Sensor Car + Sensor track vs. TMCC ARC

Nick,

I believe that, with the ARC, the sensors were used as a way for the recording to correct any drift during a long recording or playback. Meaning that if a recording is started and the loco is set to make 3 laps and then stop at a station, the stopping mark in playback might have drifted somewhat from the stopping point in the recording due to limitations in speed control, etc. with TMCC locos. The sensor placed right before the stopping point would give the loco a fixed position to correct itself and the recording could then be "stop 2 feet" after passing the sensor." which has a much better chance of playback accuracy.

I assume that the sensor track acts the same way for the legacy base in helping to ensure playback accuracy by providing fixed points around the layout. However, I'm not really sure if that is indeed the case. Still trying to understand the difference between a sensor track recording and a legacy remote recording and if they are one in the same or not.

graz posted:

Still trying to understand the difference between a sensor track recording and a legacy remote recording and if they are one in the same or not.

They are definately not the same. To offer one example,  the operator (you) need to manually trigger playback from the cab2 at any time you like. In contrast, the SensorTrack automatically triggers its playback only and exactly when a compatible engine rolls over it. So if your recording intends to stop the locomotive at a specific location on your layout, using SensorTrack makes the process repeatable, as opposed to you needing to remember exactly where your locomotive when you push the button to start playback.

A second example is CAB2 recordings are stored locally within  JUST ONE CAB, and can only be used by the operator of that particular cab. In contrast, SensorTrack recordings are stored IN THE TRACK, and so may be triggered by one or all passing locomotives, regardless of which person/cab remote happens to be controlling that locomotive when it rolls over the SensorTrack.

Those are two examples. Does that help clarify some of the differences? 

Yes, it does clarify. Thank you, Railsounds.

Graz, interesting point you pointed out about the "sensors."  Thank you.

From what I gathered, it looks like the ARC can only control TMCC locomotives. Could it control Legacy engines? Also, could a Cab 2 be used to recorder an action on the recorder? Thank you,

Nickstrains.

EDIT, Added question: Could a sensor track function without a cab 2, just a cab 1?  

Rudy,

Thanks for the explanation. It helps indeed. 

So one of the benefits is that it seems like the sensor track recording sort of gives you flexibility in regard to starting because the recording or playback won't start until you pass over the sensor. Basically a rolling start. Thus, your starting position doesn't have to be precise. 

I really think the beauty of the sensor track and sensor cars are one of adding more features to existing TMCC and early Legacy engines to use the sensor tracks. I currently have 4 sensor tracks on my small layout and each one can hold a recording that I either make on my Cab2, or use one of the preset recordings. I can now have up to 5 different recordings saved. Also, with placement changes in where the sensor car is at in the consist you can vary all sorts of stuff. I am going to try using one sensor track recording to trigger another in the next week. Say have one locomotive pass over sensor track 1 starts up the engine on another line and then once that consist rolls I then trigger the first consist to stop, pause, or whatever. This system is so open for what it can do I believe no one has even started to really explore all the choices.

graz posted:

Rudy,

Thanks for the explanation. It helps indeed. 

So one of the benefits is that it seems like the sensor track recording sort of gives you flexibility in regard to starting because the recording or playback won't start until you pass over the sensor. Basically a rolling start. Thus, your starting position doesn't have to be precise. 

 

Yes, but as has been mentioned on related threads, in order for the locomotive to STOP at the same exact spot on your layout, it must cross the sensortrack at the same exact speed as when the recording was created. This is easy to do using CAB2 or iCab's preset speed function. So to answer nickstrains question, sensortrack can be used with a BASE-1L or a CAB2/Base2. But base2 is recommended for full functionality.

Thanks Rudy!

Thank you everyone!

Case closed, I guess I will get the ARC. Thanks again,

Nickstrains.

On my layout, since deceased, moment of silence please, I had all the IC control boxes.  I love the ARC.  It is a blast making recordings.  I used to have whole scenarios playing out.  You can record a small 'play' then 'plug' it into a master recording.  All kinds of things.  I used to start up my layout with a recording on my ARC.  Push ACC1 AUX2 (I think that's right) and the power to the track would come on, lights next, etc.  I have an ARC set up on my standard gauge floor layout right now because it's fun to play with.  Big fan of the ARC.  I have both models, the original IC Controls and newer black box Lionel.  The Legacy one is probably even cooler, but I stopped at TMCC.  Have fun!

