How To Run DCC++ & JMRI On A Raspberry Pi With Your Cell Phone

[@mstevetodd]

Excellent video, Tom. I appreciate that you edit out the wait time from the lengthy processes. As mentioned, I do have a preconfigured image with JMRI preloaded, and with logic to autoidentify various hardware (including DCC++). It also sets up the RPi as an access point. More info here: mstevetodd.com/rpi

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks for the link Steve. I appreciate your input on this subject.This will help other modelers interested in cost effective ways to run their trains. Yes, there was a lot of wait time here. I just stopped recording and came back later. One time I was lucky enough to come back at about 97% to catch the tail end of the process. The magic of editing. I may be asking you for some help in the future.

[@ninogoyos]

Thanks Tom to share your knowledge. I’ve set up all you explain here, and runs perfectly. It’s a beauty. Please keep going with more projects.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thank you Nino. More projects to come.

[@jlwii2000]

Good job Tom. I haven't messed with Raspberry Pi yet so this gave me a grasp of everything.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks James. Glad I could help!

[@IamRobotMonkey]

A graspberry?

[@tomcarr1050]

Nice Tom...This is the best explanation of how to use raspberry pi and JMRI that I have seen...Thank You for the how to Tom

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks Tom. Glad I could help.

[@brucewoods9377]

Bloody great video. Just what I was looking for, short, clear and straight forward, easy to understand . I have set up my DCC++ now to link it with my Raspberry Pi. Keep up the great work Tom 👍👍👍🇦🇺

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks for the kind words Bruce. You'll enjoy the portability of the RasPi.

[@brucewoods9377]

@@TomsTrainsandThings Done it! My Ras Pi and DCC++ is now fully functioning and using my iPad to control the throttle thanks to this video of yours. Extremely great instructions, all went together soooo simply

[@RichardBCumbrianModelRailways]

This is amazing Tom, do you have a video on how to wire the DC++ into a larger layout and how the power is managed? Thanks for the in depth walk through, I think you’ve saved me about £300 Sterling!

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks Richard. DCC++ can be wired the same as DCC. The only issue is the max amperage is limited in the DCC++. You can use basically the same components and go with DCC-EX which is an updated version of the original which has never been upgraded since it's creation about 7 years ago. DCC-EX is constantly being improved by a team of dedicated model railroaders that feed off of users suggestions. dcc-ex.com/ You may find some useful informationon wiring and other subjects related to DCC here: kzbin.info/aero/PLjjhnrIKSTShk5Wu8uIgxfBYxhSbxHSrD

[@RichardBCumbrianModelRailways]

@@TomsTrainsandThings hey 👋 thanks for the detailed reply, I’ll look into it. Great content by the way.

[@JoeG-firehousewhiskey]

wow, this is AWESOME! Im going to try this, once i figure out some of the other issues that came up when I was trying to download the sketch into my DCC++ system. Thanks for your help again!

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Your welcome Joe. Glad I can help.

[@tedansley]

The raspberry PI IS A COMPTER! A full-fledged computer really. I have an 8GB Overclocked Raspberry PI 4 running Ubuntu Mate and it is a great desktop computer, and as fast as an older Intel I5. It's just a mini computer, sort of how a modern cell phone is a mini computer.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Although it's a mini computer, it doesn't have the programs I need. Just using it with JMRI. Since this video I upgraded to the RasPi 4

[@tedansley]

@@TomsTrainsandThings It depends, pretty much everything I need, with the exception of a few hobby type programs is on my Raspberry PI4 desktop. It's an 8gb model, boots from M.2 SSD in one of the USB 3 ports, has 4k video. I put it in a mini-tower case with a big CPU fan and 2nd case fan. Overclocked to about 2 3 Ghz and keeps super cool. Benchmarks as fast as an older I5, I can run most anything on it very fast. Most major desktop software runs on it. I also run Ubuntu Mate as 64 bit OS. The total cost was about $190 with the SSD.

[@Devillin]

@@TomsTrainsandThings I know this is an old video, but which Raspi 4 would you recommend? 2GB, 4GB, or 8GB?

