Re: RTC & DCC++

[Mark DiVecchio]

Doug,

Here is what I figured for the DCC++:

1. use the part of DCC++ that runs on the "Processing" software called the Base Station. This is the code that lets
you build a track diagram, etc.

2. Connect that via a USB/Serial port to an Arduino which is connected
to an ElecHouse CC1101 radio board.

3. Write new Arduino code that takes commands from the Base Station, translates
those commands into DCS command packets and then send sends them to the TIU via the radio.

I've not dug into DCC++ deeply but it appears that the Base Station just sends generic commands
via the USB/Serial to Arduino. Something like "set Speed to 15 mph". The new Arduino code
would take in that command and then send the DCS version over the radio to the TIU.

The tethered connect is old stuff now.... use the radio.

Mark


To: Mark DiVecchio <ma...@silogic.com>
From: Douglas Werner <douglas...@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: RE: RTC Download Error 404
Date sent: Fri, 16 Sep 2016 07:55:09 -0700

> Mark,
>
> Thanks so much for the quick reply and for adding me to you rlist. Would I need an Arduino for sending the DCS commands or could I create a tethered port like I think you did originally and send the commands directly from the computer? Sorry, I have read through too many things and I am getting a little confused. I have to go back and reread and study it some more.
>
> I promise to save my other questions for the mailing list.
>
> Thanks again,
> Doug
>
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
>


>> Doug,
>>
>> Thanks for you email.
>>
>> First, I think I found the broken link on my web page and it should be fixed now.
>>
>> I can't help you with Train Brain, you should contact Mike directly on that. <mhewe...@yahoo.com>
>>
>> I've looked at DCC++ and it would be possible combine the work done
>> on that project with my RTC code. The problem would be if the Arduino
>> has enough program memory to hold all of the necessary code.
>>
>> RTC knows how to control almost everything and supports AIU
>> just like the remote.
>>
>> On the RTC web page, look at the section "Getting the RTC Program".
>> It has two pdf files that describe the serial protocol and commands
>> that the TIU responds to.
>>
>> I've added you to our mailing list on googlegroups.
>> https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/remote-train-control
>> you can post questions and comments and get help.
>>
>> Mark
>>

>>> Hi Mark,
>>> I just helped my father install DCS and the new WIfi controller. It is really a nice set up.
>>> My father would really like to run his trains via the PC vs an android app. After running
>>> his layout, I would like to put together a nice CTC system for him. I saw on Mike´s original
>>> video he showed something like this using trainbrain. I am also looking at the work done
>>> on DCC++. I was trying to look at your code to see if I could figure out a way to meld your
>>> software control and the DCC++ controller together. The DCC++ looks easy enough to put
>>> together for CTC work. Instead of issuing DCC comands via an Arduino, I was thinking I
>>> might be able to issue DCS commands to control switches. Since I am initially just
>>> shooting for CTC, I think I just need to be able to send commands for the switches and
>>> nothing else at this point. I would need to be able to access 2 AIUs due to the number
>>> of turnouts including his 2 yards
>>>
>>> Can yoursoftware control switches or accessories on AIUs? Or do you know how Mike
>>> set it up for CTC using the train Brain? I tried downloading your source code but I got errors.
>>>
>>> The fun part is I know neither C++ or Java so I have some learning to do.
>>>
>>> Thank you in advance for your assistance.
>>> Doug
>>>




--
Mark DiVecchio K3FWT http://www.silogic.com Rainbow, CA 92028
My Genealogy Web Site : http://www.silogic.com/genealogy/genealogy.html
My Model Trains Web Site : http://www.silogic.com/trains/layout.html

[Mark DiVecchio]

Doug,

Showing that I don't know much about DCC++, I got the software pieces backwards. The
Controller is the software that runs in the Processing environment and the Base Station
runs on the Arduino....

So I think I understand what you are trying to do.

You could put all of the DCS commands into the Controller software. Then
connect a serial port to the TIU (tethered). When the users presses a button
on the Controller screen, it would create the DCS command and send it out
the serial port to the TIU.

FYI - the serial protocol is the same over a tethered connection as it is
over a radio connection. With the radio, you have the added complexity
of controlling the radio itself - but I've worked all of that out.

Mark

Date sent: Fri, 16 Sep 2016 22:54:32 +0000 (UTC)
From: douglas...@sbcglobal.net
To: Mark DiVecchio <ma...@silogic.com>
Copies to: remote-tra...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: RTC & DCC++

>
>
> Mark,
>
>
> Thanks a lot for the response!  I agree with you part 1.  I understand what you are saying
for part 2.  For part 3,  this is the part that I was originally downloading your code to
investigate.  For DCC++,   the Arduino generates the digital signal for the track.  It
is essentially functioning as the base station.  For RTC it seems that you are
sending the command much like the DCS hand held sends a command to the
tiu and that gets converted by the TIU to the track signal.  That is why I was thinking
about just tethering it.  I guess if we knew the wireless protocol I could use that to go
into the mth wifi  station and communicate that way to the tiu.
>
>
> I just wish MTH would release an SDK already for their wireless base station. 
No messing around with Arduinos.  Overnight, customers would have half a dozen
different apps to  choose from and DCS would be a part of many different PC programs.
>
>
> Thank you for what you and others have done.  I travel every week and this
gives me something outside of work to think about.
>
>
> Regards,
>
> Doug
>
>
>
>
> Get Outlook for Android
>
>
>
> From: Mark DiVecchio
>
> Sent: Friday, September 16, 5:08 PM
>
> Subject: Re: RTC & DCC++
>
> To: Douglas Werner
>
> Cc: remote-tra...@googlegroups.com