Guys,
Here are some updates on various items for the week starting May 20th, 2012.
Paint:
The second batch shipped to all orders, the released colors have images posted of the paint swatches.
The third batch is due in the first week of June.
2011-0004 FRA Reflective White
2011-0005 FRA Reflective Yellow
2011-0006 FRA Reflective Red
2011-0018 CSX New Blue
2011-0019 CSX New Gold
2011-0023 GOT Green
2011-0030 UP Yellow
2011-0031 UP Grey
2011-0039 MILW Orange
Tablet:
An A9 processor version is being worked on by our supplier which is compatible with Android 4.0.3. This will be ready next month and we will start shipments ASAP. We also have a plan B in progress that can meet our needs if the first option doesn't.
MCU Control Systems:
The MCU is basically a decoder but we used more advanced technology than currently offered. So we refer to it as an MCU system. (Motor Control Unit)
Each system has 46 solder pads for SMD 402 based lighting. There are assigned pads with associated circuits and programming to match prototypical applications. For lighting, you just have to solder the correct lead to the correct pad. The headlight will go on pad X for example with the additional headlight for SP units going on pad Y. All of the markers, class lights, and other light features such as strobe, gyra, and mars lights are accounted for.
The positioning of the PCB’s in the unit is flexible, the Truck PCB’s are placed above the trucks but they can be relocated if required for units such as tunnel motors.
We have standardized the Motor PCB so it is common to both Sound and Non-Sound systems.
The PCB’s for Battery/Wireless and No Battery/Wireless systems are also similar except that the BOM and cards are not populated the same. This enables us to quickly release a number of variations.
The Non-Sound options have the card required for layout testing almost done assembly. Firmware for DCC testing is also almost done.
The difference between the Non-Sound and Sound systems is the MCU PCB.
The Non-Sound PCB uses a Platform on Chip with integrated Zigbee 802.15.4 wireless. It has an MCU that is 8 bit/32 bit compatible based and 60 KB of flash memory. The difference between a standard decoder and our MCU system is most decoders use a PIC system which has a 2 bit IC. The difference in motor control is that we have more flexibility and can modulate the frequency to a greater rate. This results in extremely fine motor control.
The Sound PCB uses a ARM7 32 bit processor with 128 KB of flash. We also pair this with a 4Gb flash memory IC to hold the sound files. Compared to the industry standard of 8-256 bit memory, we’re a huge step ahead and can offer better than CD quality sound.
The sound based MCU PCB is ready for fabrication which means we can have the sound options in your hand this summer.
The Non-Sound options will be ready for layout testing in a few weeks once the assembled MCU/Motor PCB's arrive.
Our trucks include 4 – 6 traction motors if you go for the full package. This drive is DC ready if you step the voltage down to 5 volts.
If you want to digitize your system, you will need to purchase one of the MCU Systems. If you want to upgrade to the Battery/Wireless System, you can pay the difference if you have purchased a locomotive kit.
You CANNOT use an existing decoder with our traction motors. They are not set up the same. You can however use our MCU’s with any existing DCC system as the signal is standard and our boards are NMRA compliant.
Tooling and Product Development:
This week Evan and I travelled to New Hampshire to complete the purchase of a Datron M7HP with a 2kW 60,000 RPM chilled spindle and also initiate the help of an injection mold design training company.
Both visits were highly successful and we’re pleased to say that we will be starting to cut metal in August.
The new system enables us to tool and machine to a mirror finish in both P20 tooling steel and aluminum with 10 micron accuracy for cutting, 5 micron accuracy for drilling.
The new system is highly automated and once 3D design and CAM is completed, machining will go very fast with minimal clean up.
Yes there will be huge learning curve but we have the right equipment, right personal, and right training in place to make things successful.
All of our tooling and machined products will now be done in house. We are also looking into a 25 – 30 ton injection mold machine solution so plastic production can be done at our facility.
With this investment, over 3000 parts and numerous locomotives ready to go for tooling, we’re going to provide you with the best possible prototypically accurate locomotive products in the coming months. This will include assembled locomotives in 2013.
We are also brining in some help to ensure we can fill orders and manage inventory more effectively to match our ability to increase our product list faster.
As an FYI to other manufacturers or companies, we can take your product ideas and get your projects done with this new equipment.
Closing:
I appreciate your support over the past six years. Now that we’re bringing the ability to do tooling ourselves to the quality and tolerances I have always strived, I think Railflyer is going to be a great solution for your locomotive and layout control needs if you appreciate quality, accuracy and flexibility.
All the best,
Christopher Howard, President
Railflyer Model Prototypes Inc.
