DCC system test track?

[deemery]

I ordered one of the DCC-EX pre-assembled units:  https://smarthobbyllc.com  (Note the order button doesn't work correctly, just send Jack an email and he'll send you an invoice.)  

Since I'm nowhere near ready to actually run stuff on the layout (I want to get enough scenery done to prevent any derailments from tumbling to the floor). I'm pondering a test track setup for this.  My initial thought would be to use cheapo Atlas snap-track in an oval, with a passing siding along the curve.  Outside edge would be 18", inside would be 15", so I could easily check how locos run on 15" radius.  I'm sure some won't make it.  And inside that, I'd put an HOn30 loop for my little lokeys.  

But since this would be a 'start from scratch' project, I'd be interested in thoughts/suggestions.

dave

[deemery]

Ok, my DCC-EX board is due here today.  I've ordered an oval of flex track, and a cheap DCC equipped diesel.  In the meantime, I've been reding up on DCC-EX.  It seems that, if you use their specific supported computing environment(s), things should work OK.  BUT that's not my environment.  I won't install Chrome on my computer, and I don't use an Android phone.  That's going to make testing and learning this system very difficult.  

Anyone else out there using DCC-EX?  

dave

[deemery]

Quick update:  My environment is Mac OS Sequoia (and I will NOT run Chrome.) I downloaded the Opera browser, changed my Mac OS settings to "allow accessories to connect when unlocked", and launched the local WebThrottle "index.html" file.  I pressed the 'connect base station' button, selected 'USB serial' connection, and the panel seems to be fully active.  Next step will require the cheap used DCC diesel that should arrive in the next day or two, but for now, it looks like everything is testing.

dave

[jbvb]

Jimmy (he calls himself) talks a pretty good video, but I don't find any links on that page to anything written down about it.  No specifications, no documentation, no indication of future directions.  Glad it works well for you.

It really isn't my cup of tea, because a big component of my own layout "givens and druthers" is that I will not require myself to maintain a computer and software in order to run my trains.  Even if it's sold as a phone.  I do use JMRI DecoderPro and an ancient Digitrax USB DCC programming interface. It controls a couple of feet of old flex track nailed to plywood on a different floor of my house.

[deemery]

There's something very nostalgic about sitting on the floor constructing an oval of Snap Track (including the pain in my fingers from inserting rail joiners.)


dave

[elwoodblues]

Dave,

I'll be following along.  My plan is to use DCC-EX for my N-scale modules.  I have all the components, just need to put them all together.  The code required runs through the Arduino I/O platform which runs on my Macbook Pro with no issues.  Like you, Chrome is not an option.

I'm interested to see what your experiences are.

[deemery]

Today I took the test SW9 with me to the NMRA NER Convention, and asked the guys with the FreeMo layout to give it a whirl.  They dialed in 0051 and sure enough, it moved forward and backward.  That way I know if it doesn't work on the test track, it's not the loco's fault.  "Trust but Verify!".

dave