MODEL TRAIN
TALKING DEFECT DETECTOR KIT $29
Up for sale is our Model Train Talking Defect Detector Kit. You must already have our Model Train Talking Speedometer (also sold on ebay). This kit provides another LED/sensor pair and mounting parts plus our new software program. You modify your present speedometer (add the new sensor hardware) and convert it into a Talking Defect Detector with the new software. Don’t worry your speedometer will still work as it did before.
If you look at the new circuit diagram, it is similar to the one before. We have added an LED on the one side, and a sensor on the other side. SIMPLE
What exactly is a Defect Detector anyway?
The picture above shows what the hardware might look like along a real train track.
Train Defect Detectors have been installed at strategic positions (usually every 20 miles) along railways for many years. The purpose of these DD systems is to automatically detect potentially dangerous failures in passing trains. The detector transmits a synthesized voice alarm message over the railroad radio frequency to inform the train crew of a defect. This kit is a simulation.
In operation, after the train completely passes the sensors, a "talker" will annunciate a message over the radio to inform the train crew of the defects. When a train passes without problem, the talker transmits a "no defect" message over the radio. After the equipment defect alarm is announced, the train crew will usually stop the train and perform an inspection to determine the cause of the problem. The crew will notify the dispatcher of the problem and how much delay there will be. The software has both male and female voices.
You can customize the defect message with rail road name, mile marker, track number and road number. Hearing radio static and alarms are also optional. The defects are chosen randomly. You can edit them if you want. There are also several funny defects included. These can be enabled or disabled.
Our Model Train Defect Detector system presented here makes use of trackside infrared sensors to determine:
** The defects are actually pre-programmed and randomly
occur
In reality there are three types of defects found on trains. They are hot box defects, dragging defects and load imbalance defects. There are
numerous things that can cause any of these. The picture shows the actual real life sensors used. A Hot Box Detector consists of two rectangular temperature sensors mounted on the outsides of the track. They detect heat from overheating. The Dragging Defect Detector is a row of metal fins running across the track. They detect things hanging down such as a disconnected brake hose. A Load Imbalance Detector could be for cargo that has shifted causing additional weight to be placed on one track rail. These detector descriptions are mentioned as FYI.
Defect Detectors eliminated the need for cabooses on trains. They also reduced the number of men needed.
You need a Windows computer with our Model Train Speedometer (also sold on Ebay) installed.
Our Talking Train Defector Detector kit costs $29. Shipping is free. You will receive the IR LED/Sensor pair, mounting brackets (LEGO), screws, hardware* and our new train defect detector software program on CD. If you assembled our Model Train Speedometer Kit this installation will be very easy.