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Welcome to the "beta" page for LDCC! Here you'll find the latest code but perhaps not the most up-to-date documentation. This release adds a new firmware file (called LACC) that configures the RCX to be either a DCC Booster or DCC Stationary Decoder.
These abilities have been added to LDCC (and LACC) with this release:
This software is distributed on an "AS IS" basis, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, either express or implied. The author assumes no responsibility for any property damage or personal injury resulting from the use or misuse of this software. Please exercise caution.
This is it: ldcc105.zip
Since there is now the possibility of multiple RCXs on the layout, you need to manually delete the firmware before downloading a new version. This prevents the unfortunate situation where you start a firmware download and *every* RCX in the room decides it wants to upgrade itself. Normally you would just shut the other RCXs off, but that is easy to forget.
So, starting with version 1.04 and onwards, you need to hold down the Prgm button for 3 seconds while in Standby or Run mode to delete the firmware before you download (or you could just remove the RCX's power supply for a short while).
LACC is a new firmware file that provides the DCC Booster and DCC Stationary Decoder functionality.
In order for LACC to work, the RCX needs to be connected to the track with the following sensor:
Note: It's important that the sensor be constructed exactly as shown so as not to subject the sensor port to excessive current. The important detail is the orientation of the wires and the lamp bricks - the lamp bricks should be pointing perpendicular to the line of the two wires.
This sensor gets hooked from the track (or directly from the Command Station) to sensor port 1 of the RCX running LACC.
If you've built the two resistor version of the acknowledgement circuit (described on the LDCC page), you can use that in place of the two lamp brick sensor.
The DCC Stationary Decoder function is provided by the new LACC firmware file. Stationary Decoder mode allows you to control up to three motorized switches such as this one. You can control the switches via the RCX remote control or through the LDCC IR Protocol (described below).
When you first download the LACC firmware, it starts up in Stationary Decoder mode. You will know you're in Stationary Decoder mode when an uppercase A shows up in right hand side of the lcd panel (the A stands for Accessory).
Hookup sensor port 1 to the track using the sensor described in the LACC section above. Each individual output of the RCX goes to a seperate motorized switch.
By default, LACC is setup to control switches 1 through 3. To control other switch numbers, you need to configure LACC's base address:
Switches 1-5 are controlled by the P1-P5 keys on the RCX remote control. Switches 6-10 are controlled by holding down the Beep key and pressing P1-P5. Switches greater than 10 can be controlled using the LDCC IR Protocol.
The DCC Booster function is provided by the new LACC firmware file.
To use the RCX as a booster, you insulate your layout into two or more "power districts". You attach the Command Station (the RCX running LDCC) to one district, and one or more RCXs (running LACC in Booster mode) to the remaining sections.
The three outputs of the Booster RCX can be tied together in parallel and hooked to the corresponding insulated section of track in the same fashion as the Command Station. Caution: Only the three outputs from the same booster RCX are tied together in parallel. The outputs of multiple booster RCXs must be kept insulated from one another.
Sensor port 1 is hooked to the track powered by the Command Station using the sensor as described in the LACC section above.
When insulating the various sections of your layout, I strongly recommend you use the 5cm gap insulation technique described in this thread on Lugnet. I prefer the tape method that Dean Husby talks about. It's much more tolerant of slower trains (they won't stall as easily) and it's not a permanent modification.
Shorting the two RCXs (even momentarily) is best avoided, that's why I recommend against using just a pair of paper strips only. A train motor crossing this type of insulated track will short both power districts together.
Make sure the power supply to your RCX isn't a "switching" type wall wart. Just use a standard train wall wart.
When you first download the LACC firmware, it starts up in Stationary Decoder mode. To activate Booster mode:
You will know you're in Booster mode when a lowercase b shows up in right hand side of the lcd panel.
LACC will remain in Booster mode until you switch it back to Stationary Decoder mode. If you turn the RCX off, then when you power it back on you will need to press Run again.
To switch back to Stationary Decoder mode:
This is a new feature for the LDCC Command Station firmware. It's a special set of IR commands that allow LDCC to be controlled remotely by another RCX or PC program. Right now, the best documentation for the protocol is the two demo programs included in the zip file.
See my BrickShelf DCC folder for examples of tethered throttles. Instructions on how to configure LDCC to use potentiometer throttles will be coming shortly.
Here's a simple rotation sensor throttle with one button:
To setup a rotation sensor as a tethered throttle in LDCC:
Pressing the button briefly (for about 1/4 second) toggles the locomotive's headlight on and off. Holding the button down for longer stops the locomotive.
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