Abstract: A multi-channel model train sound reproduction system, in which digital sound files are assigned to a particular channel. The channel assignment may be fixed or variable depending on operation state. For the variable embodiments, channel assignment is preferably done in real time according to the configuration that will produce the highest quality sound reproduction.

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 further 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 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 arragement 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 further 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 smoke generating unit for a model vehicle controls and varies the rate at which smoke is generated by controlling power to a heater. The model vehicle is electrically driven, and the smoke-generating unit is configured to emit smoke so as to mimic varying emission from a traditionally-fueled vehicle, such as a steam-driven or diesel-driven vehicle. Smoke is generated in proportion to power supplied to the heater. A controller controls the power as a function of various control inputs, such as vehicle engine load, vehicle speed, or user input. Temperature or power feedback may be used as input for a closed-loop control process. A blower for the fan may be controlled via an analog circuit in response to velocity or load input to simulate a steam or diesel locomotive.

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 further 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 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 further 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 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 further 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 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 further 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 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 arragement 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 further 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 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 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 power controller for a model vehicle layout provides output AC power in response to user input. A sensor circuit and indicating device, such as a digital display screen, an LED bank, or a dial indicator, are integrated with the power controller in an assembly. The sensor circuit provides a signal proportional to an RMS value of the AC output power. The indicating device receives the sensor signal and provides a display indicating the RMS value.

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 system and method for model vehicle and accessory control makes use of a graphical display screen and graphical user interface to provide a command interface for user input. The system and method may be used of control of model trains and other modeled objects. Images representing model objects under control are displayed on the display screen. Using a pointing device, a user performs pointing actions with respect to the graphical images. The pointing actions are interpreted as commands by a processor, which determines an appropriate command or transmission pathway to achieve a commanded result by. The processor may also cause the image to change in response to user input or changes in the state of a model vehicle, or may provide alternative images in response to selection actions. Numerous model objects may be controlled using a single command interface.

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 arragement 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 further 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 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 method for speed control for a motor of a locomotive of a model electric train is presented. A method in accordance with the present invention includes sensing an operating velocity of the motor and the operating current provided to the motor, and then producing a signal corresponding to the operating velocity and a signal corresponding to the operating current. A method in accordance with the present invention further includes providing the operating velocity signal and operating current signal to a controller and establishing a target motor velocity. A method in accordance with the present invention still further includes calculating a target current configured so that the motor reaches the target motor velocity, and then changing the operating current to the target motor current to achieve the target motor velocity.

Abstract: A method for speed control for a motor of a locomotive of a model electric train is presented. A method in accordance with the present invention includes sensing an operating velocity of the motor and the operating current provided to the motor, and then producing a signal corresponding to the operating velocity and a signal corresponding to the operating current. A method in accordance with the present invention further includes providing the operating velocity signal and operating current signal to a controller and establishing a target motor velocity. A method in accordance with the present invention still further includes calculating a target current configured so that the motor reaches the target motor velocity, and then changing the operating current to the target motor current to achieve the target motor velocity.

Abstract: A smoke generating unit for a model vehicle controls and varies the rate at which smoke is generated by controlling power to a heater. The model vehicle is electrically driven, and the smoke-generating unit is configured to emit smoke so as to mimic varying emission from a traditionally-fueled vehicle, such as a steam-driven or diesel-driven vehicle. Smoke is generated in proportion to power supplied to the heater. A controller controls the power as a function of various control inputs, such as vehicle engine load, vehicle speed, or user input. Temperature or power feedback may be used as input for a closed-loop control process. A blower for the fan may be controlled via an analog circuit in response to velocity or load input to simulate a steam or diesel locomotive.

Abstract: An intelligent block controller for a model train is connected to receive detect signals from adjacent blocks of model railway track assemblies indicating that a model train is present on a respective block track assemblies. The controller provides one or more control outputs to automatically and independently control power to selected blocks of track, to operate one or more switches, or to operate other accessories. The detect signal may be provided by grounding an isolated portion of a rail to a ground rail or other voltage reference. The controller may also be configured to accept user input to select a preferred operating mode, or to deactivate automatic control.