Chard junction signal panel update/system overview Dec 2020
Key events
Despite external projects and global influences caused by the COVID pandemic the following has been
achieved:
• Additional members
• Relocated to new location and signal museum
• Continued labelling and plug manufacturer
• Generic configuration programming of Arduino
• Developed coms system
• Creation of separate Yeovil signal display
• Development of live crossing display
• Panel framework
• Continued programming interface development
Additional members
In addition to current volunteers
• Tony Reese
• Roger Higgins
• William Gane
2020 has had addition of 2 new volunteers
• Konrad Orlowski-program/interface development
• Shaun Chew-level crossing display
Additional support goes to-
• Transfer shed team
• Peter Owen- Assisting and carrying out woodwork
• Martin Shinn-Manufacturer of steel frame
• Jason Nuttle-creating CAD files
• John Miller/Bill Woodsford- Use of JCB
Relocated to new location and signal museum
Due to water damage on the panel a heating system was installed to reduce condensation issue. Water/humidity
caused corrosion of boards and to the panel tiles. This was relocated from east to west end of the transfer shed
before work was carried out to move up stairs onto mezzanine level. This involved extensive clearance of the level,
creation of new storage area. Risk assessment/method statement removal of flooring and balustrade were carried
out to allow tight JCB access to relocate the unit.
Continued labelling and plug manufacturer
Plug wiring has been changed around and now fitted onto Arduino breakout boards to lower the number of jumper
wires required. Spreadsheets for each plug will enable fault finding and programming to be carried out.
Generic configuration programming of Arduino
Konrad has created a system that utilises 32 output and 28 input pins per Arduino in tern this communicated over
RS485 with a refined and now correct CMRI library.
This system will utilise a minimum of 10 Arduino mega limited to 32 nodes by the RS485. Current system
requirement is based on approx. 600 I/O.
Developed coms system
Due to improper max rs485 pre made boards this has been developed to use 3.5mm plugs/sockets.
Creation of separate Yeovil signal display
Separate original display from Yeovil junction signal box has been located, light fittings made and programmed. Basic
Arduino program showing 2 trains was developed. Missing original lamp holders were remanufactured using 3d
printer and original lamps were sourced.
Development of live Axminster crossing display
Scaled model of the crossing is in progress controlled by logic, this will become a full model and used help
demonstrate how the system works in the real world.
Panel framework
Panel framework was manufactured, painted and installed, this allows the panel to be moved around the museum
space dependent on events.
Continued programming interface development
Software has been developed and still based on using JMRI (Java Model Railway Interface) however if this fails to
fully operate a logic controlled BMS (building management software) will be followed up to run the logic that
simulates passing trains.
Additional interface to show modern signally is currently depending on running open train times software.
Diagram to show approximate interface of the system
