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Eng. Puliatti Giovanni Trenitalia S.p.A.Italy
Eng. Maccaferri Stefano ALSTOM Transport S.p.A. Italy
Eng. Scatà Marcello ALSTOM Transport Telecommunication S.p.A. Italy
Versione PDF
The aim of this article is to put in evidence Alstom and Italian Railway (Ferrovie dello Stato) experience with regard to the ERTMS/ETCS level 2 on Italian trial site, focusing on the train-borne aspects.
After an overview of the ERTMS train-borne subsystem, the different on-board Alstom peripherals installed for the tests campaign will be described. Then, the Italian trial site will be shown pointing out the problematic encountered during the installation of the on-board equipment and the functional tests performed, reporting also some experimental results.
ERTMS (European Rail Traffic Management System) is the initiative from the EC to create a unique control command system for railways to enable interoperability throughout the European Rail Network.
On the Italian trail site, located on the DD line between Firenze and Arezzo, is under test the ERTMS/ETCS level 2, that consists in a continuous signalling radio system.
ERTMS/ETCS on-board Alstom solution
ERTMS/ETCS on-board Alstom solution is shown in Fig1.
Fig.1 : ERTMS/ETCS on-board Alstom solution
The EVC (European Vital Computer) is the central equipment of the on-board system. The EVC communicates with the Radio Block Centre (RBC) track-side equipment through the GSM-R network. Two GSM-R modules are necessary to ensure the handover when the train passes from a zone controlled by a RBC to another one. The EVC supervises the movement of the train and controls the information shown to the driver on the DMI (Driver Machine Interface). The on-board computer constantly calculates the train's position through its own odometer based on radar sensors (duplicated for availability purposes) and wheel sensors (duplicated for safety reasons). The train position is calculated from Eurobalises on the track, acting as common references between the on-board and track-side ERTMS equipment. The Eurobalises detection is carried out through the Eurobalise antenna (duplicated for availability purposes).
When the situation demands, the EVC can apply the emergency brake in a fail safe way or can interact with the other train devices directly or via a train bus (duplicated for availability purposes).
All the juridical data necessary in case of accident are continuously stored in the JRU (Juridical Recorder Unit). As shown Fig.1, the JRU and the DMI are connected to the EVC by means of a Profibus line (duplicated for availability reasons).
Description of the peripherals installed for the test campaign
Hereafter, a description of the peripherals used for the test campaign and currently installed on the Italian test train (the ALe601-Le480) is given.
European Vital Computer (EVC)
The EVC is the train-borne cubicle which encloses all the electronic needed for the on-board processes' management.
The main on-board functions are:
- calculation of the dynamic speed profile, taking into account the train running characteristics which are know on-board;
- comparison of the actual train speed with the permitted speed and application of the brakes if necessary;
- selection of the most restrictive value of the different speeds permitted at each location ahead;
- sending the information to be displayed to the driver;
- sending the train position relative to the balises detected to the RBC;
It performs the above-cited functions, on the basis of:
- the signalling information received from track mainly via the GSM-R;
- the train speed and train location computed by itself on the basis of the signals received from the odometric sensors and relative to track-side reference points;
- the information entered by the driver;
- data either stored by the EVC itself or received from an external device.
The EVC is the heart of the ERTMS/ETCS train-borne subsystem. It is therefore designed around a multi-processor based unit. The triplicated architecture (i.e. three processing channels), with a two-out-of-three redundancy, ensures the safety and provides fault tolerance to achieve the high availability which is required for this project.
The three processing channels of the EVC have the same hardware architecture and the same software programs and:
- receive the same input information;
- perform the same calculations in parallel;
- issue the same outputs to a two-out-of-three voter.
However, to ensure that the same calculations are performed in parallel (i.e. at the same time) by these three processing channels, a macro-synchronization procedure is performed beforehand. This is achieved through specific point-to-point serial links between the three channels.
The outputs generated by each channel are then voted by hardware (vote two-out-of-three), before being applied to the external elements.
A cross-check of the channels is performed continuously by the three channels. This allows to identify and to shut down any channel in case of detection of an incorrect operation or a component failure, by the remaining two healthy channels.
From a safety point of view, when a channel is shut down, the other two ones continue to operate normally in a two-out-of-two configuration, without any reduction in the level of safety.
From a mechanical point of view, the EVC is enclosed in a 84TE 6U rack and can house power supply module and boards 220mm long. Five power supply modules are foreseen: two 24V modules feeding the two Eurobalise antennas and three +5V/± 12V modules dedicated to the three independent channels.
The EVC power supply fulfils and meets the voltage range, the variations and the interruptions of the battery voltage input in accordance with the Railway applications EN50155 standard.
The design stage of the rack equipment is provided with integral shields for EMC/EMI problems. The shielding effectiveness and performance match the whole enclosure shielding objectives in compliance with the prEN50121-3-2 and EN50155 standards.
Driver Machine Interface (DMI)
The DMI represents the interface between the ERTMS/ETCS on-board equipment and the driver. This device has been developed by Alstom in accordance with the FIS specifications for MMI and prEN50XX6 Cenelec normative and has been designed to be used in the hardest environmental conditions. The main functions performed by this module are:
- to show, through a graphic display, all the information necessary to drive the train;
- to enter or modify the train data;
- to allow the driver to interact with the system (acknoledgement).
The mechanical dimensions of the DMI are (LxHxD) 300x250x108mm and its weight is approximately 8Kg. The display is a 10.4" TFT LCD with a resolution equal to 640x480 at 256 colours. A resistive touch-screen is available for data entry and acknowledgement procedures. The DMI is equipped with eight functional buttons on both lateral sides and a numerical keyboard on the bottom of the screen, allowing the driver to modify easily and to confirm the data entered (arrows, back space…).
The power consumption of the DMI is approximately 30W. It is connected to the EVC by means of a Profibus line duplicated for availability purposes.
Eurobalise antenna
The Eurobalise antenna is the on-board device that assures the tele-powering and sensing of the signal sent by the Eurobalises and the KER balises installed on the track. This device has been developed by Alstom in accordance with the FFFS an FFFIS specifications for Eurobalise subsystem.
The mechanical dimensions of the antenna are (LxDxH) 448x314x127mm and its weight is approximately 15Kg. It may be installed either under the frame or under the bogie. In the latter case, two shock absorbers are required in order to filter vibrations and shocks under the bogie (antenna and shock absorber comply with CEI61373 standard).
From a functional point of view, the antenna:
- sends the tele-powering signal in order to energise the balise. The antenna radiates an electromagnetic wave at 27.095MHz that can be modulated on/off at 50KHz (toggle mode) in order to send the synchronisation signal to the KER balises.
- senses the signal sent by the balise and transmits it to the module inside the EVC responsible for the decoding. The antenna is able to receive FSK modulated signals (fL=3.951MHz and fH=4.516MHz) from Eurobalises with a bit rate equal to 565Kbit/s and ASK modulated signals (carrier frequency equal to 4.5MHz) from KER balises with a bit rate equal to 50Kbit/s.
- detects fault in its transmission and reception sub-systems by means of cyclic tests (self test).
In order to perform these functions, the antenna is equipped with electronic components able to:
- filter the antenna's input/output and tele-powering signals;
- generate and modulate the balises tele-powering signal;
- amplify and transmit to the EVC via a serial link the signal sent by the balises;
- check that the antenna is operating correctly (the antenna test);
- receive the control signals transmitted by the EVC.
The whole antenna power consumption is approximately 65W and the maximum distance from the EVC, that provides the 24V power supply, should be 30m.
Radar sensor
The radar sensor is composed of two antennas, that radiate microwave respectively at 24.100GHz and 24.150GHz, and two electronics module (doppler and intercorrelation). Each of the two antennas emits two microwave signals at the same frequency towards the ground, in backwards and forwards direction, in order to stand up to the pitching of the train.
The portion of the signal that is reflected by the ground and received by the radar antenna has a frequency proportional to the speed of the vehicle. On the basis of this signal, the radar sensor provides two speed measurements using two different physical principles.
In particular:
- a doppler speed measurement, based on the Doppler principle, that is provided by the Doppler module;
- an intercorrelation speed measurement based on the correlation between the signals emitted by the two antennas, that is provided by the Intercorrelation module.
The two module communicate with the EVC sharing the same RS485 serial line. The radar sensor allows to measure speed up to 500Km/h.
The mechanical dimensions of the radar are (LxDxH) 488x214x165mm and its weight is approximately 8.5Kg. It has to be installed only under the frame because of the lower vibrations.
The radar power consumption is 20W and it may be fed directly from the train battery. At present, the maximum distance from the EVC shall be 30m.
