Hello All, So where shall I start. I introduced my self already in the newbie forum so that is done. I am interested in starting to play with DCC++, so waiting mostly now for the Arduino Motorshield. The hardware as planned is right now: -Arduino Uno R3 -Arduino Motorshield -Wires I was thinking of using a normal layout power source (model train Trix 65550 Transformator Compact-Vario) that should be okay right? Computer is probably going to be a Raspberry Pi. Maybe if I have money for it a simple Windows laptop or desktop. Layout will be first a simple oval, test track, later there will be a real layout. Now, question about the DCC decoder, I have a train Hobbytrain ES64 Taurus (scale n) and inside there is a place for a decoder 6 pins. I think it is called NEM651. Now can I basically buy any 6 pin decoder to put it in? Or do I need to pay attention to something else? Little note I want a decoder which I can just plug in no soldering if possible. (that is for an other time) Thx for your help and advice in advance. Willem
needs to be DC, and of the voltage appropriate for the scale you are modeling (i don't remember the values). i would start with the Raspberry Pi, if you know Linux and are used to the requirements of a small-board computer. Welcome to DCC++ ~Travis
I run the Pi on my layout. If you download Todd's per-configured image to a SD card and plug it into the Pi's SD slot you are done. No programming or having to get the Pi up and running. Using another computer to put the image on the SD card is all you need to do. Connect a USB power supply, monitor and keyboard/mouse to the Pi, turn it on and the Pi will boot and JMRI will come up on the screen. You can exit JMRI if so desired and run the Pi as a normal Pi computer. All that you need to do that is here along with getting DCC++ on the Arduino ... http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/page-1.html Sumner
You can use any 6 pin decoders as wiring is the same across the decoders. For N-gauge one of your limitation is the size of the decoders that will fit in your model. Check the size (all 3 sides) before purchase/ installing. Maybe there is even a drop in decoder for you model.
Hi, I'm not sure of the spec of that psu, but older designs of DC model train controllers have a simple rectifier circuit running from a transformer, and the output is not efficiently smoothed or regulated. If this is one of those designs I'm sure it wouldn't be suitable for DCC. Does anyone have a schematic for that psu?
Thx for the reactions. Raspberry pi computer is no problem for to get running, it is currently on top of my list a a running computer for the layout. Regarding the PSU, I need to dive in to my collection of train stuff, currently in boxes all over the place, I should have other possibilities, I think I even have other PSU units that can be used. The decoders, i have currently 2 lying around, where I ever got them from I am not sure, 1 has a 8 pin and the other only wires a selextrix and an uhlenbruck I thought. Both are big so most lickly for HO. I will have a look around for a 6 pin in N scale. Still waiting for all my parts, when I have everything I also can start trying and testing and so. Meanwhile I keep reading and watching movies and maybe come up with more questions. Sent from my Redmi Note 7 using Tapatalk
If you don't want sound I'd suggest a ESU lokpilot https://store.sbs4dcc.com/ESU53664LokPilotNanoStandardNMRADCCDecoderNEM6516-pinWiredPlug.aspx or the Zimo https://store.sbs4dcc.com/ZIMOMX616FNanoDCCDecoder-NEM6516-pinWiredConnector.aspx You might save $10 with a digitrax or TCS but honestly you'll appreciate the motor control on these much, much better. These are both tiny and so will fit in almost any loco.
