Switch To DCC using Easy and Inexpensive DCC++ On Arduino
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2018
- SINCE THIS VIDEO WAS PUBLISHED AN UPDATED VERSION HAS BEEN AVAILABLE CALLED DCC++EX
If you haven't switched to DCC yet on your model railroad, it's about time to look into DCC++. DCC++ is an Arduino project with the aid of C++ developed by Gregg Berman to operate your model railroad with DCC. The best part of it is, you don't need a command station or any other conventional DCC products to operate your layout.
That's what is so amazing about this project. With just a few inexpensive components you can program you locomotive on the program track and operate your model railroad on the main track. Even with name brand components, you can be up and running for under $50 plus an inexpensive regulated power supply such as a wall wart with an output of 16 vdc at 1000 milliamps minimum.
Gregg Berman's DCC++ Channel
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github.com/DccPlusPlus?tab=re...
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Intended for viewers over the age of 14 - Навчання та стиль
JMRI allows multiple control system all running at the same time but only 1 can control the trains, this is set in defaults. So DCC++ for locos plus digitrax AND DCC++ for track detection, turnouts etc. I use nce as main controller and then digitrax/nce for turnouts and just digitrax for track detection.
I am thinking of selling the nce and replacing with the DCC++ I have.
Thank you very much. I'm going to have to look into that a bit further. That would be awesome to be able to use my turnout controls
No problem, thank you for putting so much useful and understandable info.
The JMRI setup is "edit", "preferences", "Connections" the "+" for the extra system. Then "edit", "preferences", "Defaults" for which one is main controller for various functions (throttles/turnouts etc).
JMRI is great but not so well documented nor covered well on you tube.
I can't believe it's that easy. I used that + before to test out two different configurations, but never used them together. Thank you very much. That looks like a future video once I get it working!
I’m just getting into this at 71 and I appreciate your guidance! Half of what you say is like a foreign language, but I’m learning, thank you!
There have been many advancements in the past 3 years since I did this video. Take a look at this one. This was from 1.5 yrs ago. This will give you an idea of what has been improved since thge original version that was written nearly 7 years ago. ua-cam.com/video/YBtYtcW3qSA/v-deo.html
You can visit their website for the latest version that was released a little over a week ago, dcc-ex.com/
Thanks for sharing, Tom. Arduinos are awesome for DCC. Subbed!
Thanks for the sub!
I was successful in getting DCC++ to work - it took a little bit of playing around with JMRI to get it working (most likely my fault as I selected the emulator first and then had to find how to point it to the correct connection). I used one of the motor shields from Deek-Robot. This board seems to be a direct clone of the Arduino V3 motor shield listed in the instructions, I was able to follow the directions and it worked with no issues. For the power I used a 15VDC 1.5amp power supply for a Android tablet, just cut the connector off and use the black and red wires. Another tip is to remember that you have to turn the DCC++ system on through the power control button in JMRI. Also make sure that you have your Arduino software closed out before starting in JMRI or it shows the port as in use.
Another great video, thanks for sharing this Tom.
That's great Dominic, glad to hear that at least one generic shield works. That's a good tip about the power! Thanks for the information.
Wow, that's amazing stuff, great video!
Thank you Jeff.
Man, you mentioned Bruce Chubb... That man's book "Build your own Universal Computer Interface" taught me most of what I know about computer hardware interfacing! Good to hear he's still into modeling! I've actually been away from model making for over two decades, and have been really itching to give it another go. I still remember the PC board etching, and all the soldering... Ordering parts and waiting 4-6 weeks for them to arrive (but only after they got my parent's check by mail first, or sometimes doing C.O.D.)... Umm... also chip sample abuse... LOL! Man... Now you just buy an Arduino and a shield for a couple bucks, and hook up a power brick and a Raspberry Pi and control it with a smartphone... Amazing, how far we've come!
His CMRI is based on that idea and has been updated. Not sure when the last update was. I'm in the same boat as you, around 1987 I had to stop everything when I was raising a family and started my business. I occasionally picked up a MRR mag and went to a few train shows in Timonium Md. I started back into the hobby about six years ago when we moved into our current house.
