Hey David. Just sat down with a cuppa now ready. This is an absolute masterpiece, your electrics knowledge definitely comes in handy. Also, just a shout to mention I followed your advice on the point and I've just wired in a switch. Works a treat. Thanks for your comments, help and for the inspiration. Keep up the great work.
Very good!. I do like the forward planning you have presented with your interconnects and wiring concepts. Organized, neat and tidy. I know MERG is interested in a module interconnect which is something they do not have in their Kit Locker at the moment. I will be sharing your PCB concept for sure and it may even get some traction. To that end I have laid out my own PCB with the basic concepts you have shown and once it arrives along with the rest of the bits and bobs I will be showing it to MERG as a proposed offering (or something to turn into one)..
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller I appreciate the offer but not necessary at this time. I have my PCB's manufactured and currently 'in transit' from JLCPCB and once it is proven I will do a show and tell on the MERG discussion forum. These types of things while simple enough are a great tool for modular layouts (clubs or otherwise). I think MERG is a good resource for this and many similar things. I would encourage anyone with an interest in applying electronics to model railways to check them out (regardless of skill level or background). Full disclosure: I am a member of MERG and both the Arduino special interest group and the RFID special interest group within MERG
Hi David, many thanks for the shout out. Good luck with your project, it clearly is a major undertaking. Which software are you going to use for automation? Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, thank you very much for commenting. I'm currently using Rocrail but I've not gotten terribly far yet. Just a few trains going from block to block. Next stop is scheduling and making a full timetable.
It was nice to see some wiring for Block detection David, I have not seen enough on this subject along with where and how! Great work gents on your videos.
A lot of interesting elements there David. I'm about to start helping my Dad with his new layout. I'm also a bit of an electronics nerd and will be doing a similar thing, although I'm going custom ESP microprocessors on custom boards with a simple CanBus loop. For power I'm going 24v AC over all tracks; engines/loco's will also have ESP32's onboard with brushless motors and ESC's; they will also have small LiPo cells that charge from the 24v AC rails; this means I don't have to run power through points etc, so will make life easier. I like the block section detection method using CT clamps and sensitive ADC's, although not sure how that will maintain detection for rolling stock that does not pull any current...? the plan is to automate the entire layout using NodeRed to under pin the logic and sequencing whilst giving Dad some manu controls and one button routines where sensible. Well done on the wiring, and having seen yours, I'm probably going to go with a mini-module at each location that needs something; it'll be a lot of ESP chips but they are very cheap and boards from PCB Way are also very cheap. This way I'm only running four wires around the layout; CanH CanL and the 24v AC two wires.
Dad's working in 'O' gauge so more room inside locos/engines for more electronics; We'll have wheel slip detection interacting with the ESC, many many lights 🤣 and as I'm using the ESP32's sound driven centrally is also on the cards... lol
@@dougle03 holy s**t this sounds amazing! If only I had the time and money to pull that all off. You had me confused with how you were going to fit an ESP32 let alone an Esc and lipo all In a model but in O gauge that sounds very doable. In fairness other than the cost of o gauge itself I think with esp32s's bought in bulk this may well work out cheaper than dcc and Canbus! At the moment I'm considering a few arduino and raspberry pi integrations with my bus but hadn't thought of using ESPs. I'm sure I've got a couple ESPs in a box somewhere that I'll have a play with next time I go and visit my parents loft.
@@dougle03 as for rolling stock detection the easiest solution I'm planning on using is adding led lighting to coaches and resistors to goods wagon axles
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller Resistors would work to draw current for detection, albeit a little inefficient on power. I'm mulling over using hall effect sensors (Since we'll have more than enough ADC's in the ESP32's under each board) for static detection, but that would still require stateful logic to retain occupation history; so lots to think about.
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller To be fair, the costs will be lower than DCC ect, as I'm sure you've discovered, DCC and related 'modeling' electronics can mount up. The Loco's/engines will be 2.4ghz wifi control, whilst anything fixed will be wired (Just as it should be) lol I can get ESP's for pennies and hall sensors are currently 10 for 62p lol - Bringing it all together will be the challenge, but I really wanted to move away from the problems of dirty track where the rails are the control method. I could go entirely wireless meaning the only under board wiring is only the 24vac, but I'll stick to the respected standard of: if it moves=wireless, if it's static=wired...