Can the sensorcar/sensor track combo with Legacy base serve for automated L-L-S-L grade crossing whistle or bell function at a location ahead of a road crossing? Directional? (egg in my beer, please)

If you position the sensor track properly, it'll do the trick.  Since you're unlikely to be running all the trains at the exact same speed, you'd probably have to trigger the grade crossing signal fairly soon after running over the sensor track.  I'm assuming you want any sensor equipped locomotive to do the grade crossing as it approaches the crossing.  You can do a different macro for each direction if that's what you're asking.

Agreed. I'll add that you will need to record a grade crossing signal into the user custom recordings (there's a unique one for each direction of travel), because the preset action commands built-in to the SensorTrack send Legacy whistle commands and so won't sound on a TMCC locomotive.

How would I manage steam whistle vs. diesel horn recording, appropriate to the loco? Won't speculate. Best way?

Thanks, Don

Well, the crossing signal should be the same for steam or diesel, LONG, LONG, SHORT, LONG.  It would seem the same custom recording would work for either type.  Good that Rudy added that little tidbit, I forgot about the Legacy/TMCC issues.

Yes, the same recording will work for TMCC locomotives of any type. And a passing Legacy locomotive will also play the signal, because it can understand the old-style TMCC horn/whistle commands, too.

Thanks, fellows. So the whistle vs. horn question is answered: the "recording" just tells the loco the pattern to play, and the loco issues its own sound (whistle or horn).  And (per GRJ's response above) I'll figure out how to do a different macro for each direction of travel on any bidirectional crossing.  Guess I'll try the SensorCar out! Fun to have this for situations with guests.  Turn the loco volumes down and let folks have fun noticing the whistle signals!  Can't have too loud, lest the brew wine and conversation suffer interference, of course.

Thanks, Don

I'm planning on several sensor cars.  I'm going to get at least one of the smaller (and cheaper) ones to disassemble.  I'll put the guts into the tender of one of my nicer TMCC locomotives and I'll have a sensor equipped TMCC locomotive.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm planning on several sensor cars.  I'm going to get at least one of the smaller (and cheaper) ones to disassemble.  I'll put the guts into the tender of one of my nicer TMCC locomotives and I'll have a sensor equipped TMCC locomotive.

Hi John,

I was looking at some of these older post and saw this one.  Did you transplant the guts into a TMCC tender and if so,  did it work?

Thanks,

Blake

I haven't done the project, though I don't anticipate any particular difficulty in doing so.  They cancelled the cheap semi-scale ones, so the two scale ones I got I decided to keep as it for now.  I was kinda' hoping they'd have a cheaper option.  Maybe someone will get tired of theirs and I can pick up a couple cheap for tinkering.

In the last LUG meeting at York,  I think there was mention of an IR sensor kit that may be available in the future since the sensor cars are being phased out.  I have a couple of Legacy locomotives w/o the IR sensor capability built in.  Do you want to take this sensor car that I have and (Tinker)  install it in this F-12e of mine if you think it will fit?  I dislike pulling this green boxcar around with my NYC passenger set just so that I can get sensor track action.

Thanks,

Blake

Blake, no offense, but if I install something, it'll be in something that I get to keep!

I'd like to see a sensor car guts kit, but I'm not holding my breath.

No offense taken John; however, I was going to see if you would do it for a fee.  Hope you are having a nice weekend.  We are drowning down here in NC because of this hurricane.

Blake

Yep, NC is certainly getting hammered!  How much rain so far?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Yep, NC is certainly getting hammered!  How much rain so far?

In the Wilmington area, they are estimating around 2.5 feet.  The worst part is when these rivers commence to running out of the banks and cresting.  Had several deaths thus far.  NCDOT has shut down most of I-95 north and south.  They are saying to detour around NC if traveling is a must.  Next week will be devastating I suppose. 

Blake

Well, I hope you dodge the worst of it, the pictures I see are certainly ugly!

I think we did but next week will be what we will have to watch out for.  Big river runs through our county and floods.  Lost a lot of life and property back when Hurricane Floyd hit.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Just know that if they loot,  I will shoot!