DCC Ex - Amazing Digital Controller for Under £50 😮

[@scottbrochhausen1451]

I've been using DCC-EX for a few years now on two different layouts. It's outstanding. Anytime I want to add a wireless throttle, I just buy the cheapest android phone I can find. Our entire setup cost a fraction of one of the big name wireless throttles alone. If you want to dig into the scripting, you can have Engine Driver populate your entire roster. No more remembering addresses or function keys. Well done video. For anyone wondering, this is an insanely easy way to get cheap, reliable DCC.

[@asleeds]

There is nobody that explains DCC better than Little Wicket. Wonderfully clear tutorials. 👍🏽

[@BananaTie]

I have watched several how-to's on putting this together, and yours is the best one, by far! Great job!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Thomas, mych appreciated 👍 the guides that the DCC-EX team have put together really are fantastic, I was just following them. It's incredible what they've come up with. I've had a sneak peek at what they've got planned, and it only gets better.

[@geraldstewart]

I have been using DCC-EX for about 18 months now. I Love it. Thanks for the great video.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Great to hear it's being used successfully in the real world. Thanks for watching 👍

[@aosquirrels2191]

I've only been in this hobby for about 2 years now and I'm still in it because of the Little Wicket videos. Keep up the awesome work that you do!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thank you very much for your kind comment 😊

[@mad_wombat]

I asked a couple of more experienced modellers how to get into DCC, and they said just watch Little Wicket!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks for sharing that DKHyde 😁

[@fastdrive55]

Having just read what is required to run the WiFi function on Roco and the cost associated, I am simply stunned. Wonderful and concise explanation.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍

[@christopherdavis5544]

Hi Rob. Thanks for another concise and informative video. Others should learn from you how to impart the information without the waffle. I've been using DCC-EX for about a year, but instead of Wi-Fi, I'm using HC-12 transceivers to talk to my hand throttle, and my Atari computer which runs the automation. It's a brilliant system, and I highly recommend it.

[@PaulSmith-pl7fo]

Hi Rob. I have already "knelt at the altar of Digitrax" (as per our friend Charlie Bishop at Chadwick Model Railway), but I really enjoyed this video. It was explained very clearly and I'm sure many of your viewers will find it useful.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Haha, I love some of Charlie's saying, "no big shakes" is one I've started using. Digitrax looks like a good system, but I couldn't have afforded it when I started back with the hobby.

[@tonyburgess7773]

Definitely a future project I'm looking forward to, and this is a wonderful encouragement.

[@DCCEX]

Professional, to the point, and easy to learn and follow as usual! And yes, the buttons on EX-WebThrottle and Engine Driver can easily be changed to have the function buttons handle whatever you want. In particular, the bell and horn can be switched and you can tell the button to be either momentary press (like a horn) or toggle (like a bell). Can't wait for the next video!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks to all the team at DCC-EX for all your hard work! 👍👏

[@vernongardner1958]

Hi Rob, I'm on my first layout which is DC but wired so I can switch it later to DCC. I've been put off by the cost of DCC units generally and was interested in the Hornby HM7000 wireless decoders but the DCC-Ex looks like an even better and cheaper way to "dip my toe into the waters" of DCC. Thanks for a great, clear and easy to follow tutorial. Cheers.🙂

[@edwardaudet8367]

I have a setup like this and still found out some things I missed when I set it up Thanks for a easy to follow wideo

Good video, like everyone. For now, following your instructions in the previous video, I have set up a project with JMRI with which I manage several locomotives, turnouts, infrared, ultrasonic and magnetic sensors with my computer and mobile, these days I am testing the Dispatcher. I've started reading about DCC-EX, a lot of changes in a short time, I'll follow your videos, but for now I think I'll stick with JMRI.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Sounds like you've got a great sensor setup! As you say, tech moves on, but at some point you need to commit. What do you use your Ultrasonic sensors for?

@@LittleWicketRailway For the Dispatcher test I use a track configuration as in your video, but since I don't have voltage drop sensors, I detect the passage of the train through the turnout with the ultrasonic, since I can regulate the detection distance so that it covers everything the width of the turnout.

[@gkoproske]

Nice job on this video. Although I am a dyed in the wool Digitrax Chief aficionado, this offering from you makes me want to dive right into DCC-Ex.

