New videos
WRU vs URB unit
URB Project. How it works
You asked me to make a test track. You are welcome!
DIY Rudder Pedals. Part II. Sensors and electronics
DIY Rudder Pedals. Part I. Pedals making.
Double Slip Switch vs. Two Turnouts
Installing URB control system to oldest track-plan
DIY Rudder Pedals for Flight Simulator
Turntable II — Final
Universal sketch for Turntable II
Rotation mechanism
Turntable II
Example of Passing siding
Introduce WRU
12/4/2020
I have a revolutionary idea
12/1/2020
New concept Arduino code for WRUs
In the process of testing the Big Station track, I tried to use the multicast data transfer mode. And the successful transfer of data from the command unit to all local units at once presented me with the problem of choosing a method of creating sketches. The usual way for the URB project is to send byte commands to the addresses of local units. This is a very convenient way to select teams by unit. But, if it was necessary to transmit the same command to several units, then, since the wired I2C bus does not have a broadcast method for transmitting commands, it was necessary to send such a command several times, constantly changing the transmission address.
There is a special data transfer mode for the NRF24 network: network.multicast. That is, it becomes possible to transfer the state of the entire control system to all local units at once, without the need for addressing. Since I changed the state of the variable for transmitting commands between blocks from BYTE to INT, the number of commands is now limited to a number from -32767 to 32767. And now I'm trying to figure out the easiest way to create a code for these concept. Sorry for delayed.
11/9/2020
WRU Mesh
I have to take a break from making the Big Station video. While creating sketches for wireless units, I decided to study the documentation of the RF24Network library in more detail. And I discovered that in 2020 there was a new possibility of organizing a network based on NRF24 modules. Now you can create a dynamic network very similar to TCP/IP.
Therefore, I need time to understand the possibility of implementing NRF24Mesh into my project. I will try to do it quickly.
P.S. No hardware changes needed.
11/6/2020
Alternate of my URB Project – The Model Railroad Bluetooth Router Project
I received a message from the developer of a management system similar to the URB project. It may well be of interest to you as well. Here is a link to him page the GitHUB repository with this project.
11/4/2020
Interlocking Games II
A year ago I made a test track with automatic train traffic. It was a demonstration of the capabilities of the URB system. At that moment I had a lot of other things to do and I very quickly disassembled this track. I haven't played enough of interlocking!
So, I am putting together a new track-plan combining manual maneuvers on a station and automatic train traffic on a loop. I hope it will be interesting for you to see the practice of building such a system.
10/18/2020
Arduino Train DUO updated to Protocol 2.5
The new version 2.5 of the Protocol added to the capabilities of the URB project the ability to control four players. Changed managing the 3-Way turnout switch. Added DSS (Double Slip Switch) control with two point motors. Feedback commands aligned with direct protocol commands.
An Orange Book describing the protocol version 2.5 is available on the Docs page. Except for feedback commands, the protocol is fully compatible with the previous version.
New functions are still available in the updated version of the Arduino DUO application. Owners of this app can update to the new version via Google Play. Also the app Arduino Train Tablet will be updated soon. The rest of my apps do not use new features and do not need to be updated.
10/13/2020
It's a message that's very close to my heart.
I am very grateful to the modelers who take the time to share their successes with me. This message is wonderful because its author went from getting to know the URB Project to its implementation, and overcame all the difficulties. Big respect Harri!
It doesn't matter how big or complexity your layout. It is important that it gave you pleasure in your efforts and results.
Hi Steve,
Just wanted to drop you a thank-you message for the great work you've done with the URB project!
If there's been anything positive in the COVID situation it's been that this summer we dug out and dusted off my decades old Lima model railway boxes from the basement and did a modest layout on our balcony with my 9 years old son. Soon he asked could we drive more than one train at the time. However, DCC was not really an option as I did not want to convert the pre-DCC era locos etc., which got me thinking about some form of Arduino control for the whole thing – which in turn led to the discovery of the URB project. I'm no stranger to Arduinos nor hobby-grade coding so with the parts already in my project boxes we had in no time the basics up and running with phone control. And my son simply loved it!
I'm sure that I've done every single mistake on the way – I discovered only later that you had described many of them on your web page. I'm using Arduino Mega (as there was unused one in the project box), however the initial setup was really simple and as I'm somewhat familiar with this stuff already it did not take that long to get it going.
