Hello All, I am finally posting a question. Love the board here. I have begun an N scale layout that I would like to use DCC++ with. I am using an Arduino Mega and an Arduino Motor shield. I have done all the testing that I can find and I also used the diagnostic info (https://github.com/DccPlusPlus/BaseStation/wiki/Diagnostics---D---Command) and it looks like the Uno and Mega are sending the correct data. I am also getting the DCC++ signal to the power block of the motor shield. When I enter a <D> command in the serial monitor of the IDE, i get the alternating flashing leds on the motor shield. I am using version 1.2.1 of the DCCpp_Uno.ino of the BaseStation. I have tried 3 different motor shields (2 new) with both an Uno and a Mega, but I still cannot get any voltage to come out of the motor shield. I am using a 12 volt supply to the motor shield and connected the Uno/Mega with a USB cable to my macbook. The wires coming out of the shield for the A side are going directly to a length of track that I have my loco on and I have installed a Digitrax N163A4 decoder to it. Still no joy. I would appreciate any suggestions from this group. I am hoping that I do not need to abandon the DCC++. Thanks, John Luciano
I am guessing you have the jumpers connected as required? How are you checking voltage? I had problems because I was looking with a multi-meter for DC and it shows as AC. My motor shield LEDs don't flash when I power on the track, just go solid on, but then I am using JMRI, not issuing DCC++ commands thru a terminal. Have you programmed the decoder yet? T.
Thanks for the reply Tom. The flashing leds were only for the diagnostics. When I run it normally, the leds are solid on. I am using decoder pro to connect to the decoder but I am unable to get a response from the decoder. I was assuming that the voltage was not going thru because I got no lights or motor to work thru decoder pro. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When you fire up decoder pro on the bottom does it say your ops track is online and DCC++? And what happens if you try to read a decoder? Are you sure you have the decoder address correct. Also check AC voltage and see what it says. It won't say exact but you should get something. My guesses are a wrong decoder address or somehow your profile in Decoder pro is not setup right.
Hi Keith, I believe those both indicate as green at the bottom of the screen. I am using address 3 because the documentation for the decoder reads that that was the default value. I will check the AC voltage and the profile for Decoder pro later when I am home..
Well, I checked the Decoder Pro and the hardware. I do show that the ops track and DCC++ are both online. I also checked the hardware for AC voltage and it does show a value. As far as I can tell, I am connected correctly to the base station. I have not been able to read the decoder to find out what values it has. I am also wondering if there may be something wrong with my installation of the decoder to the loco. I am planning on bringing the loco back to the shop I got it from and have them check it for a correct installation. Thanks for all the assistance. John
Also ask them if they have a loaner loco that they know works DCC you can use to test your setup (or you could by the cheapest on that is factory DCC installed they have to use as a tester. To me at least sounds like the decoder or loco the problem rather than the DCC++
What was the voltage and are you using a program track and a main track and programming on the program track? Sumner
The arduino motorshield has a max drop voltage of 2.6V. What is the value of the track voltage? Don't raise the dc input voltage to the shield before cut the vcin trace on the back. What is the max amps output of your supply?
Hi vasilis, I am getting just under 10 volts in the track. I have ordered a 15 volt power supply and will cut the vc in before I connect. Also, my decoder seems to be loose in the frame. So I am going to solder it in place. The new power supply will also automatically supply amperage up to 3 amps based on draw. I will let you know how these go. Thanks again. John Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
