A system for use with an analog DC model train, the system includes a base unit to electronically communicate with a track of the analog DC model train, the base unit having a receiver; one or more microcontrollers; a potentiometer; a digital stepper motor connected to the digital stepper motor and to provide torque to turn the potentiometer; a controller to communicate wirelessly with the receiver, the controller having a control to send a command the base unit to set a first numerical value associated with a position of the digital stepper motor; the first numerical value can be retrieved by the base unit based on commands from the controller to set the position of the digital stepper motor.

To suppress unintended rapid acceleration of a vehicle and the like while suppressing a wire length of a feeding system in the entire layout in section-divided feed using pulse width modulation. A clock generation unit included in a feeding device generates an internal clock having a phase aligned based on a reset signal supplied from a higher-level device that controls a vehicle speed of the vehicle, the reset signal being commonly supplied to another feeding device. A pulse width modulation unit counts the internal clock, and generates a pulse having a pulse width (duty ratio) according to an instruction of the vehicle speed from the higher-level device based on the count value. A driver supplies a pulsed drive voltage having the duty ratio, to which the pulse width modulation has been applied by the pulse width modulation unit, to a section allocated to the driver.

A track device includes a switching section configured to switch a running path for guiding a wheel of a running body to running paths in multiple directions, and a traveling path guide portion disposed along the running path which follows a different direction from an inertial direction of the running body.

An LED scene controller for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) ports mounted thereon, and a plurality of special effects components with each coupled to a respective LED port. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to receive a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables to control the plurality of special effects components coupled to the plurality of LED ports. The decoder is configured to automatically switch to an animation mode when no DCC signal is detected.

An LED light board for a model train system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having a decoder and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) mounted thereon. The decoder includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, where the processor is coupled to the plurality of LEDs and is configured to control the plurality of LEDs. The decoder is configured to receive a a digital command control (DCC) signal comprising a plurality of configuration variables from a DCC hand controller via a model train track and to store the plurality of configuration variables in the memory. The processor is configured to read the plurality of configuration variables stored in the memory to control the plurality of LEDs. The LED light board also includes an accelerometer coupled to the decoder and is configured to turn the plurality of LEDs on and off in response to sensing movement.

Methods and related apparatus embodiments are disclosed that allow combinations of legacy devices and new higher capability devices to be compatibly integrated on a model railroad control system to provide; higher system speed, new control capabilities and lowered control latency delays.

A model train control system providing a more realistic modeling of the movement, sound, smoke, and lighting effects of a model train is disclosed. A number of dynamic inputs are used to control such effects. Novel features include providing a dynamic variable speed compensator, a dynamic engine load calculator, automatic dynamic momentum, an adjustable train brake, spectrum control, a velocity controller, pressure sensitive effects, a voice activated dispatcher system, a train location and information reporter network, two digit addressing, a traffic control system, accessory control, a model train Central Control Module, and removable memory modules.

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 system for use with an analog DC model train, the system includes a base unit to electronically communicate with a track of the analog DC model train, the base unit having a receiver; one or more microcontrollers; a potentiometer; a digital stepper motor connected to the digital stepper motor and to provide torque to turn the potentiometer; a controller to communicate wirelessly with the receiver, the controller having a control to send a command the base unit to set a first numerical value associated with a position of the digital stepper motor; the first numerical value can be retrieved by the base unit based on commands from the controller to set the position of the digital stepper motor.

A system and method is provided for linking at least one model vehicle action to data acquired by a model vehicle while travelling along a route. Preferred embodiments of the present invention operate in conjunction with a model train traveling along a model train track, where at least one barcode is located. When the model train travels over the barcode, the barcode is scanned, and the barcode data is transmitted to a remote control, where a program is running. The remote control then performs at least one action, where the action is based on the barcode data and the program that is currently running. If a new program is ran, the same barcode data will result in the performance of a different action.