Lego train with Arduino

Using Arduino Project Guidance
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I am a starter with Arduino. I want to build a 2 train Lego model with Arduino, where I can control both trains and switch tracks. I wanted to ask which Lego trains (most basic ones) are appropriate for me to buy? Thanks

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Any experience sharing would be helpful. Thanks

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Make it from scratch

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I did it and I worked you just have to put your brains in to it

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You can modify posts when you just need to add another sentence.

@m_vikas, why do you think it matters which train you buy?

This is a real question - it's so long since my kids had Lego trains that I don't know the differences between the available models. Back in the day IIRC there was only one.

...R

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@Seanny - many thanks.
@Robin2 - the question was emanating from the different trains I saw on youtube - 9V train and the normal train where the tracks are non conducting. I am not starting from scratch without conducting tracks. Hopefully will be successful. thanks

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Lego trains use the IR protocol and I believe it is the same for all trains. It is also the same as the IR protocol used in the EV3 system.

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I've tried and succeeded: LEGO PowerFunctions PFcentral 4 trains programming issue - Programming Questions - Arduino Forum

I'm controlling 4 trains with a IR-beam.
On going project with servos for switches, trainpositioning etc.

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Here you see my try-out and succes: LEGO PowerFunctions PFcentral 4 trains programming issue - Programming Questions - Arduino Forum

I'm controlling 4 trains with an IR-beam.
On going project with servos for switches, trainpositioning etc.
More info to come otherwise a PM.

Roel

latest version attached

PFcentral-4trains-v2.ino (13.5 KB)

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What kind of IR Led should I use with Lego trains?

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A Lego LED? :roll_eyes:

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Ken76:
What kind of IR Led should I use with Lego trains?

IE-0320HBJ

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Where can I find more information about this led? I didn'nt find anything with Google Search.

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You should maybe give a bit more info: not everyone knows about Lego trains. I gather from previous posts they are controlled by IR remotes?

So sounds as if you plan to control one from an IR led on an Arduino?

I suspect the tricky part will not be to find a suitable IR led, but rather to get that led to blink the right way to be a good signal for the receiver on the train.

I think it said somewhere in another recent Lego train thread, that it requires a 38kHz modulated signal (which is pretty common). But if I'm right with your intentions so far, you will need to find out what signals to send to cause what action.

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Ken76:
Where can I find more information about this led? I didn'nt find anything with Google Search.

That is the part number used on the Lego schematics, it might be an internal part number. I used a pair of standard 940nm IR LED rather like this one:-
IR LED

This is a video of the Lego EV3 following this beacon. It is the same protocol for EV3 and the train.