Controlling Lego train switch tracks remotely

Рік тому

There are many ways to motorize and control Lego switch tracks remotely. I tried to cover as many as I could in a single video. We're going to use Power Functions, Mindstorms and 9v solutions covering over 30 years of Lego electronic offerings. TrixBrix track is very different to motorize but I show a solution I've been working on. Feel free to ask any questions you may have or offer alternative solutions. Play well!
** update **
Here is a link to part two of this video with many updates as well as a new motorized switch track design (with instructions)
• Controlling Lego train...
Links in order of mention
How to build the 9v geared motor switch
• Arduino for Lego Train...
How to build the Power Functions M Motor switch
• HOWTO LEGO Train Motor...
How to disable the clicking system
Almighty Arjen's Work In Progress channel
• Lego train automation ...
Using Power Functions IR receivers without Batteries
• Power Functions IR rec...
9v wire repair
• Replacing Lego 9v Wire...
Sariel's Bricks & Pets "10 LEGO Power Functions Tricks You NEED To Know"
• 10 LEGO Power Function...
My train layout using the DACTA Control Lab (It's an older video sir but it checks out)
• Lego Dacta Control Lab...
A.F.O.O.L. Podcast hosted by Bricktrains, Bricktsar and Marigrasman23
• Visually Where Back, T...
My Technic Control Center Retrospective
• Lego Technic Control C...
My Lego Dacta Serial Interface and Control Lab software Retrospective
• Lego Dacta Serial Inte...
Lastly a video that combines many of the topics in this video, along with plenty of bonus points, is my Computer Controlled Monorail Layout
• Building my Computer C...
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Follow me on Twitter for updates / bpbricks
Instagram: / batterypoweredbricks
Music: "Starmachine2000, Valentine" by Wintergatan
These tracks can be downloaded for free at www.wintergatan.net
Free License to use these tracks in your video can be downloaded at www.wintergatan.net

КОМЕНТАРІ: 53

@almightyarjen Рік тому

Cool video, I like all you different solutions to the same problem! Neat idea to put a 9V light(bulb) onto the switch so you can see when it's in operation. I wanted to do the same thing with an LED, but then you need to have a rectifier (or two LED in anti-parallel); I found it too much of a hassle.

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Thanks! I use the 9v lamps all over the place. It makes it much easier to look for problems such as shorts, open circuits or when something is drawing too much power. I have them on the regulators on the control panel, and around the layout on junctions. When LEDs are a hassle, don't forget about the old standby, incandescent lamps!

@kentslocum 11 місяців тому

Happy to hear you using Wintergatan soundtrack!

@BatteryPoweredBricks 11 місяців тому

Happy they allow it 😁

@andrewmazzarini2742 Рік тому

6:12 Interesting choice of motorization on the TrixBrix switches. TrixBrix themselves actually offer fairly compact switch automation motors for both Lego switches and their own switches (not sure on the size but they're far smaller than your concept). Not sure how much of a purist you are, but I 100% intend to use them on my WIP home train layout

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I wouldn't mind getting some of the TrixBrix automatic switchers at some point. For me purist isn't really the right word since I often use third party replacements (such as the PF servo motors), but I do like to use Lego solutions. It's an interesting challenge even though it often complicates things quite a bit 😅

@BrickTrains Рік тому

I love the setup..

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Still a work in progress, learning some really cool techniques, having some really wild ideas to try out😅. Trying to expand the number of switches as much as I can

@DavidSmeaton Рік тому

Epic double crash with your cargo train at the end! Nice vid too!! :)

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I wondered if anyone would catch that 😅. I wasn't about to set up 4 cameras again, makes the video that much more interesting 😀

@That1Human001 Рік тому

Wow that’s just… awesome bro

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Thanks! I'm hoping to get back to trains at some point. I have a lot of ideas and videos I need to follow up on

@thisisaduck 3 місяці тому

Have you ever considered using pneumatics instead? Switch motors out for pistons, wires for hoses and power supplies for air tanks. All that good stuff.

@BatteryPoweredBricks 3 місяці тому

I've used them for monorail switch tracks in one of the first videos on this channel. I think it's much easier and cheaper to just run a wire to each switch track than 2 pneumatic hoses to each switch track. It you've seen part two of this video I had a TON of switches and wiring was pretty easy

@BrickTsar Рік тому

Impressive. I like that you attempt to do all this with the self imposed limitation of using LEGO parts.

