Hello glad to be part of the community. A quick introduction I am have been trained in electronics (BSc hons) and taught basic college courses (electronics and some programming) for a couple of years. Then moved away from electronics for the rest of my working life , I am now retired. So I have a lot of catching up to do. I have had a go at designing a control panel and servo/ relay driver I2C modules. The control panel module consisted of a pro mini controlling 12 shift registers, 32 switches and 2 banks of 16 servo and 16x2 channel relays via RJ45s. I used 2 PCA9685 smd chips which turned out to be more expensive than buying the pre built modules even when bought in bulk so lessons have been learnt. I treated this as getting back into the swing. Having seen DCC++ and the MERG ezybus, both seeming to be more user friendly systems I intend to try to adopt one or maybe both to my model rail system. I am sure I can learn a lot from you guys and hopefully contribute something myself. God Bless You All and Happy Christmas PW
Hi Paul, welcome. Glad to have you on board. Your concept sounds ambitious, though intriguing. I look forward to seeing it evolve.
Welcome to TrainBoard Paul! Your approach does sound interesting. What scale will you be using it with?
Welcome aboard from another EE, Paul. I do not model so have not applied my limited knowledge to model railroad electronics. I have enough trouble with my own, new kids, ya know?
Hi Paul I too am a retired electronics guy in the UK and am interested in evolving DCC to make it more user friendly. My first task is to design and make some decoders, firstly for locos - so SMT and as small as possible - and then extend them for accessories. Finally I want to make a DCC controller - not just the run of the mill controller but one that is easier to use and straight forward. Not just one control knob but expandable as your layout evolves. Any thoughts you can share would be most welcome at this initial concept stage. Have fun......always!!
