Is it possible to create a signal box diagram, with LEDs, showing realtime train locations?

[m00036]

Based loosely on the signal maps you might get at signal boxes (see an example at the attached link - https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/resources/j5c6o-fspgs-gpgq6-j3v25-i36nj), I was wondering how one might go about designing and implementing something similar on a home wall?

Presumably there would be a way of utilising either Open Train Times or Traksy to get the necessary data for the local route and then finding someone who is able to take that data into a bespoke LED feature?

I know Traintrackr does a very simplistic, high-level map but that's no good if I want to look up and see where my train is on my specific route!

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, and feel free to move to another forum if better placed

 

[TSG]

I think the only issue you will have with synthesising a box diagram from TD data is that TD berths step instantly. Unless there is S class data on track sections (not that likely) you would simply be moving the occupied section along instantly once the trigger section goes occupied. Obviously that isn't actually what you see on the diagram as a train takes some time to clear a section after it occupies the next one. Other than that it sounds straightforward. Connect a microcontroller/single board computer to the internet feed and light LEDs accordingly.

 

[m00036]

I think the only issue you will have with synthesising a box diagram from TD data is that TD berths step instantly. Unless there is S class data on track sections (not that likely) you would simply be moving the occupied section along instantly once the trigger section goes occupied. Obviously that isn't actually what you see on the diagram as a train takes some time to clear a section after it occupies the next one. Other than that it sounds straightforward. Connect a microcontroller/single board computer to the internet feed and light LEDs accordingly.

I don't think it's possible though to get access to the Network Rail data feeds anymore though?

 

[Hyphen]

I don't think it's possible though to get access to the Network Rail data feeds anymore though?

There are known issues with signing up for the National Rail data feeds (which are fixed by an email to RDG); I'm not aware of problems with NROD.

Your use case for this is super interesting, but success and accuracy will depend on the area you want to model (and maybe a bit of luck!). I believe some limited areas do send track circuit level data (although I haven't personally observed this) which could make this project super realistic.

If signalling data is available in your modelled area I would expect it's possible to light up a given section based on berth steps, and perhaps retain the previous section as occupied/lit until its signal changes to off?

Otherwise, as above, I think you may be looking at just doing one block/berth at a time, based on C-class stepping data.

Do also note that not all data has been well decoded, and there could be some trial and error involved in understanding what the feed is saying. Some limited open-source efforts have been made and published on the Open Rail Wiki, but NR aren't in the habit of publishing what each bit of the data means. YMMV, but there are potential techniques to try and decode some of the data.

 

[m00036]

There are known issues with signing up for the National Rail data feeds (which are fixed by an email to RDG); I'm not aware of problems with NROD.

I have access to the National Rail feeds. For the Network Rail feed, you get to the https://publicdatafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/create-account page will tells you the maximum number of users has been exceeded.

 

[looking4trains]

I have access to the National Rail feeds. For the Network Rail feed, you get to the https://publicdatafeeds.networkrail.co.uk/ntrod/create-account page will tells you the maximum number of users has been exceeded.

Sorry for digging up an old thread but I've been trying to register an account with Network Rail feeds for an idea similar to yours and to learn python while creating it. Have you been able to get access to it? I don't even get "maximum number of users" message that it used to give in the previous version of the site.

 

[m00036]

Ah now I have access, thank you!

 

[looking4trains]

Ah now I have access, thank you!

Would you be able to tell me how you were able to register?

 

[m00036]

Ah now I have access, thank you!

Just using the link I put in this thread before (the one you quoted).

 

[looking4trains]

Just using the link I put in this thread before (the one you quoted).

Mind telling me what browser you used? I'm thinking maybe firefox or brave may be causing me problems in registering.

 

[m00036]

It was Chrome.

 

[looking4trains]

It was Chrome.

Thanks. It turned out my password wasn't meeting the password requirements and that they are still working on error messages to tell you what went wrong with your registration fields.

 

[occone]

In terms of LEDs, do take a look at addressable LEDs e.g. WS2812B which you'll find on LED strip, or individual LEDs where you connect up the data lines.

What that means is your controller e.g. Raspberry Pi can control every LED from just one pin.

You can then map out the individual signals etc to LEDs. If you have a significant number of LEDs make sure to power them sufficiently and feed the LEDs power from a power supply and not from the power output of the Raspberry Pi etc

 

[dgl]

At school we used ULN2003a drivers when we did things with PICAXE microcontrollers which also allowed you to use a different PSU voltage for whatever it was you were controlling. Easy/simle to interface to if I remember correctly.