Upgrading DCC-EX

I had an issue with DCC-EX and JMRI where the programming track would not be turned on automatically and I struggled configuring decoders for Roco or Piko engines. I decided to take a look and upgrade DCC-EX at the same time.

Upgrading from 5.0.9 to 5.4.6

As usual, I download the zip file from the release page:

https://github.com/DCC-EX/CommandStation-EX/releases

 I then extract the zip file and double click on the "CommandStation-EX.ino" file that opens the Arduino IDE and all the related files.

Customizing DCC-EX code

For the display, I have to adjust some code to display exactly what I want. I also provide here the config files.

CommandStation-EX.ino

CommandStation-EX.ino

CommandDistributor.cpp

WifiInterface.cpp

myAutomation.h

mySetup.h

config.h

 I can then compile and upload the code to the Arduino.

Testing the new release and config

And now, I have the new version and the programming track always on!

Positions of the wires for the Wifi module

Positions of the wires for the display and the 2 sets of tracks

 

Success!

It's now working for Piko engines, and likely for the Roco too:

 

 

 

 

New engines

Two new engines and the sound decoder for my X 76501/76502 Hauts-de-France rénové.

 

DB BR 120

I happened to get this model with its sound decoder at a very reasonable price! This engine has been seen pulling the Paris-Moscow train!

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130916788@N06/50388899857/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130916788@N06/49155605313/

It is ACME 69376.

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

https://www.reisezugwagen.eu/?p=16784

I gave it address #1241.

 

 

ÖBB Class 1116 - Taurus

I need this locomotive for several international train compositions. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/100737370@N02/14334603477/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/130916788@N06/54258976995/

It is Roco 70527. I need to change the DCC address; for now, it is #3.

 

 

X 76501/76502 Hauts-de-France rénové

Lastly, I thought my AGC had an issue until I found out that the decoder was missing. I now received the decoder from the store and I should install it next.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/165883554@N04/53295284261/

 

I gave it address #1241.

 

Avala - Winter 1992 - Wien -> Beograd

Sadly I could not find a photo or a video of the Avala with a V63 ; instead ACME provides one with a V43 engine - which is announced by Piko ...

https://www.vagonweb.cz/razeni/vlak.php?zeme=%C3%96BB&cislo=345&rok=1992

It nicely matches exactly what is provided on vagonweb.cz:

Description	Image	Reference	In stock
MÁV V63		ACME 60661	✔
JŽ Bl		ACME 55074	✔
JŽ Bl		ACME 55074	✔
JŽ Bl		ACME 55074	✔
JŽ Bl		ACME 55310	✔
JŽ Bl		ACME 55310	✔
JŽ WRm		ACME 55310	✔
JŽ Alm		ACME 55074	✔
ÖBB ABm		RailTop 32301	✔
ÖBB Bm		RailTop 32203	✔
ÖBB Bm		RailTop 32203.2	✔

And here's the video:

 

New engines

Three new acquisitions: two FS locomotives and one SNCF for NightJet night trains.

 

First FS locomotive: E.402

This is for my Intercity Notte composition. This is the video that triggered my interest, since it is a night train from Rome to Syracuse in Silicy. The train actually goes on a ferry!

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brenner_pictures/52527567988/

As you can see on the video and the picture, there is an engine on each end of the formation. Here's my first E.402 engine - ACME 69388:

I'm having an issue with the sound of the decoder. It seems that it's a simple diesel sound, nowhere close to all the functions mentioned in the manual. At the same time, they mention a simple and complex mode, so I need to look more into it. For now, I gave it address #4021:

 

Second FS locomotive: E.656

This is for several train compositions:

• EuroCity 54/55 "Raffaello" Rome - Zurich
• EuroCity 70/71 "Colosseum" Roma Termini - Frankfurt(M) Hbf
• EuroNight 313/314 "Roma" Basel SBB - Roma Termini
• InterCity 242/243 "Drava"

and I'm sure many more ...

This is ACME 69396:

I gave it address #6562:

 

 

BR 185 for NightJet night trains

I reserved this one a while back to go with the NightJet night trains from LS Models.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mister_h77290/52897416230/

 
This is Roco 7510053:

 

For some reasons, I didn't manage to configure the address with JMRI as I usually do, so it is still set for #3 as of now.