It's amazing how quickly those seemingly huge reels of dropper cable disappear! I guess I'm late to the party here but an alternative to cutting the tracks would have been to put IR or LDR positional sensors under the track - they're good for telling you that a loco has hit a specific spot. Really enjoyed watching this, it's my kind of thing - you got a lot done in what seemed to be quite a short space of time. Took me 2 years to get to that point 😆. Regards, Chris
@@WirenwoodModelRailway I have considered IR before but for some reason always fancied current detection. I might well use IR in the future as I'm thinking of adding uncoupler in some locations and here accuracy will need to be higher. I think my work helps as I spend months planning and then get it all done in the short time I have off.
It is good to see someone go into such detail on the electronics! One thing about the MERG servo mounts - the plastic is slippery and many users have reported having trouble with the microswitches not staying in place and being unreliable. Maybe consider holding them in with epoxy?
Excellent wiring! Fellow MERG member accross the pond in Texas building 00. Yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment.... I Like your point motor mounts. Did you 3d print your mounts? Any chance of sharing the stl file or link?
@@gavinbrown5973 I'll have to find out what I can get away with without giving away the members secrets! I'm sure some demos would be doable if I don't upload schematics of the pcbs
Morning David just found your channel great work I have just joined Merg and would be interested in learning a bit more about it if you could, I'm going down the same route using servos and would be great to learn a bit more about the block detection and weather you use a CANPAN for lights indicating track routs etc anyway thanks for the vid looking forward to seeing more of your layout Cheers Mark
Hi there, thanls for watching. I will certainly make more merg videos in future. I don't have any can pans yet but do have plans for some control panels.
@@grahamshaw9316 glad you liked the video, each to their own when it comes to wiring at the end of the day of the layout does what you want that's all you need
@@anthonylulham3473 hi there mate, yeah I used a metal rule to keep the straights straight and then used a track spacer from golden valley hobbies to set the spacing and also keep the curves consistent
lovely, what sort of rating PSU do you have for the servos? running a 5V 4A one here, and with just two servos I get enough of a voltage dip when both stall to reset the controller in a loop..
The Can Servo boards are wired in to my accessory bus at 12v 6A. If more than about 5 or 10 move at startup it's enough to stall but cycling power a few times resets them all.
@@lesatkins42 yeah I've got a few in some of my locos and they've been great. Just looking at esu lokpilot as I have an esu Lokprogrammer for my sound locos and like the uncouple shuffle for kadees
Hi David. It's fascinating to watch, but it's way too complicated for me to follow. There have been many hours of hard work put into your layout. The video intro suits your channel, and as always, I look forward to watching your next video. Regards Steve
@@southernprojectsyt6340 Each to their own. As an engineer I actually took great pleasure in planning and executing this project. The hobby is what you want to make it, and I enjoy the challenge of getting the electronics up and running.
thanks for the video, always a pleasure to watch your railway progress
@@alyro-ls1dv thank you
Very impressive; the electrics/wiring especially - whilst I don’t have that expertise it was most interesting.. Thank you for sharing.
@@alexmorgan2296 thanls for watching, just a few wires at a time. But it soon all adds up
very interesting as usual its nice to realise we all make mistakes the wiring is almost less than DC Ha Ha
Hey David. Just sat down with a cuppa now ready. This is an absolute masterpiece, your electrics knowledge definitely comes in handy. Also, just a shout to mention I followed your advice on the point and I've just wired in a switch. Works a treat. Thanks for your comments, help and for the inspiration. Keep up the great work.
@@_RandomPea glad you liked the video mate, just doing my best to keep the hobby alive and spread what little knowledge I have
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller it's quite advanced for me, and looks expensive if you aren't electronics savvy but interesting all the same.
Very good!. I do like the forward planning you have presented with your interconnects and wiring concepts. Organized, neat and tidy. I know MERG is interested in a module interconnect which is something they do not have in their Kit Locker at the moment. I will be sharing your PCB concept for sure and it may even get some traction. To that end I have laid out my own PCB with the basic concepts you have shown and once it arrives along with the rest of the bits and bobs I will be showing it to MERG as a proposed offering (or something to turn into one)..
@@rfidsig I can send over the gerbers if needed!
