Diorama Planning Example
Table of contents
Table of contents
- Diorama Planning Example
Introduction
This example illustrates how LCC Fusion can be used to build an interactive, self-contained diorama that demonstrates automation, sensing, sound, lighting, and optional train interaction.
Unlike operational track scenarios, a diorama emphasizes experience and interaction:
- Visitors approaching the display
- Buttons triggering actions or narration
- Sound and lighting responding dynamically
- Optional rolling stock added later without redesign
This guide focuses on planning decisions, not installation or configuration.
Example Scope (Diorama)
The diorama includes:
- A static or lightly animated scene
- One or more interactive buttons
- Scene lighting
- Audio playback, including optional text-to-speech narration
- Optional proximity detection when a person approaches
- Optional short track section for a locomotive
- Optional reversing section for unattended operation
All components are contained within a single Pod, with breakout boards placed near scene elements.
Hardware Planning Summary (Diorama)
The table below identifies required hardware and optional capabilities commonly planned for an interactive diorama.
| LCC Fusion Hardware | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Node Bus Hub | 1 | Required. Distributes power and communication to all cards |
| Node Card | 1 | Required. Hosts the diorama logic, events, and configuration |
| Digital I/O Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects buttons and diorama lighting |
| Button Card | 1 | Required. Handles visitor interaction via push buttons |
| Button Breakout Board | 1 | Required. Connects physical buttons to the Button Card |
| Sensor Card | 1 | Optional. Supports proximity or presence detection (e.g., visitor approaches) |
| Sensor Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects IR, ultrasonic, or other sensors |
| Audio Card | 1 | Optional. Provides sound effects or narration to a diorama speaker |
| PWM Card | 1 | Optional. Controls scene lighting or simple signal lamps |
| Signal Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects to LEDs and lighting circuits |
| UOD Card | 1 | Optional. Detects a person approaching the diorama |
| UOD Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects ultrasonic or proximity sensors |
| BOD Card | 1 | Optional. Detects occupancy if a locomotive is added |
| Block Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects to track feeders |
| DCC Card | 1 | Optional. Provides DCC power for a short track section |
| BSD Card (Block Reversing Detection) | 1 | Optional. Enables unattended or reversing track operation |
| BRD Breakout Board | 1 | Optional. Connects to mainline and reversing loop blocks |
Key planning takeaway: A compelling diorama can be built with just a Node Card, Node Bus Hub, and Button Card, with all other hardware added incrementally to enhance interaction and realism.
Hardware Placement Strategy
Centralized Pod Components
All logic and control cards are typically centralized in a compact Pod:
- Node Card
- Node Bus Hub
- Button Card
- (Optional) Sensor, Audio, PWM, BOD, UOD, or DCC Cards
This simplifies:
- Maintenance
- Demonstration
- Transport of the diorama
Distributed Breakout Boards
Breakout boards are placed near scene elements:
- Buttons at visitor-accessible locations
- Speakers hidden within the scene
- Sensors aimed toward the viewer
- Lighting breakout near LED clusters
- Track breakout near rails (if used)
This keeps wiring short and unobtrusive.
Interaction Planning Examples
Visitor Interaction (Buttons)
Buttons may be planned to:
- Start or stop a scene animation
- Trigger sound effects
- Initiate narration
- Override automatic behavior
- Reset the diorama to an idle state
Buttons define intentional interaction, distinct from automated sensing.
Proximity and Presence Detection (Optional)
Using a Sensor Card or UOD Card, the diorama can respond when a person approaches:
- Wake the scene from idle
- Fade lighting up
- Play introductory audio
- Enable buttons only when someone is present
This supports hands-off operation in public settings.
Audio and Narration Planning
Audio can be planned for:
- Ambient background sound
- Discrete sound effects
- Spoken narration explaining the scene
- Text-to-speech playback for accessibility
Audio playback is event-driven and can be triggered by:
- Buttons
- Sensors
- Occupancy detection
- Timed automation
Lighting and Visual Feedback
Using a PWM Card, lighting may include:
- Scene illumination
- Indicator lights
- Status LEDs
- A simple two- or three-lamp signal
Lighting reinforces interaction and provides immediate visual feedback.
Optional Track and Train Integration
If a locomotive is added later:
- A short block can be defined using a BOD Card
- A simple signal can indicate block occupancy
- A DCC Card can power the track
- An auto-reverse solution can support continuous unattended operation
Planning for this early avoids redesign but does not require immediate implementation.
Power Planning Overview
- All cards receive power via the Node Bus Hub
- Breakout boards connect to the layout accessory bus
- Higher-current loads (lighting, motors, track) are isolated from logic electronics
This separation is especially important in compact diorama builds.
Why This Diorama Example Matters
This example demonstrates that LCC Fusion supports:
- Non-operational displays
- Educational and outreach projects
- Museum or club exhibits
- Incremental growth from static to interactive
- Adding trains after the scene is complete
It reinforces that LCC Fusion is not limited to track-centric automation.