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User video: The ultimate DCC throttle - part 10
This is a totally awesome concept AND implementation! Essentially you’ve used your model railroad to create a simulator. Most of us can only imagine what it’d be like to go through our railroads in full scale, but through the cab window and controls of a F7 you’ve made it a reality! With all that extra environmental feedback I imagine you could also modify your F7 cab to tilt and simulate acceleration, deceleration, and turning!
Awesome! Nothing but. I am supremely impressed. Thanks for sharing…
Based on observations from a viewer, the UDT now calculates the reverse effects of coupler slack while stopping. If the locomotive has more deceleration than the rail cars due to braking, the computers calculates the energy of rail cars as they each “slam” forward into the rear of locomotive. Not only the audio sound/vibration of this is generated, but will command the model HO locomotive to “jump forward” that is visible looking out the window.
Update 06-July-2015
Added a “fictitious” EMD control box to the cab that communicates with the cab radio. Nicknamed the LLCI “LocoNet Layout Control Interface” enables me to manually send non-locomotive DCC commands to my layout. Functions already implemented is turnout control. Keeping with the spirit of the cab radio, all actions are followed-up with dispatcher’s voice over the radio speaker. Like all my controls, the box looks old and weathered and uses knobs from electronics in the 1950-1960’s.
I really like the added enjoyment of the external “environmental” sounds has the camera passes each layout scene, but I haven’t been pleased with the quality of the sounds I made. As with the prime mover, I reached out to find the professionals. Working with Jim Wells of Fantasonics Engineering, I plan on having “continuous environmental” external sound effects that not only represents and area being passed, but include activities the locomotive/train is executing such as being fueled, loading freight or passengers, maintenance, etc.
I started working on the design of my VS “Virtual Scenario” computer system. Bridging all the systems I created on this project, VS will bring random layout events, challenges and interaction while operating the Ultimate DCC Throttle “UDT”. This will include random and revised dispatched routes, repercussions of improper locomotive operations such as flat spots on wheels, broken drawbar, speeding, kids throwing rocks, etc. Using JMRI and custom Python software, the Virtual Scenario software will enable me to stick to my mission that the UDT will still only required one LocoNet throttle cable. VS is going to require a lot of sound effects and that’s where I hope Fantasonics Engineering will come to the rescue.
Wow! Beyond cool!