DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY command station board for custom model railway DCC control

DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY Command Station

£109.99
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DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY command station board for custom model railway DCC control
  • DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY command station board for custom model railway DCC control
  • DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition WiFi DCC controller for custom model railway layouts
  • DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY command station board for custom model railway DCC control
  • DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition WiFi DCC controller for custom model railway layouts
DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY Command Station

DCC-EX CSB1 Builder Edition DIY Command Station

£109.99

Build your DCC-EX system your way. Dual 5A track outputs with Wi-Fi, USB-C and I²C connectivity in a compact ESP32-based command station.

Choose 5A for a complete ready-to-run package, or No PSU if you already have a suitable power supply.
🚚 Free UK shipping on this product
📦 2–3 day UK delivery
↩️ 30-day returns
🔧 Friendly technical support
✓ Plug & play – no soldering
✓ Works with standard DCC decoders

Key Specifications

Track outputs

2 configurable outputs

Current capacity

Up to 5A per output

Input voltage

12–25V DC

Connectivity

Wi-Fi, USB-C and I²C (Qwiic / STEMMA QT)

Controller

ESP32 dual-core

Build Your DCC-EX Command Station Your Way

The CSB1 Builder Edition provides the core CSB1 command station hardware for modellers who want the freedom to create their own DCC-EX installation.

Powered by an ESP32 with built-in Wi-Fi, the CSB1 provides two configurable high-current track outputs and supports USB-C and I²C expansion for connecting compatible displays, controllers and layout automation hardware.

The Builder Edition is ideal if you want to choose your own power supply, display and enclosure, or if you are planning a more advanced system using expansion hardware such as the EX8874 Motor Shield.

Please note: This is the CSB1 command station board and mounting sled only. A power supply, OLED display and full enclosure are not included.

Prefer a complete command station with power supply, OLED display and enclosure included? See the CSB1 Ready-to-Run Command Station.

Build your DCC-EX system your way.

The CSB1 Builder Edition provides the core command station for modellers who want the flexibility to choose their own display, enclosure, power supply and installation method.

Built around an ESP32 controller, the CSB1 provides two 5A track outputs, built-in Wi-Fi, USB-C connectivity and I²C expansion for compatible DCC-EX accessories. It can be configured for a main track and programming track, or with both outputs available for main track use.

Supplied as the CSB1 command station board with mounting sled, the Builder Edition is particularly suited to custom control panels, integrated layout electronics and installations where a complete enclosed Ready-to-Run unit isn't required.

Like the Ready-to-Run CSB1, it provides an expandable DCC-EX platform that can grow with your railway, allowing servo controllers, sensors, signalling and other automation to be added as your layout develops.

  • Builder-focused CSB1 command station — designed for custom installations where you choose your own display, enclosure and power supply.
  • Dual high-current track outputs — two independent outputs rated up to 5A each.
  • Flexible track configuration — configure the outputs for main track and programming track use, or use both as main track outputs.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi — use compatible phones, tablets and computers as wireless throttles.
  • ESP32-based control — provides the processing and wireless connectivity required by the DCC-EX command station.
  • USB-C connectivity — convenient access for configuration, firmware updates and diagnostics.
  • I²C expansion support — Qwiic / STEMMA QT connectivity for compatible accessories.
  • Expandable DCC-EX platform — add servo controllers, sensors, signalling and automation as your layout develops.
  • UK-based support — setup and configuration assistance directly from ACI Model Railways.

Controller: ESP32 dual-core
Firmware: DCC-EX EX-CommandStation
Input Voltage: 12–25V DC
Track Outputs: 2 × 5A outputs
Total Current Capacity: Up to 10A across both outputs
Track Configuration: Main + programming track, or 2 × main track outputs
Wireless Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
USB Connection: USB-C
I²C Connectivity: Qwiic / STEMMA QT
Programming Track: Supported
Display: Optional — compatible OLED display can be added
Expansion: Compatible with DCC-EX I²C accessories and EX8874 motor shield
Enclosure: Not included — designed for custom installation or optional CSB1 enclosure
Power Supply: Not included

CSB1 command station board and mounting sled.
Does the CSB1 support Wi-Fi?

Yes. The CSB1 has built-in Wi-Fi using its ESP32 processor, so no additional Wi-Fi hardware is required. It can connect to your home network or operate using its own Wi-Fi access point, allowing compatible wireless throttles such as Engine Driver to connect directly to the command station.

What model railway scales and gauges can I use with the CSB1?

The CSB1 Ready-to-Run command station is suitable for DCC model railways across the commonly used scales and gauges, from Z and N gauge through TT, OO, HO and O gauge. The standard 15V power supply is suitable for most applications, while larger scales such as O gauge may benefit from a higher track voltage where appropriate.

The CSB1 Ready-to-Run is not recommended for G scale, where the higher voltage and power requirements are better served by a system specifically configured for large-scale operation. As with any DCC system, the voltage limits specified by locomotive and decoder manufacturers should always be observed.

What throttles can I use with the CSB1?

The CSB1 gives you several choices for controlling your railway, so you are not tied to a particular handset or device.

Dedicated physical Wi-Fi throttles that support the WiThrottle protocol can be used for traditional handheld control.

For phones and tablets, Engine Driver is a popular choice for Android devices, while ThrottleCard provides an option for Apple devices.

For computer-based control, DCC-EX provides EX-WebThrottle, which runs in a compatible web browser and connects directly to the CSB1 via USB. More advanced computer-based applications such as JMRI can also be used.

This means you can choose between a physical handheld throttle, a phone or tablet, or a computer depending on how you prefer to operate your railway.

What is included with the CSB1 Builder Edition?

The Builder Edition includes the CSB1 command station board and mounting sled. A power supply, enclosure and OLED display are not included, allowing you to select these components to suit your own installation.

Can I use the EX8874 with the CSB1 Builder Edition?

Yes. The EX8874 is electrically compatible with the CSB1 and can be used to add two additional track outputs. The open mounting arrangement of the Builder Edition also avoids the enclosure space limitation of the CSB1 Ready-to-Run case.

Configuration Guide
CSB1 Default Configuration Guide
Default CSB1 configuration files and instructions for updating, restoring or verifying your command station setup.
View resource →

UK Support

Help with setup and configuration when you need it.

DCC-EX Authorised Partner

DCC-EX Authorised Partner

12-Month Warranty

12-month warranty with support directly from ACI Model Railways.

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