[@koosvandermerwe5615]

I have been trying to get off the ground with DCC, but as you already know, so darn expensive and even worse as we have to import from the USA or UK. But, I want to thank you and your team for this marvellous website with everything I need and all possible now for me to get started! Thank you. Edward- New Zealand

[@winstonrobert6330]

Wow !! simple and awesome 😎 thank you so much!!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Winston 👍

[@stephenwadsworth6972]

Hi Rob, thanks again for another really informative and succint video. I have used the same WiFi board as you (as I'm in the UK too) and found that once it was plugged in I could not get the code to upload either using the ex-installer or the Arduino IDE - UNTIL - I plugged the WiFi board in with pins 0 and 1 bent out of the way so that they do not connect down to the Rx0 and Tx0 on the Mega. After that it loaded properly, so I can change WiFi password and SSID without dismantling! Watching the original WangTongze video gave me the clue!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Stephen, thanks for the tip. I'll have a look at my board and try the same thing 👍

[@stewartdickson7184]

This was a wonderful little nugget to find I was going spare trying to understand why I couldn’t make it work

[@tonywincott8448]

This is very interesting, I am looking at their website and reading that they can run 3 trains in 4 virtual blocks. So much studying. Looks awesome. Thanks again for bringing it to my attention. I hope your Railway is going great, Can't wait for the next update.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Tony. Yeah, their power district stuff is very interesting. The ability to mix analogue and DCC on the same base station is cool.

[@robt2d2]

As always a great video. Very clear and concise. Thanks for all your hard work Rob. 🤙

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍

[@melkitson]

A very nice clear explanation. I do wish that I had seen this and the ones from DIY and Digital Railroad before I spent so much on my system. Might be worth building another model just to take advantage.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Melville. There's pros and cons to every DCC system. What system do you use?

[@melkitson]

@@LittleWicketRailway I bought the z21 start. For my needs I find it more than adequate and I suspect that as my layout develops it will be able to keep pace with the growth. I am probably a wee bit beyond Conductor level but am by no means an engineer. I really enjoyed that presentation. I have been buying my electronics from a chinese supplier who I probably will not be able to name but which starts with Ali and ends in Express. It takes ages to get the stuff but it is incredible value for money.

[@little_britain]

I did setup a DCC-EX station much like yours some time ago (actually inspired by your DCC++ video from last year). However, because I love the tactile feel of a physical hand controller with knobs on, I wait-listed myself for the MERG hand controller (which I also discovered through your video on block detection). That came up just a week ago, so I ordered the hand controller (CANCAB2E), the base station (CANCMD2) and a plug-in adapter (93H) to go with it. It is costing me a little bit more than the Arduino setup, but I will have the lovely hand controller, and the option to add more of them. Total cost including an added district cutout (57) was £78. I will use the DCC-EX setup for a portable exhibition layout in TT:120 I am also building, so nothing goes to waste.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I can understand that having a handheld controller is sometimes nicer and the MERG stuff is great quality and value.

[@AndrewH561]

Really helpful video, thanks. I currently use a Raspberry Pi (running JMRI software) and pi-Sprog3 Plus as my DCC controller, as I already had the Pi and it was a lot cheaper to get started than 'investing' in a stand alone DCC controller. The DCC-Ex controller also looks to be a good solution and I may well give it a go at some stage.

[@donaldkormos5529]

Super video!!! I use DCC-EX on two layouts. Looking forward to exploring DCC-EX Ex-Rail for automation.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Donald 👍 Good to know DCC-EX is being used successfully on layouts. I've seems some examples of Ex-Rail and it's very impressive.

[@nscaledelights]

Wow I wish I knew about when I got into DCC this is awesome thanks for sharing.

