Charlie Rounds posted:The reason I thought of a simply IR receiver to sense when the locomotive passed are two fold. First, I believe I read somewhere or it was mentioned to me that the locomotives are built with an IR emitter/detector for use with the Sensortrack unit. Second, if this is so, then by placing a small multiband IR receiver in the track I should be able to detect that signal as the locomotive passes over and pass that to the arduino mega to initiate commands at each passing. Simple trigger device requiring no modification of the train itself. This would be more than adequate for the layout they currently have. Because of the dimensions, we are unable to lengthen or shorten the track design without purchasing additional track segments and still have enough room for the scenery(trees, rocks, building, etc.). The IR receiver is small enough that a 1/8th inch hole in the track and under layment would suffice, without involving disassembling the current system. Wiring would be simple enough to conceal as 22 or 24 awg would work fine. The main issue is programming the arduino to send commands to the legacy controller as I have very little experience in this aspect with regards to legacy command structure. I have read up/downloaded as much as I could find in order to do so, but seem lost when it comes to understanding legacy. I have no experience in hexadecimal.
Hi Charlie,
I am pretty much an expert when it comes to the TMCC and Legacy command structure since I am a Lionel LCS Partner who has been writing software for years. I also have many years of Hex experience. I can help you out if you want.
