Operating system is propritary ALSTOM ONYX System. The data is loaded onto a type of volatile memory, i am assuming at the time was suitable for the needs of this system without any issues and contained enough storage space. The tech running these traction drive electronics comes from the mid 90s. Same MPU and AGATE system as the HHP8 but with different software.
The software is loaded via a PCMCIA flash card inserted into a programming module. I have done this a number of times, since the HHP and AEM7 shared the same AGATES(Gate drive electronics module) they often shipped with no software so all we had to do was load correct software per loco and away we go. once the battery is dead, the software is dead too until battery is replaced and software re loaded. if you ever had Zelda as a kid on NES you can understand the pain. This works the same way!
The software is loaded via a PCMCIA flash card inserted into a programming module. I have done this a number of times, since the HHP and AEM7 shared the same AGATES(Gate drive electronics module) they often shipped with no software so all we had to do was load correct software per loco and away we go. once the battery is dead, the software is dead too until battery is replaced and software re loaded. if you ever had Zelda as a kid on NES you can understand the pain. This works the same way!
No good deed goes unpunished.