Innovative Laser Sensors for Train Safety: A JMRI Integration Journey

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!

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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!

18. 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!

19. 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

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