Scorpius-wireless Digital Slot Car Project.

[aussieslotter]

On 5/1/2021 at 9:42 AM, Shaynus said:

Excuse my utter lack of knowledge, but what does MPD mean?

Thanks for asking. 
Scorpius Multi Purpose Decoder
The aim: To supply to market one easy to use, multi purpose, multi protocol product, small in size, hardware/firmware rich product that can perform a multitude of tasks for multiple brands. The enthusiast can upload various products into the decoder. Downloads from the website are included in the initial cost of the product. Imagine if your Scorpius Carrera compatible MPD lane changer could re-purposed as a Scorpius Scalextric Sports Digital compatible car decoder? Or as a Scorpius Lane Change decoder? Or as a wireless light board for WAM users?
The solution: Develop hard/firm/soft/appware that can perform a multiple tasks on multiple platforms. Thus saving development costs and time. Resulting in cheaper more flexible products.
Functionality: Car decoder. Smart Lane Change decoder. Location decoder. Light decoder (analogue WAM users). Dongle (with resistive output for Scalextric C7042/7030 and Carrera 124/132 Digital CU).
Product description: A 26x13mm multi-protocol, hardware rich, multi-function chip. The product can be fitted to any slot car, DPR hatch, track cavity or powerbase input.
The decoder is designed to fit a DPR hatch using the Scorpius quick release mechanism. It is also designed to fit easily within the cavity of Carrera, Scalextric, Ninco, etc track systems. It can run on 8.5-18V AC or DC using any polarity. It has 3 power drive circuits, LED driver outputs and 1 phototransistor circuit, hall sensor, protection, headlights with high beam, brake lights and proprietary RF and BLE connection.
The Brands: In alphabetical order: Carrera 132/124 Digital, Scalextric Sport digital, Scorpius Wireless, Technitoys SCX.
Added functionality: Some functions like lane changing may have additional features added over proprietary functionality, example upgraded brakes, lights, ULTIMA, a combination of AC (anti collision function) and PEARL (programmable electronically activated race line) and location.
Versions: There is only one version of the MPD. However the default firmware is Car Decoder, which encompasses the brands mentioned.
The products are listed by brand compatibility and their function.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ut4cklppi0t85w5/MPD Document.pdf?dl=0

 

Edited May 2, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Project list status  May 2021. We don’t have 25 projects going only a few but they are good ones:

1. Multi Protocol Decoder:

Design, prototype complete. Firmware under development. Destruction testing underway.

2. F1 Nano Decoder:

Design, prototype complete. Firmware complete. Destruction testing underway.

3. Easy fit disk Scalextric Decoder:

Design, complete. Dummy boards being accessed for fitment.

4. F1 Micro decoder:

Design complete. On hold depending on outcome of Nano chip.

5. Wireless LCD Colour touchscreen gantry:

Design, prototype complete. Firmware under development.

6. Scalextric F1: 2022

7: Carrera F1: 2022

So only 7 projects. However MPD is 13 products in 1.

Plan is to have 20 new products by end of 2022!

Rick

Edited May 1, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

1 hour ago, C-Type said:

There was earlier on this thread some brand bashing of SCX (which I happen to like) then some mis-quoting of technical specs relating to SCX which needed some gentle correction and clarification. I like it when brands are respectful of each other - in digital slotcars this type of brand bashing is unusual... but let’s let the reader and future customers decide whether its acceptable or not.

Unless the quality of discussion improves I for sure will not be contributing further to this particular thread.

c

 

You can’t dispute any point I’ve raised.

Superbly impressed the system copies my DC/RF system as Slot.it have done. 
Impressed it has 9 car IDs and app connection.

Not impressed with other aspects as shown/proven.

That’s a report by someone qualified to do so. I’m sorry if it offends you. But bashing my company by making false allegations is not acceptable.

In order to offer SCX users of course any improvements must be aimed towards areas that can be improved, like an interface that connects to a PC. That means identifying weak spots. 

Please refrain from false posts in the Scorpius development threads without basis. Your continued trolling me across various platforms and forums had been going on now for some time and is now becoming obvious.

So back to Scorpius development ideas and discussion. Our current focus is the MPD project. I’ll make some reports here once the distractions go away. 
 

Rick

Edited May 7, 2021 by aussieslotter

[Vinno]

I have never been into heavy handed moderating but recent developments seem to indicate this is how things need to be. The forum is here for all to show products and share knowledge. Pissing contests can happen somewhere else. 

[SlotsNZ]

Thanks Vince. I had decided overnight I should do almost exactly the same - but you beat me to it. But I have also unlocked the thread ready for use again, “on topic”.

 

 

[aussieslotter]

Hi Guys. 
    Vertical spacing between LED  and sensor is critical only in forward and reverse directions. It has no bearing left to right as can be proven with diagrams and actual testing.

Rick 

Edited May 26, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Hi Guys. 
 Here’s a very simple diagram showing infrared light in relation to photo sensor if installed up to 1mm out of position.

