Hey Jimmy, I just wanted to let you know that thanks to this video and the one on setting up JMRI you did I successfully managed to setup a DCC++ Base Station, setup JMRI, program a loco and get it moving! It all works! Thanks!
DCC has come a long way since Hornby introduced Zero One (the world's first commercial DCC system) in 1979. I still run this system today. The Zero One base station used the Texas Instruments TMS1000 micro controller. Back in 1979 this was state of the art and it could control 16 x locos and 100 turnouts / accessories via appropriate modules all taking power and instructions from the 18 Volts AC constant track power. Those were early pioneering days of DCC.
Awesome. I was humming and hawing about getting a DCC system, but I balked at the almost $200 (CAD) price tag. Even a Sprog is well over $100, but this fit the bill nicely coming at $60 for everything. Instructions were perfect, thank you!
This is by far the clearest step by step video for the Arduino based DCC++ I have watched it and am very clear on running my locomotives, one thing on my motor shield I had a removable jumper for vin so I didn't have to cut anything thanks for the step by step video I really enjoyed it!
Nice video, have been using the DCC++ for over a year now. I would recommend for anyone new to cutting PCB traces that after cutting the trace use a DVM set to Ohms and check that the two pads show something else more Zero '0" on the meter. I amusing the Mega with the Pololu Shield for my DCC++.
Thanks for sharing this! I just got back into model railroading a few months ago after being away for close to 30 years, and was my wallet was really feeling the pain of essentially starting from scratch. I was thinking it would be a really long time before I could make the DC to DCC jump, and I'd have to have separate home and club locomotives, but this setup is right up my alley. I just ordered all the parts on Amazon except for the motor shield, because it's currently going to take a month to get here. Fortunately I have a Microcenter nearby, and they have one there, so I should be in business in a few days. I'll probably be back asking questions if I have any trouble getting everything up and running, but thanks again for such an informative video.
This is really useful for hobbyists who want to get started with DCC but don't have the budget for traditional DCC controllers. Arduino microcontrollers have another advantage of flexibility to a great extent which can not be imagined with the regular stuff. Keep up the work!
Jimmy, just want to say I am very impressed with your channel. With your permission I would like to link to your videos from our Local Loco Model Railroad Club’s Facebook page and website. We are an all-scales modular club in Evansville, IN, that is dedicated to sharing our hobby with the public. We set up our modular layouts for a weekend four times per year in a variety of public places and run trains for people to enjoy free of charge.
Hi Jimmy further to my post on the DCC++EX problem, I tried a Uno with DCC++ and wires and all worked fine, did same uploaded DCC++EX to Uno and all worked fine with Decoder Tester on Main Track, as soon as I reconnected the Mega the Motor on decoder ran with no throttle and also only 3 light lit 1 missing on Main track and there is DC on Main track so seems a problem with Mega ..Regards John
i too am using the Arduino not only as my dcc system through JMRI but other arduinos linked together to control Turnouts ,track lights and other lighting , block detection, turntable, ,great what you can doo with Shift Registers,for now keep up the good work ,take care for now.
@@DIYDigitalRailroad I am starting to think I need to buy the authentic arduino motor control board, I had bought a knockoff board, when I do the diagnostic test command, one led on the regular track power stays lit, another video(cobo)shows them both blinking!!
Jimmy, I really like your videos. I watched you video on DC control of a train, but how would you use it in blocks? I am wanting to build a basic loop (shelf 18" below ceiling in office) with a bypass rail. 3 blocks. Trying to figure out how to start a train, run around the loop (random 1-3 loops), stop on bypass. Second train goes to main track and runs (random 1-3 loops), repeat. I don't need signals at this time but just want to control DC trains I already have.
