Coloneluk46

Hi Getting back into modelling after a 45year layoff, and wow things have really changed, what with DCC, computer control and model sound. I am very interested in your traverser project and would like to develop one myself but have little knowledge of Arduino/programming. Although I am putting together some code, thanks to you detailed remark statements, I am not clear on the wiring. Would you have a circuit diagram that you are prepared to share to help me get the complete picture. Many thanks D

Hi Colin Can I thank you and Graham for the speedy responce to my query. Could I be a bit of a pain and ask if Graham could take a quick look at the attached circuit to confirm my understanding of the circuit for a NEMA 17 motor. Thinking back to my days on the Fleetwood Site, in the summer a grimy old Class 37 used to parkup by our office for 5minutes before moving off to collect the power station oil train or the chlorine tankers. This was quite an annoyance right next to our quiet office and I couldn't understand why he would park at that point. I happened to be walking past this point one day and to my suprise saw the driver leaning out of the doorway scrumping plums off a tree on the banking. The local kids had taken the lower branches but due to his elevated position he could reach the top branches. All the drivers must have known about the tree as in season they all parked up for a few minutes before continuing to the sidings. Thanks for your assistance. David

Thanks Colin I look forward to your friends comments, but in the meantime thanks for the more detailed photo which will perhaps help me tracing the board compared to the circuit diagram. Regards David

Hi Having just rekindled my railway interest after 35+ years, I have been watching your progress with great interest for a couple of reasons. Firstly your modelling of the ICI Fleetwood Salt wagon. I started as an apprentice engineer at the Fleetwood Site in 1972 and having later transfered to the design office was responsible for the design of the last solution mining operations in the Preesall Brinefields. We also designed a siding with loading facilities for liquid chlorine shipment to Barry, South Wales replacing the daily road tanker journeys. Your wagon brought back many memories of that era. The main reason for my contact is regarding your traverser which I would like to utilise on my developing layout. Based on my mechanical background and small electronic knowledge, your solution is preferable to the audrino and programing route that baffles me! However, having downloaded the Silicon Chip article/photos I have a few queries that hopefully you can answer. 1. The article states it uses the alternative Bipolar circuit layout that has 3off chips, but the photo shows 4off chips. I assume the UDN2998w is the one with a heat sink near the linear drive, so what are the other 3off chips in a row at the bottom of the photo? 2. There is a relay to the left of the circuit board that doesn't appear on the circuit diagram? 3. Would it be possible to post a better picture of the circuit board to illustrate the components a little clearer. Many thanks David