Wheel sensor
These sensors allow to measure speed from 0 to 500Km/h and can be installed on wheel having a diameter size between 637mm and 1274mm. The two sensors shall be installed on independent axles.
The wheel sensor has an external diameter equal to 200mm and an height of 72.5mm. The whole wheel sensor unit weight is approximately 8Kg.
Each sensor is composed of six measurement probes, galvanically insulated, based on Wiegand effect. The probes are arranged in three groups, each one composed of two probes. The two probes of each group are characterised by a different phase displacement in order to allow the running direction detection. This arrangement is necessary in order to provide safe information related to the running direction.
Each Wiegand effect measurement probe provides a signal with the following characteristics:
- frequency proportional to the speed rotation of the wheel;
- peak-to-peak voltage higher than ± 1.2V on a impedance of 8 kW and capacitance of 2.2nF;
- alternating positive and negative impulse waveform (typical length 20m s, minimum 10m s);
- 36 pulses per revolution.
The maximum distance between the wheel sensor and the EVC can be 30m.
GSM-R Mobile Station
The GSM-R mobile station is a GSM-R radio module transceiver with the functionality of Terminal Adaptation integrated allowing transmission of: voice, data, fax, SMS messages.
GSM-R mobile station works in the GSM Railway band of frequencies, from 876MHz to 915MHz in uplink and from 921MHz to 960MHz in downlink containing UIC-GSM band (R-GSM), dedicated to railway operators, the Extended GSM band (E-GSM) and the Primary GSM band (P-GSM).
The GSM-R module is a class 2 mobile station with the maximum output power of 8W at the antenna connector. It is driven by a set of standard AT commands via serial line.
The GSM-R module is fully compliant with the AT commands specified in the ETSI GSM 07.07 document.
The module is enclosed in a 10TE 3U box; on the front end there are two supports for helping the insertion and the extraction of the equipment from/to the rack. A dissipater, that occupies an entire side of the module, is necessary to balance the heat generated by the power circuits. On the upper side there is an opening which allows access to the SIM card.
On the front of the mobile station there are:
- a 25 pole female connector for commands and data transmission, compliant with "Radio Transmission FFFIS for Euroradio"
- a 15 pole male connector for speech, compliant with "Radio Transmission FFFIS for Euroradio"
- a TNC antenna RF connector
- 4 LEDs which show the equipment status
- From the functional point of view, it is composed of:
- Terminal Adaptator (TA): it is a gateway between the data terminal equipment (DTE) connected to the module and the mobile equipment (ME+SIM). It exchanges commands and traffic data with DTE through the same serial line.
- Mobile Equipment (ME): together with SIM it allows the access to the GSM-R network. It provides transmission and reception on the radio interface, the processing of the baseband signal and the signalling with network. The ME converts speech in a digital format according to GSM full-rate coding; it exchanges with the TA data packets processed according to GSM T (transparent) or GSM NT (non-transparent) connection mode.
The GSM-R radio module supports all the services specified in the ETSI and in the EIRENE/MORANE specifications and specifically:
- All phase 2 services
- Phase 2+ services (including ASCI feature): VBS (Voice Broadcast Call), VGCS (Voice Group Call), eMLPP (enhanced Multi-Level Precedence and Pre-emption) and UUS (User-To-User Signalling)
- Railway features: functional addressing, location dependent addressing, shunting mode, emergency call, presentation of functional numbers and confirmation of high priority calls.
Particular attention is paid to the standard of the radio packet transmission, GPRS Global Packet Radio Service. Even though GPRS is not a specific requirements of MORANE, it has been fully considered as a future enhancement. The GSM-R module is hardware ready to support the GPRS data service. The radio module is housed in a Radio rack containing also the Power Supply Unit.
GSM-R antenna
The antenna installed on the roof of the locomotive is an omnidirectional vehicular antenna, produced by RAC and specially designed for the F.S. trains with service of public conversation ETACS-GSM. The working frequency range is between 872MHz and 960MHz, vertical polarization and 5dBi gain. It's actually installed on all the ETR500 high speed trains in Italy.
ALe601-Le480 trainset installation
Trainset description
ALe601-Le480 (see Fig.2) is the first trainset equipped with the ERTMS on-board system in the frame of the Test Track Italy (TTI) project. The Le480 doesn't have traction engines, and then pantographs, but allow to drive the train in remote by means of the traction system of a coupled motorised loco.
The main features of the ALe601-Le480 trainset are:
- maximum speed: 180Km/h;
- weight: 122t;
- braked weight: 150t;
- overall length: 55m.
Fig.2 : The ALe601-Le480 trainset
Each of the two locos is equipped with:
- 1 EVC rack;
- 1 RIU rack providing the input/output adaptation between the EVC and the train devices;
- 1 power distribution module rack;
- 2 GSM-R mobile stations for data transmission;
- 2 GSM-R mobile stations for voice transmission;
- 1 simulator box;
- 2 radar sensors;
- 2 wheel sensors;
- 2 Eurobalise antennas;
- 4 GSM-R antennas (2 for voice and 2 for data).
For this preliminary test campaign, only the indispensable input/output has been foreseen. In particular, the EVC has to:
- read the cab selection;
- read the selected direction (forwards/backwards);
- command the emergency brake application;
- command the traction cut off.
Internal On-board installation
The EVC, the RIU and the power distribution module are installed in a cubicle by means of appropriate lateral guide that allow to easily remove the rack. Fig.3 shows, starting from the bottom to the top, the above-cited racks.
Fig.3 : The main cabinet
The power distribution module allow to powered all the ERTMS peripherals through circuit breakers in order to protect the electronic equipment.
The RIU allows to adapt the input/output towards the train devices. This module contains two 24V power supply module feeding the two electrovalves for the emergency brake and a relay contact, driven by the EVC, that commands the traction cut off.
The EVC receives the cab selection information directly from the train interface, while the selected direction information is given by the simulation box, because with this train is not possible to have such a kind of information at standstill.
In order to permit a full testing without interfere with the train movements, the emergency brake and traction cut off applications have been simulated through lamps in the simulation box.
The four GSM-R mobile stations and the related two power supply modules are housed in a different cabinet, as shown in Fig.4.
Fig.4 : The GSM-R rack
The two GSM-R data modules are connected to the EVC, while just one of the two GSM-R voice modules is connected to a GSM-R telephone handset installed in the driving cab sideways of the DMI (see Fig.5). Both handset and DMI are mounted on a rotating mechanical support.
Fig.5 : The DMI and handset installation
External on-board installation
On ALe601, both the Eurobalise antennas are installed on the bogie respectively 2.40m and 6.86m far from the free buffers. The height from the top of the rails is 0.21m.
On the Le480, one Eurobalise antenna is installed on the bogie 2,36m far from the free buffers while the other one is mounted under the frame 6,62m far from the free buffers. The height from the top of the rails is 0.21m. Fig.6 shows the mechanical support designed for the antenna mounted under the frame.
Fig.6 : The Eurobalise antenna installation
The two radar sensors are installed under the frame respectively 9m and 14,60m far from the free buffers with the same configuration on both locos (see Fig.7). The height from the top of the rails is 0.24m.
Fig.7 : Radar installation
The two wheel sensors have to be installed on different axles. On Le480 they have been mounted on the same side while on ALe601 on both sides. In order to mount the wheel sensor a dragging shaft and a flange that realises the mechanical adaptation between the axle and the sensor are needed. Fig.8 shows wheel sensor installation.
Fig.8 : The wheel sensor installation
ALe601 and Le480 are equipped with four GSM-R antennas previously described installed on the roof, each of ones dedicated to one GSM-R mobile station installed. The distance between the antenna is equal to 1m.
Installation feedback
During the installation of the different peripherals and sensors, some problems have been encountered, such as:
- difficulty to right cabling the first Eurobalise antenna plug connector due to its differences with the connector normally used on the Italian rolling stock;
- necessity to dismount the radar sensor in order to adjust its position (tilting and pitching regulation) because of the regulation system adopted;
- difficulty to realise the supports in the cubicle for the rack's housing.
It has to be take into account that some aspects could have a strong impact with regard to the further installation. In fact, one of the biggest problem is related to the availability of free space under the loco for the installation of two Eurobalise antennas and two radar sensors, that are duplicated for availability reasons, according to the required constraints. At present then, the wheel sensor doesn't allow to interface the axial current return device that is more and more used on the Italian high speed trains.
