My father has two trains with DCC decoders that he wants to control. It should be the most simple controller, no interfaces with computer, no settings, no programming, etc. I needed to do some changes on the DCC++ software (Basestation-1.2.1). I added a library to handle a pushbutton (copyright Polulo). […]
Buying feedback/occupancy detector modules for a model railroad can cost a lot of money, so I wanted to use a DIY solution for this as well. There are a lot of examples that can be found on internet and I tried the three modules below.Note that I did not test […]
With an arduino, an Arcomora Shield and some extra components, it is easy to create an Loconet CDE interface to control 4 CDE boosters and have an extra ‘Power On’ button and three emergency buttons. The arduino firmware is also attached, so it is easy to adjust the code according […]
Paco Cañada created a faboulous Function Decoder with a minimum amount of components, based on the 12F629 Pic microprocessor. I changed the package of some components and created a small PCB (with SMD components), 18.5mm * 12mm. When using the PCB Gerber files, one PCB contains 35 decoders. The PCB […]
Based on the earlier design, I created a new, smaller PCB. This version is more for switching lights and signals, but can be used for relays and track switches as well. The firmware is still the same. So check the original manual for all firmware options. This version contains even […]
Just for ease, I created a distribution strip that also contains (optional) bridge rectifiers for voltage reduction (see the floodland website). One PCB contains 4 distribution strips. A strip can be split with a small saw to separate the voltage reduction part. Even though terminals are used on this strip, […]
In the Elektor books and on internet, a couple of interfaces can be found to use the Edits booster. However, most of them require a start (and stop) button. Also the ones that automatically start, do not work with DCC signals and the short circuit does not react correctly with […]
To control accesory decoders without computer, Paco has created a schematic to use switches via the XBUS. His site contains all the information, but the Eagle and PCB files can be downloaded here. Note that the RJ11 connector is a type with the clip down (connections on top). I ordered […]
Based on schematics and firmware from Dave van der Locht, OpenDCC en Paco’s website, I created a simple low-cost DCC Accessory decoder. The decoder uses a microcontroller that can be loaded with the required firmware for the job. This include signaldecoders (including, German, Dutch and Belgium signals), light decoders and […]
