companion-module-dcc-ex-commandstation

A companion module for model railway control using DCC.

This module will allow you to control a DCC-EX CommandStation using a StreamDeck. This combination makes it very easy to make a dynamic and fully customisable push-button DCC controller. It is similar in concept to web/app throttles but uses a relatively cheap hardware interface. Any button can send one or more commands to the CommandStation-EX. Buttons can be arranged in multiple pages, allowing for example one page for each loco.

Requirements

This is the setup I use, many other combinations of hardware will work.

• CommandStation-EX (version 5) running with a network connection
  • Follow these instructions
• Network connection between CommandStation-EX and Companion (both on same LAN)
• An instance of the DCC-EX module running in Companion
  • Enter the IP address of the Arduino running CommandStation
• StreamDeck controller connected by USB to computer running Companion

Actions

• Track power control for main, prog, and join
• Loco throttle control with direction
• Loco rotary throttle control
• Loco direction control
• Loco decoder functions 0-68 control
• Accessory control (both types of addressing)
• Emergency stop
• Reset command station
• Custom command
• Set variable (A, B, C, D) for selected loco DCC address
• Control a turnout/point

Feedback

Feedback can be used to update the button colours and styles. Changes made by any other throttles will be reflected in Companion.

• Track power and join status
• Loco decoder function states
• Selected loco DCC address variable
• Turnout/Point is closed/thrown

Variables

Variables can be used for button labels

• Command station type and version information
• Track power status
• Selected DCC address
• Loco throttle data (speed and direction) for each loco controlled

Preset Buttons

• Main and prog power control (on/off/feedback)
• Function 0-68 control (on/off/feedback)
• Emergency stop, Direction, Rotary throttle
• Turnouts/Points (throw/close/feedback)

Version History

Version 1.0.0

• First Release

Version 2.0.0

• Updated for Companion 3
• Add selected loco variable
• Add loco throttle variables
• Add power, join and selected address feedback
• Add function presets

Version 2.1.0

• Added feedback for enabled loco functions
• Added change direction action and preset
• Added rotary throttle control action

Version 2.2.0

• Added variable to hold last loco data broadcast message received
• Added control and feedback for turnouts/points
• Added regional labels

Version 2.2.1

• Fix upgrade script

Version 2.3.0

• Update companion-module/base to 1.11.3
• Small fixes and improvements
• Added a step value to the throttle action and preset
• Added additional variables (4 in total) for loco addresses