———    Steam Locomotive Simulation and Control System.   ———

I did this project in middle of my undergraduate classes at Texas Tech University. My team was tasked with controlling a HO model train via encoded signals from the track, in compliance with NMRA standards. The train would be controlled through a LabVIEW simulation of a Steam locomotive; and LabVIEW would receive external inputs.

The technical project description is as follows:

• System simulates a steam locomotive in LabVIEW and sends outputs instructions to a rail control system over USB via UART data protocol. These signals are then interpreted by an MSP430G2553 microcontroller into power signals following NMRA (National Model Railroad Association ) standards, and send to power the track.
• The LabVIEW simulation also receives inputs from control panel over USB via UART protocol from a MSP430 chip which receives various analog and digital inputs.

Set up with the train and controller systems being tested:

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