Webtrain Decoupling System

The webtrain decoupling system is an extension to the existing webtrain system which caters to 4^th generation. This is a software oriented project with a few hardware implementations. Evidently, model digital railways are operated by DCC. DCC refers to Digital Command Control which can modulate voltage on the track to encode digital messages while providing electric power.

The components involved in making this decoupling system include 80515 EMAC board, PC, N-scale locomotives, and a model train track. DCC Control signals are sent to the digital webtrain to initiate motion through the EMAC control board. A DCC system sends data in the form of packets. The train locomotive receives and decodes the packet of data to move to the decoupling position. Now the next task is to determine the exact position of the train. Current sensing technique is used for this purpose. Then, the user is again prompted to enter the car to be decoupled from the train. Then, optical sensors are used to perform the decoupling operation and so they are place on the track. User is required to do some basic research as to decide the position and angle where the optical sensor is required to be fixed. An optical sensor can be an ideal source in determining the start and end points of a train. Another alternative is RFID tags. The system has two modes of decoupling; manual and automatic. The manual mode includes control commands like forward, backward and stop. Finally the tracked car is decoupled from the train and the train is set to motion again.