Description
The DCC-EX CSB1 is a simple, budget friendly plug and play DCC system that allows control of trains from a mobile phone or tablet. This completely replaces the need to build your own DCC-EX system using a separate Arduino development board, motor shield and WiFi shield.
You can now buy an affordable DCC system for just over $200, that boasts 5 amps of power and on-board WiFi, more than most entry level DCC systems, for a fraction of the cost, produced by an Australian company! You can even use it as a booster, with any DCC system of your choice!
For most users we recommend a 15V 4A power supply, which is available here on our website: https://bmodeltrains.com/product/dcc-ex-power-supply-15v-4a/
For users wanting more than 4A, we recommend shopping around for a suitable power supply
In 4 easy steps you can be running your trains!
- Plug 15V 4A power supply into power – CSB1 will boot up
- Connect mobile phone or tablet to the WiFi network produced by the CSB1
- Open Engine Driver (Android) or WiThrottle (iOS) app
- Turn on track power in the app, select a DCC address – now you’re running trains!
For a more comprehensive guide, we have published an expanded version of these setup steps here on our website: https://bmodeltrains.com/resources/manual-downloads/#:~:text=DCC%2DEX%20CSB1%20Advanced%20Setup%20Instructions
DCC-EX CSB1 Specifications:
- Capable of up to 5 amps*
- Dual track outputs
- Main track DCC & programming track by default (programming only possible via phone/tablet in the Engine Driver app on Android)
- Both outputs can be configured to output either DCC or DC analogue
- Circuit breakers with programmable over-current protection on each output (set at 5A by default)
- Inbuilt WiFi – can host up to 10 devices at once
- Can be configured to operate as a booster
- Supports rail voltage of 12-25V
- USB C port for firmware upgrades or connection to PC software (JMRI etc.)
- Supplied with a small OLED screen for display of realtime information (track power on/off, WiFi network name, etc.)
*N.B. CSB1 can supply up to 5A only through one output, provided a power supply capable of greater than 5A is used.
Further Technical Specifications for those who are a bit more techy!
- Railsync DCC signal input for DCC Booster mode
- Qwiic/STEMMA QT 3v3 compatible I2C connector for accessories like displays, turnouts, lighting, etc.
- ESP32 fast 32-bit microcontroller, coupled with hardware of the EX-MotorShield8874 motor shield, all in one single board
- Support to stack an EX-MotorShield8874 for additional 2 DCC/DC PWM/PROG outputs
- More memory for larger EXRAIL automation/animation scripts than an Arduino Mega
The printed circuit board of the command station is manufactured in China, while final assembly and testing is completed in Australia, by Millenium Engineering, based in Perth.
For more info, vist DCC-EX’s website here: https://dcc-ex.com/ex-commandstation
Cameron Hill (verified owner) –
I’m new to modelling and had been trying to work out which DCC system to buy, and then I saw a video they talked about this. It is so good, it does exactly what I need and gives me peace of mind to now that as I develop with the hobby I won’t need to replace expensive systems because this one comes standard with so much, but is also endlessly expandable with additional modules if I need to add to it later.
It’s basic to use for a newby. Can’t recommend highly enough
mivawebb (verified owner) –
I bought this as a more convenient alternative to building something similar with Arduino. Was easy to set up with a spare phone as a controller. Great small package and very portable for testing and demonstrations. Have run N and HO DCC sound and non sound locos with no issues. Good value product.