DC - Electrical
Determining a car's direction of travel
Good day - at the East Coast Large Scale Train Show (held in York, PA last week) a gentleman who attended my presentation asked if I could come up with a way to determine the direction of travel of a passenger car.
He had a G-Scale USA Trains observation car that had directional lighting. It worked properly when operated by standard track power but he was using constant track power with a radio control system so the lights never changed. The same issue would come up with DCC or battery operated trains.
Soldering: Who really does it right?
I've soldered before, mainly on track and PC boards, but I haven't in a while. I'm getting ready to solder feeder wires and took some time last night to watch some videos on soldering on model railroads. Everywhere from Youtube, to TrainmastersTV, MR, MR+, and few self hosted.
I'd always run under the adage that you need to heat both the iron and the part you are soldering. The part you are soldering needs to be hot and that's why you can melt your ties if you aren't careful (or some people use something for a heat sink.)
does anyone know how to make it brake light that stays on even when the trains stopped eithe with an accelerometer or vibration
does anyone know how to make it brake light that stays on even when the trains stopped either wwithn accelerometer or vibration sensor. Ideally to stay on for a few minutes after stopping on a dc layout.
To Michael Rose - LED lighting question
Regarding the new LED lighting boards that you created and are sold through Bill's store:
I am just a little worried about their availability in the future. I have no idea how many I'll need in the long run and definately can't afford to buy all I may think I need at this time. What is the future of this product?
I emailed Bill and he said since the company only will make them for you, that makes it a single point of failure type of operation. Just wondering if I should take the plunge.
Seeking IR detector selection advice
Greetings all,
I’m looking to install a grade crossing on my HO Free-Mo module and am currently comparing the available optical detection systems. For the crossing itself I think I know which controller, grade crossing signal, and bell module I want to use; however, with regard to the detection hardware that will set the whole thing in motion, I’m stuck in analysis paralysis.
Automating Functions for a Single-Operator Layout
Hi all,
My Bradford Valley Lumber co. layout models a backwoods logging operation, with a single-track line, and only one train running at the one time. As such, the layout is designed for one person to operate.
While I was figuring out exactly how the BVLC's operations would work, it struck me that I could use Arduino microcontrollers to simulate and semi-automate various functions related to operations.
Freedom One Controllers by MRC
Club is considering using Freedom One for sound on our DC narrow gauge loop.
I searched this site for Freedom One and found nothing. Does anyone have experience or wisdom or both with this product line?
Thank you,
DrJolS
Using LEDS on control board for turn outs
I am looking to find out how to wire LEDS to my control board, and turnout signals. I model HO scale. I am building a free lance layout based on the steam era. I have taken an Atlas track plan from their book and expanded on it. I use Peco 3 wire twin coil turnout motors and switches. I have found much information on this, but don't understand most of the termonology used in the information. I am planning on using a Capacitor Discharge Power Supply, that I am putting together from a web site. I have chosen to use momentary toggle switches.
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