Site Table of Contents ¶

Home ¶

Welcome to DCC-EX ¶

What is DCC-EX ¶

DCC-EX Product Overview ¶

Conductor Level ¶

Tinkerer level ¶

Engineer level ¶

Getting Started with DCC-EX ¶

The DCC-EX Command Station ¶

EX-CSB1 CommandStation Booster ¶

Features ¶

Connecting ¶

Booster mode ¶

Running a Legacy DC layout ¶

Advantages of using a EX-CommandStation to run a DC layout ¶

Basic functionality ¶

Configuring Default Outputs ¶

Switching between tracks ¶

Reversing Loops ¶

More blocks ¶

Build configuration (config.h) ¶

Motor shield definition (Mandatory) ¶

WiFi settings ¶

Ethernet settings ¶

LCD/OLED support ¶

Disable EEPROM ¶

Delayed startup ¶

WiFi configuration (EX-CSB1 or ESP32 ONLY. Version 5.7.0+ ONLY) ¶

Operating Modes ¶

Changing to Station Mode (ie your home router) ¶

Changing the Access Point defaults ¶

Configuring the Host Name ¶

Turning WiFi On/Off ¶

Clearing WiFi settings ¶

Visiting another router ¶

Displaying WiFi settings ¶

Wifi configuration (Not CSB1 or ESP32) ¶

Setup STA (Station) mode ¶

Setup AP (Access Point) default mode ¶

Setup AP (Access Point) advanced mode ¶

Testing your Command Station ¶

Serial Monitors ¶

Simple testing commands (Main track) ¶

Things to remember ¶

TrackManager ¶

Defaults ¶

myAutomation.h ¶

Engine Driver ¶

Notes ¶

EX-CSB1 in DCC Booster Mode ¶

Configuring the EX-CSB1 as a DCC Booster ¶

Programming DCC locos ¶

The PROG track ¶

Reading/Writing decoder settings ¶

Programming using Serial input commands ¶

Programming using Engine Driver ¶

Programming using EX-Toolbox ¶

Programming with JMRI DecoderPro ¶

Programming using Serial commands ¶

Reading a loco id ¶

Setting a loco id ¶

Reading a CV value ¶

Setting a CV value ¶

DCC Consists ¶

Bit management ¶

Diagnostics when things don't work ¶

ACK detector tuning parameters ¶

Programming with EX-WebThrottle ¶

Programming with Engine Driver ¶

Accessing the DCC-EX page ¶

Read loco address ¶

Write loco address ¶

Read and write CVs of decoders on the Programming Track ¶

More Information ¶

If things dont work ¶

Programming with EX-Toolbox ¶

Using JMRI DecoderPro ¶

Making Changes ¶

Overview - What are Accessories? ¶

Accessory Types ¶

Connecting Accessories ¶

Voltage Differences ¶

Actuators - to make stuff happen ¶

Servo actuators ¶

Digital actuators ¶

Sensors ¶

Track/Layout sensors for automation ¶

Defining sensors ¶

Connecting a servo turnout ¶

Follow the steps below ¶

Define your Turnouts ¶

Test your turnout definitions ¶

Connect your servos to turnouts ¶

PCA9685 Configure additional boards ¶

Hardware device list ¶

I2C – An Introduction ¶

What is I2C? ¶

How does it help? ¶

Buying I2C devices ¶

Rosscoe Trains ¶

DFPlayer Sound player ¶

Suggested uses ¶

Hardware connection ¶

Audio file storage and naming convention ¶

Providing sound files ¶

Testing DFPlayer ¶

Serial connected DFPlayer ¶

CSB1 and ESP32 Serial connections ¶

I2C Connected DFPlayer ¶

SC16IS750 - SC16IS752 Breakout board hookup ¶

I2C address selection ¶

Configuring in myAutomation.h ¶

DS1307 Real Time clock chip ¶

What is EXRAIL? ¶

You DON’T need ¶

Important Background Information ¶

Basic building blocks ¶

A users story ¶

Virtual Bitmap device pins (VPINs) ¶

Creating virtual pins ¶

Using OUTPUT VPINS ¶

Using INPUT VPINs ¶

Using INPUT/OUTPUT VPINs ¶

Buttons and Switches ¶

Detecting a button press ¶

Detecting a switch change ¶

DC Track Control ¶

Emergency stop button ¶

ESTOPALL ¶

ESTOP_PAUSE ¶

ESTOP_RESUME ¶

Advanced scenarios ¶

ESTOP serial commands ¶

Roster for Similar Sound Locos ¶

Route button control ¶

Simple light switch route ¶

Changing button captions ¶

Two separate routes example ¶

Time Control ¶

Time Command ¶

Repeating Time events ¶

Testing Timed Sequences ¶

Display Loco speeds on OLED (Advanced) ¶

Display Track Status on OLED ¶

myAutomation.h ¶

myTrackStatus.h ¶

Lines displayed ¶

Analog sensors ¶

Command Filters ¶

Passing locos between sequences ¶

START(sequence_id) ¶

SENDLOCO(loco_id,sequence_id) ¶

