LocoMotive DCC: A Simple and Affordable DCC Command Station
LocoMotive DCC, developed by Bill Cuthbert, is a Bluetooth Command Station that is linked to a receiver Arduino-based circuit with an HC-06 BT module and an LMD18200 H-bridge Motor driver delivering 2 Amps. The App formats each DCC packet for transmission via Bluetooth to the connected Arduino Pro Mini, which then forms a simple DCC command station with a few parts. The best part is that the overall cost of parts is around £20 with parts purchased from eBay.
This app is ideal for small to medium-sized layouts and can control up to 127 locos with speed control of up to four locos at a time. The speed bars allow for course control, and the _/+ buttons provide fine control. The app is short-circuit protected and has an automatic overcurrent cut-out feature, which is adjustable in the Arduino code. You can add your own accessory addresses, custom names for your locos, and choose a DC power source to suit the scale used (Z/N/OO/HO/O/G) 12v to 20v. In addition, the app offers free software for Arduino, and there are no restrictions on use or changes if required.
