EX-CSB1 Express Command Station/Booster - With Power Supply

ATTENTION UK, EU, Australia, and New Zealand users: You may be able to save time and shipping costs by ordering from the suppliers listed here:

• EU - Semify in Austria, https://www.semify-eda.com/ex-motorshield8874
• UK - Chesterfield
• AU/NZ - Millennium Engineering
• USA/Canada alternate source - Smart Hobby

Overview

The EX-CSB1 is a simple, budget friendly, plug and play DCC and/or DC Command Station, Programming Station, or Booster that allows control of model trains from a mobile phone or tablet.

With dual expandable 5A outputs to run more trains, the EX-CSB1 completely replaces the need to build your own DCC-EX system using a separate Arduino development board, motor shield and WiFi shield.

This version ships with either a 15V or 12V, 5A power supply. Please remember to select the correct voltage based on your layout scale and DCC decoder specifications for DCC or motor voltage for DC.

In 4 easy steps you can be running your trains!

1. Plug power supply into power – CSB1 will start and show status on the display
2. Connect mobile phone or tablet to the WiFi network shown on the CSB1 display
3. Open Engine Driver (Android) or WiThrottle (iOS) app
4. Turn on track power in the app, select a DCC address – you are ready to run!

Features

• Rated for up to 5 Amps to run more/longer trains
• Handles Track Voltage of 12 - 25V
• Dual Track Outputs (expandable)
  • Configures as Main and Programming Track by default
  • Both outputs can be configured for DCC or DC (PWM).
  • Programmable Overcurrent detection on each output
  • Booster Mode
• Run DCC OR DC Trains
• Built-In WiFi - Connect up to 10 Throttles
• Single power supply powers the EX-CSB1 and the track(s)
• USB C port for upgrading firmware, loading EXRAIL scripts, or connecting computer software (JMRI, etc.)
• Includes 1.3" OLED screen for display of real-time information (track power on/off, WiFi network name, etc.)
• Reverse polarity, configurable overcurrent, and overheat protection

Techie Specifications for our Advance Tinkerers and Engineers:

• Automatically configures itself as a booster when Railsync detected on the Railsync input
• Fault detection in addition to overcurrent reporting for extra safety
• Industry standard Qwiic/STEMMA QT 3v3 compatible I2C connector for accessories like displays, turnouts, lighting, etc. directly to the Command Station or through an EX-IOExpander
• Virtually no voltage drop, even at high currents
• 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
• Alternative power in and out solder pads for different connector types
• 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
• Each output can be configured on the fly to operate as DCC, DC PWM, or as a Programming Track

General Information

The CSB1 comes with itself, a plastic carrier plate, a 1.3" OLED, and an optional power supply. The full case options shown are for an optional 3D printed case you can print yourself of have printed. We may carry this in the future. See the DCC-EX Thingiverse Page

Where can I find out more?

For more detailed information, along with detailed instructions, follow this link to the EX-CommandStation / Booster

NOTE: US boards can be blue or green with included, matching pluggable screw terminal connectors, a different colored plug for Railsync, and a barrel power input connector. Other 2.54mm connectors are available upon request to replace any of these, or you can purchase the board unsolder, and re-solder your own connectors.

Reference

• Full Documentation
• Quick Setup Guide