DCC++EX: A Cheap DIY DCC System?!?! This is a Model Railroad Game Changer
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- #modeltrains #modelrailroad #modelrailroading #DCC #DCC++EX #DCC++ #DIY #modeltrainset #trainset #modelrailroadlayout
Welcome back everybody! Today is a tutorial that I have been researching and working on for many months. DCC++EX! This is a huge deal in my opinion and all the credit has to go to the guys who have made this possible. My research into this consisted of understanding the construction and implementation process as well as making sure that you could too. This is an amazing DIY system that I now have controlling 2 model railroads!
DCC++EX Website
dcc-ex.com/
Arduino IDE Download Page
www.arduino.cc...
Original DCC++ Tutorial
• DCC for less than $45!...
Parts
Arduinos
UNO
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MEGA
amzn.to/35XFLLG
Motorshield
amzn.to/3A3xkMP
9V Power Supply (Arduino)
amzn.to/2TbL1bV
12V 5A Power Supply with adapter(Motorshield) Cut the VIN power trace before connecting or else you will fry your arduino.
amzn.to/3xSKryq
Wifi Options
Makerfabs Wifi Shield (Best)
www.robotshop....
ESP-O1 Wifi Module
amzn.to/3x2Zplk
Wangtongze Wifi Shield
amzn.to/2U3FB2M
Extra wires to make it all work
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“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.
But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.
Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall;
don’t be happy when they stumble.
For the Lord will be displeased with you
and will turn his anger away from them.
Don’t fret because of evildoers;
don’t envy the wicked.”
Proverbs 24: 16-19 NLT - Навчання та стиль
The price point of entry is what drew me towards this system as I'm getting started with FreemoN. This was super easy to sit down and configure and I quickly had my first train running as a test using the web based controls. Can't wait to fine tune and expand this system as my system grows. Thanks for sharing... absolutely agreed that it's a game changer setup and the DCC++EX groups support and information is great!
I have just DC and like the hands on running of my trains. Not planning on getting any DCC trains but this was fun to see how you setup one for DCC++EX. 🚂🚂🚂💖💖💖
GOD BLESS 😊
Great explanatory video, I'm in the process of setting up a DCC++EX setup. I managed to get the MakerFabs wifi shield through eBay. Once I've got things going I will see about sending some photos for your Virtual train show.
One day I am going to do this, just for fun.
thank you share great ideal video
from Australia
Great update, Jimmy. I'm building a second switching layout and plan to use this to power it. Thanks for the great explanation.
Good evening
I would like to know what replaces the Wifi card because on Amazon we can't find any more at the moment (Aruino Méga + schield motor and wifi).
Thank you for your reply. Sincerely
Awesome, thanks for that ! What is the app name pls ? Can't find it on play store. Thanks !
Second comment: Rons Trains and Things said ESU decoders don't play well with JMRI, so one must use a Windows computer and ESU programmer
Just know that if you go this route things won't ship for weeks or maybe months. They come from all over hell's half acre. The outright and total refusal to stock these items is very frustrating, especially in 2024.
This ain't easy for a beginner. I'm hung up on a couple things. I have a main track. Is it a must that I have a programming track? Are power supplies and track all connected and powered up while I'm trying to load the programs? My wifi board from Robotshop somehow got a wrong zip code and was delivered to a wrong state. Can I set up without it using my laptop for control?
A question about the motor shields. I want to run multiple power districts, and possibly use one as a reversing section. Any idea if there is a way to do this with a dcc++ / dcc++EX system? I heard the comment about boosters, I have a suspicion that you could just feed the track in to the h-bridge of another motor shield, but don't have the equipment to test that theory.
You can do that and you must specify the pins in the config file as well....as one of the developers I recommend joining the DCC++EX discord server.
N scale: 12volt or 15volt? Why rx pin 19 to tx pin 3 on wifi? is not the entire tx side on Wifi connected? And rx side on wifi board connected? Do I have to connect to that specific pin?
Hey Jacob. For the power to the shield, I use a 12v 5amp power supply. I power the arduino with 9v 1amp. The entire side of the rx and tx should work, I just found those pins to work best.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I saw somewhere that I needed to bend 2 pins out from wifi board so that they do not make contact with the arduino. Do I need to do that and which pins?
