At a Glance
The Io:duino is designed for DIY model railroading, combining the power of open-source tools and OpenLCB networking. Fully Arduino-compatible, Io:duino makes it easy to design your own digital controls, for layout automation, lighting effects, even controlling your trains via DC or DCC.*
Even better, Io:duino’s built-in Controller Area Network (CAN) support makes it a great tool for hacking your automobile, or for home automation.**
Io:duino is built around the Atmel AT90CAN128 processor, whose 128KB of program space, 4KB of SRAM, and 4KB of EEPROM are just the icing on the cake. This processor has built-in hardware support for the CAN and OpenLCB / NMRAnet networking protocols, without sacrificing any of the digital I/O pins.
Arduino compatibility means you have immediate access to hundreds of add-ons called shields, empowering you start building without any additional tools. And it’s easy to write and upload your own custom software over USB.
Like all Railstars products, Io:duino includes a No-Questions-Asked 3-Year Warranty!
Retail Price $80. Available only from the Railstars Web Store.
Expected to begin shipping in mid-March
*Requires additional hardware, such as a digital power station like RAILbooster, or a motor shield like Ardumotor, not included.
**Requires cable adapter and additional software libraries, not included.
Arduino is all the rage among electronics hobbyists, roboticists, and DIY hardware hackers. Io:duino brings these awesome tools to your model railroad.
The Hardware
- Full shield compatibility with the new Arduino Uno means infinite extensibility: You have instant access to hundreds of hardware add-ons to extend Io:duino’s functionality, including
- MP3 players
- wireless internet connections
- motor controllers
- relay controllers
- and hundreds more
- Built-in OpenLCB support means capability to tap into the power of OpenLCB networking, yet without sacrificing any of the Arduino digital I/O pins.
- Plenty of space to stretch out: The on-board AT90CAN128 microprocessor offers 128KB of program space, 4KB of SRAM, and 4KB of EEPROM.
The Software
- Compatible with Arduino IDE makes writing and uploading your own firmware dead easy. No additional hardware is needed, just a computer and a USB cable.
- Full software support for OpenLCB is provided through the well-tested OpenLCB libraries.
- Build your own decoder or command station using the MRRwA or the CmdrArduino libraries.
It’s never been easier to design your own digital layout control components. With its built-in OpenLCB support, Io:duino is the perfect foundation for whatever your imagination can conjure:
- Elaborate layout automation
- Special lighting or sound FX
- Build your own throttle or digital command station
- Control your DC trains with high-precision PWM
- Connect your layout to the Internet of Things
And, because OpenLCB is built on top of Controller Area Network, the data bus standard used in most automobiles and industrial automation systems, Io:duino is perfect for hacking your car or building a home automation system.
Essentials:
Useful Arduino libraries:
Schematics:
