DCC for less than $45!!! Building a DCC++ Base Station
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- DCC systems are great. They revolutionized model railroading, but they are also significantly more expensive than their DC counterparts. DCC++ is an open source, Arduino based DCC system that you can easily build yourself for very cheap! In this video, I show you how to build a DCC++ basestation with less than $45 worth of parts.
You will need a computer with JMRI to make this work. JMRI is totally free and I have a setup video that I have linked below.
DCC++ Download
github.com/DccPlusPlus/BaseSt...
Arduino Software
www.arduino.cc/en/Main/Software
JMRI Download
www.jmri.org/download/index.shtml
JMRI Setup video
• Setting Up JMRI on you...
DCC++ Creator UA-cam
/ @dcc2840
PARTS NEEDED
Arduino UNO
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
Arduino Motor Shield
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
DC Power Supply
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...
20 Gauge Wire
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07... - Навчання та стиль
Hey Jimmy, I just wanted to let you know that thanks to this video and the one on setting up JMRI you did I successfully managed to setup a DCC++ Base Station, setup JMRI, program a loco and get it moving! It all works! Thanks!
That's so awesome! I'm so happy it worked out! This really is a great setup, especially for us budget modelers!
Your link to the Arduino Un0 doesn't link to anything on Amazon. What is the Arduino's ASIN? Please update...
Extremely comprehensive and competent guide. Gonna use this as my first ever dcc build! Thanks for this!
This is by far the clearest step by step video for the Arduino based DCC++ I have watched it and am very clear on running my locomotives, one thing on my motor shield I had a removable jumper for vin so I didn't have to cut anything thanks for the step by step video I really enjoyed it!
Thanks for sharing this! I just got back into model railroading a few months ago after being away for close to 30 years, and was my wallet was really feeling the pain of essentially starting from scratch. I was thinking it would be a really long time before I could make the DC to DCC jump, and I'd have to have separate home and club locomotives, but this setup is right up my alley. I just ordered all the parts on Amazon except for the motor shield, because it's currently going to take a month to get here. Fortunately I have a Microcenter nearby, and they have one there, so I should be in business in a few days. I'll probably be back asking questions if I have any trouble getting everything up and running, but thanks again for such an informative video.
This is really useful for hobbyists who want to get started with DCC but don't have the budget for traditional DCC controllers. Arduino microcontrollers have another advantage of flexibility to a great extent which can not be imagined with the regular stuff. Keep up the work!
Worked like a charm Jimmy! Thanks for the tutorial!
DCC has come a long way since Hornby introduced Zero One (the world's first commercial DCC system) in 1979. I still run this system today.
The Zero One base station used the Texas Instruments TMS1000 micro controller. Back in 1979 this was state of the art and it could control 16 x locos and 100 turnouts / accessories via appropriate modules all taking power and instructions from the 18 Volts AC constant track power.
Those were early pioneering days of DCC.
I remember my friend Stewart had one of those and a Flying Scotsman with a chip.
Awesome. I was humming and hawing about getting a DCC system, but I balked at the almost $200 (CAD) price tag. Even a Sprog is well over $100, but this fit the bill nicely coming at $60 for everything. Instructions were perfect, thank you!
Vin is the "Voltage in" line
This was surprisingly easy to understand- Great Job! Gonna order a motor shield and do this - Thanks !
Nice video, have been using the DCC++ for over a year now. I would recommend for anyone new to cutting PCB traces that after cutting the trace use a DVM set to Ohms and check that the two pads show something else more Zero '0" on the meter.
I amusing the Mega with the Pololu Shield for my DCC++.
+Dennis Cherry Thats a great tip! Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful tutorial, nice and slow every aspect detailed nice job!
Perfect!! I was secretly hoping you'd do a video on DCC++! Thank you very much for this! I'll get it setup once I receive my motor shield. :)
Let me know if you need any help!
