Progress Report 28 January 2001
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Seems like a long time since we produced a report, but then we have
been very busy. We are still tinkering around with fibre optics for the barcode readers but have
made considerable progress on other fronts. As we said in the original documentation, a lot of the control of the layout will be carried out on a computer. This has the advantage of allowing the computer, when required, to control large sections of the layout and trains when the number of operators is only 1 or 2. We have decided to use a Client/Server control of all the points / signals / IR Detectors. A Windows 98 PC will run a program we have called OMRSignalBox which generates the necessary commands for the signals and points and forwards these to the DCC Controller which is running on a Server. This then creates the neccessary DCC Frames which are sent to the DCC Power Station. The OMRSignalBox software has reached a stage where we can simulate full control of the layout using NX (eNtry / eXit) signalling and point management. We will be using traditional electronics for the feedback system which monitors the position of points and aspects of signals. The design of the feedback electronics is almost complete and building will soon begin. Once completed we will then integrate the feedback system into the OMRSignalBox program and carry out a full functional test of the software. One aspect of the layout not mentioned previously and that is detection of trains in the hidden storage areas on Level 0, Level 4 and Level 8. Here we have opted for InfraRed detection. The circuits for these have been designed and components purchased. All we have to do now is build them and install them. The outputs from these IR detectors is connected to the feedback system so that we can remotely monitor when trains are located in the hidden areas.
The spring and summer of 2001 should see us move forward considerably. All point mechanisms, signals
and IR Detectors installed and tested on Level 0. The Feedback system built and tested.
The OMRSignalBox software upgraded to include the feedback system and then full system test.
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© Copyright 1996-2001 Pete Peddlesden. All Rights Reserved.