I used the ESP-01 module when I built my setup a few months ago, and it has performed flawlessly. My layout is in the garage and it boots up and is ready to go in just a few seconds. I use Station mode; AP mode works fine, but I quickly tired of changing my phone's Wi-Fi network every time I wanted to run trains.
I'm using station mode as well. For similar reasons. Can keep my phone on my normal home WiFi network.
Why not just get a Third World donor fone? As long as it will hold Engine Driver it should work. We are using junkers on our portable club layout now.
On your ESP-01 module, where does the ground wire connect to? Thanks
@@danzo5521 I'm pretty sure it is the GND terminal.
@@PatrickMcNealPuppets-n-Things thank you, I rewatched the video and figured it out, thanks!
Ugh. This video came out 3 months after I spent 60 hours building a crude DCC system using a PIC16 microcontroller. But I was doing it as an exercise to learn more about microprocessors and assembly language. I didn’t even control locomotives; I just switched LED lights using the DCC protocol. I could’ve done the same thing using C and UART but then I wouldn’t learn as much about the microprocessor.
I can't open Engine Driver pass the (Server Address and Port and then Connect). I tried every port and server! The DCC-EX is running and 192.168.4.1 Port=2560 seems OK. I’m running DCC-EX on Chrome and JMRI on android tablet. Help!
Also to note you can only have 4-5 wifi connections at any given time.
Will the: HiLetgo OTA WeMos D1 R2 CH340 WiFi Development Board ESP8266 ESP-12F For Arduino IDE UNO R3
work instead of the Makerfab? Im having a hard time finding one that i dont have to wait 3 months for!
thanks to Dcc++ i was able to finally get my analog locos into DCC which was a real game changer for me. Also a big "THANK YOU" to you for bring this to the community! and thanks to Ron's train N thing for invite us to this amazing channel - Cheers from BA
Hi,
I using my train model to bring food to the table in my restaurant, but the guy that programs our software did failed and we have to many bugs to continue to use his software. we need to start from scratch and the solution you give in this video seems interested. Is it easy to link this DCC system to a custom app that will be able to select a specific train, send it to a specific table, stop 25 seconds and comeback to the station. It seems simple, but apparently is not. Do you know how much it should cost to program DCC++Ex to do such a thing?
I'm about to start converting my DC system to DCC Ex following your video on this subject but I have a few questions. My N scale layout DC system with five main loops, a number of sidings and a turntable using a separate DC controller for each of the five main loops and isolating switches for sidings and turntable. My questions are going to DCC Ex do I just parallel up all loop feeders maintaining same polarity? The main layout is approximately 8X4 feet, each loop is probably about 20 feet. Also what size power supply would I need to probably run about 4 engines at any time? I would appreciate any advice in these areas. Really enjoy your Videos and advice. Thanks
What is the easiest way to get the ESP-O1 Wifi Module working? like a step by step. I'm assuming I will need the Arduino IDE to program with?
Good evening
I would like to know if it is necessary to wire the Wangtongze Wifi shield before downloading the DCC++EX program.
Thank you for your reply.
Fantastic video thanks for placed on UA-cam and good explain !! 🙏🚂🚆😎.
HC Treintje Herman from Belgium 😁😀🚂🚆😎.
This guy's just putting a bunch of circuit boards on the screen right now and I have no idea how this all goes together. 4:20
Let's see if the rest of this actually makes sense. I doubt it since it looks like some Radio Shack level stuff.
Instead of using a Makerfabs ESP8266 WiFi Shield can a ARDUINO UNO WiFi REV2 be used instead?
Well assembled my arduino mega according to this video an manually downloaded JMRI Cab Engineer onto my Android devices. Now I have a problem. I can connect once to my base station and when I shut my system down and try to reconnect I can't. I get an error basicaly telling me that the connection can not be made and I need to do something in withrottle to fix the problem but I can't find withrottle to fix the problem. Can anyone help!
Working on my own DCC++EX - I have the mega and motor shield, power supply and power for the motor shield -- now need to get wi-fi shield. And DCC locos. DOH
Hey Jimmy, top video mate!
