model railroad speed controller with many innovations and
interesting features and capabilities. The controller can be used
for other projects as well, because the it will work with any
3-volt to 35-volt DC motor.
Controller
The unit is a trackside power controller that can operate any
model train that runs on direct current (DC) and draws 3 amps
or less (this includes most of our trains and trolleys). It is oper-
ated by means of a simple TV infrared remote control unit. In
its most basic mode, the controller allows you to increase or
decrease train speed and reverse the train’s direction with the
handheld TV remote. This is an ideal way to operate the train
under the Christmas tree! In point-to-point mode, the control-
ler can be programmed to automatically run the train in one
direction for some time, decelerate it, come to a complete
stop, reverse, and continue in the other direction. This makes
it a perfect controller for a small work train or a trolley. I also
have plans to use one for my incline railway and a cable car
.
Additional modes and functionality can be added by modifying
the PICAXE BASIC program to allow the controller to operate
aboard a train or as a controller for animations.
Since it is able to control the speed and direction of any DC
motor, it also can be used with any number of other projects
including robotics, animation, and holiday exhibits.
Endless possibilities
A second article will show how a few components can be added
to this circuit to not only control the speed and direction of a train,
but also to record a series of movements over many minutes and
