Most modellers have heard of Arduinos, but many don't know much about them or know how they can use them on their layouts.
Many think they are computers, so you need to know how to program them.
Arduinos are not computers. They are little circuit boards with a clever microprocessor and a few dozen connections.
You don't need to program them. Enthusiasts around the world who can, write programs to get Arduinos to do just about everything, and make their programs freely available on the Internet.
All you need is to decide what you want your Arduino to do, then go to the Internet and download a suitable program. You load it into your Arduino and set it up to do what you want.
No programming involved. It's like setting up your TV set the first time. Anyone can do it; you just need to read the instructions.
This article shows you how you can use an Arduino as a DCC accessory decoder to operate Tortoise-type point motors.
Arduinos on your layout
Here are some of the many other things you can use Arduinos for:
• Accessory decoders. One low cost Arduino can act as 16 accessory decoders.
• Using servos as point motors, Arduinos make excellent, simple-to-set-up servo drivers.
• Using them with servos to operate semaphore signals. You can even get the signals to bounce.
• Operate LED signals. You can configure them for multi-LEDs with either common anode or common cathode wiring.
You can connect sensors to initiate any of these operations. Arduino current sensing sensors or infra-red ones that you hide in your ballast cost only a few dollars each.
Anywhere you use momentary switches or push-buttons, you can configure an Arduino so you can use DCC as well as the switches. Handy when you need to change a point and you're on the other side of the layout.
All the above can be achieved at a fraction of the cost
