Ethernet Networking

DCC++ now supports Ethernet Networking!

With this release you can add an Ethernet Shield to your DCC++ Base Station (Arduino Mega only). When configured as such, all communication occurs over the Ethernet network instead of the Serial Port. Multiple connections are permitted allowing simultaneous use of more than one controlling interface. Note: the DCC++ Controller has likewise been updated to utilize Ethernet communications with the Base Station).

Other significant features in this release include:

• Creation of a Config.h file to store all user-definable settings (e.g. whether to use Ethernet or Serial communications)
• New functionality to define and control OUTPUT pins using a command

Minor features include:

• A new command that returns sensor status
• An initial status message written to the Serial Port, regardless of whether Ethernet or Serial communication is selected, and that includes a response indicating the type of communication selected, and the IP address if Ethernet is active.
• A fix that allows for compilation under a Mega 1280 as well as the usual Mega 2560

CHANGES:

• To avoid conflict with the Ethernet Shield's use of pin 4, the Programming Track Logic Signal is now generated on Pin 2, instead of Pin 4. This means that Pin 2 must be connected to Pin 13 when using an Arduino Motor Shield (previously Pin 4 needed to be connected to Pin 13). This only applies to DCC++ Base Station compiled for the Arduino Mega. Pins and connections for the Arduino Uno are unchanged (and are not presently compatible with use of an Ethernet Shield).
• DCCpp_Uno.h now includes logic that adds an Ethernet Library only when Ethernet Networking is selected in the Config.h file. This logic requires the latest version of the Arduino IDE - version 1.6.6. This release will not properly compile under Arduino IDE 1.6.5.