Greetings All, A buddy of mine was out railfanning recently and came across another railfan who was carrying a laptop computer. This guy was running what could best be described (near as I can tell since I didn't see it) as a mini-CTC display on the screen. Apparently this screen would display signal indications and turnout positions for a large area of trackage. Anybody have any clue what this might be and where it may be obtained? I could see that as being darned useful while out chasing trains! Mike C Phoenix Az
This is something new to me. Have never heard of it. Perhaps it was of his own creation? If so, he may have something profitable there! Boxcab E50
Ok, I found it. It's a freeware program called "ATCSMon". http://www.atcsmon.com/ When connected to the appropriate scanner or other receiver allows you to decode some of the information that is transmitted over the air. On the BNSF, it's stuff like signal indication, track occupancy, and switch position. With Track Builder software from Signal Consultants, I've been able to construct a real dispatchers' display just like the BNSF might use and watch the trains as they roll across northern Arizona." Sounds like it might be something cool to download and install on a laptop computer while out railfanning. Mike C Phoenix
Oh Man, that's SCARY!!!! Given software like that, any Hacker worth his salt could modify the program to issue commands that change switch and signal positions at random. All he would need is to replace his scanner with a transmitter. ATCMON's Letter to Industry is nothing but a CYA. Any other programmer with his skills can back-engineer the code and modify (corrupt) it to generate and transmit commands. His letter even provides a partial road map by describing the safe guards he took to prevent such a corruption. Personally, I think this software is great for us railfans, but all it takes is one nutcase or terrorist to abuse it. Just look at how many viruses, worms, and Trojan Horses are distributed over the Internet every month! [ April 09, 2005, 08:47 AM: Message edited by: Hytec ]
No reason to worry about take over to transmitter or hacking or terrorist activity. The web site has the information. But it will take a few modifications to the scanner to make this work. Steve
Very interesting! According to the map, it looks like CSX uses it on the "A" line . It also looks like a lot of work to get that up and running on a laptop. Harold
If your gunna get it do it now. I've heard the government is going to make it illegal for railfans to have (public not just us).
