Using Arduino microcontrollers, there are a lot of ways of controlling model railway layouts. A keyboard has the great advantage of having a lot of keys to add a lot of functions. Here let's see how can we start with a simple layout with locomotive and turnout control.

So, without further ado, let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video

Step 2: Get All the Stuff

For this project you will need:

• An Arduino microcontroller board.
• An Adafruit motor driver shield V2.
• A female PS/2 connector(Get the one shown in the picture, it will make work easier.)
• 4 male to male jumper wires(For connecting the female PS/2 connector to the Arduino board.)
• 4 male to male jumper wires(2 for each turnout.)
• 2 male-to-male jumper wires(For connecting the track power.)
• 12-volt DC power source with a current capacity of at least 1A(1000 mA).
• A PS/2 keyboard(USB one will not work!)
• A suitable USB cable for programming the Arduino board.

Step 3: Program the Arduino Board and Plug on the Shield

Get the library for the PS/2 keyboard from here.

To install the library for the Adafruit motor shield, go to Sketch>Include library>Manage libraries and search for Adafruit motor shield V2 library, install it and you're good to go.

Step 4: Identify the Pin Connections of the PS/2 Connector and Connect It to the Arduino Board

Using a multimeter set to continuity test and using the given picture as a reference, mark the pinouts of the PS/2 connector/extension cable wires and make the following wiring connections between the PS/2 connector and the Arduino board:

• Connect the 'CLOCK' wire to pin D2.
• Connect the 'DATA' wire to pin D3.
• Connect the 'GND' wire to pin 'GND'.
• Connect the '+5-volt/VCC' wire to the +5-volt pin.

Step 5: Connect Wires to the Motor Output Terminals

Step 6: Set Up a Test Layout

Step 7: Connect the Motor Output Wires to the Turnouts and Track Power

Connect the M1 output to track power and connect the M3 and M4 outputs to any of the two turnouts each.

Double-check all the wiring connections and make sure no wiring connections are loose.

Step 8: Connect the Keyboard to the PS/2 Connector

Step 9: Place the Locomotive and Some Rolling Stock on the Tracks

Step 10: Connect to Power and Turn It On

Step 11: Sit Back With The Keyboard and Operate Your Layout

Step 12: Go Further!

There are a lot of buttons left on the keyboard. Go ahead and try adding more turnouts and functions to your layout. Whatever you do, don't forget to keep trying new stuff!