Building a DCC-EX Command Station
DCC-EX is an open-source DCC command station that runs on Arduino hardware.
Required Components
Main Board
- **Arduino Mega 2560** (required for full features)
- Arduino Uno (limited, but works for basic use)
Motor Shield
- **Arduino Motor Shield R3:** Standard option
- **Pololu MC33926:** Higher current (3A continuous)
- **IBT_2 (BTS7960):** Budget option, 5A+
Power Supply
- 12-18V DC, 2-5A depending on scale
- Separate supply for programming track
Assembly Steps
- **Stack motor shield** on Arduino Mega
- **Connect power** to motor shield VIN
- **Connect track** to motor outputs
- **Programming track** on second motor output
Software Installation
- Download DCC-EX from dcc-ex.com
- Use EX-Installer or Arduino IDE
- Configure config.h for your setup
- Upload to Arduino
Configuration Options
In config.h:
`
#define MOTOR_SHIELD_TYPE STANDARD_MOTOR_SHIELD
#define MAX_CURRENT 2000 // milliamps
`
Connecting Throttles
DCC-EX supports:
- **JMRI:** Via USB serial
- **Engine Driver:** Via WiFi (add ESP8266)
- **WiThrottle app:** Via WiFi
- **EX-WebThrottle:** Browser-based
WiFi Addition
Add an ESP8266 for wireless throttles:
- Connect ESP8266 to Mega serial pins
- Enable WiFi in config
- Connect phones to layout WiFi