[@dalegamble4535]

Thanks Rob. Just starting a new layout (small end to end) and was considering something like this as a control option. Decided to give it a go after watching and just ordered all the bits 👍

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Enjoy the build 🙂

[@astrobondfr]

Thank you very much from France, i will try that as soon as possible :)

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Bonjour Astrobond! Let me know how you get on 🙂

[@astrobondfr]

@@LittleWicketRailway Hi, just received the Elegoo Mega 2560, Deek-Robot motor shield and a ESP-01s wifi board with a little adapter yesterday, had to do some easy cables soldering on the wifi adapter as indicated on the DCC-Ex website. Problem with wifi at first try, had to reload the arduino with exInstaller.exe with only wifi checked without writing name and password, found the DCCEX wifi "box" on my old samsung tablet, run Engine Driver, and that's perfectly working !!! Thank' again ;) (by default, name of wifi network is DCCEX_xxxxxx and the password is PASS_xxxxxx where the x’s are the last 6 digits of your the wifi ESP-01s MAC address)

[@MatthewDawkinsUK]

Great video. I'm using this setup on my layout, though I haven't managed to get the Wifi working yet so I'm currently connecting my phone to my laptop running JMRI, which is a bit of a faff. But other than that, it works like a charm, and definitely affordable. One small thing I might add - if permanently breaking the V-IN on the motor driver sounds scary, you can always bend the pin out slightly so that when mounting it on the Arduino it doesn't sit in the socket. It's reversible, and achieves the same end result.

[@gordanmilne7034]

Could you not solder blob the break?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Matthew, nice to hear that it's being used. Good tip on bending the pin.

[@TheGreatWesternGuy]

Fantastic! I might look at trying this myself! Great video!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

It's a fun weekend project!

[@timsully8958]

Hi Rob, this was fantastic! I’m still a long way off building a DCC layout, but this has made me very interested! I rather like the idea of building my own power box and this looks just the ticket! 😎 Cheers mate, great content as ever 👍🍀🍻

[@gerharddejager7169]

Very good info, now I will have to give it a try

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍 let me know how you get on.

[@deshkumar9]

Thanks for the video and for clear explanation.

[@alanmusicman3385]

With so much open-source code available for DCC its amazing that sales (and margins) of people like Digitrax (whose prices are somewhat gobsmacking) have held up so well. I can easily understand why older modellers want the benefits of DCC but don't have the technical background to use things like this or the many available software packages from the Open-DCC project and others - but with somewhat younger people (a fair few seeming to have or had tech industry careers) coming into the hobby you might imagine that the pre-packaged products dominance would be being eroded - but that doesn't seem to be happening - at least not visibly up until now. Perhaps the interest in this approach IS a visible sign of that changing?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I think there will always be a market for the slick, branded control systems like Digitrax where people will pay for ease of use and the guarantee that you can just plug it in and it'll work. Especially if users aren't very techy. Hopefully this shows that with DCC-EX you don't really need to be that techy.

[@marshallluddite]

Oh my goodness, I think this is exactly the project I need, Just purchased a H0m set from Germany and been wanting to play with Aurdino and never run anything small like this H0m or with DCC. (im a lgb rc man myself)

[@davidcook380]

Great Video Thanks

[@alansutton2980]

As usual Rob's presentation, explanations and clear voice has resulted in an excellent video. I'm planning to build an n gauge model having sold all my OO stuff last year. The prices of DCC controllers is ridiculously high so DCC-EX is definitely worth considering but I'm concerned that my Windows 7 laptop operating system will be incompatible, is that the case?

[@derailroad]

excellent information

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks 👍

[@paulboyle4168]

i am so happy to find your channel, just subscribed, i am putting together a large n gauge layout and will be using your videos to put together all my systems, only thing i cant find anywhere in uk to get me started is a compatible wifi board, i will keep looking

[@rzholland]

Well Done that man

[@OlivierGabin]

Yummy ! Cheap, does the job, wifi inside, goes on Linux (great point for me as a Linux taliban !), and easy to assemble for people like me, who are not able to use tools more sophisticated than a screwdriver. I take note, that's a good deal anyway !

[@aleopardstail]

have the DCC-EX system here, it really is idiot proof, it must be, I got it to work - not gone for WiFi as yet as no real need here but the base station works really well - its also seriously easy with a Mega to use the various other digital pins to drive relays or whatever. not tried but the have included support for using point servos etc as well it really is a wonderful little project, the only downside (minor one) is the power output of the thing is limited - but you can use this to feed into a more powerful DCC power booster A simple add on thats worth getting is a small I2C buss LCD screen, which the board will use for status messages and can be nicely mounted on a panel to show you its all running, next on my list is to have a got at using the serial ports to create a hand controller myself. something else worth at least considering is one of the shields thats gives screw terminal breakouts for the Mega pins for more robust connections nicely done into to this as well, really does show just how simple it is and how amazingly cheap

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Dale 👍 good to know it's being successfully used. Thanks for the tip with the LCD screen.