[@johnprater9522]

great video...works well... just a quick question.....if you have a larger layout...how do you add more power supplies for smooth track operation

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

You can use a motor shield wid with a higher amperage such as a Pololu. Adding more feeders from your bus line will help. You can run your bus approximatelyy 20 ft out in each direction as long as the bus is of sufficient size. The newer DCC++EX has more motor shields available with higher amperage than the original DCC++

[@stewartdavis8618]

Great video Tom, I am just doing the same and it was great to just confirm what I had done. If you go to Steve Todds site he has an image that which combines Rasbian and jmri so it boots up straight away with images

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks Stewart. Glad to be of help.

[@mattjtouma]

Great video Tom. What Loco were you using for the demo?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

It's a Bachman Switcher. You can see it at 2:22

[@mattjtouma]

@@TomsTrainsandThings I knew it sounded familiar! I have the same one 👍

[@stevencilento9819]

This is great Tom, but I have one question, you had your command (power) station, powering the track, and the Raspberry Pi controlling the train on the track at the same time, is there any connect between command station and the Pi.?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

The RasPi is connected to the Arduino through a USB cable. All it is is a mini computer wiith JMRI installed. Engine driver has been updated since then and DCC++ has an updated version which is much better that Model railroaders have completely rebuilt the original. It's DCC++EX, which have much more features and allows built in Wifi. Web site with download and instructions: dcc-ex.com/ Discord Server where you can talk with the developers or other users, if you have questions or suggestions: discord.gg/5vUrtDZP

[@Trains-With-Shane]

Pretty cool setup, Tom. Do you prefer this type of setup or using DCC++EX with a WiFi shield directly on the Arduino? Trading features for simplicity? I've got a few spare motor shields and Arduinos and was considering trying this Raspberry Pi install as i'm waiting on some WiFi shields to ship from Robot Shop.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

When I made this video DCC++EX was not yet ready for prime time. I als did a video on DCC++EX with the WiFi Shield when the first introduced it. Waiting on more improvements before I build it for my layout

[@Trains-With-Shane]

@@TomsTrainsandThings So currently you're running with the standard DCC++ and controlling it with JMRI? Think i'll try it anyway. I've got a spare Pi2 and I think a Pi3 kicking around somewhere.

[@tedansley]

@@Trains-With-Shane FYI DCC++ version 4.0 is out and it is full featured now, from what I'v gathered it's very good. I'm actually building mine now, waiting for a few parts. I've used JMRI in the past with my NCE Powercan and USB adapter board and it worked well. I will use it this time with a Raspberry PI 4 (hard to get right now) which is much better than a Raspberry PI 3. I already own two so that's easy for me. I bought a stackable case that will hold the Arduino, motor shield, and PI all together for a very compact setup. I this setup is a winner, can't wait to really use it extensively.

[@jeffjohnston731]

Great Video. Where do I buy a DCC++ Station for a Raspberry PI or is there some way to hook up an Arduino motor shield to a Pi?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

You can find more information in my other videos on DCC++. Since then, there is a better version DCC++EX which is more powerful, more motor shields, & more wifi options. On their web site, you can find out more. There is also fully automatic installation package for Engine Driver by M. Steve Todd which makes installing everything on the PI completely configured for JMRI, Engine Driver and now the wifi enabled. dcc-ex.com/

[@loco82]

Great videos Just went to order my bits for making my own dcc++ but notice there is a audrino board with WiFi built it. Is this a new that you use to control your trains wirelessly with an android phone or is there more to it and you have to use the raspberry pi? Kind regards Dan

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

DCC++ was developed before the Uno Wifi came out. There have been no updates from the original version. The use of a cell phone is accomplished through the use of JMRI with either a computer or Raspberry Pi. In the Trainboard forum, other modelers are making improvements to the original code. You may want to look into that.

