LocoMotive DCC

Bill Cuthbert

About this app

For use with my hardware ONLY - The easiest ever self build of a fully functional DCC Command station with PCB available on eBay plus only a few parts.
Link to purchase controller or PCB for self build:
https://www.locomotivedcc.co.uk
The App formats each DCC packet for transmission via Bluetooth to Arduino Pro Mini connected to a h-bridge to form a simple DCC command station with few parts.

* Control of 1 to 127 locos
* Speed control of up to 4 locos at a time
* Speed bars for course control and _/+ buttons for fine control
* Ideal for small to medium size layouts
* 2 Amps load drives up to 16 of OO/HO locomotives using H-bridge specified
* Add a higher current compatible h-bridge to extend load capacity
* Short circuit protected
* Automatic over current cut-out, adjustable in Arduino code
* Lights and direction
* Functions 1 to 28 with titles, visible and momentary options
* Turnout / points / accessories 16 pairs of outputs
* Custom naming of your locos
* Programming the CV1 loco address
* Read and write CV 1 to 1024
* Add your own accessory addresses
* Names and max speed for each loco
* Choose a DC power source to suit scale used (Z/N/OO/HO/O/G) 12v to 20v
* Free software for Arduino - no restrictions on use or changes if required
* Learn from the code on how DCC commands are used
* Easy DIY circuit can be soldered on available 50 x 50 mm PCB (on sale on eBay.uk )
* App forms the DCC packets transmitted to Arduino circuit with 15 components
* Continuous DCC data flow from Android device to Arduino
* New Arduino sketch
* PCB available for purchase on eBay


Further to previous work on DCC wireless systems, I have developed a Bluetooth Command Station linked to a receiver Arduino based circuit with a HC-06 BT module and a LMD18200 H-bridge Motor driver delivering 2 Amps.

The overall cost of parts is around £20 with parts purchased from Ebay.
See Instructable:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Bluetooth-DCC-Command-Station/

Ratings and reviews

I purchased Bill's Bluetooth Arduino DCC kit from ebay last September and have been using it since. It works flawlessly with the Hornby TTS, Laisdcc, ESU and Zimo chips I've tried it with so far. Being able to configure each function key with actual text is great as it means you no longer have to remember what each one does, and fine control of locos is easy using the arrow keys to step up and down a single speed step. As a cheap way into full DCC control, this is highly recommended.

Great app, does exactly what it is supposed to do. User friendly and easy to configure functions and set CV's too if needed. I bought the PCB off eBay and self built the controller which cost around £30 to make. The app developer is very helpful too. (Thanks Bill) 5 Stars all round for this one!! And definitely worth the money too!!

This app in conjunction with the hardware is a fantastic dcc controller for the money. Easy to install and set up , I was going to spend hundreds of pounds on a wireless system , but this option covers all my needs for one fifth the cost of other systems. Can't rate it highly enough.

What’s new

fixed 'screen stay on' feature