Low Cost DCC System

This page contains information for the Low Cost DCC Controllers available from SWWS, and for the pre-built DCC command stations.
These budget controllers/command stations can be purchased on Ebay and can be found using this link.
The cheapest command station can be built for as little as £25 excluding power supply.
A low cost DCC forum can be found at http://low-cost-dcc.freeforums.net. Frequently asked questions can be accessed via this link.
A gallery of LC-DCC images can be found here.
The DCC controllers/command stations have the following features:
  • Windows & Linux application with control via either serial USB or WIFI connection
  • Android application with control via blue-tooth & Wifi connections
  • Android voice controlled application with control via blue-tooth connection
  • Various current drive capabilities depending on H-Bridge chosen, L298N, DRV8871, IBT-2 or IBT-4
  • Solderless build option using processor boards with header connections
  • Current overload detection, requires INA219 module
  • Decoder CV reading and writing, reading requires INA219 module
  • Hardware watchdog to protect against any software error
  • Up to eight analogue potentiometers for engine speed control
  • Up to 64 digital output controls for controlling lights etc. (requires up to eight PCF8574)
The DCC controllers/command stations and software support the following NMRA features:
  • 7-bit & 14-bit engine addresses
  • Engine functions F0 (FL) to F28 for light and sound
  • 14, 28 & 128 engine speed steps
  • Accessory decoder control, both basic 9 bit and extended 11 bit modes
  • CV programming both on programming track and main track
  • Analogue volume control
  • DCC Packet queue for controlling DCC commands to accessories and engines