02. Automation

Hi,

 

Today everybody talks of automation and that automation is the future.

True, whatever the future is, automation is or will definitely be part of it, so I decided to get in to automation and give my toy track some really cool extras.

If you're not into 'coding' it you can opt by buying expensive electronic PnP (Plug n´Play) gizmos. I find this more interesting as we can adapt to our liking.

For those who stopped reading as soon as sensed the smell of coding let me just say. Is not that complicated, really! You just need to understand simple logic and how to transmit that logic into a machine. If not, the code is published here for free.

Coding for beginners using Python, by Usborne

Back in the days I had some disciplines on programming but I haven't touch them since then... until now! And let me tell you, I was way, way outdated.

In order to accomplish my desired automation I needed some kind of simple programming or coding so I went for a scout and found that Python language was the thing now. So I bought my beginners book on Python coding in Amazon "Coding for beginners using Python, by Usborne" and begun playing with it.

Looks like a kids book, so what... don't care just need to get into it.

The purpose was, for start, to make a train crossing for cars and trains with an automated barrier that closes as train is approaching. This is for start? Yeah, OK good luck...

 

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Also needed to transfer this programming to some kind of controller, and after some investigation actually came across with micropython project (http://micropython.org) and the pyboard. I know everybody was thinking on Raspery Pi, but Raspery seemed complex and expensive and way over budget. Also I always loved the Monty Python.

MicroPython board

Also the pyboard could fit anywhere as it's slightly larger than a 2€ coin. I can buy as many pyboard I want to run my independent automation, instead of using an expensive central unit.

Train crossing, Traffic lights, Train traffic lights...

So... whatever you coding level is, you can easily get into it. Also I'll be sharing my py projects so you can use them in your pyboard and make your own adjustments.

MB