Remote control for battery powered loco?

Cobalt6700 said:
Little bit OT - I am in the middle of making my own that does just this. I will get a thread started on it when I have some time (hahaha :think:).



The code I have written has a 'lock' feature - e.g. if Tx1 is 'linked' to RxA, you are unable to 'link' Tx2 to RxA until Tx1 has released it :)

I wanted this for (as an example use case) someone is in the yard, builds a train up, sends it out and releases it, allowing the next person to grab it and take it where it needs to go.
Click to expand...
Sounds a bit like "cab control" on a track powered railway. Useful!

Rik
 
ge_rik said:
Sounds a bit like "cab control" on a track powered railway. Useful!

Rik
Click to expand...
We used to do something similar on the Ruschbahn with DCC. So long as the loco in use was stopped fully on both the controller and in real life a swop to another loco left the original loco in a state to be picked up by a new controller. However if a little bit of power was left on to the original that loco would still be linked to the handset meaning the new driver could not take it over. We got to the state of applying for loco 000 to ensure that the handset had completely left the original loco thus alleviating any problems. It could be an issue as well leaving a loco running to be taken over by another handset on an end to end line.
 
ge_rik said:
Sounds a bit like "cab control" on a track powered railway. Useful!

Rik
Click to expand...

Hopefully it works out. I need to finish the phase 1 electricals / electronics for the new garden layout over winter, then I can get onto some proper testing in the spring.

dunnyrail said:
We used to do something similar on the Ruschbahn with DCC. So long as the loco in use was stopped fully on both the controller and in real life a swop to another loco left the original loco in a state to be picked up by a new controller. However if a little bit of power was left on to the original that loco would still be linked to the handset meaning the new driver could not take it over. We got to the state of applying for loco 000 to ensure that the handset had completely left the original loco thus alleviating any problems. It could be an issue as well leaving a loco running to be taken over by another handset on an end to end line.
Click to expand...

Sounds good - yeah my original thinking was to allow transfer on Loco stopped - however that prevented a few of my use cases.
I worked out that I could have the Loco transmit its current status (Speed, Direction, 16 function states) back to the RX on changeover. It was way more code, and obviously more headache, but it seems pretty realisable with 2 Locos on the bench.

Without wanting to further derail trammayo's call for help - I'll be sure to start my own thread on my controller soon :)
 
Cobalt6700 said:
Hopefully it works out. I need to finish the phase 1 electricals / electronics for the new garden layout over winter, then I can get onto some proper testing in the spring.



Sounds good - yeah my original thinking was to allow transfer on Loco stopped - however that prevented a few of my use cases.
I worked out that I could have the Loco transmit its current status (Speed, Direction, 16 function states) back to the RX on changeover. It was way more code, and obviously more headache, but it seems pretty realisable with 2 Locos on the bench.

Without wanting to further derail trammayo's call for help - I'll be sure to start my own thread on my controller soon :)
Click to expand...
I don't mind!
 
If you are familiar with any sort of electric radio control it is very simple to build kit into tender. A motor speed control unit and receiver (cheap on Ebay) battery pack can also be sourced on Ebay. (I built my own). With a s.p.s.t. switch and jack socket you can even charge up without removing batteries. Pics attached of one I've just done. Extra switches for other functions I fitted. Switching from track power and Lights etc. Hope this helps. 20221119_140728.jpg20221119_140709.jpg
 

Attachments

  • 20221119_140700.jpg
    20221119_140700.jpg
    331.3 KB · Views: 0
www.aliexpress.com

0.3￡ 5% OFF|New Dc 1.8v 3v 5v 6v 12v 2a Pwm Motor Speed Controller Low Voltage Motor Speed Controller Pwm 0~100% Adjustable Drive Module - Dc Motor - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

4.22￡ 14% OFF|Dc 4 -6v Stepper Motor Driver Controller Integrated Board 2 Phase Adjustable Speed Motor Driver Module With Remote Control - Motor Controller - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com www.aliexpress.com

or arduino

There are more cheap and alternatieve ways, but dont try toy rc infra red(ir) outside...
 
Greg Elmassian said:
So Mick, you are doing this investigation for a friend.

What is the "front runner" in terms of a solution?

It seems a lot of effort for an inexpensive system.

Greg
Click to expand...
Hi Greg. I have given up because it would all have to be mounted inside the loco and, as you say, a lot of effort. Instead, I have obtained an Eztec complete (in original box) train set from an ebay seller! At £30 Sterling, plus an insignificant postal cost, it was a no-brainer!

As it was in the UK, I got it sent to my son's in Scotland and he has brought it over on his annual Christmas visit! The only problem is the weather - need to check it out on the garden line - but rain and wind has not desisted yet! I have a couple of the locos myself to amuse (or interest) the young ones at shows!

1672120966304.png
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top