Author Topic: Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?  (Read 1734 times)

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Rivet Miscounter

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Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?
« on: October 26, 2023, 02:15:48 PM »
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I don't follow the bleeding edge on this stuff, but are there any efforts for another homebrew DCC system like the doomed "Firebox"?  (see https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=49876 for more info, and no I'm not trying to rehash that so please resist the temptation)   

There was some mention of possibly the hardware getting handed to another group and that it might see the light of day again sometime.   I keep seeing random boxes posted on FB so I'm not sure if they're one-offs or part of a production run of some sort.

I'm certainly not handing over any money ahead of time, but if something is available I'd have interest.
Doug

Scottl

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Re: Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?
« Reply #1 on: October 26, 2023, 03:25:27 PM »
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You mean like DCC-EX?  Pretty easy to DIY these days.

dem34

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Re: Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?
« Reply #2 on: October 26, 2023, 03:45:44 PM »
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DCC-EX guys have a Discord with schematics, programs, etc. Seems pretty developed but yeah, mostly homebrew still.
-Al

Scottl

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Re: Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?
« Reply #3 on: October 26, 2023, 03:57:56 PM »
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Check out the DCC-EX website.  The FB group is also a good place for information.   They have it laid out for beginners with no 'skills', as well as options for tinkerers and others with more comfort.  It literally took me 10 minutes to assemble my system with three components (including wifi), a wire and a wall wart power supply.  Lots of great ideas/plans for physical throttles too if you don't want to use a cell phone or JMRI.

Sumner

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Re: Latest on "Homebrew" DCC?
« Reply #4 on: January 24, 2024, 08:22:02 AM »
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Check out the DCC-EX website............................... Lots of great ideas/plans for physical throttles too if you don't want to use a cell phone or JMRI.

Sorry, a little late, just saw this today and thought I'd mention a few options if anyone is looking for a physical wireless throttle.  It is very easy and inexpensive to add a physical throttle knob now to a phone throttle ....



..... I have print files up to help with that but....


....even without a printer you can easily build something as shown above.  More on  all of that here and also the print file link ....

https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/page-3.html



The throttle above is a little harder to build and you will have about $50 in one but it works great and has most of the options of a commercial one.....


.... can run multiple engines at the came time and/or consists and you can program the keys or any other buttons you want to add.  Does require soldering skills but can be built in a day.  I love mine and built a second one and don't touch the phone throttle anymore.

The hardware/software designer is Peter Akers who also did EngineDriver so has a lot of features and can easily handle 28 functions via the keyboard or added buttons or both.  More on how to build it, print files and shopping list here ....

https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/WiTcontroller-Index.html

... and there is at least one more case out there you can print or make your own.

Sumner
Working in N Scale ---Modeling UP from late 40's to early 70's very loosely......

Under$8.00 Servo turnout Control --- 3D Printed Model RR Objects -- My Home Page

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/RR Main/Link Page Menu.html