Spicers Creek Module A

Control Logic

Control Logic Deck Girder Bridges

The 3 span Deck Girder Bridge are equipped with separate NCE BOD's to allow each span's speaker to coordinate with the presence of rolling stock on that span allowing the sound to follow a train across the three spans. Sound is supplied by a pair ModelFXs Sound Byte sound player's fitted with a bridge rumble file. The sound player's are set to continuous play with one leg of each speaker wired through a NCE Dual Relay [dr] normally open contact. The NCE BOD [bod] detects the presence of a piece of rolling stock then sends an input to the NCE Mini Panel which triggers a output of the NCE Switch 8 operating the NCE Dual Relay coil which connects the speaker simulating the rumble created by the rolling stock running over that span. 

The length of the detector rail for the BOD's on the 1st and 3rd spans starts about 35 mm from the start of the span allowing the rolling stock to on the span before starting the sound. The middle span is a full length detector.

Control Logic Bridge Fans
The detectors on the opposite track triggers the fan controlled by a D13SR decoder operating fan's to move the mist collected in the creek bed by ultra sonic mist generators. The equipment control logic is the same as sound coordination for the bridge. 

The fans are controlled by the flickering firebox option applied to one of the four function outputs of the D13SR to create a fluky air movement. Each output will run through a voltage dropping circuit as the fans are 5V DC and the intend is to operate them at 3 volts and its hoped that this will move the mist around not blow it away. The first fan is begin prepared to be installed and is seen in the far right span. All the wire are to connect to the speakers, fans and track detectors.

Three span bridge before installation

The black wires are soldered to the underside of the rail and the rail will be isolated in five places for detectors

The large bundle of cables that have been cable tied in the foreground are to connect the bridge devices to their respective electronics located in the electronics drawer.  All the other bundles are for other specialized sounds to be incorporated. The red and black wires are feeder connecting to the track bus located at the rear of the layout.

Control Logic Flange Ring 

Flange ring [squeal] is controlled in the same manner as the the bridge sound and is located at two points on the curve before the three deck bridges leading to Goomla.

Control Logic Signal
The distance signal is controlled using a TAM Valley Dual 3 Way II decoder and servo. The decoder allows the operation of the Semophore in the two positions required with important feature its ability to simulate blade bounce. 

Sound will be created and coordinated with the operation of the signal to pull the signal chain using a light tension spring at a later date.

Installation
All the electronic hardware is fitted into the module drawer to allow repairs and diagnostics to be undertaken from one central point

Control uses a large amounts of wire as each circuit generally requires 2 cores. The use of 4 core alarm cable is the most practical means to supply the necessary cores and organization. This module has had 100 meters of cable laid in in preparation to connect the systems outlined and for other single point effects such as windmill, smoke and environmental sounds to help create the dynamic sound as discussed on a previous article sound control. 

Personal Comment
Will this all work?  

We are getting closer to finding out and there its a fine line between success and ridicule.

This is all a big unknown but as outlined at the start of this blog the writer believes there has never been a better time to try to create a "Theater for the Mind". Not my words but a perfect description for what is being attempted - time is required for judgement.