Arduino Guides and Sketches
These notes are for customers using Arduino-based DCC-EX hardware, sketches and related model railway electronics.
Choosing the right board
- Use the board recommended for your command station or shield combination.
- Check that the board has the correct USB connector, pin layout and memory for the sketch you plan to use.
- For DCC-EX, confirm the board and motor shield are supported before buying parts.
Uploading sketches
- Install the required Arduino IDE or DCC-EX installer tools.
- Select the correct board and port before uploading.
- Disconnect layout wiring while flashing firmware unless the guide for your specific hardware says otherwise.
- After upload, open the serial monitor or throttle app to confirm the board starts normally.
Troubleshooting
- If the board is not detected, try another USB cable and check that the cable supports data, not just charging.
- If upload fails, close other serial monitor or throttle software that may already be using the port.
- If the sketch uploads but nothing responds, recheck the selected board, shield type and any configuration values.
Need help?
Send the board model, shield type, upload error text and clear photos via the contact page. Screenshots of the Arduino IDE settings are especially useful.