Robot Trains in the Garden
Microprocessor Controlled Engines
It is much easier than you may think
Introduction
This
workshop is designed to give an overview of how simple microprocessors can be used to control lights, motors and
other devices used in a garden railway
Much
of the information has been or will soon be covered in great detail in articles
at LSOL. (search for BODNAR under
Objectives:
Introduce the basics of
programming and using microprocessors to control lights and motors
Explore the use of simple
microprocessor based controllers in garden railway applications
Allow time for discussion and
questions
Microprocessor Control
PICAXE microcontrollers are
exciting, low-cost, re-programmable chips that can be used as low-cost 'brains'
in many kinds of electronic projects.
Microprocessor Control
PICAXE 08M is an 8 pin integrated
circuit that can be used to control lights, sound boards, motors and other
devices
Microprocessor Control
The key to its simplicity is
the capability to program it in BASIC rather than a more complex and hard to
learn language
All software and documentation
are free
Extensive support and sample
programs are available
Chips range in price from less
than $4.00 to less than $20.00
The simplest chip is VERY
capable!
Flashing Crossing Lights
Parts
Flashing Crossing Lights
Circuit
Flashing Crossing Lights
Software
Flashing Crossing Lights
Flashing Crossing Lights
Flashing Crossing Lights
Hardware modification
Flashing Crossing Lights
Software modification
Flashing Crossing Lights
Infrared Object Detection
Eggliner prototype with
commercial detection unit
Infrared Object Detection
Using PICAXE to duplicate and
enhance Ralphs idea
IR LED flasher (38 kHz)
IR sensor high when it sees
38 kHz
Relay / resistor for speed
control
Infrared Object Detection
IR LED
flasher (38 kHz)
Infrared Object Detection
IR sensor high when it sees 38 kHz
Infrared Object Detection
Relay / resistor for speed control
Infrared Object Detection
Picaxe sends out pulses,
detects them and controls the motor in response to what is sees
Prototype:
Infrared Object Detection
Software
Motor Control
A simple power transistor
circuit can turn a motor on / off
Motor Control
Pulsed
Width
Modulation
Motor Control
PWM allows a digital output pin to control a motor using the
same circuit that turns it on and off
Questions ? ? ?