MiniDCC project for Model Railroad DCC and Electronics Enthusiasts.
I'm building a DCC Command Station that meets the NMRA standards. It's a compact system that includes a booster, 16x2 or 20x4 LCD, membrane keypad and a couple switches.
I making 2 models. One is based in the 16F88 microprocessor that allows control of 4 locomotives using a 16 button keypad. Each row is speed up, speed down, direction and function 0 on/off. One of the locos can also be controlled by analog.
The 2nd model uses the 16F1938 microprocessor where the 4 locos can be controlled by analog control. Firmware can be updated over the internet using a USB connection to your PC.
Both models include turnout routing from A to Z. Adding turnouts to routes are limited to the amount of memory available on the chip.
I've built a few prototype Printed Circuit Boards for the 1st model and all has been working fine for the past 2 years. Now I'm having some of the version 2 (16F1938) PCB's made professionally. Hopefully I'll receive them in 2 weeks.
I'll post some photos if anyone is interested.
John.
>> Posts index
Navigation
Journals/Blogs
Recent Blog posts:
Comments
You Bet!
I would like to see your Work.!
Regards, John
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger and more complex...It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. <> Albert Einstein
Sure thing!
I would as well, John - I also wonder if this is related to the MiniDCC project that can be found at http://minidcc.com/
thanks!
dave
Photos
Yes, This is the minidcc.com project by Robert Cote and myself. I'm happy you noticed. I guess it has some popularity.
This is the combo board version 1 with a 20x4 LCD,pot,keypad. A 16x2 LCD is also possible. The booster can be cut away and installed on the layout with small cable back to the MiniStation.
PCB photo
Here is the PCB for version 1. We had to order a few as there was a minimum order. The version 2 PCB that I'm expecting will have the solder mask and silk screen so you can identify where the components go.
20x4 LCD
This is the 20x4 LCD format. This screen shows the loco operation mode. On the 2nd line you see a 3 digit loco address and a symbol to show if Function 0 is on/off. Hence 4 locos are viewable. The 3rd line shows 4 symbols for Function 1-4 below each loco address to show if they are on/off. The 4th line shows the speed and direction of each loco.
There is also a few other programming screens and a Turnout Routing screen.
16x2 LCD
Here is the 16x2 LCD. The Command Station and Booster are designed so that they can be mounted behind the LCD as they are the same size. This keeps it all very compact.
Working on Advanced Turnout Routing code.
Currently Robert Cote is working on the code to allow a advanced turnout routing control.
For now the routes are grouped and identified as A through Z (so 26 possible routes). In the program mode, you can add and remove turnouts. The limit here is memory. During operation you scroll through the routes list and choose enter to apply the route. Then toggle back to the loco operation screen.
As it stands, every time you choose a new route, all the turnouts in that route are energized even if they were set correcting from a previous route. This adds wear to the solenoid. The Advanced code that is being developed now will check for previous triggered solenoids since system boot and will not energize the coils that are correctly positioned.
Currently all is working fine on my N Scale Clinchfield Model Railroad.
Currently Robert Cote is
Currently Robert Cote is working on the code to allow a advanced turnout routing control.
For now the routes are grouped and identified as A through Z (so 26 possible routes). In the program mode, you can add and remove turnouts. The limit here is memory. During operation you scroll through the routes list and choose enter to apply the route. Then toggle back to the loco operation screen.
As it stands, every time you choose a new route, all the turnouts in that route are energized even if they were set correcting from a previous route. This adds wear to the solenoid. The Advanced code that is being developed now will check for previous triggered solenoids since system boot and will not energize the coils that are correctly positioned.
Currently all is working fine on my N Scale Clinchfield Model Railroad.
Great news that you are updating MiniDCC!
John - that is great news - I used the MiniDCC code some years ago and built up my own circuit board to allow me to control some functions with another processor - my notes are here: http://www.trainelectronics.com/miniDCC/index.htm
I look forward to your improvements!
thanks & good luck!
dave
Nice job. I like all the photos
Nice job. I like all the photos. What system are you using now ?