Subject:
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Re: K, haven't had this much LEGO fun in a while...
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto
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Date:
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Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:20:07 GMT
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Viewed:
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900 times
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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Brian Davis wrote:
> In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, David Koudys wrote:
>
> > I also plan on somehow getting an entry and exit point such
> > that this big layout can connect to external GBCs (maybe)
>
> I've been playiong with that as well. The GBC trains that Steve & I have used
> have a small 8-wide section under the baseplate, made out of 2x2 cylinders.
I saw pics--you guys are my inspiration! I put the 2x2 rounds on my hopper cars
so I could tell where they are. But now, with the re-engineering of the layout,
I'm finding I'm not using them (yet).
> That
> way they mechanically toggle sensors (or in some cases power sources) at the
> loading/unloading stations. I worked out a sensor (light+touch, so it only uses
> one RCX input port) that detects any passing train as well as signialing if it
> is a GBC train. The idea was I could run the GBC train into a "normal" layout,
> sharing a track with a "normal" train... but being switched out to a GBC siding.
> I prototyped it with two trains and a single loop with a siding, and it worked
> for a couple of hours without faulting. I just have to re-do my
> loading/unloading stations and software.
>
> > http://home.surewest.net/markril/lego/dcc/beta.html
>
> Thank you! So it uses a standard LDCC RCX and just talks from a "normal" RCX
> to it via IR? I keep hoping for an "extended" firmware, that can support normal
> NQC programs as well as handle LDCC style output. That way I can use the full
> automation ability of the RCX, and control lots and lots of trains/accessories.
I think we were both in on that conversation before--NQC and LDCC on the same
brick is probably not going to happen due the physical limitations of the RCX.
However, this IR thing is the next best thing--especially since we get the best
of both--one LDCC RCX with all outputs dedicated to running the train layout and
any DCC motors/lights connected, and another separate RCX running NQC (or any
other firmware) with 3 motor outputs/sensor inputs to use as you please that
communicates to the LDCC brick--I'm amazed how well it works
The only thing I've found is that you have to be very careful transmitting
messages--since I have 3 loops and a few other things, I have 3 (or more)
different tasks runing in NQC. If two tasks are transmitting LDCC command
functions at the exact same time (which may happen), only one gets picked up by
the LDCC RCX.
The cheap and dirty fix that I implemented in my programming is that, any time
there's a transmission that needs to be sent, my NQC program transmits twice,
with a random Wait between the two transmissions. I had iit running for 2+
hours last night and not one failed transmission.
Of course, as I work on what I want the layout to do, there'll be exponentially
more transmissions and complexity, but we're taking it one step at a time :)
> I've been thinking about this with the NXT as well... OK, *I* can't do it,
> but I can suggest the idea to those who can. Since the NXT can drive
> higher-powered motors, it might be able to pump out more current... as well as
> having an actual LCD screen to work a user interface on.
That would be extremely cool--'wasting' 3 motor outputs on one connection to the
layout would be good to eliminate. Actually, I'm also using Mark's LACC
'booster' 'cause I'm finding that with 3 train motors and a few technic motors,
I'm not getting the power I want--so I separated the layout into two zones. So
now I'm 'wasting' 6 motor outputs for one layout.
> > Dunno if it'll work with OSX.
>
> It sounds like it would - if it's just a series of standard NQC routines to
> send the proper IR signals, it should be easily portable. Now the question is if
> I should/can install LDCC on one RCX, and start hacking my motors.
I've done 4-5 train motors. It gets easier.
Dave K
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