Tutorial Viessmann CarMotion

Everyone is talking about the CarMotion system from Viessmann. The first models and the starter set have already been delivered.

In this article, we will show you step by step how to get started with CarMotion and bring the first self-driving vehicles to your layout.

Required material

To dive into the world of CarMotion, you don't need much. We recommend the Startset #8000, because everything you need to get started is already included there:

1x MB ACTROS dump truck with rotating beacons #8010
1x Charger with USB charging cable #8400
12x permanent magnets #8431
1x magnetic pen

Furthermore, the following items were used in this tutorial:

Tools:
Paintbrush
Cutter knife
Pen
Ruler
Scissors
Wood router
Wood drill

Preparation:

First of all, you should determine how the vehicles will move on your layout in the future, which road layout there is and which control sequences you are planning. The CarMotion system can be excellently integrated into layout planning and construction. But you can also install this system retroactively on an existing model railroad layout.

Step 1: Prepare surface

If you want to install CarMotion on your layout at a later date, make sure that the substrate is smooth. We recommend the use of Styrodur, with which you can cleanly and easily create a suitable substrate. A thickness of 1mm is already sufficient here. Cut the Styrodur to size and leave a recess in which the magnetic tape will later be laid. Thus, the substrate is flat and ready for further processing.

Step 2: Laying magnetic tape

There are two ways to lay the magnetic tape and thus determine the route of the vehicles:

Either you mill a groove in the substrate, in which the magnetic tape can be placed afterwards, or you use a construction plate made of Styrodur, as described in this tutorial.

Make sure that the magnetic tape is laid flat with the road surface. When using several individual magnetic tapes, we recommend mitering them with a cutter knife or scissors.

#ProTip: Miter cut means cutting the cable ends at a 45 degree angle so that both ends join seamlessly.

The magnetic tape is 3 mm wide and very flexible. This means that even tight curve radii can be realized. The magnetic tape can be fixed by the self-adhesive underside.

For visually flawless results, it is recommended to fill the grooves or unevenness caused by the magnetic tape so that you achieve a straight surface.

Step 3: Place permanent magnets

Next, drill holes in the surface where you want to place the permanent magnets. These have a diameter of 4 x 5 mm and should be placed in the center with 1 to 1.2 cm to the right of the magnetic strip flat or just below the road surface. Afterwards, these can also be filled.

Up to three magnets can be sunk into a section to execute certain commands. This means that the speed can later be changed or various light functions can be switched by means of software.

#ProTip: Distinguish north and south poles:
The easiest way to do it is as follows: Turn on the vehicle and hold a magnet near the Hall sensor. This is located by the charging port. If the vehicle remains stationary, this is a North Pole. If the vehicle brakes and the brake lights come on, this is a South Pole.

Step 4: Attach road

One of the advantages of the CarMotion system from Viessmann is that the vehicles can run on any surface. For example, you can use the Vollmer stone art roads.

In our tutorial we used self-adhesive road foil from Busch. Here you start first with the straight lines, and then apply the curves to fit. When cutting, make sure to cut the foil as straight as possible.

Step 5: Programming vehicles

Finally, the vehicles are programmed on the computer via the in-house software. The so-called CarManager is available for Windows and Mac. You can download the latest version free of charge at the Viessmann Homepage.

The individual commands can be set individually via the CarManager. The following commands are possible:

– Stoppen mit langsamem Abbremsen und Aufleuchten der Bremslichter
- Left Blink & Right Blink
- Speed change: deceleration or acceleration
- Switching on the high beam / roof-mounted rotating beacons
- Information about lane changes - important for distance control or passing stationary vehicles.
- Cancellation of all existing solenoid commands

We hope these instructions will help you to implement the Viessmann CarMotion system on your layout or you feel like creating a diorama with self-propelled vehicles yourself. Write us your opinion in the comments!

CarMotion Video Tutorial

You can also view this tutorial on our YouTube Channel Here you can see the individual steps and the extensive functions with explanation and helpful tips from the professional.

You don't want to miss a video? Subscribe to the MSL YouTube channel!

Additional accessories for Viessmann CarMotion

You can find more CarMotion and everything you need for the implementation at Modellbahnshop-Lippe!
We ship your order quickly and securely so you can start your project right away.

CAR MOTION SHOP

Mehr zu CarMotion

Wir haben bereits über CarMotion von Viessmann berichtet. In diesem Beitrag erfahren Sie alles über das System!