Capture the overhead wire
OPTIMESS CS, CSD or WSH
Non-contact measurement of contact wire height and stagger.
Precise knowledge of the overhead wire position is an important basis for safe, reliable and economical railway operation.
OPTIMESS CAT measuring systems take non-contact measurements of the height and stagger of the overhead wire while the vehicle is moving. Depending on the application, they deliver position values relative to the vehicle or – with vehicle movement compensated – relative to the track.
The modular system architecture combines sensors, data processing, software, protective equipment and auxiliary devices into flexible solutions – from a compact system for maintenance vehicles to an integrated application for measuring and diagnostic vehicles on high-speed lines.
OPTIMESS CS, CSD or WSH
Non-contact measurement of contact wire height and stagger.
Capture of the rail reference to compensate for vehicle movement.
Sensor power supply, data transmission, interfaces and system integration.
Measuring operation, compensation, visualisation and data output.
Commissioning, training, maintenance, calibration, repair and support
ex. OPTIMESS accessories
The modular OPTIMESS CAT system allows the components to be combined flexibly. OPTIMESS CS/CSD, WSH or 2D XLS serve as the central sensors for contact wire measurement.
In addition, OPTIMESS 2D XLS profile sensors capture the rail reference, enabling compensated measurements relative to the track.
The OPTIMESS DPU handles processing, interfaces and power supply. Protective housings with heating, air purge or protective shutters increase operational reliability. Cameras, lighting, GNSS, odometer signal, inertial systems and custom interfaces extend the system into a complete measuring solution.
Every application places different demands on speed, measuring field, installation space, referencing and data output. OPTIMESS CAT combines matched sensors, processing components and software into an application-specific measuring solution.
Protect, display, extend and integrate – for robust OPTIMESS CAT solutions tailored to your application, we offer products such as:
Laser scanner with an upward-facing 60° measuring field. Suitable for slower service vehicles, mobile systems and installations with limited space.
Two measuring fields allow the overhead wire and the rail to be captured simultaneously, provided there is a clear view both upwards and downwards. Ideal for mobile measuring setups thanks to minimal integration and calibration effort.
Laser scanner for measurements made more demanding by high speed and high measuring point density.
The speeds are calculated values based on the scan rate and a scan spacing of 250 mm. The measuring performance achievable in practice depends on the system configuration and installation conditions.
A vehicle-mounted sensor initially measures the overhead wire position relative to the vehicle. However, suspension travel, roll, lateral movement and wheel wear change the vehicle’s position while it is moving.
For track-referenced readings, the system therefore also captures the vehicle’s position relative to the track and compensates for it mathematically.
The OPTIMESS 2D XLS sensors capture both rail profiles and deliver the reference values for determining.
| Sensor type | 2D profile sensor |
|---|---|
| Measuring field | application-specific |
| Protection rating | IP67 |
| Temperature range | -20 to 55 °C |
| Protective housing | on request |
The OPTIMESS DPU is a robust processing unit for measurement data, power supply and interfaces. It merges sensor data, provides signals for evaluation and system integration, and is designed for use in demanding railway and vehicle environments.
The Opti Cat Position software processes the data from the overhead wire sensors and the rail reference into consistent position information. Thanks to its modular design, any number of complementary products can be integrated, and its open interfaces allow connection to other systems.
Additional data GNSS | Odometer signal | Speed | Camera | IMU | Vehicle data
Direct display of the overhead wire position for adjustment, installation and maintenance work.
Continuous, position-referenced capture and storage of the overhead wire position along the route. Measurement data can be viewed and analysed immediately.
Key factors in the system design include:
Our engineers will be happy to support you with the system design. Please contact us!