Train Controller – 2 Channel power unit for model trains, with variable speed, forward, reverse and power off. Relays completely disconnect from the tracks when turned off. One rail is 12V and the other is variably controlled with a MOSFET to ground.
The unit has not been load tested and the temperature reached by the heatsinks under load is unknown. Short circuits are common place on model railways as they are built and safety features need to be built in to deal with this problem. It may even be possible to disconnect one channel automatically due to overloading, while allowing the other to continue. Wide tracks are used to carry the higher than normal current requirements, however it may be necessary to opt for thicker copper PCB tracks at some stage. It may be necessary to redesign the PCB with room for larger heat sinks. If a track is switched off or reversed code to carry out this transition smoothly would be needed.
A handset has been designed for this unit and the connections corresponds to the pins on the left.
Microtron is open to negotiation about future marketing details, that could result from this project being continued for a student project.
- Design of a housing with off on switch and low voltage power connection.
- Load testing and setting cut out parameters in code. Also specification of appropriate power sources.
- PCB modifications needed to carry out load testing effectively. Feasibility of measuring voltage and current without smoothing entire PWM output.
- Cable construction techniques, for reliability.
- MCU units with sensors and datalogging.
- Break out boards with user interface. Suitable for datalogging and interactive function including stepper motors.
- Break out board customizations. Sensors, stepper motors, WiFi, SD cards and Fram.
- Design of circuit boards, including design of circuit boards that are a customization of a break out board pilot project.
- WiFi and server collection of data. Soon there will be cellular server collection of data.
