Presently, I use a 25 year old Aristo Craft Train Engineer radio throttle to operate locomotives on my DC switching layout. Lone wolf operation. Short trains, no need to double head. Have sidings where I can park locomotives not in use and shut off power. Occasionally, I get a twinge that maybe I should upgrade to DCC and join the 21st century... My requirements are minimal but I want to at least match my main current operational gotta have: walk around operation. Sound would be nice for occasional use. I'm leaning toward the Digikeijs DR5000 system with a wifi throttle (old smart cell phone). Not sure if I need JMRI? I joined the Trainboard Forums this weekend and read about the DCC-EX approach. Interesting! Tell me, what would I need to purchase for walk around control with wifi with DCC-EX?
https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/do-i-need-dcc.141555/ https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/dc-dcc.6751/
A phone basically. Android gives you more options. Two ways at the moment to connect. One is where the DCC++EX Command Station is connect to a computer (Raspberry Pi, Lap top or desktop) running the free JMRI. If using a Raspberry Pi it can become the WiFi hotspot the phone connects to or you use your home wifi with a Pi or other computer running JMRI. Second you can build the Command Station where wifi is part of it and connect direct to it if you are using an Android phone and EngineDriver (free app). This is relatively new and I have the components myself but haven't used it. I'd for sure start with a Arduino Mega over a Uno and think it is needed if you want to run wifi on the command station itself. A mega is cheap also. I bought one for $20 from Amazon that doesn't need a second board attached to it to add wifi (which is also very cheap). I haven't had a chance to try it yet so can't vouch that it will work for sure but ( HERE ) is a link to a video that shows an option that should be a for sure thing and I have those parts also. You can get into DCC++EX for under $75 so I'd say give it a try if you are inclined to go that way. If you buy a commercial Command Station you are probably going to spend $40 or more to be able to connect a phone throttle plus the cost of the command station (there are exceptions to that). wif is built into DCC++EX if you are running JMRI with it and you can have a wifi wireless throttle if there is wifi in the house that is in range or you are running a Pi that supplies the wifi hotspot (what I run and love it). Sumner
Appreciate your thoughtfull response Sumner! As I read the DCC++EX page, I would need to purchase an Arduino motor shield ($27), Arduino Mega ($33), power supplies ($20), pi 400 ($100), and a monitor... Easily over $200... I need to buy a laptop (knee replacement in a few months) which could eventually be used instead of buying a pi and monitor. SWMBO considers the laptop a medical expense, not a model railroad expense... Sweet! The Digikeijs DR5000 ($217) has built-in wifi and can connect with cell phones or commercial wifi throttles. JMRI would be available to the DR5000 via my home network. It appears that there are savings if I purchase the laptop + motor shield + mega + power cords (laptop + $80 versus laptop + $217). Is there a case for arduino components? Do you agree with my assessment?
I dont know how you control you turnouts or other items on your layout now but you would probably have to buy turnout controllers IE tortuise,servo etc. which would add to the expense, if you want to control them over wifi or thru JMRI. An old computer or laptop is all you need for DCC++EX nothing fancy. You can probably find the items to build the DCC++EX cheaper than you quoted. I am using mega and nano clones with very few issues. My base station was built before DCC++EX was developed with the old DCC++ and I uploaded DCC++EX to it and it is still running with the original mega and motor shield i bought long ago.
Thanks for the reply James! My turnouts are operated with either Caboose ground throws or with (non-Dcc controlled) servos. At this time, my preference is to use DCC for train operation only. It is a relatively small switching layout with single train operation. I agree, I could perhaps lower the cost of the DCC++Ex with different selections... Always tough to know if clones are a good choice. I simply selected recommended components. I have an old laptop, goodness probably 10 years old now... Had replaced it with a Microsoft surface that has since expired... I'll have to check on the operating system on the old laptop. Are there any specs on operating system, RAM and/or processor for running DCC++EX?