START_SEND(sequence_id) ¶

START_SHARED(sequence_id) ¶

Building a speed test track ¶

Basic driving functions ¶

Loco Functions ¶

AUTOMATIONS ¶

Simple shuttle ¶

Sensor positioning ¶

Creating the basic AUTOMATION ¶

Improved shuttle ¶

Speed changes ¶

Sounds and lights ¶

Signals ¶

Passing loop shuttle ¶

Block Reservations ¶

Basic passing-loop logic ¶

Starting the shuttle ¶

Handling facing trains ¶

Advanced Extras ¶

Saving and Restoring speeds ¶

Random selection ¶

Random time delay ¶

Random choice on a given percentage ¶

Random selection of a path to follow ¶

Consists ¶

Consist Types ¶

Command Station consists with EXRAIL ¶

Controlling trains and decoders directly ¶

Multiple Files in EXRAIL ¶

Maintaining multiple command stations ¶

Naming sequences for easy commands ¶

Using CALL and RETURN ¶

Notes ¶

Using C++ Macros ¶

Flags, Counters and Bitmaps ¶

Creating virtual pins ¶

Use as flags ¶

Use as counters ¶

Use as analogue values (advanced) ¶

Use as binary flag groups (advanced) ¶

Latches ¶

Using STASH to remember where locos are parked ¶

NeoPixel support ¶

Defining the hardware driver ¶

Setting neopixels ¶

Signal Basics ¶

LED Signals ¶

Neopixel signals ¶

Signals with flashing ¶

Always blink AMBER ¶

Amber and Flashing Amber ¶

Semaphore (servo) Signals ¶

DCC Signals ¶

Common signals ¶

Advanced aspect signals ¶

Controlling Sounds in EXRAIL ¶

Playing a sound (PLAY_TRACK, PLAY_REPEAT) ¶

Pause and Resume (PLAY_PAUSE, PLAY_RESUME) ¶

Changing default volume (PLAY_VOLUME) ¶

Stop playing (PLAY_STOP) ¶

Changing current folder (PLAY_FOLDER) ¶

Things that happen at startup ¶

Startup power ¶

Startup - Define Tracks ¶

Defining DCC turnouts ¶

Defining PIN turnouts ¶

Defining Servo turnouts ¶

Important considerations for servo operation ¶

Defining servo based turnout objects ¶

Facing turnouts ¶

Animated turnouts ¶

Toggle turnouts with button or sensor ¶

Lew's Duino Gear boards ¶

DNIN8 8 Input board ¶

DNIN8K 8 Input board ¶

DNOU8 8 Output board ¶

I2C Multiplexors ¶

MCP23017, PCA955x and TCA955x devices ¶

Device variations ¶

Defining devices ¶

TCA8418 keyboard scanner ¶

TM1638 Buttons, leds and 7 segment display ¶

Using buttons and LEDs ¶

Using the 7 Segment display ¶

Trainbrains Devices ¶

Turnout drivers (solenoid and servo) ¶

Signal controller ¶

Sensors ¶

XL9535 Relay Board ¶

EX‑MotorShield8874 ¶

Features ¶

Why did we make it ¶

Purchase ¶

Licensing ¶

Assembly with EX-MotorShield8874 ¶

Engineering notes ¶

Stacking two motor shields ¶

EX-WiFiShield 8266 ¶

Overview ¶

Features ¶

Purchase ¶

Assembly ¶

EX-FastClock ¶

Background ¶

What is EX-FastClock? ¶

Credit where credit is due ¶

Next Steps ¶

Hardware ¶

What you need for EX-FastClock ¶

Calibration ¶

Installation ¶

Libraries ¶

Configuration ¶

Standalone use ¶

Serial Mode ¶

I2C mode ¶

Screen Header ¶

Configure existing clock ¶

Connecting your own FastClock ¶

Operation ¶

Time Control ¶

EXRAIL Commands ¶

Testing Timed Sequences ¶

EX-IOExpander ¶

EX-Turntable ¶

EX-SensorCAM ¶

Introduction ¶

Hardware ¶

Software requirements ¶

Documentation ¶

Outline of install process ¶

Installation Guide ¶

EX-SensorCAM Manual ¶

CONTENTS ¶

Appendix ¶

1. Overview ¶

2. ESP32-CAM ¶

3. Physical Installation ¶

4. Notation & Help commands ¶

5. Configuration ¶

6 PROCESSING4 monitor/console ¶

7 Wiring Requirements ¶

8 Host Communication ¶

9. Methodology of operation ¶

APPENDIX A ¶

APPENDIX B ¶

APPENDIX C ¶

APPENDIX D ¶

APPENDIX E ¶

APPENDIX F ¶

APPENDIX G ¶

APPENDIX H ¶

APPENDIX I ¶

APPENDIX J ¶

APPENDIX K ¶

ADDITIONAL RANDOM NOTES: ¶

Native EX-SensorCAM Command List ¶

Conventions used on this page ¶

Native cam USB & CS cmd formats ¶

EX-SensorCAM Abridged Manual ¶

CONTENTS ¶

Appendix ¶

1. Overview ¶

2. ESP32/WROVER-CAM ¶

3. Physical Installation ¶

4. Notation ¶

5. Configuration ¶

6 PROCESSING4 monitor/console ¶

7 Wiring Requirements ¶

8 Host Communication ¶

APPENDIX A ¶

APPENDIX B ¶

APPENDIX C ¶