I remember those days of making my own circuit board from the designs in the MRR mag. I still have a momentum box I made way back when. Yes, we've come a long way. Welcome back!
Hello tom
Great series of videos.i just set up a dcc++ with arduino and rasberry pi.took a little bit but got it running.
My next adventure is to try and add a touch screen to the pi so i can have s complete unit to run off of other than the phone or tablet.
Once again thanks for the great videos.
Glenn.
Thanks Glenn, glad I could help.
ok I think I jumped from Lesson 101 to Lesson 701, lol. A wee bit over my head, but very interesting, thanks for sharing, Linda 🚂
When you get down to it, all you have to do is hook up the wires and it works.
Another great video thank you
Your welcome Mike.
Awesome video
Thank you
Show, great Idea
Thank you Ronaldo
Hi Tom, thanks for these videos they are very helpful, but with this setup with motor shield can I program a decoder I have fitted into a loco, that seems to be missing in all videos I watched or in your setup with the Arduino and motor shield is programming of decoder chip all done via JMRI... love these lets have more..
Everything is programmed through JMRI. There are a few modelers that have built their own DCC++ throttle but that's a little more involved. I have an entire playlist on JMRI & DCC++:
ua-cam.com/play/PLjjhnrIKSTSgWNyYqv9g68zdK3Bp8Lav7.html
C/MRI= Computer/ Model Railroad Interface source model railroader magazine started in January 1985 i forget the end date, Dr Chubb had an updated articles in the late 90's
I got a nice early 2008 Mac-Book-Pro to use on my DCC I just got to find out what else I need. My 3 Bachmann Trams are DCC equipped. I'd want to control switches Tram stops and routing.
What DCC system do you have?
@@TomsTrainsandThings Nothing yet. Looking at the Bachmann, NCE and Digitrax DS64 I believe for the switches. Not sure what to get. I got 2 iPads with touch screens and an old MBP laptop. Got 3 Bachmann Peter Witt trams that came with DCC installed and 3 Japanese trams with no DCC. My layout has 2 separate loops that don't connect using Kato's Unitram track so I can rund one side DCC and the other just DC so I don't have to spend a fortune with 2 complete systems.
Tom, is there a way to make a button or momentary switch for the bell &/or horn? It was really annoying hearing the bell ding throughout the entire run. Does it feature long and short blasts of the horn as required or is it another either on all the time or turn down the volume to control it? Thanks!
Everything is controlled through CV's in JMRI, which I went through the volume control of the sounds in the video. The bell can be set to ring at startup and continue through slower speeds, and then shut off at your desired speed step.The start and stop tuts, and also grade crossing sequence, can all be set easily through Decoder Pro. I have several videos on setting CV's via your throttle and using JMRI to set CV's and hooking up the wireless throttle on an android device.
Asking all these ddc control station , question useing different types of decoder r they all inchange i have digitrax chief
Michael, any decoder will work on any system
Silly question...
What pins do you connect from the Arduino to the track? everyone shows how to build the unit then show it working but no one states how to connect it to the track... thanks!
Links to all documentation is in the description. If you use the github link you willl see several pages including this one: github.com/DccPlusPlus/Documentation/blob/master/Motor%20Shield%20Pin%20Mappings.pdf
Hey Tom, I am having trouble uploading the Base Station sketch to more board. It comes up with a no headers file found and the it all compiles fine. Can you help please?
Send an email with a screen shot of sketch and error message.
This seems so interesting I’m just thinking do I use the digitrax DCC I have or do I build this up for my layout. Do you plan to keep the digitrax system on your layout or will you replace it with the DCC ++?
I'm using both on my layout. I'm also building a modular layout that will have nothing but Arduino's running it.
If I just set up a feeder track connected to the output of an arduino + motor shield +JRMI system can I edit the stored values on my Kato DCC loco? I've ordered a motor shield board. I suppose i just need an isolated section of track to do this? Sorry for the dumb questions. I've just recently returned to model railroading. My grandfather got in me into it during the 70s, and he was an early n scale fan, so this is where I'm returning.
