DCC-EX CSB1 Setup Guide | Quick Start & First Use

DCC-EX CSB1 Setup Guide: Quick Start & First Use

This step-by-step guide shows you how to set up your DCC-EX CSB1 command station and get your model railway running quickly. Designed for beginners and experienced modellers alike, this quick start process requires minimal wiring or configuration.

What You Need to Set Up DCC-EX CSB1

  • DCC-EX CSB1 command station
  • 15V DC power supply (use the supplied 5A power supply if purchased with your CSB1)
  • Your model railway track, with two wires for connection to the CSB1
  • A DCC locomotive
  • A smartphone, tablet or computer for throttle control

How to Connect Your DCC-EX CSB1

  1. Connect your power supply to the barrel jack on the CSB1.
  2. Connect your track wires to the A (MAIN) output. This is the second green terminal block from the power supply barrel connector.
  3. Check all connections are secure before switching on.

The A output is configured for running trains by default. If you plan to use a programming track, this can be connected separately as needed.

Powering Up and Connecting to WiFi

Once powered on, the CSB1 will create its own WiFi network. The network name will usually appear as DCCEX_xxxxxx, with the corresponding WiFi password PASS_xxxxxx.

On your phone, tablet or computer, open your WiFi settings, select the DCCEX_xxxxxx network and enter the PASS_xxxxxx password when prompted.

Your device may report that this WiFi network has no internet connection. This is normal. The WiFi connection is being used to communicate directly with your CSB1.

How to Control Your Trains with DCC-EX

Once connected to the CSB1 WiFi network, you will need a throttle app to control your locomotives. Popular choices include Engine Driver for Android and WiThrottle or ThrottleCard for Apple devices.

  1. Open your throttle app.
  2. Connect to the DCC-EX command station when it appears in the app.
  3. Turn Track Power ON. ACI supplies all CSB1 command stations with track power switched off at startup, so power is not applied to your layout until you are ready to run your trains.
  4. Select or enter your locomotive's DCC address.
  5. Use the throttle to control the locomotive's speed, direction and functions.

For normal operation, no further configuration of the CSB1 is required.

Optional DCC-EX Configuration

You do not need EX-Installer to start using your CSB1. Your command station is supplied configured and ready to use.

If you later want to customise or update your CSB1, connect it to a computer using a USB data cable and use EX-Installer to review or update settings such as WiFi behaviour, display options and firmware.

If you need to restore a known working setup, see our default configuration guide.

DCC-EX CSB1 Troubleshooting

No WiFi Network Showing

  • Check the power supply is connected correctly.
  • Confirm the CSB1 has powered on fully.
  • Wait a few moments for the WiFi network to appear.

Computer Does Not Detect the CSB1

  • Make sure you are using a USB data cable, not a charge-only cable.
  • Try a different USB port.
  • Restart the computer and reconnect the controller.

Locomotive Does Not Respond

  • Check the track is connected to the correct output.
  • Confirm the locomotive address is correct.
  • Make sure Track Power is ON in your throttle app.

Next Steps After Setup

Once your CSB1 is up and running, you may want to explore:

Need Help with DCC-EX Setup?

If you run into issues during setup, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.