My first post on this forum but have been lurking for a long time. I built myself a DCC++ system with an UNO and MS and it runs my test track and programs my trains beautifully with JMRI. I am building a layout, and have been given 4x EasyDCC Booster 3's. Question is can these be used with DCC++ as boosters for 3 power districts? Anyone have any advice? Thanks in advance
they -should- work, although the booster 3's do not seem to have opto isolation built in to the Dcc inputs like the Booster 5's and 10's ... while voltage in is recommended to be 16-20v Ac in, the output voltage can be adjusted by replacing Z2 [if nessecary] ... Polarity [or phasing] can be adjusted by swapping the RJ DCC input connections .. easy to check
Having very limited electronics knowledge, but I can solder... Any ideas how I go about hooking up a booster 3 to the Arduino? My guess is because of lack of opto isolation I cant simply hookup the track output of the MS to the Booster3? I would probably have to tap into the Arduino itself. Am I on the right track here? Again any advice would be greatly appreciated.
out from arduino, thru an opto isolator [ good idea ] into the three booster 3, keeping polarity , don't use the shield for power to the main, just programming
Any ideas on what an opto isolator circuit might look like. I gather this is a simple few components, but no idea where to start.
Hello, I am interested in building a new layout. Long hiatus due to moving etc. I am really interested in going from an old DC to DCC and have been trying to decide between NCE and Digitrax… but got excited seeing YouTube videos of using an Arduino board with motor shield with DCC++ programming. I am looking for any and all advice from 'forget it ==> go with NCE or Digitrax' to 'go with the DCC++. This may be my second post. I tried one earlier and never saw it. I am a newbie to this website. Jim
Jim as much I hate hate non-answers I'll give you one It really depends on what you want to do and your knowledge/willingness to learn. If you are electronics knowledgeable, like to tinker and willing to do a little research DCC++ is a great options and many are running it with great success. If you want something that is super simple, well tested and has the backing of big companies then NCE or Digitrax are the way to go. Which of those to choose is the source of much debate and honestly comes down to personal preference and what you will be doing/want to do. Plenty of threads with opinions on it if you search. The best part of DCC++ in my opinion is you don't have a bunch to lose, an arduino and a motor driver will cost you under $20 (potentially under $10) so I would suggest if you like to DIY and are comfortable with electronics why not try it. You won't be out much and you may find you love it. If you can't make it wor, get frustrated, etc. throw it in the trash and go with NCE or digitrax.
