b7spectra said:
Actually they also send out a data burst that can be received on other trains to let them know they are in the area. I keep the EOT/FOT (Front of Train) programmed in my scanner so I can tell when one is headed my way!
(EOTD= End of Train Device, AKA FRED - F***ing Read End Device)
I'm not sure this is totally accurate. I'm a Freight Train Engineer for a major Railroad and the only thing that goes on between the EOT and the head end device is:
1. Tells the Air Pressure on the rear of train
2. Tells if the rear of train is moving or not
3. Tells the % of the battery in the EOT Device
4. Allows the Engineer to place the rear of train in Emergency from the head end.
As far as I know there is no way to use this information to know that another train is in the area (on a train that is.) On occasion, however, if you are meeting a train and they go by your rear end the EOT will show that the EOT attached to your train is moving. Assuming the reason it does this is the sensor that tell you that your own EOT is moving is picking up his trains movement.
As a Railfan with a scanner it may let you know that a train is approaching because your picking up the signal that is designated for that particular train. But being on a train the only EOT info you pick up is that - that is sent from your own.