That's the preferred way of doing it
Do you know if possible to add a Wi-Fi shield on top of base station? Thanks
Never tried it since I never had a need for it. I use my Raspi for the wifi signal to hook up my cell phone as a throttle.
You only have 8 pins available for custom use.
Hi Tom,
I'm hoping you can answer a question for me. This is my first DCC layout. On my DC layout, I was able to run my Model Motoring slot car set. I have several slot/RR crossings and I'm wondering if it's possible to use the crossing on my layout? I've heard that using DC with DCC will fry a system. Technically the cars aren't supposed to touch the track but I don't know. I've asked other people and it has stumped them. So I'm hoping you might be able to give me an answer.
Thank you, Tom,
Russell Loomis
You can not run DC & DCC at the same time. You can switch between them on the same track as long as the other is complacently isolated. As far as with the slot car on a crossing, anytime there is a short in the tracks, DCC shuts down the power until the short is cleared. If your worried about the split second there may be a short across the tracks when a car goes over, there are worse scenarios than that!
What if you want to use a handheld remote? I don't want to control my trains with a mouse. I know how to build a decoder, but what about the Aduino or Teensy or whatever decoding the signals directly from something like an EZ-Command or a Lionel Legacy controller or does that not make sense? I suppose another option would be to build a box with a potentiometer and buttons that is either read by the laptop software through a bluetooth connection or directly into the arduino
I have several videos using a mobile device as a throttle. There is a homemade throttle on Dave Bodners web site.
Could you use the DCC++ for just programing if someone is using the NCE system for the main running of trains
Yes, you can use just the Programming portion of the DCC++ base station as long as it's connected to JMRI. I heard it's possible to run both DCC++ & your existing Command Station together but I haven't experimented with it yet. That's another project on the list! lol
@@TomsTrainsandThings I found the motor on Amazon for $8 and the uno for $10, so I might just do that and use it for programming for now and maybe more later
Sounds like a good deal Joe.
Is it possible to do 2 or more DCC++ systems, with blocks on same layout and software?
I have not done it yet, but I've heard it can be done.
Hello Sir I just finished watching your video on How-to build a DCC system. Did I hear you right that if you have a DCC+ or DCC++ you can run a Layout as long as it has AC. So I can't run my Lionel Fastrak Locomotives?
Sincerely
Allan
DCC takes a DC voltage, turns it into a DCC signal specific to an address. A locomotive needs a DCC decoder to read this signal and turn it back to dc to run a dc motor. You'll have to look into what Lional has available in automation.
Hi Tom Great videos I enjoy them all. I have built a DCC++ system using arduino une and L298P shield with a 12 volt supply. The trains run but there is no voltage at the track. I am confused can you explain what's going on please. Rod from Scotland.
Send me an email with more details. Maybe with some pictures.
Forgive the stupid question: do the locos have regular DCC decoders? - and if so, why do you need a motor shield?
Yes the locos need a dcc decoder to operate. The Arduino micro controller produces the signal from the interrupt and timer pins, the motor shield has the circuitry to amplify the signal produced in two separate channels. One for programming and one for operation. JMRI is used as a means to communicate the throttle commands for everything to work.
Tom, has anyone heard from Gregg Berman in the last 4 years? He developed a great system then seemed to disappear. Do you know if anyone is going to take over support for his code? I have developed a PC board and a little bit of code to support the S88 sensor bus on DCC++ but am not sure who I should work with to make sure my code stays compatible with the latest DCCpp code.
Gregg stayed active on Trainboard forum for a few years afterwards. There are a few ppl taking over where he left of and the discussions still go on. There are even some variations of the original code which include more features.
It's been awhile since I kept up with the thread, but here's what I just found. Not sure ifthis is the original thread.
www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/dcc-update-project-2020.130071/
@@TomsTrainsandThings Thanks Tom. I may be getting involved with those guys.
Hello sir, I have a problem when the pro panel program is already open, its function Panels don't work. The power button is clicked on the loko, only a beep sound + the light is on.
Need more information. Are there any error messages? Have you double checked your connections & settings? Have you cleaned the track?
Send me an email!
