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EX-CSB1 CommandStation Booster

This is the EX-CSB1 Getting Started Guide.

Features

EX-CSB1

The DCC-EX EX-CSB1 Command Station/Booster comes ready to use out of the box and has the following features:

  • Dual DCC/PWM DC outputs with up to 5A capacity – easily expandable to 4 outputs
  • Wi-Fi built-in – fast 802.11n capable, with Access Point and Station modes including support for connecting as many as 10 Wi-Fi throttles (you can also connect to JMRI via Wi-Fi, but a USB cable is often better)
  • Single power supply for track and onboard electronics – 12-25V DC with polarity protection
  • USB-C connector – for software upload, diagnostic monitoring, DCC-EX WebThrottle and JMRI connectivity
  • Railsync DCC input – enables Booster or Sniffer modes, which with an EXRAIL script can be automatically engaged on receipt of a signal
  • OLED screen – for diagnostics, status and information display

EX-CSB1 OLED on startup

Connecting

EX-CSB1 Connector Map

The DCC-EX EX-CSB1 Command Station/Booster needs the minimum following connections to be able to run trains:

  • Power input on the 2.1mm black barrel connector – accepts 10-25V DC fully regulated, preferably a modern switch-mode power brick, double-insulated with good power overload protection. Minimum current capability of 4A, suggested 12-16V for Z, N or HO/OO scales, with DCC+Sound locos generally wanting 14-16V even in N scale.
  • One track connection – on either the Track Out A (topmost) or Track Out B (beside the power) connector. Note that by default, A is configured for DCC MAIN operation, and B is configured for PROG or programming track. We recommend connecting your track to the A MAIN output initially to test running of trains.

When correctly supplied with track power, both green Power LEDs will light. If the right-most LED alone is lit, it indicates power is being supplied from the USB-C connector so software upload can proceed, but trains cannot be run.

The Wi-Fi LED will light once a Wi-Fi network is created (Access Point mode), or once connected to an existing Wi-Fi network (Station mode.)

Other Connectors:

  • Qwiic I2C connector – allows a broad range of 3.3V I2C peripherals to be easily with simple cables.
  • Railsync connector – allows connection to Railsync or a DCC track signal for Booster and Sniffer modes when enabled with suitable software configuration.

Booster mode

When configured correctly, connecting a Railsync or DCC signal to the Railsync connector will enable your EX-CSB1 to operate as a booster.

Refer to the EX-CSB1 in DCC Booster Mode page for information on how to configure the software to enable this.