[@paulantoine1696]

It will also drive the small OLED screens with up to 8 lines of output if you get the 128x64 version which are very inexpensive. Some folks have used the smallest versions of these as station screen displayes. In the next release DCC-EX will support multiple OLED/LCD screens in any mix.

[@TATICMOOR]

Nice one Rob, I must try this with my Arduino Rev3 that I have or on the Nano version for a compact little device. It will be interesting to try out this DCC operation for a bit of fun too. I remember a few of your earlier Little Wicket films, for an example, you used the Arduino to switch loco direction with an IR set up.

[@MarksGoneWicked]

Best I can tell, the recommended wifi shield is only available from one place. I think they shipped from the Czech Republic. I bought 2, and waited for them to ship before getting the remaining components I didn't already have. Took about 10-14 to the US via airmail.

[@WirenwoodModelRailway]

Hi Rob, funnily enough I'm working in exactly this area myself. I have found, though, that those standard motor boards are woefully short of power once you get them onto a layout - the one I had could barely rin two trains. 2A per channel is OK, but that's effectively 2A as one of those channels goes to your programming track. The DCC EX website does have some guides on how to use more powerful boards, I'm currently playing with a 15A one, although they do, thankfully, guide you through taming it down to 5A per channel.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

For anything more than 3-4 locos you'll need a booster. Reading the discord server there a few preferred options: - MERG 5A/10A boosters (I've got a couple of those to build) - a DIY booster based on IBT2 (www.trainelectronics.com/DCC_Arduino/DCC_Booster_2/index.htm) - not sure if it's already out, but power districts (might not be correct name) is a feature the team are working on - Hans Tanner from IoTT has released a 5A Arduino shield based on the IBT2. Reasonable price for the board, but shipping from US to UK is expensive.

[@WirenwoodModelRailway]

@@LittleWicketRailway thanks, I was getting regular cutouts running 2 locos on that board! The DCC EX website has a few options about alternative motor driver boards, I'm currently using a 15 amp one tamed down to 5 amps and is working very well.

[@shaung75]

Another good video Rob. Any plans on delving into Ex-Rail to automate things? I'm looking into that next for a club layout...

[@shaung75]

sorry, wrote that comment before getting to the outro bit. Look forward to seeing it!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Shaung75! Kevin from the DCC-EX team has shared a couple of videos showing off Ex-Rail and some of their other advanced features which are incredible. I've got to spend some time progressing my layout, else it'll never get finished, but then it's onto the exciting DCC-EX stuff.

[@Fer-mu3yq]

Excellent video! Can I use 16v 1amp power supply for 2 locomotives? I have this power supply from Bachman analog start kit.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks. 1amp should cover two locos.

[@gooldscross8702]

Hi Rob I purchased one of those wifi boards with wrong smd transistors,did you reolace them or just use the two wire links Regards Martin

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Martin, I just used the link wires. Don't trust my soldering skills with surface mounted components.

[@adriencordellier]

Hello ! Thank you for your fascinating videos. I appreciate your vision of model railroading. I have a question: Is it possible to record a DCC sequence? For example, we start a recording then we move the train forward a distance, we operate a switch, we move backwards and we stop. Then we stop recording. Is it possible to reproduce this sequence automatically? Adrien

[@davenichols317]

Hi Rob I'm about to start converting my DC system to DCC Ex following your video on this subject but I have a few questions. My N scale layout DC system with five main loops, a number of sidings and a turntable using a separate DC controller for each of the five main loops and isolating switches for sidings and turntable. My questions are going to DCC Ex do I just parallel up all loop feeders maintaining same polarity? The main layout is approximately 8X4 feet, each loop is probably about 20 feet. Also what size power supply would I need to probably run about 4 engines at any time? I would appreciate any advice in these areas. Really like your work and will be using some of your ideas.