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller I appreciate the offer but not necessary at this time. I have my PCB's manufactured and currently 'in transit' from JLCPCB and once it is proven I will do a show and tell on the MERG discussion forum. These types of things while simple enough are a great tool for modular layouts (clubs or otherwise). I think MERG is a good resource for this and many similar things. I would encourage anyone with an interest in applying electronics to model railways to check them out (regardless of skill level or background). Full disclosure: I am a member of MERG and both the Arduino special interest group and the RFID special interest group within MERG
Glad to see you have kept it simple with CBUS no CANMIO’s Excellent (Fellow MERG member)
@@zivadivathedog9392 I tried briefly with a mio and much prefer the specific boards for each task
A great wiring job there David, I do like to see neat and clear wiring! 😄
@@michaelball68 cheers, simple colour code and a lot of cable toes and clips!
Hi David, many thanks for the shout out. Good luck with your project, it clearly is a major undertaking. Which software are you going to use for automation? Regards Charlie
@@ChadwickModelRailway Hi Charlie, thank you very much for commenting. I'm currently using Rocrail but I've not gotten terribly far yet. Just a few trains going from block to block. Next stop is scheduling and making a full timetable.
It was nice to see some wiring for Block detection David, I have not seen enough on this subject along with where and how! Great work gents on your videos.
A lot of interesting elements there David. I'm about to start helping my Dad with his new layout. I'm also a bit of an electronics nerd and will be doing a similar thing, although I'm going custom ESP microprocessors on custom boards with a simple CanBus loop. For power I'm going 24v AC over all tracks; engines/loco's will also have ESP32's onboard with brushless motors and ESC's; they will also have small LiPo cells that charge from the 24v AC rails; this means I don't have to run power through points etc, so will make life easier. I like the block section detection method using CT clamps and sensitive ADC's, although not sure how that will maintain detection for rolling stock that does not pull any current...?
the plan is to automate the entire layout using NodeRed to under pin the logic and sequencing whilst giving Dad some manu controls and one button routines where sensible.
Well done on the wiring, and having seen yours, I'm probably going to go with a mini-module at each location that needs something; it'll be a lot of ESP chips but they are very cheap and boards from PCB Way are also very cheap. This way I'm only running four wires around the layout; CanH CanL and the 24v AC two wires.
Dad's working in 'O' gauge so more room inside locos/engines for more electronics; We'll have wheel slip detection interacting with the ESC, many many lights 🤣 and as I'm using the ESP32's sound driven centrally is also on the cards... lol
@@dougle03 holy s**t this sounds amazing! If only I had the time and money to pull that all off. You had me confused with how you were going to fit an ESP32 let alone an Esc and lipo all In a model but in O gauge that sounds very doable. In fairness other than the cost of o gauge itself I think with esp32s's bought in bulk this may well work out cheaper than dcc and Canbus! At the moment I'm considering a few arduino and raspberry pi integrations with my bus but hadn't thought of using ESPs. I'm sure I've got a couple ESPs in a box somewhere that I'll have a play with next time I go and visit my parents loft.
@@dougle03 as for rolling stock detection the easiest solution I'm planning on using is adding led lighting to coaches and resistors to goods wagon axles
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller Resistors would work to draw current for detection, albeit a little inefficient on power. I'm mulling over using hall effect sensors (Since we'll have more than enough ADC's in the ESP32's under each board) for static detection, but that would still require stateful logic to retain occupation history; so lots to think about.
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller To be fair, the costs will be lower than DCC ect, as I'm sure you've discovered, DCC and related 'modeling' electronics can mount up. The Loco's/engines will be 2.4ghz wifi control, whilst anything fixed will be wired (Just as it should be) lol I can get ESP's for pennies and hall sensors are currently 10 for 62p lol - Bringing it all together will be the challenge, but I really wanted to move away from the problems of dirty track where the rails are the control method. I could go entirely wireless meaning the only under board wiring is only the 24vac, but I'll stick to the respected standard of: if it moves=wireless, if it's static=wired...