[@loco82]

@@TomsTrainsandThings Hi there OK I will have a look on their, thank you for your reply. Kind regards Dan

[@trentglass1972]

The JMRI will work using a regular Desktop and the DCC++ basestation right? I only ask because I don't want to buy more parts and the JMRI found my app name and probably works the same way

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

JMRI will work on any computer, even a Raspi. Windows, Apple,and Linux. You can read about it on the JMRI web site.

[@xbleriot]

Very nice and clear.....super tutorial, thanks What voltage do you set up your power supply? Is it n scale?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thank you. My power supply is set to 18 VDC which gives an approximate DCC signal of about 15V. My layout is HO Scale.

[@xbleriot]

@@TomsTrainsandThings so I guess I should set it to 15V for N scale then.....

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Check you decoder documentation to see if there is a maximum voltage allowed. Some decoders have that figure listed.

[@stairguy-ey9bk]

Hi Tom. what are you using for your command station here with the Raspberry Pi?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Arduino loaded with the original DCC++ sketch

[@xbleriot]

Great video Tom.... I just re-installed the latest Pi OS on my Raspberry pi3+ and then followed your instruction to install JMRI (4.2)... However, when I click on PanelPro or DecoderPro (click on "Execute")...nothing happens !!! Would you know why ? (by the way, I'm trying for now without the DCC++ basestation attached to the Raspberry)

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Not enough information to troubleshoot. Send me an email with the details

[@xbleriot]

@@TomsTrainsandThings what's your email address?

[@christopherpretzman9601]

I have the same problem.

[@troysimpson9550]

Thanks Tom for showing us this system, I got a question however, with the Rasp Pi and a sprong set up there is a way to not have a keyboard and monitor hooked up and be able to Boot directly into JRMI with the WiFi up, so the you can put this system onto the layout. (nice for portable layouts you take to shows or clubs), Can this also be done with this set up?? If so perhaps show us in other Video. (perhaps on of your Q&A videos) Appreciate all the work and info you put into your channel. THANKS!!

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Troy, have never worked with the sprog but watched a few videos on it. Are you able to program your locos or do anything else besides run your locomotives? Have only seen the use of a wireless throttle. With the Pi & DCC++ through VNC you can use a tablet or any other device to operate anything on the Raspberry Pi.

[@troysimpson9550]

i Believe just run trains or what ever the wifi throttle will let u do. SO they idea is is that from a cold boot it starts Jrmi and Wifi Thottle and u run trains, if u what to do more plug in the screen and a keyboard and do your programming.

[@mstevetodd]

Troy, we have exactly that for our modular club. An RPi mounted in our electronics box that starts up with main power, serving as a wifi access point. Club members can simply connect their phones and run trains within a minute or so. For decoder programming, one of us usually brings a laptop, which we connect to the RPi to run JMRI remotely through the RPi with all the bells and whistles.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

@@troysimpson9550 Thanks, I'll have to look into the Sprog a little more.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

@@mstevetodd Thanks for chiming in Steve. Good to hear this method is being used at clubs.

[@NorthStarRailfan]

Do you need the DCC++ base station or can you use just the Raspberry Pi?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Raspi is just a mini computer. DCC++ is outdated with limited options. You should look into DCC-EX which has many additional features not found in the original version. dcc-ex.com/#

[@gapadad2]

At 8:10 you say you don't need the Ethernet cable. But you do or you need wifi working and thats a large file for wireless. Great Video though. I have an NCE but I want to control other things via DCC++ like turn outs and light and animation.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Luke, all the files were already on the SD card, the wait time during the video was the files being uncompressed and installed in the RPI. My first RPI didn't have Wifi so it was just out of habit that I connected the Ethernet cable. You can see me reference this at 1:59. The RPI is much slower than a conventional computer so the process of uncompressing or any other task takes longer. To run everything you state from DCC++ you'd be better off using a Mega instead of the Uno that I used in this video. The Mega has more Inputs & outputs and more memory to work with.

