Model Scenery Tutorials

A Comprenshive Modeler's And Model Railroader's Guide

model scenery center

How To Make A Diorama Event Timer

How To Realistically Animate Your Diorama With An Event Timer

 

What’s In This Page

This is a directory page with information related to operating retro trains, operating narrow gauge train lines and train museums.  There are also selected video insertions.

If you are using a phone, at the bottom of the page there are links to many  supplies for modelers. Otherwise those links are in the sidebar to the right. You can also find other information  by using the search function that is in the navigation bar above.

Also In Addition To What’s In This Page, What This Site Can Do For You

If you are a model train enthusiast, modeler, diorama maker, or interested in making Arduino projects the easy way, there is categorized information for you here. Click Here.

The Latest Information

Anything new and page updates are posted on Twitter (now X) and Facebook.

It is easy to keep up with the latest by following us on either of them.

A tutorial for making  circuit using a circuit board that will provide versatility as well as save you time and labor.

A simple Arduino circuit that you can use to set up a sequence of timed events.  You set the time of occurrence and the duration of each.

Use this for timing a sequence of thunder storms, light displays, animated activities, sounds, music etc.

 

 Features

A circuit board that toggles functions on another board or boards

Starts and stops 17 events.

Each event start and stop time controlled independently.

Start and stop times can be either fixed or random

 

Fully customizable program – Click Here

Video Demonstrations

First let’s look at what this timer can do.

These videos show how this works in two of my dioramas.

Simple Animation

Diorama LightingThis video shows you a rather simple application of this event timer. You’ll see lights cycle on and off and track lights etc. fade in and fade out.

Click on the image watch the show.

 

 

 

Impressive Animation

ultimate layout event timerThis shows you what you can do if you really take the time with this and make a diorama that is truly impressive.

Click on the image watch the show.

 

 

 

Gather the parts

event timer parts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assembly

All connections between parts are made via traces on the circuit board.  The circuit board shows exactly where the elements are placed on the board,

So it is a simple matter of inserting the parts, soldering them in place with a fine point soldering tip on which there is a minuscule drop of solder and finally trimming off any protruding wires or pins to a comfortable length.

 

Solder pins to the Arduino mini.

The Arduino Mini comes without pins attached.

 

Add the resistors to the circuit board

inserting resistors

 

 

 

 

Solder resistors in place

 

soldering resistors in place

 

 

 

 

 

Cut DuPont pin sockets to proper length

The Arduino Board connects to the circuit board via DuPont pin headers.

Cut them to length and solder them to the circuit board.

 

soldering pin sockets

 

 

Connect the screw terminals

The screw terminals come as 2 pin units.  They are designed to be joined by using the slots on each side. So, for example to make a 4 pin screw terminal, join two two pin terminals.

assemble screw terminals

 

 

 

 

And the screw terminals to the circuit board

adding screw terminals

 

 

 

And the capacitor in the circuit board and solder in place

add the capacitor

 

 

 

 

 

All The Solder Joints

solder work

 

 

 

Check Continuity

checking continuity

 

 

Insert the Arduino mini  into the DuPont pin sockets.

 

The pixel connection connects to the WS2812B led strip.

 

Connected to external animation control boards.

 

The Program

/*Event Timer Kit Program lococargo special event timer 17 sept*/
#define FASTLED_INTERNAL
#include <FastLED.h>
int num = 6; /*  setting this to 6 sets int32_t to 3000. (see calclation in code line below.) the 24 hour loop then lasts about 30 minutes.
changr this number to change the real tmr period for your 24 hour cycle. */
int32_t interval = (int32_t) num * 500; /* setting num to 6 in the line above makes a 1/2 hour cycle. num is an int, the calculation when done as an int and overflow.
  The (int32_t) converts it to the larger type, so the result of the calculation fits and doesn’t overflow.*/
#define NUM_LEDS 27 /* change as necessary to match the NUMBER OF PIXELS IN YOUR USED STRIP*/
#define DATA_PIN 6
byte maxBrightness = 100; /* VALUES FROM 0 – 255 -> THE HIGHER, THE MORE AMPS NEEDED FOR THE LED STRIP*/
CRGB leds[NUM_LEDS];
#define mainbuildingLights 3  /*main building*/
#define mainsecurityLights 4  /*alongside main building*/
#define coalyardsoundwithLights 5  /*coalyard*/
#define generalbackgroundSounds 7 /*daytime general sounds*/
#define shedlightswithsounds 8  /*during work hours*/
#define streetLights 9  /*street lighting was 2 but changed to fit board*/
#define backgroundsounds2 10 /* background sounds2*/

Operation

Connect a 5 volt power supply. And SPST switch where indicated.

When power is applied to the event timer it starts through its loop. It will loop through the 24 hour cycle.

Remember to adjust that 24 hour cycle to the time you wish it to operate in real time. That is in the instructions.

This cycle will repeat as long as power is applied to the event timer.

Feedback

Your questions and comments help us clarify and upgrade the information presented.  Even if you find this helpful, please tell us.

Please let us know if this page has been helpful  And if you have questions or suggestions, use this spam free system.

Or use the green WhatsApp button that is to the right.

 

Scroll to top