Examples

Overview

On this page:
Minimal | Small | Bigger | Large

Abstract: Examples on how to grow the bus from small to large.

Leave complexity behind and step into the future of model railroading. This page is my blueprint for building a Real-time Bus (RTB) system, showing you exactly how to scale from a simple test bench to an expansive layout capable of handling a massive exhibition.

Explore examples of RTB topologies, from the “Minimal” setup perfect for a mobile decoder tester to the “Large” multi-domain configuration that can power a sprawling, interconnected railway network. Discover how to effortlessly add more power, tracks, and accessories without the hassle of a complex overhaul, proving that the only limit is the size of your imagination.

Minimal

The smallest possible setup is made up from three components,

  • Base Carrier
  • Bus Master
  • Micro Booster

The setup is powered by an isolated DC/DC converter via USB. Therefore no external power supply is needed.

Use Case: Mobile decoder tester / programmer.

User Guide: English, Deutsch

Example: RTB (Real-time Bus) Minimal Setup

A Powerboard used instead of the Base Carrier (shown in example above) adds connectivity and power management.

  • Powerboard
  • Bus Master
  • Micro Booster
  • Power supply

Use Case: Decoder testing similar to the above.

Example: RTB (Real-time Bus) simple Power Domain setup

Small

If more than a single track needs to be monitored, Track Connectors will fan out DCC connectivity. Each track will be monitored for Railcom, voltage, current with short circuit protection.
  • Powerboard
  • Bus Master
  • Micro Booster
  • Track Interface (4 channel)
  • Power supply
Use Case: Small DCC testing layouts, timesaver setups.
Example: RTB (Real-time Bus) Power Domain with HDX Bus

At some point additional modules need to be added to the setup. Accessory modules are connected to the EDG bus that extends from each HDX module.

  • Powerboard
  • Bus Master
  • Micro Booster
  • N x Track Interface (4 channel)
  • M x Accessory modules
  • Power supply

Use Case: Small layouts at home.

Example: RTB (Real-time Bus) Power Domain with HDX and EDG bus

Bigger

To scale the configuration, additional power boards can be added to the RTB domain. This increases the maximum power delivered to the layout as well as connectivity.

A single RTB Domain can grow as big as,

  • max 16 Powerboards (Power Domains)
  • max 16 DCC generators /w boosters
  • max 896 feedback tracks
  • max 4096 accessory modules
Use Case: Medium to large layouts at home.
Example: Multiple RTB Power Domains connected via FDX bus

Large

Any setup from above may be extended to become a Multi RTB Domain configuration. Every additional RTB domain will join the setup via a PC and will be reporting into the common object repository (Object Server).

Note: This is non intrusive for any of the layouts because the merging takes place on the Object Server, but not on the modules themselves.

RTB scalability is not limited, but only depends on the resources (CPU, memory, network) of the central object server.

Use Case: Multiple RTB domains joined together (e.g. exhibition showcase).

Example: Aggregation of multiple RTB Domains

Modular Layout

Below is an implementation of a single Powerdomain for a modular layout. Here, the HDX bus is accompanied by the optional DCC/Power path with higher cable cross section. 

  • “Fiddle yard” with Power(+Master, +Booster), track feedback and accessories
  • “Canyon” using just a track feedbacks
  • “Mill” using turnouts, track feedbacks and some illumination
  • “Sweet Water” using signals, railway bars, illumination and track feedbacks

In total the setup above consists of,

  • 1 Powermanager
  • 1 DCC Generator /w Booster
  • 20 feedback tracks
  • 12 Accessories
Please note, the signal controller (it says C22 but should say C30) on the far right is a ‘quad controller’ and represents 4 accessory modules.