Italian trial site description
The Italian trial site is about 60km long and runs from Firenze Campo di Marte station to Arezzo station on the DD line Bologna-Firenze-Roma, one of the busiest line in the Italian network. The maximum operational speed is 250km/h. Along the track there are a lot of tunnels and viaducts due to the fact that this line runs through the Appennini mountain chain.
The line is equipped with 134 balises groups, 112 of them are switchable and the others are fixed. Each switchable balises group is constituted of 2 balises, while just one balise is used for the fixed ones. Along the track 66 encoders are installed in order to drive the switchable balises.
16 mBBC (mini Balise Block Center) provides all the interlocking information to the RBC located in Firenze Campo di Marte station.
With regard to the radio aspects, the GSM-R radio coverage along this portion of the test track is provided by 14 BTS (Base Transceiver Station) and 13 handovers, two of them occurring in tunnels. In particular, an handover procedure occurs at the middle of San Donato tunnel (11km long) and the other in the tunnel of Castiglione Umbertini. All the BTS involved along the used portion of the track are controlled by one BSC (Base Station Controller) located in Arezzo and connected to the MSC (Mobile services Switching Centre) installed in Firenze S. Maria Novella station. The RBC is connected to the GSM-R network using two ISDN primary channels coming directly from the MSC.
The GSM-R network is configured with no authentication and no ciphering. All the data communication is performed using the transparent mode, without any error correction by the GSM-R network.
Starting from November the track-side equipment has been gradually configured in order to allow level 2 functional tests on site. The first tests runs involved 16Km of line from Arezzo to Valdarno Sud, allowing to perform level 2 functional tests just in one direction. The balises groups programmed were 15, just in the Arezzo-Firenze direction. The GSM-R radio coverage along this portion of the test track is provided by 5 BTS with 4 handovers, one of these very critical occurring inside the Castiglione Umbertini tunnel.
Since February 2001, the runs have been performed along 30km from Arezzo to Valdarno Nord (refer to Fig.9). The balises groups programmed were 58 allowing to perform level 2 functional tests on both directions. The GSM-R radio coverage along this portion of the test track is provided by 9 BTS and 8 handovers, one of these occurring in the Castiglione Umbertini tunnel.
Fig.9 : The ERTMS level 2 area
Functional scenarios description
During this first trails campaign some scenarios have been played in order to see the behaviour of the ERTMS system in a real railway environment. It has to be emphasised that even if not necessary in a level 2 area, the existing signals has been taken into account for logistic aspects.
Scenario 1: from Arezzo to Valdarno Sud
The train is brought, using the national signalling, from Arezzo station to the main signal protecting the entering in the DD line and stopped in front of it. A level 2 awakening is then carried out. After the data entry procedure performed by the driver, a communication session is opened with the RBC. After this, the driver has to select "start of mission". The RBC, not knowing the position of the train, gives a Staff Responsible (SR) Movement Authority (MA). The train can be moved.
After passing over the balises group located near the main signal, the train sends a "position report" to the RBC, which allows the RBC to know the train position and direction. As consequence, a Full Supervision (FS) MA is sent to the train.
The train equipment will take into account possible TSR (Temporary Speed Restriction) requirement contained in the MA. The DMI indication leads the driver to follow this speed requirement.
Along the trip, a section of route previously set is cancelled by the traffic operator in Firenze Campo di Marte. This causes the RBC to send a "Conditional Emergency Stop" message to the train. This message is displayed to the driver on the DMI, while the on-board receives the new MA restricted limit.
Due to the "Conditional Emergency Stop", the train is led to a standstill in front of the red signal (before the balises group associated to that signal).
The opening of the signal (turn to green) causes the RBC to revoke the Conditional Emergency Stop, sending a new FS MA up to Valdarno Sud. The driver has to follow the braking curve and stop the train within the end of the MA.
Scenario 2: from Arezzo to Firenze Campo di Marte
This scenario is similar to the previous one, with the exception that an automatic level 2 to level 0 transition is foreseen.
Before reaching the Level 2 boundary located in Valdarno Nord, the RBC sends a "Level 0 announced" message to the on-board equipment. A text message is also displayed to the driver on DMI. In proximity of the boundary, the driver has to acknowledge the level transition in order to avoid a train trip and consequent brakes application. The transition mode order is then given to the on-board equipment by the balises group delimiting the boundary.
Scenario 3: from Firenze campo di Marte to Arezzo
The train starts from Firenze Campo di Marte station with a level 0 awakening. The driver selects "level 0" during the data entry procedure and after this "start of mission". The "unfitted mode" transition has to be then acknowledged by the driver. The train can be moved. In unfitted mode, the on-board subsystem supervises a ceiling speed.
Before reaching Valdarno Nord, a balises group informs the on-board equipment of the incoming Level 2 area and gives it all the information necessary to establish a communication session with the RBC. The entry in the level 2 determines the automatic transition to the FS mode.
Also this scenario foresees TSR and Conditional Emergency Stop and related revocation.
An automatic level 2 to level 0 transition is realised exiting the DD line in order to reach Arezzo station.
Experimental results
The tests were performed both during the daily circulation and the night. The runs have been made at different speed. For the system integration tests (radio communication, odometer measurements, balises detection) were performed at a maximum speed of 160Km/h. The functional scenarios were played mainly at a maximum speed of 140Km/h.
Equipment's compatibility aspects
The first step of the tests was to check the compatibility between ERTMS and BACC system, in order to put in evidence eventually interferences caused by the ERTMS apparatus to the Italian signalling equipment.
The compatibility test have been performed checking the BACC signals sensed on-board. Fig.10 and Fig.11 show, respectively in time and frequency dominion, the BACC signal with ERTMS equipment turned on. No incompatible signal was detected during all the test runs.
Fig.10 : BACC time dominion signal with ERTMS equipment turned on
Fig.11 : BACC frequency dominion signal with ERTMS equipment turned on
Radio aspects
The great part of the runs were performed connected the GSM-R mobile stations to the ERTMS system in order to test the overall system. Some runs were dedicated to test the radio performance connecting the GSM-R mobile stations directly to PC with special software able to simulate a real ERTMS communication.
The GSM-R network was configured with no authentication and no ciphering. All the data communication were performed using the transparent mode, so without any error correction by the GSM-R network.
GSM-R Antenna installation
Perhaps the short distance between the GSM-R antenna could not be enough to avoid interference in case of simultaneous communication using the same timeslot and adjacent carrier. No problem was detected during all the test runs due to this point.
Along all the track the signal level (RxLev) was greater than -104dBm. No problem due to network coverage. The data was acquired using a test mobile operating in the GSM-R band and using the report generated directly by the GSM-R mobile station installed on borne. Fig.12 and Fig.13 show, respectively, a typical power spectrum of GSM-R DOWN and UP band acquired during a test.
Fig.12 : GSM-R DOWN band: Typical power spectrum
Fig.13 : GSM-R UP band: Typical power spectrum
End-to-end transmission delay
It was evaluated the end-to-end delay for an asynchronous transparent data connection (4800 and 9600bit/s). Two types of measurements have been performed: mobile-to-mobile call and mobile to fixed ISDN call. The measurement reports a mean delay value between 400 and 450ms in case of mobile-to-mobile communication and between 280 and 300ms in case of mobile to ISDN (taking into account that in this case some delay is introduced by the Access Server elaboration time).
The handover break, during which the channel is "virtually" closed, is about 400ms. It seems independently from the speed of the train and more related to the RxLevel value: less is the signal level, longer is the handover duration. This value was measured using the internal monitoring system of the GSM-R mobile station; from the user point of view it's a little bit longer, but less than 600ms.
Data error rate
The measurement was made using the ERTMS data communication. The configuration was: mobile to fixed ISDN with the mobile caller (train) and the fixed ISDN called party (RBC).
The main sources of errors have been identified:
- Handover procedure temporary close the channel and induced error burst
- Noise or error bursts randomly induced
During the handover the communication channel is closed and all the bytes sent are lost. The impact is heavy for the application side that has to retransmit the lost bytes after some timer expiration. Due to the relative low transmission rate of ERTMS application in comparison with the channel bit rate, not in all handovers there is a lost of data (it depends if during the handover window some bytes are sent or not).
Sometimes some noisy bytes are induced and received by the end user.
Generally errors occur only during the handover.
Performance degradation due to radio coverage
It seems there is no appreciable impact of radio coverage in the data communication from the end-user (EVC or RBC in this case) point of view. Difference runs has been performed inserting 10 or 20dB of antenna attenuation in order to test the error transmission.
Performance degradation due to train speed
It seems there is no appreciable impact of train speed in the data communication from the end-user (EVC or RBC in this case) point of view.
