EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express
Designed by the DCC-EX development team, the EX-CSB1 replaces up to 3 different stacked Arduino boards to provide a complete, expandible DCC and DC PWM command station or booster with dual 5A track outputs, integrated programming track capability, and built-in fast WiFi for throttle control connections.
Figure 258 EX-CSB1 CommandStation / Booster
What is the EX-CSB1?
The EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express is the first fully integrated DCC Command Station with DC PWM and Booster mode capabilities developed by the DCC-EX Team. This versatile board can function as a complete Command Station with USB or WiFi connectivity or serve as a stand-alone booster, making it an ideal addition to any layout, including those using non-DCC-EX systems.
- Key Features:
All-in-one DCC Command Station/Booster: Compatible with DCC and capable of PWM DC output
Built-in Fast WiFi: Supports up to 10 simultaneous throttle connections, expandable with JMRI
Advanced Hardware: Utilizes an ESP32 microcontroller with dual DCC or PWM DC 5A outputs, including variable current limit control
Expandable Outputs: Can accept a DCC-EX EX-MotorShield8874 for two additional DCC/DC PWM outputs, providing power to four total districts. Multiple EX-CSB1s can be added as boosters around the layout.
Protection & Safety: Software programmable over-current protection, and hardware over-current, over-temperature and reverse voltage protection
Versatile Power Supply: Operates with a single 12V to 25V power supply that powers the entire system
USB-C Interface: For easy software updates, connection to EX-WebThrottle or JMRI, and logging/debugging
Accessory Support: Qwiic/STEMMA QT 3.3V, compatible I2C connector and extra I2C pin headers for all your accessories
Pre-Installed with DCC-EX Command Station Software from most suppliers
Auto-Reverser capability assignable to each DCC output independently
RailSync DCC input for automatic booster mode engagement under software control (EX-RAIL)
OLED Display: Bundled graphical display for status and diagnostics, with support for additional displays
- Benefits include:
Ready-To-Run: Pre-assembled, with no need for additional assembly or configuration
Enhanced Performance: Faster WiFi than an ESP8266 with support for double the number of connections, faster processor, and a great deal more memory than an Arduino Mega for complex EXRAIL automation/animation scripts
Efficient Power Usage: Less voltage drop, ensuring more power reaches the track
Flexible Output Management (TrackManager tm support): Dynamically assign outputs to different modes (DC/DCC/PROG/Auto-Reverse), with proper NMRA current limits
The EX-CSB1’s robust, single-PCB design includes integrated MOSFET motor drivers from Texas Instruments, providing up to 5A peak power per track output. This allows for simultaneous operation of multiple trains with reduced power consumption and heat generation compared to traditional systems.
With its dual role as a command station or booster, the EX-CSB1 can be strategically placed around a layout, seamlessly switching to booster mode upon detecting a RailSync input signal. This feature is particularly useful for modular layouts, ensuring smooth operation across different sections once joined together and slaved to a master DCC signal. Distributing power around the layout also reduces the cost of heavy copper lines to carry the DCC signal that would otherwise be needed with centralised power.
An additional DCC-EX EX-MotorShield 8874 can be inserted onto the command station board to provide two more DCC or PWM DC outputs with the same performance characteristics and output mode flexibility.
Figure 259 EX-CSB1 Stacked with EX-MotorShield8874
The system includes comprehensive protection features such as reverse polarity protection, hardware and software overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and thermal protection. It also provides clear status indications via LEDs for microcontroller power, track input supply, track output power per output channel, DCC/DC mode indication and direction for DC mode, and WiFi connection status.
The EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express’s built-in EXRAIL layout Animation and Automation capabilities enable advanced control of layout operations, including crossing controls, signal management, automated train routing, layout lighting control, and much more whilst being much simpler to learn than Arduino C++ programming.
Why did we make it?
After the success of our EX-CommandStation software and then the EX‑MotorShield8874, which allowed modellers to build their own setups, we realised there was a need for something even simpler. The DCC-EX Team wanted to create a solution that would appeal to a wider range of modellers, especially those who might not feel as confident with the electronics and software or those who just prefer to spend time enjoying their layouts instead of tinkering with tech.
We wanted to keep the sense of accomplishment that comes with a DIY project, but make it much easier, smaller, and more “plug-and-play”. After all, most of us would rather focus on running our trains than on troubleshooting wiring or connections.
Whether you consider yourself a Conductor, Tinkerer, or Engineer, you might appreciate an all-in-one solution that saves time and space, and reduces complexity. So we asked ourselves, “What features would the ideal entry-level yet expandible command station have?”. And that’s how the EX‑CommandStation / Booster One Express was born.
How can I get one?
Units may be purchased from the following sources:
Suppliers / Resellers List
In the United States serving USA, Canada, & Mexico
In England serving the UK
In Austria serving the European Union (EU)
In Australia serving AU, NZ, and APAC
The EX-CSB1 Command Stations are normally supplied with:
An OLED status display, and
A Carrier Base Mount (sometimes called a “sled”) or Case, depending on supplier.
There are different options for the board such as:
With or without a power supply
With or without an additional EX‑MotorShield8874 for two additional DCC or DC PWM outputs.
Prices
There are different options for the board such as with or without an additional EX‑MotorShield8874 for two additional DCC/PWM DC outputs.
Prices start from around $120-$145 in the US without and with a power supply, to approximately £98 in the UK, €115 in Europe, and in Australia starting from $AU190.
Prices typically do not include tax and shipping.
Click here for ordering in quantity of if you wish to become a official reseller.