My Modeling and Ham Radio Exploits
Good Enough I’ll be outlining a project for block signaling using phototransistors and an Arduino. The solution will be responsive to moving trains The solution will use block detection for moving trains It will be “good enough” for moving trains It will be upgradeable for DCC communication, with software and an opt-coupler Shapeways A club …
It is alive and kicking! I’ll be putting together a youtube video to see the full operation once I get the photoresistors mounted in the track at the club. Features Simple 1 button calibration for your light source You can fine tune the sensor positions from the default 100 ft. Live Demo The speedometer will …
Photoresistors I’ve ordered some photoresistors from Adafruit.com (and my 2×16 LCD screen). Materials arrive on 9/16/16. Never used them before, but I’ll get familiar with them. Dark resistance is quite high (20K ohms or greater) Light resistance is somewhere in the (1K – 10K ohms range) Either analog input pins will be needed or a …
Software Design The functions are pretty straightforward. Wait for a sensor to trip Look for the opposing sensor to trip (while counting time) Print the speed Reset for next event 5 seconds for the time being Error Catch Situation One sensor is tripped Auto reset after 70 seconds (1 MPH) It will report slowest …
HO Scale speedometer Long gone are the days of running my train around the tracks like a slot car, seeing how fast I can go before my Tyco locomotive flies off the track on the curves! Running trains at realistic speeds is an enjoyable part of the hobby. In my investigations with DCC and dealing with speed …
Some various photos I’ve taken from some favorite locations on the Moffat Tunnel District. This BNSF is coming downhill, leaving the flatirons in the distance.
This will be an ongoing post with updates as I proceed. East Portal elevation – 9200 ft Big Ten Curve starting elevation – 6100 ft ~3000 ft over 35 miles yields <2% grade East side map