I will, thank you :)
Hello Jimmy so glad I came across your channel as my girlfriend is really into trains and it's just starting at herself. I have sub to your channel.
Great going to have a go at building one
Bruce Chubb has done an amazing kob in bringing us all the JMRI program,and I can't say enough about him
i too am using the Arduino not only as my dcc system through JMRI but other arduinos linked together to control Turnouts ,track lights and other lighting , block detection, turntable, ,great what you can doo with Shift Registers,for now keep up the good work ,take care for now.
Hi! Can I ask how you're doing block detection? I'm trying to figure out how to do it for my own small setup :)
Thanks
Hey Jimmy - great video - love the list of materials needed to get started. What do I need to add to my '90's version KATO locomotives to receive the DCC++ signals coming out of the Motor Shield? Are all decoders programmed to a "DCC Standard" ?
Good stuff man!!, to bad I already bought an NCE.
That is much easier than I though tit would be.
Thank you for this video!
Thank you! NCE is still very good stuff. If it wasn't doing DCC++, I would do NCE. I love their circuit breakers.
Nice.
Hi, thanks for the great and detailed explanations. I have an Adafruit Motor Shield V2.3 which uses a different processor than the L298P in your example. It has 4 motor connections, in pairs with a ground in between. How should I tweak the code to accomodate these differences?
Only reason I subscribed was caught that Atlantic Coastline cab at the end. Means there is a good chance you have Seaboard aswell.
Jimmy, great videos. Could you put one out for the Mega 2560? If you've already done so, my bad, I guess I couldn't find it.
Thank you for the videos. They are all very educational. You asked for suggestions...
I had a great HO layout in the early 50’s. Could you do a, or direct me to some “new-be” videos. Most of my layout was done in by a major flood. Life went on and I and now attempting to get back into HO. I have an electronic engineering background, but I don’t know the new terminology or solid state equipment.
Could you do or direct me to a beginners video. Thank you and God bless.
That looks pretty cool. Now i don't know if i'm capable of doing the programing of Arduino but looks promising.
Jimmy, I really like your videos. I watched you video on DC control of a train, but how would you use it in blocks? I am wanting to build a basic loop (shelf 18" below ceiling in office) with a bypass rail. 3 blocks. Trying to figure out how to start a train, run around the loop (random 1-3 loops), stop on bypass. Second train goes to main track and runs (random 1-3 loops), repeat. I don't need signals at this time but just want to control DC trains I already have.
Hi Jimmy - as usual your videos are great tutorials!
I have two questions:
1. What is the specific use of the motorshield?
2. Can this build be achieved using an Arduino Nano?
Jimmy, do you have any experience with the Audino Mega? I ddi not see you how you uploaded the DCC system in the video did I miss it? Breat video by the way
Very interesting, I've never used JMRI. I plan to eventually put it on a Raspberry Pi.
I'm still dabbling with DCC, I wanted it for sound and realistic speeds. All my turnouts (Atlas Customline) are thrown by hand using Caboose Industry Ground Throws.
I also (gasp!) Only own one locomotive!!! My small shelf layout could use a second (11ft x 2ft and HO scale).
I guess I'm too intimidated by JMRI. Would like a Waybill System for my phone or tablet, do you know of any? That's why I was gonna do JMRI on the pi and maybe mount a tablet size touch screen to the fascia.
Can you connect the program track wires to the main track, to program the locomotives on the main? I am assuming that you can't run both at the same time.
Great work - you have a skill for shooting good video, clear and friendly voice, and extremely interesting and useful content. Have you seen the arduino CMRI build for model railroads? I've seen sompe projects scratch the surface but it seems like it has alot of capabilities. My issue is how do I light so many leds - been reading on charlieplexing but im lost :(
I've been researching CMRI and hoping to do some videos once I have a good grasp on it!
Hi Jimmy. I might be missing something...do you use the arduino dcc++ in conjunction with the raspberry pi or a PC?
