YES! success so far with my attempt at arduino controlled servos for turnouts. I am just posting a video to youtube showing what i have. Bobbyboy1962. Can i post the video here for all to see?
Something like this (from my code): Definitions: ChServo -->an array of servo objects, as defined in the standard Arduino servo library, each associated with its output pin pinnum --> the index number of one of those servo objects within the array Dly --> delay value, expressed in milliseconds Assumption: The end-points of your servo are 0(zero) to 180 degrees. These are the numbers in the first line conditions of the 'for' loop; adjust or externally define as necessary. Code fragment: for (int i=0; i < 181; i++) { ChServo[pinnum].write(i); delay(Dly); } Setting 'Dly' to zero would run the servo at close to full speed. Setting it to 1000 would take a bit over 3 minutes to go from end-to-end. I hope it helps.
// MRH 6 Switched 6 Servos with Pushbuttons & LED Indicators // G. Bunza 2016 // #include <SoftwareServo.h> #define numpins 6 // Number of Servos SoftwareServo servo[numpins] ; int i,k,l; int pins [ ]= {14,15,16,17,18,19}; // Pushbutton/LED pins int spins [ ]= {2,3,4,5,6,7}; // Servo pins int sstart [ ]= {25,59,25,25,25,25}; // Servo Start Positions int sstop [ ]= {160,94,160,160,160,160}; // Servo Stop Positions boolean pinval [ ]= { true,true,true,true,true,true }; // Servo State // void setup() { for (i=0; i<numpins; i++) { servo.attach (spins); // Set up servo controls servo.write(sstart); // Set each servo to start position } pinMode(pins,OUTPUT); // Initialize PB/LED pins digitalWrite(pins,HIGH); } void loop() { SoftwareServo::refresh(); // Must Refresh the Internal Servo Control for (i=0; i<numpins; i++) { pinMode (pins,INPUT_PULLUP); if (digitalRead(pins)==LOW) { // Check if a Pushbutton is pressed pinval=!pinval; // Assume only one at a time if (pinval==true) servo.write(sstart); else servo.write(sstop); while (digitalRead(pins)==LOW) {SoftwareServo::refresh(); } // Wait until PB is released } pinMode(pins,OUTPUT); // Now go back to maintaining LEDs digitalWrite(pins,pinval); } } So, first off thank you for the help. This is the code i am using and i adjust the sstart and sstop variables to suit. How would i add in your code or do i need to add it all or only the delay. Thanks again, Bob
First off make sure your existing code is saved so you don't lose it. The easiest way to do that is to open it in your editor then immediately use "Save AS" to save it with a different name. Then edit this re-named file as follows--- After your existing line: "boolean pinval [ ]= { true,true,true,true,true,true }; // Servo State" Add this line: int Dly = 10; // This is the delay, in milliseconds, between each 1 degree step of servo travel. // Change this value to adjust. Positive numbers only. '0' equals full speed. Higher = slower Then where your code now reads: "if (pinval==true) servo.write(sstart); else servo.write(sstop);" Delete those two lines and insert: if (pinval==true) { //We are located at sstop and need to go to sstart for (int i=sstop; i > (sstart-1); i = i - 1) { //Decrement 1 degree at a time from our position 'i'. Loop until we get to sstart servo.write(i); delay(Dly); } else { //We are located at sstart and need to go to sstop for (int i=sstart; i < (sstop+1); i = i + 1) { //Increment 1 degree at a time from our position 'i'. Loop until we get to sstop servo.write(i); delay(Dly); } //Note that the LEDs won't change until the servo completes its travel Caveats: -This code assumes that the value of the servo start position in degrees (sstart) is less than the stop position (sstop). If your physical mounting position of the servo should reverse that relationship then this code will NOT work and a new approach would be necessary. - I don't have the tools to test this code. I broke down my Arduino workstation and put it away before I went into the hospital for knee replacement two weeks ago. - Because of that surgery, I am taking pain medication that may or may not have interfered with my ability to write code. (That's why I had you save your existing code first!) - I'm not familiar with the SoftwareServo library so this code is based entirely on how I perceive it works. I'm gonna need a nap now. Have fun!