APPENDIX E ¶

APPENDIX F ¶

APPENDIX H ¶

APPENDIX J ¶

EX-Toolbox - Overview ¶

Features ¶

Installing EX-Toolbox ¶

Installing EX-Toolbox on an Android phone or tablet ¶

Installing EX-Toolbox on MS Windows & macOS ¶

Connecting to your Command Station ¶

Starting EX-Toolbox ¶

EX-Toolbox User Guide ¶

CV Programming ¶

Issuing DCC-EX Serial Commands (<>) ¶

Speed Matching ¶

Speedometer ¶

Loco Status ¶

Track Manager ¶

Servo Motor Testing and Adjustment ¶

Sensor testing ¶

Current Meter ¶

Roster ¶

Neopixel Setup ¶

Power ¶

Preferences ¶

View log ¶

About ¶

EX-WebThrottle - Overview ¶

What you need to run EX-WebThrottle ¶

Getting started ¶

Run or Install EX-WebThrottle ¶

Run it now (Run from the cloud) ¶

Download ¶

Operation ¶

Throttle ¶

Routes/Automation ¶

Turnouts/Points ¶

CV Programmer ¶

Locomotives ¶

Function Maps ¶

Settings ¶

App ¶

Official DCC-EX Suppliers ¶

Third Party Products and Sellers ¶

Rosscoe ¶

David Yale ¶

Command Station Rack (The Mac Rack) ¶

Sumner's Mega Dual Configuration Case (3D Print) ¶

Hans Tanner's ioTT cube case system (3D Print) ¶

Nebbish's Arduino Mega case for DCC-EX (3D Print) ¶

DCC-EX Merchandise ¶

Using EX-Installer ¶

Installing ¶

Using Device Monitor ¶

EX-Installer ¶

Warning Antivirus Software ¶

Download EX-Installer ¶

Alternatives to the EX-Installer ¶

First Run installer ¶

Select Product to Install ¶

Installing Command Station Software ¶

Device Selection ¶

Version Selection ¶

Configuration ¶

Other options ¶

Compile and Load ¶

Backup ¶

Device Monitor ¶

Stored Configuration Files ¶

Advanced Users - VSCode/PlatformIO ¶

Build Your Own Command Station ¶

Getting the DCC-EX Software ¶

Quick and Easy Arduino Mega ¶

Slightly more difficult Mega ¶

Selecting a power supply ¶

Volts and Amps ¶

Using an EX8874 or CSB1 ¶

Other motor shields ¶

What to look for ¶

SAFETY WARNING ¶

Easy build - Arduino Mega ¶

What you need ¶

Step-by-Step Build ¶

Alternative build - Arduino Mega ¶

What you need ¶

Step By Step Build ¶

Complex Build - Nucleo ¶

Nucleo-F4 boards supported ¶

Reference - Nucleo ¶

Complex Build - ESP32 ¶

WeMos D1 R32 ¶

ESP32-WROOM-32 Development boards ¶

Reference ESP32 ¶

Optionally install Wifi ¶

EX-WiFiShield8266 ¶

Other shields ¶

ESP-01 or ESP-01S ¶

Optionally install Ethernet ¶

Arduino Network Shield 2 ¶

Wiznet WIZ850IO ¶

Sunfounder Ethernet Shield ¶

Installing Command Station firmware ¶

DIY - Other devices ¶

The following devices are NOT supported: ¶

Throttles and Other Controllers ¶

Throttles - By Client Technology ¶

Throttles - By Communication technology ¶

Comparison Table ¶

EX-WebThrottle ¶

Engine Driver ¶

Platforms ¶

Standard Features (all WiThrottle servers) ¶

EX-CommandStation Specific or Advantageous Features ¶

EX-CommandStation Specific Features - when using the DCC-EX Native Protocol ¶

Screenshots ¶

Operation ¶

Using a Bluetooth Gamepad Controller ¶

Adding a Physical Dial (Knob) ¶

Recording a log file in Engine Driver ¶

ThrottleCard ¶

Features ¶

DCC-EX News ¶

Get this in your RSS feed ¶

General DCC-EX News ¶

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQ) ¶

Controlling and Running Trains ¶

Programming and reading DCC decoders ¶

Throttle apps and software ¶

My CSB1 OLED display isnt working or looks "wrong" ¶

Why do I get FAULT pin warnings ¶

Why do my I2C connections fail ¶

Help and Support ¶

Information required for support queries ¶

Discord (recommended) ¶

GitHub ¶

TrainBoard ¶

Email (not recommended) ¶

The DCC-EX Discord Server ¶

Joining and Using Discord ¶

Sharing Code and Configuration Snippets ¶

Discord Channels ¶

Opening a Support Ticket ¶

Raising GitHub Issues ¶

Donations ¶

How We Use Donations ¶

Donation Options ¶

Glossary of Terms ¶

Access Point (AP) Mode ¶

Base Station, Command Station, DCC Command Station, DCC Base Station ¶

Consist, Multiple Unit2¶ ¶

DCC++ Commands, , DCC++ Protocol, DCC++ API ¶

DCC-EX Serial Commands, DCC-EX Native Commands, DCC-EX Native Protocol, DCC-EX Native API ¶

