ZNP801

Purpose

ZNP801 with an example set of commands shown.

The ZNP801 is a system used to alleviate much of the vocal communication between dispatchers in neighbouring signal boxes. Offering, accepting, refusing, and cancelling of trains are supported by this system. Additionally, train numbers can be changed on the panel.

Operation

The system works by collecting a series of values and commands. When the sequence has been entered, the dispatcher sends the commands to a neighbour. The neighbour, using his ZNP801, makes a decision about how to handle the request.

Offering Trains

To offer a train, you need to enter the train number, followed by the station to which you're sending the train, followed by the track number, and completed with the "ANB" command. "ANB" indicates that this is an offering. For example, sending train "3435" with steering number "1" to neighbour "XYZ" on track "123", you would enter:

13435 XYZ 123 ANB

To actually send the command, press "ZNS". The train number will begin to blink on the panel. What this means is that the command has been sent to the neighbour, and you are waiting for his acceptance or refusal. If he refuses, the number stops blinking and disappears. If he accepts, the number stops blinking and becomes solid. The neighbour might take a minute or two to accept or refuse, so be patient

Accepting and Refusing Trains

When a neighbour offers a train to you, the ZNP801 will show you a display similar to the following:

08:11 37831 XYZ 251

This means that the dispatcher of the neighbour XYZ is wanting to send train 3567 to you via track 251. If you want to accept the train, press ANN. The display now shows

08:11 37831 XYZ 251 ANN

which indicates you have chosen to accept the train. To actually send your decision, press the ZNS button. The blinking "3 7831" value will now become solid.

If you want to refuse the train, simply press ZNL. The blinking "3 7831" will disappear completely. The neighbour will likely try again in a few minutes.