Train-Plotter from COAA

TrainPlotter decodes, displays and plots radio data transmissions between Trains and Controllers coded in accordance with UIC (INTERNATIONAL UNION OF RAILWAYS) protocol UIC 751-3 in the 460 MHz band, as used in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands and Spain.

The messages are sent on channels around 460 MHz with 25kHz channel spacing, in FM mode, using FSK signaling at 600 bps. TrainPlotter decodes and displays these messages using the PC soundcard. You can use a simple UHF radio receiver (scanner) tuned to the appropriate band to pick up these messages. With TrainPlotter you can see the message data and find out the train's identity as well as such things as commands to increase or decrease speed, to set up a voice call or even to address the passengers.

TrainPlotter Features

TrainPlotter decodes transmissions in UIC 751-3 format between Trains and Controllers using the sound card in your PC. You need a suitable UHF band radio receiver tuned to one of the Train data channels. The program decodes the received digital data and displays and logs the messages. The receiver must be tuned to the appropriate channel. The allocated bands differ slightly from country to country. The channel spacing is generally 25kHz.

Country code	Ground to train band	Train to ground band
fr, de, hu, lu	467,400 MHz - 468,450 MHz	457,450 MHz - 458,450 MHz
fr,de, hu, lu (alternate)	447,400 MHz - 448,450 MHz	457,450 MHz - 458,450 MHz
at,be,dk,de,nl,es	467,400 MHz - 468,450 MHz	457,450 MHz - 458,450 MHz
at,be,dk,de,nl,es (alternate)	447,400 MHz - 448,450 MHz	457,450 MHz - 458,450 MHz
ie	456,175 MHz - 456,450 MHz	461,675 MHz - 461,950 MHz

Scanning the appropriate bands with a channel spacing of 25 kHz, you can quickly and easily identify a channel that is using this protocol because it carries a continuous channel-free tone of 2280 Hz except during data bursts. TrainPlotter displays an indicator if this tone is present.

Signal mode - In Signal Mode, TrainPlotter displays the raw digital signals on your PC screen in a diagnostic display which helps you to set up the system and adjust the receiver.
Message mode - In Message Mode, TrainPlotter displays each decoded message in plain language on your PC screen. It displays the identity of the Train and the coded messsage traffic.
Description editor - Because the meaning of message codes may be slightly different from one country to another, you can edit the descriptions corresponding to the messages codes to match your local usage.
Message log - TrainPlotter stores all messages received and decoded in a text file for later analysis and review. The log file is time stamped.

Requirements to run TrainPlotter

Pentium level PC running Win95/98/Me/2k/XP with compatible sound card
A VHF band radio receiver with NFM mode. The receiver must be tuned to the Train channels. The receiver audio output must be connected to the Line-In connector on your PC. Because Train downlink messages are transmitted on VHF, the satellites must be within line of sight of the receiver in order for the signals to be received. For almost all parts of the world, there is nearly always at least one Train satellite within receiving range.

Download TrainPlotter

TrainPlotter can be downloaded freely and comes in a self-installing exe file. The file size is a modest 900 kb.

Download TrainPlotter (version 1.3) Now.

Registration of TrainPlotter

TrainPlotter can be freely downloaded and used for 21 days. After that time it must be registered. Registration can be done swiftly and securely on-line and costs only Euro €25 (plus VAT for EU residents) for personal use.We strongly recommend that you ensure that TrainPlotter performs to your satisfaction before registering.

Register TrainPlotter Now.

Disclaimer

There are considerable variations in the legislation concerning radio reception in the different administrations around the world. It is your responsibility to determine whether or not your local administration permits the reception of Train messages. It is specifically forbidden to use TrainPlotter for any illegal purpose whatsoever. The existence and the availability of TrainPlotter is not to be construed as an incitement to commit any unlawful act. It is for use only in those states and regions where such use is permitted.

Disclaimer

TrainPlotter code is reliability tested to an extent that is adequate for entertainment and educational use but is neither warranted nor tested for any operational use including but not restricted to any situation where the safety of life is in jeopardy.