Is it time to upgrade your signalling data loggers to 4G?

Rail operators and infrastructure managers trust Tracsis to deliver compliant and reliable data logging hardware. With more than 25,000 data loggers deployed monitoring 115,000 rail assets, our equipment has been robustly tried and tested in the field for two decades.

However, with major changes to telecommunications underway, it’s time for rail organisations to future-proof their data logging systems to avoid disruption.

The phasing out of 2G and 3G in the UK has created a looming operational risk for operators dependent on legacy monitoring equipment.

The 3G shutdown is almost complete. When 3G is not available, data loggers fall back to using 2G. And while we don’t know precisely when 2G will stop functioning, the government has set a deadline of 2033 to phase out 2G and 3G completely in order to free up capacity for faster, more advanced connectivity.

At Tracsis, we are proactively monitoring network plans for 2G removal and will provide timely product upgrade advice to customers that may be affected.

However, rail networks that remain reliant on 2G and 3G are risking more episodes of lost connectivity, reduced efficiency and poorer reliability if they don’t act now.

Leading rail operators and infrastructure managers are switching to 4G for Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) solutions.

To support this transition, Tracsis has launched the next-generation SA380 Mod State 4 (MS4) data logger: a 4G enabled device with software updates, designed as a seamless drop-in replacement for most existing SA380 and SA380C installations. This will ensure future connectivity across the evolving GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network, with minimal disruption to networks.

The Tracsis SA380 data logger is renowned for its reliability, with fully functional devices still operating in the field at more than 15 years old. As a result, it has deservedly become the rail industry’s go-to choice for monitoring rail signalling relays at interlockings and level crossings. A single device is able to monitor up to 384 separate relays, while multiple devices can be networked together to enable more than 3,000 relays to be monitored with the same precision timing.

The SA380 data logger is available in two form factors:

• SA380 (original full-size model)

• SA380C (compact edition)

Over the years, Tracsis has evolved this trusty data logger through several generations or ‘Mod States (MS)’. This year, we’re introducing our most advanced version yet: the Mod State 4 (MS4).

There are significant operational benefits to the Mod State 4, including:

• Integrated 4G connectivity, with faster download and upload speeds, more efficient data transfer, and reduced latency.

• Improved electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and insulation performance, for even longer-term operational reliability in demanding rail environments

• Easier configuration for hassle-free adoption and implementation. Preconfigured with latest firmware minimal operational downtime to upgrade

SA380 MS4 data loggers feature a touchscreen interface for clear, intuitive asset monitoring and configuration. They are also fully compatible with Tracsis’ Remote Conditioning Monitoring platform for efficient and centralised remote management.

To make upgrades more cost-effective, we have initiated a part-exchange deal for older devices.

Whilst the new SA380 MS4 and SA380TX MS5 data loggers are 4G-ready, customers with older data loggers who do not want to purchase a brand new device can opt for a 4G modem module as a cost-effective alternative.

Tracsis has developed a 4G modem upgrade kit for SA380 and SA380TX/TX-L data loggers. Customers can return their older loggers to Tracsis, and we will install an updated RC7620-1 modem module, and a new ASF-BADEP3G antenna.

The following options are supported with this upgrade kit:

• SA380 MS2–MS3

• SA380TX MS3–MS4

• SA380TX-L MS1–MS4

The decision whether to upgrade your modem or your logger boils down to the age of your existing 2G/3G logger. If it’s very old, you're probably better off opting for a new 4G logger. Also, if you go for the cheaper option of a new modem, you will be without your logger for a period of time while the upgrade work is done.

If you can stretch your budget, there are additional benefits to opting for a new data logger.

Rail operators who decide on the 4G modem upgrade will still be on the old warranty period (ten years’ product lifetime, including one year’s warranty). Those who invest in a new 4G logger will get a new warranty.

The SA380 MS4 data logger and the 4G modem upgrade kit were developed using Network Rail’s Design for Reliability approach – both have been rigorously tested for long-term reliability and approved for use on Network Rail infrastructure (PA05/01538).

We also developed, tested, and produced the SA380 MS4 in full compliance with the EC Regulation EC1907/2006 (“REACH”) and its equivalent UK legislation.

Refer to our data sheet for a full list of certificates and approvals.

Additionally, Tracsis provides a safe disposal service for all our electronic products in compliance with WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations, and all of our products are fully compliant with the EU RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.

Data loggers are the foundation of any predictive maintenance system. To keep your network running safely, reliably, compliantly, and cost-effectively well into the future, the question is not whether you need to upgrade to 4G data loggers – but when.

Forward-thinking rail operators are already ensuring they have the hardware in place for a seamless transition to 4G. Will your network be left behind?