Geezer's Lounge (Rev 1) - Volume 5

[elwoodblues]

Good morning everyone,

Thanks for the coffee and breakfast everyone.

Also thanks for the birthday wished to the Mrs, we had a great dinner last night celebrating it with my mom and oldest grandson.  She is not 100% yet but is almost there.

Ron, first thing I'd suggest is to swap the connections from the DCC-EX.  Run the programming track from the other channel, reset the channel assignments (I forget the DCC-EX name for that, hopefully you know what I mean.)  I'm guessing it's just some command you haven't entered into the DCC-EX system.  (What are you using as a throttle?)

dave

Dave,  I just put the DCC-EX hardware together and wired everything up.  I use a Mac and the auto installer did not work on my machine so I used the manual method and loaded the program in the Arduino.  There may be a setting in the programming I need to change but I haven't had time to do any troubleshooting yet.  Swapping out the motor shield is an easy check for me as for some reason I have a few of them.  For the throttle I just used the DCC-EX one on there website.

Current temperature is 7c (45f) and raining.  Tonight's plan is to do some trouble shooting on my newly assembled DCC-EX system.

Have a great day everyone.

[deemery]

Ron, please report on your debugging, so we can learn.  I have a DCC-EX.  I got a cheap Android phone solely to use as a throttle.  I don't recall problems loading software from my Mac, I do need to load the latest update, as part of my DCC-EX project (learning HAL and interfacing by setting up a breadboard "2 emergency stop buttons and associated lights".)

dave

[PRR Modeler]

Dave and Ron when did you learn the foreign language you are posting and can you translate what you just posted?

[deemery]

Dave and Ron when did you learn the foreign language you are posting and can you translate what you just posted?

OK, a brief summary: 

DCC-EX is a project to produce a low cost DCC controller using 'prototype' boards like Arduino.  See https://dcc-ex.com    You can get DCC-EX boards, the hardware specification for the default board has 2 output channels.  The usual use is one channel for the layout, and the other channel for a DCC programming track.  One of the most unique features of DCC-EX is that you can use it to control both DCC and DC (but not both on the same track.)  To do that, you'd configure one channel for DCC and the other channel for DC, then connect those 2 channels to the appropriate track (or to a switch to move the track from DC to DCC power.) You could have (as I will) standard gauge running DCC, and narrow gauge (HOn30 for me) running straight DC.  The connection to the throttle is usually via WiFi, with a throttle app running on an Android or iPhone/iPad.  There are several choices of throttles on both platforms.  Plus there's an interface with JMRI via a USB connector from a laptop.

HAL is the 'no programming' command language for setting up macros to take actions based on inputs from "pins" like occupancy detection and send outputs to "pins" like setting signal aspects based on occupancy.  Or you can use it for crossing gates, lighting, etc, etc. 

The pre-assembled DCC-EX board is $132, https://store.dcc-ex.com/products/ex-csb1-express-command-station-booster-no-power-supply  They have a bundle with a power supply, a 3D printed enclosure to hold the board, and a couple different "shields".  A "shield" is the Arduino name for a piggyback board that sits on top of the basic computer board, adding different functionality. 

I have no business connection to DCC-EX.  I've tried it and LIKE IT A LOT, and I'm doing some more experimentation and learning with the system. 

dave

[PRR Modeler]

Thanks Dave. It makes more sense now.

[elwoodblues]

Ron, please report on your debugging, so we can learn.  I have a DCC-EX.  I got a cheap Android phone solely to use as a throttle.  I don't recall problems loading software from my Mac, I do need to load the latest update, as part of my DCC-EX project (learning HAL and interfacing by setting up a breadboard "2 emergency stop buttons and associated lights".)
dave

Rather that hijack this thread I decided to start a new thread where we can have a discussion on the DCC-EX architecture.

https://modelersforum.com/index.php?topic=7585.msg205496;topicseen#new

[Rick]

Good morning everyone.

Clouds and wind today in Sioux Falls with a high of 79.

Coffee, sodas and OJ are ready.
A continental breakfast today, with an assortment of danish, muffins and bagels.

Ron, thanks for starting that thread on DCC-EX.

Jerry, did all the weeds get pulled?

Dave, hope you got your Amazon delivery.

Mike, hope Sharon enjoyed her trip.

Karl, hope it's less cold and windy today.

ACLTom, sometimes you just need a day of just relaxing.

James, was a solution for the frog found?

Curt, sorry about Joker. 

How's everyone else.

Windshield got repaired.
Star and I did a 6 mile walk on one of the paved biking/ walking trails here.
Gym this morning and the rest of the day is still up for debate.

Spring Creek on one of my hikes in Rapid City.



Have a great day everyone.

[PRR Modeler]

Good Morning All,

Today for breakfast is coffee, cereal, Publix plain cake donuts, yogurt, bagels, OJ, and soda.

Started out the day with a walk at 72F and mild humidity. Got some rain last night. Yesterday was spent on chores, and all afternoon doing things for dad. He got his ears cleared yesterday instead of Friday. No modeling yesterday or today.

Today SIL is coming over for the pool issue and screen assistance. Tonight dad has a follow up appointment at Costco then everyone will go out to supper. Hopefully I can get to the workbench tomorrow. When I walk by it I hear it calling my name.

Nothing much else happening this way.





I hope everyone has a good day.

[PRR Modeler]

Rick, Joker didn't pass away, he is with his new owner and reportedly very happy.

[Larry C]

Good Morning,

Rick thanks for coffee and breakfast. Beautiful photo, thanks. Enjoy the rest of your day and glad to hear the window repair is all set.

Curt life does have a way of interfering with modeling; I guess why it's called a hobby. Ti looks quite comfortable in your chair....or is it HIS chair.

How's the rest of the group doing.

It's another cloudy wet day @ 44 with a high of 53; at least it isn't snow. Not sure about today yet. A couple of errands to run shortly. That's about it from here.

Have an enjoyable and safe day!! Be well.

[Rick]

Rick, Joker didn't pass away, he is with his new owner and reportedly very happy.

That's very good then.
Totally misread your comment about him.

[PRR Modeler]

Larry over time it's been turning over to her chair.

[Jim Donovan]

Good Morning;

Thanks for breakfast Rick. Love the coffee. Yesterday I got a little 3D printer I've had in a box for a couple of years working. It is a filiment printer and I never used one so kinda fun figuring it out (after I assembled it). A walk, some bookkeeping and cleaning on the agenda for sure but lots of time for tinkering.

72 and sunny so time for the walk. Have a great day.

Jim

[ACL1504]

Morning all,

Thanks for the double breakfast. 

I forgot to mention the great 1950's Ford pickup photo Curt posted the other day. Even looked good with the Pennsy logo. 

My son is coming over this morning to pick up a few of his tools I borrowed. We'll grab a lunch out somewhere.

This morning I'm cleaning up the train shed and the work bench.

Have a safe and happy day everyone.

Tom

[friscomike]

Good morning folks,

Rick, thanks for opening, coffee, and the muffin.  Congrats on the windshield repair.

Curt, good luck with the pool issue.  

Larry, hope your day includes the workbench.

Jim, congrats on the reboot of the FDM printer. 

TomACL, good luck with the cleanup.

How is the rest of the crew?

It's a sunny morning at 65°F, headed to 76°F.  Took Sweetie the groomer for a spa day.  This afternoon, our lodge is presenting a teacher of the year award to a local teacher.  I finished overcoating the boxcars and am ready to assemble the one and weather both.

Have fun,
mike