EX-CommandStation (RTR or DIY)

What is EX-CommandStation?

First some quick definitions. EX‑CommandStation is two things:

• It is the name of our command station software that runs on different hardware platforms such as the EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express,
  and

• It is the actual hardware with our software installed that runs your model train layout.

  That means that when you apply power to your Command Station (CS) it will be an EX‑CommandStation running the latest version of the EX‑CommandStation software.

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Figure 1 R2R EX-CSB1 Command Station / Booster

An EX‑CommandStation is a simple, but powerful, DCC and DC Command Station which you can purchase ready-to-run or assemble yourself from widely available parts. It supports much of the NMRA Digital Command Control (DCC) standards, including:

• Simultaneous control of multiple locomotives

• Control of all cab/loco functions (F0-F28 and F29-F68)

• Control of accessory/function decoders (F0-F28 and F29-F68)

• Main Track: Write configuration variable (CV) bytes and set/clear specific CV bits (aka Programming on Main, or POM)

• Programming Track: Same as the main track with the addition of reading CV bytes

It includes advanced features, such as:

Figure 2 DIY EX-CommandStation

• A wiThrottle Server implementation for instant compatibility with popular throttles/controllers

• General purpose inputs and outputs (I/O) for extensibility

• I2C bus for controlling accessories with I2C capability

• JMRI integration

• EX‑RAIL Automation and Animation scripting that can control everything on your layout, including the locos

It also supports:

• Direct Current (DC) locomotive control using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

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Ready-to-Run (RTR) or Do-It-YourSelf (DIY)

To get started, simply choose your path.

Whether you are a Conductor, Tinkerer, or Engineer, most people will choose the easy, Ready-To-Run (RTR), option and purchase an EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express.

Some Tinkerers and Engineers may opt to go the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) route by purchasing separate components (or a kit), connecting it together themselves, and installing the EX‑CommandStation software.

The choice is yours.

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Our ready-to-run (RTR) DCC & DC command station / booster for controlling your model railroad	Do-it-yourself (DIY) instructions on the parts to buy to build your own DCC & DC command station

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If you are just starting on the DCC-EX journey we recommend you start with the Ready-to-Run (RTR) page though feel free to try the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) path.

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If you are just starting on the DCC-EX journey we also recommend you start with the Ready-to-Run (RTR) or Do-It-Yourself (DIY). But if you wish to discover more you may want to look at the DIY - Advanced Options pages for additional options that may be of interest.