ION - Waterloo Region's Light Rail Transit

[Canard]

What frequency are they using?

Fire meaning the spring deadline. Get going, guys...

They use the Waterloo Region EDACS Trunk System, here is a link to the system:  https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=1783

I'm really sorry, I don't understand this. I was expecting a frequency like 161.405 or something like that, that I could program into my scanner. Is that now how this works?

[Canard]

Heading from the Quiet Place trail crossing up to Old Albert on the northbound track:

Thank you so much Kevin for being able to capture all of this!  Absolutely spectacular to see.  I can't wait to hear the vocalization.  I really hope it's the same TTS system as on the Toronto streetcars - she's breathtaking!  

Also noted the digitized gong on take-off (yay!) and brake lights (ugh).

[Square]

They use the Waterloo Region EDACS Trunk System, here is a link to the system:  https://www.radioreference.com/apps/db/?sid=1783

I'm really sorry, I don't understand this.  I was expecting a frequency like 161.405 or something like that, that I could program into my scanner.  Is that now how this works?

Ya, you need a scanner that can follow a trunk system.  It uses 14 different frequencies and has a control channel that assigns a free channel.  So the conversation will jump from frequency to frequency, so I don't think older scanners work so well with this system.

[Canard]

Ya, you need a scanner that can follow a trunk system.  It uses 14 different frequencies and has a control channel that assigns a free channel.  So the conversation will jump from frequency to frequency, so I don't think older scanners work so well with this system.

Oh, shoot, I see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunked_radio_system

My dad's old 10-channel Uniden scanner he dropped off this weekend works great for GEXR chatter ("Go for stretch!" :: crashhhh :, but I see how it would never work for this.

So, next question What scanner do you have/what do you recommend? This would be so helpful for trying to track testing. I found this:

https://www.scannermaster.com/Trunking_P..._s/270.htm

[Section ThirtyOne]

Thanks for the videos KevinT. Exciting times!

[Canard]

Anything going on today? Or did a TPSS blow a fuse?

[trainspotter139]

Anything going on today? Or did a TPSS blow a fuse?

Well there's a paid-duty police car at the Bearinger Crossing and also a work truck according to Kevin T

[timc]

I saw a couple of guys at the TPSS at Columbia Street this morning. I noticed that most of the switches were in the closed position on my way home last night.

[Square]

Ya, you need a scanner that can follow a trunk system.  It uses 14 different frequencies and has a control channel that assigns a free channel.  So the conversation will jump from frequency to frequency, so I don't think older scanners work so well with this system.

Oh, shoot, I see:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trunked_radio_system

My dad's old 10-channel Uniden scanner he dropped off this weekend works great for GEXR chatter ("Go for stretch!" :: crashhhh :, but I see how it would never work for this.

So, next question  What scanner do you have/what do you recommend?  This would be so helpful for trying to track testing. I found this:

https://www.scannermaster.com/Trunking_P..._s/270.htm

I have this one: https://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/BC780XLT   The link you provided, I would go for this one: http://www.scannermaster.com/Uniden_Bear...501892.htm

From what I read, the region is switching to P25 radio system sometime this year, which might go all digital and encrypted, so no more listening?

[Square]

Anything going on today? Or did a TPSS blow a fuse?

I heard that the testing of 504 is done as of 2pm.   Just now heard talk about opening breakers at Waterloo Park, Columbia, Bearinger TPSS.

[Canard]

They put it away in the OMSF at about 1:15pm. I finally got to see testing!! I smiled and gave them a big thumbs up, and everyone on the LRV waved to me!! I have been waiting for this day for so long - I can’t believe it’s finally happening!!

   

[trainspotter139]

Anything going on today? Or did a TPSS blow a fuse?

I heard that the testing of 504 is done as of 2pm.   Just now heard talk about opening breakers at Waterloo Park, Columbia, Bearinger TPSS.

If they went that far down they must not have had power issues on the SB track today like they did on the NB track yesterday.

[Canard]

The people I spoke to said they had a “blip” in the power from the Bearanger TPSS yesterday, which caused them some delays. Their goal was to extend down to University Ave today, but I don’t think they made it that far. By the time I had jumped in the car when it left the OMSF, it only made it to Bearanger, then was coming back. When it reached the OMSF, it went inside.

[Canard]

Today was the day I have been dreaming of for years: I finally got my first glimpse of one of our Bombardier FLEXITY Freedom (504) LRV’s out on the Test Track!

Fate would have it that I could be in Waterloo mid-day and I had a good feeling about stopping by the OMSF. Sure enough, there was 504, with a full crew on board! I watched them head South, and then back North, before returning to the OMSF at about 1:30pm.

...I'm still grinning.

1/2 - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

   
504 is out and ready to rock! My heart melted when I gave them a thumbs-up, and everybody on board the train waved!

   
Pantograph, up close.

   
Here we go!

[Canard]

2/2 - Wednesday, January 24, 2018

   
Trundling down the spur, between Albert McCormic Arena and the crossing at Bearinger Road.

   
Heading back up North, under the Weber St. Bridge.

   
...and into the yard, through the forrest of catpoles.  Until next time, my friend!

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