The first braking step slows the train gradually until it is at the station. The second brake
step then stops the train just quickly enough to allow the first or second coach to stop in
front of the station.
After an adjustable interval the train slowly accelerates to continue its trip.
Also shown on this page is a throttle that could be used with the Automatic Station Stop
Circuit. The throttle is designed for continuous automatic operation only. The throttle
section could be modified and added to the controls of and existing throttle.
This circuit is designed to operate as a stand alone unit. That is to say - The train would
be on its own loop of track as in an automated display situation.
The circuit could be modified to operate as part of normal throttle with the addition of
some external switches.
The following diagram shows the placement of the phototransistors along the track and
how the braking steps would be carried out.
When the engine covers the second sensor the train slows just quickly enough to allow
the train to stop with one of the coaches in front of the station.
The circuit is built around three comparators and two timers. Phototransistors are used
to sense the position of the train and optoisolators control the output of the throttle.
6. When timer IC 2 resets OI 2 is turned OFF and the voltage across capacitor C1 in
the throttle begins to increase and the train will leave the station. The rate of
acceleration is determined by the settings of R1, R2, and R3.
7. When the train has left the station and Q2 has been uncovered for approximately 5
seconds timer IC 3 will reset and the circuit will be ready for the next train.
Timer IC 3's triggering is delayed by about 1/10th of a second after the output of
IC 1C goes low. This allows timer IC 2 to trigger before its pin #2 is forced into a
High state.
This cheat saves the cost of two resistors at the price of a slightly more
complicated circuit board.
The next schematic shows a dedicated throttle that could be used with the Automatic
Station Stop Circuit.
No reverser is shown with the throttle as the circuit is by design unidirectional. The
circuit could operate in both directions with the addition of extra sensors and the
necessary switching.
- R3 is set so that the train stops with the passenger cars in front of the station.
- R2 is set so that the train traveling at 10 to 20 MPH when the engine covers the
phototransistor Q2.
- R1 is set to give the desired acceleration rate as the train leaves the station.
• The 10K ohm potentiometer connected to C1 through a diode is used to set the
maximum speed of the train. When the voltage across C1 reaches the voltage at
the wiper of the potentiometer plus 0.7 volts it will stop charging and the train
will not accelerate further.
• The throttle requires its own power source of 16 to 20 volts DC. The control
circuit could also share this supply through a 12 volt regulator.
The next schematic shows an abridged version of the Automatic Station Stop Circuit's
throttle. This throttle "control section" might be used to control of a separate throttle
through a SPDT switch.
If you use any of these circuit ideas, ask your parts supplier for a copy of the
manufacturers data sheets for any components that you have not used before. These
sheets contain a wealth of data and circuit design information that no electronic or
print article could approach and will save time and perhaps damage to the
components themselves. These data sheets can often be found on the web site of the
device manufacturers.
Although the circuits are functional the pages are not meant to be full descriptions
of each circuit but rather as guides for adapting them for use by others. If you have
any questions or comments please send them to the email address on the Circuit
Index page.