DCC++EX as LocoNet Command Station (Video#79)

[@pierrelambert446]

This will be a great addition to your product line up. With this you are covering almost all model train need. I will be more than happy to try it out when it is released. I will hold my plan to purchase DCC booster for my new layout.

[@IoTT]

Thanks. Yes, one of the ideas I am looking into is to design the board in a way it can be used either as command station OR booster.

[@rccrawlervenezuela]

A very interesting concept Hans, and a fairly condensed module that can save space and provide many functionalities. Thanks for sharing.

[@IoTT]

Many thanks!

[@robleathley6024]

Game changer! This is certainly pushing the boundary of DCC functionality. I must admit that I am intrigued by the concept. I’d like to try it out. Could actually think about changing my NCE PowerHouse Pro to an IoTT Red Hat++. All the benefits of the IoTT hats and LocoNet buss with DCC command station. Just need a booster.

[@IoTT]

Correct, with the RedHat, it is now possible to build a complete DCC system.

[@rinjk3a]

Thanks Hans, I just connected my DCC++ with Raspberry Pi. And the RedHat++ to create the ultimate loconet system.

[@IoTT]

Cool. I think there is great potential in connecting various systems and do distributed processing. Lots of possibilities ;-)

[@DCCEX]

I just wanted to give you another support post here Hans. Another well implemented idea! - Fred

[@IoTT]

Thank you. Of course, thanks to the DCC-EX code it was not too difficult to do ;-) More to come. I just finished the first layout of the PCB for it today.

[@ClinchfieldModelRailroad]

Yes, I’m excited. My 1st thought is to keep the DCC power supply separate and at the layout where I can connect a 3 amp power supply and connect to it through loconet. Since you need to use the chip on the yellow hat with the IOTT stick then yes, have the DCC++ integrated as a yellow-hat/DCC++EX to eventually replace the yellow hat altogether. This way if users already have something like the Digikeijs DR 5033 booster, then they don’t require a booster that’s built into your Redhat++. Also the new yellow hat / red hat could all be built into a mimic panel.

[@IoTT]

Thanks. Yes, power supply will independent and RedHat will work as booster as well.

[@ModelRailroadTechniques]

Maybe I can use this set up to get MQTT to talk with TrainCintroller software??

[@IoTT]

I would think that should be possible, but you would have to implement a translation function from the MQTT topic structure of the IoTT Stick to the one of the Train Controller. You should be able to do that e.g. in Node-RED or similar tools.

[@ModelRailroadTechniques]

IoTT hmm. It how is the question for an beginner like me

[@MichaelOrsburn]

Does your Tinkersheild for Loconet work with DCC-EX and how do the messages connect to DCC-EX. Mike Ors

[@IoTT]

The Tinkerface shield is made to provide an interface to do your own developments. If you want to make DCC-EX an Arduino command station, use a RedHat along with AUX shield and IoTT Stick.

[@renegadeoflife87]

Does this module drive the Railsync pins of the loconet ports?

[@IoTT]

Yes, the Loconet B outlet has full Loconet capability, including railsync so you can connect external boosters. The two Loconet T connectors have 12V DC and permanently on so that the throttles do not turn off if you shut down the track power.

[@scentgrasslakerailway]

Brilliant, this is genius! Alas, I am a novice at this so may I ask this question... What is replaced by the PowerShield? I guess it is the IBT-2 H Bridge Driver? Any variance in the wiring arrangement of which I need be aware?

[@IoTT]

Thanks. Yes, the IBT-2 is used instead of the power shield. However, in the meantime I have finished the RedHat++ Shield, which sits on top of the power shield and turns EDD++EX into a Loconet command station with WiThrottle Server, Loconet, main and prog track and more. Watch Video #99 kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZy6kHyKbdKAjMk to learn more.

[@pierrelambert446]

Here a suggestion, add an lcc port. Even if you don’t do the code now there’s hardware will be there for the future. I guess that one of the only major protocol you never implemented.

[@atanisoftware]

LCC won't likely work with DCC++EX anytime soon. It's not in the roadmap and there is no long term support strategy for LCC on the AVR platform (8-bit).

[@IoTT]

Did you watch video#45? And you are correct, with the modular concept I could build an LCC command station as the Stick can handle the LCC communication. So, there are non-technical reasons I am not doing it - for now ;-)

[@AJB2K3]

Why are you calling it Iott stick and not M5Stack StickC?

[@IoTT]

Because it comes preloaded with the IoTT software, Grove cable and mounting bracket.

[@ClinchfieldModelRailroad]

I’d like to see you support Z21 wifi throttle.

[@IoTT]

I have to look into that. No idea right now how it works.