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CCC · Arduino & model railwaysCurated

Railuino: Controlling Märklin digital with Arduino

Summary

Jörg Pleumann replaces expensive Märklin control units with Arduino, CAN bus and inexpensive connection boxes to control a digital model railway openly. Understanding an existing bus can replace proprietary control units with small adapters. A toy becomes an open automation platform as soon as its protocol becomes accessible.

Ideas

  • The track carries power and digital control data together.
  • Inexpensive connection boxes provide access to the existing Märklin bus.
  • An Arduino translates open software commands into messages for locomotives and accessories.

Recommendations

  • Observe bus traffic passively first before you send your own messages.
  • Test speed and switching commands with limited power and a clear track.

References

Watch the talk

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