4 replies to this topic

[Ghostbuster]

I'm designing an automation PCB to possibly make automation more accessible and easier to use. I already started with my own list of features they may be present on the board.
The purpose is to make it easier for people who are interested in electronics and automation to have a solid base to start from, everything will be open-source once everything in functional. (Could take some time.)
So far I have the following features in mind:

•  Room for 8 motor that can turn in both directions. OR room for 16 motors that turn in one direction. (can be combined lets say 2 motors in both directions and 12 in one direction, or any other combination.) This should give plenty of room to play around with.
• 8 Servo's 
• Option to drive bigger loads, like a drill.
• 16 inputs for sensors to let's say detect the train. (encoders, switches, anything digital really)

Overconfident ideas:

• Wifi to log room temprature and the speed of the train. (Let's say the train takes 1 second longer to clear the track, could be an indication to lube your trains again.)
• Add extra inputs so you can hook up buttons to control your coaster, much like Ryan's Krakatoa.
• Any other idea that pops up during my vacation.

So the dimensions of the pcb will be 10x10 cm. (3.94x3.94 Inch) so it will be quite a challenge to fill all the ideas on the small area but i'm trying.
Of Course i already started some experiments on a breadboard.
 

 
 
And i also laid out some of the ideas on the previously mentioned surface to see the room that I have to work with.
(Not all components are featured but it is already packed.)
 

 

Community questions(Hard):

1. Any electrical engineerings wanna help out ?
2. What features would you like to see on the board ?

 

For every one that has no clue what they just have been reading (TL:TR)

This may seem like black magic for people, but breaking it down to something everybody would understand:

This board allows the user to automate their coaster. It will be easier to automate switch tracks, hubless wheels, thrill lifts, or anything you can think of as long as the board allows it.

I'm looking for ideas from the community that people like to see automated. 

 

The board will be open source meaning you can download the files and code(once it is done/safe) and order one of these boards for a decent price if you choose to do so.

 

Community questions(General):

1. How much motors do you use and what kind (Battery,adapter) ?
2. Have you seen some 'odd' or 'exotic features/elements/theming on a Rollercoaster that would be neat to create with K'nex but simply can't because it requires automation? Please let me know, and i may find space to add it. In other words, what would you like to see automated ?
3. Questions or concerns ?

Edited by Ghostbuster, 22 July 2018 - 07:47 AM.

[~stεεlspectrum~]

This is a really cool project and absolutely something I'm interested in Arduinos are usually sufficient for my automation, as long as they have enough digital pins, but I could see where a custom PCB might be a really good idea.

I mostly use hobby servos, so it would be really nice to have a bunch of connectors where you can directly plug the servos in. I'm thinking the board could have a row of 3-pin male headers that connect with Ground, 5V, and a digital pin for position control. I could probably use more than 8 servos if the ride is complicated enough, but 8 is a good start.

I think you also mentioned this, but I'd love to have some motor drivers for more powerful stuff (like lift hill motors or launch resets).

And I love your idea of recording statistics on the coaster! If wifi is too complicated, maybe it could store data in a .CSV file on an SD card?

[Ghostbuster]

TOP:

 

BOTTOM:

 

As of now Supports:

 

- The whole Arduino nano family, this includes WIFI/Bluetooth.

- 32 I/O 20mA, mainly there for the use of a control panel and train detection.

- the system can/will remember the position of the trains at shutdown. (should/can continue without hesitation at startup)

- 8 motors (All K'nex motors are supported) and support 3rd party motors up to 2A 12V.

- current sensing for the motor drivers to detect change in current to register a train.

- onboard cooling fan for the motor drivers.

-  addressable LED-strip for a light show!

-  breakout-board for an additional 16 servo motors

 

-(Support for encoders is there but needs to be tested)

 

I understand that many of you will have to see it in action the fully understand what this board can do, I'm running some last checks on the layout and the schematic and after that I will get the board printed and start soldering. 

 

 

Edited by Ghostbuster, 17 August 2019 - 11:16 AM.

[Ghostbuster]

Look what came in the mail today!

 

[RCT2123]

Amazing!  This is so cool, can't wait to see what you do with it.  It would be awesome if you put together a small sample coaster just to go over the features.  I may be interested in grabbing one of these in the near future.