This proves that there are acceptable tolerances. This was tested at high speed in 2009 on the loop and it worked 100% at 10m/s.

Rick 

Edited May 10, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Even 2 mm it still has plenty of grunt.

 

[aussieslotter]

Scorpius MPD chip now has 128 Scalextric Digital car IDs. 
Now the fun begins 

[aussieslotter]

......wiring the Scalextric C7042 Advanced Powerbase to the Scorpius multi protocol  (multi brand) vertical test loop.

 

Edited May 15, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

.....setting up a Scaley GT40 with 0, 1 and 2mm LED offset....

 

[aussieslotter]

......installation of LED and new Scalextric  F1 digital chip.......

 

Edited May 15, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

NSR Mosler with Scorpius MPD decoder with 128 SSD car IDs ready to test IDs 7-14

Edited May 18, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Laptop and C7042 display added to the Scorpius vertical test loop.

[aussieslotter]

Hi Guys,

 There’s been a lot of talk online for quite a few years about boot loaders for updating firmware.

Bootloading is simply upgrading the firmware just like an update on your smart phone. Also know as updating or reflashing.

Scorpius was the first slot car company to have updates for any product, and on top off that totally wireless. In fact it was one of the first devices in the world period to incorporate wireless updates into all products and the first “toy” ever to have wireless updates.

Id like to show you a video showing how easy it is for Scorpius users, have a watch.

 

[aussieslotter]

I think I blew a fuse!

 

Edited May 21, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Diagram below with car LED a huge 1.5 mm out of alignment easily triggering lane changes and lap counts.

Preliminary testing in the loop has already proved this. Of course video will be shot and shown. 
This pic shows the Scalextric scenario where the sensor is at the bottom of the slot rather than the track surface.

This scenario shows the LED a huge 1.5mm offset.

Edited May 22, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

For the hobbyist. How the pro teams can implement flawless app bootloading (Bluetooth) in just one days work.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipNEJt0lE2GdGnlaMAqu0vBy5-cOyyHDgujPfgLFgRM4ScM3KcITVkDXLKxC7CL9tg?key=bnI3RWxRdDNZU1hDMWxTRG5xdkc3ZkFYazd2ZDB3

 

[aussieslotter]

Bootloading. Something the hobbyist is incapable of so best left to experienced professional engineers at the top of their game. Video proof can’t he beaten. And repetitive talk with no proof as we know is cheap.

Here’s a video of behind the scenes development with actual proof it works flawlessly. Wang is based in China and is a Scorpius team member. Please excuse his poor English.

Hardware and firmware Australia 

Software USA

Appware China

Beta testers Aust, Germany, USA.

An amazing international team that leads the world.

Scorpius pioneers of wireless bootloading for the digital slot car industry.

Edited May 22, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

How far can you put an LED in a Scalextric out of place before it fails.

The prediction according to CAD drawings above shows 1.5mm not 0.1mm as seen online.

Test platform:

Scalextric car

Slot.it 21,500 rpm motir

 Track: Timber loop

Power supply: 15V

Throttle position: Full on

Speed: 6.5m/s

Powerbase: Scalextric Advanced Powerbase

Offset results:

0.25mm: 100% reliable 

0.5mm: 100%

1.0mm: 100%

1.5mm:100%

2.0mm: 95%

Given the guide is 1.8mm thick in a 3.0mm slot we can assume at 1.5mm offset the LED would be between 0.9 to 2.1mm offset and even at 2.1mm works fine even though the car can float 0.6mm left or right in the slot.

Of course the aim is to place the LED in the exact position. But even the best installers could be several tenths out. This proves without a doubt it won’t affect anything if you do.

So all of the hobbyists out there can rest assured your lapcounting and lane changing will work fine on any off the above up to 1.5mm.

Again proof over opinion proves the point every time. Enjoy the video. 

Next test car IDs 7 upwards using standard lane changers and lap counting with only firmware change on the car chip allowed.

 

 

Edited May 23, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Next test is debunking the notion of any more than 6 car IDs on Scalextric Sport Digital. Apart from the fact the existing Hornby firmware simply doesn’t allow it due to the checksum requirement built in the mark space ratio technique doesn’t like speeds over 3m/s for ID 7, and car ID 8 over 1 m/s.

The statement by one particular hobbyist says it can be done using standard Scalextric lap counters and lane changers with only firmware changes to the car chip. Although this has never been tested, documented or proved in any way.

Of course you can add multiple sensors to the lapcounter (hardware upgrade) however this is an admission that in fact it CANNOT be done using firmware.

Then you still have the checksum issue.

This was tested by 4 different development teams well over a decade ago and nothing has changed in the Hornby product to revisit this.

So hardware and firmware changes both cannot achieve more than 6 car IDs without making the entire system a standalone system. 
The mark space ratio technique is very old and very limited. It’s ability to send only 6 car IDs pales into oblivion when compared to the Scorpius technique. With Scorpius we can send 1000 car IDs effortlessly if required, of course any more than 24 is not necessary.

