Grade Crossing Control Systems:
Increased availability with Frauscher Axle Counters for Crossing using Track Circuits
- The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC is not affected by rusty rails, snow, road salt, flooding, debris or conductivity
- No drilling of rail required to install Wheel Sensors RSR180
- Flexible and configurable outputs including relay and Ethernet-based solutions
- Vital, SIL 4 fail-safe system that’s detects trains up to 280 mph
- Remotely accessible diagnostics for preventative maintenance with the Frauscher Diagnostics System FDS reduces overall costs and worker time on track

Application Options:
In DC track circuit-activated crossings, the replacement of only the island circuits with axle counters
- Island circuits are the most challenging part of DC track circuit-based crossings, since they easily collect road salt and debris
- In this application, only the island circuit (middle track section) is replaced with two Wheel Sensors RSR180 (TS 2 in figure below)
Full replacement of DC track circuits that activate crossing
- Axle counters interface with existing crossing controllers using the optocoupler, relay or Ethernet outputs
- The DC track circuits in the crossing are replaced for all track sections (TS 1, TS 2, TS 3 in figure below)
Switch Point Protection and Yard Automation
Increasing Uptime, Reliability and Worker Safety
- Use of wheel sensors and axle counters in years where hand-thrown switches and manual routing procedures are being utilised can improve efficiency and safety
- The Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdCi system offers switch and flank protection, zero speed capability and handling of vehicle wheel rocking
- Offers quick release of switches after traversing to route next train, provides flank protection to switches, and tracks axle counts within configurable track sections
- Provides high uptime and availability in busy yard environments – increases safety as workers are not required on track for switching manoeuvres
Application Options:
For fully automated yard applications:
- The FAdCi is a vital, SIL 3 fail-safe axle counter, used in conjunction with the Wheel Sensor RSR180
- FAdCi detects trains from zero speed to 50mph
- Minimal maintenance is required
- The FAdC is also available, offering SIL 4 fail-safe protections and train detection from zero speed to 280mph
In switch point protection only solutions:
- The Frauscher Wheel Sensor RSR110 is installed around each switch
- Train detection can occur via analog signal. Digital output is also available

Track Circuits vs. Axle Counters
Track Circuits:
- Reliability can decrease due to unavoidable factors such as flooding, snow, road salt, rusty rails, debris, etc.
- Installation and especially life-cycle maintenance costs are high
- Track section length is limited to two miles maximum
- Frequent maintenance and train passage required (every few days) to prevent rusty rails and decreased conductivity
- Drilling of the rail and insulated rail joints are required for installation. Insulated rail joints are expensive to maintain
- Wiring could make removal of track circuit difficult, so damage may occur during routine track maintenance
- Capabilities include track vacancy detection, rail break detection (if clean break) and cab signalling
Axle Counters:
- Virtually immune to environmental factors such as flooding, snow, road salt, rusty rails, debris (can be affected by metallic debris), etc.
- Low installation, maintenance and life-cycle costs
- Track section length is theoretically unlimited, depending on network structure (important for dark territory applications)
- Low maintenance requirements due to remote calibration and diagnostics, reducing need for regular maintenance. Train passage required only once in two years
- Wheel sensors are attached to the rail, without drilling, with the rail claw. Each sensor can be installed in about five minutes
- The rail claw will permanently attach the sensor to the rail; however, it can also be easily removed, height adjusted or relocated if needed for track maintenance
- Capabilities include track vacancy detection, determination of speed, train direction and number of axles