First Quarter 2007 News Letter

ATBD Inc. in conjunction with STC is pleased to announce the release of the new SmartScan Model 2400 Portable Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) Reader. The new Handheld is built on the experience obtained over the past ten years utilizing its core tag reader while incorporating the processing power of an iPAQ PDA. Development for the new handheld has taken over one year in order to insure maximum functionality and reliability.

The new device reads, translates, displays, and records all AAR approved transportation tags. An optional barcode reader is able to read, decode, and record standard barcodes.

The SmartScan Model 2400 Portable AEI Reader is a very versatile AEI tag reader. It is primarily used to verify AEI tag data or to capture track consist by reading the AEI tags on the rail vehicles. The two main components are a commercial Personal Data Assistant (PDA) and an AEI RF reader board along with a battery, housed in a rugged enclosure. An optional barcode reader is available.

The battery that provides power to the AEI reader electronics also provides power to the PDA, and the case protects the PDA from mishandling and weather. Because the PDA has wireless network capabilities (both 802.11b and Bluetooth), AEI tag data can be easily sent directly to other computer systems. AEI data is sent in a comma delimited text file or a file containing the T94 records. Either of these file types can be attached to an email or uploaded to an FTP server. The Model 2400 Portable AEI reader can send AEI data files directly to up to seven email addresses in addition to an FTP server.

ATBD Inc. in our look to the future, has developed relationships within the alternative fuel manufacturing, Ethanol and Bio Diesel, sector to insure this fast growing industry is compatable with wayside data reporting. AEI, both fixed and portable, is of interest to address the increasing rail transportation issues facing the manufactures.

ATBD Inc. has designed, developed, and implemented new low cost AEI data collection systems with an eye on flexability and the goal of host system integration. By redesigning and repackaging the basic componets for AEI data acquision, the hardware/software costs can be driven below $15K. Each system is designed based on the unique requirements of our customers. To further simplify integration complete back office AEI data management facilities are available.

ATBD Inc. has announced a marketing agreement with Tiefenbach USA to assist in sales and market development in North and Central America. The agreement allows ATBD Inc. to act as a manufacturer’s representitive and offer direct pricing from Tiefenbach to our customer base. The Tiefenbach product line is based on an extremely reliable axel counting system. These systems are best suited for absolute presence detection, protection, and reporting at grade crossings, track switches, bridge control, interlocking, and/or yard inventory regardless of track or road bed conditions.

ATBD Inc. has added New Products to our web site, as new products and services become available to the industry they will be identified and listed under New Products. Featured for the first list are the new AEI Read/Write tags and programmers, handheld devices, transportable AEI readers, and WaveNet replacement solutions.

ATBD Inc. is entering the third year of their contract with PTRA for AEI system health monitoring (M2). The M2 system takes in all consist messages and through its program logic identifies failures and more importantly pending failures reporting them to PTRA management, Example. M2 is the precursor for the sophisticated health monitoring system supported by 10 East. The ATBD/10 East application handles all Front End Processing and monitors the system health using both consist and maintenance messages, Example.

10 East introduces RailHound for the railroad industry and the industry’s customers. RailHound is the railroad industry’s dedicated search engine, enter FROG and see how it applies to a railroad switch rather than a way for your family to get warts. RailHound is accessible here at ATBD Inc.’s web site.

ATBD Inc. has completed a four month study and analysis of Canadian Pacific Railway’s Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) infrastructure and integration. The results of the investigation are confidential however; CP’s upper management embraced the analysis and will no doubt use it to set their path to the future relative to wayside systems and communication.

Working with Southern Technologies (STC) of Chattanooga, ATBD Inc. has participated in the development of a transportable AEI reader system. The system is S-918 and S-918A certified and can handle multiple reporting, switching, high speed traffic, and remote/self diagnostics. Development has been made necessary to reduce the overall and on going costs associated with the installation and implementation of AEI systems Photo. The transportable system reduces equipment costs by 25% and installation costs by 50%. Applications for the transportable system range from Short Line mainline systems to Industry and Customer gate where interoperability with the connecting railroad is required.

Handheld AEI tag readers are a hot topic for the railroad customer base. Handheld readers have been integrated into industrial host operating systems, vendor provided operating systems, and industrial inventory management systems. ATBD Inc. continues to monitor the development of these handhelds and their applications for our customers. Like AEI wayside reader systems handheld development is driver by required functionality, understanding the customer’s requirements is an important step in the identification of the proper handheld provider.

ATBD Inc. in conjunction with RailTech Communications and CSW Consulting has completed the AEI System rebuild and upgrade project for the Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) of Houston Texas. The PTRA now enjoys a completely updated and supportable AEI infrastructure along with an in-house AEI System Monitoring Program. Work included relocation of five sites and rehabilitation/upgrading of eighteen sites. Photos of the completed sites are available in the photo gallery of this web site. This PowerPoint presentation summarizes the project.