Thank you for the videos. They are all very educational. You asked for suggestions... I had a great HO layout in the early 50’s. Could you do a, or direct me to some “new-be” videos. Most of my layout was done in by a major flood. Life went on and I and now attempting to get back into HO. I have an electronic engineering background, but I don’t know the new terminology or solid state equipment. Could you do or direct me to a beginners video. Thank you and God bless.
Hi Jimmy - as usual your videos are great tutorials! I have two questions: 1. What is the specific use of the motorshield? 2. Can this build be achieved using an Arduino Nano?
Very interesting, I've never used JMRI. I plan to eventually put it on a Raspberry Pi. I'm still dabbling with DCC, I wanted it for sound and realistic speeds. All my turnouts (Atlas Customline) are thrown by hand using Caboose Industry Ground Throws. I also (gasp!) Only own one locomotive!!! My small shelf layout could use a second (11ft x 2ft and HO scale). I guess I'm too intimidated by JMRI. Would like a Waybill System for my phone or tablet, do you know of any? That's why I was gonna do JMRI on the pi and maybe mount a tablet size touch screen to the fascia.
so i set this up but there are no lights coming turning on on the motor shield. but they are turning on on the Arduino. and JMRI can not detect any locomotives when I try to program. it senses track power is on but says it does not read any locomotives
I was wanting to know would I be able to use a bigger power supply like say from an old computer or is that too much for the adreno and you have to use one of those wall plug-in power packs. I've already done all the other stuff in your video to the adreno and have had a train running before but I was curious if I want to add more trains HO scale by the way if I would need more power say like a bigger power supply would you happen to know how many trains I would be able to run with just the small wall power pack would I need more power like a bigger power supply if I wanted to run more?
Hi Jimmy, Since I am very new to this great hobby what is the difference between DCC &DCC++? Looks like one runs off a computer(DCC++) and the other DCC off of a control box. Would it be wise for me to start out using the DCC system then down the road switch over to the DCC++? Thanks for any suggestions!! Also can you suggest where I could go to learn more about layouts, wiring, scenery, etc. Stay Safe & God Bless!!!
I am little confused hhere and trying to learn enough to start with n guage. So is the power adapter that your using with the aguino also the track power ? I would like to geting to n uage and have limited room and money. I do not wish to invest in things I will NOT need and NOT sure if I need to ut a cheap set first or maye I can just but the engine I want and some track and something like this to get it running. I am fairly well versed in electronics and mechanical and can solder ad build most things....
In DC you could do that without an arduino. You just need a timing circuit that is triggered by motion sensors. Everytime a train trips a sensor, the timer cutspower for __ seconds. Each end of the track can be controlled with diodes and additional timers. There was an article in Garden Railroader a few years back that explained it.
Hi. 5 years later, is this still your recommended DCC system? I'm laying down benchwork for my first ever layout sometime this Fall and was hoping to utilize DCC as opposed to DC. It will be a HO Scale Point-to-point layout in my office using Kato Unitack and manual switches. I've never worked with electronics or comp sci-type tools before. My technological expertise is limited to CTRL + ALT +DEL.... so I'm hoping this method won't be too far above my level. Thanks!
Hey Jimmy - great video - love the list of materials needed to get started. What do I need to add to my '90's version KATO locomotives to receive the DCC++ signals coming out of the Motor Shield? Are all decoders programmed to a "DCC Standard" ?
I am totally new to Model Railways (not even bought a baseboard yet) and am currently reading everything possible. This looks really good but i have one (silly?) question. Does all the power required for the track come through the Arduino or does that (the Arduino) supply only the loco commands? Martin Wilkins - Cornwall UK.
Can you connect the program track wires to the main track, to program the locomotives on the main? I am assuming that you can't run both at the same time.
Hi, thanks for the great and detailed explanations. I have an Adafruit Motor Shield V2.3 which uses a different processor than the L298P in your example. It has 4 motor connections, in pairs with a ground in between. How should I tweak the code to accomodate these differences?
