picaxe 2014 nmra convention dave bodnar july 17, 2014 unique electronic devices, animations and...

PICAXE PICAXE

2014 NMRA Convention2014 NMRA Convention

Dave BodnarDave Bodnar

July 17, 2014July 17, 2014

Unique Electronic Devices, Animations and Controls That You Can Make

Plus Gizmos, Gadgets, Tips & Tricks That You Can Use to Improve Your Railroad

This presentation isavailable on-line at:

www.trainelectronics.com or www.davebodnar.com

Revised 07-17-14

PICAXE PICAXE

PICAXE - What Is It?PICAXE - What Is It?1. A small microcontroller (is that redundant?) that can

be programmed to do many tasks

2. A device that is so inexpensive that it can be dedicated to a single task

3. A device that is programmed from a PC with free software

4. A device that is programmed in the BASIC programming language (great for beginners!)

PICAXE PICAXE

PICAXE - What You NeedPICAXE - What You Need1. Computer with

serial port or …USB to serial adapter or …USB programming cable

2. Windows computer running free PICAXE software (Mac & Linux versions available, too)

3. Power source– 3 @ AA cells = 4.5 volts– 4 @ NiCads = 4.8 volts– 5 volt power supply (from retired cell phone)

PICAXE PICAXE

ProgrammersProgrammers

USB to Serial Adapter

SparkFun.com sells PICAXE cable – part # PGM-08312 for about $26.00

Or

Spark Fun’s USB to Serial – part # PGM-09260 for about $15.00

Details on use at www.trainelectronics.com

PICAXE PICAXE

Flashing Crossing LightsFlashing Crossing Lights

Remember: Don’t use a 9 volt battery or 4 fresh 1.5 volt AA cells!

5.5 volts maximum!

PICAXE PICAXE


Radio Shack # 276-002 $15.00

PICAXE PICAXE


PICAXE PICAXE

““Dead Bug” StyleDead Bug” Style

• Built on an 8 pin socket

• Can be doneto match theschematic

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip - SolderingTip - Soldering• A good iron makes

you a better solderer!– MPJA.com

– Item #ZD 929C – $46.95– Digital temperature readout

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip SolderingTip Soldering• A clean tip makes all the difference.

• MPJA.comitem # 31241 TL $2.95

PICAXE PICAXE


Program 1:

Notes:– “start” is just a label telling the “goto” where to go– the program remains in the chip’s memory until it is

manually erased or overwritten.

high 1 ‘turn on LED 1 - pin out1low 2 ‘turn off LED 2 - pin out2

start: pause 500 ‘wait ½ second toggle 1 ‘switch LED 1 on pin out1 toggle 2 ‘switch LED 2 on pin out2goto start: ‘do it again

PICAXE PICAXE

Flashing Crossing LightsFlashing Crossing LightsProgram 2: modified to flash for 10 seconds and turn

off for 10

seconds

start:high 1 ‘turn on LED 1low 2 ‘turn off LED 2

For b0=1 to 20 ‘repeat 20 times pause 500 ‘wait ½ second toggle 1 ‘switch LED 1 toggle 2 ‘switch LED 2next b0 ‘back to looplow 1 ‘turn LED 1 offlow 2 ‘turn LED 2 offpause 10000 ‘stay here 10 secondsgoto start: ‘do it again

PICAXE PICAXE


• Program simulation is built in!

PICAXE PICAXE

Flashing Crossing LightsFlashing Crossing LightsHardware modification for button or reed switch

activation:

PICAXE PICAXE

TipTipSalvage Magnets from old Hard DrivesSalvage Magnets from old Hard Drives

• Virtually all computer hard drives have strong (rare earth) magnets in them

• Remove case & carefully remove platters and other parts that are in the way

• Caution: some platters are GLASS! Fragile and easily converted to SHARP pieces!

PICAXE PICAXE

Flashing Crossing LightsFlashing Crossing LightsProgram 3: modified to flash 5 seconds on each

button push start:low 1 ‘turn off LED 1low 2 ‘turn off LED 2if pin3 = 1 then start: ‘if switch off go to top

flash: high 1 ‘LED 1 on low 2 ‘LED 2 offfor b0= 1 to 10 ‘do this 10 times pause 500 ‘wait ½ second toggle 1:toggle 2 ‘switch lights next b0 ‘do next of 10 loopsgoto start: ‘start from very top

PICAXE PICAXE

Two Sensors for CrossingTwo Sensors for Crossing• Add a second sensor so that the light goes

on when it passes one sensor…

…and goes off when it hits the other sensor.

