In regards to the very graphic train video that has been posted

"R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet" (r-saldana)
03/19/2015 at 09:42 • Filed to: None

My company specifically designed a device that is purpose built to prevent people from crossing level-crossings, but we don;t have the kind of political connections to get a contract for installing them because of shady politicians and croneyism to whomever controls the existing contracts and construction clauses.

It's built into the ground about 15 feet before the tracks and has all the neccesary operating sensors built into the road to detect a vehicle trying to cross. It could even automatically deploy to block the whole street whenever the train crosses so as to prevent any automobile crossing whatsoever. Alas, all the money that greases palms in politics does us zero favors. It's a shame as these systems are extremely robust and adept at saving lives.

http://futurenetsecurity.com/

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DISCUSSION (42)

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 09:51

That's how the "free market" works in this country. Once you bribe pay-off feleciate talk to your duly-elected congress-critters representatives, you are free to enter the market.

See, it's easy. Anyone can have equal representation all for the low, low price of several thousand dollars in campaign contributions. More if you want better results .

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 09:54

I don't want to rag on you or your product, but are you sure you want people who don't realize that in car v train, the car always loses to continue polluting the gene pool?

nFamousCJ - Keeper of Stringbean, Gengars and a Deezul > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/19/2015 at 09:57

I'm all for natural selection

thebigbossyboss > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 09:59

Thank you for posting this.

You might try getting smaller towns to put up a few as experiments first. I hear they need a lot less contributions for any given council seat. Then again you guys run a real company...don't take advice from some guy on the internet.

and 100 more > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/19/2015 at 09:59

Right? Because fuck that guy!

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
03/19/2015 at 10:08

There will always be a way for Darwin award nominees to achieve their subconsciously desired goal.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > thebigbossyboss
03/19/2015 at 10:12

We have been doing that for a few years now here in the Nashville suburbs. a few gated communities have our systems as security gates. It's just a way to get our product out there.

IOur main goal is the embassies/borders/military bases. I can tell you that had we had the modible version of this that we make, I would have a lit less nightmares about people trying to drive onto an Iraq/Afghan Marine base with vehicles laden with PE-4 and the like. A lot less Iraqi's and afghan's would have had to die (well, the innocent ones who don't understand the purpose of our roadblocks and chose to drive through and subsequently were shot, sad stuff that is never told to the people about what they had us doing over there)

thebigbossyboss > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:15

Yes these things are true. My best friend served with the canadian army over in afghanistan so I know how it is.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > thebigbossyboss
03/19/2015 at 10:21

Exactly, you can't just show up in someone else's backyard and interrupt their daily commute to market or wherever with concertina wire and expect them to know what the eff is going on.

Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:22

Y'all going to be at ISC West next month. Great place to get your company out there.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:34

Y U GOTTA POST A GRAB-300. You guys know the DOD issued a memo on that unit and the potential security risk and additional enforcement suggested for facilities using that model right? If the unit is deployed a vehicle can ram the net connection points and shear the bolts off, disabling the barrier. I've seen those units (why the were still S&W owned) at Ft Meade all over the place. Plus they take up tons of room and the net is exposed when the barrier isn't popped. I would personally suggest a Barrier1 net barrier, but damn are they temperamental and a bitch to maintain.

I'm sure either GRAB would work for a rail road crossing for passenger vehicles, but I'm not sure what the test results were for penetration distance depending on vehicle speed. I know a 25mph impact from a 4,000lb SUV wouldn't be an issue, but something like a semi might not work.

All that being said, I think net barriers would make more sense than the drop arms at rail road crossings, since they have ground induction loops to detect vehicles and can pop up when cars are clear. The nets would prevent people from trying to race the train or trying to sneak by the arms. The only prohibitive part would be cost and maintenance. $350,000 per barrier would get pricey, and if the net doesn't reset correctly you'd need a technician to fix it.

Your SW1700 bollards would make more sense I think - smaller form factor and less maintenance issues.

BaconSandwich is tasty. > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
03/19/2015 at 10:35

America: the only democracy where you vote with your wallet, not your ballot.

Tohru > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:36

I'm on mobile so I can't really read the corporate site, so I'll ask you. If it's built into the road, how would it handle winter? Salt, snow, ice, etc.?

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > BaconSandwich is tasty.
03/19/2015 at 10:38

It's still voting, so therefore is not corruption.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:39

If you're looking for more work, set up an account for your company at Fed Biz Opps (FBO.gov) and look for barrier work solicitations. New government buildings and military installations will almost always have a component for entry security. There's plenty of it up here around DC, and I know you guys have gotten work at Ft Meade before (not sure how recently). Your company needs to focus on DoD and military installations for most of the work, as these are usually the only places that the requirement for barrier systems. You could probably get maintenance contracts or new installs for wedge barriers at local and state government offices, as these are usually the types of places you would see wedges.

jariten1781 > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 10:48

Just curiosity (since my company does physical security stuff, though I'm not involved in that...different division); can the cable barriers handle multiple impacts and still function or are you still stuck with wedge types for that?

I've seen maritime cable barriers in use, but I don't think I've ever seen land based ones at entry point control.

As Du Volant > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 11:10

Kinja'd!!!

