Arduino Projects

A collection of Arduino projects and tutorials that you can use to animate your model railroad.

The projects are laid out so that a beginner can easily use Arduino on a train layout. Experts will also find them useful.

Your Tutorials And Arduino Projects

Basics

Arduino Power Considerations -You should always have this in mind.

How To Change And Upload An Arduino Sketch. -Basic information that is useful to any Arduino User.

How To Combine Arduino Sketches –

How to use Shift Registers. – This explains how you wire the LEDs when controlling 3 or more switch machines.

Operations

As you go through these always keep in mind that you can get personal help with anything that uses Arduino by going to the Arduino forums. 

Arduino Controlled Turnouts

Test Micro Server – It is helpful to test every Micro Servo before you use it.

Set Micro Server Initial Position – Do this prior to installing  your servo in your project.

Multiple Turnout Control Using Momentary Contact Buttons – Button Control 1 or more slow motion switch machines . – An effective way to add realism to your layout at a very low cost. Use to control up to  turnouts from an Arduino Nano

Multiple Turnout Control Using Momentary Contact Buttons LEDS On Control Panel And Each Leg Of The Turnout – Page Being Edited.  While we edit, if you want the sketch, contact us and we will send it to you.

Multiple Turnout Control Using DPDT Switch – Toggle Switch Control 1 or more slow motion switch machines . – An effective way to add realism to your layout at a very low cost. Use to control up to  turnouts from an Arduino Nano.  Allows you to add LEDs and other animation functions to second pole on toggle switch.

Multiple Turnout Control Using SPDT Switch LEDS On Control Panel And Each Leg Of The Turnout – Page Being Edited While we edit, if you want the sketch, contact us and we will send it to you.

Train Control

Block Detection – 3 Aspect Modular Block Detection –

Level Crossings

Level Crossing With Automatic Flashing Lights – Sensor activated flashing lights. – For use at a level crossing without crossing gates.  Lights turn on and off as the train passes over the crossing.

Level Crossing  With Automatic Gates And Flashing Lights – Level Crossing with gates and lights. – Makes an excellent animated level crossing.

Arduino Controlled Traffic Lights

Single Traffic Light – Single Traffic Light –

Street Level Traffic Lights For 4 Way Intersection – Traffic Lights –

Traffic Lights Plus Pedestrian Crossing Signals For 4 Way Intersection – Traffic Signals

Scenery Effects

Manual Flashing lights – Button activated flashing lights. – For you on cars, trucks or any other place that you want flashing lights.

LED Fires –Fire Effect –  This is a versatile sketch that you can use to light dioramas, model railroad layouts,  home fireplaces, and table centerpieces.

Arc Welder Effect – Arc Welder Effect –

More Animation Ideas – Animation Ideas – This layout animation page shows projects that will be added to this project list.

Arduino Wiring

12v To 9v Voltage Converter –  This is useful if you wish to use a external power rather than having to connect a board to your computer.  Instructions here.