Train control and positioning by WiFi?

[John Hill]

Hello, I am considering Ultra Wideband Realtime Location System for Lego train layout.

The idea is each train carries a small (unfortunately not tiny) electronic system ( a 'tag') that controls the motor(s) lights etc and determines the train position in relation to two (or more) 'anchors' and has a WiFi connection to a 'controller'.

All these units are similar being ESP32 micro controller and a special Decawave D1000 chip.   The tag units of course also need an H-bridge  to control the motor.

This is how it works......

Two (or more) 'anchor' units are placed in position near the layout.  The anchors and the tag units are in almost constant communication with each and every other and the distances determined by 'time of flight' in this way each unit has the distance determined to every other unit and in this way the position of the tags in relation to the layout is determined and can be read by a PC connected to an anchor unit.

There could be a track plan displayed on the PC with the position of each train (tag) displayed in real time.

Software on the PC could send commands via wifi to each tag to control the train.

 

I see attractions of this system as including ease of fitting to any layout including temporary combined layouts at displays etc,  this system solves the need to determine train position and to control the train.  The system is equally applicable to all Lego train systems including heritage 4.5v trains, 12v trains,  9v train and battery trains on plastic rails.  All train types including DCC converted trains could continue to use their existing control systems while being visible on the control display.  4.5v battery trains could have full control and position reporting.  9v and 12v rail powered trains could also be controlled and position reported, in these cases track power could be left at full speed and the train controlled by the new system.

9v and 12v trains could carry a battery and run on plastic rails, in fact all trains could run on plastic rails provided they carry a battery.

 

The cost?   Not really cheap but for comparison if I took my wife to a cafe for coffee and a slice of gateau that would likely cost more than the price for one of these units.

 

John