@BrickTsar Рік тому

And without an Apple II

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

😂😂😂

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

People try and talk me out of it all the time, I enjoy the challenge. It's the journey not the destination 🙂

@Ironninja84 Рік тому

ive been watching this video over and over just so i know how these things work

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Awesome! Part two of this video is in the pipeline, hoping to have it done in a couple weeks 😁

@magnumsalyer Рік тому

Wow, that was really cool! Now considering I don't have any lego trains yet I won't be using any of these for a while 😅

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Tread carefully, it starts with a single set 😅

@jose_bombadino Рік тому

t r a i n s

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Indeed

@H3ROBOYz Рік тому

@@BatteryPoweredBricksI love trains

@AminalCreacher 2 місяці тому

I never really got why Lego decided to use those weird yellow lever elements to actuate their switch tracks. It seems like it would have been easy to design a more "in-system" interface, like the sliders and knobs used in the monorail system, that can be much more intuitively integrated with other moving Lego parts.

@BatteryPoweredBricks 2 місяці тому

Agreed, although monorail was a bit of a challenge to automate 😅

@michaelkolano8686 8 місяців тому

for the switches causing the motors to stall because they do not return to the central position, why not build a fixture that has them spring loaded? or just under tension from rubber bands in both directions.

@BatteryPoweredBricks 8 місяців тому

I tried a couple solutions but nothing that worked well. In the end I started using 4.5v touch sensors from a DACTA set from the late 80's as a momentary switch along with the pole reverser switch. What I like about this solution is the switch stays in its position which helps the operator to know the current position on the switch track

@DenchikBricks Рік тому

Very interesting video. I have watched it several times. Maybe it's my lower english level. Still look cool! Dacta looks impressive, but I think it can be implement this with the help of bluetooth block of powered up system and 88007 part as infared transmitter. Yeah, it will be required some programming expirinece. I see sped computer on your control station, for why it?

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I did mention that IR commands can be sent from a powered up hub and light sensor in a recent video "controlling Lego trains from a PC". The problem is that a mobile device must be used to program and control the hub. I tend to use an NXT and third party HiTechnic sensor to send the IR commands instead. The speed computer isn't being used here, it was already built onto the Technic Control Center and I just left it there 😅. Thanks for the kind words, these train videos are always a lot of fun and I have more planned for the future 😁

@krakentoast Рік тому

I like trains

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Me too 😁. I just uploaded a part two to this video this morning 😀

@florianamann7978 Рік тому

Thx for the vid, one question: Is the yellow cargo crane selfbuild or a set I don't know yet?

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Glad you liked it! It's from the 60052 Cargo Train set. I added the 9v lamps however 😄

@Twoloosebricks Рік тому

great job, did you ever consider using an arduino for the control?

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I have an Ardiuno in a box somewhere, along with other hobbyist micro-controllers. I love to see what others do with them, such as Almighty Arjen's train layouts. For me the enjoyment comes from using only Lego parts, even if my projects end up being ridiculously inefficient as far as parts usage 😅

@youseeus123 Рік тому

i noticed Wintergatan music, i upvote

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

Nothing but the best

@worstenbroodje2763 Рік тому

Goals.

@GimbleOnDew 6 місяців тому

Is that the marble machine song in the background?

@BatteryPoweredBricks 6 місяців тому

close, I've used that song before but this video is "Starmachine2000" and "Valentine" both by Wintergatan as well

@funnyduck4568 Рік тому

Why do you use NXT instead of ev3?

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I only have one EV3 and only got it recently. The IR link sensors don't have a very good range so I use two NXT units on the layout. I'll get around to it eventually 🙂

@funnyduck4568 Рік тому

@@BatteryPoweredBricks ok nice, I have one NXT and today I ordered another ev3 so im excited to be able to make multiple or bigger machines. unfortunately im kind of low on ideas at the moment but im sure some will come to me soon

@glowytheglowbug Рік тому

lol danm you are crazy rich siiiick stuff tho

@BatteryPoweredBricks Рік тому

I wouldn't say rich 😅. Its all from nearly 30 years of collecting, buying and selling on eBay / Bricklink and always having an eye out for good deals.

@glowytheglowbug Рік тому

@@BatteryPoweredBricks danm yeah