ThrottleAdapterBoard

Z21 Throttle ESP

Z21 throttle implementation on ESP32 like a light Z21 lok maus. You might even build it on ESP8266 as there is no ESP32 specific functions used. It uses a standard variable resistor (pot) to handle the speed. Only 126 DCC steps is implemented. A 3x4 keyboard is used to navigate throw the menu and handle the functions 0 to 9. The code gets data from the Z21 asyncronous, so if you change the locomotive or the tracks gets an EStop you get notified on the throttle also.

Electronic Components

1. ESP32 DEV board
2. Nokia 5110 PCD8544 display module
3. 5k or 10k variable resistor
4. 3x4 keyboard
5. 18650 single cell as power suply

Flash the code

Use a standard Arduino IDE to flash the code. Just make sure you have the correct board selected and install the graphic libraries from Adafruit. I used a Nokia 5110 display, PCD8544 chipset, SPI driven, so is easy to adapt it to another SPI display.

Setup the Wifi

The wifi SSID and password are set inside the Config.h file. Just edit it and put your own settings.

TCP commands

The IP can be found in the menu of the throttle, goto Menu (hold * for 1 sec) and then select Wifi (press 2). The default port is 5983. The open Putty, add the IP and port and then select Telnet. If successful a command promt will apear. You can now send the desired command to the throttle. Here is the complete list of commands implemented on the throttle:

• <loco adr="45"> -> lock the loco address to 45. change the 45 to the desired address
• <loco adr="*"> -> unlock the loco address menu. the address can be changed
• <lock> -> locks the maus, all actions are suspended
• <unlock> -> unlocks/frees the maus; also commands can be used

How to make the enclosure

After you print the Top and Bottom enclosure parts on a standard 3D filament printer you need some M3 insert-threads and M3 standard screws to put it all together. See the images for more information. I test-printed them on my Anycubic Kobra S1 3D printer. The 18650 cell lid is still under design so it is missing from the current repo.

Copyright

Fell free to download, make and share this project! A like or share of this repo will be much appreciated!