A step by step guide to adding sensors to your layout using an Arduino and JMRI. Adding sensors is the first step in automation and can be used to control trains, signals and points.
Part 1 - we build the sensor hub and connect an infrared (IR) sensor. This can be used to provide feedback from analogue or digital layouts.
https://youtu.be/yDWI4ujtuIY
Part 2 - we use two IR sensors to automate a train controlled by JMRI on a digital layout.
JMRI Website
https://www.jmri.org/
Geoff Bunza's blog for sensor hub documentation:
https://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/34392
##### IMPORTANT INFORMATION #####
A few people have pointed out that the link to the files (script and sketch) on Geoff Bunza's website no longer works. I have uploaded these files to my GitHub area (https://github.com/LittleWicketRailwa...), but all credit should still go to Geoff Bunza for developing this system.
This is a simple way of adding sensor to a layout, but I would encourage anyone interested in this to explore the CMRI video series which uses the same hardware, but allows use of different sensor names, doesn't require a script to be run in JMRI and can be adapted to change inputs to outputs.
CMRI Part 1 - https://youtu.be/OkXG3mfY6PE
CMRI Part 2 - https://youtu.be/CUWFqFmO1Ng
CMRI Part 3 - https://youtu.be/WsfczIPbhsU
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Ebay and Amazon Affiliate Links
(Full disclosure, as an Amazon Associate and Ebay partner I earn from qualifying purchases through these links and this helps to support the channel)
Arduino Mega:
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Mega Sensor Shield:
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Variable Voltage Power Supply:
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IR Sensors:
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26AWG Servo Cable:
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Crimping Tool:
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Servo Wires (male to male):
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Chapters
0:07 - Introduction
1:08 - Tools & Equipment
2:19 - Steps
2:28 - Step 1 - Connect IR Sensors to Hub
4:33 - Step 2 - Build Sensor Gates
7:19 - Step 3 - Setup Sensors in JMRI
10:21 - Step 4 - Download and Modify Script
14:42 - Step 5 - Run Script