EBA (Electronic Bell Assembly):
The electronic level crossing bell



During many decades of use throughout the world, Vialis' electromechanical crossing bells earned a well-deserved reputation of being safe and reliable. In the 1980's, Vialis initiated a project with the Dutch State Railways (NS) to develop a solid-state bell. Vialis set aside preconceived notions and gave their engineers the freedom to use all available technology. The result is the a breakthrough in the area of acoustic warning systems for level crossings: the electronic EBA bell, a bell with a MTBF of over 100 years.
 
The EBA bells meets both the requirements of NS and the specifications of the American Association of Railroads (AAR). In brief, when a warning bell with high performance is needed, the EBA bell is the answer, not just for technical reasons, but also for cost reasons.
 
Main Features
 
Sound, volume and frequency
The EBA bells sounds like an electromechanical bell, this to avoid confusion among the public. However, in fact, the amplitude of certain frequencies has been redcued to minimize noise pollution. Other frequencies have been amplified in order to assist the hearing-impaired. The EBA is delivered with the volume adjusted to a level suitable for normal hearing, in accordance with AAR specifications for level crossings. However, the bell may be delivered with a higher or lower volume as well as a completely custom sound profile provided by the client.

The volume can also be adjusted after delivery using DIP-switches. Sound, volume and frequency are stable, and will remain so throughout the years.All sound data is stored digitally in a sound module. The EBA contains almost no moving parts, and that is what makes the very high MTBF possible. The EBA is completely maintenance-free.
 
Housing and installation
All components are housed inside a robust aluminum housinge. This housing meets the demands for use in climates, including tropical climates. If the customer so desires, the ECB's can be mounted elsewhere. Installing the EBA requires no special training. The EBA can replace electromechanical bells without any modifications.
 
SPECIFICATIONS
All-weather housing:
IP44 according to IEC 529
(Loudspeaker: IP 67)
 
Constructed to operated at
temperatures from -40 C till +75 C.
(-40 F till +167 F)
 
Positioning:
horizontally adjustable 360 degrees
Volume:
adjustable from 74 dB(A) up to
92 dB(A) at a distance of 2 m
along speaker centerline
 
 
Current at 83 dB(A):
< 160 mA
 
 
Normal operating voltage:
10-18 V DC
(other ranges are possible)

Box 424 | 124 04 Bandhagen | Stockholm, Sweden
E-mail: sales at railroadsystems.com