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Post by dave on Mar 31, 2016 21:19:51 GMT -5
Good evening,
I have been toying with the idea of a point to point auto reversing track on my layout. I was thinking of using an RDC for it. I watched a couple of videos about the Circuitron AR-2. It doesn't look too complicated but I did notice that the circuit board needs 16-18VAC to run. I think you could still regulate the throttle to 10V or less. Below is a link to the one video that was most helpful. Any thoughts or comments? Thanks for your help.
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Post by patrice on Apr 13, 2016 21:04:13 GMT -5
That is very interesting. The possibility of having a continous running train on a very narrow layout is something I didn't know possible.
You are right, the RDC is the perfect match for this.
Let us know if you do it. I will certainly do later this year maybe in HO. I am woking on a small z layout for now.
Thank you for sharing this.
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Post by cwrr on Apr 13, 2016 23:42:15 GMT -5
I remember most of the bigger hobby shops always had a Micro Trains display that would do this, just back and forth, back in the late 80's early 90's.
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Post by peter on Jan 23, 2024 15:31:26 GMT -5
I am looking to build an auto reverse z scale layout also and I see Rokuhan offers an auto reverse controller but the leads for the sensors are relatively short for what I want to do. Is anyone aware of auto reverse systems that can accomodate say a 36' layout?
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Post by BAZman on Jan 23, 2024 23:19:20 GMT -5
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Post by Curn on Jan 24, 2024 3:40:43 GMT -5
I built an Arduino based point to point layout for my Showcase miniatures trolly. There are a few systems listed by others here. Every system out there has its own issues with detecting trains. The Circuitron and Rokuhan systems use photo sensors to detect trains from their shadow which mostly works well, especially with Z. The only drawback is that it will probably have trouble if you are running trains in the dark. For the Arduino / IR sensors that I used, I had to paint a silver patch on the bottom of the trains to reelect the IR light back to the sensor. Anything black, like the bottom of most trains, just absorbs all the IR. There are a couple of systems out there that detect based on current draw. Those are a bit more risky in Z scale because many engines, like the RDC, draw almost nothing. So you would really want to check with those manufactures on what the minimum current detection is. The Rokuhan systems sensor wire length shouldn't be an issue. They are using headphone connectors, so a set of 3.5mm headphone extension cables would work without any modification to the system. Extension cables up to 15 feet in length are available. If you were so inclined you could also splice in extensions. The sensors are designed to work with Rohuhan track, so if you are using Rokuhan track, you probably want to go with that. The Circutron system allows for multiple stops. So if you need that, that is basically the determining factor. Here is what I built. Unless you are really into electronics and programing, the other systems will more or less, just work. Here is a link to the build thread on Trainboard. www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/the-arduino-z-scale-trolley-project.151045/ |
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Post by marmot on Jan 24, 2024 7:04:43 GMT -5
Another possibility is from www.Azatrax.com. Their sensors can be used in a variety of ways, such as IR reflection from the bottom, IR break-the-beam just above the tracks, or current sensors. I haven't used their electronics for auto reversing functionality (although they do sell everything you need) but I have used the break-the-beam functionality for detection near road/rail crossing lights, which works well. |
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Post by peter on Mar 26, 2024 22:02:54 GMT -5
I built an Arduino based point to point layout for my Showcase miniatures trolly. There are a few systems listed by others here. Every system out there has its own issues with detecting trains. The Circuitron and Rokuhan systems use photo sensors to detect trains from their shadow which mostly works well, especially with Z. The only drawback is that it will probably have trouble if you are running trains in the dark. For the Arduino / IR sensors that I used, I had to paint a silver patch on the bottom of the trains to reelect the IR light back to the sensor. Anything black, like the bottom of most trains, just absorbs all the IR. There are a couple of systems out there that detect based on current draw. Those are a bit more risky in Z scale because many engines, like the RDC, draw almost nothing. So you would really want to check with those manufactures on what the minimum current detection is. The Rokuhan systems sensor wire length shouldn't be an issue. They are using headphone connectors, so a set of 3.5mm headphone extension cables would work without any modification to the system. Extension cables up to 15 feet in length are available. If you were so inclined you could also splice in extensions. The sensors are designed to work with Rohuhan track, so if you are using Rokuhan track, you probably want to go with that. The Circutron system allows for multiple stops. So if you need that, that is basically the determining factor. Here is what I built. Unless you are really into electronics and programing, the other systems will more or less, just work. Here is a link to the build thread on Trainboard. www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/the-arduino-z-scale-trolley-project.151045/Wow! Very cool, Curn!! Great result and much thanks for the excellent documentation. I am newly inspired on what is possible for end to end layouts. Thank you! 🙏👍🚂 |
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Post by Curn on Mar 27, 2024 12:41:42 GMT -5
Wow! Very cool, Curn!! Great result and much thanks for the excellent documentation. I am newly inspired on what is possible for end to end layouts. Thank you! 🙏👍🚂 Thanks! This little trolley layout has been setup in my office at work since I finished it. It is on a timer and turns on every morning at 8:00 and shuts off at 5:00, running 9 hours a day, every day including weekends. It runs flawlessly. When I first brought it in, I had to clean the track and shorty mechanism about once a week. I tried out the NO-OX-ID anti-corrosion electrical contact grease and have gone to monthly cleanings. That NO-OX-ID stuff is great! Clean once for every 180 hours of continuous operation (9 hrs/day * 30 days * 20 seconds moving / 30 seconds (total cycle time with 10 second station stops)). I have even applied it to the shorty internal contact points when I clean the shorty mechanism. You apply a small thin amount and then wipe it away to where you don't see it anymore. It leaves a very thin layer of protection, but really prevents carbon/crud buildup. So far I have not had any issues with it damaging the shorty traction tires for 4 months now. I don't apply it to the wheels, I just let them pick up a layer of protection from the tracks. -Matt Attachments:
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