Jimmy, just want to say I am very impressed with your channel. With your permission I would like to link to your videos from our Local Loco Model Railroad Club’s Facebook page and website. We are an all-scales modular club in Evansville, IN, that is dedicated to sharing our hobby with the public. We set up our modular layouts for a weekend four times per year in a variety of public places and run trains for people to enjoy free of charge.
Absolutely! Feel free to share any of my videos! That sounds like an awesome club you have!
Hey Jimmy thanks for the video , the link for the Arduino UNO isn't working . Can you recommend another ?
Hi Jimmy,
I'm trying to set up a DCC++ system, I have all arduino equipment. I can read the train decoder, but I can't get the train to move, any suggestions on what I may have done wrong.
Great video. Is it possible to run a DC loco with this system? Thanks
What voltage would you use on the motor shield for HO scale? 12V or push it to 15V?
Just starting to convert to DCC but want plenty of room/capacity for growth.
does this allow for a switch and potentiometer to that setup, to use the selected loco for "manual" control" ? thru the inputs on the motor board?
I do have an unrelater question.What is the host a DR of.
Hi Jimmy, Since I am very new to this great hobby what is the difference between DCC &DCC++? Looks like one runs off a computer(DCC++) and the other DCC off of a control box. Would it be wise for me to start out using the DCC system then down the road switch over to the DCC++? Thanks for any suggestions!! Also can you suggest where I could go to learn more about layouts, wiring, scenery, etc. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
Hi,
How much trains can I control with it? At the same time?
Is there an option for using boosters?
I am totally new to Model Railways (not even bought a baseboard yet) and am currently reading everything possible. This looks really good but i have one (silly?) question. Does all the power required for the track come through the Arduino or does that (the Arduino) supply only the loco commands? Martin Wilkins - Cornwall UK.
Do you upload DCCpp_Uno or DCCpp_Uno.h?
I'm looking at doing this soon. Do the part numbers matter? There seem to be newer motor shields and Arduinos out there, some at lower prices, and I want to make sure I buy compatible hardware.
how do you connect this to the track ?
Great idea and video. I also liked your video on using the Raspberry Pi Zero W. Could the Arduino basestation be combined with the Zero W to have an all-in-one system? Thanks!
Yes! These can all be used together!
I am little confused hhere and trying to learn enough to start with n guage. So is the power adapter that your using with the aguino also the track power ? I would like to geting to n uage and have limited room and money. I do not wish to invest in things I will NOT need and NOT sure if I need to ut a cheap set first or maye I can just but the engine I want and some track and something like this to get it running. I am fairly well versed in electronics and mechanical and can solder ad build most things....
I would like to set this up for large scale. I need high current and voltage capability. (24 VDC and 10 amp) Can I use this system to do it? Maybe with PN00218-CYT5 Cytron 10A Motor Driver (Arduino) Shield
So DCC mitigates having to use a power module to control the speed etc.?
Have you considered updating this setup using a Raspberry Pi Zero W with a motor shield to run both DCC++ and JMRI?
Hi Jimmy
I’m wondering if it possible to use a motor shield with more current output or use a booster
It is certainly possible! You just have to make sure that the power connection from the shield to the Arduino is severed.
Do you have a tutorial for making a point-to-point with stops in between? I'd like to build this and make an automated commuter line. Great video btw.
In DC you could do that without an arduino. You just need a timing circuit that is triggered by motion sensors. Everytime a train trips a sensor, the timer cutspower for __ seconds. Each end of the track can be controlled with diodes and additional timers. There was an article in Garden Railroader a few years back that explained it.
Can you make a RFID based payments system
Hi, I have a couple questions: how do I add a booster for my model railroad? How do I wire the DCC++EX for Ntrak op.s? Do I add a motor shield for every locomotive? Please HELP!??
so i set this up but there are no lights coming turning on on the motor shield. but they are turning on on the Arduino. and JMRI can not detect any locomotives when I try to program. it senses track power is on but says it does not read any locomotives
Hey I have a question? I built this per your tutorial and I also did the raspberry pi and my laptop for jmri. But I have problems with it constantly just not working or not sending any signals at all. Do you have any trouble shooting suggestions or a video. It seems to work when it wants too and sometimes it wont work at all. Idk what's wrong.
