|
|
Post by Country Joe on Mar 17, 2022 20:31:12 GMT
She did a super job on the engine. It’s a looker.
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 2, 2022 20:05:20 GMT
Updated 4/2/2022: Haven't posted in a while, but we have been making some progress: - The Open Hearth build is still underway, but the delay in obtaining all the Plastruct components I need is starting to have a large negative impact. All roof trusses are done, but columns (in particular) are waiting on parts.
- The wooden base of the mill has been cut as well as the board which will hold the electrical components. Both have been screwed together.
- Design of the transfer ladles is complete. We had a trial version 3D printed and adjusted the size upward a bit.
- I have spent the last 2 weeks or so figuring out how the Open Hearth's software will operate the mill. I have written a design document as well as started to layout the pin assignments. It's looking more and more likely that the Arduino UNO will not have enough I/O pins. I will probably have to go to the Arduino MEGA.
- I have also been learning the C programming language and working with the Arduino sample code and components. Just today I wrote code to successfully read the values of 3 potentiometers that will be used to set the mill's options.
- A great deal of time has been spent researching and ordering the Arduino and associated electrical components (12VDC relays, jumpers, buttons, potentiometers, etc.).
- A table of Fast Clock timings for all the operations has been created.
More when I know it.
George
|
|
|
|
Post by Country Joe on Apr 3, 2022 0:20:58 GMT
George, I understand what’s happening with the model construction but the Arduino is way over my head. I think I’m a dog too old to learn this Arduino trick.
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 3, 2022 13:30:48 GMT
George, I understand what’s happening with the model construction but the Arduino is way over my head. I think I’m a dog too old to learn this Arduino trick. Joe, I understand your reluctance. I had some concerns about dipping my toes into the Arduino stuff as well. But, over my working career I have written code in a number of programming languages on various computers. Each language / environment had its own peculiar traits. This is kind of a new area for me as well. I have never dabbled in the C programming language before. But I have to say that with the widespread availability of cheap Arduino hardware components, YouTube instructional videos (these are really critical), and knowledge on the Internet, learning the Arduino is not too bad. It's a lot simpler than writing my first program on punched cards in 1974. 
The Arduino was designed as a learning mechanism for simple electronics and programming. It's a wonderful tool; you really can't hurt it and they are dirt cheap. You might surprise yourself. 
George
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 12, 2022 1:51:04 GMT
Updated 4/11/2022:
We've got both ends of the cow covered here on the Panhandle.
Steubenville, OH was home to a small Armour meat facility. Awhile ago, I picked up a stock car. Last week, I found a refrigerator.
These are 2-rail cars, but I have 3-rail trucks and couplers for them.
George
|
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Apr 12, 2022 13:07:29 GMT
Super nice additions, George.
|
|
|
|
Post by Country Joe on Apr 12, 2022 17:12:49 GMT
Very nice cars, George. 👍
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 14, 2022 3:26:42 GMT
I am pleased to tell you that the May/June issue of O Scale Trains is out with Part 5 of my series "Pour Me A River". In this issue, we actually do pour the river, discussing all the supplies, preparation, and execution of this very critical activity. I got my copy yesterday; it should be in hobby shops in the next week or so.
George
|
|
|
|
Post by laz57 on Apr 14, 2022 12:47:06 GMT
Way to go GEORGE. Yes that shade is spot on for the Susquehanna River. Unless it is during the spring when it gets brown with all the run off.😉😃
|
|
|
|
Post by ptc on Apr 14, 2022 12:49:36 GMT
Well done.
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 14, 2022 18:52:47 GMT
Way to go GEORGE. Yes that shade is spot on for the Susquehanna River. Unless it is during the spring when it gets brown with all the run off.😉😃 Yeah, Laz, but I'm modeling the OHIO River, not the Susquehanna. LOL
If you get the magazine, you'll see how I actually picked the color of the water. It wasn't random.
And you'll see how a pour that large is actually done. There might be one larger, but I am unaware of it. 2200+ square inches.
George
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on Apr 22, 2022 1:50:37 GMT
Updated 4/21/2022: - My Plastruct order arrived last week and I picked it up. It's been sorted and labeled for the parts of the mill.
- After reviewing the number of pins needed for all the relays and other components, I decided to use the Arduino MEGA 2560 processor board (70 I/O pins). That was ordered and arrived. I tested it out the other day.
- Writing the C code for the Open Hearth simulation is proceeding well. We're probably about 40% done.
- Some of the additional components - MP3 player, speakers, jumpers, connectors, 5VDC power supply, crimping tool - are starting to arrive.
More when I know it.
George |
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on May 11, 2022 1:20:01 GMT
Updated 5/10/2022: Serious progress today!!! - Resolved some mounting issues with the Arduino in the Open Hearth. Ordered some spacers, mounting feet, and extra jumpers.
- Also made a power cable for the relay board using a USB cable - it works! I decide to mate pre-made Dupont connectors to the cable (twist wires, electrical tape, heat shrink).
- Fired up one of the relays on the board using a test snippet of Arduino code - it works!
The pieces are starting to come together! More when I know it.
George
|
|
|
|
Post by ptc on May 11, 2022 19:03:17 GMT
Good for you George, you sure keep after it.
|
|
|
|
Post by g3750 on May 12, 2022 2:16:00 GMT
Good for you George, you sure keep after it.
Idle hands are the devil's workshop.
|
|
