[MIham] Field Day Caution

[Tom VanderMel KB8VEE]

All
Please pass on to all Hams about field day. Thanks Tom KB8VEE



 As FD is upon us, Jim K8SIW offers this reminder:
 
   With Field Day rapidly approaching, I have run across several
 on-line discussions suggesting the use of railroad tracks as part of a
 field-station antenna system.  On the surface, a big, long piece of
 steel rail looks like the ideal counterpoise or experimental antenna,
 and the idea of using it as such is rather tempting.   However, there
 are very good reasons for avoiding this practice.
 
   In many cases, railroad tracks carry a variety of life-critical
 train control information intended to control important signal
 apparatus.  This information may range from basic DC track circuits or
 audio frequency overlays controlling highway grade crossing signals, to
 complex coded systems, which indicate to a dispatcher where a train is
 located, or which control approach signals designed to indicate whether
 it is safe for a train or other on-track equipment to enter a portion
 of track. 
 
   Some systems, such as "elctrocode" use the rails as conductors to
 transfer signals between critical control points, and are therefore an
 integral part of train control networks and train dispatching. 
 Insulated joints are often present throughout rail systems, which
 isolate track circuits operating within critical tolerances.  Such
 circuits must NOT be bypassed.  Shunts, track-diodes, and similar
 equipment are often hidden from view along a rail line, all of which
 selectively pass critical train control signals around circuits or
 operate vital relays and the like.  Defect detectors, Automatic
 Equipment Identifiers, and similar devices use specialized IR sensors
 and RF ID to track rail cars and identify dangerous conditions, such as
 overheated wheel bearings and similar defects.  These systems likewise
 require track circuits to detect train presence....and the list goes
 on.
 
   I can not say this strongly enough.  When one fools with railroad
 tracks by connecting antennas, transmitters, grounds, and the like, one
 is potentially placing lives at risk. 
 
   In most cases, one may simply ruin some poor signal maintainer's
 weekend (or provide some needed overtime income) by causing a trouble
 call.  However, the rare case exists in which such an action may kill
 someone.  I for one would not want to be responsible for either, and
 Amateur Radio's reputation could be permanently harmed if such clowning
 around ever caused a fatal train wreck, a hazmat release due to
 derailment, or a similar disaster.
 
   On a final note; it should be noted that railroad tracks are private
 property.  True, the railroads often fall short of the mark by failing
 to adequately enforce trespassing provisions.  However, such
 right-of-way should never be confused with a public highway, city
 street, or nature trail.  One should stay clear of railroad property
 and treat it in the same way they would their neighbor's yard or a
 private business.  Most importantly, one definitely should not fool
 with life critical train control systems.  In many cases, there is far
 more there than meets the eye!    
 
 Thanks!
 Jim Wades,  K8SIW
 
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