looking for digital couplers

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Installing a magnet between the rail can uncouple the couper if you stop over it.
If i was you i would add a tunnel to reach the yard, "'in case of"
 
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tunnel to reach the yard.
yes i will be able to access the yard by removing a section of fasia. i will be able to see the yard with a security camera. and i will have sensors to let me know wher stuff is
 


and i will probably end up using the magnet method until i can come up with a wireless remote design. however i may install a set on each of my yard switchers
 
For the remote coupler, the only goodworking system i can see, would be to an electromagnet as the coupler, turn it on, it snap the metallic kadee coupler, turn it off its release.
 
It sounds to me like all you have is essentially what is called, lower level staging. Thats what a lot of modelers have on thier layouts and there is nothing wrong with it. Ill probably be adding that to my layout plans down the road also.
 
julienjj said:
For the remote coupler, the only goodworking system i can see, would be to an electromagnet as the coupler, turn it on, it snap the metallic kadee coupler, turn it off its release.
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Yep! and that's about the best you'll get for now. Could be expensive, delayed action magnets are cheaper,

Willis
 
no matter the cost i see very little feasability in self uncoupling cars. with diff tones and radio frequency approaches discussed what it comes down to is panel with bunch of buttons and then you need to find the right one. the only way i could see it work is trigger upon laser pointer. given costs and what i get per money spent i think skewer is way better of a solution for years to come.

the only uncoupling that i would want is in my switcher engine, triggered with one of the DCC functions. space is obviously limited but i do have several ideas. perhaps one day i'll show it off
 
as a starting point, i think those zip-zap mini rc car are just perfect, they use an electromagnet for their steering, their component are so small they would fit in a slug
 


when i originally thought of radio control those mini mini rc cars are what came to mind because they run on such a tiny controller board and really small batteries both of which can be easily hidden even in a flat car
 
Lab Rat said:
when i originally thought of radio control those mini mini rc cars are what came to mind because they run on such a tiny controller board and really small batteries both of which can be easily hidden even in a flat car
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why use the battery when you can get track power ? just need a rectifier diode.
if i have time tomorrow ill work this coupler assembly on my design software
 
Why don't you just look at what MTH did in their remote uncoupler. The entire assembly is contained in the coupler and can be DCC controlled. The only thing they screwed up is the head is a little too small for kadee's and the shaft is just a little too long. Otherwise it works as advertised. I have 4 sitting on my workbench after removing them from my 2 SD70Ace's.
You can even order the coupler assemblies from MTH service. I don't know how much they are but shouldn't be much.
 
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Lets approach this from a different angle. I think the only dcc uncoupling you need is on the locomotive and then maybe only on a switcher. you can use magnetic uncouplers for your hump yards and sidings. Overall your talking about using just one more function on a decoder that you already have in the switcher. I would definitely pay an extra $30 per to add that as a feature to my switchers.
 
i will be adding this feature to all my locomotives when i convert them over also they will all have sound and transponders. each caboose will also have a transponder so i know where the front and the back of the train is as for the middle i can connect the dots
 
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