Signals and servos controlled by an Arduino Nano | Modelling a GWR branch line | Episode 16

[@steve_dangerous]

Came here for the Sand in the Goods Yard and found this video. I'm just starting with Arduino projects and this is spot-on for explaining it all so well. Thanks!

[@MrSimonpapp]

Fantastic! Love the video and excellent information. I am going to do something similar, but use the servo's to control the track switch points, and use LED's to represent the track that's been closed.

[@tonyshield5368]

Loved the actual mechanics of setting up the Arduino and I love the well written code too.

[@bobdtaylor1989]

Just found your channel - brilliant content!

[@_RandomPea]

Hmmm. I think I'll leave this to you folks and refer to this as magic lol 😂 very clever stuff, love the end result. Can I not just get you round to set mine up? 😂

[@davidnunn6673]

I've done something very similar on my layout, using an Arduino and PCA9685 as you have done. I incorporated my own bounce function in the code, but was very interested in the library you mentioned that has built-in bounce functionality. I'll give that a go, thank you!

[@Stormbergrail]

Great video!

[@greatnorthernrailwaytother4711]

Good work, looks great. Cheers Peter.

[@pgcroc8484]

Excellent. I may go down this route myself. I have already downloaded your code - thanks 😀 Peter

[@iansngauge]

Very much enjoyed watching you explain this! I've decided to go down this route too for controlling points and have the same servo controller board, although haven't actually used it yet! Keep up the good work, especially with the magic! All the best, Ian.

[@FrontingtonandBackwoodsRailway]

Thanks! Glad you appreciated the magic. Hope the servo controller board works out for you!

[@AllensTrains]

Cool project! I am not sure all that work with the Arduino is really necessary for such a small layout! As the distance from the operator's position to where the signals are is so short, a simple mechanical pulley is all you needed? However, since it is now electronically controlled, you could create an AI layout, and just sit there with your cup of coffee and watch the trains go by! Thanks for uploading.

[@FrontingtonandBackwoodsRailway]

I used manual control like that on my previous layout. And it worked just fine. But I'm a programmer in my day job, so using an Arduino appealed to me! Automation is certainly possible with DCC, though I think it would take away the "playability" on a layout this size.

[@ausfoodgarden]

That's a pretty inexpensive signal setup. I like it. Will you be using those same servos for the points or something a bit beefier?

[@michaelwhitmore7160]

I use FS 90 servo on all my points is strong enough switch Peco points with out taking spring out . I use both Tillig and Peco points

[@FrontingtonandBackwoodsRailway]

I'll be using the same 9g servos for the points. You have to take out the spring that normally snaps the blades into position, but that's easily done and means the servo has less work to do. The 9g unit is more than strong enough for that. And yes, very inexpensive, especially compared to the commercially available solutions (like the Dapol signals). Though of course there's a fair bit more trial and error when you do it yourself. But that's half the fun sometimes!