When the time change happens, everyday at about 4:15 the sun shines right on my photo eye, and causes a ghost train. So i just take a trash can and block the sun's attack on my photo eye. 😂 It is always the one in the station.
Yes they did. I tried for a long time to get a timer changed but no one wanted to take ownership of it. Didn’t have the correct version, had to upgrade the processor and everyone said no way to a processor upgrade that was like reprogramming the ride. So I never got my timer fixed :( but a couple of years after I left that had to do the upgrade so it’s fixed now haha!!!
This channel is fantastic! As a coaster enthusiast, I've always wanted to hear a ride mechanic's perspective. Thank you ×10000 for taking the time to put this stuff out here. I was drawn to coasters bc of my previous career as a mechanic and service writer and your commentary is so satisfying. This is a gift to the coaster community!
Nice, reminds me of good old logic gates! One question: using this "simple" sensors, you can only tell, how much "wheel carriers" passed it (before being eventually reset) Am i correct to assume that these kind of control-systems are incapable of identifying, which exact train is currently in which block? (sure, one could infer this info by knowing where any train is and a given, fixed order, duh)
Most rides do not care about the position of individual trains, i.e. if train number one is in the station and train number three is in the block. Some manufacturers do track this information. However, it’s easy to do with designated flag plates underneath the train and most times manufacturers use RF ID tags on a wheel carrier. Most manufacturers only care about the number of trains when it comes to counting how many cycles they compile.
Hi I'm trying to replicate this myself to play with it but using different simulation software with components named differently. What does the OSR component between the sensor contacts and the counter inputs do?
It only allows the run to be scanned true 1 time (a gate that lets logic past once) the name is called a One Shot Rising) it’s kind of an older logic use but that what the program allowed.
Im assuming at my home park kings island, the beast goes up the lift hill at an absolute snails pace until the very top. I figured it was buying time to clear a car from a block zone
Love the video. I want an opinion from you if that’s alright. Are parks and mechanics able to let guests know what is wrong with a ride/coaster when it goes down? Everytime I go to Disneyland and people ask why a certain ride is down, take Big Thunder Mountain for example, employees there say “I don’t know.” Are mechanics like not allowed to tell guests or even park employees why something’s not working or what the issue is?
So I’ll answer this in a video because it is a VERY big topic hard to cover. Honestly the mechanic can say anything they want to. It’s none of the Guests business honestly. Machine reliability is up to maintenance. A lot of issues are still a work in progress. Even if you were told what the problem is, would you understand it? It would just open up more questions that would distract from getting the ride up and running. There are only 2 mindsets; 1-let’s get this up and running. 2-clear the queue it’s going to be a while. I’d love to make a video about this because it’s so big to talk about. Great question thank you! Feel free to respond if you want.
@@ryantheridemechanic Thank you for the response! I feel like I would understand what maintenance is talking about but obviously with the number of guests that attend Disneyland daily, I’m just one person so logically it doesn’t make sense to let guests know even though I would appreciate it. I guess from my point of view, letting guests know what the issue is opens up a sense of transparency on Disney’s end, as me being the consumer would like to know why their rides in particular consistently break down that I’m paying to ride when I pay to visit. Anyways, I would love a reply on your thoughts and a video explaining why some parks like Disney parks decide to opt out of letting guests know why their attractions break down so often and what the issue is. Also one last thing, I did ask a Cast member and they believe it’s because of Disney not wanting the “magic” to go away by telling guests, but for me, my mind is focused on reality, and the reality of technology, rides, and coasters, is that they break down.
@@JungleJetAviation06 I understand. I went there once. Went up for a fault that is kind of basic and happens every couple of days just reset and let it run. Someone asked if it would be down long and for the first time I said “na I’ll get it up quick” well…. It didn’t open for the rest of that day. So I pissed that person off. If I told them I wasn’t sure then the bad news would have been less of a inconvenience during their day.
It’s a logix emulator called Logix pro from a Canadian company called “the learning pit” I used it to buff some programming skills. Unfortunately I don’t think they ever came out with a newer one. This one is good for working with micrologix and older AB 500 controllers.
