Hi, Have built the DCC EX command station but now looking for a rotary controlled handset and the miniThrottle does just that. Although you can address up to 4 locos, cannot establish if you can actually run more than one loco on the track at a time ? Though a very well documented project, the author seems uncontactable https://conferre.cf/miniThrottle/miniIntro.php
I can't give you a 'for-sure' answer but I would assume you can or at least it is possible since it is running the WiThottle protocol but I'm not good enough at code to see if he implements it. Looks like a very interesting throttle. I spent time looking at a lot of it, thanks for the link. It would be a difficult build for me with all the different options and the need to be able to configure the code for what you are doing. Peter's WiTcontroller throttle is difficult to build if one has never done something like that before but I did manage it without that much trouble and can build one in a day for about $50. Has advantages over a number of commercial throttles and is easy for flexible to use. It has a lot of options and can run up to 5 engines at a time but that could also be 5 consists composed of multiple engines. I love the two I built and use them exclusively now and not the phone throttle running EngineDriver that I was using. The one above is how I implemented his design but you can make the case with fewer controls (like what I saw with the miniThrottle) if that is what you want. I have info on building my version and links to other versions here.... https://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/WiTcontroller-Index.html The miniThrottle does look to be an interesting and capable throttle also if it is something one is comfortable building. Nice work by the designer. Sumner
Hi Sumner, Many thanks for your reply and helpful information. Its some time since we looked at DCC_EX but now they have released a proven ESP32 version the command station was an easy build with the ESP32 and a L298 module which we already had in the toolbox as we use them on other micro projects. It runs fine with Engine Driver and the Pcs Web Browser, but it will take us some time get to grips with all the automation it can offer. We do miss they rotary controls over the screen sliders etc hence looking at the miniThrottle as it caught our eye as it can use the larger ili9341 touch screen which we also have. Although we were wondering if it could run more that one loco at a time, which being on DCC-EXs throttle list, it probably does, we were trying to understand what happens when you switch to another loco, as surely the second loco would pick up the same reading from the pot that was just used on the first loco ? Having now looked closer at the WiTcontroller you mention, we can see one key difference, the mini used a basic pot, whereas the WiT used a rotary controller. So are we correct in thinking that when you set the speed for one running loco and then change over to another running loco, they both carry on at there own speeds, ie there is no carry over of the speed setting from the rotary control. If so then we will have to order up one of those little Oleds and a strong pair of reading glasses !
You are correct that with the encoder there is no problem moving from loco to loco as they will keep running at the speed they were running when you move to another loco on the throttle. I used the 1.2" OLED display thinking the .96" was too small and thought maybe the 1.2 would maybe also too small but don't have a problem with it at all. I thought I saw where the minithrottle could also work with an encoder. I saw the displays that work with the minithrottle and saw that the one I'm using works with it also so ..... sent a message to Peter (WiTcontroller and EngineDriver developer) to see if he thought one of the larger displays on the minithrottle build list would work. Just got a reply back that he would check into it and get back. With the WiTcontroller throttle I built it is easy to move between different locos as ... .... the video above demonstrates. A little hard on my small test layout but shot that video without practicing doing it. Love the throttle and all the features Peter has on it. Very easy to build consists and to run all the functions/sounds that a sound decoder has. They all show up on the screen if they have been entered on the roster setup. I have some other videos showing how well the throttle works here... https://www.youtube.com/@sumnerpatterson8815/videos On another note using slider pots for the throttle might work in the future (or maybe even now). I'm working, a little, on using them on a throttle that has controls similar to a real cab throttle where the cab control levers would work slide pots that would mimic the Throttle with 8 steps, the reverser and the brake. Peter said he could add code to read the pots position (I did something like that with my turntable code). If that happens and maybe now even (maybe contact him) you could run a slide pot if you wanted for the throttle vs. and encoder. I was thinking that was an option along with the encoder but after a quick look didn't see that it is. Sumner
Hi Sumner and thanks once again for your video and help. Have bookmarked your ytube site as you have lots mare interesting dcc ones to catch up on. The one you linked shows exactly how we hoped it would work so have got a 1.3" oled ordered for the next build ! Plenty of 0.96" and 1.3" around here in the uk, even seen a 1.5" version but twice the price. Still finding our way around the software, but expect a large screen is possible but many of the popular bigger ones are not I2C and need a lot of gpios, so can understand the use of a small 2 wire I2C display for folk using the smaller packaged ESP32, unlike the 38 pin ones we normally use. Will let you know how the build goes. Have a great weekend !
Sorry, should have been clearer, without doubt, your/Petes WiTcontroller ! We have a basic 3d printer so could print your case, but will first build and try it out as a hard wired board to work out the best switch arrangement for us. Our Locos are quiet old and have very few functions, no sound decoders. ATM we only have a length of track on the workdesk as we are clearing out an old workroom to make space for a bigger layout and the 3d printers enclosure. Cheers
For others reading this (you probably know it) the up to 7 button switches that you can install can be changed to a different function at any time easily with the software you download. The same can be said for the keypad and the switch when you press the encoder knob in. When running a loco with more functions than the keypad, button switches and encoder switch can handle Peter has it set up so you use one keyboard key to toggle to the next set of functions on the loco (only sound decoders really need this since they can have up to 28 functions). When you toggle the display will now show what function with its name a key on the keyboard will operate. The options and ease of use I feel surpasses a lot of the commercial throttles. Sumner
