#4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX @DriverDTrains

[@edwardaudet8367]

One of the best tutorials I watched, or read in a long time. If someone like me who prefers a visual teaching tool , your videos are the best.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I am working on the next part now. This format works well for visual learning. Thanks again! DD

[@m2sirois]

Excellent tutoriel. J'ai déjà monté différentes applications DCC++EX en modes "AP" Application Mode et "STA" Station Mode. Ce vidéo est, à mon avis, le plus simple et claire.

[@DriverDTrains]

Merci pour vos gentils commentaires. J'apprécie beaucoup. Je suis heureux que vous ayez trouvé la vidéo utile. Je travaille ensuite sur une vidéo pour l'écran LCD. Bonne chance avec votre DCC-EX et conduisez des trains ! Merci DD

[@saxhorn1508]

Keep these coming! I’m following along with my own build. Got the basic setup running today and am ordering a Wi-Fi shield. Looking forward to sensors, servo turnouts, and especially automation. I think you ought to quit your day job and work on these videos full-time.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Great to hear that you got your basic setup running. I just uploaded the second installment for the Wi-Fi this morning, so you'll be ready when the Wi-Fi shield arrives. The LCD display will be up next. There are probably a number of reasons I should quit my day job lol. ; )= Someday. Thanks again! DD

[@BriansModelTrains]

Great clear video. I made a few DCC-EX stations since DCC++. Today I have two with LCD screened versions that connect to my home WIFI but have not updated to version 5. I have rosters and turnouts programed in so I cannot simply press update and get the latest version without a bit of work on my part. I also bought the new Digitrax DCS210+ system to play with. I prefer a real throttle to using my phone. Recenlty I am working on automation on my HO shelf layout. Give Scratchy a treat from me.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and Scratchy sends thanks for the treat! Sounds like you have a great setup there. I've tried a few different throttles with DCC-EX and JMRI in addition to the phone and tablet, including wireless keypads, a wireless mouse (scroll wheel for the throttle), and even the ProtoThrottle. But the D-Saver it tiny so I don't need much. Enjoy playing with the new Digitrax, and setting up those automations! Thanks again! DD

[@deltic5514]

From across the pond really liking your videos. So easy to follow and for once in a tutorial whats appears on your systems actually appears on mine too. Keep up the good work

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. I have more coming soon. Thanks again! DD

[@MrPajafr]

Merci beaucoup pour ces 4 vidéos. Elles sont très pédagogiques et de très bonne qualité. Bravo

[@DriverDTrains]

Merci beaucoup pour vos aimables paroles. Je suis contente que vous ayez apprécié les vidéos ! J'espère que le prochain sera bientôt terminé. Merci encore! DD

[@thewmreed]

Great tutorial as always. Thank you! You make it a lot easier than other videos.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I hope to have the next installment out soon. Thanks again! DD

[@philnewman1110]

What an excellent instructional video, I am waiting on my bits coming, but when they do this is where I will come on how to set it all up. Thank you so much, and well done indeed!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. I hope your parts arrive soon and enjoy putting them all together! In the meantime I'll be working on the next video. Thanks again! DD

[@vladimirbojovic9736]

Great video,thank you.I have purchased arduino r3,motor shield wi fi shield.I am waiting for lcd tutorial

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Glad you hear you've started getting all your parts together. I hope to have the video for the LCD screen out soon. Thanks again!

[@mal6232]

If anybody is trying to use a generic wifi shield (from the likes of Aliexpress) you will have to bend the wifi shield 0 and 1 out of the way so they do not connect to the motor shield or else the comms to the motor shield fail and it hangs the mega2560 booting, then connect the esp's pin txd0 to the mega's RX3 and the esp's pin rxd0 to the mega TX3 to enable the wifi shield's data lines. Also ensure the 4 dip switches are left in the off position. You will also need to downgrade the firmware on the wifi shield to 1.7.4 using a USB to serial adapter connected to the wifi shield debug port as per this video...

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for the kind comments and useful info! For downgrading the firmware, see my video #4f, Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX. I go through the process for both Mac using Python and PC using the ESPTool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/navFiGhrlqd1oac You can now also purchase the Makerfabs WiFi Shield with the correct firmware from one of DXX-EX's partners. Links below. dcc-ex.com/reference/hardware/wifi-boards/ex-wifi-shield-8266.html dcc-ex.com/purchasing/dealers.html Thanks again and happy railroading! DD

[@williamparker2934]

I'm in the starting to build my command station. My biggest question is how can I operate the wifi throttles and such without internet. Could I set up a LAN and use it that way without active Internet

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your comments and questions. I really appreciate it. There are several ways you can operate the Wi-Fi throttles on DCC-EX without internet. As discussed in this video #4.c and the next one #4.d, you can use the wi-fi on your DCC-EX command station in access point (AP) mode and connect your wi-fi throttles to the command station directly; no internet or LAN (router) required. Another option is to get an old router and set up a LAN as you alluded to. There are other methods as well. If you have a computer connected to your DCC-EX command station, you could install JMRI and use its Wi-Fi server. I discuss this in my series of videos on JMRI. But the easiest method is just to use the DCC-EX wi-fi in access point mode unless there is a specific reason (you want to run too many throttles, the layout room is too large, etc.) not to. Again, be sure to watch this video $4.d and the next one #4.d. Enjoy! Thanks again and happy railroading! DD

[@FredE528]

Hope you can help me? I get message LCD4:WiFi no AT chip plus other stuff. I have blinking blue light and have the jumper wires correct.

[@DriverDTrains]

This sometimes happens when you update the DCC-EX software and the Wi-Fi chip stops responding, even with the correct firmware. Try unplugging the power from the command station (USB cable & track power), waiting a few moments, and then plugging it back in. You may need to do that a couple of times. Hopefully after that DCC-EX will find the Wi-Fi chip. If not, replace the jumper wires with new ones. And I know you've checked that they're correct, but for others I will remind that the TX on the command station has to connect to the RX on the Wi-Fi, and the RX on the command station has to connect to the TX on the Wi-Fi. Hope that helps! DD

[@dantecant]

Does ESP8266 WIFI Shield pilot light stay on goes off after short time?

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comment and question. On my Wi-Fi shield the light flashes 2 or 3 times when the command station boots, and then goes out. However I have heard that on some versions of the Wi-Fi shield, or with some firmwares, the light may stay on. The light on the Arduino Uno is always on. I'm sorry that I don't have a more definitive answer for you. Good luck and happy railroading! Thanks again, DD

[@bendunselman]

TX = transmit and RX = receive

[@DriverDTrains]

Yes, exactly! : ) DD