With the forward-reverse code working, I added the spur track on the other side just like my main layout. Did not do much with it because for the next steps, I will need to re-do this layout and to make it more like my wall layout.
One of the issues I have is my house is not level, so when I built my around the wall layout, there are downgrades and upgrades (to build the wall layout level would have looked weird) In the videos I posted, you can see the effect as since the whole house is not level, this test layout shows the same thing.
Found a 5 position rotary switch on ebay, and some diodes. Like my wall layout, I am building a compensation box to lower the voltage on the downgrades. Using 4 diodes for each step, this gives a 1.4 volt drop per step. The first position is full voltage. I can have a maximum drop of 5.6 volts.
To build the layout to replicate my wall layout will require some wiring changes to the PLC unit and such. I plan to use the first track power output to power the main line, parts will be full voltage, others reduced. So this will require adding a second relay for track power 1. A diagram of the layout is attached.
Track power 2 will be the throughway next to the side track
Track power 3 will be the side track
Track power 4 will be the spur track.
I also drew out where the optical sensors will be. I have 2 spares, and I may place them between blocks 3 and 4. So when the train backs out of the spur I can detect its forward or reverse motion.
It will be awhile before I post any more progress as some issues came up on the home front and I have not had much time to work on this project. Hopefully soon I will get back to it.
Mike