Sensor 1 Sensor 2

PICAXE PICAXE

Two Sensors for CrossingTwo Sensors for Crossing

Program 4:

PauseBeforeStart: 'prevents detecting slow button pushlow 1 ‘turn off LED 1low 2 ‘turn off LED 2pause 1000 'pause 1 secondCheckButtons:b1=0:b2=0if pin3 = 1 and pin4 = 1 then CheckButtonsif pin3=0 then b1=1 ‘save which button hit first goto flashendif b2=1 ‘save which button hit firstFlash: high 1 ‘LED 1 on low 2 ‘LED 2 offFlashAgain: for w3= 1 to 250 'check for button before changing lights if b2=1 and pin3=0 then PauseBeforeStart if b1=1 and pin4=0 then PauseBeforeStart next w3 toggle 1:toggle 2 ‘switch lights goto FlashAgain: 'continue checking buttons

PICAXE PICAXE

Flashing Crossing Lights on Steroids!Flashing Crossing Lights on Steroids!

Program 5:

Symbol Tone = 100 'sets the tone frequency ( range 20 -127 )Symbol Quiet = 0 'set quiet toneSymbol Dit_length = 7 'set length of a dot (7 milliseconds)- yields 10wpmSymbol Dah_length = 21 'set length of a dash (21 mS = 3 dots long)Symbol Wrd_Length = 86 'set space between words (43 mS = 2 dashes, 6 dots)Symbol Character = b0 'set register for ch.Symbol Index1 = b6 'loaded with number of chs. in messageSymbol Index2 = b2 'counts the number of elementsSymbol Elements = b4 'set register for number of elements in ch.

Start:Identify: ' routine to lookup ch.& put its value into the ch. register for Index1 = 0 to 29 'cycle through lookup for times = number of ch. in messagelookup Index1,(0,1,0,1,0,0,100,0,2,0,129,0,129,0,3,0,132,0,35,0,67,0,195,0,4,0,0,1,0,1),Charactergosub Morse 'go to the ch. generation routine next 'loop back to get next ch. and load it goto Start 'return to start to wait for next input

Morse:let Elements = Character & %00000111 'look at 3 LS digits and load into Elements registerif Elements = 0 then Word_sp ' % means binary

Bang_Key: for Index2 = 1 to elements 'loop through correct no. of times for number of elements if Character >= 128 then Dah 'test MS digit of ch. If it is 1 goto the Dah sub routinegoto Dit 'if it is 0 goto the Dit sub routine

Reenter: let Character = Character * 2 'do a left shift on all the bits in ch. next 'loop back to get the next element gosub Char_sp 'go to sub routine to put in inter-ch. spacereturn 'return to Identify routine to get next ch. to send

Dit:sound 2,(Tone,Dit_Length) 'sound tone for dit length sound 2,(Quiet,Dit_Length) 'silence for dit lengthgoto Reenter 'return to look at next element of ch.

Dah:sound 2,(Tone,Dah_Length) 'sound tone for dah length sound 2,(Quiet,Dit_Length) 'silence for dit lengthgoto Reenter 'return to look at next element of ch.

Char_sp: sound 2,(Quiet,Dah_Length) 'send silence for dah length after ch.completely sentreturn 'return to get next character

Word_sp: sound 2,(Quiet,wrd_length) 'send silence for break between wordsreturn 'return to get next ch.

PICAXE PICAXE

Lighthouse or Airport BeaconLighthouse or Airport Beacon

• Design objectives– Gradually brighten a bulb or LED to near full

brightness– Momentarily flash to full brightness– Gradually dim until off– Delay for a set time– Repeat – Able to use LEDs or incandescent bulbs

PICAXE PICAXE

Lighthouse BeaconLighthouse Beacon

PICAXE PICAXE


• Parts– Adds one resistor and one transistor to the

original flasher circuit so that the PICAXE can control a higher power bulb or LED

– The most significant changes are to the software

PICAXE PICAXE

Lighthouse Beacon – 4 LEDsLighthouse Beacon – 4 LEDs

PICAXE PICAXE

Lighthouse Beacon – Halogen BulbLighthouse Beacon – Halogen Bulb

PICAXE PICAXE

How does a pin that is normally either ON or OFF provide variable voltage?


