CatMon is a monitoring system that detects imperfections in the catenary/overhead wire (OHW) by measuring abnormal impacts recorded bypassing pantograph unit.

Easy to install, solar powered units are mounted to the pantographs of regular in-service trains which then provide continuous readings of the OHW condition as the train continues in service.

The information is quickly scrutinised and reported to maintenance teams via the CatMon dashboard. Automated alarms are triggered when specific concerns - such as the development of hard spots and other imperfections on the wires - are detected, with the location plotted on the dashboard's map.  

On many networks, catenary maintenance work is only conducted after scheduled inspections performed by a measurements train.

However, when emerging issues in the wires go undetected entirely preventable component failures, or even wire breakages, become more frequent occurrences, leading to service disruption and expensive repair work.

CatMon provides an alternative, more cost-effective approach: using in-service trains to carry monitoring equipment and provide real-time intelligence of emerging faults:

1. Accelerometers are mounted on the pantograph head. The units are solar powered and clamped to the pantograph without requiring permanent change to the train.
2. Data is collected in real-time and sent via 3G. All data is aggregated and analysed.
3. Information is reported via a web-based interface that allows operators to locate emerging problems across their network.
4. Alternatively, the measurement data can also be provided via an API, facilitating integration in the customer's systems. 

Optional add-on: Capture high-resolution video footage during impact events

Our partner, Telemattica, has developed an optional add-on to our CatMon system that uses a ruggedized, rail-specific camera to capture of high-resolution video footage during impact events detected by the CatMon system.
 
Data collected by the camera is made available through a browser-based interface via secure web browser and as raw data via API.

Users are able to view registered events just minutes after they occur, and access details of the location, severity of impact, direction of asset and device health.

Improved track availability: With real-time reporting, CatMon can prompt immediate action to prevent dewirements and improve track availability and safety.

Real time insights: Once installed, CatMon constantly scans the overhead wires for irregularities, providing continuous surveys of the network.

Cost reduction: Preventing dewirements and damage to the onboard pantograph will lead to significant cost reductions. Meanwhile, the use of regular in-service trains also eliminates the expense and disruption of a measurement trains and visual inspections.

Easy installation and maintenance: Installation takes less than an hour with the CatMon units powered by solar panels that require limited maintenance.