New ClubNCaldes modular layout

ClubNCales has started to define its own norms to build a modular layout. You will find always all the related information in the new section of the top horizontal menu, under the "Modules" tag.

We examined the existing ones for N scale (T-Track, IngaNet, EuroN, PlataformaN, ...) but none of them was covering all our requisites:

• Variable length and shape of modules, only connector should be under norms
• Prototypical track: Code55 and switches managed by servo
• Possibility to use it in both analogue and digital exploitation, keeping switches and accessories in digital
• Based on Loconet bus
• Open Source - Open Hardware. This is the aim of our club, to develop and provide a low cost and high performance digital system based on Open solutions.
• Basically we decided to use EuroN standards for connecting headers and Peco code 55 as well. We only decided to change the gauge between parallel tracks to 27mm to be closer to Peco geometry. EuroN has changed also from 25mm to 30mm, and many people is using 27mm despite it isn't the standard.

The main communication bus will be Loconet, and the official software will be Rocrail running under a RapberryPi. Any Command station and accessories or feedback module can be used if they are Loconet compatible, but Arduino will be the preferred solution to use as command station (based on DCC++ software running on an Arduino MEGA), Ethernet LocoBuffer (using the standard protocol Loconet over Ethernet), and modules.

As Arduino cannot manage high loads of current to activate outputs or detect current consumption itself, boards from Peter Giling or own produced boards (ViDa boards) will be used, all them connected to an Arduino equipped with a Loconet Shield (ViDa LocoShield or GCA185).

Here you can find the complete norms, but they are not yet finished and are available only in Spanish:

Click here to download draft manual v. 1.4

Soon there will be more information and examples on how to mount a ClubNCaldes module, program the boards, setup the system, ....

New projects and organization of the blog

I'm sorry to have my blog a little bit unattended, but I'm involved in some interesting projects that are taking all my free time.

Complete digital system (Loconet and DCC) based on Arduino

In the Arduino side, my purpose is to build a complete digital system based on this fantastic open source platform. Until now I was using Arduino just to implement some Loconet modules with special functionalities that I was not able to find in the market. Those developments where always thanks to Alex Shepherd and his Loconet libraries for Arduino (www.mrrwa.org). Peter Giling, from Rocrail team, created an interface board usable with MRRWA libraries that enabled those project from the hardware side.

Two months ago I found another interesting development to turn Arduino into a complete DCC command station. It has no possibilities to be connected to an standard bus like Loconet, but it can be connected to JMRI and Rocrail via the USB serial port of Arduino or an Ethernet shield.

Having all the mentioned code, I plan to merge it and have a complete DCC command station with Loconet connection. For that I need some changes to the Loconet Shield (GCA185) from Peter Giling as it should have the Loconet terminator for all system to work properly. It would be also very useful to have a power source of 12Vcc feede from this command station board to the DB9 connectors.

Unexpectedly, a friend from India wrote me and offered his help to develop not only this shield, but a lot more of useful boards to develop this complete digital system (Loconet + DCC) for Arduino. I'll be posting all information here as I get some free time. As always, all my code will be Open Source and public, so everybody can contribute and expand it.

Source code and blog reorganization

I'm also working in a reorganization of the sections of the blog and a common repository for all source code. I'm moving all .ino files to github. I think it's the best option, or at least better than shared spaces with no specific source code support like I'm doing with Google Drive.

New standard for N-scale digital modules

Members of Club N Caldes are quite excited to build our digital system ourselves, and we want to apply it to modules. At least in Spain, is very difficult to see digital modules in train fairs. Until now each member had his own layout, and we were sharing our knowledge and helping ones to the others. As soon as we have all software and hardware ready we want to define a norm to construct our modules and be able to assist to some of the big module fairs.

We plan to use EuroN norm as it is the most extended here, and redefine or add an extension to the norm for digital use. Some requisites are the possibility to change rail current to analogue if desired, keeping the management of switches, lights or any other automatism through Loconet.

New train fair in Logroño (La Rioja - Spain)

Also came to me the opportunity to collaborate in the organization of a train fair in Logroño. I think it will be a very special one, as it will be held in a magnificent place, not the common pavilions. Also this Spanish region is very well known by its wines, and in Autumn the landscape and red colours of the vineyards are superb. We also plan to add an extra value making some workshops and talks for both beginners and seniors in the hobby. But I still have to wait a little bit to post more information. I'll do it soon.

So, the plan is to develop our digital - open source system, make some modules, and assist to the train fair in Logroño in October to present it. We will be quite busy for the next three or four months....

I'll keep you informed!

New high quality 3D printing models from Ferro3D

A new railway model accessories shop is born in Spain. It's name is Ferro3D. I know the owner, Pedro, from many time ago. He is a passionate of railways and his personal works in his layout always stunned me.

I wanted many time ago to acquire a 3D printer to make my particular models and accessories like stone lamps, shinto gates, guts, pipes, .... possibilities are infinite. I was looking some of the cheap and common models like RepRap, Prusa or Kossel. But soon I realized it's not possible to have even a medium quality with this kind of printers and I would have to spend thousands of euros to have the desired quality.

Ferro3D is printing with those high quality and professional printers and can give even in N scale the best quality and precision.

First models to come to light have been buffers for N and HO scale, with many finishes and options. Take a look to the first one, with the concrete formwork finish:

I'm sure Ferro3D will have a great success with all models and accessories in which Pedro is working. His passion and eager to obtain perfect and realistic models for sure assure his company a long life. Keep an eye to the news of this page, I had to chance to look at some impressive models that will be launched soon.....