Northern Star DCS: A Straw Poll

Posted by on 26 Jul, 2011 in Announcements, Feedback | 4 comments

Although the Northern Star DCS (Digital Control Station) will be designed to be usable out of the box, there are always bits and bobs that end users might like to configure. Also, many users will want to use their personal computer as a controller. I’m trying to decide on the best approach to doing this right now, understanding that there are costs to each option. Please leave a comment and tell me what you think! Separate device: Pros: Frees up processor for the central tasks running trains. Permits use of standardized OpenLCB configuration programs (maybe). Allows each user to...

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Introducing the OpenLCB Development Board (AT90CAN ver.)

Posted by on 5 Feb, 2011 in Devices and Software | 6 comments

I’ve cast my lot with OpenLCB. Having designed a booster, the next logical step is to design a command station (which generates the DCC signal) and a cab (which provides the human interface to the layout). The command station and cab have to talk to each other, and there are a number of possibilities. These include (but are not limited to): Digitrax LocoNet Lenz XpressNet NCE Cab Bus MERG CBUS OpenLCB …&c. LocoNet is particularly popular in North America, being the product of industry giant Digitrax. They even offer a royalty-free license for a usable subset of the protocol....

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