Scorpius SMP, DCC, Wireless and DCC system. Hi Guys, Heres my new version of Scorpius for MRR. It combines wireless with DCC and DC using just one box for everything, a modular add on system with one box per 4 blocks, but it does everything from powering wireless locos, DCC locos and even DC locos. The universal decoder also does every other operation for trains, including turnout control, block detection, ID detection (transponding), signal operation, routing and auto reversing. Add one more universal decoder for each set of 4 blocks. An 8 and 16 zone versions are also possible. Each universal decoder has 12V DC power input and 40 outputs or 4 blocks of 10 wires. (4 zone version) Each block or zone has the following outputs: Track power for wireless, DCC or DC and auto reversing. Block detection Turnout control Transponding Signal/accessory outputs. Each zones wiring is in a ten wire multicore that is split as required to go into your circuit. Wiring required: a)Installing mobile decoder traditional way b)Plugging in transponder receivers and hot gluing in place. c)Connect turnout wires if required. d)Connect signal wires if required. e)Connect track wires (preferably solder) x 2 f)Connect universal decoder 12V DC power input. A traditional power bus is required on more than 2 universal decoders. Apart from track power, leftover transponder, turnout and signal outputs can be used in any zone. Only one (bigger) power supply is needed for any system and no power boosters required. Diagram below is representative only. Exact placement of isolation points, transponders and signals will vary. Once again the emphasis is on simplicity of hardware. Here just 6 components allowing for 1 mobile decoder and no signals, to do any complex task. Close up.....showing transponder and turnout...... * The thick purple wires coming out of universal decoder are multicored (10 core), this keeps things neat. So how does track drive work? Essentially each block is a seperate railway system, well actually the block the train is in now, plus the next block(s). As the loco is about to pass to the next block (one transponder receiver is used with each block and probably adjacent an isolation point), the information is passed to the next block, assuming it is now just gone vacant. The information would include if the loco is wireless, DCC or DC and can run any one type in each block (or pair of blocks). Interesting, this system can wireless, DCC and DC all on one track, albeit different blocks! I assume this would be a first. And apart from transponding, lights and a few other functions this system can pretty much make a DC train do what a DCC train can do in terms of motor control. All this is based on assuming theres a vacant block at any one time between trains. The Scorpius mobile decoder is now hybrid (multi-protocol) DCC/Scorpius wireless. DCC The universal decoder receives throttle info and will send DCC motor drive commands to the block the train is in plus the next block only. The system finds out where the train is when it crosses its first transponder. So this system is now forward and backward DCC compatible 100% Use any DCC loco on this system. Prior to starting the train is configured as DCC and the track signal (power and data combined) is sent to rails accordingly. Example the block 16 says to block 17, heres comes a train, its ID number 6 and its DCC, so send DCC to rails and get ready to pass the message on to block 18 as soon as the train leaves my block, Ill let you know when........ In fact if you didnt need to activate lights or sound or need transponding you dont actually need a mobile decoder as the motor drive commands are sent to universal stationary decoder instead. WIRELESS Throttle signal goes directly to loco as per traditional Scorpius Wireless. Train is configured to say number 7 and the mode is wireless. In this case it simply sends constant 12V DC to the rails in its block as it moves around the circuit. Even the previous DCC power could be used to save switching. DC Finally invite your mate over finally who only has DC trains, and run together on the same track with same controllers. And with new new "sequential hopping" concept Ive invented you can run anything. Voltage output from universal decoder to rails is relative to throttle. 50% throttle = 50%x12V = 6V. If it hears the a mobile decoder is answering in its zone the universal decoder will swap to DCC track power. Now no drilling, no photodiode installation. Replaced by transponder receivers. Ive made the universal decoders 4 blocks/zones for a reason, to keep track power, signals and transponders wires to a minimum length and keeps things neater. And 40 outputs is enough for one unit. Of course an 8 and 16 zone system would suit some layouts. The transponder receivers could be optional, and plugged into the universal decoder so those not wanting them can save money. So the entire system composes of: 1)Laptop 2)Dongle 3)Controller 4)Universal stationary decoder 5)Mobile decoder 6)Light/Sound board 7)Associated programs. (included) 8)Power supply Yes you can do basic operations without a desktop or laptop. However a laptop is required to configures each universal decoders ID numbers, eg 1-4, 5-8, 9-12. Im going to call this type of system Sequential Multi Protocol or SMP. Could be interesting for a club or society who have DC and DCC enthusiasts and regulary set up and pull down. Rick
Hi, Yup you are correct, and credit should go to the inventor, does anyone know a name or year? However it cannot simultaneously run DCC, DC and Wireless (Direct) trains on one layout. Hence the "my invention". Please bear in mind that is only one aspect of the SMP system though and would only be one aspect of a patent application And Ive obviously decided to publically disclose it so a patent is not possible by ANYONE regardless (Im talking about the overall wireless and non wireless architecture of the total Scorpius system) That was my decision. I just thought Id run it by the DCC forum to see peoples opinions before we start designing the first prototypes. Rick
Intriguing idea/concept. It would certainly be a boon on club layouts. You mention "The transponder receivers could be optional", but if there is no transponding how does the system know when a train passes the block joint, and what kind of train (DC/DCC/WL) it is? Actually, if my DC friend comes over, how does it know anyway, since he obviously won't have any kind of chippery installed? It would also need to handle a train/loco stopping over the transponder and then reversing. No, I'm not just being awkward - it'll happen quite often I suspect.
