Keyboard Controlled Model Train V2.0 | PS/2 Interface

In one of my previous Instructable, I showed you how to control a model railway layout using a keyboard. It did great but had a drawback of requiring a computer to operate. In this Instructable, let's see how to control a model train using a keyboard through Arduino. So, without further ado, let's get started.

For this project you will need:

• An Arduino microcontroller
• A PS/2 keyboard
• A female PS/2 connector(Get the one as shown in the picture, it will make your life easier.)
• An L298N motor driver module
• A 12-volt DC power source with a current capacity of at least 1A(1000mA).
• 3 male to female jumper wires(To connect the motor driver's inputs to the Arduino board's output pins.)
• 4 male to male jumper wires(To connect the motor driver to power and the tracks.)
• 4 male to male jumper wires(To connect the PS/2 connector 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.

Make the following wiring connections:

• Connect the input pin 'ENB' to pin 'D10' of the Arduino board.
• Connect the input pin 'IN4' to pin 'D9' of the Arduino board.
• Connect the input pin 'IN3' to pin 'D8' of the Arduino board.
• Connect two male to male jumper wires to the output terminals 3 and 4 to be later connected to the track power feeder.
• Connect the 'VIN' pin of the motor driver to the 'VIN' pin and the 'GND' pin to the 'GND' pin of the Arduino board respectively.

Make sure no wiring connections are loose.

Make the following wiring connections:

• Connect 'VCC' to the '+5-volt' pin of the Arduino board.
• Connect 'GND' to the 'GND' pin of the Arduino board.
• Connect 'CLOCK' to pin 'D2' of the Arduino board.
• Connect 'DATA' to pin 'D3' of the Arduino board.

Double check the pinout diagram of the PS/2 connector before making connections.

Make a simple loop of track to test the setup. Make sure the tracks are cleaned properly to prevent the locomotive from stalling.

Connect the male to male jumper wires to the power feeder track terminals previously connected to the output terminals of the motor driver.

Place the locomotive on the tracks, aligning the wheels properly with the rails.

Double-check all of the wiring connections and make sure everything is connected to the right place and no wiring connections are loose. Plug in the power supply adapter and turn it on.

I would love to see your project below. After completing this project, don't stop here and try adding more functions to the setup. Whatever you do, all the best!