Large Scale Central

Cruise Control Revisited

Electronics
#1

In 2005 I wrote an article about installing an automated cruise control system in a small engine.

The original circuit has been installed in many engines and is especially well suited to club layouts at train shows where children delight in seeing all the collisions that are avoided.

I recently revisited that circuit and revised it using some updated components including a variable speed control, a one-piece infrared proximity detector and a TV remote control for configuration.

My notes and more information about the circuit and installation are here:

http://www.trainelectronics.com/CruiseControl/NewMosfetVersion/

Please note that the article is in draft form and may contain typos and other errors.

dave

#2

Pure Genius!!!

-Kevin.

#3

That opens up various other possible uses for this creative device, thanks for posting

Jerry

#4

Jerry - the sensors do have many other applications - if you mount them in a shaded place (so that they don’t point to the sun & get blinded) they can easily detect a passing train to activate a crossing signal or an inexpensive track-side sound unit like these:

http://www.trainelectronics.com/MP3_USB/index.htm

Lots of possibilities.

dave

#5

I have a little trouble with those sensors seeing the emitter if it’s anywhere in the same county. Of course, that’s what they’re designed to do.

I don’t think you can make them work like Alex does in Home Alone 3.

#6

I just updated the video for the new Cruise Control.

It is here:

http://youtu.be/Ye0oEWhs3A0

It is also on my web page at:

http://www.trainelectronics.com/CruiseControl/NewMosfetVersion/

If you scroll to the bottom of that page you will see another idea that I am working on for the Cruise Control - I have a test unit working and it is pretty cool - I hope to be able to put together a video that shows it soon.

dave