4 ms·

There's already a robust ecosystem around digital control of model locomotives. It's actually impressive that they managed to get to more or less unified indus

by hakfoo 4y ago

There's already a robust ecosystem around digital control of model locomotives. It's actually impressive that they managed to get to more or less unified industry-wide standard (DCC) -- locomotives can be addressed individually and told to go at specific speeds or blow horns/lights. The track just carries a fixed AC voltage overlaid with the digital signal. I understand the problem is that it's not really amenable to bidirectional comms-- so returning video might need to go wireless.

euroderf 4y ago
Perhaps I'm simply suggesting DCC transmitted over the air - again, to take advantage of cheap boards that have integrated Bluetooth and wi-fi, trading off for track that is significantly simpler and cheaper. 3D printed, even. Switches and signals would still need DC power sources, but this could be the same simple DC feed supplying other accessories too. Put ESP32 boards everywhere and have (for example) some very nifty industrial sites on the layout. Heck, maybe functioning scale models of simple industrial processes (fermentation & distillation, anyone ?). Not sure what is the state of motorized/RC HO-scale truck & construction vehicle models. I know that (for instance) Faller makes trucks that zoom around the layout, but they probably do not have additional remotely-controllable functionalities.