Scorpius SMP
Ok heres the new system. Ive listened to the concerns of the members here and have addressed the issues accordingly.
It combines wireless with DCC and DC very cleverly using just one magic box for everything, a modular add on system with one box per 4 blocks, but it does everything from powering wireless locos, DCC locos and even DC locos. The magic box also does every other operation for trains, including turnout control, block detection, ID detection (transponding), signal operation, routing and auto reversing.
Add one more universal decoder for each set of 4 blocks.
Each universal decoder has 12V DC power input and 40 outputs or 4 blocks of 10 wires.
Each block or zone has the following outputs:
Track power for wireless, DCC or DC and auto reversing.
Block detection
Turnout control
Transponding
Signal outputs.
Each zones wiring is in a ten wire multicore that is split as required to go into your circuit.
Apart from track power, leftover transponder, turnout and signal outputs can be used in any zone.
Only one (big) power supply is needed for any system and no power boosters are required.
Once again the emphasis is on simplicity of hardware. Here just 6 components allowing for 1 mobile decoder and no signals, to do any complex task.
Close up.....showing transponder, signal and turnout connection.
* The thick purple wires coming out of universal decoder are multicored (10 core), this keeps things neat.
So how does track drive work?
Essentially each block is a seperate railway system, well actually the block the train is in now, plus the next block(s).
As the loco is about to pass to the next block (one transponder receiver is used with each block and probably adjacent an isolation point), the information is passed to the next block, assuming it is now just gone vacant. The information would include if the loco is wireless, DCC or DC and can run any one type in each block (or pair of blocks).
Interesting, this system can wireless, DCC and DC all on one track, albeit different blocks! I assume this would be a first.
And apart from transponding, lights and a few other functions this system can pretty much make a DC train do what a DCC train can do in terms of motor control.
All this is based on assuming theres a vacant block at any one time between trains.
The Scorpius mobile decoder is now hybrid (multi-protocol) DCC/Scorpius wireless.
DCC
The universal decoder receives throttle info and will send DCC motor drive commands to the block the train is in plus the next block only. The system finds out where the train is when it crosses its first transponder.
So this system is now forward and backward DCC compatible 100%
Use any DCC loco on this system. Prior to starting the train is configured as DCC and the track signal (power and data combined) is sent to rails accordingly. Example the block 16 says to block 17, heres comes a train, its ID number 6 and its DCC, so send DCC to rails and get ready to pass the message on to block 18 as soon as the train leaves my block, Ill let you know when........
WIRELESS
Throttle signal goes directly to loco as per traditional Scorpius.
Train is configured to say number 7 and the mode is wireless. In this case it simply sends constant 12V DC to the rails in its block as it moves around the circuit. Simple.
DC
Invite your mate over finally who only has DC trains, and run together on the same track with same controllers. And no your not dreaming.
Trains have this advantage over slot cars because of the block concept.
And with new new "SEQUENTIAL" hopping concept Ive invented you can run DC, DCC and Wireless together albeit not in the same block. (However Scorpius Wireless can nick power from DCC to run)
Even without ID, once a block is designated as DC to start it off initially the voltage output from universal decoder to rails is relative to throttle. 50% throttle = 50%x12V = 6V.
No drilling, no photodiode installation.
Ive made the universal decoders 4 blocks/zones for a reason, to keep track power, signals and transponders wires to a minimum length and keeps things neater. And 40 outputs is enough for one unit.
The transponder receivers could be plugged into the universal decoder so those not wanting them can save money.
So the entire system composes of:
1)Laptop
2)Dongle $99
3)Controller $199
4)Universal stationary decoder (per 4 zones) $199
5)Mobile decoder $39
6)Light board $29
7)Associated programs. (included)
8)Power supply (Allow $100)
Total cost to get started......$665 (assuming you have your own PC or laptop) and a rapid install time.
Total cost on a 12 zone system and 12 mobile decoders.....$1492 (assuming you have your own laptop or PC).
So I have only 5 components to develop which keeps costs down and speeds up development. Less inventory, less shelf space, less postage, less install time.
Yes you can do basic operations without a PC or laptop.
Im going to call this type of system Sequential Multi Protocol or SMP.
Hope you like it. Ive addressed the issues so far raised by the forum members (I hope) and thank everyones input so far.
Rick Field
Sydney
Aust.