Pulsed

Width Modulation

Something about this should be bothering you!

?10% power

50% power

90% power

PICAXE PICAXE


Program #6

symbol bulb = 2

symbol some = 110

start:

pwmout bulb,0,0

b2=1

for b1=255 to 0 step -b2

b2=b2+3

pause some

pwmout bulb,b1,b2

next b1

b2=1

pwmout bulb, 255,1022 :pause 140

for b1=1 to 255 step b2

b2=b2+3

pwmout bulb,b1,b2

pause some

next b1

pwmout bulb,0,0

pause 2000

goto start:

PICAXE PICAXE


• The transistor makes it possible to drive a very bright bulb

• Substitute a motor for the bulb and you can control a train’s DC motor!

• The size of motor is only limited by the size of the transistor

PICAXE PICAXE

Garden Railways Garden Railways PICAXE ArticlePICAXE Article

April 2013 Issuepages 54-59

Contains a detailed introduction to the PICAXE and three single LED projects

PICAXE PICAXE

The Projects All Use the Same The Projects All Use the Same HardwareHardware

• PICAXE 08M2 (order from PHanderson.com - $2.65 each)

• 4-5 volt battery

• One LED and one current limiting resistor

• Two resistors for programming

PICAXE PICAXE

Can be Built on a Solderless Can be Built on a Solderless Prototype BoardPrototype Board

PICAXE PICAXE

Proto Board & Power SupplyProto Board & Power Supply

• BangGood.com sells a wireless prototyping board with jumpers & a power supply for less than $6 delivered!

• Excellent for experimentation and design

PICAXE PICAXE

Or on a Custom BoardOr on a Custom Board

PICAXE PICAXE

Animation with a Single LEDAnimation with a Single LED

• School Bus StrobeSymbol LED1 = c.2 'pin 5Symbol Dlay = 12

top:

high led1

pause Dlay

low led1

pause 100

high led1

pause Dlay

low led1

pause 400

high led1

pause Dlay

low led1

pause 100

high led1

pause Dlay

low led1

pause 1000

goto top:

PICAXE PICAXE

Animation with a Single LEDAnimation with a Single LED• Mars Light

#NO_DATA 'speeds up programming

#PICAXE 08M2 'identify the chip

SETFREQ m32 'speed it up to 32 MHz

SYMBOL Loopie = b2 'label variable b2 as Loopie

SYMBOL Brightness = b1 'label b1 as Brightness

SYMBOL Dlay = 2 'set constant Dlay to 2

Start:

Gosub ShortFlash 'do the shorter flash routine

Gosub LongFlash 'do the longer flash routine

GOTO Start: 'repeat

ShortFlash: 'a label

For Loopie = 0 to 100 step 1 '100 steps from off to bright

brightness=255-loopie

pwmout c.2, brightness, loopie 'light the LED

pause Dlay

next loopie

for loopie = 100 to 0 step -1 'repeat above backwards


pwmout c.2, brightness,loopie

sertxd (#loopie, " ")

pause Dlay

next loopie

return

LongFlash: 'do the longer flash

For Loopie = 0 to 255 step 1 '255 steps from off to bright


pwmout c.2, brightness, loopie

pause Dlay

next loopie

for loopie = 255 to 0 step -1 'repeat above backwards


pwmout c.2, brightness,loopie

pause Dlay

next loopie

return

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip - AdhesiveTip - Adhesive

Great for quick temporary or permanent connections– Similar to the “goo” on the

back of a new credit card– I use it in place of hot melt

glue– DOTS brand– Michaels (don’t forget the

40% off coupon!)

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip - ConnectorsTip - Connectors

We are always looking for ways to connect electrical devices together– Low voltage:– Deal Extreme

item # 15234– DX.com– $2.87 for 10

pair includingshipping!

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Heat Shrink TubingTip – Heat Shrink Tubing• Excellent for insulating joints & making

repairs• Soldering wires first is recommended but

not mandatory• Available in many colors – great trick for

identifying wires• Available in many diameters, too• Fry’s has an excellent supply, BangGood,

too!

PICAXE PICAXE

Animation with a Single LEDAnimation with a Single LED

• Fred (Flashing Rear End Device)

• You could use a PICAXE but DON’T

• It is much simpler & less expensive to use a flashing LED!