Eurobalises detection aspects
Level detection
Due to a perturbation caused by a wrong grounding connection of the shield of the antenna cable, a permanent signal detection was diagnosed on-board but no telegrams decoding error was detected. The problem was solved rightly wiring the shield.
Balises detection
All the Eurobalises, programmed or not, along the track (from Firenze Campo di Marte to Arezzo) were detected by the on-board equipment.
Telegram decoding
A great number of runs were performed at different speeds and no telegram decoding errors occurred. All the Eurobalises rightly programmed have been decoded. The detection but not decoding of a programmed Eurobalise has been always due to a bad balise programming.
Further development
Evolution of the measurement system
Up to now the FS measurement system is completely separate from the EVC in order to allow the constructor to effect the preliminary test and debug of the ERTMS on-board system. This measurement system allows to:
- check the compatibility between ERTMS and BACC equipment;
- check the coverage of the GSM-R network.
- acquire the speed and pk signals through a link with the BACC equipment.
- acquire the speed and pk signals through a real-time DGPS system.
- acquire the signals of state of the machine such as:
- tension line at the pantograph;
- current absorbed;
- issue of harmonic components (only for the trains with electronic driving, always for the problems of compatibility above-cited).
Overcome the phase of debugging, it is necessary to verify the functionality of the system in terms of:
- parameters elaborated by the EVC in the different configurations;
- parameters that intervene in the process of management of the information;
- degraded conditions;
- simulation of all the possible potential dangerous situations under which the system could be operate.
For this, it is necessary to directly interact with the EVC. Fig.4 shows the scheme of the FS measurement system that it will be implemented.
Fig.14 : The incoming FS measurement system
Other locos to be equipped
The next tests will be performed on the followings machine:
The results obtained during this first phase of debugging of the ERTMS system don't allow us to effect precise evaluations on the characteristic parameters of the system itself. We can however affirm that, from a functional point of view, good results have been reached.
More precise information in terms of performance, reliability and safety will be obtained from the further tests starting at the end of 2001and involving both the Ale601-Le480 and the other trains.


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subset: commoncrawl


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Gothamist's in-house Rolling Stones expert Ben Yakas is off today, so we'll be brief: the band have announced their 50th anniversary tour dates, of which there are only four. While it was rumored they would be coming to Barclays Center in November for the two U.S. dates, it turns out they'll actually be coming to Newark, New Jersey's Prudential Center in December.
The decision was most likely a busine$$ one—Mick Jagger is, after all, a profit maximizer (you can read more about his boardroom side in Marc Spitz's Jagger).
The concerts are on December 13th and 15th, with tickets available on October 26th at noon (presale on October 20th). Tickets will range from $95 to... $750. Too pricey? You can always catch the film retrospective in December at MoMA.
For old Rolling Stones: Here's a look back at their 1966 concert in Queens that Don Draper attended in the last season of Mad Men. And recently someone found these old photos at a flea market, showing the band hanging out at a pool.


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This is the sale of two commercial lots totaling ±21.38 gross acres and ±5.14 net acres. Located SEC of the four-way signalized corner of Eucalyptus St & Hwy 395. Excellent Location along Hwy 395. D. R. Horton has purchased ±166 lots at the corner of Mesa View Dr., and Eucalyptus St in 2021. LGI Homes purchased ±159 lots in 2020 which are adjacent to the subject property and are currently building homes in the project known as Legacy Homes Amber II. The subject properties are located within approximately ±1.50 miles from two proposed large industrial warehouse projects located at the corner of Hwy 395 & Main St., and Hwy 395 & Avenal St., in the City of Hesperia. Tons of potential for all types of retail uses. Buyer to investigate and verify all aspects of the property to Buyer's satisfaction.
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Based on information from CRISNet MLS all data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by broker or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Updated: 1st April, 2023 9:31 AM (UTC)


text:
Travel to a new world – and a different time.
Daniel Shaw is transported to another world by accident. One second he is safe in his room at home, and the next he is sitting on an overgrown path in a dark, alien jungle. What concerns him the most? He does not know how to get back.
In the morning his mother found the imprint of his body on the bed, with an empty wooden box and a delicate silver pedestal on his nightstand. Her son, along with the Curious Orb, are nowhere to be found.
Daniel's trusty Labrador Retriever was the only witness – and he isn't talking.
Universal Link – https://books2read.com/u/4ERgPl
Barnes and Noble (Nook) – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-curious-orb-jonathan-g-meyer/1139451257
Apple Books – https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1567127092
Rakuten Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-curious-orb
Google Play – https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Jonathan_G_Meyer_A_Curious_Orb?id=R6A3EAAAQBAJ


text:
Creating A Dynasty13 replies
Editor's note: This is a fanpost by Jason_from_El_Paso.
SEVEN Consecutive AFC West Titles, Hosted the AFC Championship FIVE times in a row, THREE Lamar Hunt trophies in four years and TWO Lombardis!
Read that again … does that sound like the start of a dynasty?
What does a dynasty look like? And how do you keep it going for many years? Being a middle of the road fan, I don't claim to be an expert in talent evaluation, salary cap or draft value, I'm just a guy who loves watching our Chiefs play and hope we never have to relive the pre-Andy Reid days again.
My definition of a dynasty doesn't come from stats or domination for the sake of domination, it comes from winning. Not just winning in the regular season or winning in the divisional round but winning the big one. Was Buffalo a dynasty when they made 4 straight SB's? Would they be a dynasty if they would have won one or two of those?
In my mind there are only a few dynasties in the NFL and that is the 80's-90's 49ers, the '02-'19 Pats, the 70-80's Steelers and now the Chiefs beginning their run at one. Each has their own strengths. The 49ers with Montana/Young/Rice, the Steelers with the Steel Curtain, the Chiefs with Mahomes and Reid and the Patriots with cheating. I suppose the 90's Cowboys could be considered a dynasty as well depending on who you ask (i.e Cowboys fans vs non-Cowboys fans).
There are so many pieces that have to mesh well to make a dynasty work. Let's go through some of those pieces and how I see them going so far in the Chiefs org (spoiler: it's going pretty well!)
Ownership and Organizational Culture:
Your staff and players don't do well year after year if ownership on down to the landscapers and janitors buy into a culture of winning and excelling. In the Chiefs case, you almost never hear from a prior player, coach or Front office member that has anything negative to say about the Chiefs which tells me people like playing and working in KC.
Front Office:
From Brett Veach down to each of the individual scouts, the Chiefs are excelling at finding great players to acquire via the draft, free agency and trade. This is evident from the 2023 playoff run in which 13+ rookies and new members of the Chiefs started or played significant snaps! That says to me that the Front Office is made of fantastic evaluators of talent and fit.
I think we all can now admit that Andy Reid is one of the greatest coaches of all time! We are lucky to have him. I think Reid is a fantastic teacher and coach who does everything he can to make his players and other coaches successful, including helping his Coordinators and coaches to advance in other organizations. Many have questions about individual situations where maybe a poor play call or time management came up, but by and large, the Chiefs have a better coached team than a vast majority of the NFL.
We obviously have the best Quarterback and Tight End in the NFL, arguably the best DT and top 5 C, LG and RG along with some other fantastic players throughout our roster. Having Patrick Mahomes really covers up some holes in the roster and makes up for a number of those shortcomings that we may have. We've seen in SB 55 that Patrick can't do it all himself, it becomes extremely important to make sure that Patrick has some great players, some good players and a lot of good depth players around him to make sure he doesn't have to do it all!
Outside of personnel, there are a few things that need to happen to keep the dynasty going:
Obviously, having good drafts as we go is of the utmost importance to keep under the salary cap and to replace players that leave after pricing themselves off the team. I believe all of the 2022 draft class was a huge win for this team and this SB run. Luckily, Brett Veach and his team are turning into Draft experts who don't miss often.
Fans need to be ready for many very good draft picks to not make an immediate impact because this Chiefs team is already VERY good so draft picks will have to be that much better to get on the field.
Free Agency:
I believe it to be very important that we continue to bring in veterans through Free Agency (especially those who are very good but toward the end of their career) to help with leadership with our young players and also bring in motivation to win their first SB after a longer career or perhaps to win one more on the way out depending on the vet. Carlos Dunlap and Terrell Suggs are fantastic examples of great additions to this team.
The potential pitfall of this is you may find vets unwilling to work as hard as this team requires or they don't buy into the team first mentality.
Fans need to be ready for players to chase larger contracts and "pricing themselves out of Kansas City" due to having looked really good as a piece of a really good football team. We won't get to keep them all!
