After finishing the electronics it is time to work on the software. Since the train automator runs on an Arduino Nano, it’s time to fire up Visual Studio Code and start typing some C++.
Since the prototype turned out to be a success, it is time to work on a more professional solution: a custom PCB. Of course I don’t just slap an Arduino and a MAX485 IC on a board and call it a day. I use this opportunity to add some nifty features to the custom board. You know, just to impress my dad.
As my regular readers know, my dad is an avid Model Train hobbist. And altough my interest is more on the digital side of electronics, every now and then our hobbies meet. After my recent Arduino powered analog clock project, I once again will work on a project for my dad: Let’s make his trains Arduino powered!
Without a doubt my automatic curtain project is the project I underestimated most. While most of the mechanical challenges are solved, the electronics part also has it’s hurdles. Time to give you an update …