@@TomsTrainsandThings hello sir, thank you for responding to my message, my problem has been resolved, I reset the arduino program and JMRI settings. now I can control my loko from my smart phone. 🙏 Thank you.
I had a question about the power supply I know once you do the etching on the motor shield it doesn't let the high voltage go through to the adreno. My question is how many trains will it run with the power supply back in your video or could I add a power supply save from an old computer and use that
The power supply does not limit the power, the shield does. If you requite more amperage, you can use a Pololu shield or check out the newest version DCC++EX which allows much more flexibility.
dcc-ex.com/
An old computer power supply will work great if you add a Buck Converter to boost the power to 18VDC.
ua-cam.com/video/-YFL0qWQE98/v-deo.html
Tom how many trains would I be able to run with just the regular plug in the wall DC converter
@@fruehauf01 Depends on the amperage rating of the wall wart and how many cars you pulll with your loco. You'll be able to run 4-5 locos if the wall wart is rated at 3 amps under normal conditions
Tom I think that may have just solved the problem I may not need to add the PC power supply and the booster just curious if I did add the computer power supply with the booster probably up to 18 votes how many trains could you run then
I also have an old spectrum magnom transformer that puts out 15 volts dc
ok Tom. i think i'm about to do this- convert to DCC++.
Congratulations. Piece a cake!
I just got a robotdyn motor shield and have not yet been able to get it to work. The voltage does not transfer from the power terminals to the motor terminals (yet). They have practically no documentation on this shield. What they do have seems to identify different pins for pwm control. They also differentiate between logic control and direct control without explaining what each does (there is a switch for each motor to change from one to the other). If anyone has gotten this to work I would appreciate any info even if it requires some sketch modification. Thanks.
Just like the Seeed Studio Motor Shield I mentioned in the video your RobotDyn Motor Shield uses pins 10 & 11 to drive the motor terminals. The Arduino Motor Shield uses pins 12 & 13. I went and purchased an Arduino Motor Shield even though Arduino is out of stock. There are suppliers that have them. It could probably be adapted, but I went the easier route of paying the $22 for the Arduino Shield.
RobotDyn has 3 different shields, is this the one you have! robotdyn.com/catalog/arduino/shields/motor-shield-2a-l298p-2-motors-for-arduino.html.
No one has come forward as yet on how to get these generic shields to work. When I finish up on my current project, I may go back to see how I can get the Seeed Studio Shield to work.
The one i have is robotdyn.com/motor-shield-1a-l293b-2-motors-for-arduino.html . With the exception of the pin designations everything on the shield is printed in Russian so I am not really sure what it all says. According to the "limited" documentation pins 10 and 11 are the pwm for m1 and m2, respectively. Pin 10 is combined with pin 9 and pin 11 is combined with pin 13. The page talks about logic control and direct control without really describing either. The logic control only requires two pins for each motor while the direct control requires three pins. I looked at the arduino sketch for the dcc++ and it does call out individual shields (two only), one being the Arduino shield. I may try to modify the sketch to include the shield I have and see what happens, if I feel adventurous. That being said, I think I will go with your recommendation and pop for the Arduino shield , if I can find one.
Disregard the extra pin designations on there. It looks like the pins are the same as in the other one, pins 10 & 11 are used to drive the motors. For the DCC++ you pick up your PWM signals so don't worry about the shield PWM. That's for controlling the motors connected to the terminals. Using DCC++ changes what they were initially intended for.
I just googled it and found 3 suppliers with the Arduino shield, but the price with shipping is double what they were 2 months ago when I bought mine.
Thanks Tom. I will let you know how this story ends.
Well, I gave up on the russian (Robotdyn) shield. I could not get any information on the board design to intuit the pin to pin traces so I went back to amazon.com and got a Deek Robot motor shield Rev 3 which is identical to the Arduino Motor Shield Rev 3. I got all of the programs set up; hooked up the pin connections as directed and the project worked the first time. The Russian shield is now in the trash where it belongs and all is well with my little dcc++ world.
Can you use the PC power supply on the motor shield? Or is that too much current
You can use the power supply with a boost converter to get the desired voltage at the motor shield, around 16 to 18 volts depending on what scale you operate.
