I am just getting back into model RR'ing after about 50 years and will be looking for all the help I can get concerning DCC++ and JMRI. Is it possible to upload my layout for evaluation by other more experienced members?
Should be possible to load the image of the track plan. Click the camera icon and it'll give you the option to load a file. How much of the basics do you need? The system provides constant track power and encodes signals in that power. So, you first disconnect the locomotive motor from the trucks and connect the decoder to the trucks and to the motor. The decoder gets the signal from the controller and metes the power out to the motor, reversing polarity as needed.
Welcome to Trainboard, mhcomp. I am one of the few here who does not model, but most people here will be of help to you.
I too am just starting to learn about DCC after 50 years in N Scale. I acquired two DCC locomotives and a throttle and am impressed with what I've experienced so far. My new layout will be DC and DCC capable.
Hi, welcome. Glad to have you on board. The major thing I've learned about DCC is that it requires an uninterrupted communication of digital messages between the controller and the engine or powered car (RDC). That means that any time the transmission between the controller and engine/car is interrupted, the digital circuit in engine/car will reset to zero and the motor will stop. I found this out when trying to power a trolley from an overhead hot wire. The contact between the trolley pole and the wire is iffy at best. So each time the pole hit the slightest speck of dirt on the wire, the trolley stopped. This was also true when running it on DC, because the DC commands are still transmitted by a digital message stream. Heavy cleaning of the wire and pole helped, but that only lessened the amount of times it stopped. The trolley never ran more than a foot or more. You probably won't have this problem with engines that have multiple pick up wheels that can ride through dirty spots. Though you may with an 0-4-0 or similar where only the drivers pick up. Don't get me wrong, I think DCC is great. Just wish it would work with hot wire trolley operation.
Mhcomp, I've never heard of DCC++, so have no Idea what you are referencing. If there is such a thing, I'm not interested in hearing about it as I am content with my simple DCC. I have a Digitrax Zephyr and have been involved with this unit for about 20 years. As well as my Zephyr, I think that the NCE Power Cab system is easy to use and would be another option. My Zephyr manual is all encompassing and has fairly easy to find specifics. I also have JMRI's Decoder Pro here on my confuser, which is a free download. Decoder Pro takes some learning to understand how to use. Larry Puckett, the DCC Guy from Model Railroader's DCC Corner, has a website https://www.dccguy.com/ that has some excellent videos on how to use JMRI's Decoder Pro. Right now DCC vs DC operation might be as high as 3 DCC uses to 1 DC user. I personally would not hesitate to go with DCC on your new layout once some initial hurdles are crossed the use of DCC is simple and more realistic than simple DC. During this iteration of my model railroading hobby, I have been involved for 32 years of which the last 20 have been a DCC user. So, i do also understand DC operation. Welcome to the TrainBoard!!
Thanks for the reply. I have a Arduino Mega and motor shield. I will load the software soon but the main thing I am interested in is how I handle sensor inputs. I plan to use JRMI when I get all set up and that is probably where I will need help.
Thanks for your reply. I am just getting back into RR'ing and DCC++ is referencing using Arduino components and C++ programming language. I stupidly have designed a complex layout and even wonder if it is possible to completely automate it. I just uploaded the track plan and welcome and criticism.
not sure where you uploaded your trackplan, would love to see it. how many sensors are you planning to have? besides current block detection for each block, you also might want spot detection (infrared), physical buttons (for turnout throwing , etc) are also considered sensors in JMRI. will there be enough inputs on the one Mega? are you planning for additional boards?
I currently have 9 blocks with 2 IR sensors and 1 block current sensor per block and 17 switches which can be configured to indicate position. The Mega has 50 digital inputs. I have insulators about 15" from the switch routing so there is no power in that section if the switch is not in the proper position.
mhcomp, Your doing better than I am, I've been hard into this hobby for 32 years with the same layout all those years and I've never heard of DCC++!
I did DCC++ amd JMRI before I even had a decoder. The basics of it really are plug n play. Automation on the other hand is a whole mother kettle of fish.
