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