There are many ways to motorize and control Lego switch tracks remotely. I tried to cover as many as I could in a single video. We’re going to use Power Functions, Mindstorms and 9v solutions covering over 30 years of Lego electronic offerings. TrixBrix track is very different to motorize but I show a solution I’ve been working on. Feel free to ask any questions you may have or offer alternative solutions. Play well!
Links in order of mention
How to build the 9v geared motor switch
https://youtu.be/h-5FmGfYzRs
How to build the Power Functions M Motor switch
https://youtu.be/qWDMIOtVFSY
How to disable the clicking system
Almighty Arjen’s Work In Progress channel
https://youtu.be/j4fieFdTvNM
Using Power Functions IR receivers without Batteries
https://youtu.be/0j8QXHI6EaY
9v wire repair
https://youtu.be/kXApTUbNzD0
Sariel’s Bricks & Pets “10 LEGO Power Functions Tricks You NEED To Know”
https://youtu.be/vfIBGIIleCI
My train layout using the DACTA Control Lab (It’s an older video sir but it checks out)
https://youtu.be/1cxNQPTScnA
A.F.O.O.L. Podcast hosted by Bricktrains, Bricktsar and Marigrasman23
https://youtu.be/RZdwV7SCxSY
My Technic Control Center Retrospective
https://youtu.be/AJGVnLinfsE
My Lego Dacta Serial Interface and Control Lab software Retrospective
https://youtu.be/16Kz4tRZBBo
Lastly a video that combines many of the topics in this video, along with plenty of bonus points, is my Computer Controlled Monorail Layout
https://youtu.be/UGuZ5sxD_tA
Music: “Starmachine2000, Valentine” by Wintergatan
These tracks can be downloaded for free at www.wintergatan.net
Free License to use these tracks in your video can be downloaded at www.wintergatan.net
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Cool video, I like all you different solutions to the same problem! Neat idea to put a 9V light(bulb) onto the switch so you can see when it's in operation. I wanted to do the same thing with an LED, but then you need to have a rectifier (or two LED in anti-parallel); I found it too much of a hassle.
t r a i n s
Epic double crash with your cargo train at the end! Nice vid too!! 🙂
Why do you use NXT instead of ev3?
Thx for the vid, one question: Is the yellow cargo crane selfbuild or a set I don't know yet?
I love the setup..
Impressive. I like that you attempt to do all this with the self imposed limitation of using LEGO parts.
Wow, that was really cool! Now considering I don't have any lego trains yet I won't be using any of these for a while 😅
lol danm you are crazy rich siiiick stuff tho
great job, did you ever consider using an arduino for the control?
Hey, cool video! Impressiv layout of PF/NXT/PU components!
Since you modify the switches anyway to get rid of the click, you could also use the old 12V remote controls. I think in the end it would even be cheaper.
See my video about the remote controlled 9V switch.
Very interesting video. I have watched it several times. Maybe it's my lower english level. Still look cool!
Dacta looks impressive, but I think it can be implement this with the help of bluetooth block of powered up system and 88007 part as infared transmitter. Yeah, it will be required some programming expirinece.
I see sped computer on your control station, for why it?
6:12 Interesting choice of motorization on the TrixBrix switches. TrixBrix themselves actually offer fairly compact switch automation motors for both Lego switches and their own switches (not sure on the size but they're far smaller than your concept). Not sure how much of a purist you are, but I 100% intend to use them on my WIP home train layout
Look at this 5:18
Goals.