An Arduino DCC++ Base Station: The Hardware - Part 1 of 4

First in a series detailing how to use the Arduino as a DCC++ base station. Topics covered include background and theory of the DCC bi-polar signal, and the need for us to split the production of such a signal into two parts: (1) the production of a precursor DCC logic signal, and (2) the conversion of that logic signal into a full bi-polar DCC signal.

[@cherealex]

You have exceptional skills in making yourself understood. This, as far as I've seen, is a rare quality. I came upon your videos after some days of research, but would have been far better to just watch your clips. Great quality, I salute your effort!

[@iDreamOfOkra]

I am extremely interested in getting into the model railroad hobby and have previously tinkered with Arduino. This video is absolutely fantastic. Thank you for taking the time to make this and for all your patience. Subbed.

[@rgetty]

An excellent, easy to understand intro to DCC AND DCC++! Thanks for taking the time to make such a obviously well thought out series.

[@jimmyd2091]

Best lesson on how DCC works. Is it possible to send function commands to a locomotive while operating in analog mode?

[@1BCamden]

Wow, 2023 and I’m riveted 😀

[@SheltonDCruz]

This is brilliant and thanks very much for embracing open source by making your code freely available (from a user using linux for 20 years so far)

[@BriansModelTrains]

This is amazing! - Thank you.

[@StrathpefferJunction]

What an excellent overview...thank you!

[@eukaryon]

Excellent explanation and very well composed and edited.

[@ronr6450]

Outstanding. Wish I'd seen this years ago. If you ever become interested in automating slot car tracks, let me know. Even something as simple as car detection (using IR LEDs) with automatic switching would be a boon to the hobby.

[@FGN60]

Hi, great stuff. Just want to know if you extended the functionality to use Railcom?

[@Slozkins]

Brilliant Thanks

[@psfilho]

Hello friend, Congratulations on this system that works very well. Have you ever considered the possibility of using the ESP 8266 ModeMCU module running DCC ++ and WiFi? What do you think ????

[@davidburgess4838]

Hi - can you provide a link to the overview video you speak about here, couldn't find it in your channel. I was interested in what decoders you used in your loco's etc.

[@ajsettlemyer3105]

I started with the basic Arduino DCC++ base station and motor shield. My layout has grown and I would like to use the higher amperage DCC-EX 5amp motor shield. Is this possible? I've heard it can possibly be done by changing the Arduino base station code and then compliing and uploading the new code to the base station to increase my available motor driver amperage. Can you help?

[@mollyd8062]

what is a programing track vs main track ?? How do I know the difference ?

[@dcc2840]

Sorry, I've not yet produced the overview video but hope to do so shortly now that the detailed videos are mostly completed. However, the existing videos should provide you with a good sense of how the system operates and the different components used. After reviewing those videos please let me know if you have suggestions for topics you think would be helpful for me to include in the overview.

[@gregmesser2055]

Hi. This is AWESOME! I would like to attempt to build this wonderful DCC++ sustem with my Arduino UNO. I will have to search for the shield board on the Arduino web site, but I have not had any luck finding a link or reference to the software. Any advice will be appreciated! THX

[@phill2210]

Hi I'm very interested in this DCC++ system. I have all of the components and even downloaded the software. But I can't find a 15 vac power supply. I would like to know in Canada were I could purchase one. In addition to protect the arduino and my trains may I have your suggestion on electrical short protection. Thank you

[@steinwurf64]

Is ist possible to get some Test Code using a Button or so to get it running

[@russojar]

Will this work with LGB MTS III decoders? The MTS uses AC on the track voltage. Does the Arduino convert a CD input to BiPolar signals needed for the LGB MTS decoders.?

[@mstevetodd]

Can anyone post a link to the "overview" video he refers to in this and most of his other videos? I only see 11 videos on his list, and none of them seem to be this "overview".

[@monjoor]

couldn't find the overview vid you referred

[@tyggr88]

is there a place to download the software and a parts list??

[@rva1945]

Is it possible to contact he guy that wrote the code? I need to ask him some questions about it. Thanks.

[@jimngugk4741]

any Arduino for dummy ? I am too dam to learn it ... :( completely not understand the c++ ... sorry

[@johnfrankforther8162]

Can this DCC controller be used with a NCE controller??

[@dcc2840]

+John Frankforther I'm unfamiliar with the details of the NCE controller and unfortunately don't know if/how it could be used with the DCC++ Base Station. However, you may want to post the question to our TrainBoard discussion group (see link on the About page). There are a lot of folks on the board integrating DCC++ in many interesting and exciting ways I did not anticipate, and someone is likely to have experience with NCE as well.

[@farmerdave7965]

Dammit ! The video ended at the exciting part. Sad.