LocoNet over TCP - Interfaces between LocoNet and PC

Contents

LocoBuffer-USB

Manufacturer RR-CirKits Product info http://www.rr-cirkits.com/description/index.html http://www.rr-cirkits.com/locobuffer-usb/LB-usb-rev-N-flyer.pdf Description The Reference. Incomplete and erronous messages received on LocoNet are filtered and not send to the PC. Also break conditions an LocoNet are not forwared to the PC. Servers LbServer V0 fully supports this interface. LbServer V1 fully supports this interface. Extensive testing has been done during development of LbServer V1.

LocoNet USB Interface by Uhlenbrock 63120

Manufacturer Uhlenbrock Product info http://www.uhlenbrock.de/de_DE/produkte/loconet/I000C6F6-001.htm Description The USB-LocoNet Interface build by Uhlenbrock Elektronik GmbH has may advantages. Like the LocoBuffer-USB it uses its own micro controller for the exact LocoNet timing without stressing the PC software. More features: opto isolation two modes: LocoNet Direktmodus Only valid Messages configuation by LNCV Configuration In order to be useful with LbServer V0 you have to configure the interface to: TODO In order to be useful with LbServer V1 with "LocoNet Direktmodus" you have to configure the interface to: LNCV Value Description Factory Default 0 1 Module address 1 1 3 Software Version (read only) 2 1 Baud rate (1=19200, 2=38400, 3=57600, 4=115200) 4 3 0 Meaning Unknown (do not modify) 4 1 LocoNet Direct mode (0=off, 1=on) 0 In order to be useful with LbServer V1 with "Only valid Messages" (LocoNet Direktmodus=off) you have to configure the interface to: LNCV Value Description Factory Default 0 1 Module address 1 1 3 Software Version (read only) 2 4 Baud rate (1=19200, 2=38400, 3=57600, 4=115200) 4 3 0 Meaning Unknown (do not modify) 4 0 LocoNet Direct mode (0=off, 1=on) 0 Servers LbServer V0 (since version 0.12) should work with this interface but more testing is required. LbServer V1 works with this interface in both modes, but more testing is required.

MS100

Manufacturer Digitrax Product info http://www.digitrax.com/prd_compint_ms100.php Description Primitive level converter between RS232 and LocoNet. Incomplete messages and error conditions are forwarded from LocoNet to the PC. Servers LbServer V0 does not support this interface. LbServer V1 supports this interface in a read-only mode. More testing with LbServer V1 is required.

MS-SH

Developer Stefan Haack Project info http://fremodcc.sourceforge.net/diy/MSSH/ms-sh_e.htm Description More sofisticated level converter between RS232 and LocoNet. Features: opto isolation hardware carrier-detect optional current source for master operation optional DC power supply to railsync lines Incomplete messages and error conditions are forwarded from LocoNet to the PC. This makes the MS-SH a tool for advanced diagnostics. Servers LbServer V0 does not support this interface. LbServer V1 is able to use this interface in a read-only mode. Extensive testing has been done during development of LbServer V1.

LocoBuffer

Developer John Jabour Project info http://www.locobuffer.com/LocoBuffer.htm http://www.locobuffer.com Description The ultimate solution for connection between LocoNet and PC. The MS100 and MS-SH level converters above do not help the PC very well to meet the exact timing requirements of LocoNet. MS-SH helps a bit, but in general a PC is swamped with that timing. LocoBuffer contains a processor that does all the physical layer stuff. This hides the timing from the PC and makes it possible to use modern operating systems like Linux and Windows. Servers LbServer V0 was designed for this interface. LbServer V1 should be able to use this interface but the definition and tests are still missing.

LocoBuffer II

Manufacturer RR-CirKits, Dick Bronson Product info http://www.rr-cirkits.com/LocoBuffer-II/locobuffer-II.html Description The consequent advancement of LocoBuffer to become a commercial product. Servers LbServer V0 was designed for the original LocoBuffer. LbServer V1 should be able to use this interface but the definition and tests are still missing.

Intellibox I

Manufacturer Uhlenbrock Product info http://www.uhlenbrock.de/INTERN/PRODUKTE/DIGZEN/ Description The Intellibox is a full featured command station. The original version (Intellibox I and its close relative Intellibox IR) have a build in RS232 interface. It can be operated in a "LocoNet" mode. Than it behaves similar to a LocoBuffer. Configuration In order to be useful with LbServer V0 or LbServer V1 you have to configure the Intellibox I: Upgrade the software inside the Intellibox to at least version 1.500: [Download → Software → Intellibox...] Set the interface Baudrate to '19200 bit/s' Basic settings → interface → bit per second → 19200 bit/s Set the interface Syntax to 'LocoNet' Basic settings → interface → syntax → LocoNet Set the interface Computer to 'PC' Basic settings → interface → Computer → PC Set the UART of the interface to 1 stop bit (SO_5 = 1) [Default value is 2] Basic settings → special option → SO 5 → 1 Set SO_6 = 255 (CTS will never become false due to pushing of a stop button) Basic settings → special option → SO 6 → 255 Set SO_26 = 0 (A 'long RS232 break' from the computer does not affect the Interface speed) Basic settings → special option → SO 26 → 0 Servers LbServer V0 version 0.6 works with this interface. When you start LbServer V0, use 19200 as third command line option. Type in "LbServer /h" for more info on command line options. LbServer V1 works with this interface, but more testing is required.

Intellibox II

Manufacturer Uhlenbrock Product info http://uhlenbrock.de/de_DE/produkte/digizen/I000C67D-001.htm Description The intellibox II is a full featured command station. It has a build in USB interface that can be operated in a "LocoNet" mode. Configuration In order to be useful with LbServer V0 or LbServer V1 you have to configure the Intellibox II to use 115200 bit/s. Servers LbServer V0 version 0.11 works with this interface. When you start LbServer V0, use 115200 as third command line option. Type in "LbServer /h" for more info on command line options. LbServer V1 works with this interface, but more testing is required.

LocoLinx on Arduino UNO with FremoLNShield

Manufacturer DIY Project info here Description The LocoLinx sketch from MRRWA on an Arduino UNO make a nice Interface. Servers LbServer V0 works with this interface. LbServer V1 works with this interface.

LocoLinx on Arduino Duemilanove with Loconet Shield on Proto Shield

Manufacturer DIY Project info here Description The LocoLinx sketch from MRRWA on an Arduino Duemilanove has the advantage of supporting hardware handshake. Servers LbServer V0 works with this interface. LbServer V1 works with this interface.

PiLocoBuffer

Manufacturer DIY Project info here Description Board on top of a Raspberry Pi, talks over UART to Raspberry Pi. Servers LbServer V0 works with this interface. Special version will support the on board LCD and logging to journal.

Authors of this page: Stefan Bormann Martin Pischky $Id: index.md 1249 2023-02-21 11:01:48Z sbormann71 $

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