A key requirement for the success of the systems is that the jacks must be accurately synchronised while they are lifting and lowering the train, so the risk of distorting the vehicle bodies is eliminated, and the weight of the train, which may be as much as several hundred tonnes, is evenly distributed between the jacks.

After looking carefully at Mechan’s requirements, Jenkinson Electrical Engineering proposed a solution based on modern automation products that incorporate the latest technology and are readily available off-the-shelf. The key products chosen were Eaton XC100 programmable controllers (PLCs) and XV100 touch-screen operator interface units.

Jenkinson selected the XC100 PLCs as they are compact modular devices that can easily be expanded to meet future requirements, and because they support the CANopen fieldbus system without the need for additional hardware. The XV100 operator interface panels were chosen because of their robust construction, high quality colour screens and their ease of programming.