And a very deserving plug for the DCC-EX team. They're working hard on this.
Please correct the Arduino IDE serial monitor baud rate you mentioned: it is 115,200. Not 112,500 as you read out.
New subscriber here! 🇦🇺🤠👍
Excellent video. Thank you for doing this. I’ve used DCC++ EX on Arduino with my win10 laptop for a while. It connects with JMRI to run multiple locos, turnouts and sensors without problems. I got the WiFi card from England and paid more for shipping than the card itself. I have not tried to install the WiFi card yet and this video will help me.
AWESOME!!! Keep up the good work .Hope there more to come.
@diydigitalrailroad, do you have a working link for the motorshield to use with the Mega? The link goes to a digital camera lol. Also is there a way to run more than 2 dc motors or is each setup restricted to just 2dc motors and thus requires multiple standalone units to control more?
I can't get dcc++ working, did as per video, engine goes slow around test track, jmri looks like it finds the loco but no control, help
I don't understand. Can I use an Ethernet shield? Or, does my phone connect directly to the Arduino, and not through my network?
good vid jimmy keep posting vids up
Has anyone used the Arduino with built in WiFi and how did it preform with motor shield? I thought an Arduino Mega had to be used due to power and current draw
and as of 2024 you can program cv’s right through engine driver!
Thanks for the video and information. I currently use a Raspberry Pi with a pi-sprog3 plus running JMRI but I am always interested in trying out new ways of controlling my railway :-) As I need to be able to program my decoders I will probably continue to use JMRI but will be interested to see how DCC++Ex develops. All I need to do now is see if I can find the various items needed over here in the UK :-) Thanks again and thanks for Bible verses.
so you don't need the jumper wires like in the original DCC++?? Wifi is of no interest to me....
Looks like the motor shield I got is DOA (no lights or anything) . Will have another one here in a day or two hopefully.
Given none of the shields in this video are available any more, might be time for a refresh video on updated kit =)
Hi Jimmy DCC++ EX is Fantastic i have been using it and the different version and currently . While i am a Tech guy . I started using with Uno and Now with the latest version i am using a Mega and you Engine Driver and built one for my mates layout the only problem is Living in Australia It has been hard to get MakerFab WiFi SHield So i have been using Esp-01 it is very powerful and i love using My DCC++EX main on my mates track as i have mostly DC N Scale and only a couple of DCC Locomotives But i have modified my layout so 1 track is DC and the other is DCC . I want to say thanks i Use your design of the Station stop Arduino on my DC and i have IR sensors around the track to control the speed of my DC I am not good a programing but i can read and modify code.. I do enjoy your videos Thank you Regards Greg
not sure if it's been pointed out to you or not, but at 9:50 your mask on the network name does disappear briefly
Thank-you for this video; this is a really interesting system. The major draw of the DCC++EX system for me is the ability to build it myself; I like building things, so this becomes another aspect of the hobby. The price is nice as well of course, and I suppose it also means I wouldn't be locked into proprietary components.
I've seen and read a few other things about this (and DCC++) and people frequently refer to "limitations" of the system, but people don't talk much about those limitations. Do you suppose you could do a video on the (current) limitations of the system? For me, it's just as important to know what I *can't* do.
As one of the developers mentioned wifi is limited to 4-5 throttle connections connected directly to the command station....unless you use JMRI then you can have more....the other limitation is the memory and ram of the Arduino itself....you cannot use commercial DCC throttles with this system....that's a few and we are working on ways to solve that.
@@scottericcatalano596 still... quite impressive.
I will get back to this when I'm building my railroad. It is intriguing.
Many years ago I was an over the road truck driver. I had a railroad in the top bunk. Rather then use a conventional power pack, I got a 2n3055 transistor, heat sink, A dpdt switch, and just used the trucks 12v power out of a cigarette lighter. Simple stupid effective.
This looks like worth exploring. Thx
While trying to upload I continue to get "Compilation error: DCCEX.h: No such file in directory" However when I look at the directory the DCCEX.h file is in the directory. Any help would be appreciated.
That’s coding and hardware for ya. Classic. Good luck to ya. I’ve been there many times!
