The model railroading market has seen significant growth in Eastern European offerings in recent years, reflected in a surge of new vehicle models based on prototypes from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. This expansion also extends to railroading enthusiast groups, like FREMO, which are experiencing increased membership in these countries. This environment has fostered the emergence of innovative small businesses, including RailBox from Poland, a technology provider specializing in model railroading equipment.
Compact Control System
RailBox’s RB1110 DCC Command Station is a small, unassuming unit categorized as a “black box” central, meaning it lacks dedicated onboard controls. This digital control system can manage up to 32 active locomotives using the DCC protocol exclusively. The front panel features connections for the DC power supply, the RS-Bus, and both the main and programming tracks, with the central automatically switching between the two. This is a convenient feature, allowing for direct testing on the programming track. An LED and displays for voltage and current load on the front panel indicate the central’s operating status. The central can deliver a maximum of three amps to the track, with the track voltage approximately 0.6 volts lower than the applied power supply voltage. RailCom functionality can also be enabled. The inclusion of a global detector allows decoder settings stored in CVs to be read via the fast RailCom procedure.
The rear of the central features connections for X-Net, L-Net, and s88-N. This allows the unit to be operated with LocoNet handheld controllers like the DAISY II from Uhlenbrock and X-Bus handheld controllers like the Roco multiMaus. Lenz handheld controllers, such as the LH-101, are also compatible. A reset button and a USB-C port are also located on the rear panel. A PC can be connected via the USB-C port. The RailBox device understands the Lenz protocol via the USB interface, allowing the use of all common PC control programs.
The USB interface protocol can also be switched from Lenz to LocoNet if needed, ensuring compatibility with nearly all available control software.
Wireless Connectivity Included
The RailBox central is also equipped with WLAN. By default, the central creates its own network, but it can easily be integrated into an existing WLAN. When controlling from a PC, the Lenz network protocol can be used.
A smartphone or tablet can also be used to control locomotives. RailBox offers an Android app, which is highly recommended for installation as it not only handles control tasks but also enables all configuration settings within the central. Firmware updates are also delivered through this app.
Unfortunately, the RailBox app is not available for Apple systems, but users of those devices are not left without options, as the central supports the Z21 protocol. Yet, using the Z21 app is no longer free without a Roco central. After payment, the IP address of the RailBox must be entered in the Z21 settings, allowing users to control trains, switch points, read decoder settings, and program them. WLAN handheld controllers supporting the Z21 protocol can also be operated with the central in this way.
Decoders Complete the Offering
The integrated global RailCom detector of the DCC central enables automatic registration. RailBox supports the new procedure established by the NMRA as standard S-9.2.1.1, which is based on a different DCC base address than the RailComPlus and DCC-A procedures and is therefore an alternative solution for automatic registration. RailBox offers matching locomotive and accessory decoders. When these are connected to the central’s main output or locomotives are placed on a track, the new decoders are automatically recognized by the central and made available for control tasks in the RailBox app.
The RB2300 locomotive decoder supports DCC and comes with a PluX22 interface and a matching speaker. Sounds of Eastern European locomotives are pre-installed on the decoder and can be exchanged. To do this, the WiFi function of the decoder is started via F28. A PC or smartphone with WLAN function can be used to connect to the decoder and upload new sounds, which can be downloaded free of charge from the RailBox website.
this fresh approach from Poland is a genuine boost to the market. The new RB1110 digital central is not only affordable at around one hundred euros but also quite innovative, as it already supports the new RailCom registration procedure from the NMRA. The matching decoders are also attractively priced. The sound decoder’s sound upload feature is a brilliantly simple concept that requires no additional equipment.
Text: Heiko Herholz
This article comes from the EISENBAHN MAGAZIN 2024/10.
