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What Is the ST200, and How Does It Track Rail Car Mileage?

rail mileage solutions

Fleetwatch FMS · On-Board Hardware
What Is the ST200, and How Does It Track Rail Car Mileage?
The ST200 Pulse Data Logger Module tracks mileage on vehicles such as rail cars from a pulse signal. It counts the pulses from the vehicle’s speedometer or tachometer signal and records miles, run time and idle time. Its TX200 transceiver sends that data to a Fleetwatch receiver automatically.
ST200 Pulse Data Logger Module connected by cable to the TX200 transceiver unit

The ST200 module (bottom) and its TX200 transceiver (top).

What It Records

Vehicle numberTotal time under power (run hours)
Life-to-date mileageTotal time idling (idle hours)

The ST200 works with any pulses-per-mile ratio, so it suits many kinds of equipment. Combined with the Fleetwatch Fluid Management System, each car’s number, mileage and every fluid dispensed (diesel, oil and so on) are collected automatically.

How the Data Gets Collected

System diagram: the ST200 reads the pulse output source on the rail car, the TX200 transmits to an FR200 receiver beside the track, and the FR200 sends the data over the network to the server running SYSTEMController, which can email reports and alerts
  • A receiver along the track sends out a beacon.
  • When the car’s TX200 hears it, the ST200 sends the vehicle number, life-to-date mileage, run hours and idle hours.
  • This happens when the car pulls in for service (end of run), at designated stops, or on low-speed passes (20 mph or less).
  • The data goes to your Fleetwatch server (Cloud or on-site) for reports and alerts, or to other systems you use.

Receivers That Work with the ST200

Compatible receivers: FR200, FR55, MR200 and MR55.

Fixed receiver (FR200)Mobile reader / programmer
FR200 fixed receiverMounted in one spot along the service route. Reads each car automatically as it pulls into position. Fleetwatch mobile reader and programmerHandheld, battery powered and wireless. Reads a car anywhere, and can also program the ST200 (see below).

Installing the ST200

  • Check the pulse signal first. The car needs a compatible digital pulse output (for example, from the speedometer or tachometer). Contact Fleetwatch Support for the signal specifications.
  • Wiring: a custom cable connects the ST200 to the pulse signal and to constant (battery) power. It only listens to the signal, so normal vehicle operation isn’t affected. Constant power lets it track run and idle time.
  • Mounting: put it somewhere easy to reach for service, such as over the driver’s transom window or behind a fiberglass access panel.
  • Mount the TX200 right side up. Its label says which way is up; the top of the label faces the top of the vehicle.
Don’t mount the ST200 behind or onto metal, which blocks the radio signal. To mount it on a fiberglass panel, Sikaflex 505UV adhesive is recommended.

Programming the ST200

Use a Fleetwatch Mobile Reader/Programmer to set up each ST200, wirelessly, while it’s installed on the car. You can:

  • Enter or change the vehicle number.
  • Set the current life-to-date mileage, so maintenance can be scheduled on real mileage instead of relative miles.
  • Reset the run and idle times.

You can reprogram it any time. When a car is retired or sold, move the ST200 to another car and program it with the new number and mileage, with no factory technician needed.

Technical Specifications

ST200 Pulse Data Logger
ProcessorLow-power 8-bit RISC single-chip microcontroller
Power10–30 VDC
Typical power use1.4 W (150 mA at 12 V, 90 mA at 24 V)
In-rush at startup: 1.40 A · Transmitting: 0.145 A · Steady state: 0.125 A · Low-power sleep: 10 mA · External power-down input
Compatible receiversFR200, FR55, MR200, MR55
Pulse input≥ 1 V peak-to-peak square wave, ≤ 50 kHz
Operating temperature−40°C to 85°C (−40°F to 185°F)
Dimensions6.75 × 3.375 × 1.875 in
TX200 Transceiver
RF125 kHz beacon (receive only); 2.4 GHz spread spectrum (Zigbee standard, transmit/receive); 5 GHz UWB
Transmit and receive frequency5 GHz / 8 GHz UWB, 2.4 GHz spread spectrum
Operating temperature−40°C to 85°C (−40°F to 185°F)
Dimensions5.5 × 2.625 × 1 in
FCCApproved for unlimited use under Part 15 of the FCC Rules
Want to know if your rail cars’ pulse signal will work? Contact Fleetwatch Support.