Health and depth:
It seems that we have one of the best training departments in all the league and although injuries happen, managing injuries is of the utmost importance. We saw how not having depth and losing basically our entire O-line cost us in SB 55. Because of this, I believe it makes sense to keep known values like Clark and others while we build through the draft. Joshua WIlliams is a great example of depth helping. When Sneed went down in the AFC Championship, Williams came in and played a great game! Also, bringing in Matthew Wright was a good holdover for Butker when he was out. Not to mention Justin Reid as our emergency kicker a couple times.
I think every Super bowl winner has gotten a call to go their way, a ball bounced their way (sometimes literally) or just escaped some injuries that could have ended a player's year (i.e. Pat's ankle).
And although luck really does happen, good and bad, you generally create your own luck by creating an organization from top to bottom that has players, coaches and Front Office pulling in the same direction.
Considering all of this, the Chiefs are MOST DEFINITELY a dynasty and all signs point to this dynasty continuing for many years! This is the golden age of Chiefs Kingdom and I couldn't be more excited to live in the moment with this team year after year.


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Jump to navigation Jump to search
See also: Táiběi
From the Hanyu Pinyin[1][2][3] romanization of Mandarin 臺北/台北 (Táiběi).
Proper noun[edit]
- Alternative form of Taipei (capital city) [from late 20th c.]
- 1977, Jean Chesneaux, Françoise Le Barbier, Marie-Claire Bergère, Paul Auster, Lydia Davis, transl., China from the 1911 Revolution to Liberation[3], Pantheon Books, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 341:
- A reliable estimate was made that about 700 students had been seized in Taibei by March 13. Two hundred are said to have been seized in Keelung. Fifty are reported to have been killed at Matsuyama and thirty at Kokuto (suburbs of Taibei) on the night of March 9.
- 1980, John R. Robertson, China from Manchu to Mao (1699-1976)[4], New York: Atheneum, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 138:
- Taiwan had been colonized by the Chinese in the seventeenth century, and won by the Japanese from China in the 1894-1895 war. The Japanese had done much to develop industry and agriculture on the island. Japan's defeat in World War II restored the island to China, as a separate province. Chiang now declared that Taiwan was still a province of China, and its capital, Taibei, was now the new capital of the nation. The circumstance that 99.7% of the nation's territory was controlled by Communist bandits was only temporary, he said, and he would soon recapture it from them.
- 1980, Orville Schell, "Watch Out for the Foreign Guests!" China Encounters the West[5], New York: Pantheon Books, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 8:
- I remember lying awake in the wet winter rawness and the suffocating summer heat of Taibei, capital of Chiang Kai-shek's China, the one we were still welcome in, dreaming of the real China.
- 2000, Wilkinson, Endymion, Chinese History: A New Manual[6], Rev. & enl. edition, Harvard University Press, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 901:
- Since then the authorities both in Beijing and in Taibei have made efforts to collect, to preserve, to organize, and to publish the documents on a scale which would have been unthinkable under the old regime.
- For more quotations using this term, see Citations:Taibei.
- Alternative form of Taipei (former county) [from late 20th c.]
- 1980 June, Chen, Yongping, "Delving into Taiwan's Past", in China Reconstructs[7], volume XXIX, number 6, Beijing: China Welfare Institute, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 39, column 2:
- The Dapenkeng culture was so named after one of its sites was discovered in 1964 at Dapenkeng near the township of Bali, Taibei county by teachers and students of Taiwan University.
- 1987, Gates, Hill, "Folk Religions, Old and New", in Chinese Working-Class Lives: Getting By in Taiwan[8], Cornell University Press, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 187:
- I worked as a coal miner in Shiwufen, in Taibei County. It was an hour's walk from our house; there were no cars then, so I walked to work.
- 2004, Simon, Scott, "From Hidden Kingdom to Rainbow Community: The Making of Gay and Lesbian Identity in Taiwan", in David K. Jordan; Andrew D. Morris; Marc L. Moskowitz, editors, The Minor Arts of Daily Life: Popular Culture in Taiwan[9], Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press, →ISBN, →LCCN, →OCLC, page 73:
- Although not all Taiwanese men are so inclined, there are ample opportunities for men to seek erotic pleasure outside of marriage in Taiwan. For mere visual pleasure, female strippers are sometimes part of the entertainment at rural temple fairs and even funerals, and scantily clad young women selling betel nuts adorn the highways from Taibei County to Pingdong.
- For more quotations using this term, see Citations:Taibei.
Taipei — see Taipei
- ^ Taipei, Pinyin Taibei, in Encyclopædia Britannica
- ^ Wan-yao Chou (周婉窈) (2015), "Transliteration Tables", in , Carole Plackitt, Tim Casey, transl., A New Illustrated History of Taiwan[1], Taipei: SMC Publishing, →ISBN, page 435: "Transliterations used in the text / Hanyu pinyin / Chinese characters or Japanese kanji […] T'aipei (Taihoku, Taipei) / Taibei / 臺北"
- ^ Alka Acharya; G. P. Deshpande (December 2002), "A Taibei Diary", in Economic and Political Weekly[2], volume 37, issue 49, Mumbai, →JSTOR, page 4904, column 1: "'Taibei' would be the mainland spelling. A part of the now not so new Pin-Yin mode of transliterating Chinese names and words."
Further reading[edit]
- Taibei at OneLook Dictionary Search
- "Taibei", in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
- "Taibei" in TheFreeDictionary.com, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.: Farlex, Inc., 2003–2023.
Proper noun[edit]
- Alternative form of Taipei


text:
VSA® OFF Button
• The vehicle stability assist (VSA®) system helps stabilize the vehicle during
cornering, and helps maintain traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road
• VSA® comes on automatically every time you start the engine.
• To turn VSA® on or off, press and hold the button until you hear a beep.
See also:
Storing a Position in Memory
1. Turn the ignition switch to ON . Adjust the driver's seat and the door mirrors to the desired position. 2. Press the SET button. You will hear a beep, and the memory button indicator ...
Compatible iPod® and USB Flash Drives
iPod® Model Compatibility iPod® Model Compatibility This system may not work with all software versions of these devices. USB Flash Drives Use a recommended USB flash drive of 256 MB or higher ...
Charging the Battery
Disconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system. Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last. ...


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Why choose Royal Solaris Cancun?
Royal Solaris Cancun is a magnificent family all inclusive resort with 300 rooms, overlooking the Nichupte lagoon or the Caribbean Sea, in a complex that has a unique pyramidal structure. Enjoy all the entertainment with daily activities and nightly show for you.
How many tests can I expect at GR Solaris Cancun?
** Up to 2 tests per room per stay (5 nights minimum stay). GR Solaris Cancun an All-Inclusive beachfront resort located in the Cancun hotel zone, which offers you the perfect atmosphere to enjoy a fantastic Mexico vacation with your partner or family. We have incredible facilities and outstanding service to assist you.
Why choose GR Solaris?
GR Solaris redefines luxury with its comfortable rooms, spa and inspiring cuisine. As it marks its concept: You waited too long for a vacation on the beach with a friendly atmosphere? Make it happen! Carefree holidays in a beach paradise with a sparkling blue sea and an exceptional climate. Beachfront resort in Cancun Hotel zone.
What are the nearest attractions to GR Solaris Cancun?
Nearby attractions include Party Rockers Cancun (1.8 miles), Puerto Maya Cancun (1.3 miles), and HRoof (2.7 miles). See all nearby attractions. What are some of the property amenities at GR Solaris Cancun?
What's wrong with hotel Solaris de México?
Warm regards, Hoteles Solaris de México, ^R Before we booked this hotel, I read many many reviews. The common negative reviews included bad food, poor front desk, musty smell in some of the rooms, and the time share issues (or vacation club – whatever you want to call it).
What food&drink options are available at Royal Solaris Cancun?
What food & drink options are available at Royal Solaris Cancun? Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay. Learn more. Is parking available at Royal Solaris Cancun? Yes, free parking is available to guests. Learn more. What are some restaurants close to Royal Solaris Cancun?


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COVID-19 subvariant 'Kraken' arrives in Waterloo-Wellington
The newest subvariant of the COVID-19 virus has now been detected in Waterloo Region and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph.
Ontario Public Health confirms 14 positive cases for XBB.1.5, also known as Kraken, in Waterloo Region, and nine positive cases in Wellington-Dufferin Guelph between Dec. 18 and Jan. 14.
"This was expected, I don't think this comes as a surprise," said Zahid Butt, an infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Waterloo. "Obviously there would be a lot more cases than what you're seeing now."
Health experts warn the Kraken subvariant will become the dominant strain in Ontario, and is projected to make up 44 per cent of new cases by Feb. 1.
Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, the Medical Officer of Health for Waterloo Region, said in a statement: "COVID-19 is still with us. We should expect to see new variants emerge (such as XBB.1.5) and additional waves of COVID-19."
"Kraken is increasing as it is spreading," said Dr. Nicola Mercer, the Medical Officer of Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph. "But the evidence so far is not showing us that it's going to be more severe."
The rise in cases comes as COVID-19 vaccinations stall. According to Region of Waterloo Public Health, only 21.5 per cent of people have received two booster shots of the vaccine.
"In the face of new variants and a background level of vaccinations and previous infections, our recommendations remain the same," said Dr. Wang. "I would encourage residents to continue to use all the tools that we have at our disposal to reduce our chances of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infection. This includes staying up-to-date with the recommended vaccine and booster doses. As COVID-19 can linger and spread through the air, wear a well-fitted mask (such as a N95, KN95 or medical mask) in indoor public spaces and improve or maintain good indoor air ventilation."
Dr. Mercer is also encouraging people to keep up-to-date with booster shots, especially as the travel season nears.
"There's nothing worse than going through an airport and arriving at your destination and coming down with COVID symptoms to ruin your holiday," she said. "Think about getting a booster."
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I don't know how it's June already, but here we are. My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary on June 6th (though we've been together much, much longer than that). The lilac bush that was a wedding present bloomed for the first time in our yard, and the peonies I planted when we bought our house had more flowers this year than the first two years combined.
This spring I've also been painting a lot of flowers. I'm working on more of the small framed loose florals that did so well at my market in April, and adding a new size (5×7) for next month's markets. A couple of my florals were claimed before I even got to the market (which is a lovely problem to have); a colleague bought one as a Mother's Day gift and a family member bought another just because.
The roses have been especially fun to paint and I have pages in my sketchbook covered with practice roses in slightly different styles. In fact, I'm using some of them for an upcoming project: as I mentioned a couple posts back, I did some designs for note paper and stationery, and I've settled on about 3-4 that I'm going to print and have ready for July. I'll share photos here first once they're ready!
Speaking of July, I've got two different two-day markets lined up back-to-back weekends:
- The Prairie Arts and Makers Market on July 8 and 9 in Peoria, Illinois, and
- The Glorious Garden Festival on July 15 and 16 in Bloomington, Illinois.
I think all my flowers will be especially appropriate at the second one, although I have high hopes for both! More news on those events as we get closer. In the meantime, there will be a lot of prepping (and painting) in my studio these next few weeks to make sure I have enough to fill my booths!


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My Story…
Dearest Friends and Family,
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Terry Crews, better known as the Renaissance Man is a person of many talents. And this time, the Brooklyn Nine-Nine star displayed his talent of illustration.
Terry painted a beautifully decked-out Christmas tree laying outside in a chilly winter season. He did the painting on a live stream accompanied by a festive smooth jazz soundtrack. He made sure to keep a vocal monologue, and hence paying a tribute to the late Bob Ross. The Yuletide painting was one of the specialties of Bob Ross and Terry made sure that he didn't disappoint.
This will surely go down as a new festival tradition. He made the tribute even more mesmerizing when in the midway he said "Happy little trees." He then smiled at this quote and told the audience how he always wanted to say this on camera.
It took roughly half an hour for Terry to finish his painting. NBC started his stream and this will be online for the next 24 hours. Happy holidays everyone.
Source- Esquire
With roots in Patna, I am a Mechanical Engineer currently employed in Jabalpur. Working as a Senior Engineer in Heavy Machines Sales, I have been associated with different blog sites in different categories for over a year now. The categories include comics, sitcoms, movies and talent acquisitions.


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How much will sonographers earn in 2023?
Sonographers are highly qualified medical professionals, and their salaries reflect the level of skill required for the job. They are among the highest paid medical technicians.The average annual salary for a sonographer is $80,680, according to thecurrent Federal Office for Labor Statistics (BLS)May 2021 Salary Survey. Those at the higher end of the salary scale earned more than $100,000, while those just beginning their careers earned up to $59,640. Salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location.
High earning potential combined with excellent employment prospects make Ultrasound a popular choice. In fact, the field consistently ranks in theTop 25 for the best career opportunitiesavailable to associate's degree holders.
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What is the Starting Salary for an Ultrasound Technician?
Isaverage starting salaryfor a sonographer it can be up to $59,000 or $25.86 per hour,This can vary depending on the employer and the job market. Many different factors can affect how much an entry-level ultrasound technologist can make, including whether the technician has an associate's or bachelor's degree in medical sonography.
students whopursuing dual degreeswhile studying you can also be more marketable. For example, obtaining certification in cardiac and vascular ultrasound can improve employment opportunities. Not all schools offer a degree or certificate in more than one concentration, but many do and it is something to consider and discuss with the program director.
In this article:
- Which locations across the country pay the most?
- How Can a Sonographer Increase Your Earning Potential?
- How does ultrasound compare to other areas of medical technology?
- resources
Network directly with colleges and universities. Click belowSponsoredProgram information and speak to an individual school's admissions officer.
How do you ask for the salary you earn?
what about the money
This is sometimes the hardest part. You'll get the call or email you've been dreaming of... you've got the job! Now he suddenly feels serious. Information on onboarding, employee prerequisites, salary negotiations, setting a start date, orientation/onboarding planning, future work hours, uniform information and benefit information will be readily available to you. This is where you should discuss the payment if you want to negotiate. You are your sole hireling attorney.
The wage rate you accept for your first job will set the pace for your future pay. Of course you want to start as high as possible. On the other hand, employers have budgets, and offering a lower starting salary is one way to keep the budget intact. You don't want to underestimate your skills and talents.
–excerpt from"Diagnostic Medical Sonography: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Career", by Sonographer, Educator and Trainer Samantha Callis, MHA, ACS, RDMS, RDCS, RVT. Learn about salary negotiations in this no-nonsense, no-nonsense book for sonographers..
In which areas of the country are sonographers paid the most?
In addition to education and the amount of experience in the field, where you work can be a major factor in determining how much money you will make. The income is usually equal to the cost of living in a given area.
Salary-related factors influenced by location:
- The number of medical facilities in an area.
- access to affordable housing
- size and age of the population.
- access to health insurance
States that pay the most
|Average annual salary
|national average
|80.680 $
|109.350 $
|Washington, D.C
|99.860 $
|99.390 $
|95.990 $
|95.420 $
|Check out our full list of states
Cities that pay more
|Average annual salary
|San Jose–Santa Clara, CA
|138.110 $
|Vallejo, California
|137.140 $
|San Francisco-Oakland, CA
|131.080 $
|Sacramento-Roseville, CA
|125.830 $
|Santa Rosa, CA
|125.210 $
You've heard it pays well, but is it for you? You need to understand if your strengths, weaknesses, and natural inclinations match the job description. take ourself-assessmentdiscover!
How much do sonographers make in other parts of the country?
Which facilities pay their sonographers the most?
An ultrasound technician can work in a variety of locations, including hospitals, doctor's offices, medical/diagnostic laboratories, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.Where do you work after graduation?it has an impact on how much you can earn. But the salary quote doesn't necessarily give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. You should also consider the employer's benefits package, which includes not only health care but also paid time off (PTO) and even the option of student loan forgiveness.
Below are the median annual wages by type of employer:
Ambulatory Care Centers: 109.670 $
economy and corporate governance: 99.640 $
colleges and universities: 84.330 $
Offices of Health Professions: 91.260 $
specialty hospitals: 85.980 $
What Other Factors Affect Ultrasound Technician Salary?
What can you do to maximize your earning potential?
First, you must be certified or registered withUS Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography(ARDMA). While most states do not require a sonographer to be registered, almost all employers will. If you are enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited degree program, earning the (ARDMS) certification will likely be part of the program during your senior year or shortly after graduation.
level of education and extent of training.
In general, themore educationand the more experience a sonographer has, the higher his income can be. during aAssociate's degreein DMS, in general, the minimum education required to become a sonographer is aDiplomaor even oneMasters Degree in Ultrasoundopen the doors to adiverse career pathswhere the earning potential is greatest, such as consulting, management or education.
Specialization and Certifications
The payment of the ultrasound technician also depends on itArea of Expertise. For example, if a person specializes in obstetrics/gynecology and becomes certified by the ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography), they may be paid more than if they practiced general sonography.
Declaring an entry major is not required for entry, but there are plenty of options to choose from when the time comes. Some programs may even offer double concentrations to their students, which can make you a more marketable applicant.