Then I started thinking that the points could be controlled with URB as well (some were electric type, others manual). However, rushing through the initial steps I ended up burning not just one but two ULN2003 chips — the point motors were drawing way more than the 0,5 amps that ULN2003 can handle which I realized too late — totally my bad, but luckily the solenoids survived the ULN2003 shorting - twice! Now I use relay boards instead, which works better for me. I even ended up hand-coiling custom solenoid motors that fit into the old manual Lima points' housing – and with a DIY capacitor discharge unit they work beautifully. So the whole layout is now URB controlled!
Finally, I discovered the signaling concept on your YouTube channel, and modified it a bit so that it signals green/red/yellow based on the train A and B drive directions and the point straight/branch state. Now the signaling takes into account not only the train and point directions but also whether you are allowed to go from the outer loop to the inner one etc. It ended up being quite complicated piece of code and custom for this particular layout but working step-by-step it was quite straightforward to do at the end of the day. If the layout was more fixed I'd go for a modular system with multiple URB units for sure, but I'm not sure how the tracks will be laid out the next time so I'll resort to using a single Arduino Mega for now for easier code change management – naturally at the expense of more complicated wiring...
Your project has a wealth of very good ideas and very relevant information, and it's great that for us DC folks there's a professional-grade alternative to DCC. As the weather is now getting colder we've packed the trains back into boxes but I'm already looking forward taking the round two towards the spring, this time adding sensors and automatic train stopping etc — for that I'll need to add more URB units and even consider going wireless.
Sorry for the long message, just wanted to say huge thanks for your initiative and hard work for the URB project and keep up the great work!
With best regards,
Harri
10/8/2020
DIY rudder pedals are finished! All working fine.
In this project, I tried using digital potentiometers. MCP41050 — charming little thing
9/30/2020
Special for my dear haters
It's funny to watch the transition of modelers to the DDC fan camp. First, an aspiring modeler makes his first large railway model. This is painstaking work for many months, and, finally, most of the way is behind and ...
It turns out that the control system he's used to just doesn't fit this large layout. And the era of the great marketing of the DCC manufacturers begins. Very quickly, the cost of the control system and its installation reaches $ 2000 or more. And, after that, it turns out that the new, advanced, convenient, reliable DDC is not at all the same as described in the adveriise commercials. The story Mcwilliamses And The Burglar Alarm (1916) by Mark Twain is fully be repeated for just this occasion.
And at this moment an amazing transformation of the modeler's thinking takes place. He understands that he was deceived. He understands that this is a very inconvenient system. But! He'll hate anyone he will remind him about it.
My advice. Do me a favour and visit the doctor, perhaps you have a mental illness. And then try the URB project, it will cure you.
9/30/2020
Once again about ESP32
I understand your desire to use the most publicized and modern gadgets. My last video about using DEVKIT ESP32 unintentionally spurred this desire. Therefore, I have to give the following comment.
You can use ANY microcontrollers in your railway layouts using URB project. For example Arduino 33 BLE, ESP32 or powerful (in comparison with Uno and Nano) MEGA, Portenta H7 or even more powerful platform like PIC. But there is one very important problem — all these chips are much more complex and require more in-depth knowledge for programming. If any student, let alone an experienced adult person, can write his first sketch for Arduino NANO (UNO) in a few hours using the editor Arduino IDE. Then for the rest of the chips you need a much higher level of programming.
The Atmega 328P microcontroller is very simple and straightforward. Compare the schemes of Atmega 328P and ESP-32.
Yes, if you have a high skill of programming, then it is better to use the wireless technologies like ESP-Now, BLE and others. And use cloud computing and MQTT. But, to be honest, this will not improve the railway management system. Therefore, I insist on using simple solutions that each person can program independently. Therefore, the URB project will focus on the use of Arduino NANO. You can read more arguments on old site version here.
The next stage in the development of the project — wireless units will also use Atmega 328 together with the NRF24 radio module. The connection of several modules on the URB block (instead solid multyfunctional gadget), among other advantages, eliminates the need for programming network interfaces and other things, since these modules already have these functions and you do not need the code in the sketch for their operation.
The goal of the project remains the same — a convenient, simple and most understandable tool for creating electronics for your hobby.
