Lower quadrant semaphore 'bouncing' operation

[gregh]

Wow Greg....that is nigh on perfect!
Well done that man.
You will have to give a tutorial on picaxe programming.......

Thanks everyone. I think it's starting to look good enough.
I have written a few tutorials on picaxe, but nothing on bouncing signals yet.

http://www.trainweb.org/SaTR/Picaxe%20tutes.htm

 

[ge_rik]

I'd vote for constant force too. Fascinating project and visually very effective. Just wish I knew more (a lot more) about electronics.

Hi Mick
I was surprised how easy it was to pick up the basics of Picaxe. I'll admit I've only done fairly easy stuff so far, and had Greg to guide me, but it was a lot easier than I expected. I'm beginning to see all sorts of places where Picaxes could be used. What I've found surprising is how cheaply stuff can be turned out - eg radio controlled semaphore signalling for around 5ukp per signal.

Rik

 

[trammayo]

Having long admired Greg's motive power and control, I can see all the advantages. My trouble is simple, I need to clear my head but cannot find a skip big enough!

The idea of radio control (for locos or accessories) is very appealing. I just need to decide what to do first (after clearing my backlog of other projects started or in the pipeline) :

 

[gregh]

Finally I have installed one of the `bouncing` signals on my layout.
My signals are mainly to let me see the position of turnouts from a distance, but can be thought of as `starters`.
In this setup, I have two turnouts leading to three tracks, thus I will need 3 signals ultimately. (I have one operated by a piece of fishing line connected to a turnout at present)

The Picaxe program has two inputs from the two turnout positions (reed switches and magnets)  and can operate the three servos, when I get the signals built.  But at present there`s just the one, marked `M` in this diag. (`F` is operated by fishing line)


Here`s a short video of its installation and operation:

[size=12pt]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrE5ryTpu6Y&feature=youtu.be[/size]

 

[bobg]

Looks like it works fine.

I must get round to sorting out my own signalling.

 

[ge_rik]

Excellent stuff Greg.
I like the way both points need to be set before the signal clears - perfect situation for the use of a Picaxe

Rik