It's amazing how quickly those seemingly huge reels of dropper cable disappear! I guess I'm late to the party here but an alternative to cutting the tracks would have been to put IR or LDR positional sensors under the track - they're good for telling you that a loco has hit a specific spot. Really enjoyed watching this, it's my kind of thing - you got a lot done in what seemed to be quite a short space of time. Took me 2 years to get to that point 😆. Regards, Chris
@@WirenwoodModelRailway I have considered IR before but for some reason always fancied current detection. I might well use IR in the future as I'm thinking of adding uncoupler in some locations and here accuracy will need to be higher. I think my work helps as I spend months planning and then get it all done in the short time I have off.
great update very informative
@@LyntreeTown20132 thanks for watching
It is good to see someone go into such detail on the electronics! One thing about the MERG servo mounts - the plastic is slippery and many users have reported having trouble with the microswitches not staying in place and being unreliable. Maybe consider holding them in with epoxy?
I've had no issues so far if I do run in to problems I'll probably use hot glue, if you get it hot enough it keys in to pla quite well.
Excellent wiring! Fellow MERG member accross the pond in Texas building 00. Yeah, I'm a glutton for punishment.... I Like your point motor mounts. Did you 3d print your mounts? Any chance of sharing the stl file or link?
@@pwilliamssa the mounts are 3d prints bought direct from merg. I'm sure if you message the right person in the forum someone will have the files
Would absolutely love some MERG demos please
@@gavinbrown5973 I'll have to find out what I can get away with without giving away the members secrets! I'm sure some demos would be doable if I don't upload schematics of the pcbs
Morning David just found your channel great work I have just joined Merg and would be interested in learning a bit more about it if you could, I'm going down the same route using servos and would be great to learn a bit more about the block detection and weather you use a CANPAN for lights indicating track routs etc anyway thanks for the vid looking forward to seeing more of your layout
Cheers Mark
Hi there, thanls for watching. I will certainly make more merg videos in future. I don't have any can pans yet but do have plans for some control panels.
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller Thank you :)
The Merg stuff is very interesting. Block detection is something I also want to do when I build my railway. I would be interested in a rocrail video
I will endeavour to make one next time I'm home
Brilliant if your that way inclined with electrics but I can only comfortably manage simple wiring, love model railway's but prefer simple DC running
@@grahamshaw9316 glad you liked the video, each to their own when it comes to wiring at the end of the day of the layout does what you want that's all you need
Thats a lot of track! Did you use anything to keep the track lay square, or for curved areas at a consistent radius or just wanged it on lol.
@@anthonylulham3473 hi there mate, yeah I used a metal rule to keep the straights straight and then used a track spacer from golden valley hobbies to set the spacing and also keep the curves consistent
lovely, what sort of rating PSU do you have for the servos?
running a 5V 4A one here, and with just two servos I get enough of a voltage dip when both stall to reset the controller in a loop..
The Can Servo boards are wired in to my accessory bus at 12v 6A. If more than about 5 or 10 move at startup it's enough to stall but cycling power a few times resets them all.
try laisdcc decoders.
@@lesatkins42 yeah I've got a few in some of my locos and they've been great. Just looking at esu lokpilot as I have an esu Lokprogrammer for my sound locos and like the uncouple shuffle for kadees
Hi David. It's fascinating to watch, but it's way too complicated for me to follow. There have been many hours of hard work put into your layout. The video intro suits your channel, and as always, I look forward to watching your next video. Regards Steve
@@dinmorejunctionmodelrailway cheers each to their own. I think the next video might be a visit to an exhibition!
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller It was interesting to watch. I'm considering attending the NEC exhibition in November.
Where you thinking ? @@HorsehayRailwayModeller
@@_RandomPea for now Im definitely attending a local exhi jtion next weekend but I may well attend the NEC in Nov if I'm not too busy at work
@@HorsehayRailwayModeller I'll be going to a local open day I think, not enough hours to get to one of the big shows 😔
Houses would be much better designed by model railway enthusiasts, then there would be no bloody joists in the way. 😉
Can you tell me where you got those pin connectors please
My custom pcbs are just based on 24pin atx pc apower supply extensions ( from ebay Amazon or pc shops)
Talk about taking the enjoyment out of scale railroading. You Sir, make a hobbie more of a total mind boggling JOB. Gratz on ruining your own fun.
@@southernprojectsyt6340 Each to their own. As an engineer I actually took great pleasure in planning and executing this project. The hobby is what you want to make it, and I enjoy the challenge of getting the electronics up and running.