radio control, diesel sounds and signals (using picaxe)

[gregh]

A couple of short videos.

This one is my small railcar (Nick after grandson #1). It originally had a simple for/off/rev switch, but I've added RC using a keyfob 433 MHz link. I used just ONE picaxe 08M2 to control the speed and direction and to do diesel sound with gears changes. All good fun to experiment with.
http://youtu.be/BOR9hnjTqFI

(soon it will set off on a round-the-world trip and run in the UK and USA.)

The 2nd video shows my 'bouncing sempahores'. (again) I have built the 2nd servo signal, so now have all 3 controlling (well indicating) my turnouts at Melaleuca. It shows some of Nick also.
http://youtu.be/OZ1RAQqB6a0

 

[PhilP]

Neat!
Think the timing is a little out on that diesel engine though!!

Have you ever investigated DCC to Picaxe control at all? - Probably not, as you seem to be very much battery RC.
My initial thoughts are a standard decoder, and use the function outputs to trigger Picaxe inputs..

 

[Deleted member 1986]

Nice one Greg .... excellent example's of the use of the Picaxe chip, for motion and sound control....................

 

[ge_rik]

Great videos, Greg
Still can't believe how much you've managed to squeeze into the programming of that one Picaxe chip controlling Nick. Once I finish my current loco build I'm hoping to have a stab at programming a Picaxe to provide its steam sounds following the guidance on your website. Will let you (et al) know how it's progressing.

Rik

 

[nicebutdim]

I really like those signals, Greg. Very fluid movement. I really need to get my head around Picaxe programming. I understand the basics (the physical side) but really need to sit and learn the actual programming. Is it possible (cheeky hat on) for you to be able to send the actual commands if I was to have a go at making a semaphore signal?

 

[gregh]

Neat!
Think the timing is a little out on that diesel engine though!!

Have you ever investigated DCC to Picaxe control at all? - Probably not, as you seem to be very much battery RC.
My initial thoughts are a standard decoder, and use the function outputs to trigger Picaxe inputs..

I know absolutely NOTHING about DCC. But if it has outputs, you can put them into the picaxe and do whatever you like!

 

[gregh]

I really like those signals, Greg. Very fluid movement. I really need to get my head around Picaxe programming. I understand the basics (the physical side) but really need to sit and learn the actual programming. Is it possible (cheeky hat on) for you to be able to send the actual commands if I was to have a go at making a semaphore signal?

Thanks.
I'm quite happy to share my programs. BUT these are the most complicated programs I've ever written (not sure I even know how they work . For your first use of Picaxe you'd be better off thinking of some simpler things you'd like to do.
The first thing you need to do is to buy a 'development kit' and some servos. GE_RIK might be able to offer advice on where to get them.
One thing to decide on is which size picaxe you want - 8pin, 14pin etc. Unfortunately it seems that the pin layout of the 14 pin doesn't allow a 8pin to be used in the development board. I use 8pin and just use 2 if I need more I/O.
Once you've got a picaxe to 'play' with, I'm sure you'll think of many ideas to try. Maybe just try to get a servo to rotate. I'll be happy to help with your first attempts too if you get stuck. There are also the Picaxe website, Picaxe Forums, as well as my 'tutorials'.

 

[ge_rik]

For your first use of Picaxe you'd be better off thinking of some simpler things you'd like to do.
The first thing you need to do is to buy a 'development kit' and some servos. GE_RIK might be able to offer advice on where to get them

Only too happy to help if I can. I've sort of got my head round using a 14 pin Picaxe to control 4 signals (with Greg's able assistance). Let me know if there's anything I can do.

Rik