Hi All I have finally managed to get this to function. Components: Arduino uno Clone of an arduino motor shield LaisDcc 8 pin decoder with stay alive PC power supply. Running 12v dc input into the motorshield Below is a link to the instructions for testing whether your arduino and the motorshield will be able to perform the necessary functions https://github.com/DccPlusPlus/BaseStation/wiki/Diagnostics---D---Command Just a note. About the first test. The jumpers normally go into pins (13 and 5) and (12 and 10) on the uno I'm not sure if it is the same for the mega. For the first test you connect pins 13 and 11 turn on an off via the arduino serial monitor. Then test pins 13 and 3. The DCC signal test (test 2) you connect pins 13 and 5, then 13 and 10. If the LEDs flash as they should the arduino is good to go. Testing the motor shield: Attach the motor shield to the arduino and power up BUT don't connect to tracks yet. Still using the arduino serial monitor type <1> to turn on. All 4 LEDs near the output sockets should come on. The final test type <D> (must be upper case), all 4 lights should start blinking. What does this mean? Your arduino and motor shield can handle the task. The next step is where i got confused. I had JMRI all loaded and my Ipad could connect as a controllerbut my train wouldnt move. I knew the decoder was plugged in the right way from last night. When i got JMRI to identify the decoder it selected the wrong company. Jmri did have my decoder and i put it in manually, wrote and saved the data. Got the throttle and nothing. Everything was set to DCC++. The last thing I did was go to the preferences page (i am using a mac) and set the power, throttle, and one I cant remember right now (they were all next to each other - the first three options) to DCC++ from internal. This allows jmri to fire up the motor shield (i think, well when i selected the power on button in JMRI all 4 lights came on. This hadnt happened before) I connected the throttle and hey presto, loco is under control. Next task - lengthen the test track I can make a video of the process if anyone is interested? Cameron
Nice work Cameron a bit of satisfaction I’m sure, having done it yourself Can you connect to your layout for a bigger test.??
Hi Chris, Thanks, it was satisfying to have it work. The next step will be connect it to the larger layout. I'm just reading upon how to wire things up. Cameron
Gary, So they say! I am thinking of using a toggle switch arrangement similar to what you did with the industry lane programming track Cameron
welldone Cameron, worthwhile you have a look at JMRI as well http://jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/dccpp/index.shtml DCC++ is supported for JMRI which will also enhance the core functionality of the DCC++ system. Thanks for the test link, as I have a couple of different motorshields to try out, and an Arduino UNO and MEGA. The wiring connections on the MEGA are easier than the UNO, but I can't remember which one doesn't need the link. Paul
Look out now Cameron, Paul (aka the 'Darkside Warlock') now knows you are playing with JMRI... You are now walking on shakey ground.... Cheers, Gary.
Hi All, Thanks Paul, I will keep exploring. I know enough about programming to break things. Gentlemen as I said in an much early post on an earlier version of this site "I am a blunt force coder, It's not efficient but it works, sometimes........