@@TomsTrainsandThings so can you use the DC power supply that comes with most trains I know they run around 16 volts
@@fruehauf01 I would stick with a regulated power supply like a computer ps. You can try dc power pack. Not sure of the outcome with them. Electronics are finicky about power.
@@TomsTrainsandThings do you have a link to a boost converter
Hello! I was wondering how many trains can you run off of this system?
Mike, this unit can handle 2 amps, but the Polulo shield comes in a 3 & 5 amp version. Most command stations are 5 amps with some at 3 amp and boosters to handle 8 amps. It all depends on what scale you are running and the amperage of your locos. An N scale loco will require less amperage than an HO scale. The larger the scale the more
amperage draw from the loco.
@@TomsTrainsandThings I'm in n scale so that should suffice. I might try the 3 Amp version. Do you have a link by any chance?
www.pololu.com/product/2503
@@TomsTrainsandThings thanks an absolute ton!
I can program the loco on the program track and i see it move a bit when it programs to it. but if i pull up a throttle to move it i get nothing.
Program track is for programming only. The small nudge is an indication that the command was accepted.
I could have sworn that I see videos of people moving their locomotive on the program track.the only thing is I move the wires over to the main line on the motor shield and I get nothing
I guess I must have some kind of connection problem on my main line
I see the same thing. Any update on this?
@@chuckbade4486 I did get it to work.i redid my jumper wires. And was able to program on the program track. i then moved the wires to the main and pulled up a throttle and Wala. It worked. I also took off the shell off my loco and verified my decoder.
What if I need a booster? How does this connect to an Ntrak layout?
How many loco's do you run to require a booster?
@@TomsTrainsandThings up to 44 single locomotives and 6 or 8 consisted sets plus sound
@@robjones9691 You better stick with what yuou have now. DCC++ Nor DCC++EX were not made for that bog of layout. If you want mopre information on a possible way to fit your layout with DCC++EX, go to their Discord server and post as many questions as you like. There are many developers there all the time that can answer any question. discord.com/invite/y2sB4Fp
Is it possible for you to send me the DCC++ BaseStation code for Arduino? I know, it's available on GitHub, but I have some very weird issues going on and I am trying to see if somehow my version is corrupt .. it's a long story! Thanks, John
What I would send you would be no different from what you download from GitHub. Delete what you have and download once more.
Chris Rood and myself did the first video. Andy Crawford and myself did the second video.
Thank you for your input Robert. This old man can't remember everyone's name. I even messed up Gregg Berman's name the first time around. lol
Great videos I enjoy them. I built a DCC++ system using arduino uno and arduino L298Pshield. The trains run using a 12 volt supply but I am confused since there is no voltage at the output terminal or,obviously, the track. Could you explain whats going on please. Rod (Scotland)
Which motor shield are you using? Not all motor shields are the same even though they have the L298P. You say the trains run using a 12 volt supply; Are you saying they work with DC? What kind of decoder is installed in the locomotive?
@@TomsTrainsandThings Thank you for replying I really appreciate it. I am using genuine arduino shield Rev3 with box number A000079, the code on the receipt is 85423190. I have connected a 12 volt DC supply to the shield and cut the vin connection to prevent the shield feeding power to the uno R3. I have connected a USB cable to the computer. I am using JMRI and panel pro identifies the locomotive decoder; I have several different decoders in either Hornby or Bachman locomotives all of which are 7 or 8 years old. When I switch the system on and select a locomotive I can run the train although they stop at points which use tortoise motors. What I cannot understand is, as I say, there is no DC output voltage from the shield.
You can not read a DCC signal as DC. You have to use the AC scale since it is a high frequency signal and not a straight DC voltage. As far as your locos stopping at a turnout, you have to add feeders beyond the frogs of the turnout, since a lot of the turnouts do not carry the signal beyond the frog. Also some frogs are plastic. Some of the newer turnouts may have a wire on the bottom to route the power to the appropriate rail. Others are jumped within.
