Photography and Projects

Electronic Projects

My electronic projects are mostly based around Mircochip PIC micro-controllers as they are readily available and relatively low-cost. They are also more than powerful enough for my projects. Micro-controllers are a full computer on a single silicon chip. They contain the processor, memory for storing the program and memory for data. They also contain an interface to the outside world, to allow it to do something. My aim is to share what I have learnt working with these devices and create some practical projects.
I have also been creating projects based on the Raspberry Pi computer and the new Raspberry Pi Pico micro-controller. These are a lot more powerful than the PIC series of micro-controllers.
New projects are added from time to time so be sure to visit regularly!

Time/Date Digital Clock
This is a digital clock that tells the time and date at the same time on LED displays. The clock is based around a 16F84 Microchip Microcontroller and the program is written in 'C'. The program handles leap years and the time is set using two buttons. A feature of the program is time correction. You can set the value to lose or gain time to keep the clock accurate.
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PIC Programmable Controller
I designed a multi-use programmable controller to use for different projects. The idea is to make a device that can be re-programmed for different purposes. Based on a PIC 18F2520 micro controller, there is a display to show information about the program running and some buttons to interact with that program. There are 12 I/O lines available in the 15 Pin 'D' socket including analog inputs and PWM output. The inclusion of the reset line and power lines means the micro controller can be programmed from the 15 way socket.
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Adjustable Lighthouse Simulator
New Project!
This module is used to simulate a lighthouse. This can be used on model railways to add scenic interest or on a diorama. The light increases in brightness until it reaches full brightness and then decreases to no brightness (off). This pattern repeats.
The module has a variable resistor to adjust the timing to suit your need. It also has an open-collector transistor output to allow the use of a high power LED or lamp. The maximum recommended current for the light source is 500mA. A standard 5mm white LED can also be used.
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Formula One Start Lights
New Project!
Start lights used to start a Formula One Grand Prix. After pressing the button the five LED's light one after the other until all five LED's are on. After a random delay between 1 and 5 seconds the LED's go out to start the race.
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Railway Shuttle
New Project!
This project describes a circuit for moving a railway locomotive from one end of a length of track to the other automatically. It waits for a period of time before moving the loco back to the original starting position. The time period between movements is adjustable and colour light signals are used at each end to see when it is clear to proceed.
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Raspberry Pi Webcam
New Project!
This project describes the webcam I created to upload photos from home every 5 minutes. I use a Raspberry Pi Model B as this was the Raspberry Pi available when I first created the project. The webcam also use a Raspberry Pi camera. I 3D printed a case for the webcam that allows it to be stuck to a window.
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4 Aspect Colour Light Signal
Project coming soon…
Colour light signals are used on Railways to indicate if the route ahead is clear. This module is triggered using a sensor under the train which turns the signal to Red. After approximately 10 seconds the signal will change to the next colour in sequence until it reaches Green where it waits again for the trigger. If the delay is too long you can use additional sensors to trigger to the next light in sequence.
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Traffic Lights
Project coming soon…
This project replicates a UK traffic light with a variable resistor to adjust timing. As a twist, by using the variable resistor creatively, you can select either a standard traffic light or a pedestrian traffic light.
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Railway Level Crossing Lights
Project coming soon…
This project is used to provide lights at a level crossing on a model railway. When a train is approaching lights flash to warn road users and in most cases barriers will lower to block the road. This project just provides the flashing lights, one yellow and two red with realistic flashing effect.
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Model Railway Modules
I have created some modules to enhance any model railway or scenic model by adding special effects. Each module has been developed with realism in mind, They add effects to your without being over the top. They are easy to use but flexible enough to use with your own accessories. They are available to buy ready made from Layouts4U.

Projects | www.pelnet.co.uk

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