Robert Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 I am currently in the process of building a DCC controller for my shunting layout "Pot House Sidings". Of course I am well aware that there are commercial options - but I enjoy designing and building. The controller uses a PIC microcontroller to generate the DCC signal (once the software is finished). PICs have come on enormously in the past few years since I built my last DCC controller and a controller with a whopping 8k of memory (!) can be had for a couple of Euros. If all goes according to plan, I will also interface with a Raspberry Pi to produce layout sound, without the cost of buying sound decoders for my Locos. I produced the front panel a while ago, but as is often the case (too many projects, too litle time) progress stalled. This weekend, I got around to building the electronics. The large 40 pin chip in the middle is the PIC microcontroller, and the smaller chip to the right is a MAX232 which is an RS232 line-level converter. This will be used later to interface with the Pi. As far as software goes, up to now, I have only written some test routines to test the LCD... ... and the RS232 interface More to follow, as development progresses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
10000 Posted May 3, 2015 Share Posted May 3, 2015 OK I know its only train sounds you are doing but I found the sound from the Pi 3.5mm audio out to be pretty poor when I was using one as an airplay receiver for music. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted May 3, 2015 Author Share Posted May 3, 2015 That was also one of the concerns that I had. The Pi may also be a bit on the slow side, but I haven't got far enough to know one way or another yet. However A standard RS232 interface will also allow a more powerful PC to be connected if necessary. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Softvark Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 There are a several options to improve the sound enormously of a Pi using a plug in board - have a look at HiFi Berry https://www.hifiberry.com/dac/or IQaudIO http://iqaudio.com/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Posted May 4, 2015 Share Posted May 4, 2015 You might be better off getting the sound out of the Pi via the HDMI port and the Pi2 is about eight times faster so it might be worth looking at upgrading. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junctionmad Posted May 5, 2015 Share Posted May 5, 2015 I suggest if you like home brew dcc you join MERG. see www.merg.org.uk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gcodori Posted June 19, 2015 Share Posted June 19, 2015 Take a look at Paco's stuff at http://usuaris.tinet.cat/fmco/main_en.html He designs dcc control using the Lenz/roco standard. All of his stuff is simple and tested. He provides code and schematics too. He has command stations, boosters, throttles (including wireless) and accessory decoders. All of his stuff is free to use and he's good at answering questions. By going with a standard protocol like Lenz, you can use store bought items with it as well. He even has a computer adapter for Rocrail or JMRI. Greg Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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