3 Module TECU, showing how each module can be easily removed or inserted and secured, SD card or Multimedia Card compatible
Traction Engine Control Unit (TECU) – Big performance in a small package


TECU is TMV’s complete microprocessor-based control package for your locomotive. 

Efficiently and quickly managing hundreds of analog and digital input and output signals, TECU is nimble yet robust in meeting the demands of rail applications.

The package allows for easy integration in a variety of new locomotives, streetcars, and marine vehicles, as well as an upgrade to existing platforms and older diesel electric trains.  TECU can be configured into mother-slug configurations, conventional diesel-electric locomotives, diesel-hydraulic locomotives, passenger trains and streetcars. 

The TECU is an All-in-One system, with Event Recording, Locomotive Monitoring, Auto Engine Start up & Shut down (AESS), and wheel slip & slide control. Keep scrolling to see additional products for above-par data collection.

Locomotives with TECUs

Battery 999GP11GP39GP7SD39SE10BSW800
BL14GP15GP39-2GP9SD40SE15BSW900
BL20GP16GP39-3MP15-ACSD40-2SE15B-T4
BL36GP30GP39-9MP15-DCSD40-3SE25B
DL541GP35GP40MP36PHSD45SE32C
E8GP38GP40-2SD10SD50SW1001
F40PHGP38-2GP40-3SD20SD60SW1200
F59PHGP38-3GP49SD35SD70MACSW1201
F7AGP38-ACGP59SD38SD9SW1500
F7BGP38-DCGP60SD38-2SD90MACSW8
Long list of locomotive models running under TECU systems

Check out our Gallery for photos of TECU applications.
Check out our Case Studies page for stories of TECU applications,
Or see Knoxville Locomotive Works’ website page:
Locomotives that Emit Less, Consume Less, and Do More



Advantages Include:


Easy installation.

Easy & Intuitive to use. 

– Common interface-type ports for data retrieval
(USB, Ethernet, RS232, RS485, MultiMedia Card).

Reliability & Performance – nearly 700 systems since 2005.

– Offers an extensive amount of capabilities & capacity

– High degree of system customization to control and monitor exactly what you want.

“Reach Back” efficiency maintained when the TECU is updated, so your version will never become obsolete.

– Easy integration of newest technology into platform.

Precise and constant wheel-slip control, which increases wheel-to-rail adhesion for greater tractive effort (20-30%). 

– Detailed and accurate data and fault logs offer superior diagnostics to monitor and troubleshoot what occurred,
when, and in which order

Money Savings

– Easy-to-use software package with no licensing or subscription fees

– Software upgrades within warranty period at no additional cost.

– Reduction in wiring and contactors needed for retrofit applications. 

– UTEX program – Unit Exchange for quick swapping and problem solving on-the-go.




TECU Add-ons 

LCD Display screen showing locomotive axle speed data



The Touch-screen colour LCD display unit can display several different screens of information to show live data, and to perform locomotive tests.  It is capable, modern, easy-to-navigate and customizable.  
The TECU display eliminates the need for the communication interface panel (which is required on other systems).  Equipped with high-speed, standardized CAN interface for optimal engine control.




orange and crash hardened, this memory saver is a locomotive black box
Crash Hardened Memory Module





The Crash Hardened Memory Module keeps data safe in the event of a crash, with protection against fire, impact shock, and submersion. Because the TECU is your onboard Event Recorder, these valuable data recorded need to be saved. This includes speed data: so you can check speed limit conformance and efficiency, temperatures: to check the health of your locomotive, run time, notches, and reverser position: so you can track performance of runs, engine stats: so you can predict maintenance, and of course, voltages and current: to monitor the activity of your generator and traction motors.



Small rectangular box with two cables makes up the g force sensor. The cables' RS232 connectors are labeled to connect to the TECU and the TECU digital touch screen Display
TMV’s G Force Sensor, mounted in the Main Electrical Cabinet.




G Force Sensor, to collect data on gentle or rough handling, is a valuable tool for training crew members, or for settling disputes with leasing clients.







TECU with cellular kit for remote monitoring, wires and modems, 3 modules, attractive sleek design
3-module TECU with cellular kit for Remote Monitoring



The Remote Health Monitoring cellular kit addition to the TECU enables you to remotely view your locomotive whereabouts and all other gathered data. This is a powerful management tool as it enables the fleet manager to observe a wealth of information without relying on physically being present, contacting the crew, convenient times of day, or other technology such as video chatting. Any time of day or night, from anywhere, your managers can direct assets and service trucks, plan routes, plan around weather conditions, preplan maintenance and fueling, and accurately answer customer questions about location and status of shipments.



accurate data display, megawatt hours, trip log megawatt data
Megawatt Tracking Display for better engine maintenance schedules



A Megawatt Meter is a major convenience for the maintenance crew, when tracking fuel usage proves difficult. The most accurate way to track engine work is through megawatt hours, which truthfully indicate the energy expended by the locomotive engine and generator during runs. If your train is long and inclines are steep, the megawatt hour meter will let you know exactly how much harder your locomotive has to work to accomplish its tasks.




exterior mounted fuel level display in gallons mounted on the side of a locomotive above the diesel fuel tank
Exterior-mounted fuel level display available in gallons or litres


A Fuel Level Display that works in bright and dimly lit conditions is a necessity. Fuel level is monitored and displayed, and useful fuel usage information is sent to the onboard display which is mounted in the cab. The onboard display can serve dual purpose as a Megawatt Monitor, for additional engine and generator statistics.


Installed TMV axle generator in the axle of a large locomotive, with cable routed to main electrical cabinet inside the locomotive for accurate speed sensing
Installed TMV Axle Generator for accurate speed sensing






TMV Axle Generators are for getting accurate speed measurements from DC traction motors. These speed data are used by the onboard TECU control system to quickly respond to wheel slips and slides, eliminating traction problems such as wasted time, wasted energy, and overheating the rail. In conjunction with sanding control, the TECU will accelerate your train at the fastest possible rate.







Auto-start kit, includes relays, sensors, switches, governor oil pump, and more


 

Auto-start items within the TECU kit include: 
– 100psi & 200psi pressure sensors
– LOS Override solenoid valve
– EPD override solenoids
– Thermistors
– Load shed relays
– Engine Prime
– Engine Start
– Start Buzzer
– & any other required sensors and switches.










Standard and Optional control features include:
AESS
Wheel slip & Wheel creep 
Cooling fan 
Transition
Air compressor
Ground relay reset 
Traction motor cut-out
External load box testing
Over-current & over-voltage protection
Pinion slip & locked axle protection 
Sanding control 
Main generator over-voltage protection
Information displayed on laptop or colour graphic touch-screen display
Traction motor temperature calculation and protection
Battery field chopper to replace large load regulator
Automatic ground relay reset 
Fault logging, statistics & diagnostics
Laptop port for download of fault data
Location of TMV High Voltage Electrical Cabinet which houses the TECU, contactors and harnesses
X-style Cabinet. Labels indicate areas of connection and oversight by the TECU.
TECU located in the cabinet.
TECU Explained – an introductory video 
Diesel Electric train climbing a steep grade incline. All its power is managed efficiently to accomplish more than before. TECU makes the difference.
Haul more with the same power – TECU makes the difference