Blog #6

DCC/Railcom Logger

Abstract: The C02 logger visualizes DCC and Railcom traffic.

The data logger can be connected directly to an existing track on the layout without requiring any modifications to the current wiring. Alternatively, it can be installed between the booster and the tracks. In this configuration, the logger will function as a global detector for the system.

Setup 1

One way to connect the logger to an existing system is to simply attach it to the tracks. This allows the logger to detect both DCC and Railcom traffic – if the track sensors have integrated Railcom detectors.

Setup 2

Should the track sensors not have Railcom detectors, the logger must be integrated into the DCC signal so that the DCC signal runs through the logger.

Screens

The screen is divided into four sections: System, Decoder, DCC and DCC ticker.

System: Shows information about the logger itself
Decoder: Here the DCC/Railcom decoder information is shown
DCC: Global DCC/Railcom information
DCC ticker: Per frame DCC/Railcom short information

A lot of information is being collected about the DCC/Railcom protocol. I couldn’t fit everything on one screen, so I am dividing the data into different aspect screens that can be selected using an F-keys [F1-F8] on the PC keyboard.

All data is shown real-time in a VT100 terminal emulation window (e.g. putty). Below are some sample screens of the different data aspects.

Help

By pressing ‘?’ a brief help description is shown about the key inputs available in this context. Due to the limited amount of memory of the mega328, the help information is required to be kept short and crisp.