1	2009 East Coast Large Scale Train Show
2	Objectives Demonstrate various devices & projects that utilize microcontroller operation … … and some that do not! (Hopefully) Excite you with the possibilities and enable you to begin experimenting!
3	LEDs LEDs have become a major lighting source in the last few years They are bright enough to be used as headlights on our model locomotives Their cost and power consumption makes them the ideal light source for model railroads
4	LEDs Groups of LEDs can be configured to do some remarkable things …like creating a realistic Mars light
5	LEDs … or ditch lights
6	LEDs Or even a headlight that is too bright to view directly That can turn into a single bulb Mars light
7	LEDs Some new LEDs have three or more diode junctions on one LED to increase brightness and bring down the cost!
8	LEDs Small supercaps can keep LEDs shining for many minutes after they are removed from track power
9	Tip #0 Latching Reed Switches LEDs in cars and buildings can be turned on or off with Latching Reed Switches Bring a magnet near one end and the switch closes & stays closed Bring a magnet near the other end and the switch opens NO POWER USED when off
10	“Drilling” LEDs
11	“Drilling” LEDs The difference in brightness while viewing from the side can be dramatic
12	“Drilling” LEDs
13	Care and Feeding of LEDs LEDs are current driven devices If you don’t limit current they will burn themselves up A current limiting resistor keeps the current down even as the voltage increases See TrainElectronics.com articles on LEDs for details!
14	Tip #1 - Connectors We are always looking for ways to connect electrical devices together Low voltage: Deal Extreme item # 15234 $2.98 for 10 pair including shipping!
15	Animation
16	Animation Point-to-Point Controller Originally designed to operate the motor on my holiday incline
17	Auto-Reverse Controller BARC 2 Potentiometers to adjust time / speed 2 Buttons to set options Power Transisgtor to handle high (5 amp+) current motors 3 LEDs to show time & laps completed
18	Auto-Reverse Controller BARC Recently modified for use on a point-to-point layout at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh A timer is activated by a child pressing a button When the time expires the trolley always stops at one end or the other
19	Main Line Stop Controller The main line on the hospital layout also runs from a button push. The controller has the train run at normal speed after it is activated When time expires the train decelerates slowly & always stops at the station
20	Animation
21	Animation
22	Animation
23	Animation
24	Animation
25	Animation
26	Animation
27	Animation
28	Animation
29	Tip #2 – Connectors Connectors: High current for track and battery connections: Deal Extreme item # 10788 $6.33 for 10 pair including shipping!
30	Animation
31	Animation
32	Animation
33	Animation
34	MP3 Sound System
35	MP3 Sound System
36	Tree Animation
37	Tip #3 - Adhesive Great for quick temporary or permanent connections Similar to the “goo” on the back of a new credit card DOTS or ZOTS brand Michaels (don’t forget the 40% off coupon!)
38	Animation – Radio Control
39	Animation – Radio Control
40	Switch Motors via Radio Control
41	Switch Motors via Radio Control
42	Switch Motors via Radio Control
43	Switch Motors via Radio Control
44	Switch Motors via Radio Control
45	Radio Control Start/Stop
46	Other “Gizmos” & Custom Circuits
47	Multi-Scale Train Speedometer Final design: 4 line x 20 character backlit LCD display Supports scales from 1:1 to 1:220 Common scales identified by name Track-side sensors Counts laps Gives speed in real & scale MPH Option to “beep” out speed English or Metric units
48	Multi-Scale Train Speedometer Wireless option: Uses radio transmitter on a modified car Senses train speed and sends it to the display unit Also can report voltage and current on a battery operated engine
49	Multi-Scale Train Speedometer Voltage and Current can also be included in the packet that is transmitted
50	Custom Designs Drag Strip Controller Complete with a Christmas tree and timer
51	Custom Designs Crossover collision avoidance control Main line & trolley point-to-point cross Sensors operate trolley and stop or start it based on the position of the train
52	Custom Designs Complete 3 train switching controller
53	Dual-Coil Latching Relays Can be used to make a “non-electronic” point-to-point controller
54	Dual-Coil Latching Relays Can be used to make a reverse loop controller
55	Dual-Coil Latching Relays Can be used to make a wye controller
56	Your Ideas? Questions?
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