[@CauseOfBSOD]

4:52 why not use the continuity test mode (multimeter beeps if there is a connection)

[@johnjmc]

Very useful mate

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Cheers John 👍

[@hillybj]

Great video - How many train can be run using DCC-EX described in your video. Thanks Brian

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Brian, I think I used a 2Amp motor shield in video which could maybe run 4 trains at the same time depending on their current draw (modern loco running on the flat on it's own is probably only a few hundred milliamps. An older loco pulling 8 coaches all with lighting going up a gradient could need 1Amp). If you need more power then you either need a bigger motor shield, I believe 5Amp versions are becoming available, or boosters.

[@malcolmhodgson7540]

@@LittleWicketRailwaythat was my first question, so thanks for the answer. If you have a bigger power supply can you take the DCC output to power mosfets and use the signal generated to switch the higher output power supply thus enabling more simultaneous locomotives? What is the max number of devices this system can address simultaneously e.g. point motors, signals, building lighting, locos, turntables etc…..?

[@niloc1950]

Very good video to run alongside the DCC-EX website, I built one up in next to no time, and it works well using USB. However the stumbling block seems to be the WiFi, it seems to be impossible to source a WiFi board that actually works! I ordered (at different times and different suppliers) two different Wang Tongze boards but both were cloned copies with apparently incorrect chips fitted thus not compatible for this project. The DCC-Ex instructions then get very confusing so it is no WiFi for me at the moment.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I think I got lucky with my Wang Tongze board. Did you use the jumper wires like I did in the video? It's frustrating that the recommended wifi board is hard to get in the UK.

[@niloc1950]

@@LittleWicketRailway I got a bit worried by the warnings about voltages etc so decided to shelve that option, I have since looked at the Makerfabs website and I found that shipment from the States on the slow mule is only $6 so for the princely sum of about £13 delivered I can get the best recommended item! I'm now waiting for the next passing mule.:)

[@TATICMOOR]

Interesting, Rob, modular controller from using the Arduino. Do you think it is possible to scale it down in size with the Mini Arduino boards?

[@cossamaximus8770]

Which sort of cable do I need for the power connector, and track power. Also, the wiFi shield listed in the description has terrible reviews on amazon, is the fix you stated on video the work around for this particular part, or can you supply a link for an alterantive . thanks in advance

[@xanx1234]

Hi Rob, this seems to be an excellent explanation/tutorial but I have a question …… I don’t have DCC at the moment but I have bought a 2nd hand loco with a DCC chip inside it but I have no idea what address it is on so how would I be able to input the address at 8:42? Can the system do a search of connected devices? If not how do I find the address?

[@russcole5685]

Some systems can read yes. All you need to do is make sure it is the only loco on a price of track, programming track. And enter programming on the controller and assign it the address you want

[@Steveskill999]

Question. Can you use dcc-ex web throttle at the same time as JMRI?

[@alexhill9169]

Hi Rob, I believe we met at statfold Barn Railway exhibition in 2022, we had a chat with Richard Watson. This has been a great little video on what I can see could be such an amazing system. I have got a dr5000 setup like a z21 but I find the app for that a bit cumbersome. Train driver looks so good, and the dcc ex system looks right up my street. The functionality it shows seems really good, is it possible to control accessories with it? Such as points, signals and similar?

[@MrHipwell1989]

Brilliant. Could you use a phone charger to power the main board if you just wanted to use it with the WiFi app? If a pc can power it from USB, is that no the same as a phone charger?

[@lindseywoodford4420]

Hi, After watching this video i wanted give it a go. The setup arrived and the biuld was as easy as shown in the vid tutorial. Two issues though, 1 - i can get a loco to run on the main track no problem, but cant program it( code 308). 2 - I can program on the progtam track but the loco does not respond to any commands. Which is a pain as my intention was to use the setup for programming on my rolling road. Any thoughts. Great video, thanks.

[@luboslehotsky2776]

Good evening Rob, thanks for yet another fantastic tutorial.. I've been wondering, is there any way to connect dcc++ arduino to ROCRAIL? thank u.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi Lubos! Afraid I've not used RocRail. Your best bet is to get on the DCC EX discord server and ask the experts in there. These guys built it so they know what they're talking about and they're very helpful.

