Computer Controlled Model Layout

[Anonymous]

I would like to make a layout that is completely computer controlled. I would also like to do this from scratch for the fun and experience of it. I am using just DC, not any od the DCC stuff. I looked around on the web but could find only one website that gave instructions on how to do it. The site is http://www.geocities.com/kellertuberg/train/index.html

Any suggestions, links, etc. would greatly be appreciated!

Jonathan

[SteelMonsters]

What do you want to get out of this?

If you want to design and build your own computer interface and do your own programming, it's possible but not easy. It will take a LOT of research of data sheets, many calculations, and a lot of design and testing time.

If you want to do your own programming and use predesigned hardware. Computer Model Railraod Interface (C/MRI) may be a good option. Check out http://jlcenterprises.net/index.htm and have a look around. You will do most of the programming yourself, you can take the schematic and build your own board. You will need the PIC16F877 from JLC as it needs the program to operate in the circuit. If you want, you can by the PIC16F877 and a prebuilt board from JLC and the rest of the parts and put it together yourself. There is also the option of comleted boards from Easee Interfaces. Cost wise, if you get the board and PIC controller and buy the rest of the stuff, you can get it for as low as $1 per I/O line. Comleted boards will cost $2.77 per !/O line

I personally use C/MRI by getting the boards and chip from JLC. I enjoy the assembly and programming, especially the signaling.

Edit: Fixed minor typos.

[DigitalGriffin]

Why not convert to DCC and use some RS232 interface kit for a computer? (ie: Lenz’s LI101F)

Most existing DC models can be converted to DCC with only a little soldering. Using DCC would be a lot less work than building a full rectifier bridge for each engine, then putting your own PIC in it to control it.

Is cost an issue here? Or is it the pride of knowing you did it yourself from the ground up?

I've already connected up some of my DCC trains to my computer and it's really easy to program for. If you don't like Lenz, then Digitrax is a good possibility as well.

[Anonymous]

Why not convert to DCC and use some RS232 interface kit for a computer? (ie: Lenz’s LI101F)

Most existing DC models can be converted to DCC with only a little soldering. Using DCC would be a lot less work than building a full rectifier bridge for each engine, then putting your own PIC in it to control it.

Is cost an issue here? Or is it the pride of knowing you did it yourself from the ground up?

As for DCC I just don't know if I want to try and convert everything over for a couple of reasons at this point. This biggest at this point would be money, as i have very little. The other reason is I like the old fashioned feel of DC, (kind of hypocritical considering I want to turn my set into computer controlled.)

The reason I want to do this myself also is because I love playing with electronics, and want to learn as much as possible about electrical components.

Jon

[rrinker]

The nice thing about C/MRI, besides being highly documented and entirely under the control of th ebuilder, is that it works regardless of wha kind of control system you have - DC, DCC, or one of the older command control systems.
I WAS prepared to go all-ount ont he DCC side, get stationary decoders for all my switch motors, etc. But after I got to thinking about it, it's not very user-friendly in operation, no matter what brand of DCC you have. Oh sure, you can add pushbuttons to most stationary decoders, but at that point one has to wonder why you don't just use pushbuttons and forego the stationary decoder. I'd rather just use my DCC system to run the trains. The modular approach of C/MRI allows me to build on as I go. And if I didn't want to write my own software, there is FREE software out there that lets me build a dispatcher's panel without programming - PanelPro which is part of the JMRI project. Yes, it works with C/MRI as well as several DCC systems.

--Randy