[ScorpiusWireless]

Scorpius Multi Purpose Decoder

The aim: To supply to market one easy to use, multi purpose, multi protocol product, small in size, hardware/firmware rich product that can perform a multitude of tasks for multiple brands. The enthusiast can upload various products into the decoder. Downloads from the website are included in the initial cost of the product. Imagine if your Scorpius Carrera compatible MPD lane changer could re-purposed as a Scorpius Scalextric Sports Digital compatible car decoder? Or as a Scorpius Lane Change decoder? Or as a wireless light board for WAM users?

The solution: Develop hard/firm/soft/appware that can perform a multiple tasks on multiple platforms. Thus saving development costs and time. Resulting in cheaper more flexible products.

Functionality: Car decoder. Smart Lane Change decoder. Location decoder. Light decoder (analogue WAM users). Dongle (with resistive output for Scalextric C7042/7030 and Carrera 124/132 Digital CU).

Product description: A 26x13mm multi-protocol, hardware rich, multi-function chip. The product can be fitted to any slot car, DPR hatch, track cavity or powerbase input.

The decoder is designed to fit a DPR hatch using the Scorpius quick release mechanism. It is also designed to fit easily within the cavity of Carrera, Scalextric, Ninco, etc track systems. It can run on 8.5-18V AC or DC using any polarity. It has 3 power drive circuits, LED driver outputs and 1 phototransistor circuit, hall sensor, protection, headlights with high beam, brake lights and proprietary RF and BLE connection.

The Brands: In alphabetical order: Carrera 132/124 Digital, Scalextric Sport digital, Scorpius Wireless, Technitoys SCX.

Added functionality: Some functions like lane changing may have additional features added over proprietary functionality, example upgraded brakes, lights, ULTIMA, a combination of AC (anti collision function) and PEARL (programmable electronically activated race line) and location.

Versions: There is only one version of the MPD. However the default firmware is Car Decoder, which encompasses the brands mentioned.

See the document for more detail.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ut4cklppi0t85w...t.pdf?dl=0

[ScorpiusWireless]

Sneak peek at work in progress on version 4 of the MPD.
The previous version was 26.00x13.00mm
On this version I have added:
1.Additional photo transistor on flylead on seperate input for Scalextric Sport Digital lane changer electronics with anti collision and wireless telemetry.
2.Additional LED on its own input for SCX compatibility.
3.Additional motor drive circuit for SCX plunger or solenoid a second lane changer solenoid ie double lane changer or lane changer with moving exit flipper 
4. Beefed up motor circuit. 
5. Additional EMF protection power in.
6. Additional EMF protection power out.
7. More advanced and smaller processor.

And the size is still 26.00x13.00mm!!!
Yet again amazing work from John and we are now seeing the benefits of knowledge gained from the Nano decoder which measures only 9.4x5.0mm.

Leads for hall sensor, front and rear lights and power in/out will have mini jst plugs on flyleads.

[ScorpiusWireless]

 
 MPD FEATURE LIST
 

1. Multipurpose. Can be used as car decoder, lane changer driver, pit detector or lap counter for 5 brands
   
   
2. Small 26.00x13.00mm size.
   
   
3. Scorpius compatible
   
   
4. Carrera full car decoder compatibility.
   
   
5. Scalextric Sport Digital full car decoder compatibility.
   
   
6. SCX car decoder compatible if using Scorpius controller.
   
   
7. Ninco car decoder Compatible if using Scorpius controller.
   
   
8. Runs on AC or DC systems.
   
   
9. Runs on 8.5-18VDC.
   
   
10. Uses Nordics nRF 52840 WLSCP chip.
    
    
11. Dual radio output. RF (using Scorpius protocols)  and BLE (Bluetooth low energy, ie phone connection app).
    
    
12. App featuring virtual dashboard and wireless updating and configuration set up pages.
    
    
13. 2 LED output channels, each channel with an onboard mounted 3mm dia. IR LED for DPR hatch use (Scalextric and Pioneer cars only) and another LED mounted on 75mm flylead. When configured as car decoder one channel represents Carrera and the second channel represents Scalextric Sport Digital.                                                  When configured as a lane changer the decoder becomes a Scorpius Lane Brain lane changer controller.
    
    
14. 2 Photo transistor input channels, each channel with onboard mounted 3mm dia. photo transistor (sensor) for DPR hatch use (Scalextric and Pioneer cars only) and another photo transistor mounted on 75mm flylead. When configured as car decoder one channel represents Carrera and the second channel represents Scalextric Sport Digital. 
    When configured as a lane changer you can choose either Carrera or Scalextric Sport Digital.
    
    
15. Powerful 10A motor drive.
    
    
16. Powerful 8.8A brake drive.
    
    
17. Solenoid driver for SCX 3A.
    
    
18. Headlights, high beam, low beam, on/off, controllable from Scorpius controller. Clear 3mm LEDs.
    
    
19. Tail lights/brake lights. Red 3mm dia. LEDs.
    
    
20. Back EMF detection for traction control and future diagnostic programs.
    
    
21. Accelerometer with gyro for use in a proposed ghost car project and front to rear collision detection.
    
    
22. Hall sensor to sense motor revolutions (tachometer).
    
    
23. SCX plunger solenoid driver, 3A.
    
    
24. JST plug connection for power in/out, lights and hall sensor.
    
    
25. Custom DPR hatch available to suit Scalextric and Pioneer cars.
    
    
26. Programmable race line for Scorpius, Scalextric Sport Digital and Carrera digital systems if using Scorpius lane changer electronics.
    

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Rick
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[ScorpiusWireless]

Hi Guys 
Reworked yet again to reduce by 13% now just 22.00x13.30mm or 292.6sq.mm
In comparison a Scaley F1 chip is 325 sq.mm

[ScorpiusWireless]

Next job designing wiring and plug set up specification.

[ScorpiusWireless]

Ok so the Gen II car decoder is on its way and holidays are finally over it’s time to continue this project. It’s our best project ever.

Next stage is to redesign boards and DPR hatch with a simpler more robust and easier 3D print and order more boards.

Picture showing every possible wire and the LEDs and phototransistor on the bottom side.

Don’t forget this is the master board for 20 new products. Size just 22x13.3mm

[ScorpiusWireless]

Update,
Another round of prototypes just ordered and 6 weeks off for development.

And welcome new firmware engineer Edward who specialises in nRF to the team. As we will be busy this year we need a hand. This should speed things along nicely.
The hardest thing in this industry is lack firmware talent and we now have two works class firmware engineers on the team.

Rick