Junction control computer?

[gavino200]

I'm looking for an easier way to control junctions. What I've done on my previous layout was to number all the junctions. I made a schematic of the layout with all the junctions on it. Then I made a cheat sheet that I hung next to it with the right combination of switches for getting a train from a mainline to a particular sideline. I gave each sideline a letter. The cheat sheet would show A = 1, 4, 5.  B = 2,4,6 etc.

 

This works ok, but it's a bit cumbersome. I'm wondering if this can be computerized. I'm fine with dedicating an old computer to this. What I'd like would be to just hit a key and have the junctions for a particular line open/close. It would be nice to have a graphical display also, but not necessary.

 

Does this kind of setup even exist? If so can anyone point me in the right direction. Threads, websites, etc. 

 

Thanks.

  

[kvp]

You might be looking for pushbutton diode logic turnout control matrixes. Essentially each route has a button and is powering the turnouts through diodes that block the backflow of the current towards unselected routes.

 

For bipolar (japanese style) turnout coils may need a set/reset relay driven bcd circuit to interface with diode logic.

 

An alternative is rotary switches where each position is one route and each circuit in each position sets up one turnout. A bcd here is a must as drive power (either supply or ground) is alwasy on.

 

Both solution allow selecting a route and all turnouts on it will be set.

 

Anything more complex would need either a relay based or an electronic computer. The latter could be an arduino with some motor/coil driver boards and a few buttons added.

Edited December 20, 2016 by kvp

[gavino200]

You might be looking for pushbutton diode logic turnout control matrixes. Essentially each route has a button and is powering the turnouts through diodes that block the backflow of the current towards unselected routes.

 

For bipolar (japanese style) turnout coils may need a set/reset relay driven bcd circuit to interface with diode logic.

 

An alternative is rotary switches where each position is one route and each circuit in each position sets up one turnout. A bcd here is a must as drive power (either supply or ground) is alwasy on.

 

Both solution allow selecting a route and all turnouts on it will be set.

 

Anything more complex would need either a relay based or an electronic computer. The latter could be an arduino with some motor/coil driver boards and a few buttons added.

Thanks. I'm planning on getting into arduino so I may use this as a learning task.