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DIY DCC Decoder

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  • Member since
    August 2022
  • 2 posts
DIY DCC Decoder
Posted by gab-k on Monday, August 8, 2022 5:22 AM

Hello, everyone!

The fact that I'm usually more of a reader of forums can be seen from the number of my posts. Today, however, I would like to introduce you to a project of mine that may be of interest to one or the other. The project is a more or less full-fledged self-made DCC locomotive decoder. Both the software and the hardware are open-source. Below are a few key points:

- Dimensions of 25x20mm

- Motor control

- 128 speed levels

- 4 auxiliary outputs

- 6 more GPIO (currently only as output)

- Programmable on the programming track

- Functions can switch any outputs

- Both GPIO and Aux outputs can be configured as PWM

 

Decoder

 

The documentation is in English and can be found in the wiki of the Github repo. But don't worry, you don't have to go through the entire wiki to use the decoder. In order to make it easier to get started, I have written a short guide, which explains how to compile and flash the program on the decoder in a relatively short and concise manner. The hardware can be manufactured relatively cheaply, so I paid 53 € for 5 circuit boards including components and assembly. Larger orders will be cheaper per PCB accordingly. I would be very happy to receive questions, suggestions for improvement, etc.

Many greetings

Gabriel

  • Member since
    April 2021
  • From: saskabush
  • 127 posts
Posted by wvgca on Monday, August 8, 2022 2:34 PM

i made a home made dcc decoder [no sound] for about ten bucks maybe five years ago ... i used the firmware from merg, but updated the components as required  ..

they worked well, got them premade [pcb/parts/assembly] by another fellow, very fast turnaround, shipping was included in the 10 [us] price..

  • Member since
    August 2022
  • 2 posts
Posted by gab-k on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 2:46 AM

wvgca

... i used the firmware from merg, but udated the components as required  ...

Is this the firmware you mentioned? Quite impressive as it seems like its all written in assembly.

  • Member since
    April 2021
  • From: saskabush
  • 127 posts
Posted by wvgca on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 7:49 PM

i used the dec12-13 file, and yes it's done in assembly ... quite fast and easy to modify [i just added firebox flicker]  ..

the parts list is a bit outdated though, i brought it closer to date at that time [five years ago] ..

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