Hi, Looking at this 4 yours after since published it. Some links to Amazon don't, not surprised, and lots of 'alternates' pop up now as well for the Uno and the motor shield. Also, what did you use for jumpers? They look they should be only a couple of inches long. Could you use 20g wire? Great video, looking forward to making my own.
Hi, I have a couple questions: how do I add a booster for my model railroad? How do I wire the DCC++EX for Ntrak op.s? Do I add a motor shield for every locomotive? Please HELP!??
Great work - you have a skill for shooting good video, clear and friendly voice, and extremely interesting and useful content. Have you seen the arduino CMRI build for model railroads? I've seen sompe projects scratch the surface but it seems like it has alot of capabilities. My issue is how do I light so many leds - been reading on charlieplexing but im lost :(
I'm looking at doing this soon. Do the part numbers matter? There seem to be newer motor shields and Arduinos out there, some at lower prices, and I want to make sure I buy compatible hardware.
Jimmy, do you have any experience with the Audino Mega? I ddi not see you how you uploaded the DCC system in the video did I miss it? Breat video by the way
First sorry about my bad English however there is one point I don't understand. If you use for example 12V then a TTL 5V input signal to a H bridge will output 0 to 12V how do you get the negative voltage -12V to +12V from a H bridge for the DCC signal ? Thank you DJ
What voltage would you use on the motor shield for HO scale? 12V or push it to 15V? Just starting to convert to DCC but want plenty of room/capacity for growth.
I've got all the stuff but can't seem to get the Arduino circuits to work correctly and find/fix all the errors in the sketches.... I'm looking at changing over to the Raspberry Pi + (or 4)... with all the interface and displays already in use... have you looked at the Paspberry Pi+ ?????
Great idea and video. I also liked your video on using the Raspberry Pi Zero W. Could the Arduino basestation be combined with the Zero W to have an all-in-one system? Thanks!
very good video Jimmy...I've been using dcc++ for awhile and i love it...I've been using a laptop power supply it is rated at 20 volts I haven't had any problems but now I'm wondering if I will...I would like to know what you think... Thanks Tom
I would like to set this up for large scale. I need high current and voltage capability. (24 VDC and 10 amp) Can I use this system to do it? Maybe with PN00218-CYT5 Cytron 10A Motor Driver (Arduino) Shield
What are the practical limitations of this system? I would be fine with running no more than a couple of HO loco's at once but what additional hardware, if any, would be needed to program sound decoders?
Hi Jimmy. So I have an Elegoo uno R3 and a Deek-Robot motor shield. Did your Arduino have a 12v max? Mine only says 9V max. I have a 5V power supply and a 12v (also the 9v battery hook up my kit came with) Just trying not to destroy my first Arduino set up. Thanks.
Hey Kent. If you cut the little VIN tracer on the motor shield. You won’t have 12V power flowing to it. The USB from the computer will provide 5V of power for the arduino. I’ve never had an issue with 12V and an UNO though. Just keep it at or below 2 amps.
Nice work. I'm just getting back into the hobby after 30 years or so. Question, I have a couple of Arduino Megas. Is it even worth attempting, or just order a new Uno and shield? Thanks. Good work. I also would have liked to see the shield to track connections. One goes to program track, etc. I have no clue, but wouldn't guess knowing how easy it is to fry s shield. Thx
Arduino Megas work great for this. You don't even have to sever the power connection because it can handle the same load. There are some slight differences in wiring, but the Mega works fine for this! There is an A and B motor connection, The Mainline is A, and the Program track is B.
@@coreygibson2590 Here is a link to the original DCC++ creator explaining DCC++ on the mega ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rZl84NXALaM.html
Hello, I'm hoping you can help me out. I made this exact build, with 15v 3amp power supply. Then I boost my amps up to 750mA. How can I get boost it up more. I have one locomotive I have to run by itself or is will shut the whole system down. I'm expecting it drawing to much. Is there a boost I can add to this set up? Thanks
Jimmy, after downloading the Base Station program, when I go to File - Examples -, there is no "Examples from custom libraries" option in the side menu. My computer only shows 3 major categories in the side menu - Built-in examples, Examples for any board, and Examples for Arduino Uno. Any suggestions?
