Controlling Turnouts in DCC-EX using PCA9685's, PART 2 - Latching Switches

This is a remake of the video I have already done about using latching switches in DCC-EX to control servo turnouts. if you have already watched the first version, it s MOSTLY the same, however, there are a few updates. I this version I cover using EX-installer instead of using IDE, although this will still work with IDE. I also add the use of IFCLOSED() and IFTHROWN() to keep unnecessary torque of the servo motors and help prevent possible damage. I show which text editor I use and why, instead of programming directly in EX-installer. I have put bookmarks if you want to jump directly to the sections that are different.
Here is the text editor I use:
notepad-plus-plus.org/
Here are the available pins on the Mega to use for input and output.
dcc-ex.com/reference/hardware...
0:00 Welcome
2:00 intro
5:09 Introduction into ALIAS()
7:02 Introdction into SEQUENCE()
11:34 Setting up EX-Installer
12:53 Notepad++, My choice of text editor
13:47 Adding the HIDDEN command
15:04 Adding new myAliases.h subfile
17:59 Adding new mySequences.h subfile
19:14 Using AUTOSTART
19:28 Using IF(), IFCLOSED() and IFTHROWN() commands
20:44 Using the SET() command
22:27 Using CLOSE() and RESET() commands
25:19 FOLLOW() command
26:12 Refreshing EX-Installer to import the new subfiles.
29:36 Demo

[@andylamb563]

Excellent series of videos, really interested in the momentary switch development for my own layout. I am developing a 3D printed enclosure and would be interested in your input/ideas

[@SPKPRR]

I am WAY behind in getting new videos posted. I'm trying to get to some new stuff, but I don't know when it's gonna happen. I do have an earlier version of video with info on the momentary buttons. If you want to see that one, just skip forward to the sections on momentary switches. It is an older version that uses ide instead of EX-installer, but you may find it helpful. Wha are you wanting to accomplish with the enclosure?

[@andylamb563]

@@SPKPRR Thanks I have watched to older video and managed to work it out from there into Ex-installer. My idea is to incorporate a mega, breakout board (piggy back), motor shield, PCA9685's (4) all into one case, maybe an LCD display. I like things neat and tidy! not ideal for large layouts but in the UK we have small houses 🙂 The current 3D print enclosures on the EX website are either small or very complicated. I like things simple as well. Keep up the good work

[@fodi123]

Hi, do you have an idea how to control a frog juicer relay using the PCA9685 and DCC EX? It seems that the PCA can output high or low signals with no PWM, but I don't know how to pass this into DCC EX and an automation. Ideally it should have let's say low on the relay when the turnout is closed and high when thrown.

[@SPKPRR]

If you are just using the PCA to trigger a relay, then yes you can. I prefer an I/O device like the MCP23017, but either can work. The first two PCA's are pre defined in DCC-EX, so all you need to do is trigger the correct pin in your AUTOMATION(). when you want to trigger the relay, use the SET(pin#) command. to "untrigger" the relay, use RESET(pin#), where (pin#) corresponds to the pin your juicer is connected to. Connecting to the PWM and GROUND pin, there is a built in resistor that limits current. You may want to use the V+ and PWM pin, with the NEG connected to PWM.

[@fodi123]

@@SPKPRR Thanks, I'll try looking into it. The plan is to use some PCA's to move the servos and some more PCA pins with relays to change frog polarity. I'm trying to keep that in DCC EX itself, so there should not be any mishap (or with a much lower chance) than keeping the frog juicing on a separate device. I'll also check this IO board as well. Thanks