Power Question

John Russo

John Russo

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I am working on powering a loco with battery.

I am in the prototype phase and considering using a loco that currently has a Massoth DCC decoder installed and direct wired to the motor.

If I wish to leave the decoder installed while I test this, will it damage the decoder if I put 18v to the motor while the decoder is still connected?

Anyone know if the Massoth have protective circuitry to allow this?

If not, I will disconnect the decoder.

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Others may know better, but I'd say that's a risky way of doing things.

I'd suggest a DPDT switch that allows you to connect the battery wires into the same place that the track power goes - allowing you to switch between track and battery power.

Jon dunnyrail dunnyrail has done things like this :nod: :nod:
 
Rhinochugger said:
Others may know better, but I'd say that's a risky way of doing things.

I'd suggest a DPDT switch that allows you to connect the battery wires into the same place that the track power goes - allowing you to switch between track and battery power.

Jon dunnyrail dunnyrail has done things like this :nod: :nod:
Click to expand...

Yes. That make good sense. Easy enough to do.

Thanks!
 
I did not post the entire diagram to keep it simple.

I will be controlling the motor with a Wi-Fi microprocessor and a motor controller.

I have it successfully working on a breadboard and will now move it an actual loco.

I use http Gets sent from either a phone app or a web browser on my pc to control the microprocessor.

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Cobalt6700 said:
With a little more jigging around you can get a motor driver board to generate DCC, by feeding it with DCC from a microcontroller. You can then keep all of the functions that the decoder has, but battery radio control.

I have built my own ESP32 based controller to do this, there is some info here: WiDCC board - my take on a wireless DCC controller
There are commercial systems that exist like the ProMiniAir: Information on the ProMini Air Receiver and Transmitter
Click to expand...
Fosworks and Crest also do battery DCC systems.
 
Cobalt6700 said:
With a little more jigging around you can get a motor driver board to generate DCC, by feeding it with DCC from a microcontroller. You can then keep all of the functions that the decoder has, but battery radio control.

I have built my own ESP32 based controller to do this, there is some info here: WiDCC board - my take on a wireless DCC controller
There are commercial systems that exist like the ProMiniAir: Information on the ProMini Air Receiver and Transmitter
Click to expand...

I looked at your link. Quite interesting. I had installed the DCC++ awhile back on an Arduino. Got to work somewhat.

The system I am working on (mostly for the fun and challenge of it) bypasses DCC commands completely.

The core components are ESP8266 development board ($6) and an L293D IC motor controller. ($1)

The ESP8366 is setup as a WiFi connected web server. it receives Http GETs, example http://192.168.1.210/fwd sent from smart phone app I wrote. The web server code interprets the "fwd" and controls the pins connected to the L294D accordingly.

The Brown and Yellow leads produce 0-18V controlled by the ESP266.

The power has 1024 steps, 0 = 0V and 1024 = 18V. With software, I can set the speed to any number in between.

I handle the 5V loco front/rear lights with Mofsets. I left them out of this diagram for clarity. Smoke is another story.


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I am in the process of converting, with help from a local expert, a number of Bachmann Fn3 locos to RC/DCC/battery operation. To date we have completed a 2 truck Shay, Heisler and 2-6-6-2 Mallet*. I am looking to complete the balance, GE 45 ton (DCC ready), 2-6-0 "American"*, C-19*, Fourney*, over the next 4 months. Previously my conversions were DC type, on Bachmann and Accucraft locos of a similar nature.

I use the ESU make LS4L DCC card with Fosworks TX/RX equipment designed for this purpose, that can access 12 of the ESU's functions. The current ESU model is now the V5. 4 of these Bachmann locos use their supplied PnP boards (Aristocraft use similar) to integrate the ESU cards, these are marked *. The PCB input wires from the Bachmann PnP DCC adapter are soldered to the respective corresponding pads on the ESU board. This then mates to the loco's main PCB in the loco, in place of the factory fitted DC board.

Voltage input is 18v from the battery pack direct to the RX, then passed to the DCC board. The ESU's ESC part is controlling the voltage input to the motors. Make sure the DCC board you are using, and any DCC RX, are capable of supporting the peak load demands that your loco, fully laden, with its accessories operating. I install devices rated for 5 amp or 100 watts, given my loco roster and line conditions. The number of functions you can control from the Fosworks TX is determined by it's model type, up to 24 can be accessed with some.

Shown below is the installation for Fosworks DCC compatible RX, disregard the separate ESC. I use this RX FRx24-5A-SL

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Paul M said:
No, TBH, to my mind that is the maindrw back of DCC, its not cheap, and it's not difficult to get wrong. Often with disastrous results
Click to expand...
Yes indeed following the instructions, reading the plans and getting the wires in the right place so very important. But after that most of the screw ups are trying to be too clever faffing with CV’s, it is so easy to disable a loco with just one number wrong. Recording settings and what updated to vital.
 
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