This page is specifically intended for a Conductor who has installed just the recommended hardware (including WiFi). If you are a Tinkerer or Engineer or have installed some of the additional, or different, hardware from that recommended for a Conductor then we suggest that you look at the EX-Installer page for the full instructions.
Once you have assembled your EX‑CommandStation hardware you need to load our software onto it make is usable. To make it as simple as possible we have created the EX‑Installer app.
Instruction for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux (including the Raspberry Pi)
Warning
Antivirus Software You may need to turn off your antivirus software before you try to install. Sometimes our software gets blocked by antivirus apps. If you see any errors on the install screen, this is usually the issue.
Connect your EX‑CommandStation to your computer
Determine which COM Port the EX‑CommandStation is plugged into
for Microsoft Windows:
open (run) the ‘Device Manager’ app and look at the ‘Ports (COM & LPT)’ as you plug or unplug the EX‑CommandStation
take note of the COM number (in brackets after the name of the device)
for Mac OS or Linux:
open a terminal screen and run the command ls/dev/tty.usbmodem*
this should result in displaying a device name such as /dev/tty.usbmodem12033
if multiple devices are listed, you may need to unplug your EX‑CommandStation, re-run the command to see which device is left, then plug it in again to note the difference
The EX‑Installer takes a little while to load everything it needs, so wait till you have seen about a dozen lines of text appear in the right pane before you try to select anything in the drop down menus.
There will be a lot of information appearing in the log window, which can help us debug things if anything goes wrong. The installer needs to connect online to download the latest packages to support your hardware. It will take a few seconds to complete; this is normal. If you have a very slow internet connection it will take longer.
Select your Command Station (Base Station) Type If you are Conductor following our recommended instructions, choose CommandStationEX
Select your Arduino Board Type If you are Conductor following our recommended instructions, choose Mega
Select your Motor Shield If you are Conductor following our recommended instructions, choose ArduinoMotorShield
Select your COM Port The installer will usually find it for you but check against the COM port your took not of earlier
If you have installed an optional a WiFi Shield you MUST check the WiFi box If you are a Conductor following our recommended instructions, check this box regardless (see below)
The instructions on this page are specifically for setting up your EX‑CommandStation to have its own, completely isolated, WiFi Network. This is referred to as Access Point Mode. (Most useful if your layout is away from the house, or you transport your layout frequently.)
The EX‑CommandStation can be setup so that it connects to your existing home WiFi Network. This is referred to as Station Mode. See the sidebar on this page or the EX-Installer page for the full instructions if you are interested in this option.
Even if you didn’t install a WiFi shield, we recommend that this box be checked. If left checked and later you add a WiFi Shield, you won’t have to upload the sketch again. The WiFi check only takes a few seconds, after which it will report no WiFi was found and start the Command Station. (If you aren’t using WiFi and want to save a few seconds of boot time, you can uncheck the box.)
Note
If you have any difficulties check the Troubleshooting page for assistance.