Pullup ¶

Pulldown ¶

Roster ¶

SSID ¶

Station (STA) Mode ¶

Turnout (Point2/Switch)¶ ¶

VPIN ¶

WiThrottle ¶

WiThrottle Protocol ¶

WiThrottle Server ¶

DCC-EX Serial Command Basics ¶

Notes ¶

DCC-EX Command Protocol Reference ¶

System Commands ¶

Power Control ¶

Locomotive Control ¶

Function Control ¶

Consist Control ¶

Turnout Control ¶

Sensor Control ¶

CV Programming ¶

DCC Accessory Commands ¶

Momentum Control ¶

Output Control ¶

Pin Control ¶

NeoPixel Control ¶

Turntable Control ¶

Sound Control ¶

Throttle Information Commands ¶

Track Manager ¶

Configuration Commands ¶

Diagnostic Commands ¶

Raw DCC Packets ¶

EXRAIL Command List ¶

Advanced config.h settings for Command Station build ¶

Non-standard Motor Shields ¶

TCP/IP Advanced settings ¶

LCD/OLED support ¶

Disable EEPROM ¶

Disable PROG ¶

Redefine DCC boundary between SHORT and LONG loco addresses ¶

Redefine locomotive state table size ¶

Define TURNOUTS and ACCESSORIES to follow norm RCN-213 ¶

Handling multiple serial throttles ¶

Bluetooth serial ON ESP32 ¶

Booster input pin on ESP32 CS ¶

ESP32 LED Wifi Indicator ¶

SABERTOOTH ¶

Tuning for deprecated UNO/NANO ¶

Track Manager ¶

What is the Track Manager ¶

Using the Track Manager (DCC) ¶

Using the Track Manager (DC) ¶

Connecting Hardware ¶

Configuring the Software ¶

Using EXRAIL to control Track Manager ¶

Where and How for the Code ¶

DC Mode - PWM Frequency ¶

DC Mode - Logic Gate Circuits ¶

DC Mode Track Sync ¶

Timers / Brake Pins ¶

Hardware considerations ¶

HAL Device Templates ¶

Command Station Internal Architecture ¶

Throttle Writers Guide (doc incomplete) ¶

General ¶

Considerations for throttle developers ¶

Key Throttle/Controller Commands ¶

Roster Information ¶

Controlling Locos ¶

Turnouts/Points ¶

DCC Accessories ¶

Automations/Routes ¶

COMMANDS TO AVOID TODO ¶

Gauges ¶

TCP vs UDP ¶

Legacy Command Reference ¶

EX-CSB1 FAQ ¶

CH340 USB Drivers ¶

Track voltage ¶

OLED ¶

Power supply ¶

Fault reporting ¶

Overcurrent reporting ¶

WiFi ¶

Discord ¶

EX-CSB1 Technical Reference ¶

WeMos D1 R32 + EX8874 ¶

WiFi reliability ¶

IOREF voltage ¶

One EX8874 ¶

Stacked EX8874 ¶

ACEBOTT + EX8874 ¶

ACEBOTT ESP32 Max v1.0 ¶

ACEBOTT vs. WeMos R1 D32 ¶

IOREF voltage ¶

One EX8874 ¶

Stacked EX8874 ¶

Keyestudio IOT ESP32 PLUS Development Board + EX8874 ¶

Keyestudio IOT ESP32 PLUS Development Board ¶

Keyestudio IOT ESP32 PLUS Development Board VS WeMos R1 D32 ¶

Incorrect IOREF voltage ¶

One EX8874 ¶

Stacked EX8874 ¶

ESP32 + L298 Shields ¶

Genuine Arduino Motor Shield R3 ¶