• Search eBay for:

flashing led 3mm red diffused

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip - Testing LEDsTip - Testing LEDs

• Just about any LED can be tested with a 3 volt lithium battery 2032, 2025, etc

• Touch the anode (longer wire) to the + side of the battery

• Touch the cathode

(wire by notch in LED)

to the - side

White LEDs are OK for long use at 3+ volts, Red, Green, Amber are not

PICAXE PICAXE

Garden Railways Garden Railways PICAXE Article 2PICAXE Article 2

August 2014 Issuepages 44-47

Multiple LED projects

PICAXE PICAXE

Animation with Multiple LEDsAnimation with Multiple LEDs

• Crossing Signal with 2 LEDs

• The LEDs flash “back & forth”

• Starts when power is applied

• Fixed ½ second rate

PICAXE PICAXE

Custom Circuit Board for up to 6 LEDsCustom Circuit Board for up to 6 LEDs

• A custom multi-LED board was designed and fabricated

• Supports:– up to 6 LEDs– two trigger switches– two potentiometers– option for power

transistors for each LED

PICAXE PICAXE

Crossing Signal with Variable RateCrossing Signal with Variable Rate

• A Potentiometer can be read by the PICAXE

• Its setting can be used to change the speed of flashing or how long it flashes or any other variable that changes its behavior

PICAXE PICAXE


• When the pot is rotated to one extreme the wiper on the pot shows 5 volts

• At the other extreme it is 0 volts

• With proportional voltages in between

• This translates to a value between 0-255 in the PICAXE with the READADC command

PICAXE PICAXE


Symbol LED1 = b.2 'pin 11

Symbol LED2 = b.4 'pin 9

Symbol Pot1 = pinb.1 'pin 12

Symbol PotValue = b2

Symbol Dlay =w3

sertxd (13,10,"Simple Crossing Signal - d. bodnar 4-16-2012")

Initialize: ' do this only once

High LED1 ' LED1 is ON

Low LED2 ' LED2 is OFF

Start: ' LABEL so the GOTO knows where to go!

readadc b.1, PotValue

sertxd ("pot=",#PotValue,13,10)

Toggle LED1 ' if LED1 is on turn it off, if off turn on

Toggle LED2 ' same for LED2

Dlay=PotValue*2 ‘double the pot reading

pause Dlay ' pause based on pot reading

goto start: ' go back to Start and do it again

The pause time between flashes is based on Pot reading

PICAXE PICAXE

Emergency vehicle lightsEmergency vehicle lights

• Only uses 5 of 6 LEDs• Simple set of flashing lights, pairs and single in

center

PICAXE PICAXE

WelderWelder

• Two LEDssimulate awelder

SETFREQ m32 'speed it up to 32 MHz

Symbol LED1 = c.1 ' var GPIO.2 'pin 6 WHITE

Symbol LED2 = c.2 ' var GPIO.1 'pin 5 BLUE

Symbol MinNumber =b1

Symbol RNDRange =b2

Symbol RNDResult =w8

Symbol RndNum =w7

Symbol Divisor =w6

Symbol Temp0 =w9

Symbol Temp1 =w10

top:

gosub getrndinrange

Temp0=rndresult/2:temp1=rndresult/12

pwmout c.2, temp0, Temp1'loopie 'use PWM to brighten the LED

gosub getrndinrange:

pwm c.1, rndresult, 50

Temp0=rndresult/7

pause temp0 'rndresult /7

goto top

GetRndInRange:

RndRange =120 'random range --- gives a range from 12 to 62

MinNumber =1 'min number

Random RndNum

Divisor = 65535 / RndRange

rndResult= RndNum / Divisor

rndresult = rndresult + MinNumber

return

PICAXE PICAXE

Six LEDs Can Make a Traffic LightSix LEDs Can Make a Traffic Light

• A pair of traffic lights can be controlled with the six LED circuit board

• Each light can be addressed individually

• The two triggers can be used cycle the lights

• The pots can be used to vary cycle time or “yellow on time”

PICAXE PICAXE

PICAXE Train ControllerPICAXE Train Controller

• Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine– June 2014– Free Subscription

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/

PICAXE PICAXE

Speed ControllerSpeed Controller• The PICAXE-based controller operates a

simple layout using the IR remote control to vary track power

• It can be used as a basic speed / direction controller

• …or it can be programmed to change direction based on time (easy point-to-point controller!)

