PLC programming with a train set?

I'm sorry if this may be a painfully obvious question to some. But somehow, I'm not sure how I would use LogicMaster to program it.





I've already made a light flick on and off using PLC programming, and I guess making a train set run should be no problem, right? Just hook up all the wires to the PLC?PLC programming with a train set?
No. It takes more thinking than that. You need to figure out what you want the logic to control. You need to have sensors to say where the train is on the track. You need to have switches that cut off power at specific locations . You need to think through what you want the train to do under every circumstance that it encounters. And yes you need to hook up all the wires to the PLC.





Then you need to write-out a set of instructions that say where the train can start and where it can stop and what it does if another train is traveling on the tracks in front of it or approaching it on the same track.





Then you need to program all those conditions in and start the train moving as per the logic while looking at what is true and false each moment in the logic. Once the train follows those instructions then you have got the program roilling.PLC programming with a train set?
Cut the length that you need off an extension cord. You can make your own cord but the parts usually cost more.





Plug the trainset into the female cord end then connect the black wire to the 120 volt output terminal and the white wire to the neutral terminal on the plc module.





The output module is fused so you won't damage anything.





In short just connect the wires to try out your logic.
Are you planning on controlling the speed?





If so you will need some type of analog output.





Also will need small photo eyes to send a signal to the plc about where the train is at on the track.





then you will also to decide how many sensors you will need, because got to figure for every spot on the track you want to keep monitored is one input.





So you will have to keep all that in mind when selecting a PLC





a good source for inexpensive PLC is at www.AutomationDirect.com