I think something that would help prevent rollback collision accidents like the Smiler is to put 2 proxy switches at the bottom of each concave. If the train stays in there for more than a certain amount of time, the ride should fault so that a train can't be dispatched on top of it even if the block is attempted to be overrode. Also rides I have operated have massive blind spots, so it's good to know where the train is if it stalled
Where are the 4 sensors located on the track? (I see in a real roller coaster 2 before the block brake and 2 after the block brake) but I can't find in your video where the 4 sensors you are talking about are.
Block proximity sensors are typically located on the center line of the train path or in between the break assembly’s depending on the manufacture. In a mid run block brake, the first two sensors are typically located on the top of the lift. But realistically any sensor in a block can be used to show a block is occupied abut only 2 to 4 will be in charger of resetting a block for safety.
@@kevinvankerckhoven3864 so it’s kind of a dead end without know the manufactures intent behind it. There are sensors for occupancy and resetting, telemetry, and triggers for timing and effect. The better option would be what park / ride/ zone are you looking at?
I’m not sure about the rolling block system I honestly never heard of that. Typically it’s safest to count. The second best is two flag verification but this is typically older relay driven rides.
@@ryantheridemechanic Coaster College mentions it briefly in his video "10 reasons B&M is the best roller coaster manufacturer". He says it is basically a system that allows the train in the holding area to advance into the station at the same time the dispatch train is exiting, increasing rider throughput. But he doesn't go into any detail as to how the programming handles this.
@@kendonagan5535 hmmm interesting. I can easily see the logic for that. Still counting in the background but using encoder feedback for train position. Station and waiting should always have a delta set of pulses between the two. Interesting. It would all be speculation mixed with what I know if I were to do this.
When the time change happens, everyday at about 4:15 the sun shines right on my photo eye, and causes a ghost train. So i just take a trash can and block the sun's attack on my photo eye. 😂
It is always the one in the station.
Very interesting to get a little bit of insight in the logic of a roller coaster!
Rslogix 500 has entered the chat lol
Did Consign program your B&M's? They did the B&M's at the park I work at. Great company to work with.
Yes they did. I tried for a long time to get a timer changed but no one wanted to take ownership of it. Didn’t have the correct version, had to upgrade the processor and everyone said no way to a processor upgrade that was like reprogramming the ride. So I never got my timer fixed :( but a couple of years after I left that had to do the upgrade so it’s fixed now haha!!!
This channel is fantastic! As a coaster enthusiast, I've always wanted to hear a ride mechanic's perspective. Thank you ×10000 for taking the time to put this stuff out here. I was drawn to coasters bc of my previous career as a mechanic and service writer and your commentary is so satisfying. This is a gift to the coaster community!
Glad you enjoy it!
Nice, reminds me of good old logic gates!
One question: using this "simple" sensors, you can only tell, how much "wheel carriers" passed it (before being eventually reset)
Am i correct to assume that these kind of control-systems are incapable of identifying, which exact train is currently in which block? (sure, one could infer this info by knowing where any train is and a given, fixed order, duh)
Most rides do not care about the position of individual trains, i.e. if train number one is in the station and train number three is in the block. Some manufacturers do track this information. However, it’s easy to do with designated flag plates underneath the train and most times manufacturers use RF ID tags on a wheel carrier. Most manufacturers only care about the number of trains when it comes to counting how many cycles they compile.
Hi I'm trying to replicate this myself to play with it but using different simulation software with components named differently. What does the OSR component between the sensor contacts and the counter inputs do?
It only allows the run to be scanned true 1 time (a gate that lets logic past once) the name is called a One Shot Rising) it’s kind of an older logic use but that what the program allowed.
Im assuming at my home park kings island, the beast goes up the lift hill at an absolute snails pace until the very top. I figured it was buying time to clear a car from a block zone
Could also just be gear reduction on the lift. Slower means more torque typically.
Love the video. I want an opinion from you if that’s alright. Are parks and mechanics able to let guests know what is wrong with a ride/coaster when it goes down? Everytime I go to Disneyland and people ask why a certain ride is down, take Big Thunder Mountain for example, employees there say “I don’t know.” Are mechanics like not allowed to tell guests or even park employees why something’s not working or what the issue is?