Hi Jimmy, I'm trying to set up a DCC++ system, I have all arduino equipment. I can read the train decoder, but I can't get the train to move, any suggestions on what I may have done wrong.
Hi I have download the DCC++ base station arduino sketch from Github, unfortunately when I verify it I get this error, Arduino: 1.8.9 (Mac OS X), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Uno" fork/exec /Applications/Arduino.app/Contents/Java/hardware/tools/avr/bin/avr-g++: bad CPU type in executable Error compiling for board Arduino/Genuino Uno. Do you have any thoughts on my problem Martin Lomas This report would have more information with "Show verbose output during compilation" option enabled in File -> Preferences.
Hey Jimmy, I have a question: what's the max Amp that I can use for the power supply? In your BOM you suggest a 12v 2a power supply however I currently have a 12v 7a and a 12v 10a power supply. Would those still work even though there's much more amperage in it? Thanks for your help!
I would be careful with those. The motorshield mentioned has 2 channels and can only handle 2 amps per channel. The absolute max for this motorshield is a combined 4 amps.
I use a 4A supply, the base station monitors the current to detect shorts and will limit it to 2A (or what you set it to in the code). This is the reason some shields don't work as they don't monitor the current so it can't detect shorts and overloads AIUI.
Thanks! I looked that up on RU-vid last night. Looks pretty cool. I finally pulled the trigger after seeing the videos and bought the stuff to make my own DCC ++ EX system. It was my first purchase towards building my first layout! Thanks for your help!
Hey I have a question? I built this per your tutorial and I also did the raspberry pi and my laptop for jmri. But I have problems with it constantly just not working or not sending any signals at all. Do you have any trouble shooting suggestions or a video. It seems to work when it wants too and sometimes it wont work at all. Idk what's wrong.
hope to get this working was tying with a pololu shield with no luck just started testing with the one you are using now still cant control the trains as of yet
DIY & Digital Railroad Yes I set that aside and am useing your set up the shield came in the mail today I am able to right to a loco now but can not control it.
@@jfcastiglia I am having the same issue, I am wondering if it is best to get the arduino brand motor shield, I hate to buy it then find out it was something stupid that I am not doing right
need help on this error C:\Users\Rajesh\Documents\Arduino\libraries\DCCpp_Uno\DCCpp_Uno.ino:196:59: warning: ISO C++ forbids converting a string constant to 'char*' [-Wwrite-strings] CurrentMonitor mainMonitor(CURRENT_MONITOR_PIN_MAIN,""); // create monitor for current on Main Track ^ C:\Users\Rajesh\Documents\Arduino\libraries\DCCpp_Uno\DCCpp_Uno.ino:197:59: warning: ISO C++ forbids converting a string constant to 'char*' [-Wwrite-strings] CurrentMonitor progMonitor(CURRENT_MONITOR_PIN_PROG,""); // create monitor for current on Program Track ^ Sketch uses 18198 bytes (56%) of program storage space. Maximum is 32256 bytes. Global variables use 898 bytes (43%) of dynamic memory, leaving 1150 bytes for local variables. Maximum is 2048 bytes.
Great video! For whatever reason the LED for the Main positive is lit up constantly once I write the DCCpp to the board itself, when i turn the track power on and off in JMRI the Program track LEDs turn on and off but this light remains constant. any Ideas? Thanks!
the 5-13 connection doesnt change anything, though when the 10-12 connection is pulled out the yellow for the A terminals turns on and the green goes out. bad board?
The one from the Amazon link you provided, tho amazon is not shipping what is pictured. Ive had 2 primed to me already and theyre both Fundumoto R3 Shields.