Hi, I'm unnable to find L298P motor shield, but I found L293D.
Can I use L293D motor shield instead for L298P?
I've got all the stuff but can't seem to get the Arduino circuits to work correctly and find/fix all the errors in the sketches.... I'm looking at changing over to the Raspberry Pi + (or 4)... with all the interface and displays already in use... have you looked at the Paspberry Pi+ ?????
just to be clear, I should use a 12 volt, two amps power supply, right? (If so, do I still cut the trace on the motor shield?)
i dont see the overall context: Would this work for dead rail systems like Lego Trains ?
Excellent video here. This is the route I'm going instead of DCC. These DCC companies overcharge for what they offer.
Wood this work with n gage dc trains
BTW the Arduino Uno page is not coming up when i clicked on it. It says page not found.
This train basic is analog?
Hi I have download the DCC++ base station arduino sketch from Github, unfortunately when I verify it I get this error, Arduino: 1.8.9 (Mac OS X), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Uno"
fork/exec /Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Java/hardware/tools/avr/bin/avr-g++: bad CPU type in executable
Error compiling for board Arduino/Genuino Uno.
Do you have any thoughts on my problem
Martin Lomas
This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.
Probably a dumb question but are the loco's fitted with DCC cards so that the Arduino can distinguish between different loco's
Jimmy, after downloading the Base Station program, when I go to File - Examples -, there is no "Examples from custom libraries" option in the side menu. My computer only shows 3 major categories in the side menu - Built-in examples, Examples for any board, and Examples for Arduino Uno. Any suggestions?
any knowledge on how to use a rduino as a DCC accesory decoder / servo unit ?
I know it's possible, I just have to research it
very good video Jimmy...I've been using dcc++ for awhile and i love it...I've been using a laptop power supply it is rated at 20 volts I haven't had any problems but now I'm wondering if I will...I would like to know what you think... Thanks Tom
+tom carr I've actually been thinking about this a lot recently, and I want to see if a relay can resolve it somehow.
that sounds interesting please let me know what you find out...TY for your input Tom
Control turnouts?
So are you commanding train movements directly through your computer, or is there another hand held interface of some kind?
I am using the Engine Driver app on my android smart phone. There is an iphone app as well. They are free.
I've been trying to get my DCC++ base station to talk to my Bachmann DCC turnouts through JMRI. No success yet. Any experience here?
Hi Kindly advise me jumper is male or female ? and UNO and motor shield model number ,please and thank you
Hi Jimmy, can this DCC++ Base Station be used for locos integrated with LaisDcc decoders?
Hello! If the decoder can run on JMRI, then it should be able to.
Hi Jimmy further to my post on the DCC++EX problem, I tried a Uno with DCC++ and wires and all worked fine, did same uploaded DCC++EX to Uno and all worked fine with Decoder Tester on Main Track, as soon as I reconnected the Mega the Motor on decoder ran with no throttle and also only 3 light lit 1 missing on Main track and there is DC on Main track so seems a problem with Mega ..Regards John
Was a connection to D12 between Motor shield and Mega no connection so linked a wire and then worked fine ..
Hi, Looking at this 4 yours after since published it. Some links to Amazon don't, not surprised, and lots of 'alternates' pop up now as well for the Uno and the motor shield. Also, what did you use for jumpers? They look they should be only a couple of inches long. Could you use 20g wire? Great video, looking forward to making my own.
copper or aluminum will work. as long the jumper you're using is conductive and jumped to the correct ports it will work
What are the practical limitations of this system? I would be fine with running no more than a couple of HO loco's at once but what additional hardware, if any, would be needed to program sound decoders?
this system maxes out at 2 amps so you should be fine with a couple locos. DCC++ works with JMRI so anything you can do through JMRI is doable.
