#4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX @DriverDTrains

@DriverD Trains #4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX
Welcome to Driver D trains. Thanks for stopping by! I’m your host Driver D.
Our conductor and brakeman Scratchy-C is busy building our train.
[Meow]
In my last video, part 2 of this series, I showed you how to download and install the free DCC-EX Command Station software on your Arduino Mega microcontroller using the Arduino IDE, and then use the EX-WebThrottle app in Google Chrome to run some trains. If you haven’t already seen that video, be sure to check it out!
** Assembling and Configuring a DCC-EX Command Station **
Videos in this series:
Part 1: #4.a - Assembling a DCC-EX Command Station - • #4.a - Assembling a DC...
Part 2: #4.b - Installing & Configuring DCC-EX - • #4.b - Installing & Co...
Part 3: #4.c - Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX [**This video!**]
Part 4: #4.d - Configure DCC-EX Wi-Fi for Station mode - • #4.d - Configuring DCC...
Part 5: #4.e - Adding and LCD Display to DCC-EX • #4.e - Adding an LCD D...
Part 6: #4.f - Correcting the Wi-Fi Firmware for DCC-EX [**Coming soon!**]
In this video, part 3 of the series, I’ll show you how to add a Wi-Fi shield to the command station. I’ll also show you how to install the WiThrottle app on your phone or tablet to run your trains.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Driver D trains!
02:14 Adding Wi-Fi to DCC-EX
03:26 Step 1 - Purchase Wi-Fi Shield & Jumper Wires
06:27 Step 2 - Mount Wi-Fi Shield on Arduino Motor Shield
12:01 Step 3 - Download WiThrottle App on Phone or Tablet
13:07 Step 4 - Read Settings from Wi-Fi Shield
18:58 Step 5 - Connect WiThrottle App to DCC-EX
23:51 Step 6 - Run Some Trains!
25:36 What’s Next… Configure DCC-EX Wi-Fi for Station mode
26:10 Thanks for watching!
26:29 Credits
Products included in this video:
Makerfabs Wi-Fi Shield: www.makerfabs.com/esp8266-wif...
Edgelec Jumper Wires (Amazon): www.amazon.com/dp/B07GD2BWPY
DCC-EX: www.dcc-ex.com
DCC-EX Wi-Fi Set-up Links -
Setup: dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation/...
Options: dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation/...
Configuration: dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation/...
Firmware Versions: dcc-ex.com/support/wifi-at-ve...
DCC-EX EX-WebThrottle Links -
EX-WebThrottle App (Chrome browser only): dcc-ex.com/WebThrottle-EX/
WiThrottle iOS App: www.withrottle.com/html/home....
What’s next?
In the next video I’ll show you how to configure the DCCEX software to connect the command station to your own home Wi-Fi network in Station Mode. After that I’ll show you how to install and configure an LCD display for your DCC-EX command station.
All aboard!
[Meow!]
DriverDTrains ©2023

[@edwardaudet8367]

One of the best tutorials I watched, or read in a long time. If someone like me who prefers a visual teaching tool , your videos are the best.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I am working on the next part now. This format works well for visual learning.
Thanks again! DD

[@thewmreed]

Great tutorial as always. Thank you! You make it a lot easier than other videos.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you're enjoying the videos. I hope to have the next installment out soon.
Thanks again! DD

[@MrPajafr]

Merci beaucoup pour ces 4 vidéos. Elles sont très pédagogiques et de très bonne qualité. Bravo

[@DriverDTrains]

Merci beaucoup pour vos aimables paroles. Je suis contente que vous ayez apprécié les vidéos ! J'espère que le prochain sera bientôt terminé.
Merci encore! DD

[@BriansModelTrains]

Great clear video. I made a few DCC-EX stations since DCC++. Today I have two with LCD screened versions that connect to my home WIFI but have not updated to version 5. I have rosters and turnouts programed in so I cannot simply press update and get the latest version without a bit of work on my part. I also bought the new Digitrax DCS210+ system to play with. I prefer a real throttle to using my phone. Recenlty I am working on automation on my HO shelf layout. Give Scratchy a treat from me.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video, and Scratchy sends thanks for the treat! Sounds like you have a great setup there. I've tried a few different throttles with DCC-EX and JMRI in addition to the phone and tablet, including wireless keypads, a wireless mouse (scroll wheel for the throttle), and even the ProtoThrottle. But the D-Saver it tiny so I don't need much. Enjoy playing with the new Digitrax, and setting up those automations!
Thanks again! DD

[@saxhorn1508]

Keep these coming! I’m following along with my own build. Got the basic setup running today and am ordering a Wi-Fi shield. Looking forward to sensors, servo turnouts, and especially automation. I think you ought to quit your day job and work on these videos full-time.

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Great to hear that you got your basic setup running. I just uploaded the second installment for the Wi-Fi this morning, so you'll be ready when the Wi-Fi shield arrives. The LCD display will be up next. There are probably a number of reasons I should quit my day job lol. ; )= Someday.
Thanks again!
DD

[@deltic5514]

From across the pond really liking your videos. So easy to follow and for once in a tutorial whats appears on your systems actually appears on mine too. Keep up the good work

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the videos and finding them helpful. I have more coming soon.
Thanks again!
DD

[@philnewman1110]

What an excellent instructional video, I am waiting on my bits coming, but when they do this is where I will come on how to set it all up. Thank you so much, and well done indeed!

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you so much for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. I hope your parts arrive soon and enjoy putting them all together! In the meantime I'll be working on the next video.
Thanks again! DD

[@m2sirois]

Excellent tutoriel.
J'ai déjà monté différentes applications DCC++EX en modes "AP" Application Mode et "STA" Station Mode. Ce vidéo est, à mon avis, le plus simple et claire.

[@DriverDTrains]

Merci pour vos gentils commentaires. J'apprécie beaucoup. Je suis heureux que vous ayez trouvé la vidéo utile. Je travaille ensuite sur une vidéo pour l'écran LCD. Bonne chance avec votre DCC-EX et conduisez des trains !
Merci
DD

[@dantecant]

Does ESP8266 WIFI Shield pilot light stay on goes off after short time?

[@bendunselman]

TX = transmit and RX = receive

[@DriverDTrains]

Yes, exactly! : )
DD

[@vladimirbojovic9736]

Great video,thank you.I have purchased arduino r3,motor shield wi fi shield.I am waiting for lcd tutorial

[@DriverDTrains]

Thank you very much for your kind comments. I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Glad you hear you've started getting all your parts together. I hope to have the video for the LCD screen out soon.
Thanks again!

[@FredE528]

Hope you can help me? I get message LCD4:WiFi no AT chip plus other stuff. I have blinking blue light and have the jumper wires correct.

[@DriverDTrains]

This sometimes happens when you update the DCC-EX software and the Wi-Fi chip stops responding, even with the correct firmware. Try unplugging the power from the command station (USB cable & track power), waiting a few moments, and then plugging it back in. You may need to do that a couple of times. Hopefully after that DCC-EX will find the Wi-Fi chip. If not, replace the jumper wires with new ones. And I know you've checked that they're correct, but for others I will remind that the TX on the command station has to connect to the RX on the Wi-Fi, and the RX on the command station has to connect to the TX on the Wi-Fi. Hope that helps!
DD