Abstract: A communication device and method may include at least one tuner circuit that monitors at least a first frequency channel and a second frequency channel. A controller of the radio receiver may measure a first received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value over time for the first frequency channel and a second RSSI value over time for the second frequency channel. The first and second RSSI values are based on a signal strength of radio frequency (RF) energy received on the first and second frequency channels, respectively. The controller may detect a leader portion of a message on the first frequency channel responsive to a change in the first RSSI value exceeding a step change threshold. The controller may extract, via a detector circuit, message data from a carrier wave of the RF message.

Abstract: A method of communication monitoring. The method may include receiving wireless communication signal strengths measured in different areas from one or more communication devices disposed onboard a first system moving through the different areas or stationary communication devices at wayside locations in the different areas. The method may include receiving locations where the wireless communication signal strengths were measured. The method may then include determining a spatial distribution of the wireless communication signal strengths based on values of the wireless communication signal strengths that were measured and the locations where the wireless communication signal strengths were measured. The method may include changing operation of a second system based on the spatial distribution that may be determined.

Abstract: A communication system may include communication devices configured to be onboard vehicles in a multi-vehicle system. Each of the communication devices may operate in a lead mode, a repeater mode, or a trail mode. The communication devices operating in the lead mode may transmit a command signal to control movement of the multi-vehicle system. The communication devices operating in the repeater mode may re-transmit the command signal received from the one or more communication devices operating in the lead mode. The communication devices operating in the trail mode may receive the command signal received from the one or more communication devices operating in the lead mode or in the repeater mode. Each of the communication devices may be remotely switched between the lead mode or the trail mode to the repeater mode.

Abstract: A device adapted for attachment to a coupler of a trailing railcar of a train includes an enclosure defining an internal compartment, a port adapted for connection to an air brake hose receiving air from a brake pipe of the train, a handle extending from the enclosure, a communication device disposed within the internal compartment of the enclosure, and at least one antenna connected to the communication device and extending at least partially through the internal compartment of the enclosure and into an internal cavity of the handle.

Abstract: A system is provided that may include a first communication controller that may communicate with a vehicle system formed from two or more vehicles. The first communication controller may operate in different modes, including a first mode to control movement of the vehicle system without repeating any control signals communicated between the vehicles, and in a second mode to monitor different frequencies for receipt of the control signals, receive and repeat a first control signal of the control signals at a first frequency, and receive and repeats a second control signal of the control signals at a second frequency. The first communication controller may also operate in a third mode in which the first communication controller may monitor the first frequency but not the second frequency for the first control signal, receives the first control signal at the first frequency, and repeats the first control signal at the first frequency.

Abstract: A device adapted for attachment to a coupler of a trailing railcar of a train includes an enclosure defining an internal compartment, a port adapted for connection to an air brake hose receiving air from a brake pipe of the train, a handle extending from the enclosure, a communication device disposed within the internal compartment of the enclosure, and at least one antenna connected to the communication device and extending at least partially through the internal compartment of the enclosure and into an internal cavity of the handle.

Abstract: A communication device and method may include at least one tuner circuit that monitors at least a first frequency channel and a second frequency channel. A controller of the radio receiver may measure a first received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value over time for the first frequency channel and a second RSSI value over time for the second frequency channel. The first and second RSSI values are based on a signal strength of radio frequency (RF) energy received on the first and second frequency channels, respectively. The controller may detect a leader portion of a message on the first frequency channel responsive to a change in the first RSSI value exceeding a step change threshold. The controller may extract, via a detector circuit, message data from a carrier wave of the RF message.

Abstract: A method of communication between first and second controllers positioned in spaced relation along a length of a vehicle system includes establishing first and second wireless, parallel communication channels between the first and second controllers. The channels operate at different carrier frequencies. The first controller transmits common information in parallel on the first and second wireless communication channels to the second controller, and the second controller receives the information transmitted in parallel on first and second wireless communication channels. The first and second wireless communication channels are then deactivated Subsequently, a single communication channel is established for communicating other, different information between the controllers.

Abstract: A communication assembly includes a housing, a communication device, an extendable mast, and a control circuit. The housing is configured to be mounted on a vehicle. The communication device includes an antenna and is disposed at least partially within the housing. The extendable mast is mechanically coupled to the housing and supports the antenna. The control circuit is operably coupled to the mast and is configured to generate a signal to raise the mast from a first position of a distal end of the mast to a second position of the distal end in response to determining occurrence of a designated raise event. The antenna extends a greater distance from the housing in the second position of the mast than in the first position.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of a rail vehicle based on an radio frequency (RF) signal that includes at least one processor programmed or configured to determine that a first RF communication signal transmitted by a head of train (HOT) unit of a plurality of rail vehicles is received by an end of train (EOT) unit of the plurality of rail vehicles, determine whether a second RF communication signal transmitted by the HOT unit is received by the EOT unit during a time interval after a time at which the first RF communication signal was determined to be received by the EOT unit, and determine one or more locations of the plurality of rail vehicles based on determining that the second RF communication signal transmitted by the HOT unit is not received by the EOT unit during the time interval. A method and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of communication between first and second controllers positioned in spaced relation along a length of a train includes forming between the first and second controllers, first and second wireless communication channels operating at different carrier frequencies and causing the first and second wireless communication channels to be in communication in parallel, whereupon the first and second controllers are in communication via both the first and second wireless communication channels. The first controller then causes information to be transmitted in parallel on the first and second wireless communication channels to the second controller and the second controller receives the information transmitted in parallel on first and second wireless communication channels. The first and second wireless communication channels are then caused to be inactive, whereupon the first and second controllers are out of communication.

Abstract: A system for determining a location of a rail vehicle based on an radio frequency (RF) signal that includes at least one processor programmed or configured to determine that a first RF communication signal transmitted by a head of train (HOT) unit of a plurality of rail vehicles is received by an end of train (EOT) unit of the plurality of rail vehicles, determine whether a second RF communication signal transmitted by the HOT unit is received by the EOT unit during a time interval after a time at which the first RF communication signal was determined to be received by the EOT unit, and determine one or more locations of the plurality of rail vehicles based on determining that the second RF communication signal transmitted by the HOT unit is not received by the EOT unit during the time interval. A method and computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of communication between first and second controllers positioned in spaced relation along a length of a train includes forming between the first and second controllers, first and second wireless communication channels operating at different carrier frequencies and causing the first and second wireless communication channels to be in communication in parallel, whereupon the first and second controllers are in communication via both the first and second wireless communication channels. The first controller then causes information to be transmitted in parallel on the first and second wireless communication channels to the second controller and the second controller receives the information transmitted in parallel on first and second wireless communication channels. The first and second wireless communication channels are then caused to be inactive, whereupon the first and second controllers are out of communication.

Abstract: A device adapted for attachment to a coupler of a trailing railcar of a train includes an enclosure defining an internal compartment, a port adapted for connection to an air brake hose receiving air from a brake pipe of the train, a handle extending from the enclosure, a communication device disposed within the internal compartment of the enclosure, and at least one antenna connected to the communication device and extending at least partially through the internal compartment of the enclosure and into an internal cavity of the handle.