Hi All,
I have recently become intruiged by the DCC-EX arduino-based system for controlling trains and am considering constructing a base station, but I have a few questions about how well it would meet my needs.
First, does this system offer rapid and reliable short circuit protection that doesn't require an elaborate reset? Would I be best off using another component with it like NCE's EB1 circuit breaker? Much as I dislike them, shorts are inevitable on my layout.
One of the main things I am interested in is wifi control to allow for multiple operators (running multiple trains), but I am wondering if the suggested 12v DC power supply and motor sheild will actually provide enough power to run multiple (say, 3 or 4) DCC sound locomotives at moderate speed simultaneously. I am also wondering if the wifi sheild will reliably interface with multiple phones at once.
I am experienced with DCC but not with this sort of a system.
Thanks for your input and expertise.
Dr. Yellow Hi All, I have recently become intruiged by the DCC-EX arduino-based system for controlling trains and am considering constructing a base station, but I have a few questions about how well it would meet my needs. First, does this system offer rapid and reliable short circuit protection that doesn't require an elaborate reset? Would I be best off using another component with it like NCE's EB1 circuit breaker? Much as I dislike them, shorts are inevitable on my layout. One of the main things I am interested in is wifi control to allow for multiple operators (running multiple trains), but I am wondering if the suggested 12v DC power supply and motor sheild will actually provide enough power to run multiple (say, 3 or 4) DCC sound locomotives at moderate speed simultaneously. I am also wondering if the wifi sheild will reliably interface with multiple phones at once. I am experienced with DCC but not with this sort of a system. Thanks for your input and expertise.
Great questions! I would highly encourage you to try one. You can buy the parts and build one for about $50-$60, at least before inflation hit. I'm not sure of the exact price now.
As far as shorts protection, I can't offer much experience in that regard because I use my DCC-ex command station as a test and programming track. In that usage, it excels and is actually much better at interfacing with USB and JMRI Decoder Pro than my Digitrax stuff. You might read up more on the DCC-ex website. I'm sure that short circuit protection is described in detail.
As for the power supply, I think the 1.5A rating (as best as I can remember at the moment) is accurate. The issue is that most of the enthusiasm for the DCC-ex option is coming from N-scalers who don't have nearly the current needs that exist with HO. Even though most motors are very efficient these days, it doesn't take much if you put together a couple of 2-3 engine consists before the DCC-ex is bumping up against its current limits. The current limits are much more than the power supply - it's the motor shield itself that's the issue.
A lot of work has been done on this and DCC-ex themselves have developed a new motor shield that's supposed to provide up to 5A. I haven't checked lately, but last I did, they had already sold out the first batch. So, the demand for more current is definitely there and will only become more available as time goes on.
As for the Wi-Fi, yeah - the wifi shield they recommend performs well. I've never had an issue using 2-3 phones. I can't comment on more than that, because I'm always by myself thus far.
Dr. YellowFirst, does this system offer rapid and reliable short circuit protection that doesn't require an elaborate reset? Would I be best off using another component with it like NCE's EB1 circuit breaker? Much as I dislike them, shorts are inevitable on my layout.
a motor shield has the capability of being wired to monitor current but software would need to recognize the short and disable the shield.
as you said, shorts are inevitable, not from too many trains by simply leaving tools across the rails. And of course a DCC circuit breaker would do a better job.
Dr. Yellowbut I am wondering if the suggested 12v DC power supply and motor sheild will actually provide enough power to run multiple (say, 3 or 4) DCC sound locomotives at moderate speed simultaneously.
what is the recommended supply? if each train might draw 0.5A, then a 2A supply should be adequate for 4 trains.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Thanks for the advice, it sounds like it's worth a try. It's very rare for more than 3 locomotives to be operating simultaneously on my modest layout, so the 1.5-2A supply should be adequete.
I use the NCE's EB1 circuit breaker. It is adjustable.I have it set around 4 amps with self resetting.I have it visible from my command station, so I can look for the red light to be on/off when trains short out.