ESU switchpilot controlling arduino

[Ouroborus]

I've written a small program that sequences a dozen LEDs in some buildings.  An Arduino controls it.  Can the Arduino be connected to a switchpilot in order that the on/off of the sequence be controlled through a CV in the command station?

 

Thanks

[Nigelcliffe]

In principle yes.  You might want to use an opto-isolator to link the two, to avoid different voltages blowing one up (probably the Arduino which will go "pfff").  

 

Alternatively, there are quite a few DIY Arduino DCC accessory decoder designs around, which you could adopt and merge with your sequencer code, and thus have the whole thing in one package. 

[Ouroborus]

On 15/03/2020 at 19:28, Nigelcliffe said:

In principle yes.  You might want to use an opto-isolator to link the two, to avoid different voltages blowing one up (probably the Arduino which will go "pfff").  

 

Alternatively, there are quite a few DIY Arduino DCC accessory decoder designs around, which you could adopt and merge with your sequencer code, and thus have the whole thing in one package. 

 

Appreciated your advice with this.

 

I bought from Amazon some adjustable transformers for a couple of quid and tuned down the output to 9.5v.  Cut the plug off a battery lead and connected up.  Worked perfectly.  The Arduino runs a simple little program that flashes a blue led as a loco passess over.  It uses a hall sensor and the magnets are stuck to the underside of underground locos.   The attached video shows the most basic flash, but the Arduino is controlling four other sensors that each flash slightly differently.

 

Transformers : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SJFTD7F/ref=cm_sw_r_apa_i_uSsEEbMM5BERC

 

video:

 

[Ouroborus]

*edit.  Forgot to say, with the proof of concept now complete, I can now add other Arduinos with other programs I've written to control building lights and sounds, as per OP.  Thanks.