Might be cheaper somehow, but I don’t see anything easy about it
I run 12v to the computer and cut the vin trace on the motor shield and run it on 15v.
Hello, I bought a Koobook Model # L29P motor shield from Amazon that doesn't have the same pins, it does have a logo of Deek-Robot on it but not sure which pin to connect too. can someone help?
Is it this one? amzn.to/3P3Ob9R
Angel Gigabit eh? Yeah your blur was asleep on the job.
please share with me where order parts is it online or a store in our area iam between statesville and winston salem thanks
The DCC++EX installer is much easier to use than using the arduino editor. I also recommend the combined mega with wifi board, no jumpers needed unless you add a display.
Yes the automated installer is much easier, but after consulting with the DCC++EX guys. It’s still got some bugs to work out, which is why I did the IDE setup.
Hi as a disable. person with a limited budget this is such a amazing solution. for my needs thank for time given in help so many kind regards Mike Cambridge U.K
Know the restrictions on being disabled on limited budget. I was fortunate enough at the beginning to have a little money to make purchases. Have trains, have track and an MRC throttle.
Now all I have to do is get my sons to set up a train table. I've got a decent amount of stuff to get gping , just no current operating table. It takes time. 😎
It worked for me. But not able to add roster in egine driver
I've been binge watching your videos for some time now and finally got my Arduino items to try DCC++/DCC++EX! I have one question, do you need a mega for the MakerFab WifiShield configuration or would a Uno R3 do?
Thanks in advance and happy modelling!
Hello! You do need an arduino mega for the Wi-Fi setup
How do we set-up this for JMRI? We would like to use this on our programming track station only
When you start up JMRI you select DCC++EX as the command station.
If you do a follow up video, maybe you can mention the easy to use installer as an option instead of using the Arduino IDE. No compiling or technical expertise required, including selecting the option to connect to your home network instead of making the Command Station an access point (AP).
It’s like you know what I am doing Thursday!
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I wish we had the prettier face on the installer. It is still Beta and it will look a bit nicer soon.
Yes im still working on it and am always open to suggestions
I have a background in Robotics and process control... from 1986...! Hated the course as did my classmates. Most of the profs were stumbling around just trying to teach us. Sometimes we had to correct the profs! out of 87+/- students to start, 8 graduated. I have no idea what is going on in the video. It looks like I'm going to have to do some research, just to understand. Once I figure out what's what, just from the comments, This looks like my best bet. By the time I add on some sort of screen, keyboard, etc I'm guessing, from the prices I've seen, this will STILL be about 1/4 the cost of a "DCC starter system" and from what I understand, will be better then the "chief" top end systems. I have a lot to learn (and not a lot of time to learn it, as in, life span, lol!) but looks like it will be worth it!
In my DCC++EX experience, if you connect Arduino Uno or Mega to computer using USB connection for JMRI you don't need to power Arduinos with external power supply. USB 5volt DC power seems to be enough. If the computer has Wi-Fi connection to home wireless router, JMRI WI-Throttle works very well with Android Engine Driver on a cell phone. Then both JMRI Operations track and Programming track outputs on the motor shield are available ... maybe these could be subject of another video.
Throttle options will be a subject of another video.
While many people don't want or need the complexity of JMRI to just run trains, there are obviously a ton of serious railroaders who want all JMRI offers. We cover that on the we page. You don't need a WiFi board on the CS at that point, you use the WiFi in the computer running JMRI and connect to that.
Be sure of your power requirements when running off USB power. It DOES work fine for probably most cases, but both the USB port on computers and the USB circuitry on the Arduino are limited to 500mA. If you had a Bluetooth or WiFi board on there or a lot of sensors and outputs connected directly to the Arduino, that might not work. The Mega can only take 800mA anyway, so the extra 300mA would only matter to someone with one of the situations I mentioned.
@@DCCEX All true ... but sooner or later model railroaders need to change CV values ... like when you buy a new engine preprogrammed with address 3. For myself, that's why I installed ... and learned the little I know about JMRI ... for DecoderPro. My experience so far is that DCC++EX works very well with DecoderPro and a programming track which for me is essential.
