Since making the original led departure board (only supported 3 colours) I have been working on another enhanced version. This one is designed to simulate the real platform departure boards in great detail with a few extra features. I am trying to gauge if there is any interest in such a product for home / office use really. I have it running on my desk at work / at home as its a nice fun way to see if my train is on time in the morning / going home from work.
Current Features: (I will add more as the firmware evolves)
- Firmware wrote to simulate the look and feel of real nti boards in great detail.
- You can set any uk departure station and optional destination station.
- Currently supports two API's (Realtime Trains and National Rail Enquires).
- Fully configurable (colours, animation timings, display options/features).
- Power saving (will dim between set times).
- Desktop configuration app and web app(coming soon!)
- Built in WiFi.
- Plug and play. Just plug in it, set your WiFi details and your good to go!
- 5v Wall power supply included.
PC settings App (I am working on a web version as well so you dont need a hard wired connection to the display to change settings)
Current controller board (having another prototype pcb made up as i made a tiny little mistake on first rev)
Board dimensions
P2.5 80*480mm
P3 96*576mm
P4 128*768mm
Here are some videos of the three different size displays in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me_Sq_vAFu0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzi0YRX-2sY
The board is in final prototyping stages. I made a little mistake on the last prototype pcb so need to get a new one fabricated. The firmware is 95% done there are a couple extra features i would like to add, These would include(when using National Rail Enquires API) scrolling station messages and train delay / cancellation messages).
Once the prototype is completed and 100% working I can get a small batch of controller pcb's assembled this takes around 4-5 weeks.
Its basically juat a fun way to see train departure times.
If any one is interested add your details to the little form here
http://www.raildepartures.co.uk/
Let me know what you guys think. Is this something you would be interested in? Or if you have any ideas suggestions on firmware updates / features please let me know. If I can get enough interest I will run a small batch :)
Regards
Russell Pirie
