Large Scale Central

New G-Scale Graphics 2.4GHZ Enhanced RailBoss R/C

Electronics Power and Sound
#1

With the price of 2.4GHZ hobby radio systems such as the Specktrum DX5e, and others, dropping in price, it only makes sense to utilize this technology for large scale trains. The range and reliability is unbeatable. Add in some features unique to G-Scale Graphics, and … well I’m excited!

List of Features:
• Speed Control Functions
o Proportional Throttle, min to max speed
o Momentum control (On/Off)
o Emergency Stop
o Throttle/Speed Curve, programmable via transmitter

  • Min, Mid, Max speed points
  • Allows speed matching for MU operation
    o Continuous Running with Transmitter OFF

• Direction Control Functions
o Forward / Reverse or Forward / Neutral / Reverse

• Sound Trigger Functions
o Manual Bell & Whistle from transmitter
o Randomized Automated Bell & Whistle from track magnets

• Automation Functions
o Automated Station Stops from track magnets
o Back ‘n Forth Trolley Operation from track magnets
o Randomized Station Stops

• User Programmable Functions
o Station Stop Time
o Station Stop Accel/Decel Rate
o Random Whistle %
o Random Station Stop %
o Momentum
o Neutral

• Directional Lighting
o Lamps (battery voltage)
o LEDs constant current source

• Full 5-Amp PWM Motor Driver

• Power Supply
o 8-30 volts
o Built-in Circuit Breaker
o Reverse Voltage Protection

• On-board wiring diagnostics

Systems will be available this Fall.
www.GScaleGraphics.net

#2

Interesting. What sound systems can it interface with?

Now you need to make a small transmitter. :wink:

#3
Del Tapparo said:
o Continuous Running with Transmitter OFF
Can this also be set to disabled on the locomotive if you go out of range or for emergency stop?

I like all the automated and user set accessory functions.

#4

The sound trigger outputs are opto-isolated, so they will work with any sound system that uses discrete inputs (reed switches or TTL logic). In order to randomize the sound system, your reed switches connect to the RailBoss, which in turn triggers the sound board, either manually using the transmitter, or randomized via the track magnets. You can statistically program the probability of a sound function or a station stop. It really adds interest to things.

Transmitter size is a compromise, but I haven’t found it all that objectionable in my testing this summer. It has a nice short antenna, so it’s easy to handle, and its not like your going to poke yourself in the eye, like the 75MHZ variety. And you only need one Tx for all of your locos; no more channels and frequencies to worry about.

#5
Russ McIntire said:
Del Tapparo said:
o Continuous Running with Transmitter OFF
Can this also be set to disabled on the locomotive if you go out of range or for emergency stop?

I like all the automated and user set accessory functions.


The radio range exceeds the hearing range of my sound system. I have been approximately 1 block away with several houses in between me and the railroad, and I can still hear the manual sound triggers (barely). If you do manage to get out of range, the train will simply keep running at the same speed. For emergency stop, you turn on the TX and give the command.

#6
Del Tapparo said:
The sound trigger outputs are opto-isolated, so they will work with any sound system that uses discrete inputs (reed switches or TTL logic). In order to randomize the sound system, your reed switches connect to the RailBoss, which in turn triggers the sound board, either manually using the transmitter, or randomized via the track magnets. You can statistically program the probability of a sound function or a station stop. It really adds interest to things.

Transmitter size is a compromise, but I haven’t found it all that objectionable in my testing this summer. It has a nice short antenna, so it’s easy to handle, and its not like your going to poke yourself in the eye, like the 75MHZ variety. And you only need one Tx for all of your locos; no more channels and frequencies to worry about.


Not being any sort of expert on what the sound system uses, does this mean it will work with a Phoenix?

I wish you were coming to Marty’s. I’d sure like to see this.

#7

Sorry for the late reply Bruce - Guess I didn’t see the question. Yes, it will work with Phoenix sound; 2K2, PB9, P5 with the attachment (can’t think of the number at the moment).

#8

I would guess Dallee too, just in case someone asks…

the attachment on the P5, is the P5T (I guess T for triggers)

Regards, Greg

#9

With my Spektrum radios for the RC planes , if when you bind the receiver to the xmtr , with the throttle stick off , then , the receiver fail safe is off , upon loss of transmission . And of course if the throttle was on / high , then the plane would continue on as it was , getting further , and further away , yikes !
Got a couple of the newest AR6110e park flyer 6 channel microlite receivers , last night , for $40 each , yes indeed , a bargain .

And , the two ant lengths are 1 inch each !
weight 4 g
dim , 21x28.7x10mm

#10

Dennis - The choice of failsafe direction during binding is an important feature. With the RailBoss, you need to bind the receiver with the throttle in the minimum speed position. Upon loss of signal, or turning the Tx off, the RailBoss will continue to run the loco at the last speed setting prior to signal loss. It then monitors the Receiver for the signal to return.

$40 for a Rx is certainly affordable for a quality product like Spektrum. However, in the near future, there will be sources for $45 transmitters and $15 receivers, making this system a low cost alternative. These radios will be tested for quality and integrated into the RailBoss system as soon as they become available.