Model Railway Automatic Signal Control Using an Arduino Part 1 - Getting Started

Hello there, please note I've added a Part 0 Introduction to this series of videos so you may want to watch that before watching this...

This is Part 1 of a short series of videos where I look into using an Arduino to control signals on my model railway layout. In this part I explain how I have previously controlled my signals using an approach set out by Everard Junction and how I intend to mimic that using an Arduino instead. I then take a look at the Arduino itself, what components I will need for the project and an overview of how I intend to control the signals. I then finish this part by guiding you through the process of setting up your PC to program the Arduino via a video from the excellent Rudysmodelrailway YouTube channel and his series of videos Fun With Arduino.

PLEASE REVIEW THE SHORT PART 7 VIDEO AS THERE IS SOMETHING IMPORTANT I NEED TO SAY ABOUT TRAIN DETECTION! THANKS!

Everard Junction How To: 19: Automatic Signalling

Rudysmodelrailway: Fun With Arduino Part 1

[medwaymodelrailway]

Lovely update enjoyed it very much. Thanks for sharing Paul.

[milkymoocowmoo]

Regarding current limitations, try replacing the standard 220Ω resistor with 1kΩ. This will only slightly reduce LED brightness while massively reducing current draw. You may want to tinker with slightly less for the green LED, as they tend to not be as bright as red & yellow.

[walshrd]

Actually, if any of your viewers are familiar with Arduinos (not necessarily expert!), this application is quite easy. BUT, what many viewers would want is an Arduino solution for an ABS, block system. That setup is quite a different, and difficult, story. There's not too much realism with the solution presented in this video. Those who know about LEDs will know that most any voltage can be used to power an LED provided the current is limited to 20ma or less. Current limiting is the purpose of resistors. The Ohm value for a limiting resistor is determined by Ohm's law
using the value of the voltage supplied less 0.6VDC (for the forward voltage drop across the LED). You never need to max out the current thru a LED. It is hard to tell the difference in LED brightness between a current flow of 15ma and 20ma.