CommandStation-EX/Release_Notes/release_notes_v3.0.0.md

The DCC-EX Team is pleased to release CommandStation-EX-v3.0.0 as a Production Release. This release is a major re-write of earlier versions. We've re-architected the code-base so that it can better handle new features going forward. Download the compressed files here:

Downloads (zip and tar.gz) below. These are named without version number in the folder name to make the Arduino IDE happy.

CommandStation-EX.zip CommandStation-EX.tar.gz

Known Bugs:

• Consisting through JMRI - currently does not work in this release. A number of testers were able to develop a work around. If interested enter a Support Ticket.
• Wi-Fi - works, but can be challenging to use if you want to switch between AP mode and STA station mode.
• Pololu Motor Shield - is supported with this release, but the user may have to play around with some timings to enable programming mode due to limitation in its current sensing circuitry

Summary of the key new features added to CommandStation-EX V3.0.0:

• WiFi Support - AP and station modes supported. Auto-detection of an ESP8266 WiFi module with AT firmware on a Mega's serial port. Connection to JMRI and WiThrottle clients.
• Withrottle Integrations - Act as a host for four WiThrottle clients concurrently.
• Add LCD/OLED support - OLED supported on Mega only
• Improved CV programming routines - checks for length of CV pulse, and breaks out of the wait state once it has received an ACK, now reading one CV per second.
• Improved current sensing - rewrote current sensing routines for safer operation. Current thresholds based on milliamps, not magic numbers
• Individual track power control - Ability to toggle power on either or both tracks, and to "JOIN" the tracks and make them output the same waveform for multiple power districts.
• Single or Dual-Pin PWM output - Allows control of H-bridges with PH/EN or dual PWM inputs
• New, simpler function command - <F> command allows setting functions based on their number, not based on a code as in <f>
• Function reminders - Function reminders are sent in addition to speed reminders
• Functions to F28 - All NMRA functions are now supported
• Filters and user functions - Ability to filter commands in the parser and execute custom code based on them
• Diagnostic <D> commands - See documentation for a full list of new diagnostic commands
• Rewrote DCC++ Parser - more efficient operation, accepts multi-char input and uses less RAM
• Rewritten waveform generator - capable of using any pin for DCC waveform out, eliminating the need for jumpers
• Rewritten packet generator - Simplify and make smaller, remove idea of "registers" from original code
• Add free RAM messages - Free RAM messages are now printed whenever there is a decerase in available RAM
• Fix EEPROM bugs
• Number of locos discovery command - <#> command
• Support for more locomotives - 20 locomotives on an UNO and 50 an a Mega.
• Automatic slot managment - slot variable in throttle/function commands are ignored and slot management is taken care of automatically. <!> command added to release locos from memory.

Key Contributors

Project Lead

• Fred Decker - Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA (FlightRisk)

CommandStation-EX Developers

• Chris Harlow - Bournemouth, UK (UKBloke)
• Harald Barth - Stockholm, Sweden (Haba)
• Fred Decker - Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA (FlightRisk)
• Dave Cutting - Logan, Utah, USA (Dave Cutting/ David Cutting)
• M Steve Todd - - Engine Driver and JMRI Interface
• Scott Catalanno - Pennsylvania
• Gregor Baues - Île-de-France, France (grbba)

exInstaller Software

• Anthony W - Dayton, Ohio, USA (Dex, Dex++)

Website and Documentation

• Mani Kumar - Bangalor, India (Mani / Mani Kumar)
• Fred Decker - Holly Springs, North Carolina, USA (FlightRisk)
• Dave Cutting - Logan, Utah, USA (Dave Cutting/ David Cutting)
• Roger Beschizza - Dorset, UK (Roger Beschizza)
• Keith Ledbetter - Chicago, Illinois, USA (Keith Ledbetter) -Kevin Smith - (KCSmith)

Beta Testing / Release Management / Support

• Larry Dribin - Release Management
• Keith Ledbetter
• BradVan der Elst
• Andrew Pye
• Mike Bowers
• Randy McKenzie
• Roberto Bravin
• Sim Brigden
• Alan Lautenslager
• Martin Bafver
• Mário André Silva
• Anthony Kochevar
• Gajanatha Kobbekaduwe
• Sumner Patterson
• Paul - Virginia, USA

Downloads (zip and tar.gz) below. These are named without version number in the folder name to make the Arduino IDE happy.

CommandStation-EX.zip CommandStation-EX.tar.gz