I would like to see a video of someone taking a cheap bachman train, reading the decoder and the steps to make it work using this same setup?
+bigbread9000000 funfact. That locomotive Im using to demonstrate is a bachmann.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I am starting to think I need to buy the authentic arduino motor control board, I had bought a knockoff board, when I do the diagnostic test command, one led on the regular track power stays lit, another video(cobo)shows them both blinking!!
I bought these plus a wifi module for 25$ on April 2024
your link to the Arduino UNO does not work enamor. but like the vid.
I was hoping I could ask you a question about the adreno and the DCC++?
I was wanting to know would I be able to use a bigger power supply like say from an old computer or is that too much for the adreno and you have to use one of those wall plug-in power packs. I've already done all the other stuff in your video to the adreno and have had a train running before but I was curious if I want to add more trains HO scale by the way if I would need more power say like a bigger power supply would you happen to know how many trains I would be able to run with just the small wall power pack would I need more power like a bigger power supply if I wanted to run more?
Is there an updated video using the latest and greatest hardware?
Yes there is! ua-cam.com/video/DVDNi9U_K68/v-deo.html
Hey Jimmy, I have a question: what's the max Amp that I can use for the power supply? In your BOM you suggest a 12v 2a power supply however I currently have a 12v 7a and a 12v 10a power supply. Would those still work even though there's much more amperage in it? Thanks for your help!
I would be careful with those. The motorshield mentioned has 2 channels and can only handle 2 amps per channel. The absolute max for this motorshield is a combined 4 amps.
Thanks a lot for that! I'll order a 2a power supply!
I use a 4A supply, the base station monitors the current to detect shorts and will limit it to 2A (or what you set it to in the code). This is the reason some shields don't work as they don't monitor the current so it can't detect shorts and overloads AIUI.
Great info Hats Off to ya🎩🎩 where is DCC+ available for Purchase
The parts should be in the description below
Dose it work with Hornby dcc /dcc sound
So long as the DCC in question is NMRA compliant. It will work.
But can this setup be used for programming locos?
Use JMRI to program the locos
First sorry about my bad English however there is one point I don't understand.
If you use for example 12V then a TTL 5V input signal to a H bridge will output 0 to 12V how do you get the negative voltage -12V to +12V from a H bridge for the DCC signal ?
Thank you
DJ
The author of DCC++ explains that in this series of 4 videos. Start here ua-cam.com/video/-nsVdpMhiTU/v-deo.html
What if the track shorts, will it kill the motor shield and arduino?
If you are using JMRI it cuts the power to the track.
Nice work. I'm just getting back into the hobby after 30 years or so. Question, I have a couple of Arduino Megas. Is it even worth attempting, or just order a new Uno and shield? Thanks. Good work. I also would have liked to see the shield to track connections. One goes to program track, etc. I have no clue, but wouldn't guess knowing how easy it is to fry s shield. Thx
Arduino Megas work great for this. You don't even have to sever the power connection because it can handle the same load. There are some slight differences in wiring, but the Mega works fine for this! There is an A and B motor connection, The Mainline is A, and the Program track is B.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad So I wouldn't have to scratch away between the VIN ? Thanks
@@coreygibson2590 Here is a link to the original DCC++ creator explaining DCC++ on the mega ua-cam.com/video/rZl84NXALaM/v-deo.html
Hello, I'm hoping you can help me out. I made this exact build, with 15v 3amp power supply. Then I boost my amps up to 750mA. How can I get boost it up more. I have one locomotive I have to run by itself or is will shut the whole system down. I'm expecting it drawing to much. Is there a boost I can add to this set up? Thanks
I have wanted to test products on this such as the booster from Tam Valley Depot, but I have not gotten around to it yet.
Can you use JMRI on a Raspberry Pi instead of a full blown PC?
