FireBox: A Tiny DCC Train Controller

[u18b]

I'm hoping that once the Firebox comes out, that this thread will keep going and people will continue top add How-tos and various mods they make for the I'm really looking forward to getting mine.

[Lemosteam]

Can someone offer a layman’s description of what this will do for the average Joe if anything? Preferably without all of the acronyms and computer speak?

I am not embarrassed to say that I am completely lost as to this device’s potential value to me.

[reinhardtjh]

Can someone offer a layman’s description of what this will do for the average Joe if anything? Preferably without all of the acronyms and computer speak?

I am not embarrassed to say that I am completely lost as to this device’s potential value to me.

John,

It's basically an expandable and customizable DCC command station.  If you use Digitrax, it would be the DCS100/DCS200/DB150/etc. If you have NCE it would be like the PowerCab or Power Pro  system box.  The device's advantage is that internally it's based on a fairly power micro controller chip and can be programmed to have a variety of add on options - some software and some requiring additional hardware. 

Currently it has no cab bus so you would connect it to a computer running JMRI and then use the JMRI throttles or connect JMRI to WiFi throttles such as the TCS UWT-100 or the ESU Mobile Control II or WiThrottle on iOS and Engine Driver on Android phones.

It has a WiFi access point built in and at some point the software can be added so that the above WiFi throttles will connect directly without the use of JMRI or a computer.

It has the possibility of connecting to an LCC network (Layout Command Control) which is similar to the Digitrax LocoNet and can act as a cab bus but also an accessory bus for signals, turnout control or just about anything else you can think of.

The hardware is there for Railcom communications which is the Lenz created and NMRA adopted (or in process of adoption) for allowing the decoder to communicate back to the command station.

There is an expansion header which can be used to plug additional boards for other functions - think the capes/hats/etc used on Arduino and Raspberry Pi modules.

It has two outputs.  The main one for track and a second one which can be either an additional track output or it can be a programming track.

There is probably more but that's what I know about so far.  David @dcutting will correct me if I missed anything or have anything incorrect, I'm sure.

[Lemosteam]

@reinhardtjh THANK YOU!  That was very helpful. I guess I will have to wait for the WIFI version as I will likely never run JMRI for my tiny operation.

[reinhardtjh]

@reinhardtjh THANK YOU!  That was very helpful. I guess I will have to wait for the WIFI version as I will likely never run JMRI for my tiny operation.

I'm glad that helped.  Looking back at David's updates his intention for the WiFi throttles was to have it available by the time the units ship so if he gets it done by October it may be included in the shipping unit. Other wise it's just a software upgrade which can be applied later through the USB port.

[dcutting]

@reinhardtjh perfect explanation. Thank you.

@Lemosteam as mentioned, the firmware will be upgraded by USB connection. The process is going to be very simple; the guys in the DCC++ EX project have even written an installer so that you can do it all without having to open up any other software or download anything special. Once the basic WiFi functionality is implemented, I'm hoping that I can add capabilities like automatic over-the-air upgrades and bluetooth provisioning.

David

[ridinshotgun]

@dcutting

I know the unit does not have a Loconet connection but is there any way to use this in conjunction with a UR92 for use on a layout where some users do not have a wifi type throttle and only have the radio/IR throttles?

I would like to try and use this on some of club's travel layouts and not everyone if WIFI capable.

[MarkInLA]

Please forgive me.. I don't know what this FireBox is for. I'm on the verge of a small L shape shelf-ie and have my NCE PowerCab, engines, cars from prior layouts and club memberships....Is this unit for controlling accessories, switches, signals, structure lighting ? Wha ? Thanks, M

[Lemosteam]

John,

It's basically an expandable and customizable DCC command station.  If you use Digitrax, it would be the DCS100/DCS200/DB150/etc. If you have NCE it would be like the PowerCab or Power Pro  system box.  The device's advantage is that internally it's based on a fairly power micro controller chip and can be programmed to have a variety of add on options - some software and some requiring additional hardware. 

Currently it has no cab bus so you would connect it to a computer running JMRI and then use the JMRI throttles or connect JMRI to WiFi throttles such as the TCS UWT-100 or the ESU Mobile Control II or WiThrottle on iOS and Engine Driver on Android phones.

It has a WiFi access point built in and at some point the software can be added so that the above WiFi throttles will connect directly without the use of JMRI or a computer.

It has the possibility of connecting to an LCC network (Layout Command Control) which is similar to the Digitrax LocoNet and can act as a cab bus but also an accessory bus for signals, turnout control or just about anything else you can think of.

The hardware is there for Railcom communications which is the Lenz created and NMRA adopted (or in process of adoption) for allowing the decoder to communicate back to the command station.

There is an expansion header which can be used to plug additional boards for other functions - think the capes/hats/etc used on Arduino and Raspberry Pi modules.

It has two outputs.  The main one for track and a second one which can be either an additional track output or it can be a programming track.

There is probably more but that's what I know about so far.  David @dcutting will correct me if I missed anything or have anything incorrect, I'm sure.

@MarkInLA see above^^^^^

[MarkInLA]

 So I can conclude it's basically an add-on to an existing DCC system (mine NCE) which has expanded storage/slots/ accessory 'commandibility'/ other intelligence. IE. lots of circuits not normally found on a DCC hand-held throttle.... and too, is not a power district booster, or likely not a power reverser like a Hex Frog juicer is (Or, can it ?). Dat's cool....
No reply necessary as it's not something that I see in my realm of MRRing....Though I'm sure it's great for others.... Thanks, M

[wcfn100]

So I can conclude it's basically an add-on to an existing DCC system (mine NCE) which has expanded storage/slots/ accessory 'commandibility'/ other intelligence. IE. lots of circuits not normally found on a DCC hand-held throttle.... and too, is not a power district booster, or likely not a power reverser like a Hex Frog juicer is (Or, can it ?). Dat's cool....
No reply necessary as it's not something that I see in my realm of MRRing....Though I'm sure it's great for others.... Thanks, M

You conclude incorrectly.   

Jason

[MarkInLA]

Jason, what makes my prior reply incorrect ?

[Lemosteam]

The first sentence in the repost of John’s reply to my question says it all. It’s a fully customizable DCC system command station accessible via JMRI.

[C855B]

Jason, what makes my prior reply incorrect ?

Well... for starters, the FireBox is not an add-on to anything. It is a standalone DCC system unto itself. Like a Digitrax DCS-whatever, or like a NCE PowerCab. Or, stated differently, instead of.

The main caveat is the FireBox's current incarnation will need another system running JMRI to provide any sort of throttle interface; choose from the JMRI web throttle, WiThrottle on iOS devices, Engine Driver on Android devices and/or the TCS UWT-100. Plus there is development activity to eventually provide WiFi throttle capability without JMRI in the middle.

It would replace your PowerCab.

Is it clearer now?

[eric220]

Please forgive me.. I don't know what this FireBox is for.

I can tell you what I plan on using mine for. I plan on DCC-ing my Mason Bogie, and I want to display it above my desk when I’m not running it. I’m going to put it on rollers and connect it to my computer using the FireBox so that I can run it statically and access all the bells and whistles.