DAC’s next-gen portfolio revolutionises trackside comms with 4G VoLTE, IoT and predictive maintenance.
DAC Limited, a leader in ruggedised communication solutions, is proud to announce the official launch of its GSM4 range of ruggedised phones.
Engineered for the rigorous demands of infrastructure manager Network Rail, DAC’s next-generation portfolio of digital devices marks a definitive shift from legacy analogue systems to a high-speed, 4G long-term evolution (LTE) wireless ecosystem.
Aligning with Network Rail’s push toward wireless, digital powered assets, DAC developed a solution that helps minimise reliance on legacy copper cabling, whilst providing excellent audio performance through voice over long-term evolution (VoLTE).
Each unit in the GSM4 range is equipped with a 10W solar panel and 3.7V 33Ah battery, providing year-round autonomous operation without reliance on external power sources.
DAC’s approach provides a critical step forward in areas where traditional network infrastructure is degrading, continuing the industry’s transition away from fixed-line dependencies.
DAC’s GSM4 Range – Tailored Configurations
DAC’s GSM4 range will initially be offered in the following standard configurations:
- User Worked Crossings (UWC). A full-post, battery-powered solution that allows users to contact signallers for safe crossing clearance without any wired dependencies, ensuring safety at the remote gates of user worked crossings.
- Emergency Rail Worker Phones. Designed for high-risk critical signalling environments, the GSM4 delivers instant wireless connectivity between trackside staff and signal operators. It offers the familiar interface of legacy signal post telephones (SPTs) but removes the vulnerability of analogue cabling.
- Remote Post Configurations. For isolated or hard-to-access locations where access to sunlight is difficult, the remote standalone units provide reliable communication even in these challenging environments.
- Token Exchange Point (TEP) Backup. In regions using radio electronic token block (RETB) systems, where tokens are sent electronically from the signaller to the driver’s cab, the GSM4 serves as a critical safety net. Should the primary RETB system fail, these trackside units provide a robust emergency link. With 4G connectivity, they ensure clear voice quality and a dependable response to the control centre, maintaining the integrity of token-based transitions regardless of distance or weather.
Digital Oversight: The Asset Management Software (AMS)
Hardware is only part of the solution. To complement the GSM4 product range, DAC also offers asset management software (AMS). This takes the form of a centralised digital platform that allows customers such as Network Rail to manage assets from a single online dashboard.
The main benefit of DAC’s AMS is predictive and preventative maintenance, which helps increase asset availability by identifying issues before they happen. It also reduces or removes the need for periodic maintenance, helping to lower costs, reduce carbon output and improve safety. Overall, DAC’s AMS provides a smarter and more efficient approach to asset management, improving operational uptime and public safety.
The Horizon: Future-Proofing Rail Safety
There are several future innovation opportunities that DAC is currently exploring in collaboration with key customers: intelligent traffic light integration and environmental and obstacle sensing.
In regards to the former, this is traffic light and smart gate system to prevent users from crossing when a train is approaching, providing an additional level of safety.
For the latter, the partners are looking into using input/output (I/O) interfaces to monitor temperature, humidity and track obstructions, feeding real-time data for safety improvements and predictive maintenance.
A New Standard for Rail Telecoms
The transition to the GSM4 range represents more than just a hardware upgrade; it’s a strategic move towards a more cost-effective, reliable and intelligent railway. By removing the need for copper cables and embracing 4G LTE, DAC is helping infrastructure managers to increase safety, reduce maintenance costs and ensure that their rail infrastructure is ready for the digital age.
For more information about the DAC GSM4 product range or its asset management software, please visit daclimited.co.uk or contact the company via:
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 (0)1282 447000
This article was originally published by DAC Limited.
