Hans Tanner's approach is to have a combination of three types of module: a layout "interface" (currently DCC or LocoNet), a microcontroller "IoTT Stick" and function "Hat". The combination allows many types of device to be created.
The central element is the IoTT stick: this is a programmed M5Stick with an ESP32 processor and WiFi interface. The stick software supports all modules, and has a web based configuration interface.
Hans Tanner's IoTT modules based on the IoTT Stick are as below. Video 111 gives a good summary.
IoTT Stick |
M5StickC:Â ESP32 with display |
IoTT Stick+ |
M5StickC Plus 2:Â ESP 32 with display |
DCC Interface |
Opto isolated DCC interface. Connects to the stick using the Grove port. |
LocoNet Interface |
Bidirectional LocoNet interface. Connects to the stick using the Grove port. |
BrownHat |
USB interface; adds Locobuffer-like function to an IoTT stick with LocoNet interface |
BlueHat |
For signalling And possibly other LED output. Drives a string of WS2812 Neopixel drivers. Can drive appropriately for signals, and for CTC display. |
YellowHat |
Controller for CTC panels. Drives a string of WS2812 Neopixel drivers, and has 32 inputs. Each input can be touch, logic level or analogue input. |
BlackHat |
Knob and switches for smartphone throttle |
GreenHat |
Servo accessory decoder with 16 servo outputs; 2 LED outputs and 2 inputs per servo. Bounce and hesitation effects. |
PurpleHat |
Train-side sensor for precise speed and distance measurement. Allows train speed matching, |
RedHat |
Extends the DCCEX stack based system to turn it into a LocoNet based command station. |
Tinkerface |
Module for LocoNet / DCC experimentation with Arduinos; also used as pat of Silverhat booster. |
Support board: Powershield |
5A track output for DCCEX stack |
Support board: Pulse Driver |
3 channel Pulse and high voltage level driver to allow tortoise and solenoid point motors to be driven from a GreenHat. |
Support board: Nano DCC Critter |
Development module, for experimentation. A board capable of being a DCC "fuse", command station or booster, DCC decoder or speed controller. DCC in / DCC out / Arduino Nano |
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Before the IoTT stick and "hat" concept there were some earlier modules:
Early work |
ESP8266 Node MCU 1.0 processor |
LocoNet Gateway |
Connection to LocoNet |
YellowBox |
Controller for CTC panels |
BlueBox |
Controller for signalling; uses NodeMCU 32S with ESP32 processor. Modular design. |