Cruise control & push button 433 MHZ R/C on a live steam loco

[dewintondave]

Here is my live steam DeWinton doing a lap of our layout with electronic cruise control. It's winter over here in New Zealand so there is plenty of visible steam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq4MbCBAF6Y

The system is set for a scale 10 mph. This loco used to be a bit flighty; running away on easy sections and stalling on others.

I'm using a 4-channel keyfob transmitter. One button press starts the train and sounds the whistle, the same button when pressed again sounds the whistle and halts the train. Any other button press just sounds the whistle. The whistle is set to my favourite "peep-pip-pip" sequence.

Best wishes,
Dave.

 

[JRinTawa]

Very interesting Dave. A nice industrial speed. Nice sounding whistle too.

 

[Gizzy]

Like it....

 

[gregh]

So now that you've whet our appetite, how about some more detail on the cruise control please.
I assume you're providing some speed feedback into a micro controller, which then controls the throttle servo.
I only see the central servo arm operating every couple of seconds, moving full travel. What is it doing?
Maybe a separate topic under "Controls, Signals and Electronics".

It's a nice piece of work that gives great live steam operation.

 

[dewintondave]

I assume you're providing some speed feedback into a micro controller, which then controls the throttle servo.

Hi Greg, Yes, that's right.

I only see the central servo arm operating every couple of seconds, moving full travel. What is it doing?

The system is set to have four throttle opening positions. The video shows the first two. To start the train the throttle is opened wide to position 2. The system delays 2 seconds after opening the throttle to see if the train speeds up, before opening up further, but at anytime before the 2 seconds is up will shut off the throttle to avoid over speed.

Maybe a separate topic under "Controls, Signals and Electronics".

OK, I'll start one, and supply build instructions.

Best wishes,
Dave.