Wow. Thank you very much. I will try this and let you know how it turns out. Now go get some rest, Bob
Hello sir. I finally had a chance to add your code and when i verify i get an error msg of, request for member 'write' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'SoftwareServo [6]' any idea why or what im doing wrong. I copy and pasted the code off of here, thanks again
Arduino: 1.8.4 (Windows 7), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Mega or Mega 2560, ATmega2560 (Mega 2560)" C:\Users\bob\Documents\Arduino\Sketches\Switched_6_Servos_my_one_servo_try_with_delay\Switched_6_Servos_my_one_servo_try_with_delay.ino: In function 'void loop()': Switched_6_Servos_my_one_servo_try_with_delay:34: error: request for member 'write' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'SoftwareServo [6]' servo.write(i); ^ Switched_6_Servos_my_one_servo_try_with_delay:36: error: expected '}' before 'else' } else { //We are located at sstart and need to go to sstop ^ Switched_6_Servos_my_one_servo_try_with_delay:48: error: expected '}' at end of input } ^ exit status 1 request for member 'write' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'SoftwareServo [6]' This report would have more information with "Show verbose output during compilation" option enabled in File -> Preferences.
Since servo.write(value) is in your original code, I do not know why you would be getting that error message. Make sure that you paste my code in two pieces, exactly where I indicated. The first block int Dly = 10; // This is the delay, in milliseconds, between each 1 degree step of servo travel. // Change this value to adjust. Positive numbers only. '0' equals full speed. Higher = slower goes in one place as indicated. The second block if (pinval==true) { //We are located at sstop and need to go to sstart for (int i=sstop; i > (sstart-1); i = i - 1) { //Decrement 1 degree at a time from our position 'i'. Loop until we get to sstart servo.write(i); delay(Dly); } else { //We are located at sstart and need to go to sstop for (int i=sstart; i < (sstop+1); i = i + 1) { //Increment 1 degree at a time from our position 'i'. Loop until we get to sstop servo.write(i); delay(Dly); } //Note that the LEDs won't change until the servo completes its travel goes in a different place and replaces the two lines indicated. If you pasted it all as one block it would generate errors. The sequence that things execute in is important.
Nice work, bobbyboy. As I understand the video, you are mechanically actuating 2 micro switched with servos controlled by a sketch in your Arduino to light your LED's. Would it not be possible to accomplish this using relays in place of the servo and switch?
The setup in the video was for my benefit to see if what i was thinking would actually work. The servos will be attached under the bench work and an actuating rod sent up through to control the points on the layout. I have just finished installing 8 of them on an area of the layout that has 4 crossovers, took about an hour to build and install them. I will post another video shortly to show my progress. Still trying to get the delay working, thanks to the help of Bob Craig, thanks again Bob. But not having much luck so far, but will get it.
Now I understand. I have built crossing gates with Arduino and servo combination. In the sketch there is code to control the rate of servo movement. I will look it up and try to post it.
