Best way to protect DCC++EX? Protective case?

Rick Norell Mar 18, 2022

  1. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

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    What is the best way to protect an assembled DCC++EX? I see there are cases in the UK but hoping for something in North America or a good DIY option... Any suggestions?
     
  2. Stephane Savard

    Stephane Savard TrainBoard Member

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    I 3d printed a case, found the STL on thingiverse.

    IMG_20220124_105814873.jpg
     
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  3. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

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    Nice case! Sadly, I do not have a 3d printer or access to one...
     
  4. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    [​IMG]

    I have the case above on my thingiverse.com account that holds a Mega and a Raspberry Pi. More on it and the link to the print files here...

    http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/DCC-Index.html

    Also have some case options for...

    [​IMG]

    ... a Mega alone or ....

    [​IMG]

    ... a Uno or a....

    [​IMG]

    Raspberry P.

    The following link get you to info and links to the print files for them are down the page a ways here.....

    http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/3D-Printer/3D-Printer-Index.html

    Just saw you don't have a printer. I'll leave this up with the hopes it helps someone.

    Sumner
     
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  5. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

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    Wow, great job on the cases!! I sent you a message using TB messaging.
     
  6. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    You don't even need a mouse/keyboard/monitor for the R-Pi. Another computer (e.g. laptop) can VNC (remote desktop) into the R-Pi to act as it's m/k/m.

    And for running trains via WiFi throttle or throttle app(s) on phone(s), you don't even need the VNC'd computer. You only need that for programming decoders, or other, more complex functions of JMRI (I wouldn't wish programming decoders without JMRI Decoder Pro on anyone.)

    Note, DCC++EX, with a WiFi interface, is enough to let you run WiFi throttles/apps, but it can only do it on a stand-alone WiFi network it creates. It cannot connect to your household WiFi network, which means you have to keep switching your phones to a different WiFi network just to run trains. The Raspberry Pi can attach to your home WiFi network, and serve throttles/apps via it.

    Back to the question about cases for DCC++EX and an R-Pi... There are DIN rail-mount enclosures for R-Pi's, and perhaps there are some for Arduinos and their shields. You could then mount both on a short DIN rail on/under your layout.
     
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  7. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

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    Jake, I greatly appreciate your attempt to help me. But I have to be honest, I'm an old baby boomer and only partially understood your suggestions. Trains are my hobby, not electronics. If my son was close by, we could make your suggestions work but he is 300 miles away. Since I will be the one that is implementing and administering the technology, it needs to be straightforward with clearly written directions. A commercial entry DCC system is probably a better choice for me. I'm leaning towards a Digikeijs DR5000 which has been my entry system of choice for the last couple of years. Yes, more expensive than DIY but a complete system with good directions, excellent support, videos, etc... It is everything I would need to operate trains with a cell phone and communicates with several commercial throttles and works with several apps, not just JMRI.
     
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  8. Ash

    Ash TrainBoard Member

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    DCC++EX will connect to a household WiFi network. The process to do it:
    1. Define SSID and password in config.h
    2. Upload the sketch
    3. Once IP address has been assigned, reserve that address in your router.

    https://dcc-ex.com/advanced-setup/wifi-config.html#station-mode
     
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  9. Mark Ricci

    Mark Ricci TrainBoard Member

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    @Ash is 100% correct in the support of wifi. Have used it both ways but actually prefer access point for a variety of reasons, especially if a computer is used as the command station. Most likely, you will need to decide whether to use wi-fi as AP or on your network with commercial systems too.

    I bit the bullet and bought a Fire Tablet 8 for a throttle. At $25 for 7" or $45 for 8 (on sale) has many plusses;
    -Brand New and Larger Screen (great for my older eyes)
    -Easier to operate and see multiple locos' throttle
    -Its dedicated and auto boots to AP, start Eng Drv and auto connects.
    -Frees my phone for videos, pictures and general use.
    -New batteries and unscratched screen compared to buying used or very old phone.
    -The throttle is the primary human interface to run the layout and why skimp there.
    This option is something to consider regardless of whatever system you choose assuming it has wi-Throttle server support, which just about every system that has wifi supports wi-Throttle server.

    It is completely understandable with going to commercial. One of my weaknesses is the mechanical side of locomotive and rolling stock service. I bit the bullet buying new where many, who have the skill, have saved by buying used.

    I couldn't use, due to size constraints, most commercial systems. If I did not feel so comfortable with electronics and computers, or had skill sets elsewhere where savings can be realized, Id probably be doing the same thing. I like the Digikeijs DR5000 from the little research done. Another commercial system option to consider would be the Pi Sprog, which is Raspberry Pi based.

    If you are new DCC, I highly suggest watching Greg Berman's 1st video on DCC ++ with the Arduino Uno. He provides great clear insights to the theory behind DCC. Recommend to watch regardless of whether one goes home brew or commercial DCC system. It will definitely help.



