Command Station Ex 3.0.0 documentation

Rico (momfer) Dec 11, 2020

  1. Rico (momfer)

    Rico (momfer) New Member

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    Hi Trainboard users,

    The past month I am reading a lot about DCC++ , DCC++ EX and the new CommandStation EX 3.0.0 software and hardware.

    In de C.S. EX 3.0.0 documentation I can't find anything about (not using) jumpers and/or (not) cutting the break disable traces, so I'm a bit confused here (and probably not the only one).

    From several sources I understand that the implementation in C.S. EX 3.0.0 for the Motor Shields is without the need for jumpers, at least with the Deek-Robot and Arduino motor shields.

    Furthermore, in DCC++ and DCC++ EX resources, cutting the brake traces is mentioned. A lot of users are updating from DCC++ and/or using (old) DCC++ resources.

    I think the documentation should be very (very) clear about both requirements!

    If I've missed something, I appologize, but I am trying to get these issues clear before I go on with my Arduino + C.S. EX Railroading steps, and hopefully for everyone else starting with C.S.EX.

    Regards and thanks!

    Rico Landman
    Zwolle
    the Netherlands
     
    Sumner likes this.
  2. schufti

    schufti TrainBoard Member

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    Hi,
    cutting the brake links was/is only necessary when you want(ed) to use these pins for other functionality. Usually these pins are set as inputs, so not to interfere with dcc++ function.
    The jumper cable(s) are no longer needed as the right pin assignement is taken care of in motorboards.h via seperate settings for specific shields.
    !!!The most important thing to take care of is the cutting of the Vin link!!!
    (at least mentioned once in the assembly guide - the part that "real men" tend to skip...)

    But you are correct, this is not clear in the instructions and allthough motorboards are dealt with in (at least) two parts on the webpage, only one mentions the Vin link. Some references are made concerning "cutting pins and additional resistors" w/o further details, no hints are given about brake traces.
     
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  3. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    From the assembly guide:

    https://dcc-ex.com/get-started/assembly.html

    1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, Cut the Vin trace on the motor controller
    We recommend you use two separate power supplies (or one power supply that can deliver two different voltages) one for the Arduino Mega and the other for the Motor Controller to power your tracks. You will need to turn the motor controller board upside down and cut the trace indicated in the picture with a razor blade or x-acto knife. 2 or 3 firm scratches through the trace should do it. Do not cut too deep. Both a magifier and an ohmmeter would be helpful here. The little vertical line in between the two solder pads is the scratch mark from where we cut through the little solder trace.

    Note

    By default, the motor controller connects its power supply via the pins, to the Arduino. This can supply too much voltage to the Arduino. If you do not cut this trace, you could damage the Arduino if you apply more than 12V to the motor shield. In the same way, if you don’t cut this trace and use the 2 power supplies as recommended, they would be connected to each other. This would not be good.

    [​IMG]
    Figure 2 - Cutting the Vin trace

    If you have an ohmmeter, touch your probes to each side of the trace pads and make sure the resistance reading is infinite. In other words, make sure the trace is cut and there is no longer continuity between the two pads on the trace.

    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Maybe there should also be a link to the above on the page/pages about the motor controller (parts and definition sections)??

    The documentation (shown above and https://dcc-ex.com/ ) is really coming along. Great work guys. Convinced me to get a Mega and will use it soon to set up a third DCC++ EX command station to use also.

    I feel that there are still a number of potential users out there that think this is a 'put parts on a printed circuit board and solder things up'. That couldn't be further from the truth. The only part of setting up vs. a commercial system is basically having to cut the trace shown above. The rest is pretty much plug and play. I think seeing the Arduino and Mother Board and the Pi if they use it with their exposed components gives people the idea that this is really hard or complicated when it isn't.

    Anyone that is interested in DCC should give it a try,

    Sumner
     
    Rico (momfer) likes this.
  4. Rico (momfer)

    Rico (momfer) New Member

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    Hi Schufti,

    Thank you for your swift respons.

    It is now clear to me what the necessities are for making a working C.S.

    - cut the Vin traces ;)
    - No jumpers needed
    - Leave the Break Disable traces intact
    - REALLY !!! CUT THE Vin traces ;) !!!

    Have a nice weekend!
     
  5. Rico (momfer)

    Rico (momfer) New Member

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    Hi Sumner,

    I was already quite aware of the fact that the Vin trace must be cut, but thanks for the reminder. Cutting the Vin was very clear in (almost) ALL the resources :)

    My confusion was fed by the differences found in the resources regarding DCC++, DCC++Ex and C.S. Ex v3.0.0. about the jumpers and cutting the Break Disable traces.

    To me it is very clear now, thanks for that to you too!

    Have a good weekend!
     
  6. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    Sorry, my bad, I misunderstood your original post,

    Sumner
     
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  7. Rico (momfer)

    Rico (momfer) New Member

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    No Worries :)

    Any input is appreciated!
     

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