Some minor changes in 1.2.9.1... But Version 1.3 is coming soon - will include the missing programming code...
We haven't forgotten about you, just working on other things that we had to get finished. Ever since I saw the version on the Italian forum, I had plans for a version of this and love the screen and ability to control turnouts. It would be nice to have a few throttles that include all of the features EX has and have been implemented in Engine Driver. There is no reason we can't add the same features to this throttle. I had also thought about haptic feedback. Some people don't like using a touchscreen, they want a knob or a slider. With a little camera motor in there, we could feel however many stops or "detents" we choose for the speed steps.
Hi, I had found a rather serious omission in the released version, but have had a bunch of personal issues to deal with of late. The net result of fixing the "omission (also spellt "b-u-g") was that I overshot the available memory of the UNO. The (so far) unreleased version 1.3 has the omission added and a change to the "config.h" file while makes Programming and Accessories mutually exclusive. I also got a bit distracted with some other projects - one was a customized version of the 3.2in Nextion HMI for someone who wanted a different colour scheme, In addition, I've been playing a bit with ESP32 devices with a directly connected TFT display to get away from the Nextion "overhead". So far, simply in the potential pipe-line. It does seem what you suggest, and that is guys prefer the Rotary Encoder to the touch control. One of the ESP32 devices has a built in buzzer which I'm intending to play with so there are still many avenues to explore. Bear in mind that the Initial version 1.x of the Controller had the objective to support both DCC++ and DCC-EX, Version 2.0 will be DCC-EX exclusively and will then hopefully have some of the native DCC-EX features supported;. All-in-all, the project is still very much "alive" from my point of view and there are a couple of guys using it regularly
For those interested, Version 1.3.0 of the Nextion based "DCC++EX Controller" has been uploaded to github - https://github.com/normhal/DCCppEX-Nextion-Controller This is the most "Complete" version to date with the Programming Page now fully functional and some additional configuration options added. Further development is continuing with the intention to only support DCC-EX and possibly migrate to the Raspberry Pi Pico and Pico W as the processor of choice - price, size, and feature list being the driving motivation. Any suggestions for additional features are always welcome Norm
Greetings. I'm still building my layout (I did tell my wife that it will never be finished....) and have tried a couple of DIY controllers for DCC EX. However, they have been lacking screen space and this project looks like it will solve that. I've had a Nextion screen for a number of years and was used to turn lights in the house on/off but that got replaced with Home Assistant. Anyway, back to Model Railway. I have the screen and ESP32 so will give this a go. I know that changing (adding/removing) items from the Nextion editor means that items will have their ID changed and thus requires changes/reconfiguration of the code running on the MCU, thus the overhead of using the Nextion screens. I really like the idea of just being able to select a switch/point/turnout icon to change it's position. I have installed a turntable so would be very keen to see if that could be added at some point, one page on the Nextion with the icon for the turntable in the centre and hot spots around it to identify the track positions. The .hmi files only seem to be included in the 1.6 version of the software, are these still to be used with version 1.7 and Mk2 of the controller? Kind regards
Here two hmi's for v1.7.3; you will have to wait for Norm to answer for the other sizes. Re. a turntable: this item requires too many possible adjustments and options that it just is not feasible to integrate in this controller. However there is a fairly recently finalised turntable controller project here.
Hi Bazza! I'm currently in the bush with very limited internet access... Will be back in circulation at the end of this week. FYI, in development are versions 1.7.4, 2.0.9, with more to come. Your idea to include turntable control sounds worthy of investigation and will discuss with Erik as well . Version 2.x now uses dcc-ex protocol library which I understand offers turntable support, so I'll keep the option open...l
Hi Norm, beware of the baboons .. I hope the weather is good for wildlife sightings Norm, for v1.7 in your github, is this v1.7.4? And for the hmi's, there are 3.2" and 3.5" but no 4.3", 5"?
Thanks Erik, your turntable project looks great. I have an Atlas turntable installed but is just not accurate enough to be 100% reliable so have been thinking about printing my own. Then looking through your post, I see Sumner has already designed one. Guess I'll start working on this hopefully this weekend..... Unless the wife has other tasks for me.....
Ok, so if Norm is in the Bush, then I can assume somewhere in South Africa? I'm in New Zealand and my wife is a zoomie (remote camera operator) for Africam.com. Just by chance this evening, she said one of the cameras is on Baboons in a tree. What are the chances?
Hi Norm, Many thanks and if I can assist with testing or other (I am no programmer unless you call writing PowerShell scripts programming) just let me know. Question, using dcc-ex does this mean that communications would be two-way? The controller would then be able to read the status and configuration (rosters, points etc) from the base station? I built the WiTController a while ago and it is a feature rich controller. However, the physical size of the screen and the need to navigate by the buttons is a problem for me. Especially if I hit the wrong button and send the loco into reverse...... Hence, a touch screen interface for a controller that can do what the WiTController can do would in my eyes be the best of the best. Have a great time in the wildlife. Cheers
Yes!!! At Letaba camp for breakfast (Kruger National Park) Internet access is minimal so don't expect too much from me at the moment Look forward to conversing. One important answer... Yes the DCC-EX Protocol offers a high degree of two way communication, and V2x is using it wherever possible
Bazza, I've sent you an invite to my dev group for v2.x. feel free to browse and download the latest version... Later I can also give you access to the other stuff ...
... now we have South Africa, 2x USA, Belgium and New Zealand. And somewhere a lost member from Brazil. Still missing: Asia.
Good morning. Good question as I was looking to order a newer version as mine is old... NX482T043_011 which is a basic model. I would be using it with an ESP32, did I read somewhere that this model and the ESP32 is a no-go? Which model would be recommended? Basic, Enhanced or Intelligent? My layout is small, basically the size of two doors in an 'L' shaped configuration. Since I stand in one spot and see everything, I was thinking of mounting the controller to the side of the layout, so either 4.3" or 5"? I did see that only portrait orientation is supported.... Are there any benefits/recommendation with regard to resistive vs capacitive touch screens? If there is a screen that is yet to be tested, let me know and I'll get that if it helps. Thanks for the link to your github v2 repository. I tried to access but 404 error and I only see the two public repositories, probably what you mean about granting access later. I am now following your github so you should see my nz gmail account. But this can all wait until you return from holiday!!!!! I'm enjoying just reading the postings in the controller V2 forum. Many thanks Bazza.
I feel the 4.3 version is the best option.even though the Basic and Enhanced models are supported, the Enhanced does offer a better growth path... Got to go - heading home:-(
