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Rob Klingberg

Eurobricks Citizen
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Everything posted by Rob Klingberg

  1. Hello all-- Has anyone decoded (or has Lego released) the protocol that governs communication between a PF remote and a PF receiver via Infrared? I'd like to make my own automated controller (driven by Arduino or some such) with just an IR LED soldered to the board (not using the PF remote at all) and have this device be able to control up to 4 trains (as PF remotes can). Just checking to see if anyone has the code..... Thanks! --Rob
  2. Nicely done, and very creative! I agree that a mobile decoupling mechanism is more flexible than a stationary one (though since I'm a big 12v user I have the luxury of at least having those!). I was thinking about how to accomplish remote decoupling as you have done, and I always wondered whether it was possible to somehow energize one of the coupling magnets to cause a temporary reverse in polarity, which would repel the other magnet, thus decoupling the loco. I'm not an expert on magnetism so I don't know if any of this is even possible, but I always thought that would be another extremely elegant way to accomplish the same effect. --Rob
  3. Hello all-- I'm wondering if anyone has ever made or marketed DVD's featuring Lego trains and layouts. I've seen the numerous videos on YouTube, etc., but I'm wondering if any longer-form videos were ever made? Would sure be nice to have some longer-form videos of people's amazing creations.... Just wondering, --Rob
  4. Thanks everyone for your help! I'm glad I didn't try to open one of my motors before contacting you all. Thanks also for the RELCO tip-- I had never heard of this device or this high-voltage technology but I did some research yesterday and found some old RELCO units on eBay. Coincidentally, I also received an order yesterday from Miniatronics (great electronics hobby resource if you've never heard of them btw) and they have a similar product to the RELCO unit: Miniatronics Electrak Much pricier than the RELCO units, but maybe uses newer technology? I plan to spend some time cleaning my inner rails, and I'll also make some extra time for pushing to get my trains rolling. Thanks again for the advice! --Rob
  5. Hello all-- This is my first post on Eurobricks, and I'm a newcomer to the world of Lego trains (for the last 30 years, I've focused on collecting G-Scale LGB trains). I'm building a collection of 9v and 12v trains, and lately I've been drawn to the older 12v sets and parts, primarily because of the control options available with the 12v line. I've noticed that many of my 12v motors, while they are in good condition, need a little help getting started after they've been sitting awhile (overnight, etc.). I need to push the engines to get the motors moving. After about 3 minutes on the track, they run fine, but I'm wondering if any maintenance (greasing, etc.) is needed (or even possible) with the older 12v motors. What's the general opinion about this? I know my LGB motors need a little fresh greade every 10 years or so, but looking at the 12v Lego motors, it's not even clear they can (or should) be disassembled for maintenance. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated, thank you all! --Rob
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