[Dr_C]

I am pleased to report that the next system development milestones have been reached. 

The system is based on a ‘wireless hub’ which reads individual throttle values from each of the hand controllers and then broadcasts these values assembled as a datapacket which all decoders can then receive. Each decoder responds to its own specific commands within the datapacket.

As mentioned in the previous post, the frequency hopping method is functioning correctly and forms the basis of what follows.

Progress milestone 1: The wireless hub is now correctly reading wireless throttle signals from prototype throttle controllers. So the controller-to-hub link is now up and running.

Progress milestone 2: The prototype decoders are now correctly reading the datapackets received from the wireless hub. So the onward link to the decoders, now, is up and running too.

The next step will be to generate the motor PWM, brake PWM and IR LED strobe control signals within the decoder firmware… and then… the new system will be ready for first trials where slotcars are controlled on-track.

As mentioned  earlier, the control system is being developed for up to 12 cars per wireless hub. Also, there are options for up to three wireless hubs to run side-by-side i.e. up to 36 cars in total.

Lap counting and pit lane detection methods are already in place for up to 36 cars. So it’s all coming together very nicely.

Many thanks for reading this progress bulletin :)

c