Hi Len I have tried 3 times to send this email and each time I get a message saying you have fatal errors with your system. I don’t know what is going on but I will try to send it here. I hope you don’t think I am ignoring you.
Cheers - Jeff
HI Len
I don’t have a copy of the Dec 2006 MR but a friend of mine does. I’ll borry his tomorrow and have a look. In the meant time, I use 2 microcontrollers to control my system. I used 2 as opposed to one because I wanted to be able to use the turnout controller separately, hence it has its own micro. 2 optical sensors (photo darlingtons) detect the approach of a train on either leg of the turnout and switch the turnout via a twin coil point motor. I used a micro because the unit is designed to be used with demonstration layouts. These are subject to varing light conditions. The micro reads the ambient light level and calibrates itself at each switch on. This way it performs much better with the different light level. It also works with DC. The track polarity controller again has its own micro as it can be used separately. It simply detects the short circuit caused when the train wheels cross the gaps associated with reverse loops. The track polarity is rapidly swapped. This unit only works with DCC for obvious reasons. I sell them on ebay and they are moving quite well. I don’t know why but over here in Australia they sell about 1 to 20 compared with the USA. If you want more info then email away friend.
Cheers - Jeff