Comparing Aster Type U to EBI200 tracks

[Chall1986]

Afternoon,

Can anyone point me in the right direction, I need some information on Aster '1 watt', Aster 'Type U' and EBI200 tracks. I need to compare their operation and advantages.

I know very little about the Aster systems, apart from they are analogue and were replaced by the EBI200 tracks which are digital.

I have the Bombardier manual for the EBI tracks which explains what frequencies can be used where and ETU / TU's are installation etc.

I would appreciate any kind of information.

Thank you

[PJW]

Actually the Ebitrak200 is the modern equivalent of the TI21 and you are right that the latest version of Tx and Tx are digital. A recent NR Reliability Alert has a table of compatibiulities in it- there is colour coding of how acceptable various combinations are but in essence you really need to use the most recent if at all possible!

Various advantages of digital- one of them is that you need to carry far less bulk and cost of spare units since don't need Tx and Rx of each frequency as they are easily configured by a "key". Also believe that the exhibit higher levels of traction immunity etc.

The Aster U type is similar to TI21 but are not ac immune- each track operates at a single frequency rather than the "warble" between two frequencies 35Hz apart. The tuned zones are composed of a track transformer and two tuning units, rather than the pair of tuning units (which also couple to the Tx / Rx) of the TI21. Since the frequencies are aligned it is possible to have a hybrid track of a TI21 Tx and an Aster U Rx (but only done rarely when matching new into old).

Aster Z bond is different again and the tuned zone uses a large copper Z bond; not sure if any still exist but have never worked on any and haven't seen for years.

Really the Asters are "history", albeit I am sure maintainers still need to support, but surely no project would consider perpetuating them.
I do have relevant information but I think only as paper copy.

Afternoon,

Can anyone point me in the right direction, I need some information on Aster '1 watt', Aster 'Type U' and EBI200 tracks. I need to compare their operation and advantages.

I know very little about the Aster systems, apart from they are analogue and were replaced by the EBI200 tracks which are digital.

I have the Bombardier manual for the EBI tracks which explains what frequencies can be used where and ETU / TU's are installation etc.

I would appreciate any kind of information.

Thank you

[Chall1986]

thank you Peter, much appreciated