NanoX-S88
XpressNet Command Station




NanoX-S88 is the evolution of the original NanoX, a simple DCC command station, without pretensions, that includes XpressNet bus v.3 and now can control:
- 16 locomotives simultaneously in the addresses 1 to 9999
- 1024 turnouts and signals
- 31 XpressNet throttles or devices (Lokmaus, XWL, SimpleMaus, XbusTCO,...)
- Programming and reading DCC decoders in Direct, Paged, Register and PoM modes.
- With a 2,9A Booster with voltage selection betwen 13V and 22V including protection against short circuits
- Supports 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, functions FL and F1 to F12 for every locomotive
- 128 feedback inputs with S88 modules, with 6-pin S88 connector or the new s88-N network connector
- RailCom cut-out device





NanoX-S88 has integrated a RailCom cut-out device for Bi-Directional communications. RailCom allows an external device to be able to read real data transmitted from a decoder. This data can include the decoder’s actual speed, its load, its location, the contents of CV and it its address.

Due to limitations in XpressNet v.3 protocol from Lenz, only it's possible to program and reading CV1 to CV256 in Direct, Paged and Register modes (service mode). In PoM mode (main track) you can program all 1024 CV, to read a CV in PoM mode you have to activate RailCom and use an external display as RailComDisplay or Lenz LRC120. Programming and reading CV in service mode it's only possible in programming track.




In order to program the PIC you can download the HEX file.

Download PCB, schematics and manual here in pdf format from Adobe, if you want to build your own PCB or identify componets see this tutorials.

Take a look to Collaborations section the contributions to this design that you have sent me.


NanoX
XpressNet Command Station




Do you burn Lokmaus amplifier and you couldn't repair it?
Lokmaus always shows E7 error, even changing conection cord, and you don't know why?
You can't read any CV with Lokmaus?

Then the small NanoX can help you...

NanoX is a simple DCC command station, without pretensions, that includes XpressNet bus v.3 and can control:
- 16 locomotives simultaneously in the addresses 1 to 9999
- 1024 turnouts and signals
- 31 XpressNet throttles or devices (Lokmaus, XWL, SimpleMaus, XbusTCO,...)
- Programming and reading DCC decoders in Direct, Paged, Register and PoM modes.
- With a 1,2A Booster including protection against short circuits
- Supports 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, functions FL and F1 to F12 for every locomotive

It only needs a PIC 16F628, a driver MAX485, six transistors and a few components more. As a option you can put a relay to disconnect main track from programming track when programming a decoder.

You can change BD679/BD680 transistors by TIP120/TIP125, check orientation when you solder in the PCB:



As a option you can put a relay to disconnect main track from programming track when programming a CV, only locomotive on programming track will be programmed:



If the output of Nanox (1,2A) is not powerful enough to supply your layout you can connect one or more optoisolated booster to draw enough power. Use only optoisolated boosters because voltage on terminals is track voltage, this boosters must have protection against short circuits. Is convenient that these additional boosters disconnect track voltage when DCC signal is not present in their input, otherways locomotives can run at their maximal speed when you press STOP button or enter in programming mode.

To program the PIC chip, use this HEX file.

Press here to see schematics and PCB in pdf format, if you want to build your own PCB or identify componets see this tutorials.

For a complete information about how NanoX works read the manual in pdf format from Adobe.


Programming and reading CV

Due to limitations in XpressNet v.3 protocol from Lenz, only it's possible to program and reading CV1 to CV256 in Direct, Paged and Register modes (service mode). In PoM mode (main track) you can program all 1024 CV but you can't read it.
If relay is installed, programming and reading CV in service mode it's only possible in programming track.

Programming CV with Lokmaus

With Roco 10761 amplifier it's only possible to program CV, not reading, but with NanoX the Lokmaus can program and read CV.
Lokmaus only shows two digits, and then only CV1 to CV99 can be programmed with 0 to 99 values. If reading a CV, the value is greater than 99, Lokmaus shows E3 error. Some locomotive decoders as Zimo and CT Elektronik permit to program three digits programming a CV previously, read the decoder manual to know more about programming with Lokmaus.

When Lokmaus acts as slave, like when you connect to NanoX, the command transmited is programming or reading in Direct mode, so NanoX only program or read CV in Direct mode, to do that in other modes use a capable Xpressnet throttle or NanoX with a PC interface like GenLI and a program as JMRI or TrainProgrammer.

To program with Lokmaus, press P key during 8 seconds, it will show EP (advanced programming). Select CV number (1 to 99) with arrow keys. To read the decoder press F1 and will show the stored value, E2 if it can't be read or E3 if value was greater than 99. To program, press F4, select the value (0 to 99) and confirm with P key. With STOP key you will exit from advanced program mode.



Frank sent me a NanoX version with a L6203 as output stage:





Press here to see schematics and PCB in pdf



NanoX created by F.M.Cañada