#4.f - Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX @DriverDTrains

@DriverD Trains #4.f - Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX
Welcome to Driver D trains. Thanks for stopping by! I’m your host Driver D.
Our conductor and brakeman Scratchy-C is ready to work on some code! [Lick!]
In previous videos I showed you how to add and configure Wi-Fi on your DCC-EX command station. If you haven’t already seen those videos, be sure to check them out!
#4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX
#4.d - Configuring DCC-EX Wi-Fi
In this video, I’ll show you how to confirm the version of the Wi-Fi chip firmware and upgrade or downgrade the firmware to the correct version for DCC-EX.
All these videos are part of a series on how to assemble and configure a DCC-EX Command Station to run our trains.
Videos in this series:
Part 1: #4.a - Assembling a DCC-EX Command Station kzbin.infoHatlU7A5S5s
Part 2: #4.b - Installing & Configuring DCC-EX kzbin.infojv_xfwLZJd8
Part 3: #4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX • #4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to...
Part 4: #4.d - Configuring DCC-EX Wi-Fi for Station Mode • #4.d - Configuring DCC...
Part 5: #4.e - Adding and LCD Display to DCC-EX • #4.e - Adding an LCD D...
Part 6: #4.f - Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX [**This video!**]
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Driver D trains!
01:50 Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX
04:00 Step 1 - Check the Firmware Version
05:50 Step 2 - Purchase a Serial Adapter (& Jumper Wires if needed)
10:15 Step 3 - Prepare the Hardware
19:32 Step 4 - Mac Users - Install Software & Firmware
34:57 Step 5 - Windows Users - Install Software & Firmware
48:36 Step 6 - Reassemble the Command Station
50:16 Step 7 - Run Some Trains!
51:23 What’s Next… Mixed Freight & JMRI
52:42 Credits
Links and Code:
Step 1:
First, check your existing firmware version in the EX-Webthrottle app in Google Chrome by typing +GMR on the command line and finding the results in the debug console. The current version in 2023 is 2.2. The version we want for DCC-EX is 1.7.4 from May 2020.
EX-WebThrottle (Chrome browser only): dcc-ex.com/WebThrottle-EX/
If you have a different version, you will want to upgrade or downgrade the Wi-Fi firmware to 1.7.4 for better performance. Here are the items you’ll need.
Step 2:
Required Hardware:
CP2102 USB UART Serial Adapter (2): www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6LLX19
Other choices: www.amazon.com/dp/B00LODGRV8
or www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZS6H9VS
Optional Hardware:
Jumper Wires: www.amazon.com/dp/B07GD2PGY4
or www.amazon.com/dp/B01EV70C78/
USB Extension Cord w/ Switch: www.amazon.com/dp/B08M45QM3J
Other choices: www.amazon.com/dp/B07T9BRNHW
Step 3:
Informational only:
MakerFabs Wi-Fi Shield schematic (note the location of GPIO0 in the upper-right quadrant):
dcc-ex.com/_images/makerfabs_...
Required software (all users):
Firmware version 1.7.4:
dcc-ex.com/_static/files/esp8...
Step 4:
Additional required software for Mac Users:
Mac Terminal - found in the utilities folder in the applications folder.
Python3 (from apple): Type “python3” on the command line in the Terminal. Follow the prompts to install the developer tools which includes Python. All Python commands below are entered in Terminal. Copy and paste these commands in Terminal when instructed to do so.
Install ESPTool:
python3 -m pip install esptool
Read Wi-Fi chip’s hardware MAC address:
python3 -m esptool read_mac
Python command to install the firmware (copy and paste this on the command line in Terminal when instructed to do so - BE SURE TO COPY IT ALL):
python3 -m esptool write_flash --flash_mode dio --flash_size 2MB-c1 0x0 boot_v1.7.bin 0x01000 at/1024+1024/user1.2048.new.5.bin 0x1fb000 blank.bin 0x1fc000 esp_init_data_default_v08.bin 0xfe000 blank.bin 0x1fe000 blank.bin
Step 5:
Additional required software for Windows Users:
Flash Download Tool:
dcc-ex.com/_static/files/esp8...
CP2102 Driver (Silicon Labs Download Page & Universal Windows Driver):
www.silabs.com/developers/usb...
www.silabs.com/documents/publ...
Memory Offsets for Firmware Binary Files (enter these in the Flash Download tool when instructed to do so):
boot_v1.7.bin: 0x00000
user1.2048.new.5.bin: 0x01000
esp_init_data_default_v08.bin: 0x1FC000
blank.bin: 0xFE000
blank.bin: 0x1FE000
What’s next?
In my next series of videos, I will introduce you to JMRI, the Java Model Railroad Interface. This initial series of videos will focus on JMRI’s Decoder Pro app, and JMRI throttles.
However, before we dive into JMRI, I have a few other deliveries to make, and maybe even some bonus materials. This is a real mixed freight so we’ll just have to find out together what is on the manifest.
All aboard!
[Meow!]
DriverDTrains ©2024

[@NarrowGauge1]

Hi DriverD. I need to congratulate you on producing such a comprehensive video on updating the ESP8266 wifi firmware. You have gone beyond what other modellers have attempted to do and far outways any effort written up on the DCC-EX website. My efforts centered around the iMac methodology and it worked first time so thanks again. All the best, Rick

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it! I'm so glad that everything went so smoothly the first time upgrading the WiFi firmware using your iMac. That's really good to hear. Now enjoy running some trains! : ) Thanks again! DD

[@jerrysmith1929]

Thanks for compilintg into one video all of your DCC EX lessons. It's the clearest and most comprehensive tutorial I've found.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you found the videos helpful. Best of luck with your DCC-EX system! Thanks again, DD

[@IC2500]

