When deploying DCC++, I used the standard components, an Arduino Uno, and an Arduino Motor Shield, with JMRI. I had problems with getting this to work in the beginning. The first issue was track cleanliness. DCC is much more sensitive to dirty track than regular DC. There was an article in the Model Railroad Hobbyist May issue regarding the best cleaners for model railroads. Along the way, I am quite sure I messed up the part about removing a trace on the motor shield to prevent voltage from the motor shield reaching the Arduino. I am quite sure I cut too deep, and created a short on the board. This resulted in the output voltage being 140V, not the 12 volts I was supplying to the board. Thus I fried 2 decoders while trying to get this to work. About $150.00 later, I may be able to run my trains. So I advise when setting up the DCC++ base station, use magnifiers to see just exactly what trace you are cutting, so that is all you cut.
Man, that’s one hell of a cut, how did I you manage to get 140v out of a 12v dc power supply to do that? I cut the trace on one of mine, and didn’t even bother on the other since I run 12v power for n scale anyway.
I really did get 140 V Dc, it could possibly be an issue with reading the meter, but I did try my best to verify. And no, it wasn't 14 v. I didn't check the amps, or anything else, I have no idea about a Mega, sorry.
It was a joke. I'm sorry for your loss, but are you sure that the decoders are fried? Did they work before? Did you buy the locos new or used. The decoders were preinstalled? Did you check the locos on another dcc system. What happened to the uno and the shield? Have you any photos? Still it is impossible to produce a voltage like that from a dc source of 14v connected to an uno with a standard motorshield. A note, the track has ac, no dc and you have to use an ac voltmeter.
First, you are quite right that you have to measure the track output with an AC meter. I found that out by further reading on the subject. New motor shield, trace properly cut, with a different UNO, the actual AC voltage on the track output is the same 14V as the input DC voltage. Atlas N Scale GP39-2 with the new decoder works as new. second, yes, the decoders are fried, well at least one of them. Brand new, tested as working at the hobby shop. I had also gotten it working on a test track, but messed it up later. The second one in a new Dapol Flying Scot I haven't tried yet.
This is the second time I've seen this: What in the wide, wide world of DCC is DCC++??? Isn't DCC just DCC? Or has someone added something to this mess... we call fun?
DCC is digital command control, the protocol. the dcc++ is a dcc open source command station, based on arduino, created and offered by Gregg E. Berman
Got it!! I suspected such but being that DCC isn't my thing right now. I've been out of the loop. So, it's good to catch up and now I have a better understanding. What the ...well...are they going to think up next?
And I'm supposed to understand all of that? LOL give me time this old dog can still hunt, fetch and learn a new trick or two.
Rick, DCC++ is for those who want to do a customized control of the way DCC is implemented. It requires the user to write the code for implementing the DCC control. You build and program the base station using an array of parts. Sort of like building an automobile from parts for us older guys!
I'd agree with that if one wants to control a number of items on the layout with DCC++ but if one wants to run trains it isn't much different than buying a commercial base station. You don't have to write any code to do that. You download it. One buys the Arduino Uno (bottom circuit board on the left) and the Arduino Motor Shield (top board on the left). You cut one trace on the Motor Shield and plug the Shield into the Uno below it. Add two jumpers and download the sketch program into the Uno from the internet and your computer (this takes moderate computer skills) and you are ready to attach the main and program track wires. The following link walks you through loading the Sketch Program onto the Uno/Shield .... https://github.com/DccPlusPlus/BaseStation/wiki/Getting-Started-With-DCC---Hardware Connect the main and program track wires like you would with any base station and you are done with that part. Buy a $35 Raspberry Pi (right circuit board) and download Steve Todd's pre-configured image to an SD card .... https://mstevetodd.com/jmri-raspberrypi-access-point .... and plug it into the Pi. Plug in a monitor and a USB controlled mouse/keyboard and you are up and running as soon as you turn it on with JMRI on the screen. I'd never heard of DCC++ a couple months ago and now I have it up and running. Wasn't that hard and .... .... it all cost less than $100 including the base station and computer (Raspberry Pi) part of it and with JMRI your phone is also a wireless throttle. You'd probably have over $400 to have a similar commercial setup with a wireless throttle and with this one you can have as many as you have phones and they don't have to be on a contract with a carrier. Love it, take you time and watch some of the videos below and work your way through it. If it is too intimidating maybe a friend will setup the Uno/Shield and Pi for you and then you just need to attach the track wires. Sumner Resources: https://gregstrainyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dcc_pp.pdf
Adding to what @Sumner posted above... It is about to become a lot simpler for people to setup a fully open-source and open-hardware CS with advanced features being fully supported. In July/August I'll be releasing a complete CS PCB+Parts Kit (assembled/tested or loose) supporting the following: One PCB with *EVERYTHING* on board. DCC (obviously) (3A OPS output, 250mA PROG output, booster connection options) RailCom detection (channel 1 and 2 on OPS track output, booster RailCom feedback is TBD) Layout Command Control (LCC, https://www.openlcb.org/) JMRI integration via DCC++ or LCC protocols (LCC will be preferred long term, DCC++ protocol has a number of limitations built into it and JMRI tries to work around them which can cause other issues) Support for the upcoming TCS Throttle (it uses WiThrottle or LCC as communication to CS) A few of these are already done and available today but the rest are coming as soon as I get the initial batch of PCBs (a little over a week!) and get some testing done.
Amazing. All and Railcom! Thanks Atani. The code will works with the arduino station or with the ESP only?
ESP32 only, which will be included in the kit. The Arduino AVR can support some of these features but I no longer maintain my fork of the DCC++ base station code and it doesn't seem that anyone else is maintaining any forks of it at this time either. There are options for the Arduino AVR available though, but I don't know that they will support all of the latest developments in the DCC world (RailCom, LCC, WiFi, etc)
You lost me just after DCESharkman's advisory. Aiiyiiyii !! Did I ask why? No Then I should...WHY? Do I dare say, Simple went out the door along time ago. One of the reasons I like my Momentum Based Transistorized Throttles while operating my Analog DC, layout. Well, now I have a better understanding and thanks to Sumner, for the fine presentation. I haven't got it yet but give me time.