Different work shifts
Sonographers may need to work different shifts at numerous times throughout the day. These shifts include:
- 1° (9:00 – 17:00)
- 2. (5 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
- 3ro (00:00 – 08:00)
- When calling
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A healthcare professional is compensated based on the shift they work, especially if they work outside of normal hours.Opening hours Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.mFor example, a sonographer on a day shift may earn a base wage of $37.40 per hour during typical business hours, while a sonographer on a night shift may earn a base wage of $39.00 or $40.00 per hour because he is performing a medically necessary job Provides Service during the "Schedule".
Additionally, once an employee is called to work on-call, they can be compensated at their base salary and given some sort of extra incentive for working outside of business hours (e.g. $5.00 per hour).
"Don't do it because you've heard it pays well, don't do it because someone has told you there are plenty of jobs ... It has to be something you've researched, you know what the field is about." brings and you're like 'Yeah, I can see myself doing that'. If you want to get into the profession, find out. When someone asks you, "What does a sonographer do?" have an answer. –Traci Fox, EdD, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Explore the topic further:
- Which jobs have the highest earning potential?
- Job Search Tips- Resources to help you after graduation
How does the salary of a sonographer compare to similar jobs?
Below you can see how the salary of an ultrasound technician compares to other related healthcare professionals. The table shows that ultrasound technicians earn higher incomes on average compared to related jobs.
The data is provided by the BLS Department of Employment and Wage Statistics. The latest information provided is from the May 2021 BLS update.
|10% lower
|10% higher
|Ultrasonographer/Diagnostic Medical Echographer
|59.640 $
|77.740 $
|101.650 $
|Radiological Technologists
|46.850 $
|61.370 $
|94.880 $
|29.910 $
|60.570 $
|98.070 $
|Magnetic resonance imaging technologists
|59.110 $
|77.360 $
|100.870 $
|Nuclear Medicine Technologist
|60.550 $
|78.760 $
|105.530 $
|Surgical Technologists
|36.930 $
|48.530 $
|75.940 $
Labor Statistics Office,Occupational Employment Statistical Survey, 2021 data.
US. BLS – 29-2032 Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
US BLS - 29-2035 Radiology and MRI Technologists
US BLS - 29-2031 Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
US BLS: 31-9092 Physician Assistants
Salary and employment figures are based on a national average and may vary by location.
What's the highest paying sonography? ›
- Neuro (brain) sonography: $112,000.
- Pediatric cardiac sonography: $80,000.
- Cardiac sonography: $79,000.
- Vascular sonography: $68,000.
- Ob/gyn sonography: $68,000.
Since sonography is safe and relatively affordable compared with radiation imaging techniques, the field continues to grow at a faster pace than other occupations. The BLS projects sonography to grow 19% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average occupational growth, adding around 14,000 positions.Where are the highest-paid sonographers? ›
|Employment (1)
|Annual mean wage (2)
|$ 109,350
|$ 74,630
|New York
|$ 85,940
|$ 71,290
This occupation has been voted '35%' by our users to be fully automated within the next two decades. Our visitors have voted that there is a small chance this occupation will be replaced by robots/AI. This is further validated by the automation risk level we have generated, which suggests a 48% chance of automation.What type of sonography is in highest demand? ›
- Vascular sonography.
- OB/GYN sonography.
- Cardiac sonography.
- Pediatric cardiac sonography.
- Neuro sonography.
How Much Does a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Make? Diagnostic Medical Sonographers made a median salary of $77,740 in 2021. The best-paid 25% made $95,360 that year, while the lowest-paid 25% made $62,560.Is a career in sonography worth it? ›
On average, sonographers make a median salary of $72,510. Sonographers usually work at least 40 hours a week, but this can vary depending on your place of employment may be required to work on some weekends and be on call.What is higher than a sonographer? ›
Sonographers may choose to increase their clinical skillset by working towards a different clinical career. Becoming an advanced provider (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist) is an option for sonographers interested in a second clinical career.What is the best state to be an ultrasound tech? ›
1. Massachusetts.
|Total Ultrasound Technologist Jobs:
|Average Annual Salary:
|Lowest 10 Percent Earn:
|Highest 10 Percent Earn:
To become a skilled sonographer, one has to get a lot of "trans- ducer time" under the tutelage of an educated sonographer. A part of the shortage is due to the lack of clini- cal education sites with skilled clinical instructors.
Is ultrasound tech a lot of math? ›
Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography. For example, you'll need to use math to determine the circumference of the abdomen before beginning an ultrasound of the stomach.What pays more sonography or radiography? ›
Radiology techs and sonography techs also pursue different studies and earn different salaries. A radiology tech makes an average of $50,872, according to Glassdoor.com. Ultrasound techs make an average of $67,332, according to the same website.What's the difference between ultrasound tech and sonography? ›
Sonographer. An ultrasound technician uses ultrasound technology to monitor medical conditions in the body, while a sonographer uses ultrasound technology to monitor, diagnose, or treat disease in the soft tissues and organs of the body.Is medical sonography a stressful job? ›
Your job may be stressful
As an ultrasound technician, you may be called to emergent situations where your findings may determine what life-saving measures must be instituted.
Most full-time sonographers work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening and weekend hours and times when they are on call and must be ready to report to work on short notice.Are sonographers at risk? ›
Sonographers who apply sustained pressure on the transducer for prolonged periods of time are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal injury (WRMSI). There are specific injuries identified in sonographers due to awkward postures and placement of the equipment.How many times can we do sonography? ›
Most healthy women receive two ultrasound scans during pregnancy. "The first is, ideally, in the first trimester to confirm the due date, and the second is at 18-22 weeks to confirm normal anatomy and the sex of the baby," explains Mendiola.How many exams should a sonographer do a day? ›
We aim for 8 per sonographer per day. We have a significant proportion of morbidly obese patients, 30-40%. ...What kind of people are successful in sonography? ›
- Adaptability. ...
- Stamina. ...
- Tech n' Detail Savvy. ...
- Patient Problem Solver. ...
- Genuine Care. ...
- Quick Links to Fuel Your Success!
Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients. Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations.
How much do OB GYN ultrasound technicians get paid in California? ›
As of Feb 22, 2023, the average annual pay for an Obstetric Sonographer in California is $93,032 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $44.73 an hour.Is sonography harder than nursing? ›
Yet, to become a Registered Nurse, you'll need to attend a two-year Associate program. Due to these requirements, a sonography program might be a bit more challenging than a CNA program. It all depends on the path you choose.Is sonography training hard? ›
There is no question sonography school is super tough. The experience tests your intelligence, emotional reserves, perseverance and competence. Many of my peers have told me it's the single hardest thing they've ever done. Even with great coping mechanisms it can push you to the edge of your limits.How do I succeed in sonography? ›
- Take volunteer opportunities. If possible, look for volunteer opportunities that allow you to practice the skills you most want to improve. ...
- Enroll in classes or training. ...
- Practice self-care. ...
- Find a professional mentor.
However, many students find that a nursing degree offers significant benefits over a sonography degree, including more overall job opportunities, more focus on direct patient care, greater opportunity to specialize in an area of interest and more predictable processes for career advancement.Who makes more RN or sonographer? ›
Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for Sonographers in 2016, Cardiovascular Technologists, Vascular Technologists, and related technician positions was $71,750 or $34.49 per hour. The average annual wage for Registered Nurses in 2016 was $72,180 or $34.70 per hour.Do all sonographers get injured? ›
The term "sonographer's shoulder" was coined in a 1985 study. [i] More than a decade later, another study showed that most sonographers (84%) experienced musculoskeletal pain related to scanning, with neck, shoulder, wrist, hands or fingers, and back listed as the most commonly affected areas.Do sonographers make mistakes? ›
The chances of an error with ultrasound are up to 5 percent, says Schaffir. An ultrasound can be between 95 to 99 percent accurate in determining sex, depending on when it's done, how skilled the sonographer is and whether baby is in a position that shows the area between their legs. Mistakes can also be made.Are most sonographers female? ›
Are There Male Sonographers? Part of being a sonographer might be affected by your gender. Males interested in becoming sonographers might not know that 85-90% of sonographers are women.What math do sonographers use? ›
For example, you'll need to take and pass college algebra as well as anatomy and physiology. Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography.