On top of that we can send much much more information such as which lane the car is in, which sector, motor speed from 0-255 steps, braking 0-255 steps, wether the lane change button is being used, and soon G Force readings in X, Y and Z axis (more than 3 is not required), back EMF readings and even a proper tacho which will be achieved by placing a hall sensor on the motor. Now compare this to only 6 cad IDs. 
The hardware is already here. And work resumes on the Scorpius Gen 2 chip now known as Scorpius MPD (multi protocol or multi purpose decoder. We have already programmed it with 128 SSD car IDs ready to test in coming weeks.

So repeating it is not possible nor possible in the future to have more than 6 car IDs even though a $1000AUD reward was offered online if anyone could prove it.

Two years later no has claimed it. I wonder why?

[aussieslotter]

Next set of tests Carrera and SCX Advance. Theory is identical to SSD cars but first we need to install Scorpius LB with speed test software to prove car speed in m/s. Seeing no other chip on earth can do this I will be installing Scorpius chip in car alongside SSD chip which will count laps. Or I can use the Scorpius chip as it can count laps for Scorpius and SSD simultaneously. No other chip can do this either.

It seems someone has changed their mind and now agrees with my video.

Lots of fun.

[aussieslotter]

The theory: LEDs can only only be 0.1mm out of alignment.

The proof: Full and reliable ID6 counting at 6.25 m/s approx at 1.5mm out of alignment.

The new narrative: Yes my theory aligns perfectly with your proof. 

The facts: The system works perfectly at 0.1mm out of alignment. In fact up to 1.5mm regardless of the changed narrative .

 

 

Edited May 30, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Scorpius MPD prototype Version 4.0 upgrade list.

Hi guys,

This project would be the most complexed and advanced project ever undertaken for the digital slot car industry. And yes we are up to Version 4 prototype.

The MPD or Multi Protocol Decoder will be the basis for over 24 products. Car decoder for 5 brands, lane changer for 5 brands, location detector for 5 brands, anti collision board for 5 brands. Wireless dongle for 2 brands. Wireless throttle board for 1 brand. A mini wireless analog module for 1 brand.

SOC: NRF52832 upgraded to NRF52840. We need an additional UART for an additional phototransistor circuit. SOC nRF 52832 only has one UART so we have upgraded to nRF 52840. Trade off is its 13 sqmm bigger and costs a bit more. 

 

DPR attachment holes: Removed. 3D printed clip in system DPR to be utilised. Pin system found to take too much space and fiddly.

 

Track Rectifier: 4 off PMEG3050EP,115 Schottky Diodes 30V 5A

 

Track Transient Protection: SMF4L18CA TVS 20V Breakdown 400W peak pulse suppression (18V max track voltage recommended)

 

Motor Drive: Now CSD17318Q2 N-channel MOSFET 30V 20mOhm @ 3.3V 10A plus revised circuitry.

 

Motor Brake: Now PMPB27EP,115 P-channel MOSFET 30V 30mOhm @ 6V 8.8A

 

Motor Transient Protection: SMF4L18CA TVS 20V Breakdown 400W peak pulse suppression

 

Track Current Sensing: Now 33mOhm Resistor and Amplifier (detects motor current)

 

Motor Back-EMF Sensing: Resistive dividers to analog inputs. Revised circuitry.

 

Solenoid Driver SCX: AO6604 20V 3.4A  

 

Additional phototransitor for LB detection: allows for 1 and board or 1 on flylead.

 

Headlight: 20mA constant current drive, PWM for high/low beam (allows up to 4 LEDs connected in series off board)

 

Tail/Stoplight: 20mA constant current drive, PWM for tail/stop (allows up to 4 LEDs connected in series off board)

 

SSD ID LED: 10mA constant current drive (allows up to 2 LEDs connected in series, 1 on board, 1 off board)

 

Carrera ID LED: 10mA constant current drive (allows up to 2 LEDs connected in series, 1 on board, 1 off board)

 

3D Accelerometer: Gyro upgraded to 9 axis

 

Work continues on the version 4 board design which has some massive changes. The extra time taken to complete the project has given us valuable insight and allow these changes to occur, instead of rushing to market, especially in regards to multi brand compatibility and multi purposing. There is a extreme amount of complex firmware to be written. And this of course where the men are sorted from the sheep.

Pretty soon all you will need is a Scorpius controller, Scorpius dongle and Scorpius MPDs to do just about any task possible in regard to digital slot car racing. Possibilities vary of course with regard to different brands.

Picture: Decoder quick release DPR hatch for Scalextric and Pioneer slot cars. Design by Scorpius.

Rick 

 

Edited June 3, 2021 by aussieslotter

[aussieslotter]

Hi Guys,

Schematics updated for MPD V4.0.

Better motor drive circuit, more protection for EMF for braid side and motor side, another photo sensor circuit, another motor drive circuit, smaller more powerful chip. As far as I know this is the first time  a Nordic 52840 WLCSP,  just 3.5x3.6mm has been used in any slot car product.

Next stage PCB design.