Please bear with me as I 'm new to this hobbie and this forum . I can only hope my stupid questions don't put everyone to sleep. Let me get started by trying to discribe my layout. Have a 4 x 8 layout using Atlas flex 80 track . I'm in the process of laying the track now . I plan to have 2 parallel tracks going up a 3.3 % grade for a complete oval . The tracks will be connected together with a double cross over turnout. So far that is as far as I have gone. NOW for my question. I would like to be able to build my own controller and booster. My plan is to run no more than 3 trains at the same time. I would also like to be able to use a laptop computer for operating everything. Can any one suggest a DO-IT-YOURSELF project that would work?????????? Thanks very much !!!! hope I have not put everyone to sleep.:tb-biggrin:
Since it seems you have extensive knowledge of electronics and DCC, go to the below site. Should be a piece of cake. Not something I would try. http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/CircuitIndex.html#DCC Rich
You will need a command station, booster, and a control to work with the command station. Command station is the key to the system. There are plans for DIY boosters all over the net. They just boost the signal from the command station and can be added to many of the commercially produced systems. As far as Command Stations, there is currently one DIY kit for a command station that I'm aware of. The Model Electronic Railway Group (MERG) has a command station, boosters, throttles, etc. About MERG MERG List Resources Page Good luck with the project. Martin Myers
Welcome to TrainBoard!!!!!!! No such thing as a stupid question but you might get a wise crack reply now and then (all in fun) as we are all here to help and share in the RR hobbies... :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin: :tb-biggrin:
I'm working on a PIC based Ethernet->DCC bridge board that would allow someone to implement a "soft" controller on a PC (or use JMRI with a little bit of added logic) and connect to the layout over a LAN (or wireless). It's still just a block diagram in my head, though. Not even baked enough to share yet.
Thanks everybody for the feedback. I'll have to do some home work. The Mini DCC at www.minidcc.com looks interesting. Has anybody used this system??
Mike70, what is your budget for you do-it-yourself DCC? That will tell us how cost-effective a do-it-yourself DCC command station, booster, and associated connections and peripherals need to be (i.e. throttle, cab bus, circuit breakers). Thx.
Just finished building the miniDCC with both the PIC16F84A and the PIC16F628A. Both work fine with the LMD18200 based booster, about the same as my Bachmann EZCommand except the Mini has a pushbutton for speed control instead of a pot. In my ignorance I spent a lot of time trying to get the PIC16F84 - not the A version to work - no go, so get a 16F84A or the 16F628A. I used the PICKit II to program the PIC. Knockoffs of the PICKIt II and III are available for under $30 although the original sells for around $50. Al
