FCC GN problems with departure boards

[philjo]

They have installed more screens on the platforms at Potters Bar - the original ones have been moved down the platform & new ones put up where the old ones used to be.
On platform 3/4, the new screens seem to reboot themselves every 2/3 minutes & don't tend to show any usual information most of the rest of the time. The old screens down the platform are working as normal.

The system was really slow the other day, as it was warning of fast trains approaching a couple of minutes after they had gone through.

 

[thefab444]

I personally have no problem with the current system, but there's a real problem with the 30-60 second delay which must be down to the way the information is passed from track to computer to screen.

The Ditra system has a "timer" option to allow announcements to be delayed after the track circuit has been triggered. Sounds like this timer has been changed so it's now too long.

The zoning system can be done using a Ditra with manual announcements.

Generally it's accepted that Ditra provide the best announcement systems, and even though Network Rail did chose Atos, that's resulted in complaints from passengers about inferior information (at Leeds and London Termini particularly). Of course, I guess Ditra price at a premium as they're a smaller company and have to pay professional voice over artists, although the latter shows in the quality of the announcements.

But of course, as FCC's dumping of Ditra on the TL purely on a whim of the MD, shows that actually how the announcements sound is of very little importance.

 

[jon0844]

The delay varies day to day, so while there be a customisable delay, I am certain the delay here is in the information getting through. I am not sure how the data is transmitted, but if it must go via a processing centre first then something is wrong.

Regardless of any changes to the system in the future, the current one should at least be able to work as it was. This is an infrastructure problem that needs to be fixed and I sincerely hope that we don't just allow it to be broken because a new system is coming.

As for Potters Bar, I guess they realised the screens they put in were second hand rejects that were visible only from a long distance - stand too close (i.e. low down) and they looked like they were off! They've now got much better screens but they're not connected (to get live info - as against the reboot/default text loop) and are all showing different times. The old ones are being kept as secondary screens, which I guess is better than nothing - and they've done a good job putting up summary screens in the waiting room and at the top of the ramp.

I've got to say one thing about FCC of late, they are certainly investing in giving people information - along with the website, WAP/PDA access, SMS and Twitter.

Incidentally (off topic), there were some people from Bailey Rail there today, perhaps to do something on these screens?

 

[Aictos]

The delay varies day to day, so while there be a customisable delay, I am certain the delay here is in the information getting through. I am not sure how the data is transmitted, but if it must go via a processing centre first then something is wrong.

Regardless of any changes to the system in the future, the current one should at least be able to work as it was. This is an infrastructure problem that needs to be fixed and I sincerely hope that we don't just allow it to be broken because a new system is coming.

As for Potters Bar, I guess they realised the screens they put in were second hand rejects that were visible only from a long distance - stand too close (i.e. low down) and they looked like they were off! They've now got much better screens but they're not connected (to get live info - as against the reboot/default text loop) and are all showing different times. The old ones are being kept as secondary screens, which I guess is better than nothing - and they've done a good job putting up summary screens in the waiting room and at the top of the ramp.

I've got to say one thing about FCC of late, they are certainly investing in giving people information - along with the website, WAP/PDA access, SMS and Twitter.

Incidentally (off topic), there were some people from Bailey Rail there today, perhaps to do something on these screens?

Well by the end of this tax year, 2010-2011, you ought to see much investment and by September 2011, more stations capable of taking 12 car trains.

 

[jon0844]

Same problems this morning. Noticed another 'side-effect', which is the fact that the delay from the track circuit to screen means services end up being shown as running 1-2 minutes late. Then they arrive 'early', which saw quite a few people panic at Hatfield when they were waiting indoors and had to run!

At Hornsey, I noticed the screen also had the 2nd departure with no time or destination - just an estimated time at the right of the screen. Now that's what I call a ghost train!

By Finsbury Park, the screens were off and just showing the old www.wagn.co.uk filler text.

Seriously, how long is this going to carry on?

(Potters Bar platforms 1/2 now have the new screens showing running information by the way)

 

[Aictos]

I'm no expert but I queried this and I believe it's only going to be for a few more days which I know is unacceptable to passengers but since the last game of musical chairs played by FCC, there's a new manager responsible for this who seems to be very proactive.

I don't know what system will be in place in September but it's going to replace both the Ditra on the GN and the Funkwerk on the TL so either way, we could see either system extending to the other route, see Atos's LICC make a comeback or see a new player win the contract.

 

[jon0844]

I have no problem with there being a problem as long as someone is looking to fix it! I was worried that nobody seemed to care and it would just trundle along like this until the end of the year. Faults do happen after all.

It might be worth having an announcement and/or poster to warn people that there are problems with the information displays. Perhaps this is why they were off at FPK this morning?

 

[Aictos]

I don't know other then hope the system gets sorted out - with Peterborough I've yet to see the screens go into default mode and I've used the station for the past 4 years come November!

 

[jon0844]

Hatfield does from time to time. I'm surprised FCC hasn't got the default text changed - it can't be that hard. Maybe the people that might do it don't actually know!

 

[Aictos]

Hatfield does from time to time. I'm surprised FCC hasn't got the default text changed - it can't be that hard. Maybe the people that might do it don't actually know!

It will probably cost money to do but the upgrades to the CIS are ongoing which by the way would be great if they didn't go into default mode so often and show FCC text rather then WAGN text!

