Controlling Turnouts in DCC-EX using PCA9685 Modules - Part 1

This is a remake of the original video I did on controlling Servo Turnouts in DCC-EX. This is updated to reflect changes in version 5.0 of DCC-EX, using EX-Installer for advanced configuration and using the built in HAL macro's to define PCA9685 modules.
If you have seen my first version, I recommend at least watching the intro to see if you want to import your previous settings into EX-Installer going forward.
Link to the DCC-EX Installer:
dcc-ex.com/download/ex-comman...
Link to the DCC-EX Toolbox:
dcc-ex.com/ex-toolbox/index.h...
Link to the PCA Addressing diagram:
www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/v5wbtd...
PCA9685's on Amazon:
tinyurl.com/y4yv8f96
PCA9685's on Aliexpress:
tinyurl.com/2hp4v5sp
0:00 Welcome
1:43 Intro/Powerpoint
4:50 Setting PCA9685 I2C address
6:27 Connecting PCA9685 to your CS
7:20 Powering the Servos
7:58 Daisy Chaining PCA9685s
9:37 I2C Issues
13:17 Intro to using EX-Installer
15:24 Setting up EX-Installer and backing up config.h
20:16 Adding subfiles
23:05 Defining PCA9685 in DCC-EX
25:59 Defining SERVO_TURNOUTS in DCC-EX
30:57 #including the subfiles in myAutomation.h
32:10 Uploading sketch to Arduino
33:51 backing up your files
35:05 Using a text editor
38:28 Import your previous config files into EX-Installer
40:53 Using IDE instead of EX-Installer
43:34 Demo of servos in action
47:38 Using EX Toolbox

[@Richard-bl8pi]

Hi, really useful and as someone else said, a great breakdown and interpretation of the DCC EX docs.

[@markopostable]

Hi Steven, I also want to applaud you on, again another a great video. I love it how you cover topics other channels don’t. Because of this in-depth video I now know why I could not find the myHal file. 😊 Keep up the good work and I’m looking out for the next one!

[@aramsay4251]

This video is great! Thank you so much for not only showing the what but explaining the why. It makes it easier for me to take it and customize to my situation without breaking something inadvertently! I'm still in the middle of wiring everything up so this was really timely as well!

[@BriansModelTrains]

I really appreciate this video. With the backup files it makes it alot easier to upgrade versions of DCC-EX. My automation and config files have alot of extras defined.

[@SuperSpuddo]

Great video. All explained clearly. Very keen to see the next video showing switches and push buttons. Any idea when that may be coming.

[@johnmarshall2660]

Your video has help me a lot as when I ask questions on discord I just get technical info which doesnt explain how to configure ... I wish you would do a similat video in configuring the MCP23017 which I need to use at least 4 chips on a board I had made so I have 48 out of 64 inputs for Block detection feeding back to the DCCEX Command station ... Regards John

[@SPKPRR]

There will be a video coming up on using mcp23017 expanders, but I can't promise when.

[@johnmarshall2660]

@@SPKPRRI just watched you video again and I thank you for response and looking forward to seeing an MCP23017 configuration, I have 7 PCB setup with Diode Voltage Drop circuits giving me 7 x 6 channel so 42 inputs and a logic outputs to the MCP23017 board I designed and got a PCB made ... ... Regards John

[@peterubels7752]

Great video, super explained. Can't want for a video with sensors combined with the mcp23017 and activating turnouts. I can't get it working, maybe a challenge for you? Keep up the good work.

[@SPKPRR]

In the planning stages

[@peterubels7752]

​I found the solution, to less amps on the power supply. I replaced it and know it works fine. My next project is the DFPlayer mini. I can't get it to conmect on DCC-EX 5.0.

[@paulharvey7349]

Love the video, but I'm really New to this, I've built command station which will control my trains. I'm wanting to use one 9685, but can't figure how to do. Wiring is correct. I'm using WiFi and Engine driver. Any help would be appreciated.

[@SPKPRR]

Not enough info to offer any advice. Are you trying to control servo turnouts? Follow the methods in this video, it tells you how to set it up. Using only one PCA9685 you only need to define the turnouts. What is the address of your 9685?

[@paulharvey7349]

Managed to get it working, typed HAL(PCA9685,100,16,0x40) in myHaldevices.h and SERVO_TURNOUTS(100,100,300,170,slow, "Turnout_1") in myTurnouts. My Automation is as yours is. Looking forward to watching your future videos.

[@paulharvey7349]

Managed to get one point working on 9658, it is as out of box. But added other points to it, all new ones operates the first point setup.