Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff
steam train charge/lighting system conversion to solid state.
m3vuv:
ive not been asked to fix it!,they want to find a cost effective way to convert the controll system to solid state to make what they have more reliable.
dmills:
Measure the field current with the thing running (Wire in an ammeter before starting), as that value for normal field current will be quite important.
I would guess that a CAV style 24V automotive regulator might get it done as far as the regulation side goes, with maybe some butch mosfets to do the switching and deal with shutting down when shaft speed is too low.
The trick is to build it all into the original housing.
BR used to run quite a lot of this kit (you would see it on the underside of things like mail cars) up until at least the 90s, so spares should be fairly available.
Regards, Dan.
floobydust:
--- Quote from: Cyberdragon on May 28, 2019, 04:48:53 am ---
--- Quote ---Let me know how you would troubleshoot/adjust the regulator's relays without a test drive
--- End quote ---
:palm: You read the manual (which clearly no one does these days)...which clearly states if it's working, don't mess with it, and if it breaks what the most likely causes are. People these days don't know how to maintain stuff, they just toss their stuff out when it breaks or gets too old... :rant:
Something tells me there are no transistors in the Big Boy (outside some coms radio). If there is, I'll vomit.
--- End quote ---
You just set it up and leave it alone for years I think is naive. I did read the tech doc on the system- there's no capacitors to lessen contact arcing, the dynamo has four brushes, a "regulator piston" - it's a mechanical beast prone to wear and would need constant service. I wonder if you can get parts.
I think one huge problem is troubleshooting is very difficult, as the manual says retreat back to the locomotive service center and just swap out the dynamo or regulator.
It would be cool to see pics of this system.
OP don't let your client/customer tell you how to fix things without first doing your homework.
Given the time the steam locomotive is parked, the batteries simply might not have enough energy to keep lighting going, compared to the brief charging time when it's being driven. It could be chronically starved and modernizing to LED's and such will not miraculously cure those ails.
soldar:
Replace with LED lights, new batteries and solar panels. Totally independent of old system.
m3vuv:
well ive found this,looks like it should work ok,theres a pic of one ive built,got to go and fit it next week.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version