Signal control with computers

Look up forum member Professor Chaos. 

He has a computer layout that controls signals and trains. 

Be prepared to build your own hardware and write your own code. 

In the meantime, read up on Arduino and Raspberry Pi. Lots of projects there that could be applicable to model trains. The Raspberry Pi comes with software and tutorials to help you learn coding and controlling external hardware. 

I just got a Raspberry Pi myself and am learning. 

Big Boy 4005 discusses an older system he used. About two or three months ago in this post, or just caontact him. Ran the entire layout.

Funny my name came up on this. Like my ears were ringing.

Equally coincidental, is the fact that I just met with an old train buddy this morning, about getting the system set back up again after more than 20 years. I can tell you about the basics of C/MRI, and what it can do, but the specific technical stuff is not my area of expertise, hence the visit today.

Do you have information on what is needed from Custom Signals and what is needed from CTI?

Appreciate any help,

mikeg

Hi Mike,

From Terry you would need the signals but not the control boards to start. Then from CTI you would need their starter package and additionally some of their signal control boards (Signalman) and most likely the Common Cathode version if you are using Terry's equipment. Also if you are using three rail track on your layout you will want some block detector boards ( 3 rail version). And ask for the USB version of the starter package. Your switches will need to have some way of providing a ground to indicate the switch is set for the diverting route, for example the Tortise switch machines come with auxiliary contacts built in which you can setup to provide the input needed.

Thanks S&C 

I am confused, normal situation.  You recommend Common Cathode version, and later USB version.  Checking CTI-Electronics web site they are two different starting points.  Which one is the best starting point?

Mikeg

Mike

Terry's signals are real easy to synchronize with his control boards. Just like plug and play. they can be track or IR controlled. And they come with each signal.

Before that if you wanted synch I guess you would need a computer; Lionel is coming out with an IPAD control and engine locator for tag-equipped engines.

Have you checked into the Atlas signal system? Might take a look at it.

Terry uses Atlas control boards.

Mike,

Sorry for the confusion. The Basic package consists of the main "train Brain" board and the interface board and DVD with the software. The interface board to the PC used to connect to the com port on the PC but the newer version uses the USB port of the PC. The "Signalman" circuit board comes in three variations one for signals that use "Common Cathode " such as Custom Signals and Atlas. The other variations are "Common Anode" such as NJI etc. They also make a version for signals with standard bulbs. You will want the "Common Cathode" type. Each signalman board can operate 16 LEDs and you can configure them as needed including crossing flashers etc.

I am quite familiar with the Custom Signals and Atlas signals as I worked for Atlas until Sept. last year and worked on the development of the signals along with GaryE who posts here on the forums and Terry. Also if you decide to use this system I have some 3 rail detector boards from CTI (5 or 6) which have 2 detectors per board that I never used and will give you a good price on them as I doubt I will use them. You can reach me at srhorvath@aol.com.

On Monday, hopefully I will contact CTI-Electronics and begin new saga. 

For those interested, the reason Terry at Custom Signals keeps pushing me to computerize is best explained on Silver Meteor on main web page.  I just posted to it so it is more easily found.  Specifically pages 5 & 6 show details of trackwork.  Three PRR interlockings.

mikeg

Maybe this would be a neat place to use one if the Raspberry Pi computers.