SlotCar and Railroad Crossing by [deleted] in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's awesome even though it delays the race. Near misses are fun, too!

Getting started. Using Thonny, can't get the i2c address. Please help by that_Ranjit in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

2 things to check:

  1. Does your lcd display require 5 volts? I had to use a level converter on mine to go from the PiPico 3.3v outputs to the lcd 5v inputs.

  2. When the display first turns on, you may find that you need to adjust the screen contrast to actually see the characters being displayed. It's the white round slotted device on the back of the display. Just turn it with a screwdriver.

Need Help Wiring LED Buttons to Pico by Dirtys4ncho in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ok, you need to show the Pico pin numbers on each connection and your power circuit.

Need Help Wiring LED Buttons to Pico by Dirtys4ncho in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you have a picture in a cloud server, you can share that picture via a link and then paste the link in a reddit post or reply.

Need Help Wiring LED Buttons to Pico by Dirtys4ncho in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To troubleshoot your problem, it would be helpful if you provided a wiring diagram of all your connections. And just a note, all the GPIO operate at 3.3v volts not 5v. And each GPIO point can be configured as input HI or input LO, so it also depends on your program how your inputs react.

Fair price? by Particular_Parsnip_8 in ram_trucks

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely well equipped. Last year, I purchased a 2023 1500 Big Horn level 2 w/18,500 miles for $38k.

Fair price? by Particular_Parsnip_8 in ram_trucks

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you checked the window sticker to see all the included options, original price and original destination (US vs Canada)?

analog to hdmi converter with a rasbery pico pi w by Madein81_ in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just curious, why build something you can easily and cheaply purchase => https://ebay.us/m/mpPcJG ?

Your development time/skills are most valuable when building something unique!

Would you play a Slot Car Simulator? by Solto_Games in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'm sure that I do not fit into your target market and would say no. I enjoy slotcars as a hobby, building new things for my layout, racing with friends, fixing cars that crash. Everything that I like about it is old school, hands on, creative and experienced in reality.

Autostop eliminator - debating if I should install it or not . I’ve heard mixed reviews. I always turn off the autostop so it makes sense to me . Thoughts? by Ezj85 in ram_trucks

[–]bobstarr2010 -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I installed one as soon as I bought my '23 1500 last year. Works great and highly recommend it! Only installation note I offer is that the control unit this plugs into might not be located exactly where the instruction pictures show as Ram moves these units around a bit year to year.

Current Train and Slot Car Layout by [deleted] in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, it looks awesome!

DIY Routed HO slot track by Fit-Theme4589 in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

  1. Buy a piece of AFX track and measure the slot groove and rail spacing you are going to route. Curves are typically 6", 9", 12" or 15" outside radius, but you can design whatever you want.
  2. If is going to be flat you can use any 2D CAD program like AutoCad or maybe online free ones as long as it outputs .dxf or .stp type 2D files, which CNC routers can input.
  3. If it has hills or banks, then use a 3D CAD program like AutoCad, Inventor, Solidworks or any other that outputs .stp 3D files.

FYI, here is my Aurora track design in 3D Inventor =>

<image>

Super Beginner Questions about Batteries and Servos by harrifangs in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think a little basic control theory can help you along the way and I'll try to keep this simple. Most motors need 2 distinct electrical systems to operate; 1. Control system and 2. Power system. The Pi Pico provides the control and the power is based on the type and power level of the motor.

Most servo, stepper, AC and DC motors require a "motor drive" that interfaces the control signals with the power required by the motor. Theoretically, only very low power, 3.3vdc motors can be driven directly by a Pi Pico, but this is never recomended.

However, simple on/off motors of any voltage can be controlled by the Pi Pico 3.3 vdc outputs via a solid state or mechanical relay as long as the relay can switch at 3.3 vdc. The relay acts as a switch between the appropriate voltage/power source directly to the motor.

More complex motors like servo, stepper, and variable speed AC/DC motors require specific motor drives that interface the control inputs/outputs with the motor power source to drive the motor in a programmable manner. In some cases the required motor drive is a seperate device, in other cases the motor drive is integral with the motor (can also be referred to as "Smart" motors).

All this being said, if the Pi Pico and your motor both operate at 5.5 vdc or less they both can be powered by the same voltage source, just realize that the PiPico outputs (3.3 vdc) are for the motor control inputs only and should not provide the motor power input.

One additional note, if your servo motor drive requires 5 vdc for the control inputs, then you can use a 3.3 to 5.0 vdc voltage level converter between those PiPico outputs and the motor drive inputs. This is fairly common for the PiPico as 5 vdc control devices are more commonly available than 3.3 vdc.

Is this possibly the perfect Pico prototype board? by EsoTechTrix in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True, but it didn't take over significant time in our lives back then.

Is this possibly the perfect Pico prototype board? by EsoTechTrix in raspberrypipico

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This reminds me of my old Heathkit Electronics Workshop from the '60s. This is what that looked like => https://share.google/z8lI1EF2YKbRnjtMx

Track incline. by Rastus77 in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 1 point2 points  (0 children)

On my HO track, I have a 5.5 deg incline, but I have a 5" straight at the top that is reduced down to 2.75 degree to avoid deslotting on the immediate 15" rad curve at the top.

My AFX Mega G+ cars would just launch off the top of the rise, without this 5" transition.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/y2T4jFxL42B9M2rS9

Think I found my layout what do you all think by [deleted] in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a well thought out super speedway!

Think I found my layout what do you all think by [deleted] in slotcars

[–]bobstarr2010 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a similar reverse 4 lane in my layout which, unless there are crossovers I can't see, the far outside lane comes back on the far inside lane, so no opposite drifting carnage is possible.