malc-c
Member
- Joined
- 1 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 997
Guys, not been around recently as I've had a lot of health issues to deal with over the past 18 months or so, and now seldom go out with the video camera. Hopefully this may change soon. Anyway, let get on with what I've been up to recently.
I really admire the DCC-EX's work on developing the DCC++ concept further. They recently produce the CSB1 command station and booster which is retailed through a model shop for around £115. The only issue I have is that it retains the same footprint of an Arduino Uno, and the 3D printed case is not really that attractive. So as the project is open source I obtained the schematic and used it as the basis for my own controller.
I've really liked the 150mm x 120mm x 40mm clamshell type instrument cases for my electronic projects so the PCB size was set to suit this case. My controller uses the same ESP32 processor and DRV8874 driver chips so is still the same technically as the "official" CSB1. The only omissions are the railsync and additional header pins that allow you to stack one of their own design of motor shield. As I didn't need these things I left them out. I did however add the circuit that separates the 5V USB and 5V from external power which is found on many Arduino boards.
Once the board was laid out and everything checked out I sent the Gerbers off to JLCPCB to have 5 boards made (minim qty). I also ordered a few components that I was lacking and both the boards and parts arrived a week later. Construction commenced and by the end of the afternoon I was ready for testing. I was pleased to see decent DCC signals on the output of both main and programming terminals. I then designed and 3D printed new front and rear panels, and and used some glossy vinyl labels to identify what each LED or connector does and set about putting it together.
The green LEDs for track power are not really that bright, it's just how the camera somehow exposed them !
Not only can you connect to it via wi-fi and use software on a phone or laptop with the CSB1 in access point mode, it can be configured to join your home network so it can be access from a PC running JMRI. You can also connect via USB if that is preferable. The Command station can be configured using the EX-Installer software that's found on the DCC-EX website.
Having made one for myself and a friend I built the remaining three units and have listed them on e-Bay here - If you are looking for a low cost entry into DCC then this might be ideal for you. Other that the two items I chose not to include it is identical to the official DCC-EX CSB1 but in a more attractive case and at an attractive price compared to the official item.
Regards
Malcolm
I really admire the DCC-EX's work on developing the DCC++ concept further. They recently produce the CSB1 command station and booster which is retailed through a model shop for around £115. The only issue I have is that it retains the same footprint of an Arduino Uno, and the 3D printed case is not really that attractive. So as the project is open source I obtained the schematic and used it as the basis for my own controller.
I've really liked the 150mm x 120mm x 40mm clamshell type instrument cases for my electronic projects so the PCB size was set to suit this case. My controller uses the same ESP32 processor and DRV8874 driver chips so is still the same technically as the "official" CSB1. The only omissions are the railsync and additional header pins that allow you to stack one of their own design of motor shield. As I didn't need these things I left them out. I did however add the circuit that separates the 5V USB and 5V from external power which is found on many Arduino boards.
Once the board was laid out and everything checked out I sent the Gerbers off to JLCPCB to have 5 boards made (minim qty). I also ordered a few components that I was lacking and both the boards and parts arrived a week later. Construction commenced and by the end of the afternoon I was ready for testing. I was pleased to see decent DCC signals on the output of both main and programming terminals. I then designed and 3D printed new front and rear panels, and and used some glossy vinyl labels to identify what each LED or connector does and set about putting it together.
The green LEDs for track power are not really that bright, it's just how the camera somehow exposed them !
Not only can you connect to it via wi-fi and use software on a phone or laptop with the CSB1 in access point mode, it can be configured to join your home network so it can be access from a PC running JMRI. You can also connect via USB if that is preferable. The Command station can be configured using the EX-Installer software that's found on the DCC-EX website.
Having made one for myself and a friend I built the remaining three units and have listed them on e-Bay here - If you are looking for a low cost entry into DCC then this might be ideal for you. Other that the two items I chose not to include it is identical to the official DCC-EX CSB1 but in a more attractive case and at an attractive price compared to the official item.
Regards
Malcolm
