AEI TRANSPONDERS - July 17, 2001

Mechanical Liaison Officer's reports by Paul L. DeVerter II

 When you affix your AEI tags to your car, be certain to mount them on a piece of solid metal. You will notice that on all freight cars, the tags are bolted or pop riveted to a 12 gauge metal bracket, which is in turn welded to the car frame. While you do not need to use such a bracket, the manufacturer of the AEI tags (Signal Computer Consultants) states that the tag requires a metal backup plate adjacent the back of the tag to act as a radiator or director antenna for the tag to work properly. Further, if the case of the tag cracks, it is possible that water will work its way inside, and cause it to fail. A solid backing will help prevent failure. Replacement or even reprogramming of the tags is possible.