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In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Jeff Elliott writes:
> Esger Abbink wrote:
> > In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Jeff Elliott writes:
> > > I was languishing at home today with a cold, and I got to thinking about
> > > running trains with an RCX. I've been dreaming of having one or two
> > > trains automated to pull into a station, wait, pull out again, etc. But
> > > all this hinges on having the RCX know when the train is in the station.
> >
> > <snip>
> >
> > Hi Jeff,
> >
> > I'm not sure if you want to keep it a "100% lego" solution, but if not I
> > think a reedcontact for magnetic detection might be simpler (and a lot
> > smaller!). I dont know how well that would tie in with an RCX though. I have
> > no experience with the things.
>
> Yeah, I am after an all-Lego solution; not just for purity reasons, but
> I'd be too worried about frying the RCX with my less-than-impressive
> electornics skills.
>
> Besides, given that my whole layout seems to be elevated 18 bricks high,
> it's more the width of the package that matters.
I have created a very low-profile magnetic reed switch sensor for the RCX
that I have used for years on NELUG's train layouts. The sensor lies in the
railbed, and sticks up a single 2x4 plate above the railroad ties. This
sensor is very reliable at detecting trains, and does not have to be
calibrated at startup to any room light levels. I am about to make an
improved version of these sensors available for sale. Please see
http://www.drvegetable.com/wks_rrcrossing.html for more details about my
sensor project.
> Actually, I'm looking to see if I can't do this with my Control Lab.
> Potentially four train sensors and four points sensors in one package,
> and enough outputs to run 8 separate track sections. Wire it all into a
> laptop and use TrackDesigner to create the images for my user interface
I have already done exactly this same thing, used a Control Lab and a laptop
to run the level crossing signal lights and gates on the last few NELUG
train layouts. I even load the Track Designer bitmap to display on-screen,
overlaid with graphics to indicate the state of the train sensors and
crossings. I am currently in the process of refining this program for
eventual release to the LEGO community. Please watch
http://www.drvegetable.com/download.html for more details on this project.
I've also done a fair amount of reverse-engineering of the Control Lab to
understand the many undocumented commands that it responds to. I am hoping
to document this information somewhere on my web site, but please feel free
contact me directly via e-mail if you need this info sooner than I get
around to it.
- Chris.
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: RCX Train Sensor
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| (...) Yeah, I am after an all-Lego solution; not just for purity reasons, but I'd be too worried about frying the RCX with my less-than-impressive electornics skills. Besides, given that my whole layout seems to be elevated 18 bricks high, it's (...) (22 years ago, 5-May-03, to lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, lugnet.trains)
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