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Questions tagged [model-railroad]

0 votes
0 answers
92 views

What type of optical sensor can measure the displacement similar to an optical mouse?

Imagine there is a simple 2-wheel bogie on a rail: Bogey has: Rubber wheels with the same profile as the rail for a "perfect" grip Low rail clearance. Bottom of the battery (yellow) is ...
Noideas's user avatar
  • 144
1 vote
3 answers
368 views

Using MOSFET to Control 2 LEDs Separately from Same 12V Source

I am trying to control 2 LEDs from a model railway decoder. The decoder has a common positive terminal (+12 V). The decoder also has a two negative terminals - one I have called FL and the other I ...
Duncan Birse's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
130 views

How can I reverse the polarity of a DC model train (12 V) using MOSFETs instead of relays?

At this moment I reverse the polarity of the traction voltage of my 12 V analog model railroad (older Fleischmann models) by using relays, driven by an Arduino microcontroller. However, I want to ...
Gerrit van Harreveld's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
847 views

Short circuit protection for an analog model train controller

I am developing a circuit for somebody else to control 3 analog DC model trains. I am unsure how I should make the short circuit part. There are more ways to achieve this. My idea is as follows: 1 ...
bask185's user avatar
  • 646
1 vote
1 answer
103 views

DC automatic polarity inverter

I'm putting a Raspberry pi zero on a model train. The train tracks supply 12V DC which I step down to 5v with a Pi Jack. However, because the power is being supplied via the tracks, I can't be certain ...
Gregology's user avatar
  • 113
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Zener diode question in simple LED circuit with anti-flicker for model railroad

I am a total novice when it comes to electronics. I had a simple circuits class 30 years ago as a software undergrad. I've designed a simple LED lighting circuit for N-scale model railroad, to be ...
chadbag's user avatar
  • 103
0 votes
1 answer
215 views

Need help determining smoothing capacitor(s) for rectifier

I am making a rectifier for a single N-Scale train building. It takes DC, but the train controller gives out 19VAC. I have 4 1N4001s and some capacitors, but probably not the right size/uf. I only ...
Troy Osborne's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
4k views

LED color changing circuit using power cycle

I'm trying to design an LED circuit for a model that will allow me to change the color of a bi-color LED each time the power is cycled. In other words: Power off: Nothing Power on: Green Power off: ...
user37792's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
653 views

Drawn out question in regards to DC power to battery backup

Story: I have a lego train that is modded to run off of a 9v train track rail system that was a control function of 0 to 9 volts when fully on. LEGO does not make the motors that can run on these ...
Poe's user avatar
  • 59
2 votes
2 answers
936 views

Motor Control System for LGB Trains

I am currently experimenting with some motor control circuitry for my garden train. I have spent several time trying to read up on the basics of motor control, and I have also done some prototyping. I ...
David Pettersson's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
4k views

Converting 12VDC to 1.5VDC

How do I convert 12vdc to 1.5vdc for flashing mini-lights on my HO Scale Railroad system? The flasher will drive 2 alternately flashing bulbs (1.5 volts each) The maximum output of flasher is 100mA @ ...
Vince's user avatar
  • 31
8 votes
1 answer
7k views

How to re-magnetize a permenent magnet motor of small size (model railroad)?

I have several small DC motors where if I place an extra magnet to back-up the included magnet, the performance seems to improve significantly. These motors are 30-40 years old & their ...
R. Grady's user avatar
14 votes
3 answers
2k views

What is a good approach to detecting distance and speed in model railroads?

Up front I must admit to little hands-on knowledge of modern microcontrollers and their software - I know power engineering and big motors much better (45 years of it). Now, my question: Trying to ...
Seemingly So's user avatar
8 votes
3 answers
6k views

Adding capacitor to model railway 12V motor to keep it going over a dead spot

I have read that you can add a capacitor to a model loco to keep it going over a dead spot on the track - not DCC - just DC. Is this accurate? On one forum someone has been experimenting with 2000mF ...
smokeyone's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
2k views

Can I control a model train with a lighting dimmer pack?

I have an O-scale 3-rail track model train. I would like to be able to control this with a computer. The normal model train transformer/controller goes from 0VAC at "stop" to 18VAC at "full speed". ...
Brandon's user avatar
  • 241