Empower Your Trains - Control a 9-volt Train with a Power Functions IR Remote Control

Not sure the headline is clear enough to describe what I am trying to say. This instruction is about a modification to finally using the Power Functions IR receiver and the remote control to control a train with the traditional 9-volt train motor on 9-volt tracks. The power is supplied via the 9-volt tracks, not a battery box, which you have usually with Power Functions devices. The principle how it works is shown here …

I know, there is a solution out there using an old Interface B (Dacta Control Lab) and lots of electronic and program language knowledge, only few might have. So this isn't a solution for me actually, an old traditional “analogue” guy.

My aim with this modification is, to use 9V tracks (with 9-volt power supply via the tracks), the traditional 9-volt train motor and the Power Functions IR receiver with remote control.

Obviously, this idea requires some more modifications than just cut a plate in two. And of course, there should be advantages compared to the conventional 9-volt track system as well as compared to the Power Functions system, otherwise, the modification wouldn’t make sense. Major advantages are:

1. No battery necessary due the use of permanent power supply via train speed controller and 9-volt tracks

2. Several trains at the same time on one track, controlled individually/independently

3. All modified components can be used as they were originally with the original functions and features

So, the challenge is on one hand to connect the 9-volt and the Power Functions system (two totally different systems) and on the other hand to keep the original functionality of the modified items.

The solution, I describe below, isn't something for purists, this I can say already. But the result is nice and fully flexible, so it’s worth to consider it as an alternative train control system.

Link to the file pack (free download):

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FZNJqOxuX8IqXsabU7lz5f54R26NARv_/view?usp=drive_link

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damages or injury on parts and humans happen while following this instruction. Everything you do is your responsibility and under your personal risk.