Is there a lot of physics in ultrasound? ›
The crucial physics principles needed to understand and optimize clinical ultrasound include frequency, propagation speed, pulsed ultrasound, waves' interaction with tissue, angle of incidence, and attenuation. [3] Sound is mechanical energy that moves via alternating high and low-pressure waves through a medium.Do you need calculus to be an ultrasound tech? ›
What kind of math is needed to become an ultrasound technician? Sonographers and ultrasound technicians need to have a good grasp of high school level math (algebra, calculus and geometry) before entering a degree program.Can a sonographer make 6 figures? ›
The average annual salary for a sonographer is $80,680, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2021 salary survey. Those at the high end of the pay scale earned over $100,000, while those just beginning their career earned up to $59,640.How can an ultrasound tech make more money? ›
Several factors that may contribute to ultrasound technicians obtaining a higher salary may include education, certification, and location. Typically, the more specialized and higher level of education and training obtained by the technician, the higher the salary.What is the highest paid radiology? ›
- Neuroradiologist. Salary range: $373,000-$400,000 per year. ...
- Diagnostic Radiologist. Salary range: $337,500-$400,000 per year. ...
- Interventional Radiologist. Salary range: $203,000-$400,000 per year. ...
- Pediatric Radiologist. Salary range: $58,500-$352,000 per year. ...
- Registered Radiographer.
Key Differences Between Sonography & Radiology
As you can see, the biggest difference between radiology and sonography is the type of medical equipment you'll use. Plus, while an x-ray can diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, ultrasound focuses more on specific body parts and their health.
- Requires physical endurance. As a sonographer, you may spend most of your shift on your feet, which can require stamina. ...
- Offers varying work hours. As a sonographer, you may work longer hours, including weekends and nights. ...
- Involves anxious patients.
However, there's a difference between the two: An ultrasound is a tool used to take a picture. A sonogram is the picture that the ultrasound generates. Sonography is the use of an ultrasound tool for diagnostic purposes.What is the most a sonographer can make? ›
Sonographers can earn a solid income, especially when compared to other healthcare careers that are possible with an associate degree. As with all jobs, though, income varies across a spectrum. The top 10% of sonographers earn $101,650, in contrast to the bottom 10%, who earn $59,640, according to the BLS's 2021 data.What is the life of an ultrasound technician? ›
Q: What is a typical day in the life of a sonographer? A: A sonographer usually works an eight-hour shift and during that time completes 10-12 or more ultrasound scans along with required paperwork and documentation. This involves interaction with patients, physicians and other health care professionals.
What are the benefits of being a sonographer? ›
- Safe Diagnostic Imaging Career Choice. ...
- Ultrasound Technology Offers Job Variety. ...
- Medical Field Option with Limited "ooey-gooey-grossness" ...
- Sonographers Have Greatest Job Growth Potential. ...
- Baby Boomers are Living Longer. ...
- Sonographers Earn a Decent Annual Salary.
A career as an ultrasound technician is a well-respected career in the medical community and in society. You have the knowledge and skills that many people do not possess. Your career path has led you to a career that you will be viewed as a professional who is earning a fantastic living.What are career changes for sonographers? ›
Sonographers may choose to increase their clinical skillset by working towards a different clinical career. Becoming an advanced provider (physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, physical therapist) is an option for sonographers interested in a second clinical career.What are the disadvantages of being a sonographer? ›
Long and varying work hours: Sonographers often work in hospitals and clinics that stay open long hours. You could work nights and/or weekends to best serve your patients. Difficult patients: Some patients will be struggling with difficult emotional situations. These patients may lash out or become angry.Is sonography a lot of math? ›
Because of the nature of these courses, solid math and science skills are critical for program success. Algebra is also used in the actual process of sonography. For example, you'll need to use math to determine the circumference of the abdomen before beginning an ultrasound of the stomach.Is a sonography degree hard? ›
Like any career worth diving into these days, sonography is challenging. That said, if you receive the proper ultrasound training at a great school that has your best interests in mind, it can also be extremely rewarding. For many students, choosing the best ultrasound program isn't easy.What is a day in the life of a sonographer? ›
Q: What is a typical day in the life of a sonographer? A: A sonographer usually works an eight-hour shift and during that time completes 10-12 or more ultrasound scans along with required paperwork and documentation. This involves interaction with patients, physicians and other health care professionals.Is sonography a high stress job? ›
Stress and fatigue are other occupational hazards. Sonographers are on their feet most of the day, moving from patient to patient with few breaks in between. Staff shortages may result in heavier than normal workloads. Several difficult scans may be scheduled back-to-back at a physician's urgent request.How safe is sonography? ›
According to both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there's no evidence that ultrasounds harm a developing fetus. The exams don't use radiation or x-rays.Is a sonographer a high stress job? ›
Stress and burnout are significant problems for the sonographer as well as for other hospital workers. It is therefore essential that the ultrasound community real- ize that these problems exist.


text: Obvious self-promotion feels tawdry. This is especially true in the age of social media, when constantly marketing ourselves (to whom, exactly?) has become so easy, addictive and sophisticated. This is what makes the concept of a public intellectual contradictory. Too many TV and radio appearances; the churning pressure of a weekly column (bound to consist, partly, of mundane meditations); tweeting too much or in a way that tries too hard to be funny; going on a comedy quiz show. All of these things risk denigrating the standing of an intellectual and transforming them, in the public imagination, into the sort of person whose career has "pop" as This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 43 Essay: Open Relationships What happens when private therapy becomes public entertainment? Arts & Culture Issue 28 The Suite Spot On the public privacy and fleeting intimacy of hotel rooms. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Alice Sheppard On dance as a channel to commune with the body—even when it hurts. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Dr. Woo Meet the tattoo artist who's inked LA. Arts & Culture Issue 47 Walt Odets The author and clinical psychologist on why self-acceptance is the key to a gay man's well-being. Arts & Culture Fashion Issue 47 A Picture of Health Xiaopeng Yuan photographs the world's weirdest wellness cures.


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Are you aiming to develop your Python portfolio in 2023? Good move – we definitely will not try to talk you out of it! Check some Python project ideas that could boost your portfolio.
For the last several years, Python has been remaining at the top of IT rankings as one of the most demanded programming languages alongside JavaScript. Some say the winning streak cannot go on forever, but the case of Python proves against it. As of January 2023, Python still holds a strong first position in the PYPL (Popularity of Programming Languages) ranking, and nothing indicates that it will change anytime soon.
What can you use Python for?
Considering its versatility, you can take various paths as a Python developer. Used heavily in data science and machine learning, Python is a foundation of various popular and successful applications across different Industries, some of which we cannot imagine our daily life without – like Spotify, Uber, or Instagram.
Whenever you need to implement matching or recommendation algorithms, Python is your best friend. You can use it in web development, game development, network programming, and even 3D graphics. As you can see, the range of possibilities is quite astonishing. No wonder, Python is one of the most popular languages among those who decide to requalify or enter the IT industry. Why don't they pick an equally versatile JavaScript instead? It is mainly due to Python's smooth learning curve – its basics are simply easier and faster to learn compared to JS.
Python portfolio project ideas for 2023
Even though the demand for Python skills is high at the moment, the specialized portfolio will pave your way toward success. Here are some examples of simple Python projects which you can develop after hours in order to enrich your portfolio or search for freelance corporations in this particular field.
Sorting algorithm
There is no better programming language for writing sorting methods than Python. It is a perfect beginner Python project idea that will not give you a lot of trouble and work, but can impress your potential employer if you are hitting up a junior position in an IT industry. Just define your problem – it could be, for example, finding missing elements of the range or sorting in increasing order.
As we have mentioned, Python skills are strongly valued in the gaming industry, and if it's your dream destination, the game obviously comes as a perfect Python project for your resume. Don't worry – it does not mean that you have to have storytelling skills as well. If you are not into game design, or you don't feel skilled enough in this area, the perfect solution is to recreate a simple board game you like.
Interactive quiz
Quizzes are relatively easy to make, and at the same time, they make your portfolio more fun. Show your potential employers that you know how to build a classifying algorithm that will place the quiz player in a particular category based on the answers they provided. We love quizzes because, apart from demonstrating your skills, they are also a great way to express yourself, and show a bit of who you are to the company you are applying to and learn something in the process.
You can, for example, create a knowledge quiz in the area that interests you or a fun quiz that will show a bit of your comedy Talent. A sense of humor is an important aspect of IT recruitment, so you won't regret taking that path!
You may think this one is only for the most ambitious, but in fact, it is a perfect Python project for a resume that semi-advanced programmers will easily handle. You have a great amount of open source libraries to work with. However, except for its rapid development, the chatbot's niche is still strongly English oriented. So if English is not your native tongue, how about contributing to the development of NLP in your own language? Or, alternatively, you can work on the existing chatbots to make the interactions it creates more human-like. Here you can also demonstrate your awesome sense of humor, making your chatbot a fun one to be around!