Mattzobricks
commented
1 year ago Introduced an object for signals. The object holds the current aspect of the signal and the time when it was switched to red. The red aspect is presently hard-wired to "0".
For signals, an overshoot sensor can now be configured. All signal configurations must be changed to reflect this enhancement.
When a train is running over a red signal and triggers the overshoot sensor, the emergency break is pulled and all trains stop. There is a grace period of 10 seconds (configurable) after the signal was switched to red and the engaging of the overshoot sensor. This prevents trains from running over a signal that turns to red shortly after the loco has passed the signal.
The feature works for both local and remote sensors.
A signal could be fitted with a sensor that is connected to the same MLC as the signal. In the signal configuration, the sensor would be included as a red light overshoot sensor. When the sensor is triggered while the signal is red, the emergency brake would be executed. This servers as a protection against trains that overshot a red signal, and also against ghost trains on the layout.
It is likely crucial to add a grace period to the functionality after turning the signal to the red aspect, because trains will often pass a green signal that is then quickly falls back to red, while the rest of the train is stilling passing the signal and thus triggering the sensor.
Autonomous signals (with integrated controller and battery) would be equipped with a cable with a plug. The cable would be used to attach a red light overshoot sensor. A second cable could be added to attach additional sensors nearby - this always comes handy.
The whole idea might also work with remote sensors - needs to be checked.