OmniTRAX, Denver, CO has taken over operation of the Fulton County Railway (FCRW), formerly CSXT property, as part of their family of companies. OmniTRAX is a user of the Railcar Management Incorporated (RMI) operating system, which is integrated with AEI reported data. ATBD Inc. has completed installation of two sites on the FCRW to manage interchange reporting and inventory. Photos of the completed sites are available in the photo gallery of this web site.

In order to meet the requirements of the non-Class I Railroads, Railroad Holding Companies, and their Customers, ATBD Inc. is working with 10East, Jacksonville, FL (http://www.10east.com/). 10East now provides complete Front End Processing (FEP) service to the Rail Industry and Customers. With the 10East functionality AEI data is immediately available to the owner via the web with security and reliability. Additional functionality includes managing data communication to RMI railroad operating systems. Utilizing 10East eliminates the costs associated with FEP purchase and ownership while making your AEI site(s) immediately productive.

AEI Monitoring Service and Maintenance Support (M2) development is progressing well with release due first quarter 2005. M2 is a scaleable application starting with interpretation of consist data to detect and report failure and pending failures. Full service includes consist data management (FEP), consist data interpretation, maintenance message management, customer notification, and service response. The system is web based, secure, reliable, and flexible to meet your needs.

Partners and/or Working Relationships:
   Transcore                                       Scientific Applications International (SAIC)
   AMTECH                                      Railcar Management (RMI)
   RailTech Communications               Railroad Controls Limited (RCL)
   CSW Consulting                             Total Communications Business Group (TCB)
   Vision Financial Leasing                  Southern Technology (STC)

Andrew S. Friend|
President  - ATBDInc.


Fall Newsletter 2004

Subject: Status of ATBD Inc. and Future Projects

I appreciate this opportunity to offer an update regarding the status and future plans of ATBD Inc.

The Port Terminal Railroad Association (PTRA) has contracted ATBD Inc. to optimize their AEI infrastructure. Work completed thus far is the relocation of six sites and major repairs to five additional sites. Currently work is progressing on a complete system upgrade.

In conjunction with the above, ATBD Inc. has provided PTRA a long-term strategy for the optimization and exploitation of PTRA’s AEI investment. Strategy includes a system wide upgrade, repairs, relocations, and most importantly a maintenance system. As of September 9th, 2004. PTRA has signed a 3 year contract with ATBD Inc. to provide system monitoring and maintenance of their AEI sites starting January 2005.  The proposed maintenance system, though not completely developed, will front end maintenance messages and combine them with consist messages to provide the most complete AEI monitoring system developed to date. CSW Consulting Walnut Creek, California has started the software construction to support this effort and the final product will be delivered fourth quarter 2004.

PTRA has worked with Railcar Management (RMI) of Atlanta to improve automated data capture using AEI as the major input source. ATBD Inc. attended the June RMI User Group meeting and was introduced as a preferred AEI provider for RMI. RMI has a customer base of over 210 railroads using its RailConnect TMS service for capturing car and train movement events, and AEI integration is a critical component of the TMS system.

ATBD Inc. has also entered into agreement with Railroad Controls Limited (RCL) of Fort Worth. RCL will provide field support for AEI maintenance contracts. RCL is one of the fastest growing railroad construction companies in North America providing such services as track, signal, crossing, dispatching, communication, repair, disaster recovery, and maintenance. Through their vast railroad and governmental connections, RCL can also identify local, state, and federal funding to upgrade railroad infrastructure.

Recently ATBD Inc. has developed a quality relationship with RailTech Communications of Independence, Missouri, to provide AEI installation, repair, relocation, and parts. RailTech is a promising new company with vast experience in railroad systems, system installation, and is currently working on the PTRA project.

Working with Vision Financial, ATBD Inc. has paved the way for leasing of AEI equipment including installation. Typical leasing agreement would be for thirty-six months with a one dollar buyout at the end of the lease. With the lease arrangement, payments are in the $1,000 to $1,500 per month range making AEI system integration and ownership more attractive.

ATBD Inc.’s future plans are to grow the AEI monitoring/maintenance portion of their business while providing a complete AEI solution from education to integration.

Partners and/or Working Relationships:
   Transcore                                       Scientific Applications International (SAIC)
   AMTECH                                      Railcar Management (RMI)
   RailTech Communications               Railroad Controls Limited (RCL)
   CSW Consulting                             Total Communications Business Group (TCB)
   Vision Financial Leasing                  Southern Technology (STC)

Andrew S. Friend|
President  - ATBDInc.