lighted cars and train detection

[LGB_Chur_Arosa]

I finally finished my small garden layout, it has several stations, platforms and loops. I have included many detection tracks (isolated track + S88) for train detection, I am using Marklin C3 event based programming to control the layout. eventually I want to run 3 trains on the layout simultaneously. due to my layout I need to detect the orientation (loco pull or loco push) for the trains stopped at the station (one-way tracks terminated by bumper). I am doing this by using 2 detection tracks, depending on which one is occupied I can tell the train is parked head first or tail first and then set it up for the correct travel direction and distention. When I was building the layout I forgot that the lighted cars will also trigger the load detection inside S88 which causes both detection tracks to trigger at the same time and violate the control logic... what is the best way to fix this issue ?

- use magnet contact track instead of track isolation and put magnet on the locomotive only ? but as I understand the magnet needs to be right on top of the detector to register it. it's hard to test for occupancy if the train stops passed or before the contact magnet
- disconnect the lights in the lighted cars, but it won't be as nice
- convert the lighted cars to battery power to avoid loading the tack, this could work. has anyone done this ?

any suggestions ?

 

[dunnyrail]

LED battery lighting units are pretty cheep theses days, last night in Lidl was looking at some at sun £2.00 probably similar cost State Side. I think the switchable battery pack too 2 AA batteries so possible to fix somewhere.

 

[PhilP]

You can go battery for lights, or prototypical, and supply power down the train from the loco.

PhilP

 

[John Fedak]

I finally finished my small garden layout, it has several stations, platforms and loops. I have included many detection tracks (isolated track + S88) for train detection, I am using Marklin C3 event based programming to control the layout. eventually I want to run 3 trains on the layout simultaneously. due to my layout I need to detect the orientation (loco pull or loco push) for the trains stopped at the station (one-way tracks terminated by bumper). I am doing this by using 2 detection tracks, depending on which one is occupied I can tell the train is parked head first or tail first and then set it up for the correct travel direction and distention. When I was building the layout I forgot that the lighted cars will also trigger the load detection inside S88 which causes both detection tracks to trigger at the same time and violate the control logic... what is the best way to fix this issue ?

- use magnet contact track instead of track isolation and put magnet on the locomotive only ? but as I understand the magnet needs to be right on top of the detector to register it. it's hard to test for occupancy if the train stops passed or before the contact magnet
- disconnect the lights in the lighted cars, but it won't be as nice
- convert the lighted cars to battery power to avoid loading the tack, this could work. has anyone done this ?

any suggestions ?

12v LED strips with a14.8v LIPO rechargeable in Aristo Streamliners. Used amazon buck transformers in each car to bring the voltage down to 10v as 12v was too bright. LED strips were cut to use 2,3or4 lengths per car, soldered with additional lengths of wire to space and balance interior lighting. The polished aluminum interior bounces light around quite well. LED strips were attached across the ceiling not on the floor. Battery, ON/OFF and charger port was in the baggage car with a bus run down the length with branches to a buck transformer in each car and then to the LED strips. Windows of the cars were green, thus I put 4 single green LEDs in the dome cars floor to match. 4 holes were drilled in the aluminum floors. Front/back for the connectors and two into the middle as the buck was installed in the plastic box under the car. Makes it more accessible to adjust lighting if needed and hides it. Is it the best way? Maybe maybe not.

 

[LGB_Chur_Arosa]

thanks John the best way or not, sounds like a fun weekend project!