Abstract: A voltage regulator is configured to regulate an alternating current source provided to a model toy railroad layout. The voltage regulator delivers a substantially constant voltage level to the features and accessories drawing power from the third rail of the railroad layout. The voltage regulator comprises a load control unit having an output configured to be coupled to a load. The load control unit is responsive to a load control signal for controlling the delivery of current to the load during at least a portion of an alternating current waveform. A feedback unit is coupled to the output of the load control unit and is configured to produce a feedback signal indicative of an average voltage level of the alternating current source applied at the output. A controller is responsive to the feedback signal and is configured to generate the load control signal such that the average voltage level substantially corresponds to a predetermined reference voltage level.

Abstract: A voltage regulator includes a load control unit having an output configured to be coupled to a load. The load control unit is configured to be responsive to a load control signal for controlling the delivery of power to the load. A voltage regulator further includes a feedback unit coupled to the output of the load control unit. The feedback unit is configured to produce a feedback signal indicative of a voltage level applied to the load at the load control unit output. A voltage regulator still further includes a controller responsive to the feedback signal that is configured to generate the load control signal such that the voltage applied to the load substantially corresponds to a predetermined reference voltage level.

Abstract: A sound system for a model vehicle is provided. The sound system includes a control block configured to access predetermined digital data corresponding to a plurality of sound features. The control block is further configured to be responsive to at least one input signal indicative of at least a selected one sound feature to access the predetermined digital data and to generate a sound signal corresponding to the selected sound feature. The sound system further includes a current amplifier responsive to the sound signal configured to drive a speaker to produce the selected sound feature.

Abstract: A method for selectively enabling flow of current to a load from an alternating current supply signal connected to the load is presented. The method includes storing a first time passing between a zero-crossing of the supply signal, the first zero-crossing indicating a leading edge of the signal, and a second zero-crossing of the supply signal, the second zero-crossing indicating a trailing edge of the supply signal. The method further includes sending a first signal enabling flow of the current according to a desired conduction angle when a subsequent zero-crossing indicating the leading edge of the supply signal does not occur within a second time, the second time being at least as long as the first time.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement in accordance with the present invention includes a motor configured to generate a locomotive force for propelling the model train. The control and motor arrangement further includes a command control interface configured to receive commands from a command control unit wherein the commands correspond to a desired speed. The control and motor arrangement still further includes a plurality of detectors configured to detect speed information of the motor, and a process control arrangement configured to receive the speed information from the sensors. The process control arrangement is farther configured and arranged to generate a plurality of motor control signals based on the speed information for controlling the speed of said motor. The control and motor arrangement yet still further includes a motor control arrangement configured to cause power to be applied to the motor at different times in response to the motor control signals.

Abstract: A method for controlling a power level supplied to a load by an auxiliary output of a power source is presented. The method includes providing a power source having a user-adjustable main output and an auxiliary output. The method further includes providing a controller that is operative to control the level of the auxiliary output, the controller having at least supply and programming modes of operation. The method still further includes selecting the programming mode and adjusting the power level of the auxiliary output to a desired level while in the programming mode, thereby defining a programmed desired level. The method yet still further includes storing the programmed desired level in the controller, and then controlling the auxiliary output to the programmed desired level while operating the power source in the supply mode. The method further includes delivering power to the load in accordance with the stored desired power level.

Abstract: A method for selectively enabling flow of current to a load from an alternating current supply signal connected to the load is presented. The method includes storing a first time passing between a zero-crossing of the supply signal, the first zero-crossing indicating a leading edge of the signal, and a second zero-crossing of the supply signal, the second zero-crossing indicating a trailing edge of the supply signal. The method further includes sending a first signal enabling flow of the current according to a desired conduction angle when a subsequent zero-crossing indicating the leading edge of the supply signal does not occur within a second time, the second time being at least as long as the first time.

Abstract: A control and motor arrangement for use in a model train includes a control arrangement integrally constructed with a motor. The control arrangement receives rotational speed and positional information from the motor and uses this information to determine how much power to supply to the motor, thus controlling the rotational speed of the motor. In this way, the control arrangement maintains a constant motor speed, if desired. In addition, the speed and positional information is optionally provided to a sound control arrangement for use in selecting appropriate sound effects.