@@TomsTrainsandThings Thank you so much for that. So far as the turnouts are concerned I use Peco electrofrog with dropper wires to the tortoise and frog. I don't understand why the loco stops. When I used a Hornby select controller I could measure DC voltage at the turnout to make sure I had the switch wires to produce the right polarity. I can't do that now; is the DCC++ system different. Please excuse me if this is a daft question but I am struggling to understand how this system works.
The video I'm referring you to is not an electrofrog, but it's the same principal. This may help you to find where your problem is. ua-cam.com/video/DEGu63C2EN0/v-deo.html
Remember DCC or DCC++ is Not DC, it can not be read with a meter on the DC setting, it has to be read on the AC scale. Maybe a better way to check to see if your wires are correct is to not apply power and check for continuity on the rails making sure you have continuity from the rail continuing past the frog.
Thank you Tom. As always a great video. What service, I ask one day and get it the next. Do you take other requests? I am thinking about 2 other Arduino projects. LOL
Will, you just happened to ask the right question at the right time. lol If you have any ideas, let me know.
I have a large N Scale layout. You can see it on my channel.
ua-cam.com/video/vOfyPQvsH7E/v-deo.html
I have 42 turnouts mounted with the Hoffmann Switch machines. I also have 2 unpowered Peco turntables. Right now I am looking for ways to control both. A friend claims Arduinos can control both for far less than buying DCC stationary decoders like the Lenz LS-150.
It can all be done but it would be a major undertaking with the 42 turnouts. Either mount them with servos and use 3 16 channel servo boards, or keep the existing switch machines and use relay boards to operate the switch machines, all controlled from the Arduino. As for the turntables, there was a modeler (Greg Heinz) on UA-cam Model Builders Arduino Workshop that was working on a turntable control. This was a while back, and I haven't seen anything further on it. As always, they say you can find links in the description and on the Google page, but I have yet to see anything in the description or the Google pages with any useful information on past episodes.
Hi Tom. I'm really confused. If you already have Digitrax system equipment running your layout, why do you need the Arduino DCC++? After all, doesn't the "Digi" in Digitrax mean digital?
Using it for an additional section of the layout. I also have a module where it will be exclusively Arduino. It can also be used in portable layouts that are taken to train shows.
for this channel I always select
Much better than your first comment!
Hello Tom, first of all congratulations for your channel : really well done and superlative !! I have one question if i don't bother you too much : i have a VELLEMAN VMA03 shield for Arduino ( 2,5 A per channel and already equipped with jumper to chooese between internal or external supply ). Is there some rule to understand jumpers i have to connect together? Or can you help me to understand which jumpers i have to connect? I add also link to website where you can see all details : www.velleman.eu/products/view/?id=412538
I have not tested the Velleman for DCC++ although there was one other person that said they got that brand to work. But never stated how they got it to work. To my knowledge there are only a few that work. Arduino, Pololu, and Deek Robot. The problem with most motor shields is that the pins required for the DCC signal is being used for other functions in most motor shields except for the ones I stated.
@@TomsTrainsandThings thank you very much for reply .. now i understand better .. i will try and check pololu shield
)
;-)
LOL i like you tchou tchou
i am not good with computers at all.. and writing code. well that is far left field and i play first base. lol also the reason i don't get into 3 D printers. just too much computer work.
The good part about this is the code is already written. You don't have to code a thing. JMRI's been around for a long time and it's the easiest way to program your locos. Easy as Raspberry Pi. lol
It appears to be that simple. Use the existing interface to control and add new DCC equipped locomotives. App is available for Android, probably iOS and PC.
Sparky if you can upload videos to UA-cam you can put together a dcc++ base station no problem.
I had the Elegoo motor shield and it did not work. Actual Arduino motor shields are hard tobget right now.
That's what I though too until I Googled it. Check out Studico. Their only shipping method is FedEx so hopefully you need something else there.
the Elegoo or other similar designed motor driver use L298N H-Bridge chipset, it doesn't actually have lots of current capability if you refer to the datasheet.
if you were to draw any current above 1.5A, the chip is in overdrive and close to 3A you either get a toaster or a fried chip.
you should look for something like IRF3205 MOSFET base motor driver, it can easily do 10A or higher without breaking a sweat.