PICAXE PICAXE

PICAXE Train RecorderPICAXE Train Recorder

• Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine– July 2014

Part 2

PICAXE PICAXE

Train RecorderTrain Recorder• The newest version automatically records

(at a rate of 50 recordings per second) a train’s movements so that you can play them back over & over

• A rather unusual but very cool thing to do!

• Makes station-stops and complex routes a snap!

PICAXE PICAXE

Train RecorderTrain Recorder

• Additional Components:– A memory chip to store activity (can store up

to 20 minutes of train movements!)– A potentiometer to control speed & direction– Optional: A relay to control a “stop block” that

keeps things in “sync”

PICAXE PICAXE

Latest ProjectLatest Project

• Train detection (for signals, etc)

• Uses a self-contained infrared sensor

• SuntekStore.com - search for "IR sensor switch" < $6.00 each

PICAXE PICAXE

AnimationAnimation

…can take many forms

…can add interest and variety to your layout

…surprises visitors

…is great fun!

PICAXE PICAXE

AnimationAnimation• Moving things is easy with the PICAXE as

it knows how to talk to model airplane servos

PICAXE PICAXE

ServosServos

• A servo is made up of a small motor and set of gears

• A string of control pulses precisely position the servo’s arm

• They are commonly used to operate control surfaces on model planes, boats and cars

PICAXE PICAXE

AnimationAnimation• By sending precisely timed pulses the

PICAXE can set the servo’s arm to a specific position and hold it there.

PICAXE PICAXE

ServosServos

The PICAXE can talk directly to a servo

SYMBOL Temp = b0

SYMBOL ServoPin = c.2 ‘pin 5

Start:

FOR Temp = 225 TO 75 Step -1

sertxd (#temp," ")

SERVO ServoPin, Temp

PAUSE 15

NEXT Temp

sertxd (13,10)

FOR Temp=75 TO 225 Step 1

sertxd (#temp," ")

SERVO ServoPin, Temp

PAUSE 15

NEXT Temp

sertxd (13,10)

GOTO Start:

PICAXE PICAXE

AnimationAnimation• Only three wires go to the servo

– Two for power and 1 for control pulses– The SERVO command is built into the

PICAXE

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Tiny MotorTip – Tiny Motor• Gear head motor a bit larger than a penny

• Surprisingly high torque

• http://www.suntekstore.com item # 14002627

• Less than $6.00 shipped

• Ideal for many animations

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Tiny MotorTip – Tiny Motor• Different gear ratios available from

– www.banggood.com – Search for N20 DC Gear Motor– 3v-12v– 40-160 rpm– $4.55

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Dubro CollarsTip – Dubro Collars

• Ideal for connecting to motor shafts & to join piano wire for servos

• http://shop.dubro.com/c/aircraft_collars

• Easy to solder to brass control arms

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Tiny Volt MeterTip – Tiny Volt Meter

• Powered from voltage being measured – 4 to 30 volts

• Approx 1” x ½” x ½”

• Search eBay for:“Ultra Mini size LED Volt Meter”

• <$4.00 including shipping

PICAXE PICAXE

Tip – Step Down Voltage ConverterTip – Step Down Voltage Converter

• Suntekstore.com • < $5 shipped – some times on sale for less• http://www.suntekstore.com

search for DC-DC voltmeter

• Up to 2 amps without heat sink• Includes digital meter!• Adjust voltage with

screwdriver

PICAXE PICAXE

Servo ExamplesServo Examples

• Elephant

PICAXE PICAXE


• Outhouse

PICAXE PICAXE


• Water Spout

PICAXE PICAXE

Servo ExamplesServo Examples• Prairie Dogs

PICAXE PICAXE


• Scanning Spotlight

• Uses brightLED

• And twoServos

PICAXE PICAXE


• Eggliner– eyes blink– and move

PICAXE PICAXE

Servo ExamplesServo Examples• Children’s Hospital Searchlight

– Rotates back & forth via servo– Only works when train is running and lights

are down• Light sensor• Power sensor

PICAXE PICAXE

Servos Come in Many SizesServos Come in Many Sizes

• Standard

• 9 gram

• 4.3 gram

• 1.5 gram

PICAXE PICAXE

It’s more fun to make it yourself than to buy it ready to go!

"I am always doing that which I "I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it."learn how to do it."Pablo PicassoPablo Picasso

Remember:

PICAXE PICAXE

Your Ideas?Your Ideas?

• Questions?

PICAXE PICAXE

picaxe 2014 nmra convention dave bodnar july 17, 2014 unique electronic devices, animations and...

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