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Prepare to Use Your Command Station

Before you can use you use your purchased or self-built EX-CommandStation, you will need to do some preparatory work before you can test it and run your trains.

Depending on whether or not you purchased an EX-CSB1 or you self built your own EX-CommandStation, the instructions are different.

Not needed for EX-CSB1

This step is not normally needed if you purchased an EX-CSB1 as it will come with the EX‑CommandStation software already installed. You only need to consider this section if you want to change the default configuration.

Installing the EX-CommandStation software

This step is only needed for self-built EX-CommandStations, or if you wish to update or enhance your EX-CSB1.

The EX-CommandStation software is what allows your self-built EX-CommandStation hardware or purchased EX-CSB1 to function as a simple, and powerful, DCC and DC Command Station. If you purchased the EX-CSB1, this software is already installed.

Continue to the Install the software page to install the software, before proceeding to the physical installation.

Physical Connection to Your Layout

Once you have a) purchased and EX-CSB1, or b) self built your EX-CommandStation and loaded the software onto it, you will need to connect it to your layout and programming track to test it and to run your trains.

Depending on whether or not you purchased an EX-CSB1 or you self-built your own EX-CommandStation, the instructions for connecting to your layout and programming track will be slightly different.

Testing

Once you have connected your EX-CSB1 or EX-CommandStation to your layout and programming track you should test it to confirm it is working correctly.

You need to test with a locomotive equipped with a DCC decoder (either a standard or sound decoder). Ideally, it should be a loco already proven to work on DCC. Otherwise, if you have a problem, you may not be able to tell if the problem is the decoder or the EX‑CommandStation.

Continue to the testing page to find out how.