An Arduino DCC++ Base Station: The Hardware - Part 2 of 4
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 лип 2024
- Second in a series detailing how to use the Arduino as a DCC++ base station. Topics covered include an intro to the Arduino Uno, and how we can produce DCC logic signals utilizing some of the Uno's advanced PWM capabilities.
- Навчання та стиль
Glad I found your videos as I have started using the base station and love it. And now I can learn how it really works. Thank you.
Many thanks for taking the time to produce these very clear videos. I've learnt a great deal and it filled many holes in my knowledge that I wasn't aware existed.
I do have a question. Is there any fundamental difference between the two sources for the main and program tracks?
Hello DCC++, I just looked at these four parts. I find them quite informative as they give me insight into how such a system works. The question I now have is, 8 years have passed and the number of Arduino clowns has increased, and the performance has increased. Do the z. B. a UNO + Wi-Fi R3 AT mega328P + ESP8266 CH340 (32 MB memory) 6V-9V with L293 motor shield? I just bought these two devices yesterday because I thought that every Arduino and motor shield would work.
Another question is: I wrote a sketch for an ATTiny88 that evaluates a sensor. How do I transfer the calculated speed to the locomotive, and how do I recognize which locomotive is entering my sensor area?
LG Lutz Müller
Hi,
Really love your videos on DCC++. I am just starting to design a small n scale layout and would like to implement the Arduino DCC++ Base Station on my layout. Will you be coming out with further videos and also the C++ code? Also, do you mind sharing your track plans? Your track plans are really suited for automated control.
+Shane Simcock
Shane, thanks for the kinds words. The plan is to next post my Arduino C++ code to GitHub. The codebase is mature but needs some more commenting in order to be useful to others. I hope to have it ready in a few weeks, at which time I'll also post a new video explaining the code and the command set. Note that this C++ code only forms half of the system. The interface is actually Java code that runs on a PC or MAC in the Processing IDE (though it can also run standalone with just Java). However, the C++ code communicates back and forth with the interface over the serial port (USB) using simple single-letter commands. This means you can use the Arduino IDE serial monitor to manually type in these commands to test the Arduino software and even control a layout. I wouldn't recommend using this in production, but it would allow you to create your own interface if desired (instead of using the Java version that I'll post after the C++ Arduino).
I'd be happy to share the layout as well. Give me a few days to figure out where to post it and I'll let you know when it's up.
+DCC++
Thank you, for willing to share your layout plans and also taking the time to share information regarding DCC++. From the videos, I am guessing that you have used Kato Unitrack.
Have to watch Part 3 and 4 of the Hardware videos that you have uploaded yesterday. Looking forward to your posts on C++ code and the Java interface code that you have compiled for the Arduino DCC++ Base Station.
+Shane Simcock
Shane, per your suggestion I've uploaded my track plans to GitHub--- they are available at: github.com/DccPlusPlus?tab=repositories. Hope you find them helpful!
Why PMW pin #3 is not usable?
I was also wondering the same. DCC++ says it is not as suitable (12:35) but does not explain why. I'd like to actually scale this up (maybe using a Mega to get a few more PWM outputs, maybe multiple UNOs...) and this is one thing I really need to understand. So... what property of Timer2 makes it not suitable?
I did not delve into the datasheet but u can check if this timer is shorter in byte count than the other two and with 16MHz crystal it might not generate the proper delay length, this is my fast assumption based on my brief acquaintance with the 8051 uC family
Some of the audio leaves a lot to be desired. Plus all these videos were made 6 years ago. Should I completely ignore these videos and move to something more current?