Automatic layout run by dead-reckoning

The position of each train is maintained purely by monitoring the feedback voltage from each loco.
Station stops and stopping at signals all done without other sensors.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Model
• railway
• computer
• automatic
• dead-reckoning
• Tcc
• QTU

[howardamos]

Correct. Wheel slip is a problem... BUT I only integrate feedback volts along a single track section. Each time the train changes section a new integral is started and so we have a reference position again (no error build up).

Yes optical sensors can be used as well, though I am trying to do without for now. I only use optical sensors to measure front and back of train so tracks can be freed at the right time.

See QtuTrains dotcom for more information on the QTU board and the Tcc software.

[petem1989]

That's really clever. So the system measures the loco speed from something like BEMF and hence works out the distance travelled? Great idea =D How is it with slipping wheels, e.g if you are going up a hill and you have some wheelslip? A possible extension might be to have a couple of sensors in the track, so the train can occasionally verify its exact position. I think otherwise small errors would eventually build up. It's a great control method though!

[Splatzone]

Thats very interesting!