@@donaldkormos5529 I agree. And I like JMRI. But I do want to mention you can do all that without JMRI. You can program CV's right from a serial monitor in DCC++EX if you like, but some phone app throttles support CV programming as well.
We are adding CV programming and turnout control to WebThrottle-EX, so tools like that can be used just as something to program locos even if you don't use them to control them.
As much as I like JMRI and think it is extremely powerful, with power and options comes complexity. Plus, it is Java. it has a terrible user interface, is very convoluted, and has a steep learning curve. The page read feature is one of the nice benefits though! We've sped that up considerably. We do write code updates to JMRI as we come out with new features, so I'm not knocking it, just acknowledging we need an "I just want to run trains" (aka Conductor) solution.
I'm looking to get this for my layout, as a second controller. I will be using it for my accessories and programming track. I will use my z21 Start for track power only. Looking forward to ordering mine :)
Ok im going to order one right now! Thanks
Jimmy, thanks for making these videos, they're very helpful. If you're still reviewing comments on this video, I have 2 questions.
I'm trying to set up an Arduino Uno DCC++ command station, for use with a laptop for programming DCC, and a DCC-EX wireless command station with an Arduino Mega for use with modules.
Q1: For the DCC++ programming setup, I believe the 9v power supply for the Arduino Uno is not required because the Uno is powered by the laptop via the USB port? I'm sure the guys at DCC-EX say don't use both?
Q2: I've loaded the latest sketch to the Uno, connected a 13v 1.2a supply to the motor shield, connected the Uno to my laptop via the USB port and wires from the motor shield to my ops track only (A). But I have no lights on the motor shield. I tried a different Uno with the same results. I tested the power supply - it works ok. I tried a 3d Uno, an Elegoo Uno but, even though I have lights on the motor shield for the ops track, I also have a dim light on the negative connection (B) with no wires connected. And it still doesn't operate? I can't get JMRI to talk to it? But with the Elegoo unit, power is getting through to the track because the sound and lights of the loco are on?
Any idea what the problem is? Do I have 2 failed Unos? Do I have a failed motor shield? Is there someway of testing the motor shield without the Uno?
Sorry, that's more than 2 questions- lol.
I have to wander if the Arduino Giga R1 with Wifi and BT with the Arduino Motor Shield Rev3 would make a good combination for this build.
Do you have any working links to this software? As of this writing all my DCC++ EX website links are 404 errors.
Next step, who makes the smallest diy decoder ? The ability to make a DCC decoder would even be better than the station. It's no cheap thing to put 100 decoders in the same amount of locs.
what about accessory modules?
Can you get rid of the music?
Need a little more help here, not being an electrician and new to these little circuit boards I'm trying to determine how you know if you cut enough of the VIN Connect to isolate the power from frying the Arduino? I have used an Hobby knife to cut between the contacts but not sure how to test it.
I've been waiting for this to come out for years, I bet it's been out for a while already 🤣. I think your censoring of your WiFi SSID went away for a sec, too. Just letting you know.
I had a DCC++ (not EX) layout which used a second Arduino to provide the throttle controller - no PC needed (not even a Pi)! And it could program, too, in a clunky but functional fashion.
Considering I was thinking about shelling out $$$$ for a Digitrax Zephyr on my small N scale setup; this is amazing
Would you setup a discord or something so we can pester and ask questions?
ive been wanting to get DCC but cost has been the killer
I see you have Kato double track. Can you please make a video on how to wire dog bone with turnouts with DCC++ Ex and reversing loops at ends?
The RP2040 isn't a mini computer, it's just a microcontroller like the Arduino boards use. It's made by the Raspberry Pi foundation and is quite capable.
Hi Jimmy, thanks, great vid. Question: can I connect all in the same manner to the Märklin 3-rail AC system? Thanks!
I was just down at me local electronic store, and they have a mega with WiFi built into it, would this work??
This is a great project!
Despite having a Z21, I'm going to have a go at this especially as I am pretty comfortable with coding. My only concern is track power. OK there are a few boards that can deliver hefty current, but I would prefer to fit boosters. Do you know if it is possible to piggy back or stack multiple motor drivers? What other options might there be. My basic research has only unearthed solutions that go way beyond my comfort zones.