The crossing gates were made by Geoff Bunza and can be found here: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/20176 I also found a sketch for 8 servo controlled turnouts you may or may not be aware of. Hope this helps. //Turnout Controller for 8 turnouts (could be expanded to 48 with Arduino Mega!) //Arduino 2009 //uses VarSpeedServo library by Korman found at :http://rapidshare.com/files/425318464/VarSpeedServo.zip //by David Garrison, May 2011 //This drives up to 48 servos (with the Arduino Mega) it is limited to 8 servos on the Uno or 2009 boards due to lack of I/O pins. //Used to control model railroad turnouts with inexpensive RC servos. The input is a panel mounted DPDT toggle switch (for each turnout) that is driving (by reversing a +5V and Gnd connection) two bi-color LEDs. //The amount of movement (in degrees), direction and speed of the servos is programmable. //The LEDs are placed in the track diagram at the turnout locations and indicate the turnout position by changing color Red -closed , green open for each leg of the turnout. //The switched +5 and ground is used as the level input. //A servo centering function is provided to aid in the installation of the servos. //All- in- all this has been a fun project that was really made very simple by using the VarSpeedServo library (and help provided by Arduino Forum members!)...lots going on here but not much code to write! #include <VarSpeedServo.h> const int numberOfServos=7; //number of servos ( I only need 7 for this project) VarSpeedServo servo[numberOfServos]; //create servo objects int portNumber[numberOfServos] ={14,15,16,17,18,19,9}; //initalize input pin numbers int servoPin[numberOfServos] ={2,3,4,5,6,7,8}; //intialize output pins servos connect to int closepos = 120; //value (in degrees) for servo closed position value int openpos = 60; //value (in degrees) for servo open postion int mid = 90; //value (in degrees) for servo mid postion void setup() { for (int i =0; i<numberOfServos; i++) { servo.attach(servoPin); // attach servos to output pins pinMode (portNumber, INPUT); //set up input pins } pinMode(10, INPUT); //set up input pin for centering mode switch digitalWrite(10, HIGH); //pull up resitor set for center mode switch } void loop () { //tests for setup mode if (digitalRead(10) == 0) centerAll(); //looks for a low on pin 10, provided by a SPST switch to GND // reads input conditions and moves servos if required for (int i=0;i<numberOfServos;i++){ if (digitalRead(portNumber) == 0) //read all inputs and outputs servo.move commands servo.slowmove (openpos,20); // second arg is servo speed , 20 is about 3 seconds else servo.slowmove (closepos,20); // second arg is servo speed , 20 is about 3 seconds } } void centerAll() //test if switch on input 10 is closed to ground and if so center all servos //blink on board LED 13 to indicate Center Mode of operation { for (int i=0;i<numberOfServos;i++) { servo.slowmove (mid, 20); //center all servos } do { digitalWrite(13,HIGH); delay(300); digitalWrite(13,LOW); delay(300); } while (digitalRead(10) == 0); //blink led 13 until setup switch is opened }
Arduino: 1.8.4 (Windows 7), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Mega or Mega 2560, ATmega2560 (Mega 2560)" C:\Users\bob\Documents\Arduino\Sketches\sketch_nov12c\sketch_nov12c.ino:1:27: fatal error: VarSpeedServo.h: No such file or directory #include <VarSpeedServo.h> ^ compilation terminated. exit status 1 Error compiling for board Arduino/Genuino Mega or Mega 2560. This report would have more information with "Show verbose output during compilation" option enabled in File -> Preferences. NOTE when i add this code via copy and paste the above is the error msg i get after compiling. i suck at this
The <VarSpeedServo.h> needs to be downloaded to your Arduino library. The original Arduino download only includes <Servo.h>. It's been a while since I did this, I am only a copy and paste guy, I will have to search how I got it. I'll let you know when I find it. If you do have it, It must be in your Library file.
ok got it. Now it wont compile lol. Arduino: 1.8.4 (Windows 7), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Mega or Mega 2560, ATmega2560 (Mega 2560)" C:\Users\bob\Documents\Arduino\Sketches\sketch_nov12c\sketch_nov12c.ino: In function 'void setup()': sketch_nov12c:20: error: request for member 'attach' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'VarSpeedServo [7]' servo.attach(servoPin); // attach servos to output pins ^ C:\Users\bob\Documents\Arduino\Sketches\sketch_nov12c\sketch_nov12c.ino: In function 'void loop()': sketch_nov12c:39: error: request for member 'slowmove' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'VarSpeedServo [7]' servo.slowmove (openpos,20); // second arg is servo speed , 20 is about 3 seconds ^ sketch_nov12c:43: error: request for member 'slowmove' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'VarSpeedServo [7]' servo.slowmove (closepos,20); // second arg is servo speed , 20 is about 3 seconds ^ C:\Users\bob\Documents\Arduino\Sketches\sketch_nov12c\sketch_nov12c.ino: In function 'void centerAll()': sketch_nov12c:55: error: request for member 'slowmove' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'VarSpeedServo [7]' servo.slowmove (mid, 20); //center all servos ^ exit status 1 request for member 'attach' in 'servo', which is of non-class type 'VarSpeedServo [7]' This report would have more information with "Show verbose output during compilation" option enabled in File -> Preferences.
I have the same error with Bobs code so it must be something im doing. I am also a copy and paste guy
