BLI P70 - Correcting Coupling Distance How-To

[Maletrain]

Yeah, I know that the power of the electromagnets really needs to be measured in "amp-turns", which is really the number of amps flowing around the circle of wire surrounding the core.  So, I need the wire gauge to reproduce what Marc made.  Using thinner wire would produce more resistance, less amps, and a weaker magnet (which I would probably burn-out by holding the current on it too long trying to get it to uncouple).  Using thicker wire would produce more amps, and make heat, faster, since it would draw more power with more amps and the same voltage drop.

There must be a sweet spot to get the amount of magnetic force I need to reliably uncouple with the minimum amount of heat. 

And, that also probably depends on where the "poles" of the magnet are placed.  There seems to be a tendency to put the poles between the rails, at almost rail height, so that it mimics the permanent magnet uncouplers that are placed between the rails.  But, frankly, I have found that those permanent magnets (e.g., the Kato and MicroTrains versions) don't uncouple and delay-uncouple as reliably as the the ones placed below the ties (e.g., Bachmann), which are stronger and wider.  So, I am really wanting to make an electromagnet that is effectively like the Bachmann, with the ability to turn it on and off.

BTW, thanks for drumming up competition for may bid on eBay. 

[peteski]

BTW, thanks for drumming up competition for may bid on eBay. 

Hey, you asked. I took my time, did some research, and gave you some answers.   I thought that giving you an option of buying a ready-made unit would be easier than trying to scratchbuild one.    That listing showed up in my Google search, so I thought I would include it in my post.   

You're welcome, and have a nice day.  So much for being helpful  

[reinhardtjh]

Instead of making one, why not buy one.  Here is one on eBay with only a $3 bid.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/N-SCALE-KADEE-1309-THRU-THE-TRACK-DELAYED-ACTION-MAGNE-ELECTRIC-UNCOUPLER/333322566408

BTW, thanks for drumming up competition for may bid on eBay. 

Can't have been too much competition. It still sold for $3 with one bid...

[cbroughton67]

Chris Broughton: Is there a reason that you used MTL 1016s instead of 1015s?  It looks like your cars could stand to be even a little closer.  Thanks for posting this.

Doug, I used the 1016 thinking they'd allow more swing than the 1015's. 1015's would probably be just fine. I've only done one complete car so far, so I'll either move the coupler boxes back further with the 1016's, or try refitting my test car with 1015's and see how they do and close the gap even further.

[Maletrain]

Can't have been too much competition. It still sold for $3 with one bid...

Yeah, I got it for $3, plus shipping.  So, Peteski is forgiven.  (I was just yanking his chain for a little fun - no hard feelings if I had lost it, Peteski.)

[Maletrain]

Hey, you asked. I took my time, did some research, and gave you some answers.   I thought that giving you an option of buying a ready-made unit would be easier than trying to scratchbuild one.    That listing showed up in my Google search, so I thought I would include it in my post.   

You're welcome, and have a nice day.  So much for being helpful  

Yes, I was kidding you.

And, I do appreciate the efforts you make to answer my questions and the questions others post here.  I did have a nice day (running trains at the club) and hope you did, too. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

That reminds me: hey, @Ed Kapuscinski, do you remember the time we jumped a ¹/₄ - ¹/₂" rail gap between two modules on the BANTRAK layout with Lil' Puddy and my Juice Train?

Haha, yep! That was fun!

[haasmarc]

Thanks for the info.  What I am getting from it is that there needs to be 350 turns and 25 volts DC for the magnet strength.

Not sure what you mean by "shelf channel".  I am envisioning the 5/8" wide steel U-channels that screw to a wall vertically and have vertical slots for brackets that serve as shelf supports.  Assuming you mean to put two U sections together with the closed ends touching, and wrap the wire lengthwise inside the channels.

If I have all that right, then the only question remaining is what gauge wire did you use for the 350 wraps?

Yes, you have it correct.  I use the deep channel.  I will create a new thread and add some pics when I have some time.

[peteski]

Yes, I was kidding you.

And, I do appreciate the efforts you make to answer my questions and the questions others post here.  I did have a nice day (running trains at the club) and hope you did, too. 

I guess I'm sometimes emoticon-dependent to  figure out whether someone is kidding or not.

Looks like you had a fun weekend.  Mine was also fun, although not railroad related.  On Saturday my GF and I went to Glendi (a largest Greek festival in Manchester, NH).  Lots of good food and pastries, nick-knacks, Greek music and dancers.

Sunday we got her Segway Personal Transporter out of storage, and I replaced the old dead NiMH battery pack with new Lithium-Ion batteries.  It was sitting unused for several years, and now it is alive again!  While Segways never became that highly touted revolutionary mobility devices, they have have some uses, and they also spawned a whole new generation of self-balancing scooters and other gadgets. 

[CRL]

Did you do your best Paul Blart impression when you test drove the Segway?

[CRL]

Oops, almost forgot...

[peteski]

Did you do your best Paul Blart impression when you test drove the Segway?

When I step on the Segway I instantly turn into a Mall Cop!    Plus it triggers an instant smile on my face.  Lots of fun to ride!

[MK]

Sunday we got her Segway Personal Transporter out of storage, and I replaced the old dead NiMH battery pack with new Lithium-Ion batteries.  It was sitting unused for several years, and now it is alive again!

Careful!  Those two types of batteries have different charging regiments.  May sure the charging circuitry can handle both.

[peteski]

Careful!  Those two types of batteries have different charging regiments.  May sure the charging circuitry can handle both.

No worries, but thanks for the heads up.  Both battery packs were replaced with identical units, and the Segway itself had it firmware updated to handle Lithium Ion batteries - it is all good. 


BTW, my P70 arrived today and there is plenty of room for improvements and modifications.  I'll take me some time to write up some of the modifications.

[brill27mcb]

Oh yeah, we were talking about P70's, weren't we?    - Rich K.