Woot thanks for the Feature
Very intriguing. In the fast lane for us yet. Where only sketching out our new 5th line for DCC. Leaving the other 4 DC. Thanks for posting🚂🇨🇦
I'm glad you have convinced me to just support you, watch your videos and not build a darn thing. I am so lost, I think when I saw what you said is a raspberry pie and something that my wife baked for dessert. Best of luck!
Jimmy, You have out did yourself again with this video, it's great as usual. I have a dcc++ and have played around with DCC++ EX both of which I have found to be excellent. I have a Raspberry Pi 4B with JMRI connected to the DCC station and I login in with engine driver, or my wife's old I-Pad using the one for apple. I normally use Pi-sprog on the layout when I run DCC, or program my trains. My layout started 26 years ago as DC which I still use. I have double poll double throw switches . The layout was originally setup up for 4 DC throttles.
All are either kits or ones I built from scratch, When I went to DCC, I changed the DC side to 2 throttles, this way I can setup the DCC to run on one switch and use the other to hookup
to a programming track. It's a little complex but I have all the switches marked as to what they do. The only thing I found with DCC+ + or EX is I can not program trains with it. But that could just be me. My background was electronics and I did do some programming. My last gig was working on Cisco Routers and Switches for a major bank.
@12.56, why we need to bend the digital pins -0 and 1?
Those pins affect the signal routing for this setup. Bending them so that they don’t connect prevents disruption.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad Thank you
What are the main advantages, other than the WiFi support, over DCC++ ?
What are your thoughts on just getting the Arduino Mega with the ESP8266 built onboard?
I understand that can work and would eliminate the extra shield or flying wires for an external ESP8266 chip.
Thank you for the Video Jimmy. Loads of info, I'm pretty exited and can't wait to find out more.
Good Morning, after putting this wifi card that you show in the video is it necessary to have some programming for it or not, just connect and connect the wires?
I used your recommended parts. Got it all together. Nice instructions on video. Loco wasn't working. I forgot to turn on track power. I am using for portable program and test track.
This is awesome (I'm planning a Swiss N Layout). One question.......what about electrofrog turnout polarity? With a point motor, can DCC++ change the polarity? Lots still to learn!
PS : Subscribed!
Big thank you Jimmy. Got my wifi board in the mail yesterday and after a trouble free 45 minutes, dcc++ was gone and I was running my first engine through my phone. Big smile on my dial! No more running from my laptop to stop an out of control train!
Nice video Jimmy!!!
Can I use 15volt 5A power supply for motor shield ?
great video. i just want to know why at 6:30 you plug in power to the Arduino? i thought the usb cable would supply that
Looks pretty straightforward, if I only understood even a part of that LOL. Maybe one day.... I admire your easy step by step approach.
I used a MEGA with builtin esp8266 wifi, took a little effort to setup but works great.
Awesome video! I have an old analog train layout. Is there any easy way to change to DCC? Thanks
PS when uploading the file to the Arduino Mega there was two green leds one was flashing until the sketch was done uploading and now there is one led a steady red near the reset button
How did you make the Y adapter for the ESP-01 jumper?
Thanks Jimmy. Awesome instructional vid! Did the guys at DCC++EX happen to mention anything about using this setup with more than 1 throttle/phone at the same time? Running two locos each with their own throttle.
Yes! Max of 4 to 5 connections.
but only one thing it still needs a laptop or computer to wright the sketch so how is it better its not less expense
This is amazing. Setting up and wiring DCC and power are the two things I am most daunted by, honestly, but this looks like FUN! And the DCC++EX site has great instructions. And ... well, lower cost is always better. And I have a nice little laptop lying around that I can use as a support PC to load JRMI and do updates with. Awesome video and thank you Jimmy for bringing this to us!
I have a background in Robotics and process control... from 1987... I have no idea what he's talking about. Overwhelming!. I haven't touched electronics since that course, it was brutal and completely turned me off. Spent my teens fiddling with electronics, I have about 10 years experience, but this?!?
I followed this video and was successful! I used the ESP-01 with a breadboard to share the 3.3v power and its definitely flaky but it works. I ordered the wifi shield to hopefully resolve that rather than using breadboard power supply. Thanks for making this video!!!