Project Goals

The goals are somewhat far reaching and I’ll add links and information as we go along.

• Trains

  • Rechargeable battery powered. A train needs power and I don’t want to use the metal tracks even though this would be easier. The reason for this is that I don’t want to get dependent on tracks that are not in production anymore.
  • Charge level aware. A train knows its charge level and alert the control system of a low battery.
  • Self charging. A train is able to drive to a special track and get charged without human interaction.
  • Position aware. A train is able to pick up waypoint information from the track as well as information of magnets from the track.
  • Communication enabled. A train can communicate with the control system and send status information, receive route information and other instructions.
  • Stored routes and emergency protocols. A train can store its route information and use it to make decisions as well as react to unexpected events.

• Track

  • Waypoints and magnets. The track has a network of RFID waypoints and magnets to allow a train to pick up information and events.
  • Motorized and automated switches. A switch needs to be motorized, automated and in communication with the control system to ensure that trains use their expected paths.
  • Recharging station. The track has one or more charging stations where a train can recharge its batteries.
  • Signals.

• Control System

  • Communication. The control system needs to be in constant communication with the trains and switches.
  • Track segments. The control system has a list of track segments and their respective properties.
  • Routes. The control system has a list of routes and manages these routes to ensure safe passage of trains.
  • Emergency protocols. The control system is prepared for unexpected events and manages these properly.

Progress

Test track is up! It’s not motorized at all at the moment but at least it works. 🙂

Materials Needed

To be decided. A lot though…

Deadline

There is no real deadline on this project at the moment.

Links