Author Topic: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!  (Read 388 times)

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_trainski

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ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« on: October 13, 2025, 10:47:42 PM »
+1
Just recently purchased a DCC-EX CSB1 and connected my PT with great results. I tried both WiFi connection modes, the built-in access point, and station mode which connects to my home network. I settled for the latter which was best for me. The PT needed the “config.txt” file to be altered to allow connectivity to the DCC-EX CSB1 and a quick factory reset since my previous configuration was for an ESU CabControl. Many thanks to Gary Foulds at ACI Model Railways in the UK for his amazing kindness and support, including the hassle-free 3 day UPS delivery to Toronto during our Canada Post nationwide strike. I also got a chance to try out the newer Apple iOS app “ThrottleCard” by developer Ryan Gant and Jared. A great iOS iPhone or iPad throttle that also connects to my home network and nicely compliments the PT. Would love to hear back from our community if you have similar experiences. Cheers!

_trainski


Myracan

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Re: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« Reply #1 on: October 14, 2025, 12:38:09 AM »
+1
I don't have a CSB1 but I do have 3 homebuilt units. My main CS has the 8874 motor shield yielding 5 amps. Second one I use on a small 5' programming track on the workbench and the third one runs a bunch of automated turnouts on an upper section of the layout. I have ethernet in the train room so I chose to connect the main unit with an ethernet shield also the programming track uses ethernet. WiFi for the turnouts as I didn't have another ethernet shield. My NCE powercab just collects dust now. I honestly believe DCCEX is a gamechanger for anybody who wants a powerful unit and a whole lota extra cash in your pocket.

_trainski

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Re: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« Reply #2 on: October 14, 2025, 01:31:44 AM »
+1
I don't have a CSB1 but I do have 3 homebuilt units. My main CS has the 8874 motor shield yielding 5 amps. Second one I use on a small 5' programming track on the workbench and the third one runs a bunch of automated turnouts on an upper section of the layout. I have ethernet in the train room so I chose to connect the main unit with an ethernet shield also the programming track uses ethernet. WiFi for the turnouts as I didn't have another ethernet shield. My NCE powercab just collects dust now. I honestly believe DCCEX is a gamechanger for anybody who wants a powerful unit and a whole lota extra cash in your pocket.

You're absolutely right about a game-changer indeed, I have retired the ESU CabControl now, and very impressed with the CSB1’s diminutive footprint and amazing capabilities too. Thank you for sharing! Cheers!

_trainski


basementcalling

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Re: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« Reply #3 on: October 14, 2025, 05:18:42 PM »
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Is it still possible to buy a pre assembled one in the US without ordering from overseas and having to pay tariffs? Last time I checked the DCC EX website they had a message up that they had stopped production because of tariff impacts on costs.

I definitely don't trust my electronics knowledge enough to order the right parts online to build one myself unless I could get it in a kit form.
Peter Pfotenhauer

Sumner

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Re: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« Reply #4 on: October 14, 2025, 06:48:27 PM »
0
Is it still possible to buy a pre assembled one in the US without ordering from overseas and having to pay tariffs? .

Yes, looks like it.....

( HERE )

or

( HERE )

Sumner
« Last Edit: October 14, 2025, 06:53:43 PM by Sumner »
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Sumner

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Re: ISE ProtoThrottle and DCC-EX CSB1 works great!
« Reply #5 on: October 14, 2025, 07:19:18 PM »
0
I definitely don't trust my electronics knowledge enough to order the right parts online to build one myself unless I could get it in a kit form.

Easy Do-It-Yourself build ( HERE )

The mega ..  ( $23 )     )... ( HERE )

The 5 amp motorshield  ... ( $45) ..... ( HERE )

The Wifi board  ..... ( $18) ...... ( HERE )

The above just plug into each other....plug motorshield into the Mega and the Wifi into the top of the motorshield. 

Power Supply .... different voltages.... about $15.

15 minutes to plug them together.... video ( HERE ) ...stop looking where he loads the software the 'old' way and use the easy EX-Installer ( HERE ),
Less than an hour start to stop and no soldering wires.

......and another 15 minutes or less to load the software with the EX-Installer ( HERE ) (menu driven).

Sumner
« Last Edit: October 14, 2025, 07:31:52 PM by Sumner »
Working in N Scale ---Modeling UP from late 40's to early 70's very loosely......

Under$8.00 Servo turnout Control --- 3D Printed Model RR Objects -- My Home Page

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/RR Main/Link Page Menu.html