Cattron Introduces the LCS-QC
Portable, FRA-Compliant Locomotive Remote Control System
Cattron is excited to introduce the industry’s first portable locomotive remote control system that incorporates speed control while fully complying with 49 CFR § 229.15 and 49 CFR § 229 sub-part E regulations. The LCS-QC is engineered to excel in flat yard switching, loop track loading and unloading, and other applications within railyards, improving productivity and safety for operators.
Designed with the operator in mind, the system can be easily installed on any locomotive equipped with an AAR-standard MU connection in under 10 minutes. Its ‘install and switch’ approach allows for rapid setup and removal, making it ideal for locomotive operations that require flexibility. This seamless integration allows foreign power to be brought in, allowing for uninterrupted workflow across different rail systems.
The LCS-QC supports RF communication and is compatible with the 450 MHz STS or 220 MHz CAI models of the OCU-III. It includes an embedded GNSS location, a wireless link to the internal archive record and pushing positional data to the RCL system. With the addition of RemoteIQ™ Rail, real-time tracking and analytics of the OCU is possible for enhanced operational oversight. Access to archive logs, configuration and maintenance information helps quickly identify, troubleshoot and resolve issues. LTE cellular communication will be available in early 2025.
Additional features of the LCS-QC include:
- Dynamic speed control
- Two-way communication
- GPS/Radar IMU speed sensing
- Train Brake Cycle Braking Protection
- Operating range of one-mile line-of-sight
- Multiple radio protocols support UHF and VHF operations
- Continuous self-monitoring
- LTE cellular communication (early 2025)
- Tracking and analytics with a RemoteIQ Rail subscription
“We are excited to expand our locomotive remote control portfolio to include a portable system for our FRA-regulated railyards. With the added benefits of quick installation and speed control, this flexible solution significantly boosts productivity and safety for railyard operators,” says Brian Fette, Vice President of Product Management and Engineering.