CBUS to Control DC Layouts

At this mornings Virtual Area Group Meeting, Rob Thomas described how he uses CBUS to control his OO9 layout. He discussed the Pros and Cons of the various available systems including MERG's Automatic Train Controller, commercial offerings and Mike Bolton's Basin Speed Controller.

Having opted for the Basin Speed Controller version as the basis of his project, he then looked at how he might add additional control using CBUS.

Various versions were developed starting with a seven speed and stop initial project with subsequent modifications to overcome some of the problems associated with the different behaviours of individual train motors.

Speed and Inertia were eventually controlled using files created from a Python script and stored on an Arduino.

He uses RFID to identify the locos so that the correct profile can be loaded to the controller.

This is certainly not a beginners subject but the video is available on the Merg website for those interested.

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