Building a Case for DCC++EX Base Station

LifeTrekker_ Apr 27, 2022

  1. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    I wish I could tell you, but I bought that about 20 years ago when I was doing RC airplanes. It was specifically made for creating centering holes in engine mounts. I'll do a little looking and if I come across it, I'll post an update here.

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  2. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    Here's another quick update. I got the AC socket installed in the side of the case this evening, and will probably start the wiring process tomorrow.

    The photos show pretty much how I did it. Basically I started off by marking the location on the side of the case where I wanted to locate the socket. This was done by drawing a line where the top edge of the socket needed to end up, and then applying a piece of tape to the side of the case. Next I applied a little black latex paint to the outside of the socket, and then used the socket like a stamp to transfer the basic outline of the socket to the case. I then measured the back of the socket with my micrometer and transfered the measurements to the appropriate location on the tape using the black stamp mark as a guide.

    Next, just like I did when creating the hole for the USB port, I drilled a series of holes, and then connected the holes by cuting through any remaining material with a #11 X-Acto blade. Finally I cleaned up the hole with hand files until I got it to the correct shape and size to accommodate the socket.

    At this point I'm still undecided about installing a computer case fan. I have one laying around, so I may do it just because I have it. I also have a rheostat for controlling the speed of the fan which I'll probably install as well.

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

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    Last edited: May 3, 2022
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  3. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    Hey, I actually found it. It's called the Dead Center Locator tool by Great Planes. Here's a link:

    https://www.amazon.com/Great-Planes-Dead-Center-Locator/dp/B00170ETZO



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  4. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    oh cool Thank You. i was going to make one as i have a lathe ect...
     
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  5. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, you can power the Arduino Mega from 5 volts as described, in fact, if you plug it into a USB port and don't have an external power supply attached, you'll be powering it with 5v; however, you cannot power it from 3.3 volts. The 7 to 12 recommendation is for when using the Vin connector. Power from the Vin connector is regulated down to 5 volts for the Arduino so it has to be at least 6 volts for the 5 volt regulator to work. The Vin power is passed on through the header pins but it is not used by the Arduino Mega, it is powered solely by 5 volts. The 3.3 volts is regulated down from the 5 volts, so you'll still get the 3.3 if not using Vin, but the 3.3 is just passed on for external circuitry and not used by the Arduino Mega, although some Arduino boards do use it.
     
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  6. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for the clarification. That's pretty much what I had gathered from my reading and research elsewhere, but it's good to have it confirmed.

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  7. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    I got the basic build completed this evening, and it's all up and working in its new case. I'm still not sure if I'll add a case fan or not, but there is certainly room for one in this case.

    So, here are the details of the final build steps.

    First off this evening was the creation of the wiring harness for the power supplies. You can see it in the first picture. The spade ends will go to the 5vdc power supply, and the barrel connectors will go to the 15vdc power supply.

    Next was to mark and drill the holes for the banana plug speaker connectors. These posts will also take spade connectors, which is what I'll use once I get it connected to a layout.

    Next up was to make the wires to connect the motor shield to the banana plug speaker connectors.

    In the next pic you can see all the wires connected to the motor shield and ready for installation in the case.

    Next is the 15vdc power supply and all the DCC++EX boards installed in the case, but minus the 5vdc power supply.

    And next is a pic of everything wired up. BTW, I secured the power supplies in the case with Velcro so they would be easy to remove if necessary.

    And finally, my completed DCC++EX system all cased up and protected and ready for hopefully many years of future service. All that's needed now are a few labels for the track output connectors, and it'll be ready to go. Or at least until I decide to modify it by adding some layout automation or something.

    Oh, and for those that are interested, here's what I've got into it so far. These prices include shipping and taxes.

    Arduino Mega - $26.98
    Motor Shield - $16.19
    WIFI Shield - $12.52
    15vdc PS - $22.49
    9vdc PS - $4.49
    Speaker Posts - $2.80
    Carlon Case - $18.35
    Total: $103.82


    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]

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    Last edited: May 4, 2022
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  8. sidney

    sidney TrainBoard Member

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    cool but i think you will need a fan or some holes drilled in the box, because of the power bricks giving off heat, I think.
    nice portable box . i for one like seeing these kinda builds. interesting to see the different setups. Thank you
     
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  9. LifeTrekker_

    LifeTrekker_ TrainBoard Member

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    You're probably right, especially if I were to start using it on a layout and running multiple locos at the same time. The amp draw would go up, and correspondingly the heat, which would need to be delt with. But I have already planned for adding a case fan and rheostat for controlling the speed, so it won't be too hard to add it in later.

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    Last edited: May 4, 2022
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