DCC++EX is actually running on the Arduino so it doesn't know which computer is being use. JMRI which you would be using to program decoders and most likely to run trains with it's WiThrottle (for your phone throttle) or its screen throttle can go on computers that are running operating systems as far back as Windows 98 according to this.... https://www.jmri.org/install/WindowsNew.shtml I would guess that your computer is probably running Windows 7? On the components I started with 'real' Arduino components, a Uno and an Arduino motor shield for the first command station (originally running the original DCC++. Then put DCC++EX on it and then when to an Arduino Mega and motorshield for the current configuration. I spent a few bucks more to stay with the recommended components as you mentioned and peace of mind. Probably a safer road to follow but saying that there might be more people out there now using clones than the real thing. I put DCC++EX on an Elegoo Mega clone the other day using the auto installer (pretty simple to use ). I haven't connected it to the layout yet (maybe today) so think it will run fine but don't know at this point. I also had ordered another clone with the built-in wifi but can't find it and hadn't installed DCC++EX before trying it out. I'll also resume the search for it today and report back. It was only about $22 ( HERE ). I hate to recommend it at this point as it is untested by myself. With the chip shortage the Pi route doesn't look good right now and maybe won't look good until we get into the summer or later reading posts about it. When it is available though you can get the Pi for $35 to $45, a power supply for $10, a mouse/keyboard for $35 and in my case I had a used monitor I could use but you can find them in the $60 to $80 range or probably less at a second hand store. If one doesn't go the Pi route and just as good is using an older computer like what you have for JMRI or again looking for a used laptop that you can probably find for under $75 and use it for JRMI. Sumner
I was using a laptop from 2008 for my layout until it died now I`m using a desktop from 2016. The main thing about using older computers is whether or not the programs you plan on using to run your layout such as java,jmri,etc are able to be run on your computer I would say anything running windows 7-8 or above would work fine. A lot of people use Linux for their layout which is supposed to decrease Windows related problems. You will have less issues with known compatible components for sure and buying genuine arduino products will further its research and improvements. I have to say my use of DCC++EX and JMRI has saved me $100`s if not $1000`s so far on my layout so far. I am using clone arduino CMRI nodes over RS485 to control 60+ turnouts using sg90 servos,control panel and signal lights,crossing gates,block occupancy detectors, etc vs buying commercial controllers and decoders but there again I am a tinkerer that enjoys that part of a layout vs running trains.
Time to hear from a real Luddite. Damned Complicated Crap is totally geared for operating multiple locomotives. All at once. That's what makes it worth the headaches (I don't care how much coding you do for a living, your pastime shouldn't be so much like work). What it doesn't do is put switch controls in your hand. How much walking around do you figure on doing before you need to throw a switch? If you're a Luddite like, give me manual switch machines, I can afford the shoe leather, then fine, run it through your wifi. But if those are remote control switches, make yourself a portable control panel, glue your old AristoCraft to it, and run a long bundle of wires to it. And if you're a Luddite who likes cats, figure out how to keep this long bundle out of their reach.
The Engine Driver throttle app on your phone will run trains AND throw switches that are configured/controlled by JMRI (whether through DCC, Loconet, LCC, etc.) All while dragging around zero wires. Relax, cats; take a nap... just not on the layout!
Sumner, yes my old laptop is running Windows 7. Have it hooked to my home network and installing JMRI now. I found directions on how to set a Window 7 machine as a hotspot. As I see it, using the old laptop removes the need for an add-on Wifi board plus provides power to the Arduino via USB. My amazon order will be for an Arduino motor shield ($27), Elegoo Mega 2560 ($33), and a power supply for the track ($10). $70, not bad! Agree? I will also be ordering three TCS T1 LED decoders for my favorite locomotives (P2K GP30's and an atlas TM GP38-2). All three are DCC ready, somewhat complex to add sound will skip for now...
