Arduino Help/Question

@Coaltronn posted:

New Arduino user and I would like to use what I think are infrared sensors to capture a train passing so I can activate crossing signals. Is the Arduino powerful enough to light the lionel crossing signals? I understand Arduino is 5v so if I want 12 volts I think I can use the Lionel CW-80-watt transformer accessory for power but I need to use a relay so the Arduino adjusts when something is on or off in this instance. Also, can I set up multiple sensors and signals to run off the one Arduino?

Building a Christmas layout at our church and want to add some signals that light up intermittently. so if I can't use infrared and makes it difficult then I can make them blink on and off with the signal that will work fine. Wanting to control buildings with lights to simulate people turning lights on and off at different intervals in the future.

The short answer is yes, I'm sure you *can* use an IR sensor to signal an Arduino to close a relay to activate crossing signals . . . but why would you do so, then there are so many simple, direct, and relatively cheap alternate ways to do the same thing? For instance, there are plenty of purpose-built IR sensors that will directly trigger a crossing installation, and there are even older-school ways (isolated sections, etc.) that will do the same thing. Here's an example where I used isolated outer rails to trigger both the crossing gates and the sound modules at the crossings, no advanced electronics involved!

[The sound modules and speakers are in the white tubes next to the gates, being tested prior to final installation under the layout. The 'flashing' lights are activated by separate insulated contacts placed on top of the rails -- again, no electronics involved!]

Good Point! I think I need to figure that out instead and save the arduino for building lights and such. Fast track isolated rails here I come for crossings here I come!

@Coaltronn posted:

Good Point! I think I need to figure that out instead and save the arduino for building lights and such. Fast track isolated rails here I come for crossings here I come!

Yeah, IMHO you might as well reserve your Arduino components for a project worthy of your effort. For example, I used one (an Arduino Nano) to power a thunderstorm simulation for my layout, with thunder and lightning effects:

When initiated, the Arduino first flashes the 'lightning' (a pair of Adafruit LED strips), then, after a delay determined by the brightness of the flash, it plays a random thunder crash from the MP3 audio files on a micro SD card in a reader controlled by the Arduino, at a volume consistent with the 'distance' of the lightning from the viewer's location (again, the brightness of the flash). The audio output is fed to a 100 watt Fender Rumble Bass under the layout.

The overall effect is satisfactory IMHO, but I just bought the original inspiration for the project, the BLI Thunder & Lightning set, when it recently became available again. After I install it, I will repurpose the Arduino components for a different project at some point down the road. Too many projects, so little time . . .