4
• Project 1: Destination screen on a train which changes with direction
You can fit a smart screen(s) in or above the side window of a modern coach or multiple unit to
show the destination of the train and which change with direction automatically. It can run on DCC
layouts (giving screen the same loco address as the train decoder), or on DC layouts where it will
detect the polarity on the track (though note on DC the screen will go off as the train slows-stops).
•
Entering the screen messages
See pages 2 & 3 for screen programming and message entry
Usually the top line shows the final destination and the bottom line shows stations leading to the
final destination - a clock is not usually seen on an on-train display.
Note you should
only
program text into screen messages A and B for this project - if not other
screens may be shown when Function keys are used to control sounds etc. You can most easily
clear messages on unwanted screens completely using the ‘Erase this message’ command (F9),
or to clear all messages from the screen select F5 Display Control, F7 Settings then F5 Reset.
So after programming Screen A could be something like this:
And Screen B could show the other destination with stations leading to it in reverse:
•
Setting up a Destination screen on a Digital DCC fitted train
After entering the messages for both screens you now need to tell the Smart Screen how to
control them. On DCC you need to tell the smart screen the loco address of your train as follows:
Enter the Loco address as a 4 digit number - include the zeros if the address is less than 4 digits.
Use F4 to choose the first digit, F5 to move to the next digit and F6 to save the address.
On DCC if train destinations run in wrong directions reverse loco direction CV in the loco decoder
•
Setting up a Destination screen on an Analogue DC train
If you are using this on a DC controlled train you just need to wire the Power solder pads P P to
the wheel pickups - the Smart Screen will detect it is connected to DC and display Message A or B
depending on the applied polarity, though note the screen will go off as the train slows and stops.
On DC If the train destinations run in wrong direction, reverse connections to the wheel pickups.
• Connecting the Smart Screen
Wiring is the same on either DC or DCC, needing only connection to the track power via pick ups
in a multiple unit or coach with lights etc - use thin flexible wire so as not to impede smooth motion
of the bogie. As with all things model railways, clean track and wheels will help provide a stable
display, but a non-polarised capacitor of a few microfarad in parallel with the pickup wires will help
provide backup power for a small amount of time when it loses power momentarily on points etc.
Note that second line of text will often be
longer than screen but this will
automatically scroll when screen is active.
London Liverpool St
Calling at Manningtree, C
olchester, C
helmsford, Stratford...
Ipswich
Calling at Stratford, Chelm
sford, Col
chester, Manningtree...
"
A B
P
"
"
"
P
© Train
Tech.com
"
L
"
C
Smart Screen
can be mounted behind
a window using tape or blue tak etc
Bogie with pickups for lights or motor
To help prevent screen flicker fit
a 25V non-polarised capacitor
Note that second line of text will often be
longer than screen but this will
automatically scroll when screen is active.
F4 Loco
F5 Accessory
F6 Cycle F7 Settings
F4 Edit message
F5 Edit controls
F4+ F5 Next F6 Save
Loco address : 0008
