ldribin
commented
4 years ago Fred: I have an idea, but I think you or Haba would be the best to answer these questions. - Larry
Closed fire-bot closed 1 year ago
ldribin
commented
4 years ago Fred: I have an idea, but I think you or Haba would be the best to answer these questions. - Larry
Sent by Vic Dohar (vicdohar@gmail.com). Created by fire.
Hello,
This is my first time asking for assistance and hopefully this is an acceptable channel of communication as I do not use Discord. I was beginning my research into purchasing a commercial DCC system, when I stumbled upon your website. I have programmed an Arduino Uno to drive some servos, as well as other electronics, so I would consider myself as a "Tinkerer". What I have read so far has been professional and convinced me to try building a DCC++EX system.
I am going through the DCC++EX parts list and intend to purchase a MEGA2560 R3, Motor Shield, Wifi Shield, LCD 4x20 (to have some fun with it) with adapter, a power supply(ies), and some miscellaneous accessories like jumper wires.
General Questions...
1) In addition to Makerfab selling the Wifi Shield, I noticed that they also sell an MEGA2560 (https://www.makerfabs.com/mega-2560-r3.html). It looks to be the same type of clone as the suggested Elegoo. Has anyone used this one from Makerfab? Is there anything to be aware of when purchasing this clone or any MEGA clone?
2) The jumper cables between the MEGA and the Wifi Shield, are they also the Male-Female connector type?
3) I am also planning on driving around 10 servos for turnout control with a separate independent power supply following these guidelines (http://thenscaler.com/?page_id=174 and http://www.sumidacrossing.org/ModelTrains/Servos/) and NOT integrated with DCC. I am assuming that I could add my code to the uploaded code, much like the code would be to drive the optional LCD display. Are there issues with this approach or would a separate arduino board be better (note that the ground from the servo power supply has to be connected to the ground on the arduino)? I assume the digital pins on the MEGA are available.
Question About Power Supplies...
4) The recommended voltage range for a MEGA or UNO is 7-12V. I assume a 9V adapter would suffice?
I am aware that the motor shield requires its own power supply and that the VIN must be broken on the back. And that you shouldn't plug both the power adapter or the USB cable simultaneously into the MEGA2560.
What I am unclear is the power requirements/source for the MEGA2560 during operation, and perhaps it depends on the task at hand. I am under the assumption that the MEGA is connected to a computer via the USB cable that runs JMRI/DecoderPro in order to program decoders, potentially use ExWebThrottle, as well as to upload the DCC++EX code from the Arduino IDE, and therefore the MEGA does not need its own power supply. However, do I need the use of a computer/JMRI to simply run the command station and some trains that have their decoder programmed?
In addition, I am planning on using EngineDriver on a smartphone, and using AP mode from the Wifi Shield (not my home WiFi network), as it seems to be the better option and portable as well (I am building On30 modules so I have to take that into consideration). So I am trying to picture how this can all come together, as I am somewhat JMRI illiterate, only having used it at other layouts by connecting to its WiThrottle server and using Engine Driver on my smartphone. Thus, if I use the Wifi shield (AP mode) to connect my smartphone/Engine Driver to it, then can I also connect the computer/JMRI/ExWebThrottle as well? Would this mean that a USB cable would NOT be required between the computer running JMRI and the command station, and the MEGA would need power from an 9V adapter?
OK. I think that's enough. Thanks for your help as I will await your answers before ordering my parts. Hopefully, down the road I will be able to assemble the components and provide your team with some feedback.
Cheers,
Vic Dohar