Carls Train Automation

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Video - Automating One Train

April 13, 2017

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DCC++ Controller

The first job is to build the DCC++ Controller. What follows is my "how to" guide that i've already shared with a couple of friends. My Shopping List Arduino Uno http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arduino-UNO-Rev3-R3-Development-Compatible-Board-ATMEGA328P-CH340-with-USB-Cable-/381810859511?hash=item58e5b35df7:g:hf0AAOSwPCVX~dLS £5.29 Motor Controller (IBT-2) http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/G419-Semiconductor-Motor-Driver-Auto-BTS7960-43A-H-Bridge-PWM-Drive-For-Arduino-/232212824917?hash=item3610f68355:g:pvAAAOSw9GhYgx-V £10.48 2N2222 Transistor http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20pcs-Transistors-10-x-2N2222-NPN-10-x-2N2907-PNP-TO-92-Package-/141788032386?hash=item210339ad82:g:ZCQAAOSw0HVWCrfX £1.19 A power supply Any 12-18v power supply should do the trick. Mine’s 18v 10A. You will need AT LEAST one amp, better to have more. £15.00 ish Some 1K resistors http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carbon-Film-Resistors-1-4W-0-25W-Full-Range-of-Values-Various-Pack-Sizes

The Software - Missions

A mission is a definition of a task a Train should follow. Here's an example mission: Go to Top Station When done, Wait 10 seconds, then go to Bottom Station Pretty simple really. This mission can then be applied to one or more trains. When you start a mission this is what happens: The train starts it's engine and turns on it's lights It waits a set amount of time for the engine to settle ready to pull away It plans a route to the destination. It basically looks for the shortest route However if there is an available route that's no more than 100cm longer it will chose that instead. Available means completely unlocked from end-to-end. Going through a set of points which are not set straight has a "price" of 20cm, making the route appear longer and not be preferred If the destination has multiple platforms it will bias towards a free platform It plays the pull away sounds (guards whistle, closing doors, etc) With the planned route in

How does it all connect up?

A couple of questions have been asked about how i all hangs together, so this post lists out all the modules and what connects to what. Central Command Software This runs on a Windows 10 PC and is written in .NET. It is responsible for making all decisions about trains and points, and in future will also cover signals. The windows PC is connected to my home network, and does not physically connect to anything. The program i call "Rail Relay" sits there waiting for connections from slaves. Slaves are either point controllers or the DCC controller. Sensors are dealt with by the points controllers. DCC Controller The DCC Controller is DCC++ powered by an Arduino UNO and a 43A H-Bridge. This just looks like a circuit board and has no human interface at all. Train commands must be sent to it over a 2 wire serial connection. Most people use a bit of software like JMRI, but I talk to it directly from my software. The Arduino UNO doesn't have WIFI or Network Conne

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Video - Automating One Train

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