Spoornet has such faith in Bryanston-based TLC Software's products that the company is currently using a 128-channel data acquisition system for commissioning five of its coaches in Sweden. The Speedwave measures the dynamic performance of rolling stock, locomotives, wagons and coaches.
Principal Engineer within Spoornet's engineering department Dr Robert Fröhling says the relative displacement of body accelerations and wheel/rail forces is measured by connecting transducers to various suspension components of the vehicle. Cables relay the data via an amplifier to the Speedwave where it is stored for analysis.
Fröhling says Spoornet used different products, including a pen recorder, before it purchased the Speedwave six years ago. "The other systems were not as accurate, reliable or as fast as TLC's data acquisition system. Because it is very user-friendly we never had any problem with the system, but requested TLC recently to upgrade it."
TLC's Chris Uys says the main reason for the Speedwave's popularity is that it is actually a number of instruments in one and therefore cost-effective. The user gets an instrument, which gives him the power of any traditional dedicated instrument but with the flexibility to be upgraded.
"Speedwave's software provides the operator with a great deal of flexibility to measure, analyse, store and report data. The software has been designed for both the most demanding user as well as the first time user doing computer analysis of data."
TLC has customised another three software programs for different divisions of Spoornet. The intellectual property rights of the Rail Defect Prediction Model was sold to the Union of International Railways to use on heavy duty lines, whilst the CMS W32 is used for fault-finding on electrical locomotives as well as for testing of modifications. The third innovative product is the WimWim system, comprising a wheel impact monitor, a weigh-in-motion system with skew bogie detection.
TLC Software specialises in developing and supplying computer-based engineering solutions to companies for resale, and to end-users.
Read more...Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa
News
Trafo Power Solutions returns to Electra Mining Africa 2026 with a portfolio that has expanded well beyond dry-type transformers into fully engineered electrical power solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure operations across Africa.
Read more...Why representation in STEM is crucial
News
Women’s underrepresentation in STEM is a business risk as much as a social one, shrinking an already pressured talent pool. Intentional mentorship and visible leadership pathways are structural necessities, not HR gestures.
Read more...Women shaping engineering at ABB ABB South Africa
News
Two ABB engineers share how curiosity, mentorship and an inclusive culture have shaped their careers, and what they see as the most exciting opportunities for women in engineering across Africa.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version