DCC-EX Configuration Guide (CSB1 Default Setup Explained)

DCC-EX Configuration Guide (CSB1 Default Setup Explained)

This page provides the default configuration files used with the DCC-EX CSB1 command station, including configurations for both the standard 2-channel CSB1 and a 4-channel system using an additional EX8874 motor shield.

If you’ve made changes to your configuration, updated firmware, or are troubleshooting unexpected behaviour, restoring a known working baseline can often save time and eliminate potential issues. The configuration files shown here reflect the standard setups supplied and supported by ACI Model Railways and are designed to provide stable, reliable operation for typical OO, HO and N gauge layouts.

You can use these files as a starting point before making further adjustments, or simply as a reference to confirm your system is configured as expected.

If you are new to DCC-EX or setting up your system for the first time, you may also find it helpful to follow the DCC-EX quick start guide, which covers the physical setup and initial connection process.

What This DCC-EX Configuration Guide Covers

  • Default configuration for a standard 2-channel CSB1
  • Default configuration for a 4-channel CSB1 with EX8874 motor shield
  • Built-in individual channel short circuit protection and reset
  • How to download and apply the correct configuration files
  • Step-by-step EX-Installer setup
  • Troubleshooting and configuration tips

Why Use the Default CSB1 Configuration?

Many users want to update their CSB1 firmware but aren’t sure which settings to use. The default configuration files provided here match the hardware supplied and supported by ACI Model Railways, so you can update confidently knowing the basic hardware configuration is correct for your system.

Two versions are available. Choose the configuration that matches your hardware:

  • 2-Channel CSB1: For a standard CSB1 command station operating without an additional motor shield.
  • 4-Channel CSB1 + EX8874: For a CSB1 command station fitted with an additional EX8874 motor shield, providing four DCC output channels in total.

Download Default Config Files

Standard 2-Channel CSB1

Use this configuration for a standard CSB1 command station without an additional EX8874 motor shield.

Download 2-Channel CSB1 Default Configuration

4-Channel CSB1 + EX8874

Use this configuration if your CSB1 has been expanded with an EX8874 motor shield, giving the command station four DCC output channels.

Download 4-Channel CSB1 + EX8874 Default Configuration

Important: Select the configuration that matches your hardware before installing firmware. The 4-channel configuration is specifically intended for systems using an additional EX8874 motor shield.

Unzip the downloaded folder — you’ll use these files during the EX-Installer process to configure your CSB1 command station.

Short Circuit Protection Included

The ACI default configuration files also include short circuit protection for the individual track output channels. If a short circuit is detected, the affected channel will be switched off and will remain off until it is manually reset by the user.

This allows the affected output to remain isolated while the cause of the short circuit is found and corrected, rather than automatically restoring power to the channel.

Resetting a Channel Using EngineDriver

If you are using EngineDriver, the affected channel can be reset directly from the throttle once the cause of the short circuit has been corrected.

  1. Locate and correct the cause of the short circuit.
  2. Open the Routes section in EngineDriver.
  3. Select the "Power Reset" tab.
  4. Any track channel that has been switched off following a short circuit will be shown here.
  5. Press the appropriate reset button to restore power to that channel.

Important: Always correct the cause of the short circuit before resetting the affected channel. If the fault is still present, the protection will operate again.

Step-by-Step EX-Installer Setup

  1. Download and install EX-Installer from the official DCC-EX site.
  2. Open EX-Installer and connect your CSB1 via USB.
  3. Select "Manage Arduino CLI". This may take a while to complete.
  4. Once complete, select "Select your device". This will display the available device and COM port options.
  5. Select DCC-EX EX-CSB1 from the correct COM port dropdown box.
  6. Click "Select product to install" and choose DCC-EX EX Command Station.
  7. Select "Use my existing configuration files" and point EX-Installer to the unzipped configuration files you downloaded above.
  8. Unless you’re updating Wi-Fi, leave config.h unchanged — it already contains the essential defaults for the selected hardware configuration.
  9. Use myAutomation.h for custom HAL devices, accessories or layout expansions.
  10. After installation, save a backup using "Backup config files" if you’ve made changes. This backup can then be used in place of the original default files for future firmware updates.

Tips for a Smooth Setup

  • Ensure your USB cable supports data and is not just a charging cable.
  • If EX-Installer doesn’t detect the board, restart EX-Installer and try another USB port.
  • Make sure you have downloaded the configuration matching your hardware: standard 2-channel CSB1 or 4-channel CSB1 + EX8874.
  • For Wi-Fi configuration, refer to the official DCC-EX WiFi documentation.

Recommended Resources and Next Steps

After configuring your CSB1, check our related guides:

Need Help?

If your controller is still not behaving as expected after restoring the correct default configuration, feel free to get in touch — we’re happy to help.

If you’re unsure which configuration you need, or run into issues during installation, ACI Model Railways support is available to help you get everything running smoothly. Feedback on this guide is always welcome, and we plan to expand it with more advanced configuration tutorials over time.

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