Someone needs to make this into a KINJA'D gif.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > jariten1781
03/19/2015 at 11:19

We have three different systems that are still int he same family as this barrier. They are all retractable and if I am not mistaken can handle multiple incidents with major repair.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 11:25

I had not gotten that memo, could you email it to me? rsaldana at futurenetsecurity

And yeah we do have the bollards too I posted the GRABB because that was it's original designed purpose; to keep passenger vehicles from crossing railroad track crossings in Log Island NY

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 11:27

I willl look into this. Was talking with one of our two sales guys about taking over the marketing and social media aspects of the company. I will give this a look. But keep in mind I am the IT guy for the company so I don't have a bacjground of acquiring contracts.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Tohru
03/19/2015 at 11:28

I will have to ask some of maintenance or engineering guys and get back to you.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped
03/19/2015 at 11:31

Thanks I sent that event to my sales guys to see if there is any interest.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 11:50

As the IT guy you could definitely sign them up for it. I would hope they already have an account. It's essentially how most federal contractors bid and get work.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 11:51

I'm trying to get a copy now. It was sent to me about a year ago, but I don't have access to my previous employer's email any more.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 12:19

Yeah, after talking to my INTL sales guru, several department heads are set up on it. I am just unfamiliar with the actual business practices. I just build the thing that allows them to do what they do.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 12:19

– The GRAB has a net retraction system that we developed, tested, and certified by a 3 rd party agency. The GRAB is thus certified for multiple impacts (i.e. the net will remain in the upright position and the energy absorbing capacity at the rated levels aren't compromised). DOD (rather USACE) should be issuing a clarification memo.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > jariten1781
03/19/2015 at 12:20

redacted

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Tohru
03/19/2015 at 12:21

There is no issue with net exposure in any environmental condition, it's braided steel cable, the same shit that sits exposed on the deck of an aircraft carrier! While the plastic encasement may be damaged, the actual structural energy absorbing components of the net will remain unaffected by ANY environmental impact. Any concerns about net exposure are unfounded and based on limited understanding of net's construction.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped
03/19/2015 at 12:21

We will be there.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 12:22

Retractable bollards, in general, require the most amount of maintenance and installation resources of any barrier system. The mechanics are imbedded deep in the earth in the lane of traffic, therefore you have to shut down or re-route traffic flow to work on them, whereas the GRAB lifting mechanisms are on the sides of the road and above grade. The GRAB can cover up to a 62' span. To do that with bollards you would need dozens and the maintenance would be atrocious, not to mention the power consumption requirements. Installation costs of bollards are much higher as well as you need to set a deep foundation for every cylinder whereas the GRAB is shallow mount and the net trough is only about 6" deep across the roadway span and doesn't require any reinforcement hardware (ie rebar).

Finally, bollards at a railroad crossing completely defeat the purpose of having a "safe catch" type system.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 12:50

DoD had sent this one out. It was more along the lines of an "FYI you guys might want to think about this if you have a GRAB unit" rather than an "all hands on deck" type thing. I do know that the USACE has seen it, or at least their Baltimore office.

Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 12:50

Cool, I will look for your booth. This is the big boy of the security conferences.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Verdog ~ manual Bro, Bro - HellHawk Equipped
03/19/2015 at 12:58

Be advised, I will not be there but my companies CEO and sales directors will be.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 13:02

I didn't know retractable bollards would require so much maintenance. Also, as far as install goes you're still shutting down the road and performing asphalt work when you install a GRAB unit (at least saw cutting and patch work).

I wouldn't call the net barrier system a safe catch - even at 25mph there's damage done to the vehicle although mostly cosmetic; any faster and airbags would off as the hood crumples. People usually run railroad tracks as fast as possible because they see the train and try to beat it.

I would think your HR department is doing some outreach to the local communities about the GRABs for railway crossings, but unless they have a problem crossing area with a significant number of accidents or deaths I'm not sure if a community would shell out for a couple GRABs.

Have they tried marketing their droparms instead? It would be less expensive to install a couple K4 or K12 barriers across two lanes of traffic, and they could be automated to work with the train warning lights similar to existing drop arms. The problem with current drop arms is that they only reach one lane across on either side, so someone tenacious enough could try to slip in between them.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 13:17

Apparently, crossing level crossings in Long Island was so bad that it prompted a fireman to design the original Grabb and try to get them installed all over the state of NY.

Again remember Partyvi, I am just the systems admin, I don;t do the construction, engineering, or development of the devices outside of the office and remote user network. And also I do not speak for the company, officially. I was just reminded of our companies original idea and purpose by that train incident video yesterday.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 13:22

I know I know, but every bit of information helps. It would go a long way for you to learn about your product even if you don't deal with it hands-on every day. I'm still tracking down that letter.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 13:24

I do try to learn a little about it every day, mostly on the assisting field guys and engineers sides though.

Party-vi > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 13:34

Check your email - I just sent the memo from an @NICCJV email address. Again, this is just an FYI. I'm not sure if anyone at your company has seen it.

Tohru > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 13:50

That's pretty cool. I was just curious if the deployment operations would be affected by snow or ice on top of the roadway.

ranwhenparked > R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet
03/19/2015 at 14:04

But, if you start installing those at level crossings, you're going to force old people to find another way to get their kicks. They could go back to doing other dangerous things, like driving the wrong way on a divided highway or driving straight off the end of a pier.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Party-vi
03/19/2015 at 14:14

I'm not sure if they have or not, been kind of grim around here lately.

R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > ranwhenparked
03/19/2015 at 14:15

Darwin awards