Model_Train_DC

Model_Train_DC is an arduino project/prototype which aims to allow a DC-powered model train to sequentially navigate and travel between most to any configuration of rail and rail stations, with minimal user inputs required. Navigation is achieved through the following:

1. The user sets up their railway configuration, with proximity sensors marking the beginning and end of each rail section, as well as train stations/stops. A couple of rules must be followed.
2. The user then creates a folder tree to reflect the organized rail structure - the folder tree acts as a sort of map of the rail sections.
3. The included python script 'Rail_Parser.py' is used to populate required vectors in the Arduino script 'Model_Train_DC.ino' according to the specific requirements of the user's railway.
4. The user manually updates some parameters in 'Model_Train_DC.ino' according to the specific requirements of their railway.
5. The 'Model_Train_DC.ino' Arduino script is uploaded to the target Arduino, and run.
6. The train starts from a predetermined rail section, and attempts to pathfind to user-declared rail stations. Once it reaches a target rail station, it idles there for some time, before pathfinding to the next target, and so forth.

Important

• Currently, the scripts only support 1 train running on the railway. However, it was designed to be able to support multiple trains eventually. A couple of functions must be added & tested for multiple trains support (e.g., train traffic management to avoid collision).

Known Issues

• Currently, all rail sections must be adjacent to eachother, and any stretch of rail that is not included in any rail section must be of length < the length of the shortest train on that rail.

Future Directions

Possible future directions for this project includes:

• More complex train navigation, where train can navigate from any one station to any other station. Currently, trains can only navigate between stations that do not require direction reversal.
• Ability to run DCC trains.
• Ability to run multiple DCC trains on the same railway config. Recommends automatic traffic management functions to avoid collisions.
• Ability to run multiple DC trains on the same railway config, by powering individual rail sections accordingly. Recommends automatic traffic management functions to avoid collisions.

Repository Contents

1. (Folder) Examples
2. (Folder) RAIL_SIMPLE
3. funcs_arduino.cpp
4. funcs_arduino.h
5. Instructions.pdf
6. model_train_dc.ino
7. Proximity_IR.cpp
8. Proximity_IR.h
9. Rail_DC.cpp
10. Rail_DC.h
11. Rail_Parser.py
12. Rail_Switch_DC.cpp
13. Rail_Switch_DC.h
14. README.md
15. Train_DC.cpp
16. Train_DC.h

Software Prerequisites (on typical OS)

1. Arduino IDE.
2. The following Arduino packages (for output to I2C OLED display): Wire.h, Adafruit_GFX.h, Adafruit_SSD1306.h.
3. Python: Numpy, CV2 (opencv-python).

Instructions for Use - Summary

For detailed instructions for use, please refer to the included “model_train_dc_ino_diagrams_pdf.pdf” file. In summary, the following must be completed by the user:

1. Setup rail configuration in-real-life (IRL). a. Divide the railway into separate rail sections. b. Place rail stations within designated rail sections.
2. Create a folder tree which reflects the IRL rail configuration.
3. Edit and run “Rail_Parser.py”.
4. Edit “Model_Train_DC.ino” Arduino script. a. Edit the rail parameters and connect the rail-section and rail-station sensors, motor drivers for the trains, and motor drivers for the switches. b. Edit the train parameters.
5. Connect the I2C Display (recommended). a. I used an I2C OLED Display of 128x64 resolution, and the “model_train_dc.ino” script reflects this. Thus, if you would like to run without a display, or on a different display, the script needs to be changed accordingly.
6. Connect Motor Drivers Outputs to their Targets (e.g., Trains & Switches).
7. Connect Power to the Arduino and Motor Drivers (for the Trains & Switches).
8. Place the Train(s) at their Starting Rail Stations.
9. Upload the “Model_Train_DC.ino” Arduino script to the Arduino Board.