Thank you for putting these video tutorials out. I just finished up my command station and got the wifi working correctly. Im excited to see the next videos on the fast clock and such. Thank you again.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad to hear you got your command station up and configured successfully. I will try to get that fast clock video out as soon as I can. Look for some videos on JMRI next. Thanks again! DD

[@dougs_trains]

I set up my DCCEX without much fuss. I had bought the MakerFabs Wi-Fi Shield on the 6th January and it arrived yesterday, the 25th (delay caused by a week of snow here). Lucky for me, it arrived with Firmware version 1.7.4. I had tried to check the firmware with the CP2102 USB UART first, and that nearly messed up my PC setting up that driver. But I expect it is a problem with the CP2102. I tested the WiFi shield once the Command Station was set up, and it was all fine. It all works perfectly using Engine Driver on the phone. Now I'll design and build a good case for the boards and the screen.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. That's great to hear that your Makerfabs board had the DCC-EX friendly version of the firmware on it and I'm so glad that it is working perfectly. Sorry to hear about the trouble with the CP2102 but sounds like you got past it. Enjoy the DCC-EX now that it is set up and go run some trains! : ) Thanks again! DD

[@BriansModelTrains]

Amazing video series. I started with DCC++ years ago and now use DCC-EX and use your videos for guidance. Love Scrathy C as well.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you again for your kind comments. So glad you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. Scratchy-C always says meow and appreciates the love. Thanks again! DD

[@paulscarlett4346]

Very good tutorial on Working with the Wi-Fi Module. As you mention you are going to just JMRI, I would also suggest you might want to do a tutorial on direct connecting DCC-EX to a hardwired Ethernet board such as a Wiznet 5500. Using this interface and JMRI you can use JMRI to control the trains and use Wi-Fi via a Router. Thanks again for your detailed tutorials.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kinds comments. The great thing about DCC-EX is that because it's based on the Arduino, there are so many different ways to use and configure it. Because I have a computer located in the same place as the command station, I can just connect them directly using the USB cable and control DCC-EX using JMRI which I can control from the computer (keyboard, mouse, USB controllers, various bluetooth/Wi-Fi/radio wireless devices) as well as WiThrottle apps on my phone and tablet. As such I have not had to use an ethernet board yet, but may try it at some point. Always more to try. : ) Thanks again! DD

[@dougs_trains]

I'm going to be setting up my first DCC-EX system this week, I have heard that the firmware on the new WiFi units was causing issues, this video has come at a good time, thanks. I hope that this is not a sign that DCC-EX will have a limited lifespan. When hardware overtakes the software and developers are not willing/interested/able to update the system to keep up with developments.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments. I hope you find the video helpful when setting up your DCC-EX. Be sure to check out my other videos on DCC-EX as well. DCC-EX is an active open-source platform run by a group of volunteers and they are always updating the software and adding new features. That has both advantages and drawbacks. It's definitely a hobbyist activity, rather than something you buy off the shelf and just plug in. While DCC-EX is a cable stand-alone product, it also plays well with other systems. I typically operate with DCC-EX in conjunction with JMRI. My understanding with the Wi-Fi is that Espressif bricked some of the functionality of their chip when they upgraded the firmware (and flat-out had a bug in at least one version), and that the programmers working on DCC-EX haven't had a chance to address that issues yet. In any case, enjoy and happy railroading! Thanks again, DD

[@dougs_trains]

@@DriverDTrains I've been using DCC for over 20 yrs, and ECos for 14 yrs, and JMRI for a while using Android phones and Tablets at throttles. I think DCC-EX adds a fun DIY factor to it all and will use it for a new layout. I found it after I bought an Arduino R4 Wifi, then found out that it's not compatible with the new Arduinos. Still keen to learn all about it though and now have bought all the parts to make up the system, but I worry when people get entrenched into a hardware rut. It doesn't help growth. As a IT guy, I'm going to see if I can help out with the DCC-EX project in anyway that I can.

[@blanearmstrong-ew5um]

Thanks for these DCC EX videos. You seem to be a proficient teacher and expert with a great way of presentation. Thanks again. This last Wifi card video is exactly what I needed for my DCC EX system!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thanks again for your kind comments. I'm glad you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. Hope you are able to get everything set up ok, and enjoy! Thanks again! DD

[@DriverDTrains]

Awesome! I don't know if you saw any of my earlier videos, but I have an old MRC Prodigy DCC system from about 20 years ago somewhere in a closet. When I decided to set up a little track to run my old locomotives I wanted to take the DIY approach and control my layout from my computer and phone/tablet; hence DCC-EX (and JMRI). If you ever want to find out more about DCC-EX or ask questions of the developers, you can go on the DCC-EX Discord server. Discord is always hit or miss (not just with DCC-EX) so take what you get there with a grain of salt, but there are always a few useful bits of information if you look. (Just don't expect a direct answer every time.) Good luck and enjoy! Thanks again! DD

[@robertulzhofer9074]

Nice Tutorial, thank you for doing that, can you please do a tutorial about EX IO Expander

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you for your kind comments. I do plan to do some videos in the future on various ways to expand DCC-EX. There are a number of different options. The EX-IOExpander is new and I haven't had a chance to try it yet, so it may be a while before I have much to share about it. In the meantime I hope you enjoy the other videos. Thanks again! DD

[@janmarshall1367]

Where did you get the case for the DCC-EX assembly?

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comment. I am using an outdoor receptacle cover as a case for my DCC-EX command station. You can see how I made it in this video short on my channel, and at the end of my video on adding the LCD screen (Part 5 at the 20:32 mark). Case short: kzbin.infoAhs7553fCso Video 4e: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j56zmIKLZsmrqM0 It works perfectly for my needs! Thanks again and enjoy! DD