Hi Mike, The transponder receivers would be optional so guys who dont really want/need it dont have to pay for it, thats all. Im the sort of guy who would want this straight up. Yes you need transpondng to get the most out of a system. How does the system know what sort of format the train is? I have a few ideas, the one that is most obvious to me is when you first place the loco(s) on the block(s) you program it to DCC, DC or Wireless. From then on its identity and platform type just gets moved to the next block as it progresses. With wireless it would be done automatically as the mobile decoder announces its ID every block, so it could announce its platform too eg wireless. In this case it would be switched to DCC to utilise those volts and ignore those data packets. Interestingly enough, wireless locos would run off the normal DCC signal, so the system only needs to swap from DCC to DC and back. Its pretty easy. You can essentially run DCC and wireless together on a DCC system and no one would be the wiser. Trains reversing? The stationary decoder can detect a reverse command for DCC and Wireless. For DC it needs an auto reversing type set up correct? In which case the system would also know once polarity is reversed.. So why wireless locos if I already have an SMP type system? Its simply a faster cleaner signal, direct to locos, and Im guessing less work to keep those rails and wheels spotless? Cheers Rick
Anyone figure out an easier or cheaper way to combine DCC, Analogue and the the wireless technology all in one system complete with all accessories like lights etc? Rick
Bump up. Anyone has an ideas to make this even better? Yes its been a while since I was last here but we are now ready to proceed with development. Rick
Beta testers required. Hi Guys Ok we are ready to test the first phase, a basic decoder that runs on a DCC track but independant of the DCCC operating system, ie data is transferred straight from controller to loco. We also have a wireless turn out switch with live frog and anti-collision ready to go, (this acts as a sort of transponder which reports back to the PC wirelessly) a wireless loco detection decoder that fits into the track (this also reports data back to PC), a wireless dongle and some basic diagnostic tools you upload to your PC. Currently the loco can be wirelessly controlled by PC or wireless controller. Later on it can be controlled by Android and iPhone type devices. The loco reports back to the PC one hundred times a second to let you know what sector it is in, its motor PWM, braking PWM with the possibility of other data. The loco itself must have a sensor installed in the chassis pointing towards the track. It is 3mm in diameter and is hard to be seen once installed even if the loco is turned upside down. This may be easier on some locos and harder on others. It will run on DCC, analog tracks (with a small wiring change) and straight DC (permanent power to rails). Transponders arent really needed for this system. Data busses are not required. Just straight 12V DC direct to rails, 2 wires thats it. No data needs to run on rails ever, thus allowing us to speed up data by probably a factor of 100 at least. One of the main reasons for this project is to reduce dramatically the amount of hardware required. Thats to reduce cost, complication and install times. So now phase one is complete we are ready for input from hardcore enthusiasts Any beta testers who love this sort of thing should register their interest at: sales@scorpiuswireless.com Attention to myself: Rick Field Cheers Rick
Hi Guys Thanks we have one beta tester on board. I wouldnt mind one more. Whats a beta tester? We supply all the hardware and software. Install the hardware, ie train decoder and points decoder. You need just a simple set up with say 2 sets of points, 12V wired direct to rails, a laptop or PC, and an old loco that you seldom use. Just run the system and report back faults. This process is repeated as new functions are added. Its fun and rewarding. You're also looking for new challenges and ways to improve digital trains. Rick