9/28/2020
Two Hall sensor's module
9/25/2020
DIY rudder pedals for Microsoft Flight Simulator
9/19/2020
Okay, I'm done playing yours games. I'm tired of yours indifference to my project
9/14/2020
Real trains traffic on a layout
I am very grateful to Pete for the sent videos with the automatic movement of trains under the control of my URB system.
9/6/2020
Small layout
9/5/2020
Increase in diameter
Today I will install the new turntable mechanism то the small layout
8/21/2020
YouTube problem
Videos on the site have stopped playing. And the same thing happens with all embedded videos on other sites. It is not clear whether this is a temporary YouTube error, or whether in this way YouTube decided to motivate site owners to abandon the video embedding function.
All these videos can be played without problems only on the YouTube website itself.
8/15/2020
Turntable II design completed
I have been designing a universal locos turntable six months. Five unsuccessful attempts with different types of rotating mechanisms. Three motor options. And every attempt ended in failure. I was already desperate. It was only thanks to the support of Erik and Alain that I continued with the design.
120 sketches options and two months behind this screenshot. And so I present you a simple screen shot from Arduino IDE. And that means the new design is working!!!
8/7/2020
First external WRU
My compliments to Alain who made his own copies of the wireless units... Vive la France!
8/2/2020
Wireless Railway Unit documentation
7/24/2020
Next step of URB Project — Wireless Railway Unit
Soon new hardware and new features.
7/18/2020
Wagon unloader
I received a message from the winner of the 2020 contest:
Good afternoon Steve. These wagon unloader. Where they could be in URB and what would be the button in the APP.
Greetings – Francisco Rodriguez
Ok! Since the purpose of the buttons in my applications is determined by the user in the COMM sketch, I offer one of the many options for connecting and controlling these mechanisms. There are 6 decouplers in the picture, that is, the task is to manage each of them individually.
The Protocol has a command for managing functions — fa0z (fb0z) and fa1z (fb1z) (Custom button). This button is located in the train control interface in the application, unlike the lighting control buttons and layout elements. Since the control of the decouplers is associated with the movement of the train (and the controls of the locomotive), it is logical to assign this button. The next question is that there are six decouplers, and, accordingly, you need to choose only one at the moment.
In the track-plan, three decouplers refer to Driver A and three to Driver B. Then the GEARS buttons in the application will be responsible for selecting a specific decoupler, and the CUSTOM button will activate it for a few seconds. The control of the electromagnet of the decoupler is in no way different from the control of the point-motor of the turnout switch, but it only has one channel. That is, it is even simpler, it is enough to take the Auto OFF algorithm from the snippet and the sketch for the local URB unit is ready.
In the COMM sketch, it is enough to make a choice according to the GEAR buttons, and then send the command for activate decoupler to local unit already programmed earlier. That's all, nothing complicated.
7/17/2020
Turntable II
New stepper motor NEMA mounted on turntable.
7/14/2020
Successful stepper motor test
I wrote a sketch to control this motor through the A4988 motor driver. The basic idea is to use step 1/16 and rotation control without using the Arduino libraries. You can download the sketch from the link.
7/6/2020
New design. New content.
New version of site are released.
6/16/2020
Need your opinion
I am making a new version of the site with an extended description and examples. Today I finished a new example for a signal system. It will be very interesting for me to read your opinion about this. Write me about it to steve@arduinorailwaycontrol.com
5/31/2020
My plans
I made some mistakes introducing my project. Despite the fact that on my site and in my videos I repeated a phrase about the use of ANY microcontrollers, modelers stubbornly considered the need to use the URB unit as the main obstacle to using the project. I also counted on the independent programming of the project participants of their layouts. What also turned out to be a mistake, people do not want to program and they insist on ready-made examples.
I'm tired of trying to explain this situation, and I will redo my site into simple ready-made solutions. For advanced users who are able to independently program information "how do" will only be in the URB Club.
I received a new motor with a gearbox from China, and, unfortunately, it turned out that its characteristics (inertia when stopping, backlash of the output shaft, errors of position sensors and a small range of speed control) do not allow its use it for the turntable. I am very upset about this, but the turntable design will be completed using a CNC stepper motor. To do this, I need to learn using my 1310 machine to produce gears, which I will do.
5/29/2020
For big layouts with Interlocking
