Large Scale Central

KD Remote uncoupling

General Discussion
#1

KD has a new product to remotely uncouple cars:
http://www.remoteuncoupling.com/html/kadee-rc.htm
Looks like they will have a starter set
More cool stuff from kadee, could make the hobby some more fun,
Question will be how much $

#2

Cool concept. Two servos per car, though, I guess? Seems like a bit of bulk and expense, but might make a ton of sense for one or two… Or do I have it wrong.

#3

Video shows one servo, but theres also a self contained coupler as well. I.m thinking that I would use 1 coupler
per car in various places on the train to allow some switching action. very cool ideal.

#4

Link don’t work. (for me).

#5

Me either :frowning: Sounds like something that could be used nicely on a trail car. I still like switching individual cars though.

#6

try this http://www.remoteuncoupling.com/html/kadee-rc.htm

#7

and this is link when kd listed over a yearago http://remoteuncoupling.com/

#8

I’ve pondered remote uncoupling for a LONG time. I think the servo is overkill, though. Im thinking more something like this

http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/SOL-102/MINIATURE-12VDC-PUSH-TYPE-SOLENOID/1.html

And a car-number-addressable remote, then select A or B end of the car. Yea, its another remote to carry around, but a quick googling shows that there are a bunch of Arduino projects using RF TX/TX pairs. Hmm…

#9

Those so inclined can buy a “Test set” and then take it from there. :wink: :slight_smile:

#10

Very interesting, and HJ has the good idea, run some tests to see how it works. Just one small point, the real boys have a brakeman who lifts the ‘cut’ lever to open the couplers! The only people who do it remotely are the Germans, I think.

Paul

#11

I dunno. Its another gadget to go wrong.

I prefer using a #1 Phillips screw driver with a long handle, myself. I just make sure that I can reach the siding.

I don’t think that it will be a big factor in our hobby.

That’s what I said about the PC and Mac though, so what do I know? :stuck_out_tongue:

#12
Steve Featherkile said:
I dunno. Its another gadget to go wrong.

I prefer using a #1 Phillips screw driver with a long handle, myself. I just make sure that I can reach the siding.

I don’t think that it will be a big factor in our hobby.

That’s what I said about the PC and Mac though, so what do I know? :stuck_out_tongue:


Flat blade, Steve, You’ve got to get between the knuckles.

#13
John Bouck said:
Steve Featherkile said:
I dunno. Its another gadget to go wrong.

I prefer using a #1 Phillips screw driver with a long handle, myself. I just make sure that I can reach the siding.

I don’t think that it will be a big factor in our hobby.

That’s what I said about the PC and Mac though, so what do I know? :stuck_out_tongue:


Flat blade, Steve, You’ve got to get between the knuckles.

JB, I’ve tried both, and I prefer the Phillips. Give it a try, whydontcha?

#14

Hey guys the actual product is not out yet, but should hit the streets soon. I’m a Kadee dealer and I’ve been in contact with them just waiting to get a couple of the units to test. They’re still working on the marketing aspect thats why they didn’t show it at the NMRA convention this last summer. I want to see how hard or easy it will be to use with the Revo system because I don’t need another stand alone system to promote.

I’ll let you know as soon as I have the product in hand.

Chuck

#15

I tried, as an experiment, using a 0 Scale Kadee Electromagnet on new “G scale” Kadee couplers.

The setup worked well indoors, but failed miserably after a few days outside. Once the couplers got “gritted-up” from running outside, the electromagnet didn’t have enough “ummmph” to open them. Soon after, the electromagnet itself failed… from weather, I suppose.

I fear that will be the problem with this new product, as well. It will work indoors, but fail soon after it goes outdoors.

#16

Harrumph… I love my hook and loops… :stuck_out_tongue:

#17

I will be eager to find out if the coupler with a built in servo pulling that itsy bitsy chain to open the coupler face uses regular 3 wire servo cables.
http://www.remoteuncoupling.com/html/11220.htm
If so, you will be able to use them as is with my RCS system and the RailBoss Del makes.
Only one channel plus a low cost servo “Y” connector would be required to control a coupler at each end of a loco. Easy peasy with a 5 channel (or more) rig

#18

If it can be set up to work with other transmitters, it will have a much better chance of success.
MSRP of the starter set is $379.
Ralph

#19

Any idea how much each individual servo coupler costs?

#20

I have to admit it is a nice clean installation and a neat idea.

A little history, the later Lionel Large Scale diesels came with solenoid actuated uncouplers for use with their Command Control system. Never installed them myself.