1. Computerized Train Control System by: Shawn Lord Christian Thompson

2. Presentation Outline Project Overview Local Controller design Serial Interfacing Sensors Accessory Controllers Results

3. Project Overview Digital Train Control System –Microprocessor based –Controlled by a PC –Foundation for future projects Goals –Fully control a digitally equipped locomotive –Control of switches and layout features –Sense train locations and layout state –Link all control to a central computer –Provide a train layout for future use –Supporting documentation

4. Standards National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) –Provides standards and recommended practices for all aspects of model railroading –Includes standards for the digital control of model train layouts Digital Command Control (DCC) –Describes signal and packet format for communication with a NMRA compatible decoder

5. Project Description General Block Diagram UpstreamDownstream Locomotives Track Accessories Train Layout Track Sensors Controller Application Local Controller DCC Encoder

6. Local Controller Handles low level control of Layout –Receives commands from Controller Application –Creates serial packet for control of locomotives –Directly controls switches and accessories –Polls track sensors for position reporting Implementation –8051 microprocessor –Programmable Logic Device (FPGA) –Signal buffering circuitry

7. Local Controller Command Processing Serial UART DCC Encoding Signal Amplifier Output Latches Driver Circuitry Analog Input Signal Filter Locomotives Accessories and Switches Track Sensors

8. –Train location on the track –Block sensing –Other sensors –How they work Measure voltage differential A/D converter

9. Accessories Switches –Double throw solenoid –Pulse activated Relays –Controlling loop backs Other accessories

10. Serial Interface What it Connects –Local Controller –Controller Application Interface Requirements –Capable of being implemented on a RS-485 network –Multidrop networking (master / slave nodes)

11. Communication Format Multidrop Mode –Address - parity 1 –Data - parity 0 –Local Controllers Interrupt on Address Byte –Check Address Master / Slave –Controller Application - Network Master Address 0x00 –Local Controllers- Slaves Unique Addresses

12. Packet Format

13. Results Switch Control –Power Reqirements –Preliminary control circuit Java –CommAPI installed and functioning –Communication with MicroPAC board

14. Results Verified DCC command format to train –Control of train using function generator DCC Encoder implemented in VHDL –Code simulated and tested in software –Lattice CPLD Implementation –Xilinx XS40 Implementation Local Controller command processing –Routines to handle receipt and processing of commands –Routine to communicate with DCC Encoder

15. Results Complete command processing –Ability to send single packet to train –Integrate final serial routines into main code –Implement functions for remaining commands Track Sensors –Researched and design method for determining block occupancy –Implement block occupancy detection PC board layout

16. Web-based Control Interface For a model train control system By: Kevin Sendra

17. Presentation Outline Overview of the Project Project Description Equipment list Results –Problems –Future work

18. Project Overview Add-on to the Local Control System Allows control and/or view of the layout from the internet

19. Project Description Block Diagram Server and Serial Interface

20. Equipment List Personal Computer Java compiler Webcam Webcam software (Dorgem) Internet Explorer or a web browser

21. Results Allows multiple connections to the webcam video –Dorgem Program Only one person can have train control, the others can wait for control or view the webcam images Easy to use graphical interface

22. Current GUI

23. Problems The computer –Speed –Security and Software Java versions and Internet Explorer Dorgem crashes

24. Future Work to be Completed –Allow a configuration file to set up certain elements of the interface –Implement switch control –Limit the user’s control time

25. Questions?