Arduino Interest...?

Sign me up.

Chris Sheldon

Interested in all things Arduino!!

I would also be very interested in this. I may be missing something, but couldn't all these devices be used inside as well? Personally, I think a lot of folks would be interested, but possibly a lot more for inside use than outside.

I would be interested in hearing from you (as well as others) regarding one or more articles about using O gauge outdoors. Not something I would do in the climate I am living in, but I know O gauge outdoors has been a success for others and it would be great to see some nicely illustrated layout features, how-to articles, and "lessons learned" essays.

In my view, there is an inherent resistance to micro-controller DIY among the train collector community. I'm not sure why that is. Most would rather buy than solder. But when I see the amount of money that you can save with just a basic understanding of what is possible, it makes me wonder.

The Arduino is a solid, stable development platform that makes it as easy to do electronic development as it's ever going to get. I love the Nano. It fits on a breadboard, has all of the capabilities of the larger Uno, interfaces directly to the software development computer, has a broad base of support, and is very affordable.

I've done some experiments with the Arduino and model railroading; mostly for block detection and signaling. Along with very reasonably priced circuit boards for relays, voltage regulators, and other modules, project costs are incredibly compelling.

Servo driven switch machines are one of the things I thought of immediately when I saw some Arduino videos about pulse width modulation (PWM).

There are some who have jumped in whole hog and a number who are waiting in the weeds. Let's provide the blueprints and maybe we could generate some interest beyond what I've seen so far.

I'd be interested, especially in any source code you'd be willing to share!

Randy:

Although I like the title that you used for this thread, you might get more of a response if you added the word "Arduino" to it. "Gauging Arduino Interest" is what I was thinking. That could help out with search terms. Most folks on this forum will recognize Arduino and will check it out as a matter of curiosity. Just a suggestion.

Slugger:

What kind of source code are you interested in? Are you looking for some ideas on how to use the Arduino IDE (Integrated Development Environment) or more along the lines of programming in C++ ? I can help you with any of that if you have something specific to ask about. I've been programming for a long time.

AMEENTRAINGUY:

Maybe you should ask your question in a separate thread (use the Electrical Forum).

I'd love to see what you did with this project.  I've used a servo automating a Tie-Jector for command control, I think you took this a step farther.

I would like to see the information as well.  Sounds interesting.

I have published dozens of articles on servo controlled track switches and operating accessories, so I am obviously in favor of the concept. Suggest that you start initially with a specific point of view towards this method of control. For example: what operating function are to trying to improve and  do you want it controlled manually or automatically?

Would love to see more, but please keep it easy for us that are challenged!

I've spruced up some Arduino source code for a test I was doing a few months ago. I haven't tested this updated version yet but I'm pretty sure it is viable.

It's a simple setup that uses a relay module and a block detection circuit to run a train in conventional mode. The loop of track includes an isolated block section that the microprocessor checks to see if it is occupied or clear. The relay is used to toggle power to the track with the engine's E-unit changing to stop the train inside the control block. It waits there in neutral for a few seconds and then proceeds once again. It does this repeatedly until you turn off the transformer. Proof of concept kind of thing.

Anyway, for those who are interested, it's self-contained in the attached file. Perhaps I will include a video of the setup and operation if I get the chance.

A video would be great!

Mike G. said

Would love to see more, but please keep it easy for us that are challenged.

Yes, I agree, I would love to see this but keep it simple for us electronically challenged folks, I like to try these types of projects but don't always understand what I'm doing.

Ray

I don't mean to sound stupid, but I would like a Arduino beginners book (order these parts, hook it up like this, type this code, watch the light blink mentality).  I look in Barnes & Noble etc and whole fire hose shelves of Arduino etc how to A to Z.  I am retired EE (cut my teeth on hand entering PDP8 code, then 8008 code, fortran, C coding) and would like to get into it for fun.  Just bought a book on programming Raspberry controller. Is this same, better, worst than Arduino? 

Suggestions?

I am building a new layout from scratch & would be very interested in learning more.

rtraincollector posted:

I would bet at least one of the train magazines would be interested in it as a article also. 

There is also Nust & Volts (electronics hobbyist) magazine that occasionally has a model train related article. They have tons of stuff for Arduino, but most is not train related. Could still be a learning experience.