Made a macro to start the simulator up and shut it down with a single key press.

Check out the video
http://youtu.be/uxqqlSK5yaI

DIY gauge schematics and photos

These are schematics and gauges made by Doug Johnson. I have one gauge currently in the works using this design.  I also have some other resources that I am using

Train brake and first test run

We had our first test run today with the full cab stand. We installed the reverser/throttle module and installed the train brake pot bracket(see attached photo).  I also tested the 12 volt stand backlights and they looked great, although I may replace them with LEDs for keeping things cooler. We hooked the whole setup to a projector and did our first test run.  We had calibration problems with the brake but are working on them.  Throttle and reverser worked mostly as anticipated. Next step is to fix the calibration issues,test it and then start installing the discrete controls.  One other thing I think we will look into is rear projection so we can utilize a larger screen and not have to worry about the cab getting in the way of the projector. Anyway I will post pics as the project progresses.

Train Brake

I have fabricated a bracket that will fit over the top of the train brake to accept the potentiometer.. I will be installing it in the cab stand tomorrow and running my first test setup with the throttle, reverser and train brake. I will post videos and pictures of the setup and install.

So as promised, here are a couple of pictures of the electronics. The X-Keys unit is in the upper left. You can see the stamp at the bottom and the servo controller is right above the stamp. I also have an old power supply that I am using for the servo controller and I will also use that to power the 12 volt lights on the cab stand. If you want a more detailed description on how this all works together, go to this page. It details the entire build process of a steam locomotive simulator.

reverser and throttle

As promised here are the pics of the reverser and throttle. The first pic is when I first tried to use a rotary encoder with the U-HID module from Ultimarc. It is still a very good unit and I would recommend it as a keyboard emulator it will also see potentiometers, rotary encoders, optical encoders etc.  I am currently using a Stamp micro-controller from Parallax. I will go more into detail about the electronics in future posts.

This was when I first used a rotary
encoder. I am now using pots.

rear of throttle/reverser

rear of throttle/reverser

Throttle pot

reverser microswitches

rear of throttle/reverser

close up of reverser microswitches

Independent brake valve

Here are some pictures of the independent brake valve. I haven't figured out a way to modify it yet to work with a potentiometer.  Any suggestions?  We are debating on making a cast of it or a replica out of wood.

Added a few more pictures

bottom

Rear mounting plate

Right Side

Fron

    

bottom

Rear left sode