Interfaces between LocoNet and PC

Contents

1. MS100: good old device by Digitrax
2. MS-SH: DIY version with opto-isolation and hardware-CD
3. LocoBuffer: DIY interface with processor on board that handles all the timing
4. LocoBuffer II: Further develped, commercial LocoBuffer
5. Intellibox: The command station of Uhlenbrock/Modeltreno has a build in interface
6. USB2DCC: Interface to be connected to USB port of the PC

MS100

Manufacturer Digitrax Product info http://www.digitrax.com/prd_compint_ms100.php Description Primitive level converter between RS232 and LocoNet Servers There is no LoconetOverTcp server for this interface so far.

MS-SH

Developer Stefan Haack Project info http://people.freenet.de/Stefan-Haack/ms-sh_e.htm Description More sofisticated level converter between RS232 and LocoNet. Features: opto isolation hardware carrier-detect timer optional current source for master operation optional DC power supply to railsync lines Servers There is no LoconetOverTcp server for this interface so far.

LocoBuffer

Developer John Jabour Project info http://www.locobuffer.com/LocoBuffer.htm Description The ultimate solution for connection between LocoNet and PC. The simple 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 was designed for this interface.

LocoBuffer II

Manufacturer RR-CirKits, Dick Bronson Project info http://www.rr-cirkits.com/LocoBuffer-II/locobuffer-II.html Description The consequent advancement of LocoBuffer to become a commercial product. Servers LbServer was designed for the original LocoBuffer.

Intellibox

Manufacturer Uhlenbrock / Modeltreno Product info http://www.uhlenbrock.de/3/0/2/0/ICD67E9A-001.htm!ArcEntryInfo=0007.0.ICD67E9A Description The intellibox is a full featured command station. It has a build in RS232 interface that can be operated in a "LocoNet" mode. Than it behaves similar to a LocoBuffer. Configuration In order to be useful with LbServer, you have to configure the Intellibox: Upgrade the software inside the Intellibox to at least version 1.500: [Download] Put the interface into mode "LocoNet": Basic settings → interface → syntax → LocoNet Set baud rate to 19200 Baud: Basic settings → interface → bit per second → 19200 bit/s Set the UART of the interface to 1 stop bits: Basic settings → special option → SO 5 → 1 When you start LbServer, use 19200 as third command line option. Type in "LbServer /h" for more info on command line options. Servers LbServer version 0.6 works with this interface.

USB2DCC

Developers D. Wegmuller, H. Meinhold, S. Haack, S. Bormann Project info http://usb2dcc.sourceforge.net Description This device has three functions: Loconet-Interface, DCC command station, DCC loco programmer. The project is currently in the early stages of development. A first hardware prototype exists (see picture). The project is on hold for some time now. Servers A dedicated server is projected.

Author of this page: Stefan Bormann.

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