[@scentgrasslakerailway]

Thanks for a great video. Big questions: How does one set up the DCC Ex for more blocks? Will I need an Arduino 2560 and motor shield for each block? If I do, how does each Arduino talk to the other Arduino's if I do it that way?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Hi! When you say blocks do you mean blocks for block occupancy detection or blocks as in power districts?

[@scentgrasslakerailway]

@@LittleWicketRailway sorry for my ambiguity. Firstly, yes I did mean blocks in power districts but your question gave me a thought, what about block occupancy detection per power districts as well?

[@maryandbarrycandy1837]

Hi Rob, great video and it gave me the confidence to start building a DCC controller for myself. I bought a wi fi board via the link you suggested. It is manufactured by Dolla Tek and has a small red panel with 4 switches marked "on" and "dip". I think the labels for switches 1 & 2 are on/off and 3&4 are dip? Do you know how these should be set please?

[@mikolajmikun5337]

Did you have to upload software to the ESP8266? Does the Arduino Mega do this via the UART port?

[@davebareham1075]

Great video Rob but I have what may appear to be a stupid question. Will the sensor board which worked with the DCC++ project work with DCC Ex? Ta and keep up the good work.

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks Dave. The sensor board I think you're referring to works independently, so you should be fine. But I think (still for me to investigate) you might be able to add sensors and accessories to the DCC-EX system directly. Might be worth checking the advanced section on their website.

[@smirish2006]

Hi I bought the same laptop charger with the sam e tip of 6.3 x 3mm and the dc power supply male and female connectors 2.1 x 5.5mm, but i am not able to connect the laptop charger tip to the female connector....please let me know where did i go wrong.....thanks in advance

[@OOElectronics]

Great and very interesting video. It's maybe my age, but my preference is for a controller that I can feel and use without looking at it so I can keep a close watch on the train itself. I've tried using touch screen for other purposes which also need me to be looking elsewhere (digital music performance) and I always come back to physical rotary and button controls. I'm not likely to go DCC due high loco fleet and the implied decoder costs but is there anything out there in the open source world that supports "real" controller hardware?

[@LittleWicketRailway]

You're not alone in preferring a handheld controller rather than touchscreen. You can add hardware to these open source base stations. MERG have a heldheld controller with a knob for their system and you can connect handheld joystick type things to the Engine Driver app via Bluetooth.

[@OOElectronics]

@@LittleWicketRailway Thanks for your reply; I will take a look at that.

[@stevio7777]

Hi can this system be used with the new hm7000 Bluetooth iPad system. Cheers steve

[@SolveEtCoagula93]

Brilliant video - and yes you do explain (very well) how simple it is to use Arduino and DDC-EX. One issue is that the DD-EX website has been changed since recording this video and things no longer go as indicated. There are some changes to the menus and set up procedures. However, it is still as simple as you indicate - if not even easier - and so hopefully more people will be persuaded to try it. If you want to use the cloud to try the speed controller from DCC-EX you can only do via certain web browsers and, sadly, my favourite, Firefox, is not included. However, if you are on Win 11 you will almost certainly have a copy of Edge (try getting rid of it!) and you can open it up just to run the controller. If all goes well and you want to, you can download the controller to your own system and DCC-EX software makes all the changes necessary in order that it runs without using a browser at all. Thanks again!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Thanks. That's the problem with these fast developing project, things change to quickly. Good to know that the video still kinda works even if the website has been progressed. I need to go back and look at Ex-Rail features soon.

[@nickindublin]

Hi Rob another nice video. Does DCC ex connect to JMRI as DCC++ did?

[@scottbrochhausen1451]

Yes. Very easily. Instructions are on the jmri site.

[@nickindublin]

@@scottbrochhausen1451 hi Scott a bit of help please. I don’t see DCC EX under supported hardware. Is it supported as DCC++?

[@scottbrochhausen1451]

@@nickindublin yes!

[@brickleyyard4966]

Thats cool that there's an easier way into dcc but I still like the dynamics better But this is great for a cheap and reliable second controller for a different layout if u have more than one so I can see the benefits plus I have to admit that the WiFi option would be the main interest if I was to ues one but that real time delay in impute bugs me a little

[@LittleWicketRailway]

I think a lot of people will still prefer their handheld systems, but as you've said, nice to have a budget option. The delay isn't too bad. Might appear slightly worse on the video because my phone capture app records in a variable frame rate, so matching the timing with the main camera perfectly wasn't possible. If you still want a physical controller rather than an app slider then I think you can add a Bluetooth joystick type thing fairly easily.

