Webtrain Decoupling Adam Kadolph EE451/452 Bradley University Advisors: Dr. Irwin, Dr. Schertz Final Presentation

2 Outline Introduction –Project Goal –Background Automatic Decoupling System –Train Control –Coupling and Decoupling –Sensor –Decoupling Process Recap Questions

3 Introduction Project – Automatic Decoupling System The Train – N Gauge Scale Model train –The scaling ratio is 1:160 Uses for System –Direct –Indirect

4 Background Last year – Train control System and location detection The Microcontroller to send DCC Signals

5 Train Layout 1.Main Track 2.Bypass Track 3.Switches

6 Automatic Decoupling System Starting the system –Train Control –Coupling –Sensors

7 Automatic Decoupling System DCC Signals –Receiver boards in locomotive –A packet of data consisting of 42 bits Preamble Address Byte Data Byte Error Byte –Transition bits are rectified for power

8 Automatic Decoupling System Coupling and Decoupling –Decoupling Magnet –Train couplers –Relieving coupler tension →→

9 Automatic Decoupling System Manual Decoupling –Program to remove train cars via simple controls from a Microcontroller –Train response time –Coupler effectiveness

10 Automatic Decoupling System Sensors –Location for Sensor –Detection Angle –Dimensions Types to use Phototransistor Optointerrupter Photocell

11 Automatic Decoupling System Using the Photocell –4x Photocells used –Mounting Location –Microcontroller interface

12 Automatic Decoupling System Train Detection –Test track –Voltages Ranges become Detection States Ambient or Nothing State Coupler StateTrain State →→

13 Automatic Decoupling System Sensor Programs –Read 1x sensor –Read 4x sensors –Sensor for train control Calibration Program –“Smarter” System

14 Automatic Decoupling System Decoupling Process –Stage 1 – Remove cars after –Stage 2 – Remove desired car –Stage 3 – Couple remaining cars →

15 Automatic Decoupling System Stage 1 of Decoupling Process –Train approaches sensor –Sensor detects train –Train stops over decoupler –Train moves on past switch →→

16 Automatic Decoupling System Stage 2 of Decoupling Process –Train reverses –Sensor detects train –Train stops over decoupler –Train moves on past switch → →

17 Automatic Decoupling System Stage 3 of Decoupling Process –Train reverses –Sensor detects train –Train moves some distance –Remaining cars are coupled → →

18 Automatic Decoupling System Decoupling Process altogether –Stage 1 and Stage 2 and Stage 3 –Switch separates stages –Key press to resume Timing issues for Stage 2 and 3 –FPGA for DCC signal generation

19 Recap Key Points –Train Control –Coupling and Decoupling –Sensors –Putting it altogether

20 Questions? The End

21 Appendix A DCC Signals –Preamble – 14 bits –Address, Data, Error – 8 bits each –‘1’ bit – 60 us low and 60 us high –‘0’ bit – 120 us low and 120 us high AAAAAAA 0 01DCSSSS 0 EEEEEEEE 1

22 Appendix B Detection State Voltages –Nothing or Ambient State 0.0 V to 0.9V and 1.6 V to 3.0 V –Train State 3 V to 5 V –Coupler State 0.9 V to 1.6 V Sensor offset voltages BL – 0.70 V BR – 0.48 V ML – 0.63 V MR – 0.67 V

23 Appendix C Adding an FPGA to the System –Why? –FPGA board –Train control with VHDL