Railstars

The Io Guidebook: Occupancy Detection with NCE BD20

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Tue, 08 May 2012 18:43:16 +0000

The NCE BD20 is a popular device for detecting occupancy in one block. As is, the BD20 can trigger a relay, or turn on an indicator in response to the detected track becoming occupied, but little more.

By connecting the BD20 to Railstars Io, we can now announce occupancy events to any number of fascia panels, CTC panels, or even to an instance of JMRI PanelPro, in addition to triggering any number of possible layout behaviors, such as throwing turnouts and updating signal masts.

The Latest Railstars Authorized Dealer: Fifer Hobby Supply

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 21:58:02 +0000

We’d like to send out a warm welcome to the latest Railstars Authorized Dealer, Fifer Hobby Supply!

Introducing the World’s Smallest Digital Decoders: The Aegaeon

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 03:06:04 +0000

Need a really small decoder that doesn’t compromise on quality? Railstars is proud to announce a new line of digital decoders, the Aegaeon (named after the smallest moon in the solar system, and pronounced ee-jee-on). At only 0.276in by 0.433in (7mm by 11mm), the Aegaeon line may be the world’s smallest.

The Aegaeon:M is a motor-only (0-function) decoder that delivers 1A of continuous and 2A peak current. By removing the function outputs, we were able to shrink the Aegaeon:M to fit just about anywhere. Perfect for tiny N scale or Z scale switchers, or for hiding in the undercarriage of self-propelled passenger cars, DMUs and EMUs.

The Aegaeon:C is a 2-function decoder designed to interface directly with the factory DC lighting board in non-powered cars such as Kato’s new VRE Cab-coach or other EMU cabs, or as an adjunct decoder in locomotives. Aegaeon:C eliminates the need to slice and dice on tiny circuits to make them work with your decoder. Simply isolate the lighting board (just like you would a motor), and connect Aegaeon:C’s two output leads to the board’s pickups. Easy-peasy.

All decoders in the Aegaeon:X line feature smart short detection, to prevent damage if the outputs are accidentally shorted to the tracks.

We need 50 pre-orders for the Aegaeon:C and Aegaeon:M to enter production. Pre-order now to lock in a limited-time 20% discout!

And be sure to stay tuned, as we announce more decoders in the Aegaeon line!

Using RAILbooster with a LocoNet System

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 02:10:06 +0000

In our latest instructional video, I show you how to connect RAILbooster to a LocoNet-based command station.

Learn more about RAILbooster, or buy RAILbooster from a Railstars Authorized Dealer.

Io Now Shipping!

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 22:47:12 +0000

Railstars Io, and Retail Packaging

We had hoped to have Io ready for shipping sooner, but we decided to add a few last-minute features to the design. One of our goals is to make firmware updates to our products free and easy to apply. We’ve just put the finishing touches on a system that would permit you to upgrade your Io boards without having to remove them from your layout, using a PC and an OpenLCB to USB adapter (watch this space for more information on that piece of hardware!). With this last feature in place, we’re proud to announce that Io is now shipping.

Io:duino Now Shipping!

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:15:30 +0000

Io:duino and Retail Packaging

It’s ready to go! Io:duino is now shipping. Learn more, then get your own, exclusively at the Railstars Web Store.

Thank You!

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 22:02:25 +0000

Thank you to everyone who came by our table at the Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show! It was really energizing to hear how enthusiastic our visitors were for OpenLCB, and for our line of products. Look forward to some exciting announcements in the coming weeks!

Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:34:46 +0000

Just a reminder that Railstars will be at the Rocky Mountain Toy Train Show this weekend at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Come see our current product line-up, hear about upcoming projects, and participate in clinics on OpenLCB!

Welcome to the Latest Railstars Authorized Dealer: Traintek LLC

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:27:04 +0000

Railstars is proud to add Traintek LLC to our growing list of Dealers! Look for them to begin stocking Railstars’s line of products over the coming weeks.

Welcome to the First Railstars Authorized Dealer: DCCTRAIN LLC

D.E. Goodman-Wilson — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:21:12 +0000

Railstars is proud to announce our first authorized dealer, DCCTRAIN LLC, purveyor of all things digital. Look for them to begin stocking RAILbooster in the next week.