I hear ya acptulsa! I haven't felt bad about using my AC to control trains and caboose hobby ground throws to throw turnouts. I wish the AC train engineer option was still available... Radio, walk-around control, for $35 when I purchased it. Very easy to sell a new user a $35 option for controlling trains versus several hundred dollar command station, decoders, etc. As a parent, ya just don't know what the kids will stay interested in. I say buy low end until you know. My son loved trains in his youth, not so much now. He enjoyed the challenge of helping me with my arduino project with servo control of turnouts. Politely interested once installed, the challenge was over...
Initially started with an Arduino branded Mega and shield. then bought a few Elegoos. Have tested DCC EX on all Elegoo Mega's using both automated installer and via IDE - AOK. Swapped Arduino branded , Deek Robot and DIY motor shields with both. No observed issues. Another Elegoo Mega with a DIY motor shield has worked flawlessly for about a year so I think you should be good to go with the Elegoo.
Really like Engine driver as others here do too! Started using Engine Driver on a Windows laptop running BlueStacks (open source), a Windows based android emulator. Easy to install. So if you want to check out Engine Driver and don't have an available Android device, another option to consider, or for short term Used on an old 2012 vintage Dell 2n1 11" laptop for a few months until getting a fire tablet in December.
You can get wireless walkaround control for a DC layout using the Kato Smart Device Controller and an Android or Apple phone or tablet. It's significantly more than $35 (about 3x), but still way less than any commercial starter DCC system.
Was the Mega suppose to be $23 (that is what I see now). Update on my Elegoo Mega. Yesterday I used the auto-installer to put DCC++EX on the mega that had a 'real' Arduino shield on it. I received no reported errors doing that. On the layout with the Arduino connected to my Pi with a JMRI throttle or phone throttle it looked like I was able to turn the track power on and off with the throttle but there was never power going to the track. I had power to the shield, the Pi, the Mega. I tried a different motor shield...same problem. Then tried a different generic Mega with the same results. I then put the newest version of DCC++EX (Command Station-EX in all cases) on a Uno and it worked fine. Tried a couple other things with no luck and then went to bed. I'll work on this more today and get with the DCC++EX team if I can and report back. I don't think it is the Elegoo but something else. This is the newest release so maybe a problem or maybe the problem is on my end. I wouldn't let any of this deter you as it is working on the Pi just fine. Also I agree there is no real reason to us the wifi on the Arduino if you have it through a Pi or home network the computer can connected to. Not sure why I'm doing it with the Pi right there but just wanted to try it. I haven't tried to use it at this point so it isn't connected to the current problems I'm having. Sumner
Correct, I made a typo error in my post, it is $23 for the Elegoo Mega. Sorry to read about the challenge with your setup, look forward to following your updates. Best, Rick
All is working fine now. For some reason the Pi with Steve's image file on it was seeing the connection as DCC++ (correct) when the Uno was attached. With the Mega attached it was seeing that it was attached via Loconet (wrong) and the reason the throttle wasn't controlling track power. I went into JMRI and changed the connection with preferences and everything works as it should. It sounds like there is an auto-identify function in either JMRI or Steve's image file that might not of seen the Mega the same as the Uno?? I'm going to put one of Steve's recent image files for the Pi on and that probably will fix it without one doing anything. When you first start you need to setup the connection in preferences in JMRI to which DCC system you are using (DCC++ in this case) so you won't have this problem at all. I posted on the discord site this morning and got help from Ash and Steve right away so DCC++EX is being supported by great help, another reason it is flourishing , Sumner
You have to remember to account for inflation. That $35 from 25 years ago is more like $60 now. Even if AC were still around, the throttle wouldn't be $35 anymore. It probably would be more than $60, to be honest. This is rarely an inexpensive hobby these days. Jim
True, the cost for the AC would be higher today but a complete DCC is many multiples higher... Unless they go with DCC++EX and just get motor decorders...
