A device and system and method for connecting powered accessories to a model railroad layout using an electronic interface device (EID). The EID includes a terminal for interfacing with an accessory control device that is configured to control features of model railroad accessories, and a connection jack configured to accept an accessory cable plug that is connected to two or more wires of an accessory cable. The connection jack places at least one of the two or more wires of the accessory cable in electrical contact with the terminal of the EID such that, when the accessory control device is electrically connected to the terminal, the at least one of the two or more wires of the accessory cable are placed in electrical communication with the accessory control device, when the plug of the accessory cable is plugged into the connection jack.

An aerial system and method use a distance sensor to measure spatial distances between the distance sensor and plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the vehicles operably coupled with each other during relative movement between the distance sensor and the vehicle system. The spatial distances measured by the distance sensor are used to determine a size parameter of the vehicle system based on the spatial distances that are measured.

An aerial system and method use a distance sensor to measure spatial distances between the distance sensor and plural vehicles in a vehicle system formed from the vehicles operably coupled with each other during relative movement between the distance sensor and the vehicle system. The spatial distances measured by the distance sensor are used to determine a size parameter of the vehicle system based on the spatial distances that are measured.

An inductively powered vehicle and an inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned adjacent a track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.

An inductively powered vehicle and an inductive charging segment. The vehicle may include a secondary coil, a drive motor, an electrical power storage device connected between said secondary coil and said drive motor, and a wireless communications unit. The charging segment may include a primary coil, a sense circuit operable to detect the presence of the vehicle based on a change in the detected impedance of the primary coil, and a power control unit operable to provide a time-varying current to the primary coil when the vehicle traverses the charging segment. The primary coil is positioned adjacent a track upper surface. The vehicle drive motor may be operable at first and second speed settings, and a remote control device can provide operating instructions to the vehicle wireless communications unit.

A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.

A system and method is provided for powering and/or controlling a plurality of model devices, including at least one model vehicle. In one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an adjustable transformer in communication with at least a model train. The adjustable transformer is configured to convert an AC voltage into first and second AC output voltages based, respectively, on positions of first and second input devices. The adjustable transformer includes a processor configured to receive input signals from the input devices, and to generate corresponding control signals, which are used by drive circuits to convert an AC voltage into first and second outputs. The processor is further configured to display data concerning the first output on a display, and to replace the data concerning the first output with data concerning the second output if a signal is received from a sensor, indicating that the user has interacted with the second input device.

A throttle emulator system for a model vehicle includes an emulator module and a DCC interface having a connector to permit connection with a DCC command station. The DCC command station is configured to provide digital signals to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is coupled to the DCC interface and configured to transmit command and control signals to the DCC command station, via the DCC interface. The command and control signals are relayed by the DCC command station to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is further configured for wireless communication with a mobile electronic device such that a user can communicate with the emulator module to control the model vehicle through an interface on the mobile electronic device.

A throttle emulator system for a model vehicle includes an emulator module and a DCC interface having a connector to permit connection with a DCC command station. The DCC command station is configured to provide digital signals to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is coupled to the DCC interface and configured to transmit command and control signals to the DCC command station, via the DCC interface. The command and control signals are relayed by the DCC command station to control the model vehicle. The emulator module is further configured for wireless communication with a mobile electronic device such that a user can communicate with the emulator module to control the model vehicle through an interface on the mobile electronic device.

A decoder for model train locomotives or rolling stock including: a data input; a sensor, separate from the data input and arranged to receive a first energy signal and transmit a first trigger signal; a memory element configured to store a first address identifying the decoder; and a processor configured to receive first data including a group identity address, receive the first trigger signal; and store the group identity address in the memory element. The sensor is arranged to: receive a second energy signal; and transmit, in response to receiving the second energy signal, a second trigger signal. The processor is configured to: receive the second trigger signal; receive second data including the first address and first operating instructions, associated with the first address, for a device for a model train locomotive or rolling stock; and transmit the first operating instructions. The group identity address identifies a group of decoders.