Steve's DCC Project

These photos show my "complete" home built Digital Command Control System used to control the locomotives on my On3 layout.

I started my foray into DCC with the Tillorps Mekaniska Werkstad (The Tillorp Locomotive Works) DCC system. The TMWDCC system is "A simple 8 throttle NMRA compatible DCC system, with easy decoder programming capability." The system uses a Personal Computer control station with a PIC16C84 or PIC16F84 interface to generate the DCC signal.

As I was completing the TMWDCC components I became aware of the DCC MiniStation© created by Robert Côté. This is a PIC16C84 based stand-alone DCC command station and decoder programmer that does not need to be connected to a Personal Computer. The DCC MiniStation generates the low-level DCC signal and plugs right into the TMW booster and uses the same power supply. I am really excited about the DCC MiniStation and with much help from Robert Côté I was able to run my first DCC loco. Robert Côté has created a very good DCC command station and I look forward to building more of his creations.

I constructed a basic version of the MiniStation using left over parts from the TMWDCC. This first "test" version of the MiniStation did not have an LCD display or a real keypad, but it did run DCC locos. The photos show the matrix of Berg jumpers I wired up to act as the keypad.

The TMW homepage contains schematics, PCB layouts, and software to build a complete DCC system. Schematics are available for the PIC processor, relay & acknowledge boards, and several boosters and power supplies.

Photos of the project - click on thumbnail to load the full image

(27K) PIC Serial Port Programmer based on the PIC-Programmer2 Used to transfer PIC program from Computer to PIC.	(83K)  Mini-DCC circuit is top half, TMW Processor is lower half of board. The two circuits are only combined on board for testing - neither one uses any part of the other!	(32K) Mini-DCC Berg Jumper Keypad lower right, TMW circuit on left. "Keys" are pressed by putting Berg jumper over pins.	(52K) TMW Midi Booster left half, TMW Acknowledge Detector upper right, TMW Relays lower right. Mini-DCC only requires the booster portion of this board.
(47K) TMW-6 Two Amp Power Supply Outputs +15V, -15V, +5V	(71K) TMW-6 Power Supply interior. Case is from a Personal Computer power supply. Uses original cord socket & voltage selector switch for on/off.	(80K) Complete DCC MiniStation hooked up to test track.	(34K) My first two DCC decoder equipped Locos. A 13 ton shay and D&RGW #50 with Lenz LE103XF decoders installed.
(89K) Catspaw & Beggar's Tomb RR Engine House area	(77K) Engine House at Catspaw. Scratch-built with working glass windows, individual boards, & interior framing.

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