You totally can! Here is my video on installing it on a Pi Zero W! ua-cam.com/video/yFJsptuArb8/v-deo.html
Hi. 5 years later, is this still your recommended DCC system?
I'm laying down benchwork for my first ever layout sometime this Fall and was hoping to utilize DCC as opposed to DC. It will be a HO Scale Point-to-point layout in my office using Kato Unitack and manual switches.
I've never worked with electronics or comp sci-type tools before. My technological expertise is limited to CTRL + ALT +DEL.... so I'm hoping this method won't be too far above my level.
Thanks!
I believe he's using DCC-EX now. He has videos on it. Roughly the same parts for setup, except he's using an Arduino Mege with Wifi onboard.
Great video! For whatever reason the LED for the Main positive is lit up constantly once I write the DCCpp to the board itself, when i turn the track power on and off in JMRI the Program track LEDs turn on and off but this light remains constant. any Ideas? Thanks!
Hmmm.... Try taking off the motoshield and see if it remains on. It may be something in the pin 5 to 13 connection.
the 5-13 connection doesnt change anything, though when the 10-12 connection is pulled out the yellow for the A terminals turns on and the green goes out. bad board?
It could be. It may be the motorshield. I burned through a couple before I found the right one. Which shield are you using?
The one from the Amazon link you provided, tho amazon is not shipping what is pictured. Ive had 2 primed to me already and theyre both Fundumoto R3 Shields.
@@not_tom_from_myspace8090 I've had to go on eBayto get them before. I will get you a link.
the link for the uno does not work any longer. is there an updated link??
Oh no! I will update that later
Hi Jimmy. So I have an Elegoo uno R3 and a Deek-Robot motor shield. Did your Arduino have a 12v max? Mine only says 9V max. I have a 5V power supply and a 12v (also the 9v battery hook up my kit came with) Just trying not to destroy my first Arduino set up. Thanks.
Hey Kent. If you cut the little VIN tracer on the motor shield. You won’t have 12V power flowing to it. The USB from the computer will provide 5V of power for the arduino. I’ve never had an issue with 12V and an UNO though. Just keep it at or below 2 amps.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad oh ok that makes sense. Thank you.
Kenton.
hope to get this working was tying with a pololu shield with no luck just started testing with the one you are using now still cant control the trains as of yet
+Jim C there are some slight differences using the pololu i know.
DIY & Digital Railroad
Yes I set that aside and am useing your set up the shield came in the mail today I am able to right to a loco now but can not control it.
@@jfcastiglia I am having the same issue, I am wondering if it is best to get the arduino brand motor shield, I hate to buy it then find out it was something stupid that I am not doing right
bigbread9000000 I have not been able to find one in stock:(
@@jfcastiglia www.amazon.com/Arduino-A000079-Motor-Shield-12V/dp/B0084ZQF3O/ref=pd_cp_147_1?pd_rd_w=57oUl&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=GESN65YT7J869DTQT2J1&pd_rd_r=dab69e60-0be8-11e9-b62b-4defc69ef940&pd_rd_wg=MhRtc&pd_rd_i=B0084ZQF3O&psc=1&refRID=GESN65YT7J869DTQT2J1
can i add bluetooth on this building, thanks
Not that I know of.
Is it possible to make it without the motor shield?
And can we build a dcc decoder using arduino?
Please help me out!
+Gautam Marla unfortunately the motorshield is what creates the DCC pulses. I have seen people who make DCC decoders out of arduinos.
Please make a video on arduino dcc decoders....
Jimmy, are you using the DCC++ system on your new layout you are working on building? If so, are you using the same arduino and motor shield?
Hey Stephen. I am actually going to be exploring DCC++EX. This is the next evolution.
Thanks! I looked that up on UA-cam last night. Looks pretty cool. I finally pulled the trigger after seeing the videos and bought the stuff to make my own DCC ++ EX system. It was my first purchase towards building my first layout! Thanks for your help!