Subject:
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Re: Design wanted: Touch sensor for passing trains
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.robotics
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Date:
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Wed, 29 Dec 1999 19:47:59 GMT
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Original-From:
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The WordMeister <dwilcox@wordsmithdigital.com+avoidspam+>
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Viewed:
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601 times
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I think what you want to do can be accomplished in a method similar to many
bump sensor constructs. I'd use an angle beam (one of those lovely "finger"
pieces), the base of which pushes against the touch sensor, with an elastic
to keep the "switch" either normally open or normally closed . The other end
would be set so that the train just brushes against it, moving it a small
amount. You can get quite a wide degree of sensitivity by tweaking the
trigger arm placement and tightness of the spring (rubber band/elastic).
This should move easily enough that the train does not derail. You probably
should mount the mechanism on a platform attached to the track (elevating
the track slightly), to prevent the mechanism from moving.
Let me know if you want a diagram. Sometimes these concepts can be difficult
to put into words.
--Doug Wilcox
WordSmith Digital Document Services
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-----Original Message-----
From: Carl M. Kadie <carlk@msn.com>
To: lego-robotics@crynwr.com <lego-robotics@crynwr.com>
Date: Wednesday, December 29, 1999 2:34 PM
Subject: Re: Design wanted: Touch sensor for passing trains
> "Carl M. Kadie" <carlk@msn.com> wrote in message
> news:FnHCMC.KzF@lugnet.com...
>
> > Does anyone have a design for using a touch sensor to detect a train
> > passing?
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions. I've refined my goals a bit:
> I'd like to use just Lego parts.
> I don't mind of the sensor is conspicuous.
> I don't mind modifying the train to make it more detectable.
> I don't want it to not notice a train going by.
>
> This web page shows 3 pictures of my first attempt:
> http://kd.dynip.com/kadie/v4/Construction/Trains/TrainTouchSensor01.htm
>
> The train has a "stick" sticking out. There is a "windmill" on the side of
> the track. When the stick hits the windmill, the windmill turns, changing
> the state of the touch sensor.
>
> Problems: Sometimes the windmill causes derailment. The windmill sometimes
> gets knocked down by the stick.
>
> I'm hopeful that the design can be refined to work more smoothly.
>
> Any additional input (or refinements) would be gratefully received.
>
> - Carl
>
> (I tried using the standard light sensor aimed at the side of the train. • But
> even with code to calibrate it, it would not notice trains about 1/3 of the
> time.)
>
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