So I’ll answer this in a video because it is a VERY big topic hard to cover. Honestly the mechanic can say anything they want to. It’s none of the Guests business honestly. Machine reliability is up to maintenance. A lot of issues are still a work in progress. Even if you were told what the problem is, would you understand it? It would just open up more questions that would distract from getting the ride up and running. There are only 2 mindsets; 1-let’s get this up and running. 2-clear the queue it’s going to be a while. I’d love to make a video about this because it’s so big to talk about. Great question thank you! Feel free to respond if you want.
@@ryantheridemechanic Thank you for the response! I feel like I would understand what maintenance is talking about but obviously with the number of guests that attend Disneyland daily, I’m just one person so logically it doesn’t make sense to let guests know even though I would appreciate it. I guess from my point of view, letting guests know what the issue is opens up a sense of transparency on Disney’s end, as me being the consumer would like to know why their rides in particular consistently break down that I’m paying to ride when I pay to visit. Anyways, I would love a reply on your thoughts and a video explaining why some parks like Disney parks decide to opt out of letting guests know why their attractions break down so often and what the issue is. Also one last thing, I did ask a Cast member and they believe it’s because of Disney not wanting the “magic” to go away by telling guests, but for me, my mind is focused on reality, and the reality of technology, rides, and coasters, is that they break down.
@@JungleJetAviation06 I understand. I went there once. Went up for a fault that is kind of basic and happens every couple of days just reset and let it run. Someone asked if it would be down long and for the first time I said “na I’ll get it up quick” well…. It didn’t open for the rest of that day. So I pissed that person off. If I told them I wasn’t sure then the bad news would have been less of a inconvenience during their day.
This is very helpful
As a coaster enthusiast this is very interesting and I can't get enough. I wish you great success with your channel 🙏
Thank you
Any chance you can share that demo file?
No I delete it after I made it.
@@ryantheridemechanic ah ok no worries. Thanks for the reply!
what program is this?
It’s a logix emulator called Logix pro from a Canadian company called “the learning pit” I used it to buff some programming skills. Unfortunately I don’t think they ever came out with a newer one. This one is good for working with micrologix and older AB 500 controllers.
@@ryantheridemechanic thank you! enjoy the vids!
I think something that would help prevent rollback collision accidents like the Smiler is to put 2 proxy switches at the bottom of each concave. If the train stays in there for more than a certain amount of time, the ride should fault so that a train can't be dispatched on top of it even if the block is attempted to be overrode. Also rides I have operated have massive blind spots, so it's good to know where the train is if it stalled
Some manufacturers use photo eyes stretched across low spots. Not for block I for but more as an alert that something is on the track.
Where are the 4 sensors located on the track? (I see in a real roller coaster 2 before the block brake and 2 after the block brake) but I can't find in your video where the 4 sensors you are talking about are.
Block proximity sensors are typically located on the center line of the train path or in between the break assembly’s depending on the manufacture. In a mid run block brake, the first two sensors are typically located on the top of the lift. But realistically any sensor in a block can be used to show a block is occupied abut only 2 to 4 will be in charger of resetting a block for safety.
@@ryantheridemechanic Can I send you an email with a photo as an example?
@@kevinvankerckhoven3864 so it’s kind of a dead end without know the manufactures intent behind it. There are sensors for occupancy and resetting, telemetry, and triggers for timing and effect. The better option would be what park / ride/ zone are you looking at?
Channel is interesting as hell. Keep it up
Thanks, will do! Thanks for the kind words!
Could you do a video explaining how the B&M rolling block system works? Or is it just a simple extrapolation from the counting function?
I’m not sure about the rolling block system I honestly never heard of that. Typically it’s safest to count. The second best is two flag verification but this is typically older relay driven rides.
@@ryantheridemechanic Coaster College mentions it briefly in his video "10 reasons B&M is the best roller coaster manufacturer". He says it is basically a system that allows the train in the holding area to advance into the station at the same time the dispatch train is exiting, increasing rider throughput. But he doesn't go into any detail as to how the programming handles this.
@@kendonagan5535 hmmm interesting. I can easily see the logic for that. Still counting in the background but using encoder feedback for train position. Station and waiting should always have a delta set of pulses between the two. Interesting. It would all be speculation mixed with what I know if I were to do this.