    Since Arduino and DCC ++ EX is so inexpensive, you may want to consider getting one to explore or use as programming station with JMRI. Most commercial systems support JMRI for programming because JMRI Decoder Pro is the way to go. Arduinos can also be used in other ways on a layout too. It will also help in understanding and exploring the many wonderful facets of DCC without experimenting on your primary system.
     
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  10. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Good to know, but...

    How secure is that method of storage of SSID & Password? I thought some WiFi chipsets provided secure (e.g. not able to be read back externally), non-volatile storage for SSID(s)/Password(s)... Otherwise, Arduinos have no user authentication facilities, AFAIK.
     
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  11. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Rick,

    Recognizing our own preferences and limitations is essential to enjoying this hobby! Commercial systems are excellent means of accessing the benefits of DCC. IINM, the DR5000 includes an interface (USB or Ethernet) for you to use a personal computer with JMRI running on it, and is quite compact. IINM, it's WiFi interface is only for serving throttles, and cannot do so over your existing household WiFi network. You may be able to use WiFi throttles on you home network if you plug the DR5000 into an ethernet jack on your router, but I'm not at all sure. If you only use throttles/tablets/phones dedicated for use as throttles, it really doesn't make that much difference if they are not on your main WiFi network, but if you have to constantly switch your phone back and forth between the DR5000 throttle WiFi network and your home network (for internet access), that can become a source of irritation after awhile.

    Trust me, it is soooo much easier to program and maintain locomotives using JMRI's Decoder Pro app, than any other means. If anything goes wrong with the decoder, you can easily re-program it, since DP stores all of the settings for your whole roster, and can write them out to the decoder very easily. Or if the decoder is toast, you can replace it with the same decoder model, and DP can restore all your settings for you. You can also easily duplicate decoder settings between different locos (with the same decoder model). Then all you need to do is change the address for the new loco, and you have two (or more) sister locomotives, all set up the same.
     
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  12. Mark Ricci

    Mark Ricci TrainBoard Member

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    One of my concerns too. However, I always narrow the range of IP addresses that the router's DHCP server can assign because of other network nodes such as printers and cameras that I want accessible by other network nodes but not internet accessible. eq. If the Lan scheme or first 3 octets are 192.168.1.. Change DHCP to start assigning at 192.168.1.100 instead of say 192.168.1.2. That still leaves over 150 ips that the DHCP server can assign. Then I statically assign maybe range 192.168.1.5 to 192.168.1.15 servers, maybe 192.168.1.20 - 30 for printers, for model railroad station, maybe 192.168.1.50 or whatever. Any device on your network can access statically assigned devices but there is no connection between router and the command station. This is what I do when wanting to put either the Arduino or Pi, when used in MRR, on my network. a arduino upload, and switch. But as stated before, I prefer to leave it as an AP. Used this technique many times for small bus clients desiring to keep some PCs off net but maintain ability to use database, print and map network shares.
     
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  13. Mark Ricci

    Mark Ricci TrainBoard Member

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    A couple of things forgot to mention.

    The DCC EX team is very good with support and I believe its rivals many commercial products. I've contacted them on Discord or here in the forum a half dozen times or so and always received a response within 24 bus hours but more importantly, a solution was always the result.

    Think mentioned I'm fairly new to the hobby, alone with no MRR people locally to bounce ideas and have only an electronics-IT background. Have -0 woodworking, crafting, fabricating and modeling skills. The people here on Trainboard have helped tremendously in getting to the point I'm at. The wealth of experience here is incredible.

    Too numerous to mention everyone, but @BigJake , @BoxcabE50 , @CSX Robert ; @Hardcoaler @in2tech , @RBrodzinsky @Doug Gosha @mtntrainman @Sumner @Shortround @freddy_fo @BNSF FAN have especially made a difference in the success to date providing invaluable input and feedback as well as some unbelievably great ideas.

    So you may find the the help here on products that the manufacturer is unable to provide support solution or who are "hard to reach" better!
     
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  14. Rick Norell

    Rick Norell TrainBoard Member

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    My apologies, there appears to be a major misunderstanding from my previous post. I have been communicating with Ryan Mathews, North American distributor for Digikeijs, off and on since 2019. He has given outstanding support by answering any and all questions relative to the DR5000. He is also heavily involved in an international discussion group for the Digikeijs product + Z21 app. I'm sure I will receive the same fine support after acquiring the DR5000 from his business.

    My comments were IN NO WAY, a slight of this group or it's participants. This is an active group which strives to support and help one another. Posters intrigued me with DCC++EX which lead to several questions and intense consideration of the system. Ultimately I decided to go in a different direction based on my interest, desires, and limitations. Kudos to you for your excellent support and for your success with DIY DCC++EX, an impressive alternative to a commercial system.

    Best Regards,
    Rick
     
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