DCC++

Discussion in 'DCC' started by gna, Nov 29, 2017.

  1. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Anyone here tried DCC++? https://github.com/DccPlusPlus/BaseStation/wiki/What-is-DCC--Plus-Plus

    It's a homebrew DCC system built from Arduino boards, and uses open-source software. Over the summer I learned about while reading MRH forums, and built my own system. It interfaces with JMRI for generating a DCC signal, but also works with Rocrail and some other systems. There are a variety of resources available online, so with $20 of Arduino boards, a few electronic components, surplus power supply, old laptop, $1.99 Goodwill Wireless router, retired cellphone, and some open-source software, I built a system:

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    For further info:

    Good Introduction by Greg Williams: https://gregw66.files.wordpress.com/2017/05/dcc_pp.pdf
    https://gregstrainyard.com/dcc/

    Long Trainboard Thread: http://www.trainboard.com/highball/...-open-source-dcc-station-and-interface.84800/

    Dave Bodnar's site: http://www.trainelectronics.com/miscellaneous_projects.htm
    http://trainelectronics.com/DCC_Arduino/DCC++/index.htm
     
    friscomike and Ozarktraveler like this.
  2. Ozarktraveler

    Ozarktraveler Member

    I've not tried it myself, but I ran across it while researching DCC. It looks great for tech savvy folks on a budget. Arduino appears to be great for robot builders too, as the micro controller boards simplify designing and controlling motor functions.

    Where there's a will, there's a way.
     
    Joe Lovett likes this.
  3. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    True, I'm on a budget, but you don't even have to be that Tech Savvy. I barely get by, but I was able to get it to work. So my old DCC setup, the Roco Lokmaus, had 2 digit addressing, 4 functions, no readback, no programming on the main. DCC++ has 4 digit addressing, 28 functions, readback, program track/program on main, wireless with WiThrottle, etc. Only drawback is I really liked the Lokmaus and its big knob:

    [​IMG]
     
    Joe Lovett and Ozarktraveler like this.
  4. gna

    gna Member Frisco.org Supporter

    As an update, I've built a throttle for for my system, following Dave Bodnar's design (foamcore mockup):

    [​IMG]

    And I used an Arduino Nano and shield, and put everything in a smaller box (former cable TV box):

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    I also tried JMRI Raspberry Pi as an access point:

    [​IMG]

    I can bring to my friend's layouts, and use a smartphone as a throttle, rather than having to buy my own throttle.
     
  5. Ozarktraveler

    Ozarktraveler Member

    You're "tech savvy" as far as I'm concerned...
     
    Joe Lovett likes this.

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