Clone Motor Shields ¶

Nucleo - USB Drivers ¶

Required for Windows ¶

Nucleo - STLink Firmware ¶

Upgrade the debugger firmware ¶

Nucleo - Debug ¶

Nucleo - Power ¶

VIN from EX8874 ¶

VIN voltage ¶

USB ¶

Nucleo 64 - EX8874 ¶

Nucleo 64 - WiFi and Pins ¶

MakerFabs WiFi shield ¶

Serial pins ¶

Pin diagram ¶

Nucleo 144 - EX8874 ¶

Stacked EX8874 motor shields on F429ZI F439ZI ¶

EX8874 - F413ZH F446ZE ¶

Nucleo 144 - WiFi ¶

MakerFabs WiFi shield ¶

Serial pins ¶

Pin diagram ¶

Nucleo 144 - Pins ¶

Pin diagrams ¶

8 District PCB ¶

L298P & L298HN Shields ¶

Genuine Arduino R3 ¶

Clone shields ¶

Voltage drop ¶

Schematics ¶

I2C Wiring for the Tinkerer ¶

I2C concepts ¶

I2C bus voltage ¶

Qwiic/STEMMA QT ¶

I2C wire length ¶

Combined parallel resistance ¶

Wiring pattern for lower capacitance ¶

Power sources ¶

Tuning an I2C Bus for the Engineer ¶

Guiding Principles ¶

Measurement in situ ¶

Examples ¶

About the DCC-EX Project ¶

A Brief History of DCC-EX ¶

The DCC-EX Team ¶

Related Software - Friends of DCC-EX ¶

How Can I Contribute? ¶

Documentation ¶

Development ¶

Web Support ¶

Organisation/Coordination ¶

Code of Conduct ¶

User Personas and Journeys - Front Page Tiles ¶

New to DCC-EX ¶

Ready-to-Run CSB1 ¶

DC Ready-to-Run Users ¶

Existing Users Adding Accessories ¶

Existing Users Looking to Automate/Animate ¶

Large Club Layout ¶

Downloader ¶

Release Checklist ¶

Content ¶

Release QA Items ¶

Menu and Page Structure ¶

Styling ¶

Team Info ¶

Release To Do ¶

Contributing to the public domain code ¶

Development Environment ¶

Coding Style Guidelines ¶

Using the Repository ¶

Pull Request Process ¶

Contributing to Documentation ¶

How to Contribute ¶

MkDocs Links ¶

What You Need to Install ¶

Getting Started ¶

Previewing and building MkDocs ¶

Documentation Standards ¶

General Content ¶

Do Not Duplicate Content ¶

Directory Naming, Page Naming, and Titles ¶

Address all MkDocs Warnings and Errors ¶

Directory Structure and Navigation ¶

Formatting Guide ¶

Page and Section Links ¶

Search Links ¶

Headings ¶

Glossary Terms and Linking ¶

Code blocks ¶

Understanding Links ¶

What the html browser sees is this ¶

What the mkdocs author sees ¶

The search link ¶

Using Our Logos ¶

Light and Dark Theme ¶

Branded and Non-Branded Product Logos ¶

Logo Sizing ¶

Working with MkDocs ¶

Previewing and Deploying MkDocs ¶

DCC-EX CSS Styling ¶

DCC-EX JavaScript Files ¶

MkDocs Material Extensions ¶

MkDocs Plugins ¶

Mermaid Diagrams ¶

Flowchart ¶

Sequence Diagram ¶

State Diagram ¶