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gca186_2-en [2018/11/26 02:49] (current) – created - external edit 127.0.0.1
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 +====== GCA186-2 Railroad Crossing ======
 +[[english|{{  rocrail-logo-35.png}}]]
 +[[:english|Content]] -> [[:hardware-en|Hardware]] -> [[:hardware-en#interfaces|GCA]]
 +  *  [[mgv-overview-en|The GCA modules]] 
 +
 + \\
 +
 +^^^^By Peter Giling ^^^^
 +\\
 +===== Description =====
 +Making barriers moving is easy now adays with servo motors.\\
 +But if we like to have this controlled the way it should, there is more needed than just the servo itself.\\
 +In the real world, for example, there is a system that senses when the tail of a train just has passed the crossing area, or counting all the whees/axes before and after the crossing.\\
 +That can be done in many ways, but it always come to the fact , that it does not matter if a train is 50 wagons long,\\
 +or just a locomotive.\\
 +One way to achieve that on our miniature world, is doing it completely manual.\\
 +But that is not the way I would prefer, so I started making a solution for a friend in a different way.\\
 +It starts with the idea that whether he is driving a train manually or automatic (with Rocrail of course !),\\
 +this system should always work.\\
 +GCA186-2 is meant to work totally independant from any other system.\\
 +All we need is a 9-16V transformer or Adapter.\\
 +
 +Now the basic is to fix at least two magnets under the train, one in front, and one under the last waggon.\\
 +More than two is no problem, the limit = 255.\\
 +Next we need four hall sensors to be mounted between the sleepers, so that they will sense the magnets under the train. see [[http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php?id=gca173-en|GCA173]]\\
 +**NOTE:**  For a one way traffic, only sensor A and C are needed!\\
 +Be sure that the train should fit completely between sensor A and sensor C, and/or between point D and B.\\
 +
 +Many different options should be possible, depending on the software in this unit.\\
 +That is made easy by using a medium scale micro processor.\\
 +The example here is a 2 direction single track crossing.\\
 +
 +{{:gca:crossing_example.png|}}
 +
 +Assume that a train approaches from the left hand side.\\
 +The train first activates sensor A.\\
 +The GCA186-2 will start flashing the lights, switch on the relay which could possibly be used to activate any sound,\\ 
 +and shortly after that the barriers descend.\\ 
 +Board contains two outputs for servo's.\\
 +In the mean time the train  continues, and the magnet under the last wagon also passes sensor A.\\
 +Now, GCA186 has counted two magnets.\\
 +Passing sensor B has no effect here.\\
 +But as soon as the train passes point C, the count down starts.\\
 +When the last wagon passes sensor C, two magnets have been counted, meaning that the rails are clear and\\
 +the barriers should rise again etc.\\
 +But that is not the complete end of it.\\
 +To avoid that the systems starts again on passing point D,\\
 +the train also has to count the magnets passing point D in the same amount as sensor A, before the whole system is reset.\\
 +So far the flashing lights are still on, you should be familiar with the next expression: \\
 +**PLEASE WAIT UNTIL FLASHING LIGHTS ARE OFF, ANOTHER TRAIN MIGHT BE APPROACHING !!**\\
 +Flashes and sound will stop after the last sensor also has counted the correct amount of magnets.\\
 +If you swap A with D and B with C in this text, you have the explanation for the opposite way.\\
 +For a one way traffic, different firmware will be available, also for double track .\\
 +This board cannot service more than doubletrack, nor can it service double track with each two direction driving.\\
 +That would need many more sensors , which there is no input for.\\
 +Contact [[peter.giling@rocrail.net|Peter]] if you need that.\\
 +
 +==== Feaures ====
 +  *  control for two flashing leds, also possible on the barriers itself, because only 2 wires are needed
 +  *  free relay contact available for sound options
 +  *  two barriers each with its own motor, thus easy to install
 +  *  high and low position of barriers are adjustable
 +  *  Adjustable between starting flashing (and sound) and barriers to go down
 +  *  Barriers will go up directly but ONLY after the last magnet has passed.\\
 +This means that the length of the train is sensed.! 
 +
 +
 +\\
 +
 +===== The prototype board =====
 +The usual item, to proove that it works, is not yet available\\
 +|  {{:gca:gca186-2_pict01.png}}  |
 +\\
 +
 +===== Hardware files =====
 +|  {{:gca:gca186-2_sch.pdf|The schematics}}  |
 +|  {{:gca:gca186-2_pcb.pdf|The pcboard and parts positions}}  |
 +\\
 +
 +===== Firmware =====
 +
 +All firmware is developed with Picsimulator from Oshonsoft.\\
 +| {{:gca:gca186-2_v3_singletrack_double_direction.zip|Firmware V3 for double direction on a single track}}  |
  
gca186_2-en.txt · Last modified: 2018/11/26 02:49 by 127.0.0.1