I go to WeHonest on ebay. Good prices, reasonable delivery times. I run my signals from an Arduino, which controls the switch state, the control panel lights (red/green) and the ground signals and the towers. I want to set up my two signal bridges (Model Power units) with an Azatrax IR sensor set and Arduino also. I mounted green and red LEDs (0201's) in the centers of the fake signals, and ran 30ga wires under the bridge and down one side. The ground signals are 2 aspect. Right now all of these LEDs are are static- just need time...
Nice! You'd think there's plenty of room for Atlas to include signals on those Atlas switch machines! If you run DCC, and the switches are power-routing, you can used rectified track voltage (with a suitable dropping resistor) to selectively illuminate the associated signals with no other controls necessary.
As it turns out, I am lucky not to need power routing for most of the layout- no reversing loops. I only have a few points with power routing and insulators needed (PECO turnouts). But, I also modify all of the turnouts with wires from the switch rails to the mains to ensure that the contact is solid. I fought with PECO curved turnouts because they use the switch rail contact to feed power- unreliable contacts even using Servos to force the contact rail closures. Drove me crazy until I figured out the problems- even small amounts of dust or ballast will block the connection. Soldered wires under the switch to connect the switch rails to the mains and added insulators to the point rail exit sides. So, no more shorts and no stopping on the switches. Both sides of my switches are always hot, so I cannot pick up the signal from the rails. Oh well.
Power routing can also be used to prevent locomotives from running against a switch thrown the other way. It doesn't help when backing a long train against the switch, unless you use the switch to power a long enough stretch of track to do so. Different strokes for different folks... This is one of the things I'm still considering on my layout in progress, which is stalled while we prepare to move. And I'm using Unitrack which is pretty solid in powering the selected route. I can't speak for other track brands' switches. Also, some external switch machines include reliable track power switches.
Beautiful work! Like the towers... A single Mega running DCC EX Command Station operates the layout. The signals are currently tied to Arduino digital pins which logic states are set by an event handler in EX Rail code when either the throw or close command is executed. While the method is not as "accurate" as a feedback loop such as loconet or internal to switch machine, it works out fine but at powerup, need to establish default state. The structure lighting LEDs are also tied to Arduino pins with control pushed out to Engine Driver too. Alot of money saved by eliminating physical switches, less wire. Usually operate trains solely on an 8" tablet. There is no physical panel so all MRR functions are controlled by Engine Driver. Just purchased IR sensors for possible adoption though mostly for scenic accessories rather than throwing turnouts. eg. If a sensor(s) which is near train station remains active for x time, Arduino turns on dock lights or tells a TF MP3 player to play station sounds. Plan is to relocate IR LEDs off board simplifying fit on an already crowded n scale layout.. Unfortunately, can't work on MRR + computer much so most likely won't get on layout till probably late next year. :-( https://www.ebay.com/itm/202285119700 Yes, signals were purchased from we honest... Generally, a little weary of companies whose names include fidelity, honest, integrity, trust....LOL However, outstanding communication + responded to all questions. Would like to know how your sensors work out when signals become dynamic.
this would be your proper signal placement for a control point like this. well, thats how a signal construction foreman like myself would do..............
Thanks, guys! I run my layout with 5 UNOs and 2 MEGAs presently. I use my own control circuits, power supplies, and Azatrax IR sensors for location information (the control circuits sit on top of an UNO). I will be adding another MEGA and UNO for other indicators, lighting effects, more sensors, etc. Yep, agree with Mark- a LOT of wires... But, by doing some current limiting and piggy-backing LEDs you can reduce the number of wires and eke out a lot of lights from the Arduino power supplies without hitting the "50mA" limit. My 5V supplies provide about 20A distributed around the layout, so I can tap in wherever I need. All signals and power are common ground, except the 19V switch C/D power supply and the DCC feeds, of course. Eventually, I will link everything to a master computer and JMRI... just takes time!
Hi- thanks for the note. My grandfathers and uncle would also correct me.... It is a case of where can I put it and still clear everything on top and underneath- there are a lot of wires, contact pads, power distribution blocks, relays (over 50 so far), and three large shelves under the layout, so compromises are needed
Have difficulty relocating -- practically all wiring and electronics is in the middle 3rd of the layout that the current signal locations are about the best. Had to compromise prototypical on the signals. Didn't have signals on the 1980s layout but the eyes were 40 years younger and HO about 2x larger. lol Currently thinking about buying more signals and place back to back? Oh for sure, gotta love those lEDs... All street lamps in parallel with current limited by a single 5.6k. The tree sales shack LED 603, individually controlled, and limited by a 33k. Most combo, eg 3 MOW buildings LEds 603s in parallel and limited by a single 10k. Prior to street lights all structure lighting total about 1.5mA. The signal LEDs are the highest power "users" from lighting perspective, Red 1.5mA and Green at around 800uA. Very pleased - well below the 40mA per pin max and 200mA max total for all pins.
The signals are finally installed. Think outcome is nice... Created a concrete platform out of .04 styrene for pre-mounting 2 individual signals as a single bidirectional unit. The concrete platform made it easier to maintain opposite 180 positions (glued in place) and cover existing >1/4" holes left by the temp signals. Think it will simplify new "snow falls" as it helps avoid white spots on the signal due to shaky hands. it "snowed" the day after signal installation.
