DIY DDC System - Introducing DCC-EX

[elwoodblues]

I need a DCC system for my N-scale modules and decided to use the DCC-EX system.

DCC-EX is a open source DCC system based on using the Arduino environment.  Right now it comes in 2 flavors, ready-to run and do-it yourself.  The Ready-to-run version is available for around $132US from various suppliers that you can find from the DCC-EX site ( https://dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation/rtr-purchasing.html#gsc.tab=0 ).

I decided to go with the do-it-yourself version as I already have all the components on hand.


The components required for the do-it-yourself version.
    - Arduino MEGA (you could use an Arduino Uno but it is not recommended as the program uses all the available memory
    - Arduino Motor Shield R3
    - WiFi Shield 8266
    - Display, this can be a LCD display or an OLET display
    - 12-16v power supply for the motor shield
    - 7-9v power supply for the arduino.

The power supply I'll be using is rated at 12-24V 4.5amp.  In order to get the 7v required for the arduino I'm using a buck converter set at 7v.



The 3d printed parts for the enclosure.  This is my own design.




The Arduino MEGA installed along with the motor shield and WIFI shield.




All the wiring completed.




Another view of the completed wiring.

[elwoodblues]

The completed DCC-EX Unit.



Top view




Power end




Track Connection End.  I'm using Anderson Pole Connectors for this as they are easy to connect and disconnect with no tools required.




It's alive !!!!!!! 

[elwoodblues]

So, of course there are issues........

For some reason the EX-Installer wouldn't run on my Macbook Pro so I loaded the program the old fashioned way by downloaded the native files from the "official release page" and used the Arduino IDE to modify the code to allow for the WIFI shield and LCD display and download it to the MEGA.  I'm very familiar with the Arduino IDE so using it was not an issue.  

Testing the system revealed two issues
     1 - only one set of track power lights work (track power)
     2 - the Withottle app does not connected to the command station.




The LED's for the track power connection is lit, while the ones for the programing track is not.

Research indicated that one of the H bridges on the motor shield is not working.  This is easily confirmed by swapping out the board, I have a few of them so that isn't an issue.  Before I do that I need to verify the code.

For the Wifi issue under the list of available Wi-Fi's is "UPDATE_ESP_FIRMWARE". This is the Wi-Fi shield's connection and "UPDATE_ESP_FIRMWARE" means that it has the wrong firmware. The version required for the DCC-EX system is 1.7.4.  This is rectified by updating the firmware.

[PRR Modeler]

Mike what does this setup cost generally?

[elwoodblues]

Mike what does this setup cost generally?

Mike ?? 

So worst case scenario for the DIY version (all prices in US dollars),

     Arduino Mega (Elegoo)              $22.99
     Arduino Motor Shield                 $14.99
     WiFi Shield (Makerfab)               $ 9.95
     20 x 4 LCD Display                    $ 9.99
     12-17V Power Supply                $20.93 (can also use a laptop power brick)
     7-9V Power Supply                    $12.99
     Hookup Wires                           $ 6.98
     ------------------------------------------------
     TOTAL COST:                            $98.82

If you use a buck converter instead of the 7-9v power supply
     LM2596                                    $  1.60 (available as a 5 pack for $7.99)

All prices are from Amazon.com except the Wifi Shield, which was taken from there website.

I say this is worst case as you can find these items cheaper from other sources.

The ready to run version can be had for $132.00 to $138.00 US

[deemery]

Ron, thanks for starting this. 

I went the "pre-assembled" route and set up a DC/DCC/locomotive testbed on a sheet of 4x4 plywood.  The outer HO track is 18" radius, the inner track is 15" radius, and inside that is the N scale track (for HOn30 locos).  All Atlas snap track for HO, including a pair of manual turnouts.  The N track is just a loop.  So far I've set one channel to DCC and tested an old out-of-the-box DCC loco.  I set the other channel to DC, hooked that up to the track, and tested a standard gauge DC loco.  I also tested the DCC-equipped Athearn 2-6-0 and found that it would make it around the 15" curves, but it was not happy, it jerked a lot.  That's OK, that's what I expected. 


dave

[deemery]

One thing I want to highlight:  You can use DCC-EX to control just DC locos, using a phone-based throttle.  

Or you can go whole-hog with a custom DCC throttle mirroring the prototype, see Geoff Bunza's "steam throttle" https://forum.mrhmag.com/post/an-operating-steam-throttle-you-can-customize-12548356?highlight=steam%20throttle&trail=25

dave

[Philip]

Neat ~

I'd smoke a set-up like that. I'll stick to the shake the box stuff.

[Jim Donovan]

Ron very interesting. I have used Arduino for some simple stuff but am a novice with the coding. Great to see it in action.

Jim