Overview
in this guide i am going to describe a standard coupling for trains in storm works i am dubbing STS-1 (stormworks train standard – 1)
The couplings
this is a new standard i am going to try to make as i can’t find another one this standard is STS-1 (stormworks train standard – 1)
The coupling uses 2 connectors a mandatory electrical connector and a non mandatory fluid connector
The electrical connector is placed on the same level as the block from the wheels (pictured)
the fluid connector is connected to the block below (pictured)
coupling jobs
there are multiple jobs for the couplings:
electric connector:
supplies power to the carriages from the train
main mechanical connector
composite data:
for the electrical connector there is a composite signal for data transfer.
The channel for each signal and the job is listed bellow:
1 – Carriage throttle (this is a number from -1 to 1 and is used by the carriages for throttle positions (it is suggested that in the carriage you have a reverse option in case the carriage is flipped))
2 – Locomotive throttle (this is a number from 0 to 1 for other locomotives connected inside the train)
3 – Reverse (this is a Boolean which reverses locomotives)
4 – Brakes (this is a number from 0 to 1 which control the brakes of the carriages and locomotives)
5 – Clutch (this is a number form 0 to 1 and controls the clutch of an engine this is not required and just here for more compatibility)
6 – Door/cargo left (this is a Boolean value for loading / unloading cargo or people on the left although it can be not just for cargo/people)
7 – Door/cargo right (this is a Boolean value for loading / unloading cargo or people on the right)
8 – Engine run (this is a Boolean value and is used with locomotives and if it is on then the engine will start when it turns off the engine will shut down)
9 – Lights (this is a Boolean value that controls if the lights are on/off)
10- Priority (this is a Boolean value that controls the priority of the signal when on if there are no other priority signals it will have full control of locomotives, this also helps set which composite carriages should read, if there is no priority signal or there is 2 the carriages and locomotives should add numbers and use an or gate for Boolean when there are 2 signals)
fluid connector
This if for supplying fuel to the engines and should be diesel.
wiring up the composite cable
This is simple the output of the carriage electrical connector on the front goes to the input of the one on the back and vice versa then connect the composite out into the micro controller
For a locomotive wire it up so that the output from the electrical connectors goes only into the input of the locomotive micro controller then the output goes off to the input of both of the electrical connectors, WARNING the front output must connect to the electrical connector connected to the front input other wise it will not work properly.
For locomotives when wiring up the throttle through the micro controller but to control the locomotive in the cab the priority Boolean must be on and it has to be the only one one
additional notes
you can add more connections but to be complient with this standard you must have the electrical connector and the data through it, and no blocks must block any other connector.
an example of a carriage, locomotive and the micro controllers are bellow
carriage:
[link]
Locomotive:
[link]
Micro controllers:
Locomotive:
[link]
Carriage:
[link]
An example of a Locomotive is my shunter made with this coupling standard:
[link]
here is a high speed train using this standard:
[link]
thanks for reading