Arduino microcontrollers are a great addition to model railroading, especially when dealing with automation. Here is a simple and easy way to get started with model railroad automation with Arduino.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started!
Step 1: Watch the Video
Step 2: Get All the Stuff
Here is the list of all the parts and components required for this project:
- An Arduino microcontroller
- An L293N motor driver module
- A ‘sensored’ track
- A 12-volt DC power source with a current capacity of at least 1A(1000mA)
- 6 male to female jumper wires (3 to connect the motor driver’s signal inputs to the output pins of the Arduino board and the other 3 to connect the ‘sensored’ track’s terminals to the Arduino board.)
- 4 male to male jumper wires(2 to connect the motor driver board to power and the other two to connect the motor drive’s outputs to track power.)
- A crosshead screwdriver
- A computer(obviously ; )
- A suitable USB cable to connect the Arduino board to the computer
Step 3: Program the Arduino Microcontroller
Make sure to go through the program carefully to understand how it works, later it will be fun to tweak it and make your own modifications.
Step 4: Set Up the Layout
Make an oval loop of track as shown in the picture.
Step 5: Make Wiring Connections to the Motor Driver
Remove the jumper connector from the pin marked ‘ENB’.
Make the following connections:
- Connect the ‘ENB’ pin to pin D10 of the Arduino board.
- Connect the ‘IN 3’ pin to the pin D8 of the Arduino board.
- Connect the ‘IN 4’ pin to the pin D9 of the Arduino board.
Source: Simple Automated Model Railway Layout | Arduino Controlled