[@brickleyyard4966]

@@LittleWicketRailway cool at leat there opportunity to explore all types of construction with it being open source anyone with some basic knowledge of coding coding add things like lcd joy stick and so on

[@paulantoine1696]

Some folks have already built hand-held, battery driven WiFi throttles with physical knobs. Engine Driver on Android also supports standard Bluetooth hand controllers with physical knobs and buttons to control the trains selected on the ED screen.

[@deltic5514]

BIt confused with the software bit. I have tried to download it on my mac and all that opens is a text edit page with a load of code. Do you need to have the hardware plugged in before you download the software?

[@MrHipwell1989]

Just ordered all my parts through your links on amazon. Having read the dcc ex website it seems there's quite a few different versions of the dodgy WiFi board with different spelling mistakes etc. Which one did you end up with?

[@alanwhite4427]

Hi Rob, Another great video. Can you please tell me how I can fit an auto reverse loop on a DCC layout, whereby the train will travel in one direction only e.g. Clockwise only. (Without a PC). Keep up the good work. Thank you, Alan

[@dennischerry4545]

Started using DCC and for some reason my Deek-Robot board has the Main and Program tracks reversed. Using the DCC-EX Installer program. Using a Elegoo UNO and also have a Elegoo Mega but have not tried the Deek board in it yet. Went to Discord and no one had a fix for my problem. Still working on this issue.

[@Ultramesh]

The process is even easier 11 months on, with both a better motor board and a better installer available.

[@tubutubutubu5755]

Oh, amazing!! we cannot buy an arduino wifi sheild in japan because it's higher pricing and few products!! How mach is this on dccex website? (we want to buy 10 piece ....)

[@alanmusicman3385]

So, Rob - now you have been using this for a while - still good?

[@steverowat2280]

Hi Rob. For some time, I have been thinking of building a layout based on a GWR Branch Line operating a 14xx Auto and/or Diesel Railcar in the late '50's/early '60's. Having studied some of your videos, I have gone away from an Auto Reverse system at each end in favour of Arduino control with "back and forth" utilising IR sensors which would appear simpler, cheaper and better on space. Looking at your systems, you use a Uno/L298P for your motor control and a 2560P Mega/Sensor Shield V.2 for Sensor control ........... (a) would it make sense to replace the Uno with a Mega and therefore standardising Hubs, (b) will the sensor shield set-up operate points and signals as well as sensors and (c) trolling through the internet, there would appear to be different species of each of the boards - is there any major difference? Keep up the good work - I'm impressed Many thanks ...... Steve

[@craigforsberg1972]

i dont think ill need wire strippers as i have accidentally found i can strip wires with my teeth perfectly,sounds dodgy but i love dodgy

[@LittleWicketRailway]

That's quite the party trick! 😂

[@PaddingtonbearNZ]

A great party trick till one tries it on a live wire 🤣. this I know😉😉

[@myname604]

The moment you say "you have to connect to the internet" is the end of this crap!

[@LittleWicketRailway]

Sounds like this might not be for you... 🙄

[@mygreatbigfoot1679]

Second one on this subject that i’ve visited, DCC=Digital Command Control, so sorry to the “in crowd”, feel like i peed in your porridge giving it away, but i’m sick of this modern marketing bull, it didn’t do the home pc market much good did it? After decades of learning masm and tasm and assembly code, i get a wee bit sick of this obscurantist abbreviate everything syndrome, fence them out presenter stuff, even on introductory vids. Digital command control= digital control, what a load a hype and why? I wanted to know-so i visited google. I’m not watching anything else about this, the old boys club cliches about model railway enthusiasts is correct. Here’s my one to keep you guessing DCOC ..Digital command order control, let’s do it the German way,Digitalcommandcontroler. Or just call a spade a damn spade, it’s a controller that has digital chips on the circuit board. Wow.

[@robertolamalfa1398]

I NOSTRI TRENINI UN GIORNO FUNZIONERANNO CON L'ITELIGENZA ARTIFICIALE, E NOI COME STUPIDI SIAMO LI A GUARDARE SENZA FARE NULLA...