Using JMRI, sensors, Dispatcher and LogixNG to automate the parking of my trains
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лис 2024
- I thought I'd have a little fun and indulge my lazy side now that I have a few sensors on the layout to play with.
So I looked into ways of automating the parking and organising of my trains, so I don't have to!
#modeltrains #modelrailways
The process and explanations are very informative allowing complete understanding, something that we can readily copy and put into practice ourselves. The devil is in the detail so the expression goes, this is what makes all the difference. I have actually learnt a huge amount from your journeys and Im sure others have also. Too few T tubers are as good and interesting as your own. Keep up the good work!
John, thank you, that's incredibly kind, it's hard to know sometimes if I'm going on too much, I always start the videos thinking 'this one will be 15 minutes long' and before I know it they're pushing an hour. But I thought it's better to leave it all in there and people can skip, or switch off, if they want! Thanks again.
Very inspirational and clearly explained.
Thanks Ian, they're very kind words! Seeing the trains move by themselves definitely has me inspired to move on with the automation around the whole circuit, and get the rest of the layout built so that I can really start on the clever stuff! Regards, Chris
good vid on channel thanks lee
I have been watching your very informative videos with great interest as I am about to build a new garage layout and sort of following in your foot steps. I built the base boards last year and hope to start laying track next week. I am using DCC++EX command station (on Arduino) and ESP8266 to control Servos (using Merg servo mounts and micro switches) and IO Block detection (using Merg block detectors) and IR sensors via MQTT from JMRI. I have not used JMRI before so found your detailed explanation in this video very useful. Just out of interest how long is your I2C bus between your Arduino and your PCA9685 servo boards.
I love the DCC+EX command station, I started out with it on this layout, it just lacked a little power. Thanks for the message and hope the build is going well! Chris
@@WirenwoodModelRailway Thanks Chris was really cold in the garage today trying to fit nylon rail joiners to double slips very tight fit. I purchased a Merg 5 amp Booster kit last year but haven't built it yet but you may be interested in an IBT-2 Power Shield 5 Amp booster that will work with DCC EX see the IoTT channel on UA-cam, also mqTrains for controlling turnouts, inputs and signal masts using neoPixels via MQTT over Wifi they haven't released any code yet but have executables that work ok, saves on some wiring, if I am not happy I will write my own version but I don't see the point in reinventing the wheel unless I have too. Last year I was playing with automating a Lego Train set using Rocrail/ ESP chips, then I thought I would have a go with my old Hornby train set and now spent a fortune on new DCC locomotives and rolling stock etc. Tom
I’m new to all this and I have found your vids very helpful.
Do you have to use arduino? Or can you just use JMRI?
Thanks
Steve
Hi James! Absolutely don't need Arduinos at all. You can use just JMRI, installed on a Raspberry Pi, PC, Mac or even, just to contradict myself, an Arduino (in that case without having to use a PC). All the Arduinos I use are there for controlling point motors etc, but that's my choice and you either don't need to do that at all (you could move points by hand for example) or there are other ways you can do it too.
More info here for the non-PC route - dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation/index.html
Regards, Chris
Great progress! Regarding the sensor positioning, you could just add a debounce delay on the sensor going active so that it will work as if you moved it a little along the track! This video I just watched shows how... ua-cam.com/video/FUGFFslSCwM/v-deo.html&ab_channel=Conrail%E2%80%99sBostonLineHOscaleLayout
Thanks John that's good advice, I'll look into it - I could configure a delay in the Arduino code too I guess - something I'll definitely look into!
Which IR sensors are you using and how are you powering them?
Hi Andrew - just the pretty standard 3 pin ones - these
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/224289141419?hash=item3438acb2ab:g:sc4AAOSwigpf4c9M&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAAwFMeJZjICQ0%2FLKWDD%2F7%2FqGpcaDNUqCDEvj4d37%2F0rnojKQEiKkJVgtAVDhKcKvbX%2FpLpFSmWHQJjDfJrIb7ahBdV1lQ4HwZTOlvq16SLiQp6gPTHLGvm9puR2S9QaGrEkpxCa5yYrI9qa5Rm8Z2FuJl28or7pkIGaP%2F%2F87vDU9kvYnj0zSyOK7iK9V1T3wlpGcAUHNN50EzHu%2BnlqZVsWeH3LHYXh5JKLtPc21cTXi%2Bc62eQUmQvq%2Fs6wL%2FoaDhhpA%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABlBMUMzpwaXbYQ
I'm powering them through a chained 5v bus that I soldered lots of 2-pin headers to, running alongside a chain of shift-in registers. I talked about it in some detail in this video.
ua-cam.com/video/wbRwXlxj-rE/v-deo.html
Regards,
Chris
I'm about 3/4 of the way through and my brain has sufficiently melted. I understand what you've done but I think because your rail lines are quite complex it is a little hard to follow.
Ha, I think you make a valid point! I realised later that there were one or two bits I'd accidentally left out which might have helped! I'll try to include them next time. Regards, Chris
@@WirenwoodModelRailway I made it through, the logic side actually helps to understand because you pointed out what part of the rail yard you were working on. It's a highly impressive set up you have.