Still, just waiting on the screens to be removed from my station and replaced as they're not up to the job anymore especially as we deal with both though and terminating services.

 

[jon0844]

Old Street (GN platforms) is currently being renovated, although it's very subtle at the moment and I am sure some people haven't noticed.

Anyone that arrives at Old Street from WGC or Hertford will maybe wonder why the platform seems brighter. They've been cleaning up the lights, and possibly putting in brighter fluorescent lights, and it's now significantly brighter than before. If they wash the walls, it will almost look like a brand new station - complete with NSE branding!

In addition, they've been installing new speakers, ambient noise sensors and a panel for aiding those with hearing aids. I am not sure if new help points will be going in too?

On the approach to the FCC platforms, there is now a summary of departure screen in the corridor (not sure if anything is going up in the ticket hall) but it isn't yet active.

But, most significantly perhaps, is that Drayton Park now seems to have new announcements - and an all new safety message that I've not heard before. Still Phil Sayer though. Does that mean they're already switching over to the new system on this section? Old Street has never had announcements, besides manual ones, before - so I wonder how people will react with a usually near silent platform even in rush hour!

The screens haven't changed at all, nor has the content shown on them (at least for now). It must be difficult to have to 'drive' so many different types of systems in use all over a route.

 

[Aictos]

Old Street (GN platforms) is currently being renovated, although it's very subtle at the moment and I am sure some people haven't noticed.

Anyone that arrives at Old Street from WGC or Hertford will maybe wonder why the platform seems brighter. They've been cleaning up the lights, and possibly putting in brighter fluorescent lights, and it's now significantly brighter than before. If they wash the walls, it will almost look like a brand new station - complete with NSE branding!

In addition, they've been installing new speakers, ambient noise sensors and a panel for aiding those with hearing aids. I am not sure if new help points will be going in too?

On the approach to the FCC platforms, there is now a summary of departure screen in the corridor (not sure if anything is going up in the ticket hall) but it isn't yet active.

But, most significantly perhaps, is that Drayton Park now seems to have new announcements - and an all new safety message that I've not heard before. Still Phil Sayer though. Does that mean they're already switching over to the new system on this section? Old Street has never had announcements, besides manual ones, before - so I wonder how people will react with a usually near silent platform even in rush hour!

The screens haven't changed at all, nor has the content shown on them (at least for now). It must be difficult to have to 'drive' so many different types of systems in use all over a route.

I didn't notice any difference to the Old Street platforms when I went though earlier but I certainly noticed the new summary of departure screen in the corridor, just wondered how much it actually costed and who actually paid for it, I did hear one figure for another station was estimated at being in the £15,000 area!

I know some stations are having points on the stations where announcements can be made from, so far City Thameslink and Drayton Park has them installed.

Talking of ambient noise sensors though, I would say we need them at Hertford for the simple reason of not being able to hear announcements when the compressors kick in as the announcements are too quiet at times but are quite audible at other times.

Still good to see the investment is slowly but surely paying off

 

[jon0844]

I can't remember the platform numbers, but next time you're there (unless they've done the other platform by then, as it must be being done overnight) then it's the Moorgate bound platform.

Look at the light diffusers (well, they're clear actually) and they're spotless now. I do think that perhaps all that extra light has come from merely washing them!

It's still dark in the corridors and the walkways between each platform, but it's not surprising when you see how dirty the diffusers are there.

Was the £15k for the whole job or just one screen? They've done an awful LOT of work at Old Street, including all new wiring and conduits, which I have been noticing over the last few months (as part of being bored waiting for the next train!).

 

[Aictos]

I can't remember the platform numbers, but next time you're there (unless they've done the other platform by then, as it must be being done overnight) then it's the Moorgate bound platform.

Look at the light diffusers (well, they're clear actually) and they're spotless now. I do think that perhaps all that extra light has come from merely washing them!

It's still dark in the corridors and the walkways between each platform, but it's not surprising when you see how dirty the diffusers are there.

Was the £15k for the whole job or just one screen? They've done an awful LOT of work at Old Street, including all new wiring and conduits, which I have been noticing over the last few months (as part of being bored waiting for the next train!).

As to Old Street, will do

As to the quote, that £15,000 was for one summary of departure screen plus wiring.

Ideally to better improve the flow of information to the passengers at my station, I would say to have 2 LCD screens in the booking hall (arrivals/departures and special notices), 1 summary of departure screen in the platform subway and waiting room and replace the current platform CRT screens with double sided Next Train Indicators.

Reason being is that once you pass the booking hall there is no information to tell you where the next London bound train will go from as they can and do leave from all three platforms hence manual announcements.

I've seen both the current Ditra system in operation at Moorgate plus the new ASL system at the other NCL stations, still seeing as the station is used by the vast majority of FCC staff based at Hertford House, it's very much the flagship station of the GN Inners but not for much longer if my station can challenge for the title.....

 

[jon0844]

The screen was working tonight and the other platform is now lighter too - as are the stairs for entering the platforms (if you don't use the 'wrong' one!).

I didn't use the station yesterday (football) so they've been quite busy this week!

£15k for a screen plus wiring suggests the wiring is going a LONG way or was very awkward to do, or can only be done at night at really expensive rates or something. It's not even that big, although it does serve its purpose and would enable you to take the Northern Line without a lengthy walk up/down the stairs.