[Scan-DC] live train site?

[Bruce Harper]

On Thu, May 12, 2022 at 1:48 AM Scott wrote:

> Is there a site to see live train data like flightradar24 or adsbexchange?
>

There is a do-it-yourself monitoring program that runs on Windows and
allows you to track trains on a variety of railroads. See
http://www.atcsmon.com/ for information about the ATCS program and check
into the ATCS group on groups.io. The railroads use the Advanced Train
Control System to communicate via radio with lineside signals and switches.
The program displays this information on a track layout of the area being
monitored, either yourself feeding the radio signals to your computer and
the program or by connecting to a server run by someone else who makes the
data available. Because of agreements about the monitoring (the signals are
pulled from the open airwaves) the information isn't really
publicly shared, such as on a website as ADS-B Exchange or FlightAware. You
need to run the program to participate. The downside in areas that are
served by CSX is that those signals are shared via satellite, so are
unavailable to monitor -- leaving you in the dark if the train you hear is
on CSX tracks. At any rate, check it out, there is a robust community of
users who are (mostly*) willing to help.

*There are some grumpy people on the email list who will jump on someone
who asks basic questions. They feel that someone should read all the
documentation and watch all the tutorial videos before asking for help.

Bruce in Blacksburg