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MRT Accutrack Model Railroad Speedometer For Locomotive Speed Matching

The Accutrack Speedometer

The MRT Accutrak Speedometer is a free standing, battery operated scale speedometer HO and N scales.
 
Its design is based upon infrared beams which create a “trap” zone through which the train travels.
 
Speed is then calculated based upon the scale elected from the front panel and the time determined by the internal microcontroller.
 
The result is displayed on the front panel.

The Accutrak Speedometer comes with scale speed factors for N and HO scales already programmed in.

Accutrack Manual

Document
Model Railroad Technologies Accutrack Manual Rev 1.04

Accutrack II Manual

Document
Model Railroad Technologies Accutrack II Manual Rev 2.01

 

MRT Accutrack Speed Matching Demonstration

 

This is a demonstration of how to do a three-point speed match of DCC-equipped locomotives using the Model Railroad Technologies ACCUTRACK  Speedometer.


How to Set Up ACCUTRACK for Speed Matching

 

Set up is very easy. 

 

Follow the manufacturers directions to initialize the unit. 

 

Place the ACCUTRACK  on a straight section of track with plenty of clear R.O.W in either direction. 

 

Make a graph on a piece of paper to make notes on as you go through the process.  The graph should show the loco addresses accross the top row and the desired matched speed step points in the first column.

 

Determine what you want your top speed to be for your fleet; as fast as the model will go or prototypical scale speed?

 

Determine if you want to do a simple linear 3-point match or a 28-point speed table match or a varition of these.

 

Finally, warm up both engines for about twenty minutes prior to taking any formal speed readings.


How to Use ACCUTRACK for Speed Matching
 

Linear, 3-point speed matching can be done in seven simple steps.

 

Step 1 - Determine the fastest unit at SS1 and call it Unit 1.

 

Step 2 - Set Start Voltage (CV2) = 1.

 

Step 3 - Run Unit 1 through the ACCUTRACK at SS28 and record the speed.  Starting at a value of 255, adjust Top Voltage  (CV5) in increments of 50 then 10 then 5 then 1 until the desired top speed is achieved and record that value.

 

Step 4 - Program the Mid Voltage (CV6) = 1/2 of CV5 value.  Run Unit 1 through the ACCUTRACK at SS14 and record the speed.  Adjust CV6 in increments of 1 unit until the desired mid-range speed is achieved.

 

Step 5 - Place Unit 2 on the track and set CV2 = 1.  Run Unit 2 through the ACCUTRACK at SS1 and record the speed.  Adjust CV2 in increments of 1 unit the low speed is equal to Unit 1.

 

Step 6 - Run Unit 2 through the ACCUTRACK  at SS28 and record the speed.  Starting at a value of 255, adjust Top Voltage  (CV5) in increments of 50 then 10 then 5 then 1 until the top speed is equal to Unit 1.

 

Step 7 - Program the Mid Voltage (CV6) = 1/2 of CV5 value.  Run Unit 2 through the ACCUTRACK at SS14 and record the speed.  Adjust CV6 in increments of 1 unit until the mid-range speed is equal to Unit 1.


Speed Matching Tips

There are many ways to speed match locomotives.  The linear is straight forward, quick, and easy.  The more complex the method, the more time will be required.  Additionally, if you keep your process simple, it will be easier to adapt it to your entire fleet.

 

It is best to match all units to the fastest motor at the lowest speed since it is very difficult to slow a motor down.

 

Additional adjustments can be made once the base match is established including introducing momentum and braking as well as baseline and consist trimming.


Remember, it is not necessary to get an exact speed match and sometimes it is impossible.  The idea is to get "close enough".  There are many factors that will disrupt even the most perfectly matched set of locos.

So there it is.  Speed matching made simple.  Can ACCUTRACK make it any easier?

 

You can purchase an ACCUTRACK today from my online store

 

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