to accurately measure ground speed since wheelslip at maximum drawbar pull runs typically in the 10% - 15% range. Would seem radar could be similarly employed on a locomotive.

...FB

Correct. Radar is used to provide a true track speed, determine if there is wheel slip/creep and can be used in the over-speed circuit to remove excitation to the main generator and a penalty application will be made if a service reduction is not made within a predetermined time usually within about 4-6 seconds. (especially true in the GP38 and SD40-90's)

It works really well, in a Super Series SD unit (SD-50), as you are travelling along at 30mph, and the wheels are running at 70..... Synchronous wheelslip/flame-throwing is an awesome sight, late at night.

Kind of like a rail grinder, huh?

Turn on the sanders, and flat spots disappear, like magic.............