Category:Detector

From SPCoast

[edit] Introduction

The Detector is a 16 block DCC model railroad occupancy detector. It includes a LocoIO-compatibile interface to DigiTrax's LocoNet, generating LocoNet accessory/occupancy feedback messages as required. Though it was designed to be used with PanelPro, it should also work with other Loconet aware layout control programs.

It is based on the designs done by Rob Paisley (detector) and John Jabour (LocoIO).

The schematic and PCB layout were created using the free tools provided by ExpressPCB, which also provides high quality board fabrication and easy internet based ordering directly from their programs.

• Download ExpressPCB and ExpressSCH (Windows only)
• Download Detector 3.1 Schematic
• Download Detector 3.1-A PCB

[edit] Project Overview

Despite its size, this project is actually quite simple; the design tools used are all free, you don't need to be an electronics expert to use them to order your own printed circuit boards, construction and assembly is easy - it takes about two hours to assemble the main board and another two to build all the remote detector cards (about 5 minutes per card, less if you do several at once). A complete setup (main board + 16 cards) is an easy afternoon project.

The Detector panel circuit board is made up of a large "P" shaped base unit, 17 remote sensors (one is a spare) and a test card. The various boards are designed to "snap apart"; the edges can be cleaned up with a rotary tool, sandpaper or a track nipper.

The Detector is a 16 block DCC model railroad occupancy detector. It includes a LocoIO-compatibile interface to DigiTrax's LocoNet, generating LocoNet accessory/occupancy feedback messages as required. Though it was designed to be used with PanelPro, it should also work with other Loconet aware layout control programs.

See the Category:Electronics Overview page for more information.