Hi everyone. I have been using DCC++ on an Arduino Uno with a Geek Robot Motor Shield quite a while to program my decoders with DecoderPro. My understanding of layout automation is close to non existant. I tried to automate parts of my dads layout and managed to activate the sensors and "follow" trains but never managed to influence them. The system my dad uses is an Intellibox1. Right now, I am setting up a micro layout in H0m, measuring roundabout 80cm x 50cm. Two turnouts, two trains. Here is what it looks like: Sorry for the descriptions in the image still being in German. Here is, what that means in English: 1. Haltestelle Tram: Tram stop 2. Abstellplatz Tram: Tram "depot" (i.e., where it parks when not on duty). 3. Ladestelle Gueterzug: The siding, where the freight train (Güterzug) is being loaded. 4. Abstellplatz Güterzug: where the freight train sits while off duty, i.e. the "freight train depot". My idea is as follows: The tram leaves its depot e.g. clockwise, stops at the tram stop and proceeds to the depot. Its next run is then counter clockwise. The freight train leaves its depot and pushes its car right into the siding. Once finished, it just pulls its car out of the siding and runs back into its depot. I am planning to use hall sensors for tracking the trains and magnetic drives for my two points. Therefore, I already bought tow relais to connect the magnetic drives to the arduino. My first questions concern "blocks". If I specify the sections highlighted in orange in the plan as blocks, i that sufficient for what I want to do? And the second one: do I have to electrically separate the blocks from the rest of the layout? Thanks for any advice. I hope, my questions make sense. I am not sure, whether I am in the right subforum, here. If not, admins, please feel free to move it to a better place. Cheers! Joe
I can't answer your specific questions but. Are you using the older DCC++ or the newer DCC++EX ( HERE ) that now also has Ex-Rail ( HERE ) which I think would handle the situation from reading about it. You will still have the questions about blocks like you asked. Besides here you might want to go to the DCC++EX Discord group ( HERE ) that might be able to help with both the automation questions and the wiring ones. Keep us up-to-date on your progress, Sumner
I've just started experimenting with DCC layout automation using NCE Mini panels, you can automate quite a bit, including everything you listed. You can use simple reed swtiches as inputs for track sensing, and other devices if you so choose, to do autamatic switching, do anything with your DCC locos, and a lot more. There are a lot of statements you can use like delays, logic, etc. You can have have toggle switches too, for options, or to do things. Of course it helps if you have a NCE system, and you'll need an NCE throttle to program it, but my understanding is you can buld an adapter for it to work on any DCC system, it is essentially a CAB with memory and about 30 inputs. Plus when it's running it's programs you can still use your normal DCC Cabs to control anything. I have hooked up a panel with 3 buttons (to start programs), and a few toggle switches. I learned most of this from a website by James Ingram called https://autocontrols.org/. The site can be a bit daunting, but lots of great info on there. Look at his NCE mini panel videos and circuits. I also used his website to build analog DC controls starting about 14 years ago for my G scale trains. Right now I have a custom panel that will let me run 2-3 trains on a loop of track, with stops, or continuous, with slowdowns through the "yard" section. Not doing switching yet, but it is easy to build switching and or yards using the mini panel and to automate it.
