I was having issues with the Trenton version of the ACS-64 when it comes to acknowledging ATC signal downgrades. Basically it wouldn't let me acknowledge the alarm after putting the brakes into suppression. This would cause the train to aggressively penalty brake. It must think I'm ignoring the signal. I tried a run from NY Penn to Trenton with the Boston version of the ACS-64 and I had no problem with signal downgrades. Had an enjoyable run. If you're looking to run the ACS-64 on Trenton and find it's not all that smooth, this could be a good stopgap until they fix whatever the issue is.
Not aware of an issue - can you share a video of it? Question: Are you activating the cab (reverser in etc) before activating safety systems? and are you doing so from a seated position? (or at least, have sat down at least once before doing other things)
DTG Matt I spawn into the service in cab seated in the chair. I put the reverser into forward, then stand up and activate safety systems on the wall behind me. Then I sit back down and continue my setup. I can try reversing the process and see what happens Also, I can get you a video but it probably won't be tonight.
DTG Matt I experienced something similar today where I was well under the speed limit but could not acknowledge the alarm. I noticed the speed limit started jumping around a little just after the alarm started but at speeds above what I was doing. It brought me to a complete stop. I wasn't sure if it was something I did wrong but it seemed very erratic with the speed limit changing 3 or 4 times in 3 seconds. I set my reverser to forward etc BEFORE standing up to activate the safety systems. Is that correct? I can provide the video if you think it could be useful. Edit: I have added the video. Looking back at it I see it it did actually drop below my speed for about half a second and I didn't see that so I was slow with the brakes because I didn't think I needed to use them. The erratic behaviour of the maximum speed cannot be normal though.
Yeah I reproduced it again near Trenton. You'll get the brakes into suppression and the acknowledge won't work until what looks like a penalty application. This is with the Trenton version of the ACS-64. When I tried the Boston version I did not get the same error. I have a video recorded. I just don't have time to upload it right now.
If problem still exists use the Boston Sprinter version. Try posting this on technical report section
I replayed the service today but got around the problematic signal by passing it at 45mph then mashing the acknowledge button until the alarm shut up and accepted it. Everything else went smoothly from there and it was an enjoyable drive.
There’s definitely something different in the way the Boston and Trenton ACS-64 handle speed drops. I just tested it quick on the Boston route. Coming out of Providence there is a drop from 70 to 60 just past where you run beside the highway. I intentionally kept at 70 until hitting that drop so that I would hit the over speed. Boston ACS: you can hit suppression and acknowledge the speed drop right away and it stops beeping, decelerate until the proper speed, and you’re good. Trenton ACS: hitting acknowledge doesn’t seem to do anything, it keeps beeping at you regardless and doesn’t stop beeping until you actually drop below the new speed. It also seems to harsh brake you I guess because as others mentioned it doesn’t think you acknowledged? But that said once you’re below the new speed and acknowledge you can carry on. Not an expert on acses so not sure which is more correct but the Boston version seems smoother and regardless they should both work the same? Probably a priority fix this should be… plenty of people on the new route might not have the Boston one to choose from…
I can confirm this as well, the Trenton ACS-64 does not allow you to acknowledge an ATC downgrade, so even with the brakes in suppression you get penalty brake application no matter what.
Another weird discrepancy I noticed between the Boston and Trenton versions of ACS… Repeated a few times on the same service on NYT route, NE regional 141 Springfield to Washington: Boston ACS: when leaving Penn, the ATC keeps you at approach medium/30mph for basically the entire tunnel. You don’t get bumped up to ACSES 60 until the very end near exiting the tunnel, then you get ACSES 75, then you get another random ATC 30 approach medium drop as you round the corner for no obvious reason, then right to clear 125/MAS 75 a couple seconds later. Then back to another ATC 30 right around where you’re supposed to get to the 90 zone. It’s weird and doesn’t seem to make sense. I tried that service twice and same results with Boston ACS. The second time I took the train past Secaucus where I got another random 30 atc drop but didn’t continue past there. Doing exact same run on the other ACS-64. Same service, same time of day, same month, and technically the same train (just different because TSW has 2 versions): Trenton ACS: this one gives you a clear 125 shortly after leaving the platform, so you can go track speed for the entire tunnel, which is 60 for most of it. When you exit the tunnel you stay on ACSES 60, then get bumped to 75. Then as you round the corner things get weird. In the span of about 3 seconds you go: 75>ATC 60>ACSES 75>ACSES 90. To add to the weirdness of that erratic speed change, I stayed under 60 that entire time, so I never broke any speed limit, and I also mash the acknowledge the entire time, but it penalty brakes me. I also tried the exact situation twice with the same results both times (see video below): So there is definitely something up with the ACS-64s and how they respond to signals/acknowledgment/speed changes. And to make things more confusing it seems that the two versions behave very differently in some situations, even in the exact same route/service/time/location/traffic. Not sure if signals play into this maybe cActUsjUiCe has input.
I don't understand why both routes can't have the same version of ACS-64. The way both of them handle signals and speed changes is vastly different and is very confusing. Wondering what the reasoning was for this.
And we actually have 3 of them… I haven’t tried the TSW2/Phase III special livery one yet… I would assume it probably behaves the same as the Boston one though.
I also ran into this a couple times. The ASES tutorial for the ALP-46 is also the exact same as the ACSES tutorial, despite the fact that the ALP-46 loco does not have a suppression brake state. It is clear that the QA team at DTG dropped a major ball here. I still have no idea how to use the ASES system as the in cab signal is Red when the tutorial starts. Its just frustrating.
The Red over Dark signal in the cab at the start is a 'restricted' signal (15/20mph), not a 'stop'. 'Stop' will show as a Red over Red.
Access an ATC Not going down after resuming from a Save Gameplay. Basically Access or ATC Not working after resuming from save cActUsjUiCe Can you please look into this when you have the time, thanks
That is more of a core issue since save game has issues and is getting improved over time. You can reset the safety systems after you load from save or do the whole run in one sitting.
not sure if Boston Sprinter version has this, but when you mess with the screen on the left side, you can check status of safety systems, and ATC it shows as cut-in while ACSES it shows as... nothing... I mean, it works and it enforces stuff, but it still shows as kinda not cut-in even though it is... will try the Boston version if it displays this correctly tried Boston version, that one behaves a bit different, cant say if really that much better... shows same screen as the one I have just posted here
Overall, which route and train / cab gives the best ATC/ACSES experience? Makes learning the system difficult when there is no consistency.
They're all a bit different tbh there is no one system. Boston Providence and Trenton (with an ACS64) is Amtrak's flavour of integration. Trenton with an ALP is NJT's version called ACES (note spelling) - same system, different interface Harlem is similar again LIRR is like Harlem, but with the speed control feature amongst other subtle differences. Theres lack of consistency in the game because there's lack of consistency in reality tbh It's all founded on the same principles though, so once you learn one, the others become much easier. Matt.
is this screen supposed to show stuff like this? why isnt ACSES showing as cut-in (I drive ONLY with safety systems on, always)... I mean, stuff is working as it should, just noticed this