[@nesr8786]

Hi Tom Great presentation ,when did you become a mind reader buddy ? i ordered a rasp pi and a hdmi monitor earlier today ,as i am going to do the very thing your have just disgust. the 7" touchscreen is only about $35 from Ebay and ras pi 2 about $40 ,hope this helps ,take care all , John

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thanks John. I've been wanting to do this video for about a couple of months now but just didn't have enough time to put it together. It took about a week of filming between other projects but I finally got it out. I've been thinking about the touch screen but 7 inches may be a little too small for me. I struggle with a 17" screen now. lol

[@nesr8786]

i thought the screen would be a bit small too ,but i have a portable dvd system with same size screen and works out perfect ,just need a prescription lens for the screen now lol, i like where you are going with the hobby ,keep em coming ,Take care ,John

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

My tablet is 10" and that seems to be the smallest I can see comfortably. I have to figure out how to use my tablet as a monitor.

[@nesr8786]

just connect your tablet to the ras pi via wireless ,

[@abdullahabu1252]

Good day, Toms, I would like to ask you how I can cancel or remove the address code from the Digitrax s51

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

You can see how to use the DCS 51 on this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aWWpk3eKoc1gqZI

[@arthurhouston3]

Going to put this video in with mine on playlist on arthurhouston3 Wifi Channel playlist.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Thank you for adding the video to your playlist, you have some good videos in there. Thank you for subscribing also.

[@tedansley]

You should have bought a $5 case for the PI, and some heatsinks that are dirt cheap. A kit is good, becasue it can include a case, power supply, heat sinks, and an SD card with Noobs installed. They are very inexpensive. I recommend this for newbies.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

I have the case for 3 of my RasPi's

[@Wizzard033]

i have three raspberry Pis but i have no idea where to get a station that's compatible and not $200

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Try dcc-ex.com/

[@PyroRob69]

I know this video is 4+ years old, but have you done any videos on using linux for most all of the control, etc? You still seem to use a lot of Windows. I have no Winduhs anything any more. Got tired of the viruses, exploits, etc.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Do not have any videos on Linux. It shouldn't be too hard since both the Pi and JMRI have Linux versions, You may find someone to help you out on the DCC-EX Discord discord.gg/zUB4JF9A

[@PyroRob69]

@@TomsTrainsandThings Yep, I know all about the Pi's. I have a dozen of them around. It's just that my desktop and laptop are both linux. I used to keep a Windows 7 VM around for times when I needed Windows but I think I finally deleted it because I didn't use it very much. Thanks for your videos!

[@farmerdave7965]

I have a raspberry pi with a sprog attached to it to generate rail sync.

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Never used a Sprog. I'll have to try it out some day!

[@robertschworm6036]

Hi, I found that Etcher is 64 bit while my pc is vista with 32 bit. So I had to use win32 imager. bob

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

That should work as well. Didn't realize vista was still being used. My XP computer just bit the dust last year.

[@Xenthera]

You should really update. Support for Vista ended long ago. Windows 7 is about to eat the dust too

[@funcraft3605]

Now how can I add the pca9685 to this?

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

You would be better off using a second Arduino for this. These micro controllers are capable of operating only one task at a time. There would be some delays if you group too many tasks together on one device.

[@MMRails]

Interesting. You did know I was going to make a Raspberry Pie joke right? For example, how sticky were your fingers after using the RP? -Mark

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

I was counting on it. What took you so long? My sweet tooth got the best of me and I ate the project. Had to buy a second one to finish the video.

[@rajeshdesai3801]

I am beginners i need help still i need uno and raspberry both or only raspberry can run my locomotives

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

You need the Uno and a motor shield to create the DCC signal. RasPi or Computer will do to run JMRI

[@rajeshdesai3801]

@@TomsTrainsandThings , Thank u so much

[@brucewoods9377]

There is no train driver for an iPhone 😢

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

Not according to JMRI! www.jmri.org/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/withrottle/UserInterface.shtml

[@brucewoods9377]

@@TomsTrainsandThings found it Thank you very much

[@mattlestat2703]

What is the point of the Raspberry pi just use jrmi on computer with phone .

[@TomsTrainsandThings]

For those that don't have a computer in the train room. Don't want to put a computer in the train room. Those that can't afford a second computer Portability, compactness. Take a module to a train show Takes up less space