1 / 25

Laser Sensors & JMRI

Laser Sensors & JMRI. SHMRRC June 17, 2010. Laser Sensors . Sensors at each end of the module’s main line were used to stop the mining train when a train on the main line approached They worked most of the time but could easily be tricked. Laser Sensors.

wyanet
Download Presentation

Laser Sensors & JMRI

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Laser Sensors& JMRI SHMRRC June 17, 2010

  2. Laser Sensors • Sensors at each end of the module’s main line were used to stop the mining train when a train on the main line approached • They worked most of the time but could easily be tricked

  3. Laser Sensors • A redesign has the laser shooting right down • the center of the main line • Any train on the main interrupts the laser beam

  4. Laser Sensors • The only problem that remained was the bright laser light that was quite visible as it was shining on the train & its cars • Since a microcontroller was in charge of the laser being on or off some experiments were in order

  5. Laser Sensors • First the laser was turned on for ½ second then off for ½ second • It still worked but… • The laser light was even more noticeable due to its flashing on & off

  6. Laser Sensors • The length of “on” time was gradually decreased • I was hoping that the sensor would still detect brief laser light pulses • 1/10 second on / 1/100 second off • OK • 1/100 second on / 1/100 second off – OK • 1/1000 second on / 1/100 second off • still OK!

  7. Laser Sensors • The time was decreased till it hit the fastest pulse that the controller could produce – 1/1,000,000 second • Still OK • And…. • It produced a virtually undetectable laser beam

  8. Laser Sensors

  9. Laser Sensors • A switch was added to keep the laser on at full brightness while aiming the laser and aligning it with the sensor • Once it is integrated with the main controller the problem, hopefully, will be solved! • … and Chuck’s blood pressure will drop measurably!

  10. What is JMRI? • JMRI stands for Java Model Railroading Interface • It is open source (no cost) software for connecting a model railroad layout to a computer • Once connected various model railroading tasks can be performed with the computer

  11. What Hardware & Software are Needed for JMRI? • Any recent Windows, Apple or Linux computer – an old laptop is ideal • Digitrax or another supported DCC system • An inexpensive computer interface (~$60) • JMRI software (a free download from the Internet)

  12. Is JMRI Better than Standard Hand Held Controllers? JMRI advantages • …replaces obscure button sequences with pull-down menus and plain English commands • …makes setting up DCC locomotives much easier • …keeps a database of locomotives & settings

  13. Is JMRI Better than Standard Hand Held Controllers? JMRI disadvantages • …requires a computer & interface • …you must stay by the computer (there is a really cool way around this!) • …you must be reasonably computer literate

  14. Setting Up a New Locomotive • Start Decoder Pro • Select Service Mode (programming track) • Select “Read type from decoder” • Select “Open Programmer” • Name the locomotive & fill in other items • File / Save

  15. Setting Up a New Locomotive • If you are programming a locomotive with sound you need to switch to “Operations Mode (Main Track) Programming • Select loco / Open Programmer • Move loco to main track

  16. Setting Up a New Locomotive • Select Basic Tab • Select two byte (extended) address • Enter loco number (use cab number) under Active DCC address • Select “Write changes on sheet” • Done!

  17. Throttles • Exit Program mode • From Decoder Pro select Tools / Throttle / New • From the throttle select your loco at the bottom – Note the button change! • Select Power / On • Run your train!

  18. Throttles • Multiple throttles can exist on one screen • Multiple computers can be networked to operate multiple trains • WiThrottle allows control from iPod Touch or iPad • Free application controls one locomotive • $10.00 app controls two locomotives

  19. To Be Continued… • JMRI has scores of additional functions and capabilities • We can explore them as time and interest dictate • Thank You!

More Related